#I think sir terry was having a laugh

[annaholak]

Inktober, Tiffany Aching, Barbie, and a General Life Update

The Plan: Read the Tiffany Aching books during the summer, re-make her, and use her as the main character for my next Inktober.

The Reality: while I was finishing Cupid Cafe my landlord decided to sell the apartment I've been renting for over a decade. It was an extremely shitty one (no heating, broken air-conditioning units, dark, moldy, etc), but it was dirty cheap, and the best I could afford.

It was sold in mid-June, and the new owner (surprising no one) wanted to raise the rent. I don't know how the rental market is wherever you live, but here (in Athens, Greece) it's a right nightmare (Airbnb has a lot to answer for...). I couldn't find anything in the same price bracket that wasn't basically a tiny basement-turned-into-a-studio. I was panicking. Heavily.

In the end a (really good) friend came to my rescue. She convinced her mom (who had moved to her vacation home during the pandemic) to rent me the city apartment she was rarely using anymore. With the same money I was paying for the previous one. A fucking life saver let me tell you.

It's a much bigger, and generally much nicer, one than the previous shithole I was living in. I finally have enough space for an actual studio. It's also in a much nicer neighbourhood. One I normally would not be able to afford. Lots of green spaces, and very pet friendly (I don't have a pet at the moment, but I'm greatly enjoying meeting all the happy puppers on their walks, whenever I'm out and about).

I moved in in mid-July. I'm still working on it, as I've been going through a lot of the things I had in storage, deciding what to keep, donate, or throw away, and that takes time. The studio is still a mess, but here is a sneak peek of my current working space (the walls were supposed to be lilac, but I'm not complaining - Peppa-the-pig pink it is):

Anyway, back to Inktober. As you can imagine I had hardly the time to read anything during the summer, so the Tiffany Aching idea will have to wait. I also felt extremely uninspired by this year's Inktober prompts. I dug around a bit and found a prompt list I actually like. It's the Mystical Witchtober one, hosted by agingerly aianaiya isabee Madie Meri Marigona Suli Aria and Talita on Instagram. Here's the prompt list (by isabee):

As I was going through the things I've had in storage I found some of my childhood Barbie magazines and sticker albums. So I'm thinking of riding the nostalgia wave, and turning my Witchtober into a slightly Barbie-esque, and a bit late 1980's/early 1990's themed, witch-vampire romance.

I will be working on it at a rather leisurely pace, since I'm still busy working on my new space, and also recovering from a recurring freak throat infection I've had since mid-August (was it strep? was it mono? Who knows? Not my doctors). I've been through two rounds of antibiotics and I'm still not completely well, so please be patient with me.

I think that's all for now. Stick around for a very soft and pink Witchtober. And worry not, I have a lot of Wyrd Sisters things planned once this one is over.

P.S.

Oh yeah, I've also somehow managed in the middle of all the chaos to acquire a new boyfriend. Which hasn't happened in a while. So that's nice.

P.P.S. (bonus for still reading this essay of an update)

I made last year's Wyrd Sisters Abroad Inktober into a zine for the Comicdom Con in May. In true ADHD fashion it was written at five a.m. the morning it had to be at the printer's, after the third all nighter in a row. So typos were inevitable. But the fact that this was the only typo that made it through to the printed version, had me giggling uncontrollably once I discovered it (a couple of months later, it took me a while). Enjoy:

[neil-gaiman]

No ask, just my take on the S3 "ending" controversy...

We know DT doesn't really do the interwebs, but MS (apparently) does enjoy perusing the fandom's musings. I imagine Michael telling David about all his favorites-the fics, the art, AUs. I can see them laughing & loving every take on their beloved characters: the myriad ways in which Aziracrow find each other, lose or keep each other, endings happy & bittersweet. The inclusion/reimagining of cast mates, locales, prized possessions.

I think this is what David was referring to-the Good Omens multiverse that exists in our collective consciousness. No ending will satisfy every one, but I have faith in you & your love for Sir Terry that everything will be OK.

Tickety-boo even.

That's so sweet. Michael has been off doing his play and hasn't yet had a chance to even catch up with the Good Omens Season 3 scripts yet, let alone spend downtime on the web reading fan theories. David has no interest in fan theories of any kind -- he loves fans, loves meeting fans, but that's not how his brain works. (He just thought he was talking to a single fan at an autograph session and didn't realize that people would think he was formally addressing them all as Fandom United.)

But I still love that idea. It's really sweet.

[pratchettquotes]

A Personal Note: Celebrating 900 Posts*

"I'm an Igor, thur. We don't athk quethtionth."

"Really? Why not?"

"I don't know, thur. I didn't athk."

Terry Pratchett, Making Money

*A Rare Personal Note: In honor of the 900th quote I have shared on this inconsistent, inimitable, genuinely joyous blog, I thought I should do what I normally do. That is, I went looking for one of the many profound, jarring, thought-provoking Pratchian quotes that draw so many of us back to his books again and again. And then I opened Making Money and abruptly changed my mind. Because let's be honest: Yes, we come back to Sir Terry for the insights and the head tilts and the moments that make us go "hmm" out loud, awkwardly, when we are in a silent train car. But that's not all. I may stay true to Discworld because it makes me think -- but I fell in love with Discworld because Terry Pratchett makes me laugh. Fifteen years later, I'm still laughing. So in honor of our 900th quote in common, let's celebrate the punchlines. If we have learnt nothing else from Pratchett, we know that laughing at the world makes it bearable to live in.

[stupidphototricks]

I adore the part of Guards! Guards! (and every other book really, this is just an example) where it starts to roll forward unstoppably under its own momentum. Everything that happens feels both surprising and inevitable. You've got a situation (in this case, dragon on the loose), you've got a bunch of characters who are reacting to it and to each other, and everything they do makes you laugh delightedly like, yes! That's exactly what they would do right now.

I had the same thoughts about Jingo when I read it recently, and arguably it works even better in that book, with more characters that have undergone more development by then. But Guards! Guards! is the first book with these particular characters, and they're already so real that you get the sense that Sir Terry was just recording what happened, not orchestrating it.

I've been debating the right way to say this, or whether I should say it at all, I don't want it to be taken the wrong way. But here it is: I think that characters like these are a big part of why people write and read fanfiction.

I mean, exploring possible relationships and, let's say details of those relationships that might be beyond the original scope, that's certainly in there. But that's not all of it.

The thing is, here are these amazing, textured, rich characters that we already know. That we already love. And we want more of them, as much as possible, because how could we not. Because they're delicious.

And so we set out to discover: What were they like when they were younger, or older? What happened in the interval between these two books? How would they solve this problem? How would they react to this new thing? What if they existed in our world, or in this other fictional universe?

All of these stories that exist in potentia, in L-space maybe—other people can write them, other people are writing them, and that's wonderful. I'd like to think that Sir Terry would enjoy it, that he would see it as it's intended: as an homage, as respect, as the highest form of flattery.

As, simply, love for him and for the imagination-capturing world and characters that he created.

[failedinsomniac]

My take on the whole “S3 ending" comment controversy...

We know DT doesn't really do the interwebs, but MS (apparently) does enjoy perusing the fandom's musings. I imagine Michael telling David about all his favorites—the fics, the art, AUs. I can see them laughing over & loving most every take on their beloved characters: the myriad ways in which Aziracrow find each other, lose or keep each other, endings happy & bittersweet. The inclusion/reimagining of cast mates, locales, prized possessions.

I think this is what David was referring to—the Good Omens multiverse that exists in our collective fan consciousness. No ending will satisfy every one, but I have faith in Neil & his love for Sir Terry that everything really will be OK.

Tickety-boo even.

[alldaysarenights]

On Discworld…

…and the things I’ve learned so far.

I know, I’m late, but sometimes it’s fun to discover something on your own and in your time.

Recently, I’ve started reading the Discworld series, beginning with Rincewind. And there are so many tiny things I’ve discovered, I don’t even know where to start.

I’ll give D&D a go first. As a passionate player and also a I-once-ran-a-short-campaign DM, I couldn’t but notice all the references there to find, especially with Rincewind. Right now I’m 4 books into his story, barely at the beginning, yet I’ve laughed my a** off a few times. Always wondering what he took from a former campaign. Well, at first I wondered if Sir Pratchett actually played. The internet was quick to answer the question, yes, yes of course he did. Would have been more surprised, if he didn’t.

I discovered stuff about the gods playing dice and there are sorcerer, barbarians and the luggage, which slightly reminds me of a mimic. But I guess this beast came afterwards. I told the other players of my group, and they agreed on the resemblance. Now we definitely have the plan, to tame a mimic, lol.

I could quote you so much stuff, but I’d fancy you going on an adventure and see it for yourself. Read the books, assemble some good friends, and have some fun on a silly campaign. Not necessarily in this order.

Next thing that keeps popping up in my mind, while reading, is Good Omens. I came from the Neil Gaiman side, getting lured in by Morpheus, whom I met doing some research. My comic book dealer was happy to help. Naturally, there was a point where I did read Good Omens. And it was weird, this was Gaiman, but also not, and it was so funny. I knew one day I would have to read Discworld. Unfortunately, I was a bit discouraged by the massive amount of books. The problem sorted out itself, after a friend, I’ve talked to about it, enabled me to read them.

With it came a list in which order I should proceed, so I happily jumped in, secretly nurturing the idea of reading all the books within a year. If it works out, no idea, we’ll see. If so, I might write another article on the experience.

Anyway, the point is, knowing Good Omens well as for watching the series multiple times and doing the same to the book (reading actually), I couldn’t but notice some stuff that definitely came from Terry’s side. Like phrases, he kept using. I did read: “Not as such” as an answer more than once. No matter who said it, in my imagination it was Crowley for a split second.

The first book got me so confused, I completely forgot that this was Terry Pratchett. I caught myself thinking, I was reading Neil Gaiman. This set my brain on halt and the world stood for a second. Amazing what books can do to you.

I’ve realised Death and the horsemen and how they seem unable to start a proper apocalypse. Also, sometimes there were phrases sounding a lot like Agnes Nutter. As well as the tone it is written in, the tiny wordings you sometimes aren’t aware of as an author. And it led me to the conclusion, (of course there is no other evidence and I could be totally wrong), that Neil must have invested a lot of time in re-reading the Discworld or maybe already know them by heart. For some of the things I’ve realised definitely played a part in GO2.

It is amazing how much two people can morph into one, and yet there must be a lot of work behind the scenes. I for my part can only hope that my writing buddy and I can get to this point some day. At least I’ll have to convince him to write a full-grown novel together first.

So you might ask yourself, and I know because so did I, what’s the whole point of this article? Fair enough. I came to the conclusion, that fun expands with knowledge. And I know, my sense of fun probably differs from that of others a lot. But if you are able to grasp those tiny hints and hidden pleasures, it can make a story twice as joyful.

So go out there and consume all those stories. Not just by reading. Listen to people telling their stories, watch movies, series, anime. Maybe go to the opera or watch a play. Memorise a poem or play a game. Find the medium which suits you well but keep on searching, you’ll never know what you might learn from it and what pleasures and magic are hidden in those stories. Because our world is built, or maybe better, powered by storytelling.

[kradogsrats]

oh hey out of nowhere it's 1500 words of Claudiangst, possibly some kind of spiritual sequel to that Viren one from pre-s5

—

Claudia sits on a stone beside the Sea of the Castout, and sharpens her knife.

It’s not quite dawn, and the coming morning promises to be bright and clear—she can almost imagine that it’s just another sunrise in Xadia, and the last few days were a terrible and confusing dream. Maybe even the whole month. The ruined stump below her knee, radiating the dull, persistent ache that was as far as she could reduce the pain with what she had in her satchel, destroys the shelter of that fantasy.

The repeated motion of the blade against stone helps a bit, like her calming mantra once did. There is no synonym for cinnamon, there is no synonym for cinnamon—every stroke a little sharper, a little clearer, a little more deliberate. The soft lapping of the waves against the shore might have done the same, once.

She’d almost drowned. Without the potion, her shifted form hadn’t lasted. She’d kicked desperately toward the surface with one leg while bitter seawater and blood rushed into her lungs. When she finally broke the surface, choking and exhausted, it took everything she had just to stay afloat. There was no way she could swim to shore—only drift, watching the sky slowly darken. At some point, the tears came, hot on her sea-chilled face. By the time she washed up on the rocky beach, she’d been incoherent with pain and grief.

The transformation was also the only thing that kept her from bleeding out—her pentapus limbs fusing back together as they returned to human form had mostly closed the wound. Terry had stripped her out of her soaked clothes and wrapped her in a blanket, her body shivering uncontrollably from cold and shock. He’d bound her leg where it was still oozing blood, and he and Sir Sparklepuff fretted over her late into the night as she alternated between chills and feverish delirium.

She holds the blade up to examine it in the pre-dawn gloom, tilting it to catch whatever light it can. It’s a good knife, slim and elegant and curved. It has always been, ever since she found it on the body of a Sunfire elf while picking through the abandoned battlefield. It's far from the least useful thing she's harvested from the dead.

Still, it's not sharp enough. For now.

Wracked with sorrow and fear and pain, she barely slept an hour. But she dreamed.

She'd been back at the center of the sea, standing above it as if it was no more than a puddle. The surface below her was smooth as glass, perfectly reflecting the sky overhead—so overflowing with stars that she couldn't tell if it was night or day. Blood seeped slowly from her leg and dripped into the dark water, lurid in the harsh light, ripples spreading out of sight.

Aaravos’s voice came to her, echoing from every direction. Soft as a whisper, but vibrating through her bones like thunder. We are all stardust, bound together only by love.

She spun, foolishly hoping to see him there. If she could just plead her case to him—she could do better. She would do better. She'd been foolish, thinking her old friends would understand her. Sentimental. She wouldn't make the same mistake again.

There was no one. She was alone between twin tapestries of stars, indistinguishable save for the red ripples that faintly disturbed the one below.

Someone once thought those words would comfort me. Do they comfort you?

“No,” she said. Her voice cracked. “They don’t.”

I thought not. Soft laughter, the kind of indulgent chuckle where it was impossible to tell if you were being laughed with or at—not cruel, but indisputably superior. They did not comfort me either, but I can give you something that might.

Her mouth trembled, eyes burning. She wanted so badly to be wrong, for him to have lied to her, for there to somehow be another chance. “You already said there's no way to bring him back a second time.”

All that could hold him here is cut loose. He is beyond your reach, now.

She couldn't stop her tears, but gulped in a breath and held it to keep from sobbing. It was her fault. She had failed. If she’d only—

If Ezran had just told her where the prison was—

If Callum hadn’t been so stubborn about bringing the baby Archdragon to Xadia—

If Soren had would have killed the elf back when she'd feigned sleep in that stupid, beautiful moonlit garden—if she'd made him, instead of indulging his stupid, childish sense of sportsmanship and honor—everything would be different. Everything would be fine.

She should have realized then that her brother wasn't on her side. Not really. Not like she'd been on his. Not like she'd always been on their family's side. She'd thought he loved her. She'd thought Callum had loved her, or at least liked her. Even Ezran had abandoned her, now. Everyone was gone. She only had Terry.

But I am not.

And Aaravos.

She breathed, shuddering inhales and exhales as she wiped at her face with her sleeve. "What do you want?"

I'm not the one you should be asking. Search your heart, child—there is still something you want very badly. Something that, with my help, lies within your grasp. If you are strong enough to take it.

She would already have everything she wanted, if she hadn't—if Callum and Ezran and that elf hadn't gotten in the way. If the boys she'd once thought of as her best friends hadn't left her for dead, choking and and bleeding and alone in open water. She'd done a lot of things she wasn't proud of—but she would never do that. Not to someone she cared about. They should have known she wouldn't actually hurt Ez.

She still didn't want to hurt him. Not much.

Callum, though—Callum she wouldn't mind hurting. The elf she'd cheerfully tear apart with her bare hands.

The sky continues to lighten, and she holds up the knife again. It's sharp now, like new—it will cut swift and clean. Traveling Xadia for two years, she'd learned a lot. How sharp a blade had to be, the amount of strength it took to sink it deep enough, where and how to cut. Back in Katolis, it had once sickened her to put her hands around a fawn's fragile neck to save her brother. She'd cried with frustration and shame as she struggled, trying to ignore the creature's panicked bleats and thin, flailing legs. Now, she could cut its throat before it even realized what was happening. Ruthlessly. Mercifully.

It can still be better. She returns to the stone.

Fortunately, you already have something that can give you that strength.

Aaravos had told her what to do. Then she'd been plunged into the blood-red water below her, dragged down into the darkness. She'd fought, reaching toward the receding surface, but she was so deep she couldn't even see the light from the sky. As her strength and breath ran out, everything fading away into a soft, endless black, she thought she felt the brush of fingers against her own.

Sir Sparklepuff had been crouched beside her when she started awake, pawing at her as he stared down into her face from the dark. "Blood!" he croaked, scampering away when she sat up. "Blood, blood of child, bloodied child!"

The eastern sky was beginning to pale by the time she'd dragged herself into her clothes and mixed herself something to bring the pain of her leg down to bearable levels. She'd levered herself upright with her staff, hobble-hopping to a nearby rock. The rocky sand shifted under her with each step, only the staff and her own desperation keeping her from falling. If she went down, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to get up again.

She finally collapsed on the rock, chest heaving with effort from having crossed barely ten paces of beach. Aaravos was right—between exhaustion, pain, and blood loss, she wouldn't be going anywhere without a boost.

Her eyes fell on Terry, a little line of worry creased between his brows even as he slept, snoring lightly. He cared for her so much it made her heart hurt, but so had Callum and Ezran, once. Now she saw that he would only ever hold her back. If she still had those coins, Moonshadow elf would be in the palm of her hand. Even tossing them into the lava beneath Umber Tor, though a waste, might have broken her enough to disrupt whatever sway she held over the boys.

It will be best for both of them for her to leave him behind. Maybe he'll hurt for a while, but he won't see how cruel she can be. How cruel she will be, once she catches up with her prey. Let him remember loving a girl who still hesitated.

The first glimmers of sunlight peek over the horizon, and Sparklepuff is at her side. He gazes up at her adoringly, head resting against her good leg, the pale violet stretch of his throat exposed. The blade is heavy in her hand.

Claudia's knife won't get any sharper. She cuts swift and clean.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

The Silver Shoes - Translation (銀の靴)

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

I have also made a version which includes the members' notes found in the script.

[To the Land of Oz - Munchkin, daytime]

Arrival to another world. The Munchkin Country, where everything you see is blue.

A beautiful story-like world, rich in nature.

A peaceful place, full of happiness.

Theo regains consciousness little by little.

Theo: (groaning)

When he opens his eyes, he sees strange men looking at his face.

Little person 1: He woke up.

Little person 2: He woke up!

Little person 3: He woke up…

He’s surprised as they suddenly come into view, and jumps to his feet.

Theo: (startled scream)

Little person 1: He’s frightened.

Little person 2: He’s frightened!

Little person 3: He’s frightened…

Theo: W-Who are you…?!!

Little person 1: Don’t worry.

Little person 2: We’re on your side.

Little person 3: We’re not going to hurt you.

Theo looks around.

Theo: Where are we?

The little people welcome him with exaggerated movements.

Little person 1: Welcome

Little person 2: To the Land of Oz’s

Little person 3: Munchkin!

Theo: … Oz? … Munchkin?

Theo calms down and directs his attention towards the surrounding landscape.

Theo: What a beautiful place… Everything seems to shine. It’s a stunningly bright country… It’s very different from Kansas…

They agree, brimming with confidence and nodding vehemently.

Little person 1: That’s right!

Little person 2: It sure is.

Little person 3: It is, isn’t it?

Theo, becoming increasingly amused by the little people, laughs.

Theo: … Haha, and everything is blue! Lush trees and blue-roofed houses. And even your clothes!

The little people swiftly kneel before Theo.

Little person 1: You have brought peace to our beautiful country, sir!

Little person 2: Indeed! Wonderful Mr. Wizard!

Theo: … Wizard!? Me…?

Little person 3: Because you have defeated that terrible, Wicked Witch of the East!

Theo: Defeated…? The Wicked Witch…?

The little people point with great vigor.

Ahead of them, the barn that had been sent flying along with Theo is wrecked.

Theo: That’s my farmhouse’s barn…

Little person 1: You came down from the sky and crushed the Wicked Witch, sir.

Theo is surprised and confused because he has killed someone, even if indirectly.

Theo: What!? Oh no… Did I kill her?

Little person 2: There is nothing to be sad about! The Wicked Witch has been ruling over us and treating us cruelly for a long time!

Little person 3: If anything, we would like to express our sincere gratitude. Thank you!! Thank you so much!!

The little people take Theo’s hand and shake it firmly.

Theo: … You’re welcome… I’ve never had people thank me like this before, so I’m kind of embarrassed.

Theo notices that Terry is gone and looks around nervously.

Theo: … Come to think of it, Terry… What happened to Terry!? Hey, have you seen a boy around my age wearing a gray vest and checkered pants?

Little person 1: Gray! Such a dull color!?

Little person 2: That’s an outfit unsuitable for this country!

Little person 3: Someone like that would definitely stand out from the crowd.

Theo: … He’s not nearby. But I’m sure Terry must be in a similar situation.

Theo puts his hands together as if he is praying.

Theo: I have to look for him… I beg you, please be safe… I don’t want to part ways after a fight. Terry and I are going back to Kansas… Hey, I want to go back to Kansas, what should I do?

Little person 1: Kansas…?

Little person 2: Have you heard of it?

Little person 3: No, I haven’t!

Theo: Kansas is an empty place, but it means a lot to me. My uncle and aunt are probably worried about me, and I really want to go back to Kansas!

Little person 1: We don’t know what it’s like there or where it is, but…

Little person 2: Ask the great wizard, Oz, and he will surely grant your wish!

Theo tilts his head in curiosity.

Theo: Oz…?

Little person 3: He’s the wonderful man who built Emerald City in the center of this land!

Theo: How can I get there?

Little person 1: There’s no other way but to walk. It could be a long, long journey.

Little person 2: The road to Emerald City is paved with yellow bricks, so you’ll definitely recognize it!

Little person 3: Of course, it’s not just a simple road. There may be danger.

Little person 3 walks up to Theo.

Little person 3: More importantly, would you be willing to take the place of the dead witch and rule our country?

Theo: It’s a tempting offer, but I have to go. … Even if you don’t know what will happen, if you don’t take the first step, nothing will change…

He tries to walk away and hits his foot on a stone.

Theo: … Ouch! Oww… When I got caught in the tornado, my shoes came off. I was so absorbed in it that I didn’t notice…

Little person 1 holds out a pair of silver shoes.

Little person 1: Then use these shoes!! They were worn by the Wicked Witch of the East.

Little person 2: The witch used to boast about these silver shoes! They must be valuable.

Theo: … They’re beautiful… But I can’t just take someone’s belongings…

Little person 3 taps Theo on the shoulder.

Little person 3: No need to hesitate! It’s not like the witch will ever wear these shoes again.

Little person 1: That’s right! Just think of it as compensation for having gotten rid of the witch!

Theo nods and puts on the shoes.

Theo: Okay… I guess I’ll borrow them for a little while... … Oh, they fit perfectly!

Little person 2 raises his hands in the banzai gesture.

Little person 2: That means you are the chosen one for the silver shoes! A new wizard is born!

Theo: … It’s just a coincidence that we happen to wear the same size. Well then, I’ll be on my way! Heading to Emerald City!

Theo walks away with a confident gait.

[The Land of Oz’s Great Wizard - Emerald City, Oz’s room]

Oz’s crystal ball makes a sound as it senses something unusual is occurring in the country.

Oz: … This… The crystal ball is resonating... Is there a great anomaly in the Land of Oz? Go on, project it. The origin of that change…

The crystal ball projects Theo’s image into the air.

Oz: … Hmm. A single boy, huh? He’s like a frightened lamb. Confused… And begging for help.

He stares fixedly at the facial expression of the projected Theo.

Oz: Is it a manifestation of your lack of self-confidence… Or is it the uncertainty of not knowing where you’re going…?

He shakes his head, spreading his hands out to the side in dismay.

Oz: It appears that he has no ambition to overcome this problem. Opportunities do not come to those who do not try. Is it because of his inexperience that he’s unable to realize that…?

Oz crosses his arms as if in thought.

Oz: But where did he come from? This is a magical land… There is no way a regular human could enter… Is this an omen of trouble?

The crystal ball makes a sound again.

Oz: What…? What is it this time?

The crystal ball projects Terry’s image into the air.

Oz: Another child…? This one is not afraid at all, his eyes are sparkling with curiosity. Very interesting…!

He smiles broadly as he checks on Terry, looking amused.

Oz: But will it work out…? Not everything is as it seems. You’ll find out that even in a dream-like world, there is a harsh reality… We can’t live on dreams and aspirations alone.

Oz looks hard at Theo and Terry as if comparing them.

Oz: What do you seek and what will you accomplish…? Let’s see what happens. I wonder if we’ll find the answer at the end of this journey…

Oz swishes his cloak.

[unidentifiedlyingobject]

Listen

*I sit down in front of a mirror*

I know Neil is implying that s3 will have higher stakes, more drama, and will not be 'quiet, gentle and romantic', and I know s2 made you cry for ages and feel depressed for a couple of days, maybe a week or two or something

But you've forgotten that the main genre Good Omens incorporates is comedy

s1 was hilarious, s2 was hilarious,

s3 was planned out with Neil by Sir Terry Pratchett, arguably the best fantasy comedy writer

- yes, it might be serious, but our two ineffables will not fail in being goofy (think about the birthday party, or constitution of an ox)

- yes, it might be dramatic, but our two ineffables will not fail in being comedically over-dramatic (remember the paintball scene?)

- yes, there might be infuriating miscommunications, but that will only heighten some hilarious dramatic irony and misunderstanding which all good comedy plots feature

so yes, Neil has the power to make you cry, but you probably can't count all the times good omens has made you laugh

[merv606]

Puritanverse filth!

Terry's sweet little omega is gently shaking on the bed, sinful whimpers escaping his mouth as his Alpha eats him out. Terry will never tire of that juicy cunt, pink and wet, feasting upon his boy as Daniel's omegahood fills, engorged and beautiful. It's even more perfect because the omega is pregnant, only a few months in, their fourth pup growing inside of him. Terry absolutely loves Daniel like this. His perfect, small bump, little tits coming into milk, and his cunt is always the juiciest when he's carrying.

"Sir, Sir, I -" the omega keens, hands in Terry's hair as he mewls, "oh, oh, Terry," the boys sobs. Terry has to smile at that. Daniel rarely uses his name. Such a good, submissive sweetheart. Always "Alpha" or "Sir" and sometimes, if Terry is extra lucky, "Mr. Silver", which always makes Terry feel as if he's a strange Alpha taking the innocence of this ethereal, young omega.

Terry especially loves the way Daniel cums like this because when with pup he squirts, and it's filthy, it's perfect. His boy is shy after, embarrassed, and Terry makes Daniel sees and tastes how wet he was.

Warning - only read through this once.

This reminds me of something - I think I have only used this line once but:

Terry telling Daniel his favourite kind of pussy is pregnant pussy.

Kind of fits with your idea above and how he squirts while with pup - so maybe the first time Terry gets him to do that is also the first time he gets him with pup and he tells him that line above.

He and Terry had been given the good news from the doctor only hours earlier. He was with pup - their very first blessing.

The doctor has estimated about six weeks pregnant, meaning it had happened on their wedding night - the first time Terry took him - the first time Daniel had taken anyone.

So, Daniel had been shocked when, that night after getting in bed with his alpha, to feel his husband’s hand smooth up his thigh until it got the heat between his legs.

“Alpha sir, I …” he stutters out, trying NOT to spread his legs to make himself more accessible to his alpha - an automatic response he has now, whenever his alpha puts his hands on him with this kind of clear intent.

Not that the closed legs would stop Terry though.

“What is is sweetheart?” Terry asks, concerned.

The doctor has said that his little omega may be uncomfortable as his body changed and the baby started growing.

Terry had already noticed his chest was more sensitive and the nipples a bit plumper, the flesh around them a bit more generous.

It was the sickness though, that prompted the visit in the first place, was more towards the afternoon.

The doctor has briefly explained the upcoming stages of pregnancy, assuring them both that the morning sickness should pass after his first trimester.

Terry himself couldn’t wait for the stage when the little would be extra desperate for him.

He has smirked as the doctor had tried to be as gentle as possible when explaining it to Daniel, that he would require more intimate time with his alpha. The blush had been high on his omega’s cheeks, flushed like he was after being fucked good and well by his alpha - and god, he was so alluring - Terry wanted to take him then and there, on the exam room bed.

Terry had also noticed how wet he was getting which was saying something, seeing how most times he would soak the sheets. Terry had been fucking him the other night, his cock so wet he kept slipping out, the slick flicking out among the loud squelching. Despite his efforts though, he hadn’t been able to get the little omega to squirt which, given the changes now, he’s hoping he will achieve.

Now though, he stills his hand. If his little omega isn’t feeling up to it ….

“I’m …. I’m with pup sir,” he stammers out.

Terry sits up, amused, “I know little one …… I was the one who put it here,” he laughs gently.

He rubs the (for now) flat stomach.

“Are you in discomfort?” he asks. The doctor said his body would go through general aches and pains as the pregnancy progressed.

Although Terry’s fingers come away from his cunt now dripping wet, he wants to be sure.

“No,” although his omega place is throbbing with need to be filled and fucked by his husband - his rosebud swollen and aching for his husband’s touch.

“Then what is it?”

Daniel furrows his brow and Terry knows that means something is confusing him

“I …. It’s just that …. Relations,” he says and isn’t that cute Terry thinks, as his hands creep down, swiping between his slit, and his fingers come away from his cunt shiny and soaked. His little omega clearly wants it - needs it.

“Relations,” he begins again, voice more shaky now, “between an alpha and omega are for blessings,” he explains, clutches the sheets, whimpering when his husband’s hand returns to his aching rosebud.

“Yes, “ Terry says, still confused by what the problem is with his little mate. He can smell how aroused he is, feel it on the evidence left on his fingers.

“They’re only for blessings,” he continues, stressing the only, “and I’m already blessed sir so …”

It hits Terry then, what Daniel means and he tries not to laugh

His little mate thinks the only reason Terry has been filling him was to achieve a child which, although it was what was desired, it was far from the only reason why Terry was taking him in such a manner, or taking him so much.

His little mate thinks that now that’s he’s with child that they no longer need to have sex.

“Sweetheart,” he starts, “It’s also to make you, and me,” he stresses, knowing his mate cares more about that than himself, “feel good.”

“But …..”

“Darling,” he says. “If you think I’m going to deprive myself of you for nine months in any circumstance but especially seeing your body in this state … as our child grows inside you - as your body changes and these,” he pinches a soft nipple, eliciting a soft moan, “fill to feed them ….” Oh no Terry can’t wait to see his little mate like that. He will be beyond gorgeous. “If you think that then you are beyond mistaken,” he finishes.

“But… the church.”

Terry sighs. His sweet little omega.

“Are these not, according to the church, my husbandly rights and your duties as a married omega?”

“Of course but …”

And is your job as an omega not to listen and obey your alpha

Of course sir

And above all, to keep your aloha happy and satisfied?!

Of course sir. He sits up, horrified. “Am I not …”

“Shhh shhh,” he places daniel’s hand on his cock so he can feel how hard he is for him - because of him.

“I am very happy, but right now, what I need is satisfaction which ….” He opens his omega’s leg, wrapping them around his waist.

“You can ask the priest tomorrow he will tell you as much, but for now though,” he takes his cock out, “you’ll be a good omega for your alpha, and let me have you.”

He swiped the head up through the slick folds gathering the wetness there before teasing the head at his entrance the faintest of pressure - not that it takes much / he opens so beautifully for Terry now.

It’s heaven - Terry swears it feels different than any other time. He knew his mate was pregnant almost from the moment it happened but to have it confirmed -

He would have sworn that the night he took his husband’s purity - his greatest gift and right - was the best feeling but this - fucking him, knowing life is growing inside him - life put there by Terry - that really is the best he thinks. Which is a good thing because he plans to keep his little mate in such a state for a while.

He just knows Daniel is going to take to pregnancy and raising their kids.

Terry groans as his cock slides in all the way. His boy is beyond wet - he’s soaked, drenching Terry and the sheets, but despite the sheets needing to be changed, he doesn’t get what he wants.

……

It’s not until he’s showing though. Terry’s face buried between his shaking thighs, that he says it out loud for the first time.

He comes up, face shiny with slick, licking his lips, undoing his pants to guide himself inside the welcome heat of his gorgeous omega, round belly and full chest on display. All because of Terry - all for Terry.

“Pregnant pussy,” … he groans out, rubbing the omega’s throbbing rosebud as he fucks the rest of the way in.

Daniel comes then, at the crash words, and the tightening of his body already has Terry on edge, so hard from eating the little omega out it hurts, and he fucks in, harder than he even has, slamming in, in, in. The little omega too turned on and blissed out, another orgasm building at the right treatment.

And then, just before he comes he pulls out, he gets what he wants, his little omega squirting for him, covering Terry, who returns the favour, shooting his load onto his belly and tits.

“Pregnant pussy,” Terry chuckles and another mall squirt dribbles out.

Yeah, it really is the best kind of pussy, Terry thinks.

Already planning round two in his head.

[cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien]

Solar Opposites: The Rise of The New Order Ch. 5 (by @avaveevo)

The next morning, Korvo approaches a the New Order as he grins.

Korvo: Let’s do this.

Korvo opens the door and sits down.

Moran: Hey hey! Korvotron! What’s up! You doing good!

Korvo groans

Korvo: Seriously Moran? Do you have to be funny right now?

Moran: What? Just trying bring a little humor to lighten our day! *laughs*

Korvo rolls his eyes

Bee: Seriously?

Then, Tortus entered the room.

Tortus: Greetings New Order. You may now rise from your seats.

The New Order rises except for Gadget who is working on an invention

Tortus: Ahem! Gadget?

Gadget doesn’t hear Tortus

Tortus: Gadget? Gadget! *grows irritated* GADGET!

Gadget looks up

Gadget: *yelps a bit* Yes Tortus?

Tortus: STAND. UP!

Gadget angrily grumbles to himself but stands up

Gadget: Sorry geez. I was just working on an invention.

Tortus sighs and turns to Korvo

Tortus: Korvotron, it is an honor for you to be finally sitting with us.

Korvo: Heh. Thanks.

Tortus: Now, New Order. I have an assignment for each of you.

Bee: What is it, sir?

Tortus: Bee, you shall chronicle everything on Shlorp that must be kept safe at all cost.

Bee: Of course, sir.

Tortus: Gadget, keep inventing some more weapons of the New Order.

Gadget: Yes, sir.

Tortus: Moran, for heavens sake, just try do something more useful once in your life instead of being a prankster!

Moran: Can’t make any promises.

Tortus groans in annoyance. Xinna jumps on the table.

Xinna: And me, sir?

Tortus: You make to stay rough and guard any Shlorpian that me be harmed by predators and keep your team safe in line.

Bee: Yeah. And get off the table.

Xinna: Ugh! You don’t have to tell me twice, Bee.

Tortus: And Korvotron.

Korvo: Yes, sir?

Tortus: I have a very special assignment for you

Korvo: W-What is it?

Tortus: Come with me

Korvo nods and follows Tortus and then grows amazed by the chem lab.

Korvo: Woah. What is this place?

Tortus: Our lab. We know how much you love science and we believe it should be the perfect task for you

Korvo: *laughs* You know me too well.

Tortus: Of course. Korvotron, you think you can create something that could help our future generations of Shlorpians everywhere?

Korvo: But of course.

Tortus: Good it’s time to get started. Good luck.

Tortus leaves and Korvo smirks

Korvo: Oh this is gonna be fun!

Later, Korvo arrives home and Terry embraces him

Korvo: *laughs* Hey honey! *kisses Terry*

Terry giggles

Terry: So, how was your day?

Korvo: It was honestly very stressful.

Terry: Aw, I’m sorry honey. You don’t have to talk about it if you like.

Korvo: I don’t. For now, I just wanna-

Terry suddenly gets a phone call from his mother.

Terry: Yes mom?

Terry’s smile fades as he gasps

Terry: What? Oh my God… oh don’t worry mom. It’ll be okay. Love you.

Korvo: What happened?

Terry takes a deep breath.

Terry: My mom is starting to worry about Tortus.

Korvo: What do you mean?

Terry: She said there has been some suspicions about him lately.

Korvo sighs and decides to tell Terry what he learned about Tortus

Korvo: Terry, I believe you me be right.

Terry: Yeah.

Korvo: Terry, for years, Tortus’s father had a deadly thing called, execution, which means killing Shlorpians who refuse to obey the New Order.

Terry gasps

Terry: Oh my God… that’s terrible…

Terry starts crying as Korvo soothes him

Korvo: Shh… it’s okay my darling… you’re safe with me…

Terraformus: *offscreen* Son?

Terry gasp and turns around to see his parents

Terry: M-mom? D-dad?

Jessica: Hello, Terald.

Terry gasps as a flashback plays. Teraformus and Jessica are waiting for their Sproutling.

Shlorpian: Good news! Your Sproutling has been born!

Jessica gasps

Teraformus: Let’s go see our baby!

The two Shlorpians rushed in and gasped upon seeing baby Terry crying as he gets wrapped up in a blanket. The Shlorpians passed the baby over to Jessica’s arms as she and Teraformus cries tears of joy.

Teraformus: Hello, Terald.

Baby Terry: *crying*

Jessica kisses Baby Terry on the forehead. We then see an execution taking place with Teraformus and Jessica in the crowd while Jessica holds Baby Terry

Teraformus: Oh boy, this doesn’t look too good.

Jessica holds Baby Terry close. A group of Shlorpians were killed during the execution which made baby Terry cry louder.

Jessica: Sssh. It’s okay, sweetheart.

The flashback ends as Terry sobs

Terry: Mom! Dad!

Terry hugs Teraformus

Terry: *crying* I miss you…

Teraformus: Shh… it’s okay. Daddy’s here. Daddy’s got you. It’s my little boy. All grown up. You look just like me!

Terry smiles

Terry: Thanks dad. *hugs mom* Hello mom.

Jessica: Oh sweetheart. I missed you so much.

Terry: I miss you too. *tearfully smiles*

Korvo smiles

Teraformus: *smiles* It’s nice to finally meet you Korvo in person. Thank you for taking care of our son. He’s lucky to have a husband like you.

Korvo: He sure is. *pulls Terry in for a kiss*

Terry: *chuckles* Yes I do.

Jessica: *smiles* Thank you so much for taking care our son! *hugs Korvo*

Korvo: Anytime. It’s an honor being his husband.

Teraformus and Jessica smiled. Then they notice Jesse and Yumyulack.

Teraformus: Oh and these must be our grand kids.

Jesse: Yep!

Jessica: Oh little Jessica. *hugs Jesse* Look how big you grown. We haven’t seen you since you were a sproutling.

Jesse: It’s Jesse actually.

Teraformus and Jessica: D’aw okay.

Yumyulack: Uh, hey.

Teraformus: And you must be our grandson. So nice to meet you Yumyulack.

Yumyulack smiles

Yumyulack: Thanks Teraformus and Jessica, or um can I call you Grandma and Grandpa?

Jessica laughs

Jessica: Of course.

The Replicants then hug their grandparents as they smile.

Korvo: But what about Tortus?

Teraformus: Don’t worry, we know what a tough Shlorpian you are. And trust us, he is just like his father and worst.

Korvo: *sighs*

Jessica: But just keep an eye on Tortus. Okay?

Korvo nods and smiles.

Korvo: Okay I will and don’t worry things will be a success. I promise!

[marinerainbow]

I have a Roo thought for you 😅😅😆

Imagine the Roo's dressing up as the Lion King's Hyena trio for Halloween XD Rena is obviously Shenzi and she & King (as Banzai) get totally into it; are making dumb jokes and cackling all night, while Ryan's Ed is just completely uncharacteristically silent and scowly, drinking whiskey or something XD

What Disney henchmen/or/sidekicks do you think your WFRR OC's might dress up as for Halloween? XD

(*cough* Lottie would turn up as full-on Scar.)

I need you to know that I literally squealed when I saw this notification. ROO THOUGHTS!!!

Oh my god XDDD yes. I love this. This is probably the one time King actually chose to get specially dressed up for the night XD I need Ryan being all grumpy in his hyena outfit watching his sister and in-law make fools of himself XD (if Maya was still around, she could have been Zazu? Or one of the background hyenas so Ryan won't be alone ^^ XD) And Lottie showing up as Scar is PERFECT!

Ohhh which sidekicks my OC's would dress up as?? Hm...

Ben: Doesn't dress up for Halloween in general, so I can't see him making an exception here. He's such a spoil sport (though, I do imagine him dressing up as The King of Hearts, even if he's not exactly a sidekick).

Henry: oh Henry would absolutely dress up as Honest John or Br'er Fox. C'mon, it's right there!!! He can laugh about the irony XD I can also see him pulling off Sir Hiss' outfit (even though it's just a hat and cloak XD), possibly the Sheriff of Nottinham? Might be too flashy for him though 🤔 (how would Rena react to Henry dressed up so handsomely like John or the Sheriff? 😏)

Moony: I can also see him wearing the Sheriff' royal garb- except he'd bring more muscle to the look XD KRONK!!! He could pull off a Kronk costume!! He's got a similar build to the guy anyway. Ohh he could be one of Captain Hook's pirates, too! Or maybe Scroop. It'd be easy, that alien only wears a cap and a vest. Moony can do that~ 😏

Poppy: I can actually totally see her dressing up as LeFou- either version. She'd look cute in the little French man's suit, I bet ^^ she could also pull off a Sir Hiss look, too! And with how small she is, it could look like those adorable designs of tiny characters with big and wide cloaks!! 🥹 ohh maybe she and Shiny can dress up as Anastasia and Drizella?

Shiny: Ok technically Pixar isn't the same as Disney, but Shiny would pull off Ken's outfits, with Barbie's spunk! It doesn't help that I've imagined her interrogating/torturing Greasy the same way Barbie does Ken XDD (also Shiny would be caught wearing her heels through her disguise, even if it's an astronaut suit XD). She also has soooo many burlesque outfits with feathers and fur; she can put her own spin on the animal sidekicks, such as Diablo or the Cheshire Cat (I am terrified of the prospect of a sexy Iago costume 😭)

Terry: Jasper and Horace. But they're so close enough to his style, everyone assumes he's just dressed as normal XD bro has to explain his own costume 🥲

If the weasels can count; Shiny is absolutely putting her own spin on Greasys suit (an open buttoned blouse instead of a pink tie, for one 😏), Moony can be Stu, he's the only one who can wear the shirt and carry the bat comfortably XD Henry called dibs on Smartass' suit, so Poppy wears Psycho's straightjacket (it looks comfy so she'd be happy either way. But I also think she could pull off SA's suit). Terry can be Wheezy, and Ben can be one of the deleted weasels XD

Thank you for asking! This was fun to think about!! ^^

[msfbgraves]

Since Baby Showers only became a thing later on, what about something where Daniel’s pregnant with his 8th child at his shower? Or maybe something between him and Terry when they realize Daniel is going to have another kid—after all, Terry was super anxious when Daniel didn’t have any Heats for some years after Luna. Terry thought it was for…other reasons, but Daniel’s poor body was only taking a break lol. Serves you right Terry!

"Yeah, alright, Terry, I did enjoy the driving range, but what are we going to do about lunch?"

Terry pulled him close. "What is in that freezer I bought you?"

Daniel wrinkled his nose. "Frozen food. Emergency rations! We're not snowed in, and I missed church too..."

It may have been a little while since he was with pup, but Terry had not forgotten never to mention his mate was a little more anxious in this state, lest he wanted to survive on sandwiches for the week. So he said: "You'll be grand, babe. After all, what's the point of attending two congregations if you can't claim you were at the other one?"

Daniel scoffed. "Madonna mia, I'll have to vouch for you some day," but he seemed slightly more relaxed as Terry opened the car door for him. Danny looked longingly at the steering wheel, but Terry held firm. "Don't start that, sweetheart. Sit down and relax."

"It's easy for you to say. Eli alone could finish the contents of that freezer. And I don't know where Gianni puts it all. He's trying to outgrow you, mark my words, and the girls need a good meal in them, Luna doesn't eat enough, and it's not only the Alphas that need their strength, Robby and Anthony..."

"They're grown pups, mo cuishle, they can fend for themselves and the little ones, they're grand -"

"Just because they've thrown you to the wolves back in the day doesn't mean my pups -"

"Peace," Terry laughed. "We'll take them out to lunch, is that acceptable?"

"I'd cook you better if you'd have let me plan, Terry, surprises are fine but why Sunday of all days...!"

"Mea maxima culpa, my sweetest one."

"It's work, is all I'm saying," Daniel said, a little deflated. "I know you come home to relax, and I want you to, but that doesn't mean I can drop everything at a moment's notice."

Terry reached over. "I know, baby. But you should let the pups pull their weight."

Daniel laughed. "We have four Alphas, have you any idea why the house hasn't been destroyed yet? It's not because I'm spending my time sipping homemade limoncello, dear."

"Does it have to be homemade?"

"Dai!" He slapped his hand. "One more word, I'm replacing all the whiskey with Scotch."

That, of course, was unthinkable, so Terry held his tongue. Daniel stroked his arm. "I do enjoy these dates, Sir. Give me a heads up next time? Something to look forward to?"

Terry could think of a lot of things to look forward to, but before they could get into that, Daniel hissed. "What's my Ma doing here?"

Trust Italians to be late, had he not explicitly instructed everyone to be on time? It had been hard enough as it was to stall his Danny love at golf, eager as he was to get lunch finished. Not today. Today was all about him enjoying himself.

Ah, well. Maybe Lucille had enough sense to feign a surprise visit. He let Danny out, then parked the car - only to immediately be greeted by a highly upset Anthony. He really was the spitting image of his Mama, eyes blazing and gesticulating as if they were in downtown Naples. "Daddy, nobody will listen - "

At least Yasmin was hot on his heels. "Anthony, don't do that!!"

"Quiet!" He looked to the both. "What's going on?"

"He just took off -"

"I can see that, acushla," he said, a little short. "Anthony, what's happened, baby?"

"Dad, he's not a baby!"

"I'll get to you, darlin," he said, and now she had the good sense to shut up.

His son lifted his chin as if preparing to deliver a lawyer's opening statement, and it took everything Terry had not to grin and ruffle his hair. "I said it was going to be a potluck style, because there are too many people, and auntie Apollonia doesn't know what that is, but I'm right, Daddy, we can't do sit down, there are too many people...!"

"I know I've told you to listen to your auntie, Tony, love."

"But she's wrong, this is my house and she doesn't understand we -"

"This is my house, Anthony, and if I tell you to listen to your aunt, you will listen to your aunt."

"But -"

"It's not your responsibility, darlin'. Now go apologize to her and help out."

"I don't -"

"Now!"

Yasmin was looking rather too self-satisfied, so he took her shoulder.

"I told you to watch him."

"Which is why I'm outside..."

"He might have gone into heat!"

She scoffed. "He's not going to go into heat, he presented like three seconds ago!"

He breathed in. "Some people like that idea!"

She raised her eyebrows. "Ew, Dad, that's gross!"

"How do you expect me to get you off dishwashing duty at the Stallion if you can't even look after your omega brother?"

She looked down. "Nobody can keep that one in check, conniving little brat -"

"And you think you are never going to encounter more of those?"

She was quiet for exactly half a second. "I thought there were no more stray kitties allowed at the Stallion?"

Terry looked over his shoulder, but Daniel was still firmly in conversation with Lucille. "Don't call them that."

"What?"

"Your brother is not an animal. Your mother is not an animal!"

She rolled her eyes. "I don't mean them -"

"That language is only used by people who can never hope to take care of an omega. Don't you want to be in the position to care for one, some day?"

She shrugged. Terry stared. "Come again?"

She sighed. "Don't take it personal, Daddy. I want a life. I don't want to be tied down."

"Tied down."

She was a strong girl, he'd give her that. He'd seen hardened criminals shrink back from less. "Oh, come on, look at this," she scoffed. "The whole week gone because Mama is going to have a puppy. Again."

"And there are more important things."

"Not for you, Daddy, I know." She flicked her hair. "I'm not built for this, is all. I'm different."

He looked at her. Beautiful. Radiant, healthy and strong... and she'd throw it away in a heartbeat.

He closed his eyes. "God keep you, acushla," he said, walking past her. She followed him inside. "Dad, I knew you'd be like this. It's not that I don't appreciate what Mama does -"

He turned around. "When he sat at your bedside for a week, should he have done more important things, perhaps?"

"Oh, come on, it's what they do..."

He stood and looked at her, and she had the decency to stutter. "I mean - it's Mama. It's not like he wanted to do anything else...?"

"You foolish girl."

She turned white. "Daddy, I love Mama, I only meant -"

"You live in paradise, and you don't even know it. Jaysis, Mary and Joseph, I'm ashamed of you."

Tears glistened in her eyes, but she lifted her chin. "Isn't that what he's supposed to do? And you? Take care of your pups?"

He steadied his breathing. "He's given you his whole, entire life. Don't you know what it's cost him?"

"I didn't ask him to," she said.

He'd never laid a hand on her and he never would. "Go relieve Susan," he said.

She blinked. "Why?"

"Because I can't stand the sight of you right now," he spat. "If the rest of life is so much more important, go do an Alpha's job, and you can do it without a hot meal, or talking shit with your Uncle Louie over a glass of wine. And you can stay there until after Dennis has relieved Bobby, and you will listen to him, Yasmin, because he has more years under his belt than you've even been alive."

Now she was getting angry. "I only said what I felt!'

He smirked. "And you assume people care. They don't, acushla, the world's a very cold place, and nobody cares about anything other than what they can get from you." He didn't wait for her reply, shifted into logistics: how many entrances, people, weapons, how many trusted allies and potential traitors. He'd wanted to show his sweet Danny right off and he did, saw him melt at the gifts of clothes and toys and a newly decorated crib (Luna's work, with all his other pups chipping in for specific details), saw Anthony host like a pro, always subtly flanked by either Sammy or inseperable Gianni and Eli, while Robby had a watchful eye on his Mama's every comfort.

'I didn't ask him to.'

He wouldn't have gone into heat if things weren't good between them, Yasmin's entire existence a sign that his Danny boy wanted this and him, and now, this new pup an extra confirmation that they were good, and the marriage, family, was wanted, for feck's sake -

'Don't you know what it's cost him?'

Danny's delight in greeting every one of his pups, the way he beamed at all the neighbors bringing over supplies and toys and stuff they didn't need, of course, not with the exquisite care Daniel took with every facet of his puppies' lives, it had to mean they'd made it, right?

Right?!

"Terry? Where is Yasmin?"

And maybe he shouldn't have relented at something as simple as Daniel going: "Terry. Where is my pup?!" if he wanted this lesson to stick, but then again, it was foolish to think Daniel had not observed what had gone on between them, if he never directly undermined Terry's authority. So if Yasmin was brought back with quite a bit of fanfare, that was something he'd have to accept, for Danny's sake, and at least Yasmin had the decency not to look like she was above it all. Then Daniel whispered something to Luna and she ran to his side with that sweet smile of hers, "Daddy, play us a song", which of course turned the afternoon into an impromptu jam session that not even Samantha and Tory's eternal posturing could bring any tension to. Tory was a mean fiddler, and not to be outdone, even Yasmin took up hers; Robby played a Sicilian song for Apollonia, and Tommy showed the Italian pups how to do a jig, and Terry knew he was going to Hell, but he'd claw out his way backwards to be with him again, his love, his Danny boy, the light and soul of his entire life.

[crossstitchbossbitch-blog]

Storytime: Believing in Santa, or "I bet you were a delight"

Yesterday on a lunch outing with 5 work colleagues, 3 of whom are parents of kids under 10, plus myself and another young-ish woman who are childless but have enough dealings with sprogs... the conversation turns to Christmas and belief in things like Father Christmas/ Santa, the Tooth Fairy and whatnot.

After general sharing of stories including the parents talking about when their kid stopped believing, or had it told to them by an older kid, I shared my story of having a debate in primary school (y5 or y6, so age 9 or 10) about whether Father Christmas was real.

I had read the Hogfather by Terry Pratchett by that age and shared his solution to the conundrum: that many of these beings can be described as an anthropomorphic personification, and the more belief people have in it, the more real it becomes.

I really like this notion: it gives strength to magic, superstition, beliefs and faith alike. This is how religions rise and fall, how supernatural phenomena won't occur around skeptics and how some things are just ingrained into our collective psyche, because somewhere in our subconscious there is a grain of memory or residual belief about it. It waxes and wanes with the power of collective thought and storytelling, and for those that have time for it, it is as real as you make it.

I didn't say any of that following paragraph, just said the first bit about using it in a primary school debate and it being from Terry Pratchett and the Hogfather; to which the other young woman retorted, "Oh, I bet you were a delight".

I don't know whether I'm meant to be offended. At the time I laughed, and the conversation moved on.

But honestly, I worry that it was meant in a mean way and that kind of upsets me. I have always treasured being able to circumvent the breaking of the illusion and the loss of innocence. I love the fact that reading, an activity always pleasing to grownups, had given me that gift of knowledge and terminology for something I wanted to understand.

Sir Pratchett's influence on the nerdy, the neurodivergent and the not-very-cool is profound and far reaching even after his death. Of course, he was a bestselling author and millions of people have read his works, so I assume neurotypical people have also read his books!

I don't know if I should be sad that this person who called me sarcastically, "a delight", just never got the memo about the wholesome quirky cool that is Pratchett's worldview.

Maybe I am taking offence where none was intended - I guess having a 9 year old use big words could be annoying to adults, but I think it's a good thing. I really wish I could read half as voraciously as I did when I was a child. I miss getting lost in fantasy worlds of literature and by gosh I miss Terry Pratchett. It's it just nostalgia? Maybe. But also if I lose this shit, I probably lose even more of my identity and continue down the slope of depression and anxiety that began around that age. I keep getting told I look so young (I'm 31) and I know that ADHDers do grow up slower than their neurotypical peers. It takes longer for our brains to develop. The ADHD / Autistic brain doesn't "prune" neural pathways and the overlap can contribute to positive and negative elements of cognitive differences. E.g. improved pattern recognition vs sensory overload. I would cite the studies I have looked at, but I can't be bothered digging through my browsing history.

This is one of those times where I overthink the interaction and realise I'm possibly at fault for being "too much", or reflect on a childhood memory and have it reframed as another example of me being neurodivergent and not fitting in. But at that point in time, age 9 or 10, the other kids on my debate team seemed fine with me sharing my point and explaining it, as a means to an end in completing the class debate. I thought I was welcomed.

It's only with this comment, I find myself wondering how much of my past conduct was actually too much or too weird or too different for other people.

Ironically, this lunch came after we had an hour long presentation from the EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) team at work... where they specifically outlined how feeling "othered" can negatively affect behaviour.

Cool. Cool Cool Cool.

[shadesofawe]

Here's how I kept stumbling over Neil Gaiman until it brought me to the madness that is this fandom:

It all starts with Terry Pratchett. I read and enjoyed a number of discworld books as a teenager in the late 90s. Fast forward to March 2015 when I read about Sir Terry's death. I decided to honor him by reading another of his books and checked what was available on my kindle (that I had just gotten for christmas). The first novel that I didn't already know was Good Omens. I was sceptical because it was co-written by (my thoughts then:) "Neil Gaiman? Who's that random guy? Never heard of him..." but I gave it a try. I laughed. I laughed harder. It made me think. Then laugh again. We had a good time, me and the book.

I was a parent to two smallish kids. I started a new job. I broke up with the spouse. I didn't get to read much anymore. But a few years on, I read an article mentioning Coraline (the movie) in a parenting magazine. My kids were the right age and we watched it. It was the right kind of scary. I didn't connect it with Neil Gaiman at the time.

I still didn't have much time to read and slowly started getting into podcasts and audiobooks. I listened to Neverwhere while cleaning house and loved it. I decided to remember the author's name. (I did not remember it being the second name on the Good Omens title page.)

On a flea market I bought a copy of The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide. I knew and loved Douglas Adams from my teenage years but hadn’t read him in English. I read the foreword and found it to be written by - Neil Gaiman.

In early 2019, a friend convinced me to buy tickets for an Amanda Palmer concert later that year. (She wasn't even familiar with her music but loved her for The Art of Asking.) In preparation, I started not only listening to her music, but reading all kinds of stuff about and from her on social media. Apparently she was married to apparently famous author Neil Gaiman. Hey, I knew that guy! My friend, with a degree in American literature, said "Oh yeah, he wrote American Gods." I read American Gods. I loved it. I listened to Anansi Boys. I loved it. (This needs to be said: The concert was gut wrenchingly fabulous. I cried. I cheered. I fell in love with Amanda Palmer.)

Mind you, despite Neil Gaiman already on my radar, in autumn 2019 I had managed to not know about Good Omens (the show). I was randomly looking for something to watch on Amazon Prime to distract me from, you know, „the horrors“. (Somehow I hadn't used it much for streaming before.) There was a show that looked bright and colourful and quirky. And wasn't that the Doctor Who guy? I casually started watching and the story seemed familiar... wait, I read that book! By Terry Pratchett and - oh shit, that's the same Neil Gaiman!

There was no casual watching. I binge watched. I rewatched. I made my kids watch. I made my mother watch two episodes when she came for a visit and then gifted her the DVD for Christmas. She loves it, she loves season 2 even more.

Anyway. It was only with the show that I really started 1) connecting the dots ("the one who wrote Coraline") and 2) digging into it, looking for more stuff. (Not only Neil's though. You all know the drill.) I have been obsessed before, but I haven't been in a fandom before. I like it. The Brainrot is still going strong.

What's the point of all this? The point is: Dolphins. Tha‘ s ma point. It’s  great to discover new stuff to like (books, music, movies, but also skills, crafts, arts,…). It’s awesome to discover stuff you might have liked much earlier in your life but somehow missed out on. It’s so much fun to obsess over something to the point it leads you to discover entirely different, new things. The point is: Share your excitement, be excited around people you like. At ~40y I found myself bonding more with my Mother over Good Omens. My kid became an avid Discworld reader. In return, I got introduced to Percy Jackson. Spread the joy, be excited together.

Whoever managed to read that far: If you like, please share an unexpected joy your Good Omens or Neil Gaiman obsession has led you to. I know, there are many examples. Just pick one. I´ll start: without following Neil Gaiman on tumblr, I wouldn´t have bought a ticket for the Magnetic Fields, and I would never have discovered the music of Darren Hanlon (who was support act).

[moraxsthrone]

Violet, Crocus (ehe), Bluebell and Tigerlily goooooo -w-

ohhhhkay...you asked for it!

violet— do you like to cook or bake? if so, what is it that you like to make?

i do like to cook! it's one of the few things i'm good at lol! my favorite is japanese cuisine (esp rice bowls and chirashisuhsi), but with the drought in california (the us's main sushi rice supply source) it's been so difficult/expensive to get any and you kinda need rice to make most japanese dishes lol? so i've been making italian food instead (and it shows in the way my clothes fit tighter 😩). not so much into baking, but i will sometimes.

crocus— do you have any significant dreams that you remember? what were they about?

bruh. all my life, i've had crazy ass dreams. and i remember a lot of them. probably the most vivid/profound was one i had 15+ years ago. i was a little girl (in the dream; i can't remember if i was late teens or early 20s irl) and there were 2 snakes: one red, one black and they were kinda wrapped around each other? they were HUGE but i wasn't scared of them. in fact, i was sliding down their backs, laughing and having a good time. i got the sense that they were protecting me? i came to learn much later on that what i dreamed about was a double ouroboros, which looks like this and is a very powerful symbol with several meanings:

bluebell— do you have any pets? if so, what are their names?

nope, no furbabies. but i do have a lot of plant babies! probably close to 50 of them. between them and my son, i don't need anything else to take care of lol.

tigerlily— do you have any favorite quotes from any movies, tv shows, books, or poetry? (or from people in real life)

gahhhh so many! here are a few...

"repugnant is a creature who would squander the ability to lift an eye to heaven, conscious of its fleeting time here" - lyrics from the song "right in two" by tool (fave band ever)

"build a man a fire and he'll be warm for a day. set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." - sir terry pratchett

"light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. no matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." - sir terry pratchett (again)

"great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - albert einstein

"i am not what you think i am. you are what you think i am." - the buddha

"someone i loved once gave me a box full of darkness. it took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift." - mary oliver

+ listen, buddy wakefield is my favorite poet. there are so many of his that i love so much, but here are my faves:

"i no longer need you to fuck me as hard as i hated myself. make love to me like you know i am better than the worst thing i ever did."

"...the moon...it did not have to be full for us to love it."

"we can stretch van gogh paintings from seattle, washington to binghampton, new york and you still won't find the brilliant brush strokes it takes to be a single mother."

"it takes a long time to make love with someone who hates themselves."

...there are so many more, but i've already listed too many!