#Alexis Rune

[critical-quoter]

I am not who I once was. I am the queen who was promised. I am the rose with a bite.

The Mistress and the Renowned - Alexis Rune & Jeanette Rose

[queer-book-character-tournament]

Queer Book Ship Tournament 2025 Round 1

Rune Saint John/Addam Saint Nicholas- The Tarot Sequence by KD Edwards

Constansa/Magdalena/Alexi– A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

Luca Ancier/Touraine- The Unbroken by C. L. Clark

Linus Baker/Arthur Parnassus- The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

[rosedevoir]

memoryhead 💭

[digitalnomadlifeblog]

[freespiritfusionblog]

[quantumquirksquiltblog]

[gx-gameon]

For the coliseum thing, that is where Jaden duels everyone for the graduation duel thing instead of in front of his dorm. He makes it a mini tournament where it is him versus the underclassmen and wants to see if anyone from the other dorms can dethrone him as King of the Coliseum before he graduates and officially has the Slifer emblem carved onto the entry way like how Obelisk has their dorm patron displayed in their duel arena.

After he graduates, Blair and Hassleberry put a plaque with his name on it in the arena and every senior who holds onto being King of the Coliseum upon graduation gets their name put there as well. The place stays Slifer property but the title becomes like one of those things people want for their diplomas because it is one of those things like being valedictorian. Crowler makes it a new tradition despite what any of the other faculty and staff say.

I love this!!! All of it.

The Obelisks might own the dueling arena but the Slifers own the colosseum.

Again I think at least in their 2nd year the total might bounce around a little but the 3rd year Jaden holds it firmly (mainly because of how little they get to use it.)

After all the graduation duels he is still undefeated. And I love him permanently claiming the colosseum as Slifer property.

I think the next year Hasselberry is wary to use it. No one won the colosseum from Jaden. Him and Blair put up a plaque with Jaden’s name on it as the King of the Colosseum with his graduating year (next to it scratched into the wall is the runing list from season 2 of who currently owns the colosseum: Tanya, Jaden, Chazz, Jaden, The Chazz, Alexis, Jaden…. Just the endless list of current victor from their 2nd year when the colosseum duels really got going.)

Jaden and company still come back to surprise Hasselbery and hand the colosseum off to him officially. He holds onto it he’s whole senior year, before handing it off to Blair. When he graduates he’s surprised to see a little honor attached to his certification “King of the Colosseum”

he goes to Crowler and the man tells him he talked it over with the staff and the benefactors (Jaden’s family) and while the Colosseum is ‘unofficial’ matches the ability to hold on to the colosseum is an impressive feat that should be acknowledged.

(Crowler fought with the board to get it sanctioned and they said no so he went to the top, Seto, and was like ‘so your son started something and it should have been on his diploma but it’s not so can we add it for other kids??’ Jaden thinks the whole thing is hillarious)

Hasselberry hands the colosseum of to Blair. His name gets put up next to Jaden’s on the wall.

The award ‘King of the Colosseum’ is put on the diploma of whoever graduates with ownership of the colosseum but you only get your name put on it if you can keep it your whole senior year.

It becomes one of the most coveted titles at the school.

(Question Obelisk has the arena in the school. Slifer has the colosseum. What does Ra have?)

[audreycecilemoore]

Books to Try if You Loved Lore Olympus

'If You Loved This, Try This' #3 (read here or my Substack)

If you liked the Greek myth elements and the tackling of themes of survivorship, try:

Medusa by Nataly Gruender, an adult grounded historical fantasy

Medusa was born mortal in an immortal family, but is destined to be the most famous of her three sisters. With an intimate look at her life from childhood to death with the occasional POV chapter from other characters, Medusa is steeped in complex feelings.

If you liked Hades and Persephone in an office setting but wanted something more erotic with a smaller cast of characters, try:

The Maiden and the Unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune, an erotic adult contemporary fantasy romance

Persephone is a social media manager with a new job, working for Hades, who is financing the lifestyles of the other gods. The two can’t keep their hands off each other and fate has a lot more in store for them than an office romance.

If you really loved the bending of Greek myths and fated love but you want less of the gods and more of a mystery element and some climate fiction aspects or are looking for a Greek myth adaptation from a Greek author, try:

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou, a YA fantasy mystery

Private investigator Io Ora is a descendent of the Three Fates living in the sinking city of Alante. When she’s tasked with tracking down why women’s life threads are being destroyed and turned into monsters, she’s forced to team up with Edei, a member of the criminal underworld who is also Io’s fated other half.

If you were really interested in the family drama and the genealogy aspect, try:

Medea by Eilish Quin, an adult ground historical fantasy

From early childhood to her second marriage, Medea has never truly felt that she belonged. After years of studying magic under her father, she’s a knowledgeable magician with great skills, but is still overlooked in favor of her more beautiful sister. When Jason arrives, she agrees to help him, but things don’t always work out as we plan.

If you preferred the parts of the webtoon that took place in Ancient Greece and want a retelling grounded in the historical setting instead of a reimagining with modern elements, try:

Receiver of Many by Rachel Alexander, an adult historical fantasy romance

Persephone is secluded from the other gods, her entire world centering on her mother and helping keeping the mortals fed. Aidon has spent centuries alone in the Underworld, content to live his life among the residents and away from the mess the other gods are making of the mortal realm. But when Zeus sets in motion an ancient prophecy, Persephone will take her rightful place as the queen of Tartarus and Aidon will embrace parts of himself he has long buried.

If you liked the more modern setting and Persephone searching for a space for herself but you wanted a bit less romance, a bit more Gothic and you love art and art history, try:

In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King, an adult historical romantic Gothic

In Italy in 1948, Julia has the enviable chance to be the muse of Salvador Dali as he works on a piece depicting Persephone. Their host, Ignacio, is withdrawn and rarely seen, but is particularly interested in Julia eating pomegranate seeds in increasingly elaborate meals. Something much older than Julia is at play as she’s pulled into multiple directions by three different men.

If you liked the modern setting, but you want a Sapphic retelling of Psyche and Eros with a fae court feeling, try:

Oath of Fire by K. Arsenault Rivera, an adult contemporary fantasy

Psyche’s career as a therapist is at risk of ending and her main solace is an MMORPG. When she receives a one-time only invitation to a part at one of the Courts, she takes the chance. What she wasn’t expecting was to meet the permanently masked Eros or attract her attention.

If you liked the focus on the goddesses but you want a nonfiction exploring their stories in-depth, try:

Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth by Natalie Haynes, nonfiction

From Athena to Aphrodite to Demeter and Persephone, Natalie Haynes examines their myths, the impact they have had on our world, and ties it to pop culture. Providing her own personal opinions about different goddesses and their situations, she makes an argument for her interpretations but doesn’t demand the reader agree with her.

If you didn’t know a lot about Greek mythology before reading Lore Olympus but are now looking to learn as many stories as possible or want a collection of myths, try:

Mythos by Stephen Fry, an adult collection

The version I recommend is the illustrated version as the art has a very distinct style that utilizes a minimalist color palette. With his trademark humor and footnotes, Stephen Fry gives a very extensive introduction to the world of Greek mythology that feels grown-up

[dutchessofcaladan]

Ghostbusters: Soul Resurgence

My first fic! I recently got really hyperfixated of Ghostbusters (thanks Frozen Empire) and decided to write a fic. This story will feature plot points from Ghostbusters 2 and characters from Afterlife onward (minus Lucky, Melody, and Podcast). This fic is set a few years after Frozen Empire. Also, a big thank you to @phantomoftheparadise0002 for beta-reading this. Lisa, you're amazing!

Summary: When the spirit of Sumerian sorceress Ahassunu, daughter of Vigo, possesses Alexis, the Ghostbusters must band together to determine the fate of the world

Translation for Sumerian: I will raise up the dead here to consume the living. Gatekeeper, open the gate for me. Such are rites of the mistress of the Netherworld.

Ray felt a smile come across his face as he heard the roar of Alex's bike quiet as she parked in front of the occult shop. Closing the book of ancient Sumerian history, his smile grew as the door opened.

“Hey.” Alex smiled, closing the door behind her. “What'd you need help with?”

“How's your Sumerian?” Ray asked, reopening the book.

“Considering you taught me it when I was 10 and I minored in it, I would say I’m pretty decent. Why do you ask?” Pushing her glasses back up on her nose, she rounded the counter.

“I'm trying to decipher this legend but I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty.” Ray smiled as he slid the book over to her.

“Let's see.” She pulled the stool closer to the counter, focusing intently on the book. “Looks like it's about the sorceress Ahassunu.”

“Ahassunu.” Ray whispered, slightly perplexed.

“Isn't that Vigo's daughter?” Alex asked, intrigued.

“I believe it is.” A smile lit up his face.

Turning back to the book, Alex read aloud, “After the death of her father, Vigo the Unholy, she took the throne by force, slaughtering the armies that tried in vain to keep her from it.”

Ray's eyes widened as she continued.

"The longer she sat upon the throne, the more her power grew. It was said that her power grew so great that runes burned themselves upon her skin as the demons imbued her with their power. It's also said that her eyes turned a deep black, akin to those of the devil himself.”

Ray sat back, releasing a breath.

“Something doesn't make sense here.” She said, leaning closer to the book.

“What do you mean?” Ray asked, looking back at the book.

“Ahassunu was Vigo's daughter, meaning she was Carpathian. Why is she regarded as a Sumerian sorceress?”

Ray's eyes narrowed. “Maybe the story was passed down so many times, her ethnicity was misheard. Like what happens in a game of telephone.”

“That's a possibility, but this book had to have been fact checked by several historians before it was published. That many people missing this large of an error? Doesn't seem plausible to me.”

“Even those who are the most skilled at their craft make mistakes. God knows I did.” Sighing, Ray dropped his gaze from the book.

“Ray, accidentally thinking of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man wasn't a mistake. You thought of the most harmless thing you could. And you helped defeat it. You're a hero.” Placing a hand on his shoulder, she gave him a soft smile.

“Tell that to every person who sued us after.” Ray chuckled.

“You know I would.” Alex's smile grew.

Standing up, Ray closed the book and returned it to its shelf as Alex's phone began to ring.

“Hey, Janine.” She answered. “Can't one of the other guys take care of it? I'm off the clock.”

Ray chuckled, hearing her exasperated sigh.

“Alright. Fine. Just send me the address and I'll come by to pick up my pack. Alright. Bye.” Hanging up, she turned back to Ray. “I gotta go. The Spengler's are still out and apparently I'm the only one capable of being a Ghostbuster tonight.”

“I could come help.” He offered, returning to the counter.

“No. It's fine. I can handle it.” Opening the door, she added over her shoulder, “If you find anything else out about that Carpathian/Sumerian sorceress, let me know.”

“Will do.” Ray chuckled.

As Alex dismounted the bike, she felt her knees nearly give way as she stood. “Been doing this for nearly 20 years now. You think I would be used to the weight.” She muttered to herself.

Walking towards the front of the museum, she was met with the nervous smile of Dr. Janosz Poha. “Dr. Poha.” She said, holding out her hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Timidly shaking her hand, he gave her a confused look. “The, the lady said Dr. Venkman would be here to take care of the, the thing.” He stuttered, pointing to the building.

Alex sighed. “I apologize for the confusion. My name is Dr. Alexis Venkman. You must've been expecting my father, Dr. Peter Venkman.”

Janosz let out a chuckle. “Oh! Silly me.” He smiled.

“It's quite alright, Dr. Poha.” She smiled.

“Please. Janosz.” He insisted.

Alex nodded as he led her inside the museum.

Stopping just inside the doors, he directed her, “It's, uh, down to the end hall and to the left.”

She watched as his hand shook as he gave directions, thinking of the long term effects his encounter with Vigo must've had on him.

“Good luck!” He shouted as she headed down the hall.

As she moved further down the hall, she began to hear a woman's voice, chanting.

Usella mituti ikkalu baltuti. Ati me peta babka. Sa belet ersetim ki'am parasusa.

As she rounded the corner, she saw a woman on her knees, wearing a security guard's outfit.

Taking a deep breath, Alex turned on her pack.

With one final chant, the guard's body fell limp to the ground as a gust of air flew towards Alex, knocking her over as her world went dark.

Passers-by on the street screamed in fear as the side of the Museum of Natural History blew apart, sending chunks of concrete flying into the busy roadway. Slowly standing up as the commotion seemed to have calmed, they watched as Alex walked to the opening and simply floated away.

[critical-quoter]

It seems no matter the timing, no matter the aspect, I am meant to fall in love with her in every way. Memory or not. God or not. She is mine, and I am hers.

The Queen and the King - Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune

[dailycharacteroption]

Scroll Trickster (Pathfinder Second Edition Archetype)

(art by HowcanInamemyacc on DeviantArt)

In Pathfinder and D&D, scrolls represent perhaps the most quintessential method of storing magic for later use. Sure, potions are easier to use and wands are more stylish, but scrolls have the advantage of giving you access to any spell across the various spell levels/ranks.

However, scrolls have the disadvantage in that one needs to either have sufficient knowledge of the magical tradition they come from, or a talent for faking it to make them work.

And that’s where today’s subject comes into play. Scroll tricksters, like their names suggest, specialize in utilizing magic in scroll form, even if the “scrolls” themselves aren’t in paper or vellum form.

They might be entirely nonmagical but make up for it with gathered knowledge of common keywords and activation methods, or they might be spellcasters in their own right that refuse to let a meager thing like magical traditions prevent them from using any and all magic. Either way, they offer a mastery of inscribed magic that few can deny.

So, let’s get into it!

The base dedication for this archetype grants basic understanding of how to brute-force the activation of magical scrolls, as well as greater aptitude in doing so.

Though scrolls are expended upon use, these tricksters know there is still value to be found in the paper left behind. By assembling leftover scrolls, scraps from failed scribings, and the like, they can cobble together a scroll of a single spell they’ve learned to replicate through this method, meaning they’ll always have at least one such spell on hand each day. Later on, they can do so twice, the second one being a higher level spell.

Whether it be familiarity with their own arsenal or speed-reading techniques, these lay-mages learn to quickly draw and call upon the power of a scroll in one fluid action.

Later on, they can expand their skill to make even more scrolls each day, once for middle-rank spells, and again for higher level spells.

A fairly simple archetype, one that any class can take, either as a spellcaster seeking to diversify their spells beyond their tradition or a non-magical class eager to have a diverse magical toolset. By fully dedicating oneself to the archetype, one effectively gets one casting for seven levels of spells, which certainly has it’s advantages. On top of that, they get the ability to try and activate scrolls with minimized risk from being outside any tradition they have. Needless to say, this archetype is begging to be paired with a sort of magical gadgeteer, like a rogue or thaumaturge with utility spells and the like on hand, or a spellcaster that can get those utility and damage spells that they’d really want from other traditions.

As mentioned before, practitioners of this archetype might be professionally trained in courses on scroll use and getting the most out of magical inscription at prestigious magical universities, or they might be self-taught, either enhancing their already-existing spellcasting or cobbling together that knowledge from disparate sources. Their reason for doing so can vary a lot, everything from simply realizing how useful magic is as a tool but also lacking the resources purchase scrolls as often, or perhaps needing a defense against magic without formal training.

Something of a geomancer, Alexi Ganvalt is passionate about the ways that magic is inscribed in stone. As such, she collects examples of runes carved into stone, and could go on for hours about the intricacies of how relief and raised runes differ. When it comes to it, she can even arrange them to form new spells.

Despite his orcish blood, Selbus is hardly the brute his peers and the establishment of the city would write him off as, and the young dromaar halfling has a surprising knack for magic despite having not a single cantrip to his name. He achieves this with scrolls and scraps stolen and collected over the years, giving him a surprising arsenal.

They say that magic attracts magic, and so seems to be the case when a gryphon of mythic power comes to roost in the abandoned temple of the Starscribe, goddess of the heavens and of magic. Braving the proud beast is inevitable, however, for those seeking to learn lost secrets of written magic that may be hidden within.

[alexissara]

Alexis Sara's Top 10 Most Anticipated Games Of 2024

We're about to enter 2024 and with that we have all the lists, lists I am not immune to making because I slowly build them up all year. Last year I played a fuck load of games and so this year I wanted to talk about 10 games I think look really fucking cool that are coming out in the next year or two. Some of these games are likely to release in 2025 instead but it'll be fun to see if they remain on the list next year then. I mostly just wanted to spotlight some art that looks cool to me outside of the context of a Sapphic Games Guide or a Review and maybe get others on the hype train with me. This list is not in order and just 10 games I think look like they could have an impact on me, I may not even buy every game on this list but there the 10 that look like I am most likely to check out.

Gales Of Nayeli

So this is one of two games on the list I've already purchased. I backed the kickstarter of the game a while back and I thought "it looks alright and when I asked if there was gonna be any sapphic content the creator told me in depth what content he had already made so sure I'll back it. What was more if a thank you for being so kind and responsive so fast has turned into my most hype game of the year. Blindcoco and me have become friends over time so I am biased but I was actually sold on the game before me and him became buddy buddy when I played the demo and saw the amazing work that went into it. Then the extremally positive response from him and the community towards my desire to focus in on women and sapphic women only added to my excitement for the game.

The game genuinely seems to be raising the bar for SRPGs and really feels like it is a step above Fire Emblem and not an emulation of Fire Emblem. I loved the demo and the concepts in the game so much it inspired me to start working on my own SRPG studios game knowing what is possible at the high end of investment in the system can really be something special and really cool. I love that there is a focus on trying to cast voice actors who match ethnicity to the diverse cast, I love that there is a wide range of diversity in the revealed cast, I love the amount of queer women I am aware of in the game, I love the animations and sprite work, I love the gameplay, I am really really excited about this game and I think this game has a high shot at being one of my favorite games.

Fields Of Mistria 

I make fun of farming sims a little on my lists and stuff but only because I actually love farming sims especially in concept. This game probably has my favorite art style of the whole lot of games today. It's lovely 90s anime style sprite work is just AHHHHHHHHHH so good. I do in fact want to kiss the women in this game very badly and I would enjoy playing the game for the sake of dating them alone.

Rune Factory: Dragon

Let's bang out the second farming sim while we're at it. We don't know a bunch about this game but it really just has to do two things for me to be into it. One, let you be gay like the newest RF and Story of Season games already let you do and Two, keep up the art direction and bam, I'm in. My biggest problem with the last Rune Factory game was that the art style made every woman look like a 12 year old and not in the like chibi story of seasons way like they just looked like they were kids. This however, has a much better set of art direction and it makes me think there might actually be women I'd want to gay marry.

Mahou Senshi Cosplay Club

I really love Behold's previous game Chroma Squad but when I got this demo I had no idea they were the Chroma Squad people. The mix of dress up and RPG gameplay is a dream come true kind of game and the outfit customization is leagues beyond a game like Fashion Dreamer despite likely being made on a much smaller budget. The PSX style graphics actually work here with them evoking nostalgic graphics while also not actually being restrained by a Playstation One's issues. I just really loved the process of making the outfit and character in this game and honestly that alone is a potential game seller. The gameplay element was solid and I really want to play more of this.

Beastieball 

BeastieBall seems to be a really fun take on the Monster Taming genre. Having the monster friends play a sport and naturally be inclined to play the sport makes for a very cute and wholesome premise to which you become more a coach than an owner to these little cuties. It's a pretty simple concept in the demo but it's promising and cute and I do like that the monsters you collect build relationships with each other, I think that is something really special and neat and something I'd like to see more monster tamers do.

Love In A Bottle

 There is a lot of nice looking visual novels coming out but Love In A Bottle is dating sim that is really capturing my eye. You play as a demon girl, bam okay I am sold. You date other monster girls okay I'm sold. And it's got more then the basic one outfit you expect from a standard visual novel dating sim type deal for characters that is yet another sold factor. It seems really cute, seems fun and I hope I can smooch all the women at once.

Fantasy Life I

While I said we were done with farming sims, I didn't say we were done with sims as we have Level-5's Life Sim, Fantasy Life. I won't be buying the game if I can't be gay in it but I really loved the first Fantasy Life on the 3DS and I think if it can keep up the charm and fun of the original game and add a homosexual seasoning on top it'll be a perfect cute and fun time. I love the wide array of jobs and how these all build into each other, it's a very one of a kind experience and really fun.

Princess Peach Showtime 

This is the true triple A game of the list and the only one that has captivated me in all the shows of all the consoles and developers I've seen of late. Peach is barbie now and I am here for it, let her have a million jobs and have a game based around her doing these different roles and being an icon in each of them, sounds good, I'm in, it's a really cute and fun concept. It looks really fun and the art style looks great.

Our Life Now and Forever 

There is no other games like the Our Life games and getting to be sapphic in this one means I finally get to go ahead and experience the series I have been curious about for a while now. This game will let you be polyamarous which is the only game on this list I can say for sure will allow you to do that and that alone is something that would keep me engaged. However, getting to grow up with characters, change your pronouns, your name, anything about yourself as you do and having the characters change with you is amazing. I love the concept of this game and the wild reactivity the games demo has always provided just to a simple thing like me choosing to be trans in the childhood phase is amazing, it is truly such a considered and thoughtful game with such masterful crafting that the act one demo alone is probably worth money. So I did back this one on kickstarter as well so this is my other pick up.

Unlike other games on this list I am fairly confident this is a 2025 game and not a 2024 game but I want to talk about it now because people on the Patreon will be getting to play updated versions of the game over the course of the year akin to early access. I think the game is for sure worth a look.

Izrand Allure

After playing the previous game in the series I am totally sold on wanting to experience Izrand Allure. Luxaren Allure was a really special experience I had this year finally checking out the game after I think years of putting it off and beating it I really want to play this follow up. This game seems far more in depth and far more artistically masterful then Luxaren as well so I really want to see everything this game has to offer. I love a good job system and this game boasts one. I really want to see this lesbian RPG and I hope I get a chance to play it very soon but obviously Unity the dev should take her time to make it. Regardless, I am just gushing every time I see the game and I think this has potential to be a massive game of the year type hit for me.

If you enjoyed this post, I got a lot more end of the year lists coming up when it's actually next year so I can tell people what I enjoyed in December. You can also support me in making cool queer art by checking out my Patreon and Ko-fi.

[clairethecutepup]

The Doe of My Nightmares... (Ch. 2)

Chapter Title: The Starting Steps of Madness’ Descending Stairwell… ---

Chapter Synopsis:

Time has passed, since Claire became a loved part of Alexis’ family and an important part of Alexis’ overall life. Unfortunately, Claire interacts with the doe’s husband and daughter, as much as she does Alexis herself: Steve starts to wonder more about his unrecallable past and overall being from their recent conversation, causing Alexis to realize the truth must be revealed-- and Claire is good practice in sharing everything and may even be helpful in making that backstory’s revelation easier. However, Claire’s reaction threatens to rob Alexis of what she wanted most in life, and the doe must do whatever it takes to maintain what she finally obtained…

----

Now, this is where it's REALLY important you at least read "Dreams Come True" beforehand... Spoilers for it, and "Billie and Seve's Adventures" in general, start to come into play. You've been warned...

If you wanna read elsewhere (or keep better track of the tale), here are the links, but click "keep reading" if you wanna read here:

https://www.furaffinity.net/view/58845382/

https://www.deviantart.com/clairevlcek/art/The-Doe-of-My-Nightmares-Ch-2-1122573089

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60306127/chapters/154708054

Naturally, Claire would learn more about the goats, just as they did with her. Claire’s curiosity first arose when recalling Alexis’ staff: a metallic rod with a circular top that contained a dark green gem within, which isn’t exactly what someone keeps “just because.” Claire also recalled how a few motions of Alexis’ hoof resulted in her feeling either sleepy or entirely calmed. Alexis found no harm in explaining matters, when Claire showed interest in the attic: the place where she recalled that staff, and some other strange things she saw, being stored. In fact, this could be a prime opportunity to see if Claire was well-versed in magical matters herself, possibly even opening the door to new spells shared between them. Alexis took her back into the upper room, smiling at the adorable wolf-girl’s close examination of everything: the runes, the quintessential table and bowl for a witch’s potion-brewings…

“So, what do you think?” Alexis grins, “... Maybe it even looks familiar to you, hmmm?”

Claire nods, a smile on her face. She pulls out the pen and pad for another conversation.

“Are you a Wiccan? My big sibling, Skyler, is one too!”

“Oh, is that what you call ‘witches’ back home?”

“No, Skyler says that they’re different: witches just use magic, while Wiccans follow a religion called, ‘Wicca.’ It involves lots of ‘nature’ stuff and sometimes involves ‘energy’ stuff.”

“Mmm, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anything called THAT around here… I didn’t even know there were religions that centered around magic.”

“Skyler says it’s more about the earth than being ‘magical,’ ‘cause not all Wiccans use spells and other stuff.”

“What kind of spells do the magical ones use; did Skyler teach you any? I’d be happy to return the favor.”

“Skyler taught me ‘candle magic’: you use candles in it and you can control ‘energies’ with it!”

It was exciting to learn about a new form of magic, for both sides: Alexis began planning how she could incorporate the physical world’s “spiritual energies” into her practices, while Claire felt excited to possibly practice magic more akin to the viewed movies and anime back home. Unfortunately, carving the appropriate names and wishes into candles, then awaiting results after they burn down was a bit… lackluster for someone who could simply summon or transform things instantly, as well as perform a few other advanced tactics; and Claire didn’t seem to have much magical latency, not even for simpler spells of levitating a small stick or making an ice cube melt. That was certainly a shared disappointment… Claire especially, as she felt like she failed her dear Alexis as both teacher and student.

“Aww, it’s okay, sweetie…” Alexis stroked her hair, “I guess some people prefer a simpler style of magic, and you can learn to use the same magic as me someday. We just have to keep at it!” Alexis pats her head, “Trust me, if I can teach myself at just 15, I can definitely teach you now.”

Claire smiles again, her tail wagging and ears perking up. She then follows Alexis out from the attic, as Steve returns with Daisy from a playdate: Steve himself seems fine and greets the two, but Daisy is quiet and frowning in his arms.

“What’s the matter, sweetie…?” Alexis gently holds her face, “Didn’t you have fun at Jenny’s?”

“... Mommy, do you know why I have one horn?”

“Huh…?”

“It’s something Jenny’s grandmother said,” Steve explained, “I don’t think she meant anything by it, she just never saw a one-horned goat before…”

The older woman had also come by for a visit at little Jenny’s, surprised to see her granddaughter playing with another little goat-- who only had a single horn! The old woman even lowered her glasses and squinted her eyes at the odd girl.

“I’ve never seen anything like THAT before… Is it some kind of defect, like those lionesses who sometimes have manes?”

Daisy felt a little hurt at the remark, a toddler like her naturally taking it as doing or being something “wrong.” Steve, of course, ensured to inform Daisy she hadn’t done anything bad nor was so; but things can stick with children for quite a while… The buck could certainly empathize with his daughter’s plight, and even her mother recalled many moments of wondering why she’s one-horned when the peers of her new town bullied her over it.

“Oh, baby…” Alexis takes Daisy into a hug, “We’re all different from each other, sometimes maybe even a little more so… It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, though. Look at Claire here: she’s definitely different from the rest of us, but that doesn’t mean she’s not someone we can love or that there’s anything ‘bad’ about her.”

Claire offers a paw, something Daisy loved to hold against her face when distressed. Daisy smiled, feeling better thanks to her parents and big sister. However, the question of “single horns” sat within a majority of the household’s minds that night: even Claire shared Steve and Daisy’s wonderment, as she’d often see the family alongside the goat-people with a more common horn count. Claire never bothered prying, though, as there’s no real reason to know; but the curiosity was certainly growing… Apparently, it became too much for Steve to keep to himself, but he didn’t share it with Alexis and certainly not Daisy: Alexis always seemed uneasy with discussing his past, something he chalked off to witnessing a horrible accident’s results, and Daisy shouldn’t risk being upset over her horn again. With Claire lying on his stomach, as he lays his back upon the couch, he finally had someone to confide in.

“... It’s just… I dunno, something about it always felt odd to me,” he holds his horn, “I mean, were goats really meant to just be walking around with only ONE of these? It sure doesn’t feel that way, if everyone else is basically walking around with a whole pair of ‘em… Even in your world, right?”

Claire nods, never recalling any goat-hybrids (nor any hybrids) with just one point. Steve sighs.

“Lex always said it may have something to do with magic, like how unicorns are magical and they only have one horn… But I’m not some magical horse, I’m supposed to be your average goat, right? Call me crazy, but I think it’s safe to say that you can use magic, no matter how many horns you’ve got. After all, Alexis thinks she can teach you a thing or two, and you’ve only got THESE on your head…”

He chuckles at Claire’s wagging tail, as he holds and massages her big wolf ears. He stops and frowns again, prompting Claire to mirror his expression.

“I wish I knew why I cared so much… I mean, I should just appreciate that I have a fully functional body that can do some pretty cool things, instead of worrying about how it looks. I guess one reason I think so much about it is because… I dunno… It sort of feels… wrong on me.”

Claire tilts her head. Why would it be “wrong” on him, but not the does of this house? Claire thought they all looked nice with just one horn. In fact, Alexis made her prefer caprines having a single point, since they’d already be more like her.

“Yeah, weird, huh? I just can’t explain it, though… For whatever reason, it feels like I wasn’t supposed to have this up here. In fact, can I be even more honest with you? Sometimes, my overall self feels weird, too. It’s like, was I meant to be ol’ Steve here?”

“Is it like with Skyler?” Claire writes, “My big sibling is sometimes unsure about his body too…”

“No, no, not like THAT,” Steve smiles and pats her head, “I definitely know I was meant to be a big, strong buck,” he frowns again, “But was I supposed to be THIS big, strong buck...? Doesn’t help when I can’t actually remember much about myself... Y’see Claire, I came down with a case of amnesia a long while back; can’t remember anything before the car accident.”

Claire perks up, her pupils shrinking and ears stiffly up.

“Yeah, nothing too pretty, I’ll admit… My folks also died because of it. Lucky for me, Alexis and her folks were kind enough to let me stay in their treehouse after it. Ah, Lexi… I really am lucky to have found her. Or, she found ME, I guess. Ah, either way… I’m glad to see she continued the tradition of taking in those who need a little help,” he pats Claire’s head, “I’m glad we didn’t have to keep YOU out of the house, though, you make life here even better.”

Claire thinks for a moment, her eyes shifting, before she displays the notepad again. Steve reads it and raises his eyebrow, as he finally gives it more thought.

“... Yeah, they DID have me stay in just the treehouse. Alexis said something about there not being ‘enough space,’ and her parents were too busy to really talk with me at the time. … Y’know, I never really thought about it, but I guess it was pretty weird they didn’t also check on the kid they took in. Alexis also insisted I didn’t try meeting them myself, until we finally got our own place…”

The doe stops just before the doorway of the living room, halting her trip with the laundry basket. Oh no-- no, no, NO, if this continues…!! Alexis quickly throws herself and the basket onto the floor, crying out her loudest, “OOF!”

“Alexis?!” Steve quickly sits up and sets Claire aside, “Alexis--” he rushes over, “--are you alright?!”

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine…!” she chirped, refilling the basket, “I just tripped over my own two hooves! I can be a real klutz sometimes. You wouldn’t mind if I have Claire help me, right?” she looks toward the girl, “How about it, Claire: you wanna be a ‘good girl’ for me?”

Claire hurries over and follows, carrying the basket for Alexis.

“Why don’t you go ahead and climb into bed, Steve?” the doe smiles at him, “I’ll be there shortly, and you look tired.”

“Alright, just don’t return to me all banged up,” he smiles back, before wagging a finger toward the other’s feet, “Got that? No more causing trouble for Lexi here with all that clumsiness.”

Alexis giggles at his silliness, before the buck leaves and starts turning in for the night. Claire follows the doe, when she finally decides to continue toward her original destination. Alexis’ expression then devolves into something of concern and fear…

“... Claire, what were you and Steve talking about?”

Claire taps the top of her head, then motions the finger up and down to “explain” it as Steve’s horn.

“... And you were also talking about his past?”

Claire only needed to nod that time.

“... That’s nothing YOU need to know about, Claire.”

The pup instantly tenses up, her ears hanging on her head and her apologetic blues looking up at the doe. D-Did she do something bad…? Alexis doesn’t look down at her, just continuing to stare ahead with those narrowed magentas.

“If Steve wants to talk about his past, he should come to ME…”

Claire’s ears burn and her lip quivers. Why was Alexis so upset…? STEVE was the one who started the discussion…!

“No more of that now, alright?”

Claire nods, now trembling again. Alexis finally realized the effect her words had, softening her expression the moment her gaze fell upon the remorseful pup.

“O-Oh Claire, I’m sorry…” she hugs her, “It’s just, t-that’s a really sensitive topic… I-It could upset Steve to think about it for too long, s-since he lost so much then… And i-it also upsets me a little, since I first saw his body-- his PARENTS’ bodies and I couldn’t just leave him all alone… Look, let’s just leave it in the past, okay, sweetie?”

Claire wipes her eye and sniffles, nodding in response.

“Good girl…” Alexis pets her, “That’s my good girl…”

Once again, Alexis managed to hide the truth. … Could she really do it forever, though? Every day she saw her beloved, the memories popped into her head-- and now he’s grown more curious of his past, after considering the oddities of his stay with Alexis’ family from his discussion with Claire. Alexis kept insisting her parents were “too busy” to really talk with him then; and she just wanted to finally be an adult, hence why she had them both focus more on moving out and less on Steve speaking with his future in-laws… But she wondered for how much longer he’d be satisfied. In fact, how much longer SHE could be satisfied with things remaining as they are. Part of her wanted to-- no, part of her knew she NEEDED to tell him someday… She lied to Steve and still did, and everyone has a right to know where they came from. It’d be insane to just blurt it out, though: he’d certainly be upset and maybe even suffer some mental effects from the truth!!

… But the guilt and paranoia began reaching their limits, and Steve’s newfound prying didn’t help. How is Alexis supposed to go about this? Wait, if she had to tell someone, did it really need to be STEVE first: could she start with Claire and work her way up? Claire loved Alexis to death, always eager to be by her side and do whatever made her happy… If she knew the truth, she wouldn’t judge Alexis. Yes, Alexis would start with the pup and get her help: both through moral support and coming up with an explanation that was sure to minimize any negative reaction’s intensity.

“Claire, sweetie, can you help me in the attic…?”

The pup wasn’t sure what it was about, but she stopped playing with Daisy and followed. Claire didn’t like Alexis’ demeanor: the doe moved slowly, and that smile spoke less of joy and more of someone about to have a possible breakdown. Still, Claire followed-- but stopped when Alexis did on the attic steps. After a few seconds, Alexis took a deep breath and continued leading Claire. Alexis shuts the door and sits before Claire: they stay there, legs crossed, until Alexis manages to steel her final nerve-- before she has a chance to lose it.

“Claire… D-Do you remember when I seemed upset about Steve’s past…?”

Claire turns pale, tensing up at Alexis’ uneasiness and aware this won’t be a pretty discussion…

“Th-There’s a reason I don’t want him thinking about it too much-- the REAL reason why… Claire, I… Steve, he’s… Steve i-isn’t the man you think, h-he’s… he’s the man I made-- the man I LITERALLY made!”

Claire tilts her head at first, still looking fearful, but then she remembers: Alexis is a witch, a witch who can do just about anything. Claire straightens her head to have her jaw drop and ears shoot up. How the heck did Alexis “make” him-- what did that even mean: did she transform him from a frog, did she just summon him into existence…?!

“... There’s a reason Steve has ‘amnesia’: he doesn’t have an actual past to remember, before I found him and placed him in my old treehouse. You see, I… I had another boy who meant a lot to me, but I couldn’t be with him instead: I had to move away, and… and he found someone else. I just… He meant so much to me, Claire, I couldn’t just move on; so I used my magic to create a clone of him from…”

Alexis shuts her eyes tightly, trying to find the strength to continue. She had to, though, it was too late to turn back now… Claire remained a statue, silently hyperventilating through her nostrils and gritted teeth. She knew she wouldn’t like however Alexis continued this…

“... I made Steve by taking a body from our local graveyard and transforming him into an identical twin. Steve is nothing more than a clone, just something I needed because I couldn’t move on… And I’m worried about how he’d react if he found out… But he deserves to. Claire, do you think you could help me-- Claire…?!”

Claire couldn't possibly turn whiter… Did Alexis really confess to disturbing the dead?! Claire recalls Skyler’s warning…

“Never practice black magic, Claire, you'll curse yourself as much as your targets. Stay away from anyone who does-- especially anyone who uses the dead for those purposes, ingredients or otherwise. If they won't respect the bodies and souls of those who passed, they'll treat the living even worse.”

Claire was willing to look past Alexis’ general use of the darker arts, her loyalty and attachment convincing her Alexis could be an exception because she's so kind and caring. What she cannot overlook is the use of a corpse for selfish gain: if Alexis had no qualms preventing a soul from possibly moving on or treating the dead like toys to enslave however she wanted… No, it didn't matter the reason, the raising and control of the dead is one of the forbidden TABOOS of magic. Skyler said so.

“Claire, w-where are you going…?!” Alexis stands, “N-No, please… Please, d-don’t look at me like that!”

Claire keeps backing away, still in a sitting manner. She's giving THAT expression: one Alexis knows all too well, thanks to her parents… They love her, they truly do, but she scares them also: her scientific and magical interests led her to partake in… certain actions that made her parents worry about the mindset of their child. Alexis will never forget when her parents discovered her dissection of a bat in their attic, in preparation for her “pet chimera” attempt via anatomical and biological familiarity: an excuse of a school “biology” project barely kept them from deeming their own daughter a psychopath, but the disturbed look they shared in her direction…

“Claire, sweetie…” Alexis feels tears well up, “Please, be a good girl and stop looking at me like that, okay…? After all, you still love me, right…? RIGHT?”

Claire's back eventually reaches the wall, her arms now against it as she stands. What did all of this mean for Steve…? Could his soul never properly move on now to reincarnate and otherwise, after being forced back into its body; would Steve be doomed to forever walk as one immortal but eventually left without purpose from his raiser’s passing…? And what about DAISY: what fate could possibly await Claire's poor little sister as the offspring of arguable necrophilia, on matters of soul and all else? Or, was she also just some stolen body Alexis modeled into her personal desires, thus of a similar fate to whatever awaited Steve? In fact, if all this came from Alexis’ need to make what she couldn't naturally have, then what would happen if her original lover came back to her: would she just “erase” her undead husband from existence and get rid of Daisy in a similar fashion?!

How could Alexis just not care about all of the harm she might cause in doing this…? She was always so kind and loving, but what if it's superficial: she only loved Steve because he could be a substitute, she only loved Daisy because she helped the illusion of having a family with her original lover…? What does that mean for CLAIRE then: is Alexis planning to or would plan to use her for something else selfishly sinister?!

“Claire, come here…” Alexis opens her arms, “J-Just come here, okay…? You don't need to be so scared all of a sudden, it's all--” she misses the dodging pup, “--Where are you going?!”

Alexis grabs her staff and summons chains over the door, before Claire could open it. That only heightened the trembling pup’s fears…

“Claire…” Alexis comes closer, “You’re going to take a deep breath and listen to me…”

Despite her stern tone, Alexis spoke through heavy breaths and teary eyes.

“I am NOT some monster, just because I had my own way of coping with things. You are NOT going to look at me and treat me like I am…”

Alexis couldn't have Claire become like the rest of them… She was tired of the childhood and teenhood memories of being shunned and mocked by peers, as the “creepy freak” and “weird unicorn.” She was tired of her parents’ silent judgment and fear that lingered beneath the surface of their alleged love, even to this day. She was tired of not having someone who’d go along with what SHE wanted and who’d favor HER, without the need to literally create a loyal follower or be “Mommy.”

She still loves her family, Steve and Daisy being her entire world now, but Claire was finally “it”: acceptance, unconditional love and loyalty, compromise or just general compliance even-- and all by her OWN accord… And she'd never leave Alexis for someone else. Yes, Alexis may have been the one to initiate the break-up with her first love; but perhaps she and the young buck could've gotten back together after he matured into someone less self-prioritized. Long distance relationships could work out, and the now-grown buck and doe would have the means to meet up eventually! … Well, had it not been for that OTHER doe, who officially made his heart unattainable for the witch…

Alexis couldn't lose what she finally had with Claire. She was NOT losing what she finally had with Claire! She sets her staff aside and grabs the pup’s shoulders, naturally met with the resistance of escape’s attempt.

“Just come here, Claire…! Give me a hug, okay? After all, there's no reason to be scared…!”

But there was, especially for Alexis: on top of losing Claire, Steve may come next when the pup will eventually tell him, no doubt… Alexis tightened her grip, her hooves pressing a painfully crushing force onto Claire’s arms. She thought Alexis would sever her limbs!

“Claire, be a good girl and stop resisting me…! I'm trying to make things better! Please--” she pulls Claire close, “--DON'T BE SCARED OF ME!”

Claire manages to swing her left arm free and thrust it forward. Alexis finally lets go and cries out, holding the right eye that paw's nails found. Alexis blinks a couple times, relieved the eyeball still has sight and remains unscratched. She can feel the sting of torn skin, however, and feel the blood passing down her face and around the socket. She looks at the red-coated hoof before her, her entire arm trembling and her breath still. Claire freezes, taking in the results of her actions. She hurt Alexis… Alexis was acting crazy and hurting her! But she still hurt Alexis…

“... Claire, BAD girl…”

The pup tensed up again, only for Alexis to hit her with a sudden sleep spell. Claire tried to fight it, squirming and otherwise, but Alexis is a witch of far too great skill. Even if Claire had magical prowess of her own, Alexis' abilities cannot merely be shrugged off. Alexis knelt behind her, hoof remaining raised as it continued expelling the sedating effect. Alexis also kept hold of the staff, just in case this somehow wasn't enough. She didn't want to risk her eye actually being destroyed this time nor herself being harmed elsewhere… Claire's terrified eyes soon closed, her body going still.

Now, Alexis just needs to wipe her memory a little and think of an excuse for the eye. Wait, was that really the most satisfying choice? It would just be THAT again: using magic and otherwise, so Alexis could force reality into what she wanted. It wouldn't feel like Claire's affection was genuine anymore… Alexis needs that naturality, to finally feel important and as though someone like her can be worth true love-- romantic, platonic, just natural and pure love from someone. Alexis then recalls that Claire seemed remorseful, even if for but a moment, after the strike: if Claire could earnestly regret lashing out, then there was still love for Alexis in there-- and the goat just needed to find some way to properly rekindle it.

Of course, she shouldn’t let Claire remain unrestrained, lest the girl possibly (and literally) go for the throat this time. Well, if Claire wanted to act like a feral animal, scratching and all… The wolf-girl later awakes, realizing the area looks rather blurry and her collar feels harder. Alexis took her glasses and swapped the blue neckwear with a shackle chained to the wall: no escape, and Claire’s left less efficient in offense and otherwise. Still, Claire can tell whom that unclear form is… She scurries backwards, shrinking in the corner and covering herself-- especially her face. She didn’t want to see that doe, blurred or otherwise.

Alexis just maintains her calm smile, the injury on her eye being healed shut but now scarred marks. Unfortunately, magic can only do so much, but it is a relief to finally patch herself up. She kneels before the pup, far more cautious than seemed and ready for any more aggression. Claire didn’t find it wise to resist her chin being guided toward Alexis, by the hoof underneath…

“Shhhh… It’s okay, sweet girl…” Alexis grins, “I know things got a liiiiittle heated back there, but it’s okay…”

Claire grits her teeth, shutting her eyes to avoid staring into that distorted set of smiling teeth and deranged magentas. Just stay still, don’t do any sudden movements-- don’t make her do worse than limiting abilities and freedom…

“There’s no need for that, Claire, I’m not mad…” Alexis takes her head into both hooves, “I know it might seem like I am, but I only did this to keep you from doing something else you’ll regret,” she nuzzles her head against the other’s, “You were sad about what you did to my face, weren’t you? I saw it… That’s because you’re a good girl, and I know you still love me. We just have to remind you why…” Alexis pulls her own head back, “We’re just going through a rough patch right now, that’s all; it’s not like fights are just for romantic relationships. Please work with me through it, Claire… I’ve always wanted someone like you, I’ve always NEEDED someone like you: someone who treats me so sweetly and nicely, someone who cares about what I want and not just what THEY do-- who always, ALWAYS will stay beside me and appreciates me as I am,” she hugs Claire, “Now, I can finally just have it, without having to create a lie… Don’t take it away, Claire; please, it means so much to me… YOU mean so much to me.”

Claire wants to push her off, but she fears worsening the situation in any way… She tries to lie that everything’s normal and this is simply Alexis confiding in her about something less terrifying. Alexis frowns when Claire doesn’t return the embrace, slowly leaning back and looking at her.

“... Okay, it’ll take some time, but we can get through this. We WILL get through this… I’m going to get your things, so you can have the proper necessities up here.”

Wait, she was keeping Claire up here: secluded, without any easy escape if she somehow got free…?!

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you won’t be lonely up here. You won’t even be all alone in your dreams,” Alexis removes the door’s chains, “I’ll use my corn powers to visit you in them. You always loved that, didn’t you?”

Claire can’t do anything but watch her leave. When Alexis finally departs, Claire curls up and sobs her covered head into her knees. Skyler was right… Claire should’ve been wary of Alexis, when she first admitted which type of magic she practices. Alexis wasn’t of an easier mind herself: now she needs an excuse for more than just her eye, like why Steve and Daisy suddenly have to leave Claire alone in the attic-- especially Steve. Oh no, speaking of…

“Hey Lex,” he walks up from the stairs, “I thought about ordering some pizza as a treat tonight, what did you want on--” his eyes widen and focus on her new scars, “--What the hell?!” he gently brings her head closer, “Alexis, what happened to your eye?!”

“I-It’s nothing…” she pulls away, turning from him, “It was an accident, that’s all…”

“Hey, tell me what happened…” Steve turns her around, “It’s pretty hard to do something like THAT by ‘accident.’ Even one of your projects literally blowing up in your face wouldn’t do that…” he squints his eyes at her marks, “... Wait… Did something ATTACK you? That looks like some kind of scratch mark.”

“No, it’s… I… It’s fine, okay?”

“No, it’s not ‘fine,’ I need to know what just attacked my wife,” Steve clenches his fists, “and if it’s something I need to finish…”

“I’m taking care of it, Steve, leave it!”

“Come on, why can’t you at least--”

“--Okay, it was Claire, but I’m handling it!”

Steve takes a step back, frozen in his stance of large eyes and a semi-gaping mouth. CLAIRE did that…? … No, Steve didn’t care who it was, anyone who hurt and almost blinded his wife was asking for his heel to crash down onto their skull! … Okay, perhaps he wouldn’t actually cave the pup’s brains in, but he’s not letting her harm anyone in his family without consequence! What if she decided to do something similar to little Daisy, after all?! Something like that could be enough to KILL the tot! He storms past, but Alexis runs in front of him and stops him.

“Hey, I said that I’m handling it!”

“Alexis, I am NOT cool with something like this, and she’s going to know it!”

“She didn’t do it to hurt me, Steve!”

“You sure as hell don’t claw people to be nice!”

“Steve, she’s-- she’s sick!”

“‘Sick’...?”

“Yes, Steve, she’s sick… I don’t know if it’s some ‘magical thing’ because she’s in a world she doesn’t belong in or some sickness her people naturally get, but she’s not herself. She was even afraid of me, and that’s why THIS happened…” Alexis taps her scars, “It was just her being delirious and unable to recognize me,” she lowers her hoof, “Please, don’t be upset with her, Steve… I’m not. I promise I can handle this too, I just need to study her a little and then I can make a proper cure. Of course, she’s obviously dangerous right now, so I’d appreciate it if you and Daisy didn’t go near her.”

“I can help keep you safe, though…” Steve places a hoof on her face, brushing his thumb over the scars’ edges, “THIS already bugs me enough, and it’d kill me if she ended up doing something worse…”

“I’ll be fine, Steve,” Alexis smiles and places her own hoof onto his face, “Trust me, your wife knows what she’s doing,” she lowers it, “I’ll take anchovies on my slices, by the way; I’m sure Claire would love the usual pepperoni and cheese, assuming she’ll be fine enough to eat something.”

“Alright…” Steve sighs and turns away, “Just… Be careful, okay? And tell Claire I hope she gets better soon-- and to definitely take it easy with those nails and teeth.”

Oh, he didn’t need to worry about anything… Claire would stop all this nonsense soon enough and indeed be back to her old self; and Alexis wouldn’t need to fear either the loss of Claire’s love, nor Steve discovering the truth prematurely and the consequences thereof. It shouldn’t take too long.

After all, Claire LOVED being Alexis’ “good girl”...

[End Chapter]

------------------------------

Well, that escalated quickly... Unfortunately, Claire doesn't have the understanding and personality of a white mage, unlike Billie did, hence her more drastic reaction to Alexis' confession. Also, interesting fact: when it comes to real world Voodoo (or Voudon) and other magic, it IS taboo to raise the dead. I believe it may have to do with necromancy's (and zombies') overall and seeming origin: slavery, where you could have someone's servitude past their period of life. Plus, there can be consequences for generally screwing around with spiritual forces, like pulling one's soul back from the afterlife; also, it's generally considered highly immoral and disrespectful to mess with corpses. So yeah, now you know why such magic is considered part of the "dark arts" and often villainized in media: if someone is willing to mess with the natural order and all for personal gain, then why not disrespect life still lived if they must exploit life now over?

To the "Billie and Seve's Adventures" series:

https://archiveofourown.org/series/3916882

[aberooski]

omg. a jaden castles crumbling edit is all i've been able to think about since july 7!!! i don't have tik tok but i have to go find this

SAME ANON!

The first thing I thought about when I heard the song the first time was "this is so Jaden coded 😭" and I haven't been able to put it out of my mind! The bridge in particular has been haunting me in a certain kinda way ever since.

And you're in luck, my anon friend! I saved the file so I can provide!

The idea of course being that the bridge in particular always stood out to me as Jaden coded because of the duel with Brron in season 3 and the um......events that transpire....

This is probably one of the most upsetting edits I've ever made imo, this duel was the first time GX made me actually cry the first time I watched the show. This whole season is so emotionally draining honestly but this shit man 🥲

This was the moment Jaden's castle came crumbling down.

[pimento-playing-hopscotch]

"cause now hulu can know my favorite Gilmore episodes"---Can we know them too?! What would you pick as your very favorites? And thank you so much for following back!

Absolutely!! Where a Gilmore Girls page leads, I will always want to follow! 🥰🥰🥰

I love that question!! One moment while I find the Tom Hanks typing gif-

Love and War and Snow - (where I live it's actively snowing right now so I will probably watch this one tonight) - this one is just so lovely, and so weird in that there's a mayor/town selectman who isn't Taylor Doose. I love that we get some early Gilmore lore, and it's one of the first times we see Rory with her grandparents without Lorelai and I love seeing them getting to know their granddaughter and she introduces them to frozen pizza.

Also Luke is a curmudgeon but also he didn't leave the town he grew up in for a reason; he might think they're nuts but he'll support them any way they can. It always makes me smile when he says to old mayor guy- "My father would have taken the coffee".

And the Lorelai and Max stuff- idk I always forget just how little we see Lor and Max together before revisting those episodes- but I love how much Lorelai loves snow. And not to be this basic, but there is nothing better than an open window when it's cold outside- like I relate to her so much when she just opens the window and lets the air in and feels it- and I love her and Rory's talk on the couch.

Double Date- this is such a good besties episode. It makes me sad whenever I read the Lorelai and Rory are SUCH BAD FRIENDS, THEY ARE THE WORST!! discourse- like yes there's isolated incidents but by and large they are pretty loyal, and as someone who never found that person I relate to Sookie so much when she's freaking out- also her and Jackson are lowkey adorable and I love when Sookie finally tells Jackson to stay and Rune finally leaves. Also Lorelai's talk with Mrs Kim when Mrs Kim bluntly says- "I didn't throw they key away. It's in the kitchen" and it takes Lorelai a minute to bounce back from that-

(Full disclosure: I could list almost every episode of season four; like that season really is that bitch for me). Every episode is a banger- I love the townie stuff, Rory starting college, the fact that Alexis Bledel can truly try any hairstyle and she'll still be absolutely beautiful, and obviously it was never going to last, but I kind of liked Lorelai and Jason together- idk why, they're interesting to me. But to narrow it down-

The Festival of Living Art- this episode is just so much fun!! (Also should be mentioned I love a town meeting episode) Lorelai adamantly denying that she is a flincher and Rory using her pull so Lorelai can be the Renoir girl and getting to meet Gill (I think I also love anything Sally Struthers says in that raspy voice of hers- "like a good long-haired cake!") and the fact that no matter how many times I see this episode, I will always need to look up how tall Sebastian Bach is just because Lane looks SO TINY standing next to him (he's 6'3". No, I won't remember this later). Also Kirk as Jesus- a serene Last Supper indeed lol.

A Family Matter/Nag Hammadi - you've seen my page, Jess is not my favorite Rory partner, but I love these episodes so much because there's just so much happening!! I love the awkwardness of Lorelai showing Jason around Stars Hollow and how absolutely gorgeous Lauren Graham looks with her long straight hair and that pink peacoat (like this might be shallow of me but this show is just the most aesthetically pleasing show on top of everything else). Also- this is such a good Richard and Emily episode- I don't know which Emily line makes me cackle more- "Don't want those pantyhose with the seams up the back. You look like ten cents a dance" or- "WELL THEY CAN JUST GO STRAIGHT TO HELL THEN CAN'T THEY?!?!" There's extra, and then there's Emily Gilmore. Also, while I think what Jess said to Luke was out of line, I do love the conversation Lorelai and Luke have at her house- also the "do you ever think maybe Sylvia Plath was just cold?" cold open is one of my favorites and something I thought of many times when the heat in my apartment couldn't get above 58 degrees for like three days last month lol)

The Incredible Shrinking Lorelais- I always watch this and Scene in a Mall together because the former of those two captures PERFECTLY how it is when you're like things are fine they're good and they just keep snowballing and it breaks my heart when Lorelai and Rory are trying so hard and just can't reach each other!

Written in the Stars- I mean this episodes fires on all cylinders- also I do love Rory and Logan together- they meet and Lorelai and Luke's first date and another stellar town meeting- this episode does not miss for even a second!

There are a lot more but those are the big ones- I will spout out a bunch more titles- Like Mother, Like Daughter, Application Anxiety, Eight o'clock at the Oasis, Lorelai Out of Water, The Nanny and the Professor, Women of Questionable Morals, Norman Mailer, I'm Pregnant, The Prodigal Daughter Returns, You've Been Gilmored, Lorelai's First Cotillion... I could keep going lol-

Thank you for the ask! ♥️♥️🫶

[cassiteritewitch]

I guess I should do an intro post so my blog isn't completely empty when I'm following people lol

Hi, I'm cassiterite, you can also call me alexi. I'm a heathen witch with chaos magic influences. I mostly work with Loki, Odin, and Thor, but I've been developing an interest in Freyr and I've got some history with Freyja as well.

I've been pagan since I was 11 or 12, so a good twenty odd years now, but I haven't actually practiced magic a lot since I was in high school due to *gestures at the world* life. I have kept up with tarot and the occasional rune reading, so I'm more experienced with those.

Despite my current busy life and multiple mental illnesses, I've very much wanted to get back to magic and to that end I've been attempting to find community to help encourage me and to learn new things from. Hence making this Tumblr. (I've had several over the years, so I'm fairly knowledgeable of the culture here and feel comfortable.)

I'm eager to meet new people and find new friends, but the (hopefully) obvious caveats apply: no racists, transphobes, right wingers, etc. I'm a genderfluid nonbinary woman (any pronouns) so most of y'all wouldn't be interested in my weird ass anyway, but this is Tumblr where we're all weird so I don't anticipate this being that much of a problem.

That's about it. Hi, hello, good to meetcha!