Linkha

So for a while I thought to myself, "if Kheji had creatures that would qualify as housepets, what would it look like?" There were a lot of attempts at a decent-looking creature; it wasn't easy coming up with a suitable design. I wanted a creature that was fairly modest and compact in its physical form, but still unusual and a little exotic. Naturally, cuteness was a big factor as well.

The result ended up as this, a small creature I've been calling a Linkha. The term is used as both the singular and plural form.

It looks similar to a porcupine or hedgehog, but it's not really covered in sharp quills -- just a lot of fur. It's more similar to a rodent, very timid and quiet around most people, but holds a strong attachment to its trustworthy caretaker. Speaking of attachment, Linkha are able to travel along walls and ceilings, almost like insects. In fact, Linkha are distinguished also by their insect-like antennae, which frequently emit a firefly-like glow when it looks around dark areas. It cannot see in the dark otherwise, and in fact its puffed-out fur helps sense its surroundings better than its eyes.

Linkha are easy to take care of, but they are very curious. Supervision is sometimes necessary when Linkha are roaming freely, though they can be trained to return when called. Teijru have a closer connection to Linkha, using telepathic communication to better convey commands. Some wonder if, when Teijru are verbally talking to their pet Linkha, there's actual communication being understood between them.

Linkha enjoy sugary foods, and sometimes sugar itself is considered a meal; the Khejian mineral sucrite (or "rock sugar," shown to left) is seen as the primary source of food for wild Linkha. They are typically pure-white in fur color, but a popular trend has emerged on Kheji that dyes the fluff on the body to the color matching the glow from their antennae. Rare instances of black-furred Linkha have been reported, but attempts to breed for more of this coloration have been mostly unsuccessful.

A few have deemed Linkha the "Spacemice" to complement the "Spacecats" (Teijru). 

© 2014 M-Ltd.