#Chapleau

[monsieurtranquille]

TRUMP & MUSK MEET

DJT: Was it as good for you as it was for me?

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"STRIKING BUSHMEN TO PICKET 'PLANES," Toronto Star. January 17, 1934. Page 1. --- Chapleau, Ont., Jan. 17. - One hundred and twenty-five men from the lumber camps of Austin and Nicholson Ltd. at Nicholson who went on strike on Sunday last arrived here to-day.

A total of 400 men is expected before to-night. Organizers of the strike are men named Berry and Davis who are said to have been in charge of the strikes at Port Arthur, Kapuskasing and other northern lumbering centres. Picketing is being arranged over trains and aeroplanes which might be used in transporting strikebreakers. A living wage and proper sanitary living conditions in the camps are the purpose of the strike.

[betweenapitchandacast]

Stumbling Upon A Fabled Feline

Labour Day 2020, was a different time for everyone, experiencing the ups and downs of COVID-19. I was going on what seemed like the millionth month of a pandemic layoff with no end in sight. Being home made me stir-crazy, and like many, my mental health was declining. No matter how optimistic or productive I set out to be, nothing worked to cure how low and hopeless I was feeling on the…

[monsieurtranquille]

Caricature de Chapleau

OTTAWA - Testy exchanges between the prime minister and his chief opponent ended with the Opposition leader and one of his MPs being ejected from the House of Commons on Tuesday -- and the rest of Conservative caucus walking out of the chamber in protest.

The unusually tense events saw Speaker Greg Fergus caution both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to rephrase their comments to avoid making direct accusations about the character of another MP.

Fergus issued a warning to Poilievre after he referred to Trudeau as "the guy who spent the first half of his adult life as a practising racist," referring to photos that emerged during the 2019 election of Trudeau dressed in black and brown face.

Fergus warned Trudeau after he said Poilievre was "showing us exactly what shameful, spineless leadership looks like," and accused him of shaking hands with "white nationalists." [...]

"Any leader that needs the support of a far-right white nationalist group to fundraise and get closer to power does not deserve elected office," the prime minister charged. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[eretzyisrael]

by Ben Cohen

One of Canada’s leading French-language news outlets abruptly removed a crudely antisemitic caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from its website on Wednesday morning following a storm of protest from Canadian politicians and Jewish advocates.

The image, drawn by veteran cartoonist Serge Chapleau — who has won several awards for his work and was honored with the Order of Canada medal in 2015 — was published by the Montreal-based newspaper La Presse and appeared on the front page of its print edition. It showed Netanyahu as Nosferatu, the titular character of a classic 1922 German Expressionist silent movie about a blood-sucking vampire, Count Orlok, who preys upon a real estate agent and his wife under the cover of purchasing a house and who, later in the film, unleashes a plague of rats onboard a ship on which he is traveling. The film is based on the famous 1897 novel Dracula, set in Romania.

Chapleau’s cartoon imposed Netanyahu’s features on that of a vampire wearing a grim, lifeless expression, with his hands replaced by long claws. An accompanying text displayed the word “Nosfenyahou” — a contraction of “Nosferatu” and the Francophone spelling of Netanyahu’s last name — dripping with blood. Another text beneath declared “On the way to Rafah,” the city in Gaza where Israeli troops have been battling Hamas terrorists.

Historically, antisemitic caricatures of Jews frequently depicted them as blood-suckers, building on earlier Christian libels that falsely accused Jews of using the blood of Christians in their religious rituals. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas pogrom in Israel, the same motif has appeared across the Arab world in relation to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, with news outlets in Morocco, Jordan, and Qatar all publishing cartoons of Netanyahu drinking the blood and consuming the flesh of Israel’s adversaries.

By the middle of Wednesday morning, La Presse had removed its contribution to the genre following widespread protests on social media. However, the paper has not apologized for the offending image nor offered an explanation as to why it was published to the 860,000 followers of its feed on X/Twitter.

“No big deal, just the second-largest newspaper in French Canada caricaturing Jews as vampires,” David Frum — a Canadian-American writer and former speechwriter for US President George W. Bush — remarked in a post. Frum added: “That’s how antisemitism often works. A rich inventory of anti-Jewish images and themes pre-exists: the Jew as bloodsucker, the Jew as child-killer, the Jew as alien enemy. When a user wants to vent rage or dislike … the resource accumulated over centuries is waiting for him.”

Canadian politicians who condemned the cartoon included Quebec Senator Leo Housakos, who said he had been “appalled” by it.

“While Mr. Netanyahu, as with any politician, is not above criticism, this kind of antisemitic trope is reminiscent of the 1930s. I’m saddened for Jews across Canada for the level of hate to which we, as Canadians, have co-signed,” Housakos’ X/Twitter post continued.

[miniyo]

Nosfenyahou, en ruta hacia Rafah

Las acusaciones de antisemitismo ante cualquier crítica al Estado de Israel o a su primer ministro por el genocidio en curso son ya una constante.

El dibujante canadiense Serge Chapleau ha visto como su viñeta publicada el 20 de marzo era retirada del digital La Presse de Montreal. Además el medio se disculpaba por haberla publicado.

... visto en el blog de J.R. Mora [web]

[ascle]

[famousdeaths]

Sir Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau, born in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, was a French-Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 7th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec fro...

Link: Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau

[genshin-impact-updates]

Solitary Balemoon in a Sky of Fading Stars

"Fate grants favors to no one. Only those who would fight it with every ounce of their being may earn the right to challenge it."

— Pierro, "The Jester"

◆ Name: Arlecchino

◆ Title: Dire Balemoon

◆ Head of the House of the Hearth

◆ Vision: Pyro

◆ Constellation: Ignis Purgatorius

To this day, Arlecchino still recalls that night when she was first appointed as a Harbinger.

Up the stairs and down the long gallery, with naught to see through the windows but a world of ice and snow without end.

The biting wind wailed loudly, now as mirthful laughter, now as somber farewell—

With a start, Arlecchino came to, the hallucinations of her memory mingling with the sounds of real-life conversation that surrounded her.

The hearthfire burned with vigor, its gentle warmth pervading the room, and its red light glowed on the children's faces, lighting up their innocent, unaffected smiles. If some uninformed passerby were to stumble in at this precise moment, they would surely mistake the scene before them for that of an ordinary, happy family.

But just as Arlecchino raised her steaming cup to take a sip of scalding-hot black tea, the clock began to chime — and within an instant, the laughter and cheer that filled the room were banished. The flames flickered so that for a moment the light faltered, the faces of all present cast in somber expression.

Placing her cup back down, Arlecchino stood up, and in a calm, measured tone, called out several names:

"Chapleau, you're with Lyney. Retrieve the required intelligence. Foltz, you and Filliol are on guard duty. Stay back and tend to the Hearth..."

"Yes, 'Father.'"

Without a redundant syllable, nor a hint of hesitation, they answered as one.

Not long after, the fire had dwindled and the house fallen utterly silent, with nothing to be seen but a single shaft of infiltrating moonlight, peeking through a gap in the curtains upon a cup of gradually cooling tea.

[mazuriri]

4.6 update

I'm continuing my thread on Lyney x traveller since Lyney can’t stop showing his ‘feelings’ 👏 (and I write here because I've run out of space to put photos in the other thread).

＊ Arlecchino’s story quest :

During Arlecchino’s quest, it was predictable to come across Lyney and his siblings, along with the inevitable moments shared between the magician and the traveler. Their paths crossed right at the start of the quest in Poisson, with Lyney who calls them from a distance.

The introduction of Lyney x Traveler right from the beginning of the quest is just heartwarming. It's truly delightful to witness their joyous reunion after being apart for such a long time. One cannot help but notice Lyney's excitement as he spots the Traveler from a distance and eagerly call out to them, and the Traveler reciprocating the same gesture is simply heart-melting.

As a fan of this ship, these small actions hold great significance for me. The previous interactions between them have paved the way for a newfound sense of friendliness, which is beautifully exemplified by the Traveler's warm greeting "It's been too long." This reunion with Lyney marks a significant milestone in their relationship, showcasing the evolution of their bond.

The traveler's arrival never fails to ignite a spark of joy in Lyney. This has been demonstrated multiple times and it is remarkable how this simple encounter can instantly brighten his entire day. What is truly comforting is that Lyney doesn’t hide his enthusiasm, openly expressing his delight at their reunion in Poisson.

According to him, this encounter seem destined, as if fate itself has orchestrated them.

After Arlecchino proposed that the traveler should stay in Poisson for a while, she then requested Lyney to entertain the guests, to which Lyney willingly agreed, expressing that it had always been his dream to welcome the traveler into his home and introduce them to his siblings. While others may have different dreams, Lyney's dream was centered around introducing his family to the traveler, as family holds immense importance to him. He had previously expressed his desire to invite the traveler to his home, considering them as a part of his own family. Now, in this quest, his long-awaited dream has finally come true.

(Now his dream has come true, will he have a dream to ask the traveler in marriage lol?)

This guy meticulously explained his process in Poisson, only to discover that it presented an ideal opportunity to exhibit his culinary skills to the traveler. Of course, Lyney... Go above and beyond to leave an even greater impression, as if your magic tricks weren't already enough.

Also dear magician… Other people have something else to do than show their talent in cooking 🤨 (Maybe he wants to be a skilled husband who can cook for his beloved in the future LOL)

As Lyney prepared to hand over the supplies, Chapleau was rendered speechless and filled with astonishment upon coming face to face with the famous traveler and Paimon, whose names had been circulating extensively in discussions among everyone.

Throughout the encounter, Lyney appeared either irritated or nonchalant, emitting an aura of "Dude... there's no need to be so shocked" or "Hey, don't stare at my crush like that" (Could it be that he was feeling jealous? 🤨 There are various interpretations of his expression in that moment, but let's assume it's jealousy lol). He even cautioned him and the other children to refrain from potentially annoying or frightening the traveler and Paimon.

(Let’s not forget that he was the one who was excited to introduce his siblings to the traveler and look what face he makes lmao, he can’t be more obvious.)

The traveler has gained immense popularity, and it is all thanks to Arlecchino and Lyney. Both of them constantly talk about the traveler, and Lyney never misses a chance to mention them. Arlecchino, on the other hand, not only talks about the traveler but also brings up Lyney in her conversations. It is amusing to see how Arlecchino knows about the bond between her son and the traveler share. (I will come back later about Arlecchino's perspective on their relationship)

This has led to children being well-informed about the traveler, with Arlecchino and Lyney playing a significant role in spreading awareness about the traveler's presence.

You know what’s the funny part? The irony lies in the fact that Lyney previously mentioned the traveler's fame within the organization, which raises the question of who is truly responsible for their popularity. It is evident that the traveler's popularity is attributed to the detailed accounts provided by Lyney and Arlecchino, as confirmed by the children during their conversation (because they told so much about the traveler according to Foltz and Chapleau.)

Lyney my boy… there is no way to avoid the children because it is evident that you have been discussing the traveler's actions quite often. This is why they are so well-informed about the situation. Alrecchino also contributes to this knowledge by frequently mentioning Lyney and how the traveler has been of great assistance to them.

Following Freminet's disclosure regarding Clervie, Lyney opts to engage in a private discussion with him in a secluded corner to address familial matters. The traveler and Paimon detect the escalating tension between the two and grow apprehensive. Consequently, they make the decision to intervene in order to avert any potential conflict that may arise between Lyney and Freminet during their conversation.

Paimon emphasizes the bond of friendship among the group, highlighting the shared experiences they have already gone through. What made me smile throughout was that the Traveler immediately agreed with Paimon and didn't hesitate to help Lyney and Freminet. Unlike in the past, there is no trace of doubt or suspicion, they were ready to offer their assistance. As they say, sometimes guests can be useful and Lyney immediately understood what they meant.

The Traveler's bond with Lyney and their siblings has been solidified as one of friendship and care, leading them to offer their help despite the dangerous circumstances. Lyney, aware of the risks involved, attempted to dissuade the Traveler from getting involved, but his pleas fell on deaf ears as the Traveler remained steadfast in their decision to stand by their friends. They just couldn't abondon the siblings, and that's the traveler we all know.

Lyney finds himself at a loss for words, but he expresses his sincere gratitude to the traveler for their assistance once again. The traveler's willingness to help in such a situation deeply touches Lyney, and he is truly moved by their continuous support. The numerous times the traveler has come to Lyney's aid have left an indelible mark on his memory, and he feels an immense sense of gratitude towards them. Each action taken by the traveler holds a special place in Lyney's heart, as he genuinely cares about their well-being. Despite his initial concern for the traveler's safety and his desire to shield them from harm, Lyney understands that they are not easily swayed by his protective gestures. As I mentioned before, he really wanted to keep them out of it, but knowing them for a while now, Lyney already knows they wouldn't easily accept what he would propose.

It is in this moment that he utters the heartfelt words, "I'll protect you like my life depends on it." This statement reflects Lyney's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the traveler, even if it means putting his own life at risk. He is truly willing to protect them at all costs, even if it means putting his own life in danger. He only cares about his family, including the traveler since Lyney considers them family too. It may seem very sweet at first but if we delve deeper, Lyney's words reveals a profound level of care.

• Do you remember when Wriothesley 'kidnapped' Lynette, causing Lyney to panic as he was ready to give himself to Wriothesley in exchange for Lynette’s release. In Arlecchino’s quest, he became upset with Freminet for putting his own life in 'danger' with Clervie's situation. Although Lyney said that the others will be punished by Arlecchino, he was especially really worried about Freminet, showing genuine concern for him. Lyney's deep-rooted fear of losing his siblings is palpable, as he cherishes them dearly and is willing to go to great lengths to protect them, showcasing a touching and sad aspect of his character. We already know that this is not the first time that Lyney has acted in this way, we have already been aware for a long time that Lyney will not hesitate to put his life at risk for his siblings.

However, it remains unclear whether Lyney values his own life or not, but what is certain is that he is ready to sacrifice his life for his loved ones.

(Here for example, Lyney immediately threw himself to protect Lynette before Freminet blocked Arlecchino's attack.)

Personally, I have the urge to give him a wake-up call and remind him that his life holds just as much value, urging him to be cautious. This is the reason why Lynette became angry with him during this quest, and I can empathize with her. Let's be honest, Lyney's actions come off as self-centered : he chooses to deal with the situation 'alone' and doesn't want Lynette to know (same situation in Lynette hangout), but unfortunately, she was there the whole time and got angry at everyone, especially Freminet and Lyney. (I swear their siblings relationship makes me emotional)

———————————

Upon knowing the secret activities that had been occurring behind her back, Arlecchino resolved to take matters into her own hands. However, just as she was on the verge of initiating her plan, Lyney stepped in to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating further (with Freminet, Lynette and Chapleau). Regrettably, their efforts proved to be in vain. Nevertheless, Arlecchino decided to change tactics : they have to fight her.

Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet all agree to this, prompting the traveler to recall the consideration given to them by Arlecchino. Before the punishment, she had asked for a consideration from the traveler and had clearly stated that when the time comes, they must make the appropriate choice when the time comes. Now, that moment came at the time of the punishment of the members of the house.

The traveler carefully considers Arlecchino’s words and because they had made a promise to do so, they ultimately make the choice to support Lyney and the siblings by joining them in battle. It brought a smile to my face to see that the traveler had decided to fight alongside Lyney and the others, as they too didn’t want to witness the 'traitors' get killed, which is understandable. However, their motivation was also to assist Lyney and show respect for his decision. Lyney is also taken aback by the traveler's decision to join them, and I am confident that he will appreciate and acknowledge their actions.

✨ Extra :

I hadn’t mentioned it in my previous thread but I have now made the decision to address this topic and delve into Arlecchino's perspective on the traveler.

Lyney's trust in the traveler is a significant revelation, especially considering his usual guarded nature towards others. This newfound openness towards the traveler showcases a level of comfort and confidence that Lyney rarely displays with anyone else, making it a noteworthy point in their relationship.

The significance of Lyney's statement to Arlecchino, where he identifies the traveler as the person he trusts the most, cannot be understated. Arlecchino, being well-acquainted with her children, understands the weight of these words and the depth of trust that Lyney has placed in the traveler. This revelation sheds light on the unique bond between Lyney and the traveler, highlighting the exceptional level of trust that exists between them, a bond that transcends Lyney's usual reservations towards others.

In the house, each individual see themselves as “family”, prioritizing their connections over engaging with the outside world. Arlecchino emphasizes the significance of regarding a stranger as a family, highlighting the gravity of this notion. Moreover, it is important to acknowledge that they are fatui and opening up to other people outside the house is crucial. Arlecchino understands that the children, particularly Lyney, hold an affection for the traveler. Therefore, when she emphasizes the importance of the traveler valuing this friendship, she warns the traveler to take this friendship seriously, that they should not break this relationship or it could lead to unfavorable consequences.

Arlecchino, after careful consideration, decided to place her ‘trust’ in Lyney and the other siblings. She effectively conveys to the traveler the depth of friendship that exists between Lyney and his siblings, emphasizing its significance. The traveler, having witnessed this bond, is not only accepting of it but also respects and admires Lyney's relationship with his siblings.

They literally have the blessing from Arlecchino since she supports and respect them. With the 'Father' now endorsing the friendship her son shares with the traveler, and Lynette supports what her brother feels (she told the traveler to take care of him many times), Lyney is indeed fortunate to have the blessings and support of both his ‘Father’ and sister. So….

When is the marriage lol?

———————

That's all for this analysis, it was to be expected to have moments between Lyney and the traveler in Arlecchino's quest, I mean... it was OBLIGED. It is now evident that the Traveler considers Lyney and his siblings as genuine friends and is willing to assist them in any situation, despite their affiliation with the Fatui.

Speaking of which, Arlecchino expressed her intention to make Lyney the next 'King' of the house if he stays, to which Lyney reluctantly agrees. Throughout the conversation, the Traveler remained silent, not objecting at all, simply listening throughout the conversation. Despite the fact that the house is part of the Fatui, the Traveler respects Lyney's decision. The development between them is remarkable, and I am pleased to see the Traveler finally opening up to Lyney despite their past, always being there for him and his siblings. Their friendship is truly endearing, and that's why I love them. Everything they have overcome in the past is now ‘resolved’, and they are always happy to reunite.

Despite the focus being primarily on Arlecchino in her quest, Lyney and the others played a significant role, and their contributions were exceptional.

[mrboatfacegachahell]

ARLECCHINO MY BELOVED

To this day, Arlecchino still recalls that night when she was first appointed as a Harbinger. Up the stairs and down the long gallery, with naught to see through the windows but a world of ice and snow without end. The biting wind wailed loudly, now as mirthful laughter, now as somber farewell— With a start, Arlecchino came to, the hallucinations of her memory mingling with the sounds of real-life conversation that surrounded her. The hearthfire burned with vigor, its gentle warmth pervading the room, and its red light glowed on the children's faces, lighting up their innocent, unaffected smiles. If some uninformed passerby were to stumble in at this precise moment, they would surely mistake the scene before them for that of an ordinary, happy family. But just as Arlecchino raised her steaming cup to take a sip of scalding-hot black tea, the clock began to chime — and within an instant, the laughter and cheer that filled the room were banished. The flames flickered so that for a moment the light faltered, the faces of all present cast in somber expression. Placing her cup back down, Arlecchino stood up, and in a calm, measured tone, called out several names: "Chapleau, you're with Lyney. Retrieve the required intelligence. Foltz, you and Filliol are on guard duty. Stay back and tend to the Hearth..." "Yes, 'Father.'" Without a redundant syllable, nor a hint of hesitation, they answered as one. Not long after, the fire had dwindled and the house fallen utterly silent, with nothing to be seen but a single shaft of infiltrating moonlight, peeking through a gap in the curtains upon a cup of gradually cooling tea.

"Fate grants favors to no one. Only those who would fight it with every ounce of their being may earn the right to challenge it." — - Pierro, "The Jester"

[monsieurtranquille]

AFTER CITIZEN KANE

Here is

CITIZEN MUSK

The cookie billionaire Elon Musk wants to get a hold of Twitter.

Extract from Chapleau 2022

Les Éditions La Presse

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"KICK OUT WINDOWS AT CHAPLEAU JAIL," Toronto Star. November 2, 1943. Page 2. ---- Twenty-Two to Appear in Court Following Hallowe'en Dance ---- Special to The Star Chapleau, Nov. 2 - "The mob kicked out the windows of the jail," Chief Constable William Hall said today in commenting on a fracas at a Hallowe'en dance in the town hall Friday night. Twenty-two persons will appear before District Magistrate Willard Cooper of Sudbury in police court here tomorrow.

"The Legion auxiliary was having a dance," Chief Hall said, "and I was there in civvies. At the end of the Paul Jones I was told that an airman asked a lady to dance with him. She said she was sorry but that everyone was supposed to dance with their original partners. The airman made a rude reply.

"Councillor Young told me about it and I asked the airman to sit down and behave himself. I showed him my police badge. He defied me to remove him and started to make trouble so I put him out. He grabbed my hands and struck me on the head. Three others joined in the mix-up," the chief added.

When the four were locked up a crowd collected outside the police station, demanding their release, and there was more trouble, the chief said.

[pigeon-toes]

"Fate grants favors to no one. Only those who would fight it with every ounce of their being may earn the right to challenge it."

— Pierro, "The Jester"

◆ Name: Arlecchino

◆ Title: Dire Balemoon

◆ Head of the House of the Hearth

◆ Vision: Pyro

◆ Constellation: Ignis Purgatorius

Arlecchino: Dire Balemoon

Head of the House of the Hearth

To this day, Arlecchino still recalls that night when she was first appointed as a Harbinger.

Up the stairs and down the long gallery, with naught to see through the windows but a world of ice and snow without end.

The biting wind wailed loudly, now as mirthful laughter, now as somber farewell—

With a start, Arlecchino came to, the hallucinations of her memory mingling with the sounds of real-life conversation that surrounded her.

The hearthfire burned with vigor, its gentle warmth pervading the room, and its red light glowed on the children's faces, lighting up their innocent, unaffected smiles. If some uninformed passerby were to stumble in at this precise moment, they would surely mistake the scene before them for that of an ordinary, happy family.

But just as Arlecchino raised her steaming cup to take a sip of scalding-hot black tea, the clock began to chime — and within an instant, the laughter and cheer that filled the room were banished. The flames flickered so that for a moment the light faltered, the faces of all present cast in somber expression.

Placing her cup back down, Arlecchino stood up, and in a calm, measured tone, called out several names:

"Chapleau, you're with Lyney. Retrieve the required intelligence. Foltz, you and Filliol are on guard duty. Stay back and tend to the Hearth..."

"Yes, 'Father.'"

Without a redundant syllable, nor a hint of hesitation, they answered as one.

Not long after, the fire had dwindled and the house fallen utterly silent, with nothing to be seen but a single shaft of infiltrating moonlight, peeking through a gap in the curtains upon a cup of gradually cooling tea.

[bestiarium]

The Wingwak [Algonquin mythology; Native American mythology]

Sleep-inducing creatures and spirits are somewhat common in myths and tales from around the world, presumably having arisen independently as ways to explain peoples’ need for sleep. In the folklore of the Native American Algonquin people – who live in Canada – this creature takes the form of the Wingwak (alternatively ‘Wingoc’), a small insect-like supernatural being.

Though the Wingwak is a spirit of sleep, it takes the form of a butterfly (though I have also seen them described as flies). Usually they swarm someone in groups of five in order to put that person to sleep.

There is an Algonquin legend about a celestial being who, being aloof and not paying attention, fell through a hole in the heavens and fell down to Earth. Though he was not hurt by the impact, the being was surprised to find that mortal humans sleep. He eventually discovered a man who slept significantly more than the other humans, and around whose head there was a swarm of butterflies. He crafted a bow with arrows and took aim at the insects. His aim was far beyond that of mortals, so he managed to hit some of the insects with an arrow and chased the others away. Thus, the being from the heavens managed to wake the man and proceeded to share his knowledge with the humans. He prophesized that one day, a race of bearded creatures would arrive in this world. When that happens, the people would die off. And later, the arrival of the women of this bearded species will signal ruin for the people. I believe this last part might be a reference to a different story that I did not manage to find.

The Wingwak is also mentioned in a bunch of proverbs: the saying ‘wingwak ondjita manek’ (“there are many wingwak”) means that everyone is currently asleep. ‘Ni nisigok wingwak’ (“[may] the wingwak kill me’) is said when one is very tired.

Sources: Chamberlain, A. F., 1900, Some Items of Algonkian Folk-Lore, The Journal of American Folklore, 13(51): pp. 271-277. University of Western Ontario, 1990, Algonquian and Iroquoian Linguistics, Volumes 15-20, page 35. Cuoq, J. A., 1886, Lexique de la langue algonquine, J Chapleau & Fils, Oxford University, 446 pp. (image source: Pinclub Teaser for the Metazoo Cryptid trading card game, illustration by Siobhan Daly)

This is the third or fourth time I looked up images of a very obscure folktale and found artwork from Metazoo cards. Maybe I should check that out. I really suck at trading card games, though.

[robotstrategy]

Rediscover • Part 1 • 3 - Mathieu

Previous • Series Masterlist • Part 1 Masterlist • Next

Chapleau Cree Fox Lake Indian Reserve is about seven hours away from the summer camp in Muskoka, because of the direction Mathieu doesn’t join the others on the bus to the camp. He’s being transported alone in the back of the car of an absolutely chatty Sienna named Timothy. 

Mathieu ignores him; instead he watches the dashboard hula girl violently rock back and forth as Timothy traverses the rocky terrain. Timothy is halfway through talking to nobody when Mathieu asks him about the girl.

“What’s with the little lady?”

Timothy pauses. “Huh?”

Mathieu hangs his arms around the seat in front of him, placing his chin on its shoulder he points with his lips over to the figurine. “The little dancer on the dashboard.”

Timothy nods and smiles. “All the company vehicles have one. It’s to match the theme of the camp. Well, maybe not in July, we like to get a little festive like our friends down under.”

Mathieu nods, he sighs out of boredom before throwing himself back in his seat.

“So what’s going on with your family?” Timothy asks. 

“My Dad went with my sisters to a Powwow since it’s getting close to the end of the season. They usually all go just to cheer on my younger sister.”

“You mean your little sister?”

“No, they’re both older than me.”

“Oh, I’ve never been to a Powwow, are they fun?”

Mathieu blows air out from between his lips before answering. “I’d say so, I don’t dance like my sister does, I just watch.”

“I wonder if there are any vendors there.”

“There is, but don’t expect anything to be cheap. They know what their work is worth.”

Timothy laughs, then happily sighs. “I guess I’d understand their reasoning, personally I wished people would pay more for my work, though I suppose it’s up to the government how much I get paid.”

“Is it like a Federal Union?” Mathieu asks.

“Yeah, I suppose it is, though sometimes it depends on the quality of the product.”

Mathieu furrows his eyebrows, confused about what the quality of a product would have to do with a summer camp, much less how there would be a federal union running at something done providentially.

Midway through the several hours Timothy rolls into an ONroute and gets out of the car. The building is monstrous in size, its roof is high enough to house the semi-trucks that park around it. “I’m gonna get a bathroom break and some food, are you joining me?” Timothy asks him.

Mathieu nods, getting out of the car and taking the handle of the entrance door once Timothy passes into him. 

After going to the bathroom Mathieu gets in line with Timothy to get food. “What do you think you’ll get?” Timothy asks him. 

“I’m not sure yet it’s been a while since I’ve been to a Tim Hortons or anywhere really.”

“I’m guessing your parents would rather make home-cooked meals instead?” Tim laughs.

Mathieu shakes his head. “No, well yes, it’s just that everything around us is super expensive, sometimes even food is priced like it’s a novelty.”

“Ah, well you’ll be happy knowing you won’t break the bank here!”

Mathieu lets out a little ‘tch’ noise, “I hope not!”

Mathieu heads back to the car with jalapeño bread twists and what he’s pretty sure is a Coffee Crisp in slushie form. As they keep driving through forests Mathieu imagines a little stick figure running through the trees to keep up with them. Apparently, that’s a shared experience almost everyone has. It's strange how deep down everyone imagines the same thing despite never passing the idea to each other. 

As he doses off more the car becomes slower, and he’s jolted awake by rumble strips, he sees the car pass between two totem poles, they must be in the camp now. Timothy passes into a round parking lot in front of one of the main buildings.

Mathieu gets out of the car with his carry-ons and is greeted with two large hibiscus bush hedges wrapping around the path to the main building. Timothy nods at him before driving off the car to god-knows-where. Mathieu would be annoyed at his sudden abandonment if it weren't for the fact he was stuck in that car all day. He looks up at the building, it’s made up of an A-line roof with the entire front wall being a giant window. He assumes he’s supposed to head up the stairs into the building. He walks up the creaky steps, struggling to get his suitcase up the horribly built stairs. 

“Can I help you with that?” Mathieu looks over to where the voice comes from, and he’s horrified. There’s a muscular tall being a meter away from him with a mask displaying the word ‘HOSTILE’ where its face should be. 

He struggles to put another stair step in between both of them. “I’m, I’m fine.” He tells it.

“Are you sure?” It asks in a gruff woman’s voice, Mathieu looks down at it, putting another step in between them. He sees all the different body grafts and wonders if its voice is even its own. 

“Yes. I can carry my own things.” He uses a defensive tone with it.

“Is this about the mask? Because…” the figure suddenly slumps over. “Never mind, your opinion wouldn’t change either way.”

Mathieu can’t help but feel a little sympathetic towards the figure, even as he flees up the stairs with his hands full. Finally getting to the doors, he finds that the other counsellors have made a pile of luggage in the entryway, the only thing they probably took inside was their phones. Mathieu does the same and starts walking into the main room to meet the other counsellors.

He walks towards the other camp counsellors, he thinks all will be fine until he gets closer to the group and everyone starts staring at him. Feeling intimidated, he awkwardly laughs, letting out a little “hi” as he makes his way around them to the back of the room. He sits in the corner, shrouded by the counter screwed to the wall. Mathieu is ashamed that he’s like this, his older sisters would’ve stood high and mighty even if everyone was looking at them, he on the other hand can’t stand all the gazes. 

“You good?” 

Mathieu raises his head to look across the room, he’s met with a white mask with a light blue square on it looking back at him. The word over the square reads ‘MODIFIED’, kinda like how that other figure had the word ‘HOSTILE’ on their mask.

“I’m fine,” He responds. “You?”

The figure taps its mask. “Fine too, but this thing is a pain in the ass.”

“Why do you have to wear it?”

“I don’t know, I guess it’s some stupid government mumbo jumbo.” The figure groans as it gets up to come sit beside him. “I’m guessing you don’t really want to be seen either?”

Mathieu shakes his head slowly, letting out a soft “no.”

��Yeah, they kept asking me questions, so I just put myself in this corner. Everyone here seems to think I’ll be happy to answer all their questions because I’m Modified because I’m the best version of what comes back around. Well, screw it! I want to be left alone!”

“Yahē!” Mathieu exclaims. “I agree.”

The figure lifts a hand towards him, there’s some wrist wrap on it. “Come join the club… uh?”

Mathieu shakes his hand. “Mathieu. What’s with the wrist wrap?”

“Roland. I just twisted it, it’ll be fine.” He waves it off, his head suddenly jolts towards an umber girl coming towards them.

She looks at Mathieu. “Sorry, I just wanted to say that I liked your braids.”

He smiles and nods. “Thanks, my mom told me they’d last longer out here, I’ll still probably take them out at least two times.”

The girl nods, “Personally I can keep my dreads in for longer, though I don’t think the smell of a campfire would mix too well with them.” 

Mathieu laughs while Roland turns to the girl. “I don’t think we’ll be doing any campfires anyways, all of our food is supposed to come from a cafeteria… So have you come to join the ‘We don’t want to be bothered.’ Club?”

The girl shrugs, “Maybe, that boy over there kept trying to touch my hair.” She gestures to a menacing-looking teen with spiked hair. 

“Yeah, that guy screams ‘asshole’. He's started to look at me funny ever since I introduced myself to him.” 

The girl nods. “Judging by his head scars, he’s most likely got an unwind part in his brain, maybe he feels guilty.” 

Roland wraps his arms around himself. “No, it wasn’t like that, he kept trying to ask where I was unwound and where my body was stored, I didn’t answer him, not like I’d even know the answer to the second question.”

“Weird,” The girl holds her hand. “You guys can call me Gigi by the way.” 

“Mathieu.” He shakes her hand. 

“Roland.” He states, he doesn’t go in to shake her hand, rather, he stays wrapped up in himself. Mathieu wonders if what that boy said to him really cut into his psyche. 

“If you don’t mind me asking Roland,” Gigi asks him, trying to stare him in the eyes as much as she can through the mask. “How are you kept when you’re unwound?”

Roland looks down, it’s hard to read whether he’s thinking or been made uncomfortable by the question. “I don’t remember, I think a nurse told me it’s like a freezer aisle, and that every door has a different kid on display.” He tells them.

“How long were you like that?” Mathieu asks. 

“Two years I think, they never tell ya this, but there’s already too many kids going around to be used. Even then, the section I was put in made undesirable… but, whatever keeps me whole I guess.”

“What section were you put in?” Gigi prods.

“The exotic section.” He states plainly.

Mathieu cringes, he looks at Gigi. “Is there really an exotic section?”

Gigi shakes her head. “I've never seen one, then again, I’ve only ever been in one of those shops once in my life.”

“Why’d they put you in that section?” Mathieu asks. “No offence, but I don’t really see anything… about you… that would be…”

“My guess was that he had a horrible personality, he almost killed a kid when he was alive.”

“He?” Gigi questions. 

Roland nods. “I’m not supposed to consider him myself anymore, since I’m modified, I’m more like a bug-fixed clone of the original,” He pauses. “I don’t like thinking about it too much. Other than that, I can only assume they picked up on him and I being a second-generation immigrant.”

“Oh, where do your parents come from?” Gigi asks. 

“My mom is still from the U.S., but my dad comes from Spain.”

“Ah, right, you’re one of the people coming into Canada for this camp.”

“Uh-huh, how many of us are there? I already travelled with my friend to get here.”

“Well, I think there’s one more person from the U.S., then there’s two from France.”

“France? Wow, I would not have come here if I was all the way from France.” There was a tone of disbelief on Roland’s tongue, Mathieu almost certainly knew his eyes had gone wide open as well.