Introduction and Episode Guide — Welcome to “Artifact of the Dawn,” a serialized science-fiction adventure featuring queer main characters, written by a queer author. Ardyn discovers a mysterious glowing artifact, inscribed with the ancient script of the Athla’naa and made from finely crafted metal; it is a piece out of time. In a quest to…

Episode 87: After visiting Maala’naa, Ardyn and Jevan head toward Jevan’s home village of Yanen. — At dawn the next morning, Ardyn introduced Jevan to his old ritual of taking a brisk bath in the nearby creek. He couldn’t help but laugh when Jevan cried out after he jumped into the natural pool, only to shriek a moment later when Jevan splashed him with the icy…

Episode 86: Ardyn and Jevan spend some time in Ardyn’s home settlement of Maala’naa. — They reached Maala’naa by mid-morning the next day. After they let the Rahn’naa know they had arrived, they reached out to Elder Taesys, who was awaiting their arrival along with Saelyn, Cylaen, and little Myria. “Papa Ardyn!” Myria cried out, running toward them. “I made a gift for you!” Ardyn…

Episode 85: Ardyn and Jevan celebrate their new bond and spend some time alone together on their way to visit friends and family. — Shouldering their packs, Jevan and Ardyn set out early the next morning. A small group gathered in the observation tower to wish them farewell, including Takyra, Aerys, Mathias, and Taeglyn. “Here, take a couple of spare communicators, in case you damage yours,” Takyra offered, handing them to Jevan.

Episode 84: Ardyn and Jevan are now connected more closely than ever, and it will take some getting used to. — The next day Ardyn awoke in Jevan’s arms, much as he’d done for months. Yet, their new bond made for a deeper connection than he’d ever felt with anyone. While Jevan was still deep asleep, Ardyn could clearly feel his presence in his mind. …

Episode 83: Ardyn and Jevan experience some very painful side-effects of their pair-bonding. — Jevan lurched forward and caught Ardyn in his arms as his new bondmate passed out. “Someone, help him!” Amyra and Tamaryn were next to him a moment later, both pulling out their hand scanners. “He’s alive, just unconscious,” Amyra said with a note of relief. Tamaryn looked at the readings…

Episode 82: The happy day of the Bonding Ceremony arrives. — The next morning dawned bright and clear. Keryth had promised them perfect weather for their ceremony, and he’d certainly delivered. It was unseasonably warm for late autumn, but perfect for the day’s festivities. Ardyn was in their quarters, sitting on the couch with Jevan. Earlier that morning, Jevan had gone…

Episode 81: Everyone helps make the final preparations for Ardyn and Jevan’s Bonding Ceremony. — The next week sped by as Jevan and Ardyn prepared for both their bonding ceremony and their trip to Donarvon. “Are you excited to see Ateria?” Marta asked as they walked together back to their quarters after spending the afternoon together. “Yes, I am. Life in Donarvon sounds very different…

Episode 80: Mathias visits Ardyn and Jevan before the Bonding Ceremony to discuss incorporating Ardyn’s culture into ritual. — After they returned to the Rahn’naa, Jevan felt more relaxed than he had in months. The time away, alone with Ardyn, was exactly what he’d needed. Now he had a future to look forward to, with his betrothed by his side. …