#but sometimes i am boo boo the fool.

[yardsards]

I'm sorry someone is being weird on your post, it's a good dungeon menshi post I agree with you marcille and laios make really amusing friends in that annoying sibling kind of way that i adore

(context: read the replies)

thanks!

and my mistake was spending any of my limited time on this earth arguing with that brainrotted dipshit in the replies lmao. but i had a lot of Thoughts on the matter and fandom amatonormativity and dismissal of the idea that you can genuinely get attached to platonic pairings is something that sets me off and i have a lot to say about.

but yeah i fucking LOVE laios and marcille's friendship like not just because it's such a fun dynamic to watch but like it's so sweet and they support and trust and look up to each other so much it makes me want to want to gnaw wood.

and i love watching the growth from "we'll work together because we both love falin" to "now the two of us genuinely love each other just as much as we love her". it's so fucking good and i cannot wait to see the second half of that growth get animated.

(and as i said in the tags of that post: i think my years in the taz fandom with the taako-lup-barry dynamic primed me to love the laios-falin-marcille dynamic. i love me a good romantic pain + sibling pair + inlaws that are besties triad.)

[bookshelf-in-progress]

The True Story: An Epistolary Novelette

An intrusive fantasy story for @inklings-challenge

I. Christine Hendry to the proprietor of Wright and Co.

Sir or Madam:

I feel like such a fool for reaching out to you--a stranger whose business card happened to be tucked in the pages of an ancient book on my grandmother's shelf. I don't even know if your shop exists anymore; signs are against it, because I can't find so much as a phone number to contact you by. Nothing but an address and a name: Wright and Co.: Specialists in Rare, Antique, and Nonexistent Books.

That last category is the only reason I'm bothering to write at all. I'm looking for what seems to be a nonexistent book, so I may as well try writing to a shop that may or may not be real.

When I was a little girl, my grandmother read to me from a copy of Song of the Seafolk by Marjorie A. Penrose. It was an American children's fantasy from--I believe--the 1950s, all about a family getting mixed up with mermaids on a tiny Atlantic island. It had beautiful black-and-white illustrations, and language so lyrical that I still remember passages even though I haven't read it in nearly twenty years. My grandmother loved it to bits, and read it to me a dozen times after I came to live with her. I went off to college, and jobs, and travel, and I haven't much thought about that book--or, to be honest, my grandmother--since I left the house.

But now Grandma has a broken hip, and there's no one else to care for her, so I've come back. The moment I stepped back into that house, I found I wanted nothing more than to read that book. To her, if possible. I need to return the favor.

But the book is nowhere to be found. I've searched through all her bookshelves (extensive), closets (messy), and storage boxes (many and varied), to no avail. I resigned myself to the necessity of buying a new copy, but there are no new copies for sale. Or any old copies. None in any library. Not even a hint of its existence online. All my inquiries to cashiers and librarians have been met with blank stares. It seems like no one in the world has even heard of that book except my grandmother and me.

So I write to you from sheer desperation. A cry into the void. If your shop does exist, and you are a real person, is there any chance in the world that you have the book I want? Knowing now how rare the book apparently is, I shudder to think of the price you'd charge, but as long as I don't have to sell any limbs to pay for it, I find myself willing to pay almost any price. Of course, that's assuming you're a real person reading this, and you by some miracle have the book, and you haven't thrown this letter away while sneering at the lunatic who wrote it.

If all those things somehow manage to be true, please write back to me at this address, and I assume we'll be able to arrange some method of payment.

Yours, in desperation,

Christine Hendry

II. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Miss Hendry:

I am pleased to inform you that Wright and Co. does still exist, and it maintains its specialty of supplying books that can be found nowhere else. It is unsurprising that you were unable to locate a second copy of the book, because a glance through our sales records show that the book was purchased from this very shop in 1968 (which is likely why your grandmother was in possession of our business card), and comes from our specialized stock of books that exist nowhere else in the world.

These books tend to appear on our shelves at unpredictable times, and rarely in batches of more than one or two, so I feared I would be unable to grant your request. Yet I have sometimes found that these books appear in response to a need, so I searched the shelves, and to my delight, found the book tucked into a corner of our children's section.

The books from our special selection sometimes wander back to our store's shelves when they are no longer needed by their purchasers, and it appears that this is what happened in this case, because the book I found bears signs of ownership by a Mrs. Dorothy Hendry. Since I cannot charge you for your own book, I have taken the liberty of shipping the copy of Song of the Seafolk along with this letter.

I humbly beg your forgiveness for the suffering this has caused, and I sincerely hope Wright and Co. will be able to serve you in any future literary needs.

Faithfully yours,

Benjamin Wright

III. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Mr. Wright:

I'm glad you couldn't see how red my face got when I received your response. It's one thing to send a letter when there's a miniscule chance of a reply, but getting a reply and knowing that a real, living person read your words is a very different (mortifying) thing. I would never have written that letter the way I did if I had fully comprehended that it was going to be read by a complete stranger.

My only consolation is that my letter wasn't half as strange as your reply. What do you mean, the books appear on the shelves and wander back? How on Earth did you send me a copy of my own book??

Because you're right--it's the exact copy I remember from my childhood. The same purple clothbound cover with the mermaid and lighthouse stamped into it. The same jelly stain inside the back cover. Page 54 has a torn corner, and the mermaid on page 126 has a unibrow penciled onto her face. Even if my grandmother hadn't written her name in the cover, I'd have known it for the same book. Yet she would never have donated--or even sold--Song of the Seafolk, even after I moved away. She loved it too much.

Yet somehow you sent it to me. I'm so grateful that I won't even accuse you of sending a ring of book thieves to raid my grandmother's shelves.

I read the book to my grandmother this weekend, and it was like the years fell away, and we were back in the warm glow of my childhood bedroom, completely at ease with the world. The pain medication leaves Grandma foggy sometimes, but there were several points when she smiled, closed her eyes, and recited the book along with me word for word. I'd try to repay you in some way for facilitating that, but some things are priceless.

However you got the book, it seems to prove you're able to achieve the impossible, and because of that, I'm going to bother you with another request. Grandma loves fantasy, but her true love is mystery novels. She has a whole bookshelf devoted to them, mostly Golden Age paperbacks--country house novels, a smattering of noir. I feel like there's so little joy in her life right now, but the one thing I could provide would be a new mystery. Yet, looking at her shelves, I suspect that she's read every book of this type that exists. So I'm going to ask you to live up to that Nonexistent in your name and find me a Golden-Age-esque mystery that no one--not even Grandma--has read yet. If you can achieve that, I would be grateful for whatever you can send me.

Yours with gratitude,

Christine Hendry

IV. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Miss Hendry:

I am afraid I can answer very few of your questions as to the workings of this shop, at least when it comes to our specialized stock. Among the shelves of Wright and Co., there will on occasion appear a book which no employee has ordered--books with unfamiliar titles by unfamiliar authors, which have the appearance of age and wear, but cannot be found in any other shop, and have no history of publication by any firm. Yet there is always a reader--sometimes several, if the shop staff takes to reading it--who finds that it perfectly satisfies their tastes and fills some unmet need, as if the book was dreamt up just for them. These books seem to come into existence just when needed, and sometimes wander away when they're not.

We have several theories about the origins of these books, very few of them sensible. Perhaps they come from other worlds, where history went just a bit differently from ours. Perhaps they are books that authors dreamed up but never wrote. Perhaps they are spontaneously created in response to a reader's desires. I have learned not to question it. I merely accept the books as a gift--and bestow them as gifts to those in need.

To that end, I have honored your request for a mystery. Though I've no doubt there are many more ordinary books that could fulfill your desire (any seller of used books could tell you that this genre is far more extensive than most individual readers suspect), there is a book that appeared on our shelves last autumn that I feel will exactly fit your grandmother's tastes. The Wings of Hermes by Elizabeth Tern casts Oxford don Joseph Quill in the role of amateur sleuth, as he is pulled into the intrigue surrounding a piece of ancient Greek statuary. Quill is a very literary detective, in the vein of Gamadge or Wimsey, though his story has a touch of noir and more than a tinge of melancholy. I feel the book will be satisfying to a woman who has been a patron of our shop, and I hope it will fulfill its intended role of aiding in her recovery.

Yours faithfully,

Benjamin Wright

V. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Darling Benjamin,

Do you think I'm stupid? Or are you just insane? Do you expect me to swallow all that rigamarole about magic teleporting books? If it's a joke, you tell it with an alarmingly straight face, and frankly, it seems in poor taste (and poor business practice) to dump it all onto unsuspecting customers. If you don't want to explain how you got my book, fine--I'm sure it's a boring story involving mistaken donations or something--but I wish you wouldn't insult my intelligence by making up some whimsical fairy tale.

But for all that, I can't fault your taste in books. The Wings of Hermes was stupidly good. Grandma LOVED it. I stayed up until nine at night reading it with her--which is practically the middle of the night by her standards--because she was so desperate to know the culprit. It's a cut above most of the books on her shelf, and it's taken a place of pride there.

You weren't kidding about the melancholy. Grandma didn't mind--she was too wrapped up in the mystery--but I'll admit it got a bit depressing for my taste in places. The world seems dark enough right now--Grandma's hip isn't healing as well as we'd like. I'm having trouble adjusting to the move, and balancing work with Grandma's care is getting a touch overwhelming. I don't need fictional darkness on top of that.

What I need is something to lift my spirits. I've searched Grandma's shelves, and though she has plenty of comedies, there's nothing that catches my attention for more than a few pages, or elicits more than a wan smile. I don't know if there's a book in the world that could cheer me at the moment, but if any shop could supply it, I suppose yours can. Do you have anything like that? If you could, please send it my way.

At least, if you're willing to send it to a sponge. It seems you forgot to bill me for my last book, so if I have to settle the debt first, please let me know the price and I'll pay up. But please spare me the fairy tales.

Yours in respect,

Christine Hendry

VI. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Miss Hendry:

Your skepticism about the origins of our shop's unique books is understandable. Yet I told you the honest truth in response to an honest question. Any of our shop's past or present employees, and many of our long-term customers, would be able to verify the truth of my account. I do not typically disclose the story to new patrons, but your long history with Song of the Seafolk led me to believe you were already among those who would value it, and perhaps the faceless nature of letter-writing prompted more than usual candor. I apologize for your confusion, but I do not retract so much as a syllable of what I've said. I have told you only the truth as I know it. You may believe or doubt as you desire, but I would ask that you fling no further insults toward my honesty or my sanity.

In light of the struggles weighing upon you, the staff of Wright and Co. have forgiven any insulting insinuations, and are only too glad to do what we can to ease your burden. We have honored your request for a comedy, and have sent you a slightly worn copy of Mercator Must Walk the Plank by E.G. Delaford. It is worn because it has been read so many times by the members of our staff. It has often been stored behind the counter for staff to read in slow moments, and many of the quotes have become bywords with our little band. We sometimes read it aloud at the Christmas party. Yet by mutual consent, we have agreed that it is exactly the book you need (working here gives one a sense for these things--another Wright and Co. oddity), and gladly send it to you. If we have need of it after you've finished, we trust it will find its way back.

The book appears to have been written in (some version of) the early 20th-century, about a gentleman who takes to high-seas adventure despite his complete lack of sailing knowledge--a Don Quixote of the sea--and the woman he rescues from a shipwreck who tries in vain to set them on a sensible course. The humor is absurd, the characters memorable, and the story--I have forgotten myself. It's best for you to discover these things for yourself.

I have enclosed an invoice detailing the price of The Wings of Hermes. The price is modest compared to the extreme rarity of the book, and you may pay it if you wish to own the book outright. However, Wright and Co. also maintains a sort of library system for those who understand the unique nature of these one-of-a-kind books. For a nominal fee that covers the cost of shipping, patrons may keep one book at a time in their homes, and send it back to Wright and Co. when they wish to request another. If you wish to experience the widest variety of our unique selection--and keep these books in circulation for other readers--I recommend enrollment in this system.

I will not send an invoice for Mercator Must Walk the Plank, because we could not sell that book at any price. You may keep it for as long as it is of use to you, without interfering with your ability to borrow other books per our normal system. We consider this loan not a business arrangement, but an act of charity in your time of need.

Yours faithfully,

Benjamin Wright

VII. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine,

I hope you don't mind that I slipped a note inside Mercator before Ben sent it off. We've never let the book outside the shop before, so I just had to say hello, and welcome you to our little band of Mercator fans (because I know you're going to love it). Please don't worry about sending it back too quickly. I must have half the book memorized, and I can always recite the silliest bits if Heinrich gets too grouchy.

I am so glad you're going to get to read this book, but I have to say that I'm surprised Ben agreed to it, because I could tell some of the things you said your last letter made him upset. These books mean a lot to him, and he doesn't talk about them to just anyone, so I don't think he liked being called a liar.

Not that I blame you! I'd have trouble believing the story, too, if I hadn't seen it myself. But I have! Hundreds of times! We'll be stocking the shelves or dusting, and all of a sudden we'll see a new book there--you usually just know there's something different about it. It'll have all the stuff that a normal book does--cover and endpages and copyright stuff and publisher names, and sometimes even those order forms to buy other books from the publisher. But they're all about companies that don't exist. Or by people we can't even find on the internet. There are too many books in too many styles for them to be the work of some prankster--especially since it's been happening for years and years and years.

And sometimes the books come back to us. I can count at least a dozen times that I've sold a book to someone, and then a year or two later I'll come across the very same copy on our shelves again. It's weird, but after you've worked here long enough, you get used to it, and you forget how strange it all is to people who don't know.

So anyway, I know you're going through a lot with your grandmother (I'm so sorry! I hope she's getting better!), and I'm sure you must be a really lovely person if you loved Song of the Seafolk so much (I hope you don't mind that I read it before Ben sent it back. Delightful book!) which is why I don't mind at all sending Mercator to you, even if you think we're all crazy. But we're not, really. And I hope we can be friends.

Lots of love,

Penelope Brams

(You can call me Penny!)

VIII. Heinrich Gross to Christine Hendry

Madam,

You have the only existing copy of Mercator Must Walk the Plank. I must ask you to use caution when handling it. It is beloved by many in the shop. Please do not consume food or drink while reading it. Do not dog-ear any more pages. Please be gentle when turning the pages that are coming loose.

This book is a gift we do not give lightly. Do not abuse our kindness.

Respectfully,

Heinrich Gross

IX. Christine Hendry to the staff of Wright and Co.

Everyone,

I'm overwhelmed. I had no idea this book--or the story behind it--meant so much to all of you. I feel like I've been sent a priceless family heirloom--and you know me from only three letters! I don't know what I've done to deserve so much trust, but I will care for this book as though it were a priceless work of art (which, from the sound of it, it basically is).

In the name of honesty, I have to say that I don't believe the story of your shop. Frankly, it all sounds like nonsense. But as I'm reading Mercator (we're on Chapter Nine!), I'm beginning to see more than a little bit of Katherina in my objections. Maybe you're all mad, maybe you're mistaken, but I'm not sure it matters much. There are worse things in life than a little nonsense. Especially when you're all so very kind.

I hope all of you (especially Ben) can forgive me for the snide remarks in my last letter. Grandma and I thank you for all the books--wherever they came from--and would be honored to consider you friends.

Yours,

Christine Hendry

P.S. How do I get enrolled in that lending program? I've sent back The Wings of Hermes.

X. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine,

Have you finished the book yet? What do you think?

When you're done with Mercator, I have so so so many books I want you to read. I'm making a list. I know you probably don't have as much time to read as we do here, but I'd hate to think of you missing out on any of my favorites.

I don't want to rush you, but I've never talked to anyone outside of Wright's who had the faintest idea what I was talking about when we referenced Mercator. I've enjoyed having it as our inside joke, but it's even better to have more people in on it.

Write back soon!

Penny

XI. Christine Hendry to Penelope Brams

Penny,

Grandma and I finished Mercator Must Walk the Plank last night--and started it again this morning. I can see why you all love it so much. What a wonderfully absurd book. Exactly the type of comedy I was looking for. Your instincts were correct: it was just what we both needed to cheer us up. It's removed enough from our world both in time and plausibility to take our minds away from ordinary things, and there's nothing mean-spirited about any of the humor. So many good characters among that crew. And the plot! High comedy! It's been almost a week since I read Chapter 14, and I'm still giggling over the fishing scene.

I would be overjoyed to read anything else you might recommend. If any of them are half as good as Mercator, they're sure to become my favorites, too.

Yours,

Christine Hendry

P.S. Grandma's hip is doing much better. Still a long road to recovery, but maybe the reread will help. Laughter being the best medicine and all.

XII. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Miss Hendry:

I've enclosed the forms for enrollment in Wright and Co.'s specialized lending program. If you will fill in the required information (though we obviously already have your address) and submit the proper payment, we will be able to begin sending books. The catalogue is yours to keep. I'm afraid the selection is rather outdated, and the summaries less than ideal at conveying the merits of each book. It was assembled by my predecessor, and I'm afraid that my uncle's genius for books did not translate to marketing skill. Amid the cares of business, I have not found the time to put together a modernized version, especially as I find that bespoke recommendations from our staff are far more likely to result in successful pairings of book and reader.

You will note there is a section on the third page where you can request a book. If I can offer a recommendation, I believe that the Alfred Quicke mystery series by Glorya M. Hayers, with its blend of comedy and mystery, would perfectly fit the tastes of your household. The mysteries solved by idle-rich amateur detective Alfred Quicke are always intriguing, but the cast of comedic types--and the farcical situations that arise in the course of the investigation--keep the stories lighthearted. The best way I can describe it is as if Wodehouse wrote a mystery series. The setting is much like that of his most famous stories, though with curious details that suggest it is set in an intriguing alternate world. With seventeen books in the series, you would find enough material to keep your grandmother in mysteries for a long time--though I suggest starting with the fourth book, The Counterfeit Candlestick, as the point where the series finds its voice.

I appreciate the handsome apology in your last letter and accept it wholeheartedly. However, I admit I had hoped for more than agnosticism toward our story. Despite your assertions, the truth does matter, whether we can discover it or not. Though the strange behavior of these books is outside our usual experience, it does not mean it is impossible (you will find a similar truth expressed by most of the great fictional detectives), and I had hoped your respect for us would open you to the possibility that there is more to this world than what we can understand. Perhaps it was too much to expect under the circumstances. But I hope we have garnered enough goodwill that you will not take offense at this expression of my honest opinion. If you do, I apologize, and will attempt to keep future letters focused purely on business.

Respectfully yours,

Benjamin Wright

XIII. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Mr. Wright,

I respect your opinion, though naturally I don't agree. I don't doubt you're sincere in believing what you do, but I can think of a dozen more mundane explanations of how these books mysteriously appear and disappear on your shelves (most of them involving poor record-keeping and less-than-stellar search engine skills). I suggest we drop the subject in the future, as neither of us is likely to convince the other, and my lack of belief about the mystical origin of these books doesn't keep me from fully enjoying the experience of reading them.

I hope you won't think it rude that I filled out your forms twice. Grandma and I do count as separate households, and if I'm going to keep Grandma in mysteries and experience some of the other books, I'm going to need two separate streams of supply. For now, though, I think books 3 and 4 of Alfred Quicke will suit our needs nicely.

Many thanks,

Christine Hendry

XIV. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine!!!

I'm so so glad you loved Mercator! I just knew you would, but it's always a little bit horrible when someone else reads one of your favorite books, because if they hate it, it crushes a piece of your heart, and I don't have that many pieces to spare.

But when they love it! Oh! I can love a book twice as much when I know someone else who loves it! I wouldn't think it was possible I could love Mercator more, but thinking of you and your Grandma laughing over it in her sickbed makes me so--this is going to sound strange, but I'm proud of it. As if we sent out a friend to do a good work, and he succeeded in working miracles. I hope you read it as many times as you want. Trust me, it gets better every time.

But I hope you'll find time to read some other books, too! I'm glad you got your own account along with your Grandma's. Alfred Quicke is lovely (I love his books almost as much as Mercator--please let me know what you think of Bright Folly when you read it), but one cannot live on mysteries alone. There are so many genres, so many moods, so many eras of literature to explore, and Wright's has wonderful examples of so many of them, so I'm so glad we'll get to send them to you.

I know Ben sent you that horrible little catalogue. Ignore it. It makes so many of the very best books sound so dull, and half my favorites aren't even in it. I can do a much better job of telling you what books to read. I've got pages and pages written up about the best ones, but I don't want to overwhelm you right away, so I'll just tell you about a few of the very best at a time. I've included a list of some of the ones I think you'll like best.

You can read what you like, of course, but I can't help thinking you should read The Autumn Queen's Promise by Rose Rennow just as soon as you possibly can. If you loved Song of the Seafolk, I'm sure you'll love this. It's another children's fantasy (a newer one--'90s, maybe?), with the same type of atmospheric historical setting, though this time, it's the most vivid autumnal woods you've ever read about in your life, which makes it perfect for this time of year.

The story's all about this fairy queen who stumbles into this little village in colonial America and can't get home. And she hates them all at first, of course--she's this horrible arrogant thing--but she comes to care for them and it's just lovely to read about. A little slow, but no slower than Seafolk. A nice, relaxing kind of slow. I'm sure you'll love it.

Whatever you pick next, I hope you'll keep me posted with reading updates. I so love talking with you about these books. It's so nice to have a pen pal!

Lots of love,

Penny

XV. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Miss Hendry:

Your account has been opened and the requested books have been shipped. We at Wright and Co. are pleased to count you as one of our trusted patrons.

I am afraid I will find it difficult to honor your request to drop the subject of the origin of our specialized books. Perhaps it is a fault, but I have never been able to bring myself to "agree to disagree". It has always seemed to me the coward's way out of engaging with the search for truth. However, you are correct that endlessly rehashing the subject is unlikely to assist either of us in continuing that search, so I will refrain from mentioning it unless there is further evidence to discuss. If you would be so kind as to patronize our shop in person, I would be happy to offer you further proof of the phenomena that I describe, but further discussion via these letters is likely to remain futile.

Faithfully yours,

Benjamin Wright

XVI. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Mr. Wright:

My offer to "agree to disagree" was a courtesy to you. I'm sure you don't want to lose a customer over the issue, so I was giving you the chance to let it slide so it wouldn't interfere with our working relationship. You think that makes me a coward? How can you say I'm "refusing to engage with the search for truth" when you've admitted that you don't know what the truth is? You said yourself (I still have those first letters) that you don't know where the books come from. Just because you can find no record of them doesn't mean they just appeared out of thin air. And these supposed "returns" of books could come from donations or poor record-keeping. You say you have evidence, but from my point-of-view, you could just be a quirky small press that prints old-fashioned books and tells whimsical stories to draw in customers. With all the stress surrounding Grandma's health, there's no way on Earth that I could make a cross-state trip to see your supposed "proof" for myself.

Frankly, if it weren't for Grandma, I'd consider canceling my accounts with you. But she's been tearing through Alfred Quicke so fast and enjoying it so much that I don't dare to cut off her source of supply. And the books you've sent are wonderful--you've been so kind about Mercator, and you gave me back Song of the Seafolk, and The Autumn Queen's Promise is turning into a lovely story I wouldn't have been able to find anywhere else.

I can't wrap my head around you people. Every time I give you the chance to back away from this weird story, you double down, and frankly, it's freaking me out. Penny's so bubbly that it's easy to see how she could get caught up in it, but you write with such a serious professional voice, and you seem (in your bland professional way) personally offended at my refusal to just go along with your story of mysterious magical books. Why does this matter so much to you? Why can't the books just be wonderful, obscure stories instead of mystical teleporting tomes that respond to feelings or whatever? I can't understand you.

Maybe you'll burn this letter and cancel my accounts, but if you dare to engage, I would like to know what you have to say for yourself.

Yours,

Christine Hendry

XVII. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine,

What did you say to Ben? He's usually so nice and sensible and kind and ordinary--really a great boss--but every once in a while, he broods. And he's been brooding ever since he got your last letter. It's like he's walking around with this big old cloud over his head. He keeps wandering the shelves and then going into his office and glaring at his computer and staring at the wall.

It's got me worried. Is your Grandma okay? I guess he'd tell me if she wasn't. Or you would. I hope.

Are you dying? Maybe that would explain why you haven't written in so long.

Please don't die on me. I couldn't bear it.

Write back soon.

Penny

XVIII. Christine Hendry to Penelope Brams

Dear Penny,

No one's dying. Grandma gets more mobile every day, and I'm in as good of health as you can have when you're running mostly on caffeine and a couple of hours of sleep a night. I've just been so busy between work and Grandma's care and insurance (so many stupid phone calls) and trying to figure out our finances, and trying to find senior housing for Grandma (her house has way too many stairs), that I barely have time to eat, much less write you back. I'm sorry if I worried you.

As for Ben, well, long story short, I majorly overreacted to some minor thing he said, and wrote a sleep-deprived response that I never should have sent. I really don't want to get into it with you, because you'd probably side with him, and I'd like to keep our friendship intact, at least.

I did manage to read The Autumn Queen's Promise a few pages at a time, and it was just as lovely as you promised it would be. Exquisite fall reading. I almost hate to send it back--that lovely cover alone, with its painting of that beautiful queen in that autumnal woods, added so much atmosphere to the house just by being here. It'll never replace Song of the Seafolk in my heart, but it came closer than almost any other book to recapturing what it felt like to experience it for the first time. I send it back with warm thanks for the recommendation.

I'm also sending back your beloved copy of Mercator Must Walk the Plank. I've held onto it far longer than I deserved to. You were so gracious to send it to me, and I can't take advantage of your kindness. (You can tell Heinrich that I haven't added a single scuff to the cover).

Since Ben seems to be in no mood for letters from me, can I send my book requests through you? Grandma would like Books 8 and 9 of Alfred Quicke (she can use my account for the second, because I don't have much time for reading at the moment.)

Thank you,

Christine

XIX. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Miss Hendry:

You say that you find us at Wright and Co. difficult to understand, but I find you equally baffling. In a single letter, you will thank us profusely for our friendship and the books we provide, while at the same time attacking that very thing which we hold most dear. In expressing my difficulty with the phrase "agree to disagree", I was not attacking your morals. You will note I was more than willing to honor your request to drop the subject. Yet in misconstruing my words, you have sounded the horn of war, and honor and duty--and, to be honest, personal inclination--demand that I engage.

You ask me why these books--and the phenomena surrounding their existence--matter so much to me. I can answer only by biography. Wright and Co. is a small, cluttered, dim, obscure shop--you could find a thousand used book stores like it anywhere in the world--but from a young age (the shop was owned by my uncle then) it seemed a place of unique enchantment. I would spend summer days racing among the stacks and losing myself in books. I grew more jaded and cynical as I aged--most teenagers do--but whenever I was in danger of becoming a disaffected youth, there was something about the shop that made me feel there was something more than the meaninglessness of everyday life.

Learning about the miracle of the books felt like getting the answer to a question I hadn't realized I was asking. Here was proof there was something beyond the mundane and predictable. Something too wonderful for the human mind to understand. Some wondrous power cared enough about the patrons of this shop to help them get the right story in their hands at the right time--even if that story had never been written. Other books have authors and publishers, but these books seemed like a gift from the author of imagination itself.

When I took over the shop, I became a steward of that gift. Caring for these books and matching them with readers makes the running of this shop, not just a banal business arrangement, but a calling. Stories have the power to shape our imagination, our outlook, our relationships with others--and these stories, coming as they do unwritten, unbought and unlooked for, seem to have more power than most. Caring for that power is a great responsibility, one that I take very seriously. I have seen its good effect again and again. You cannot deny you have experienced it yourself.

You are correct when you say that I do not know the exact origin of these books. But I am not intellectually lazy just because I am content with no answer. Making peace with mystery--knowing that some things are ever unknowable--is not the same as refusing to believe the truth that comes before your eyes.

You have closed yourself to even the possibility of an explanation that goes beyond the reality you can comprehend. I have spoken of evidence that proves there is no rational explanation for these books, and you call me an unreliable witness. You have seen hints of the wondrous that you dismissed out of hand. I understand that you do not have the same evidence that I have, and I have not been as gracious as I should have been in making allowance for that. But saying that my refusal to seek an exact explanation makes me intellectually lazy is inaccurate in the extreme.

I may not know how these books come into my shop, but I know from whom. I may not know the exact mechanisms of the miracle, but I firmly believe there is an author of all that has allowed my shop to be a source of minor--and yes, rather whimsical--wonders. I need not know more than that to do my duty well.

Perhaps that explanation will help you to understand my position. More likely you will think me crazier than ever. But since I have explained my inner self, perhaps I have some right to ask for an explanation in return.

Ever since your response to that first letter, when I hinted at the miracle surrounding these books, I detected not only disbelief from you, but disdain. I was troubled to see such disgust toward the concept, especially from one who has proven herself an enthusiastic fan of fantasy. Why do you seek wonders in your stories, but resist it so fiercely in your own existence? Would it be so terrible for these books to have a supernatural origin? Is there not some appeal in letting the wondrous into your life?

You need not respond to such prying questions if it makes you uncomfortable. But I ask that at least, if you do respond, that you deal gently with one who has made his inner self so vulnerable to your scrutiny.

Yours faithfully,

Benjamin Wright

XX. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Ben,

Wow.

When I asked for an explanation, I didn't expect that.

I don't know how I can possibly respond.

I definitely understand why it matters so much to you, but somehow, this conversation has shifted from magic to theology, and I'm even less equipped to engage in a conversation about that. Not to get into too much detail, but that's part of the reason I haven't seen my grandmother in so many years. Grandma's comfortable with that stuff. I prefer my fantasy to remain safely in stories.

If what you say is true, if there's some grand wonderful power--call it magic, call it God--that does things we can't understand, then we're completely powerless against it. Which is fine if the power is good, but if the good things are real, then the bad things can be, too. There are too many ordinary problems for me to want to live in a world where there's some grand plan I can mess up by doing the wrong thing, and greater powers are waging in a war for my soul.

Fantasy is great. I love stories of mermaids and magic and the wonders of life. But it's not reality. I learned that young, and every year I live only proves it more. I'm content to live in the ordinary world with its ordinary problems, and get my escape through literature--where none of the monsters on the page can hurt me.

I'm glad--I really, truly am--that you've been able to make yourself believe in some grander purpose behind these silly little stories we've been reading. But I can't believe in that. I've seen no proof to make me believe it. Maybe you have, but most people can barely trust their own eyes, so how can I trust yours? It's not that I think you're crazy or stupid. Your personality and experiences make you want to believe. Mine make me happy to doubt. It's nobody's fault, and neither of us can change it, and it's fine. I'll stop calling you a crackpot if you stop calling me a coward, and we'll leave it at that.

Wherever the books come from, we all agree that they're wonderful, and if you don't mind dealing with a dirty nonbeliever, I'd be honored if you'd let me continue doing business with you.

Yours,

Christine Hendry

XXI. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine,

Where is Mercator? We got your letter, and The Autumn Queen's Promise, and your most recent Alfred Quicke, but no sign is there of Mercator Must Walk the Plank.

Oh! Oh no! What if it got lost in the mail? Could we survive such a tragedy? Silly old John Quackenbush and fiery Katherina, and grumpy little Pegs and that whole lovable crew--gone forever! If the U.S. Postal Service is responsible for their destruction, I'll...we'll...we'll make them pay! This is a murder and there must be justice!

Don't worry, I don't blame you. But the next mailman to cross my path better watch out. We'll find that book if we have to tear through every mail box and bag and truck in the country!

I'll keep you posted about the search if I can find the time to write.

Frantically,

Penny

XXII. Christine Hendry to Penelope Brams

Dear Penny,

I'm so extremely sorry. When I sent you that last letter, I truly thought I had packaged and mailed Mercator Must Walk the Plank, but after receiving your reply, I discovered that the book was still on its usual shelf in my grandmother's house. I've been so sleep-deprived lately that I overlook things, but I didn't think I could possibly have overlooked something that.

Don't worry. I'll be sending it out as soon as I get another box to ship it in. And this time, I'll make 100% sure it's inside before I ship it.

Please forgive me.

Christine

XXIII. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Dear Christine,

You've asked me not to call you a coward, but your wording leaves me almost no choice. Denying yourself the good and wondrous out of fear of evil and danger is the definition of cowardice. Staying within the narrow world of rationality makes for a bleak and colorless life--and you're none the safer for your denial. Good and evil exist whether you acknowledge them or not. Closing your eyes to them only makes you vulnerable to ambush should they come upon you unaware.

Can you not open yourself to the possibility that the good can overcome the evil? That it can offer strength to face the dangers? Great stories can do that by showing us how to act in such situations, to give us examples of victory over darkness, to open our minds to possibilities that we might not accept in our ordinary lives. You've experienced such stories. Is it so strange to think they might reflect the reality we live in? Is it so strange to think there might be some greater power offering us those stories to sustain us?

To you, I'm sure it seems impossible. But you know there are those who think otherwise. I only ask you to consider the implications of the choice.

Respectfully yours,

Ben

XXIV. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Ben,

I don't think you can call my position a choice. You're acting like I'm picking between favorite foods or something--picking one position because I don't like the other one. But as far as I can tell, my position is the only choice. I have no reason to believe any other option exists.

It would be wonderful if I could believe the way you do. It seems to have brought you a lot of peace. But I'm not built that way and I'll just have to struggle along. Your concern is touching, but I've been doing just fine so far.

If I ever see proof, I'd have reason to reconsider, but as it is, I have enough trouble in the world I can see to worry too much about one that I can't.

Respectfully,

Christine

XXV. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine,

Still no sign of Mercator. Did you forget to send it again, or do I have to lay siege to the post office?

Penny

P.S. Have you been reading any more of the books?

XXVI. Christine Hendry to Penelope Brams

Penny,

I have tried to send off that package no fewer than three times, and every time the book somehow makes its way back to my shelf. Maybe I'm just so used to seeing it there that I keep putting it back. I am so sorry for the delay.

It makes me feel guilty that I'm still profiting by reading your other books. Now that winter is upon us, Grandma and I have started reading aloud from the longest of your fantasy suggestions--The Queens of Wintermoon. You're right that it's an odd book--Russian-flavored science fantasy, with all those complicated family ties and political intrigues--but it's just what we need right now. Grandma is unfortunately dealing with a bout of pneumonia at the moment, which means I'm spending a lot of time at the hospital, but a big, thick, lush and lyrical literary book with a huge cast of vividly-drawn characters is just what we need to take us away from the sterile white walls and the scent of disinfectant.

It's great to sink into that snowy world with its royal glamour and underground orchards and mystical machines. Grandma and I spend ages talking about the four sisters and their royal husbands--all their flaws and heartaches and complicated relationships. I'm most attached to Vitalia and her political intrigue plot, while Grandma most loves the storyline of Inessa and her mysterious woodcutter husband. I have my suspicions about both their secrets, but I'm more than willing to wait the 800-or-so pages they'll need to resolve everything. It's nice to have something to take my mind off of other worries.

But I will keep worrying about Mercator. I promise somehow or another, it will make its way back to you.

Yours,

Christine

XXVII. Christine Hendry to Penelope Brams

Penny,

I don't understand it. This is the fifth time I've tried to send Mercator Must Walk the Plank back to you. This time I waited until I'd had a decent night of sleep so my mind was clear. I put it in the packaging (extra padding). I took a picture of it inside the box. I took a picture of the sealed and addressed box. I took a picture of the box when I took it to the post office and left it at the counter. And then I returned home to find the book sitting on the same shelf where I'd put it this morning.

Are the darn things breeding? Did you send me extra copies? There is no other explanation for what happened.

It's got my head spinning, and until I've got it figured out, unfortunately Mercator is going to stay right where it is.

Sorry!

Christine

XXVIII. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Christine,

Penny has made me aware of your difficulties with Mercator Must Walk the Plank. It's clear to me (as I'm sure it will be to you) what has happened. If you wished for proof, you now have it. The Powers-That-Be have determined that you have more need of the book than we do.

Please don't distress yourself by (or waste postage upon) any further attempts to send the book back. We have plenty of other books to read, and if we ever have need of Mercator, I trust that the same powers will ensure it makes its way back to us.

Yours,

Ben

XXIX. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Ben,

It's the middle of the night and I can't sleep. I'm trying not to think of that book and I can't. It just doesn't make sense.

This can't be happening. But it is. And if this part of your story is true, then that means the other part of the story is true, which means your theories

This doesn't mean you've won. I'm sure there's some rational explanation that I've overlooked. I shouldn't even write to you because you'll just try to convince me that this is proof we live in a world of angels and fairies who bother themselves about the books we read. But it's not like there's anyone else I can talk to about this.

If you have nothing to say but, "I told you so," don't bother writing back at all. But if you've anything useful to say I'm all ears (or eyes, I guess--weird that I've never actually spoken to you. I don't even know what you look like. How old are you?)

I should sleep. But I'm going to go off and mail this letter like a moron because it's the closest I can come to a conversation.

Good night.

Christine

XXX. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Christine,

This is me not saying I told you so.

That doesn't leave me much else to say.

I'm 39.

Picture the word "man" in the dictionary. Imagine there's an illustration there. That's pretty close to what I look like.

If you want to hear my voice, you'll have to come to the shop and talk to me in person. Or I suppose we could call each other. We do live in the 21st century. But I admit I've enjoyed this 19th-century correspondence we've been keeping up.

I wish I had something more useful to say, but I doubt I can say any of it in a way you want to hear.

I hope you've been sleeping better.

Ben

XXXI. Penelope Brams to Christine Hendry

Christine

CHRISTINE!!

I know you didn't order another book, but I was wandering through the shelves the other day when this book just about jumped out at me. It's like it had your name written in it. Like how your grandmother wrote in Song of the Seafolk.

Your name's not in it. I checked. But something about it still made it seem like yours. Like we were keeping it from you. Ben agreed (he's got a good sense for these things), so I started preparing the box to ship it. But I read a bit of the first chapter before I packaged the book, just to get an idea of what I was sending you. I didn't move from that spot until I'd read the whole thing. Ben just about locked me in the shop before he found me sitting in a daze in the back room.

Christine, you have to read this book. Now. It's the most beautiful...well, not fantasy. But it's not not fantasy. It's so real and yet so magical and you could maybe read it both ways. I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished it.

But what's the book? If you've opened the package by now, I'm sure you know it's called Cardinal's Map by someone named Dorothy Cannes. It's from the eighties, it looks like, but it feels older. And newer. Does that make it timeless? I suppose all of the books in our "special" selection feel that way. Anyway, it's about this girl named Miranda, and she's this terrible grouch, and she goes to work for this old guy named Cardinal (that's where the title comes from) who needs help writing his book. And he's got the most beautiful map of all the countries in world of his fantasy book. Except the countries might be real? And just....ack, I don't have words! The book has a lot of them. Read those instead.

And then write to me because I need to know what you think about the ending!!

Lots of love,

Penny

XXXII. Christine Hendry to Penelope Brams

Penny,

You were right.

Thank you.

Christine

XXXIII. Christine Hendry to Benjamin Wright

Ben,

It's been three hours since I finished Cardinal's Map, and I haven't moved from my chair. Everything you said about the power of story is true. It's like this book reached into my soul and rearranged the furniture. Cleared out the clutter. And it did it by sweeping me along with the characters and the story and the beautiful prose so I didn't even know what was happening until it was already done.

Everything we've been fighting about for the last few weeks was in this book. It talked about all the things you were trying to tell me, but instead of just telling me, it showed me and made me think and feel and helped me make sense of it all. And I never felt like it was preaching. I'm not even sure it was trying to preach. It's just...a story, so I let my guard down and it got under my skin. Just like Cardinal's map got to Miranda.

I don't know if you've read the book or not, but the premise is that John Cardinal is writing this extensive fantasy work and Miranda's this jaded college kid hired as a secretary to help him arrange all his notes. And she's fascinated by the fictional map and gets swept up in the book, until she realizes that Cardinal is telling the story of his life. That this character who traveled to this other fantasy world is supposed to be him. And she's got to figure out if he's using this as a metaphor, or if he's crazy, or if this other world really is a real place.

And by the end of the book, we don't know. You could read it both ways--the world in the map is either a metaphor or a real country that he’s been to. But it doesn't really matter which one is true, because the bigger truth is that Miranda knows there's something beyond the rational world that we can see. And it's not terrifying. It's wonderful. It's not this place full of monsters waiting to pounce--it's this exciting, dangerous, beautiful place to explore.

If Penny wants to know what I think of the ending, I believe that Cardinal's world is real. And I believe your story is true. I've seen evidence. That terrified me, because that means the world no longer makes sense. But the truth doesn't have to be a terrifying destruction of the reality I know; it can be an expansion of it. I don't understand why any of this happens, or how, but maybe I don't have to know how. I just need to be thankful that it did.

You said that Mercator stayed with me because I needed it more than you guys did. Maybe what I needed was evidence of the miracles you told me about. Then I wondered why Song of the Seafolk wandered away, because I very much needed it here when it was at your shop. But maybe what I needed was to write to you. The correspondence we've shared, the books you've sent me, they've strengthened me through a lot of difficult weeks. They've given me and Grandma a lot of joy, brought us back together after so many year's apart. And they've helped me straighten out a lot of questions I didn't know I was wrestling with.

There was someone's hand in all this--an author arranging all the pieces of the story in a way I'd never have been able to achieve on my own. Maybe before that'd make me feel helpless, but now, I don’t know, I guess I feel cared for. Like someone’s watching out for me.

I feel like I should thank you, and I don't know how. This is too deep for words. Thank you for writing, even when I was horrible to you. Thank you for the books. Thanks for being a part of my story.

Grandma's doing better now. If she's up for it, I think it's time for a road trip.

If you're ever going to see Mercator or Cardinal's Map again, I might have to hand them to you in person.

Love to all of you,

Christine Hendry

XXXIV. Benjamin Wright to Christine Hendry

Christine,

You may not believe me, but I did not read Cardinal's Map before sending it to you. I simply had the notion that it would be the ideal book for your circumstances--and I was as surprised as you were to find just how true that was. Another gift, I suppose.

I look forward to reading it, if you can ever spare it (I look upon the book as belonging to you now). I also greatly anticipate the opportunity to see and speak to you here in the shop. I hope you will not wait long to make good on your promise.

Yours faithfully,

Ben

XXXV. Christine Hendry to the staff at Wright and Co.

Everyone,

I can't say how wonderful it was to see you all in person. You all looked just like I pictured you. Your shop is too wonderful for words. I could have moved in. But alas, Grandma and I don't have the resources for a move right now.

We'll have to continue the friendship long-distance. Now that I have the shop's phone number (funny I never thought to request it before), and your personal numbers, I suppose we can call whenever we like. But if you don't mind, I'm going to keep corresponding by letter, too.

Love to you all,

Christine

[thatstheproblemwithnapkinman]

fuck it, i'm talking about beast world

(i have not read issue #1 yet, this is mostly a rant about tom taylor and #6, so kind of spoilers for dick in beast world)

ok, so the cover for #6 was announced and...

i'm pissed

so, firstly, this article on it made me want to cry

WHY IS THAT THE TITLE FUCK OFF

i am sick and tired of the "nightwing is a sex symbol" bc why do they keep forcing this narrative

also, this is a direct quote from tom taylor

Yes, you do get Nightwing turned into a fox because we’d be inhuman monsters not to do that. People want to see that.

do i like dick as a fox bc i like dick and i like foxes, so i am happy for that, but the fact it has been done purely for the sex symbol reason is annoying

tom taylor's run is something. there are good things about it (haley) but a lot of mis-writing of dick as a character and ignoring a lot of characterisation that has occurred aver the past 83 years. i like the limiting of his sexualisation - it is a lot less present in taylor's run than previous runs - but making dick a fox bc foxy get it bc foxy bc sexy is stupid and annoying

dick WOULD be a fox, but not because of that. he would be a fox because he is a trickster, he is manipulative (something tom taylor seems to forget half the time). this man can fool batman if he wants. this is a good enough reason for him to be a fox but no, it's because he is sexy

it also fits with the bats being canines (not damian but cat damian makes so much sense and it's close enough) with bruce and jason both being wolves. dick as a fox fits this perfectly. especially with him, bruce, and jason, the three characters that mirror each other. bruce and jason are both wolves because they are the same. they are so similar it's scary sometimes (my own opinion on them anyway. there are differences between them ofc but they are a lot more similar than they are different). dick is a fox because his is the same but different. a canine but he chose his own path, became a better version of batman. a master manipulator.

there was a perfect reasoning but it was thrown out because "let's continue the over-sexualisation of him" was the easy way out

do i think the better reasoning might end up being the actual reasoning in the comics, possibly. idk if they will dive into the reasoning tbh, i'm not holding out hope for it.

idk man, i think beast world is gonna be fun, but this just made me cry

i'm only happy bc the cover by sweeny boo is actually nice (it doesn't accentuate his ass so tysm for that bc now i don't feel bad when i use it in my nightwing widget)

also, i am not someone who hates tom taylor. ii think his writing is fine and i love superman: son of kal-el ok. he doesn't write dick badly, sometimes he just misses and that is ok. i still like the run and will still get it and read it bc i'm enjoying it ok

i just don't like the OVER-sexualisation of dick

[luzwastaken]

CAREGIVER NEMONA HEADCANONS BECAUSE THERE ISNT ENOUGH ON THIS WEBSITE !!!! :33

some of these are inspired by other headcanons i've seen for her :)

also sorry if this is a little long i just have so many feeling about her LOL

headcanons mostly for younger regressors :3 (sense i am one lol)

⭐️oh she is so fun ! she'd play any game with you ! think Bandit and Chilli like she doesn't care about making a fool of herself especially if it makes you happy !

⭐️speaking of Bandit and Chilli, Nemona would know all your favorite shows and movies and probably asked Penny to pirate them for her so you can watch them at any time

⭐️SPOILS YOU like so much, makes sure you have all the little gear you want, also, she doesn't like mooching off of her parents but she would if you gave her puppy eyes for a expensive toy

⭐️physical touch is her love language so lots and lots of hugs and cuddles :))

⭐️babies you and praises you so so much

⭐️would carry you and give you piggyback rides as long as she can, it's a great workout for her (as long as it isn't uphill !)

⭐️THE TYPE TO KISS YOUR BOO-BOOS <3 (honestly even if your not regressed too lol)

⭐️thinks it's adorable if you try to count the freckles on her face or shoulders (i hc that she has more freckles than her model shows)

⭐️definitely protective, but not in a bad way (IM LOOKING AT YOU WEIRDOS) she doesn't want you to get hurt or see something you don't wanna, especially when your in little space

⭐️this one has been done but pretend pokemon battles are so real, like with plushies or maybe you being the pokemon yourselves !

⭐️takes you to have cute picnics somewhere quiet, and plays with all of your pokemon together

⭐️if you like she doesn't mind having 'Ar-ben' and 'Pen-pen' over for some fun too :)

⭐️listens to music and would have little karaoke sessions with you

⭐️if you babble at her she would pretend to understand and have a conversation with you, and sometimes copy your babbles back at you

⭐️she's not the best at comforting, but if your having a rough time she'll try her best, she would hold you close if you'd like and say things like "i love you, mi tesoro" and "you're gonna be ok" over and over till you feel better :)

⭐️panics if your regression gets triggered in public, but she'll bring you to a quieter spot if she can to help you out if you need

⭐️she thinks being your caregiver is wonderful, always

⭐️would let you wear her clothes, sense she's pretty tall wearing her big clothes makes you feel tiny and safe

⭐️she takes being your caregiver very seriously, and tries her best to make sure she's the best she can be for you

⭐️SPANISH PET NAMES AHHHH (mi cariño, tesoro, pequeña/o, chiquita/o, amor, corazón, bebé, etc)

⭐️and if you don't know Paldean she would teach you like a parent teaching their kid how to talk LOL

⭐️she loves it when you give her any nicknames too, Nene, Mona, Mama, Sis, etc

⭐️if you'd like she would carry a paci or small comfort item in her bag just in case :)

⭐️if you make a drawing for her she would adore it, and maybe even frame it on her desk with photos of you two and your friends, or stick it on a wall by her desk :))

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

(pov: me trying so hard not to write her as the 'perfect' caregiver when she just pretty much is to me 😭😭 like i love her so much guys she's literally perfect 😭😭😭)

i had a hard time coming up with unique headcanons sense the ones people had already done where already so perfect !!!

(don't be surprised if i make a part two one day >:3)

[ponett]

i know i am simply boo boo the fool for still tracking some shipping tags on tumblr at age 29, but it does drive me a little insane how much bullshit people will post in tags. you'll see people just post like "thinking about my ships..." and then tag 30 different ships. you'll see "does this ship remind anyone else of this other ship?" you'll see the same screenshots get reposted over and over. you'll see people tagging posts where they just say that they don't really care for a ship. sometimes you'll even still see one of those "don't reblog, just screenshot and tag your OTP" chains that's been going since like 2011

[justabackroundcharacter]

Thoughts while watching Wish:

- base princess personality trope

- Never getting over the face that the goat is named Valentino

- 7 dwarfs vibes with the friends

- Hans type character

- Weird ass love song to wishes

- Evil Chris Pratt went from 1-100 really fast

- The wife was 1000000% the kings wish and he used magic to get it

- Angry guy is played by GIZMO MY BELOVED

- 100 year old man move like a 60 year old fr

- Asha also goes from 50-100 real fast

- My favorite song was a little disappointing:(

- What she’s singing and what the animation gives dosent match

- Wifey is CLUELESS

- We could’ve had A STAR BOY INSTEAD WE GET THIS THING

- Star is still cute

- When you are a Star and accidentally make a devils trap in the tree lol

- IM A STAR ⭐️

- thanks for not eating me John

- Throwing books like your cramming for a test

- King is bipolar like actually tho

- EVERYTHING IS FINE

- What are you five ?

- DANCING CHICKENS

- Best friends help each other commit crimes against the kingdom

- King really is evil he made everyone go to an assembly and they aren’t even in school

- WAIT WAS KING SUPPOSED TO BE AN ALIEN

- how old is the king ? Do we know at all ?

- Casually dooms yourself to an eternity of pain because you got insecure

- HE HAS A SECRET LAIR LIKE HAWKMOTH

- ok how do wishes work again ? Was gramps not free to still inspire people

- Not the mom pleading for her daughter to only get her wish trampled on (definitely don’t need to look at how accurate that is)

- Star said SQUARE TF UP

- He’s literally just your king hit him with your bookshelf

- Returns to your stable if anyone asks pLaY dUmB

- when you have to speed run the 5 stages of grief bc you are the main character damnit

- I know what your thinking- WELL I DONT girl that star doesn’t have an expression on his face

- I can not swim *proceeds to jump into the water with reckless abandon *

- You’ve been hit by, you’ve been stuck by LOSS OF YOUR WISH

- ‘AMYIA darling your just in time come meet my new TOY’ why would you WRITE IT LIKE THAT

- Hot take anyone who calls their partner darling is on THIN FUCKING ICE

- King man went insane that is fun

- HANS KNOCK OFF BETRAYED THEM I FUCKING KNEW IT

- Dont worry im a talking mouse but very clean

- When you only want to be a loyal knight but you end up betraying your friends- happens to the best of us dude

- Good find Valentino - my butt found it

- introverts deserve sanctuary— louder for the people in the back

- STRIKE, STRIKE newsies vibes

- YES fulfill your Sabos wish

- doc and dopey slayed

- They all did

- They are like any queer friend group fr

- the chase scene is cool

- YAZ QUEEN GET YOUR HUSBAND

- I was fooled by the love I felt- Its ok queen you were definitely manipulated not your fault

- Don’t destroy never land you bastard

- A stick ? What am I supposed to do with this ?

- The MUSHROOMS 🍄

- Poor gizmo can’t catch a break no matter what universe he’s in

- a dress on a tree more likely than you think

- Dude bro dear got into the mushrooms fr

- Sometimes a plan is just you and your six friends jumping from a high place

- FUCKING HANS GOT ME AGAIN

- thanks John

- Your so right bunnies are terrifying

- Nope nope nope nope nope

- StAr GeT aWaY fRoM tHeRe

- WAIT IS HE MAGIC MIRRIR GUY

- Yay singing again

- THE power of collective singing will always save the day

- GREEN SMOKE

- MyWiShEs dude get a grip

- Simon and queen should be besties now

- LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

- Peter Pan origin story 👀👀

- ZOOTOPIA ?!?

- bippty boppty boo the magic wand is fixed

- Give GIZMO THE WAND 😭he deserves it

- Fireworks yay

- 5/10 movie

[mintytealfox]

//slides in here You want Alicenort headcanons I have come to deliver (fun fact I am the same anon that sent the word vomit of Alicenort stuff and the Golden Canary headcanon so le boo fhdjsk)

Enjoy reading.

A headcanon I hold dear to my heart is the fact Norton kind of follows Alice around a kin to a lost puppy (yes, even his hunter form, yes it has spooked her) sometimes. No one knows why, and when pressed about Norton will just tell people to shove off (lol).

Another headcanon I have is Alice and Norton together. Be like trapped in the manor forever idea or the fun idea they escaped together, Norton helps Alice out. Alice is the one person who Norton doesn't mind helping because she gets him. Sure, Norton will still be an ass about it sometimes, but its more of a playful teasing ass that Alice would and can play along with. Plus the two are a terrifying combo together. Norton is the brawns and cunning street smarts while Alice is the book smarts and detective skills. They get into a lot of mischief together, even with Norton's hunter form throw into the mix. Examples of this are: Norton and Alice going off the beaten map and exploring, maybe him lifting heavy stuff up for Alice to squeeze into to find something or lifting Alice herself up into vents. Or Alice knowing the ins and outs of the manor well, so she knows how to sneak around and teaches Norton all the passages it holds so he can move around quickly.

Adding to this too, while they work well together, they also know when to let the other go and do their own thing since it can and WILL get results. Even if the other has to clean up after them.

Also a bonus headcanon thats not 100% Alicenort related, but kind is near the end headcanon: Norton owns a hunting knife that he has on person 24/7. Has this resulted in him stabbing hunters? Yes. Has this also resulted in him stabbing his fellow survivors? Probably, maybe, okay only when he is very out of it and they spook him (fight of flight response and Norton screams the fight response). Alice knows about this and usually calls out to Norton to makes her presence known when he is like this.

yyyyeeeeeeEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Welcome BACK 🤣👏👏👏 I am thoroughly enjoying what my eyes are seeing here 👀

The image of massive rock man slowly following Alice around like a giant duckling LOOL The 'not like I care about her or anything' vibes have me laughing lool "Alice fell down" (she didn't) Fool's Gold: "SHE WAHT" -looks at the camera- "told you he cares about her"

GOSH YES! He strikes me as someone who doesn't accept help anymore because he is waiting for the price or strings that follow or just the rejection (he will take free stuff though lol). So to have this reporter lady just helping him cause she wants to is likely so wild at first. Able to spot what he likes or needs and is a step ahead with helping him cause she knows he will wait too long or just never ask lol -out on the field trying do get out the gate- Norton: "Okay I need to get--" Alice -places the exact tool he needs in his hand- Norton: ......💞🤌🤌

Alice could 100% handle him lol Good for her honestly 🤣

Oh my gosh YES! This dude has hella strength. Like, this dude can handle working in the mines with his lungs barely working and still lugging around rubble and whacking through it all with a pickaxe, with very little food fueling him. This dude lives on ambition and spite alone ah Then Alice over here seeing stuff like 'that bird is a particular shade of blue so that means we are near this place where something crazy happened' and running right towards the danger as Norton has to run after her. Her getting them involved with so much garbage loool but they have been through so much in their lives that honestly why not, by this point 🤣 LOL the image of them trying to break into a business, (to get the sussy documents so they could have the proof that the business is corrupt and have them close down), and Norton lifting up Alice so she can slip through the window LOL Alice: "do I weigh anything to you?" Norton: "no, its like holding a couple of grapes"

Gosh yea, them knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses like the backs of their hands. 🤌🤌🤌🤌

He is a fighter FOR SURE 1000000% Feral Norton has my heart feeling the ouchies for him and Alice needing to act accordingly owww oowww

AHH THANK YOU FOR THIS FEAST AAAHHH 👏👏👏👏

[angelthefandomobsessed]

Project Eden's Garden: Character Names Explained

After my first post on the animal symbolism in P:EG, I've been wanting to make a follow-up analysis based on character names. Anyone who's ever written anything even remotely creative has Google'd 'name that means *insert something vaguely representing character here'. That's a rule of the universe, you cannot change my mind, we've all done it, and we will continue to do it.

Of course, this isn't always the case. Sometimes we name characters based on people we know, or just because we've always liked the names. I'm still fairly confident that some good ol' fashioned 'Behind the Name' and 'Nameberry' scouring might have occurred.

So, let's see what the names of our cast actually mean!

Damon Maitsu:

'Damon' is a name of Greek origin meaning 'one who tames', or 'one who subdues', originating from the word 'dama' (of the same meaning). The legend of 'Damon and Pythias' holds a moral of true friendship, where (TL;DR) Pythias and Damon's friendship astonishes the tyrant of Syracuse, saving them both.

What's more interesting about this name, is that it's one letter away from the word 'demon'. In the Bible (yes, we're going back to there, and this won't be the first time), the word 'daimon' is used once, meaning 'demon'.

'Maitsu' is a little bit tricky to pin down. It doesn't seem to be a common name at all. It's listed on 'NamesLook' under the meaning 'Emotional, Systematic Mind, Serious' which seems promising at first, but it's a numerology website - the meaning is based on numerology rather than the name itself. So, I threw it into Google translate at it came back as 'Mights' (a lot of Western words sound similar to their Japanese counterparts because it's literally the word written in Japanese characters (Katakana, in most cases)).

'Howtopronounce' described it as a feminine forename, which... I feel kinda doubt, given it's the only place mentioning it.

Breaking the name up yielded far more topical results, however.

'Ma' - devil - 魔

'Itsu' - five, when, comfortable, one(?)

'Itsu' will require a little more digging (this has devolved into a conspiracy board, huh?). We can pretty confidently rule out 'when'. While that's arguably the most common use of 'itsu', it doesn't make too much sense as far as naming conventions go. I read somewhere that 'itsu' can mean 'to freeze', but I haven't seen anything else to back it up (I think the person might have been mistaken).

'Comfortable' seems a little odd, though not implausible. What's much more interesting is the possibility of 'itsu' referring to a number. The name 'Itsuki' can mean a lot of things. Two of these apparent meanings caught my eye: 'five trees' (as a surname), and 'that one moon'.

Numbers. The word moon is 'tsuki', but tree is 'ki'. Itsu-ki - five trees. Ma-itsu - five devils or the (singular) devil. 'Five' seems more likely (because this is all very complicated to my brain, and for the life of me I can't find a reliable source saying 'itsu' can sometimes mean 'one', if anybody knows what's up please clue me in! I'm pretty sure that 'tsu' can mean 'one', so maybe that's what they meant?)

As far as I can tell, the kanji for character names haven't been released (if it has then I am truly Boo-Boo the fool), but this would make Damon's name look a little like this (I'm not fluent in Japanese, so don't take my word on this, I'm mostly winging it here)...

Damon - デイモン (katakana)

Maitsu - まいつ (hiragana) - 魔五 (kanji)

SO, in conclusion, Damon has some pretty strong demonic roots behind his name. This ties into his overall snake motif, and could potentially (don't mind the tin foil hat here) be hinting towards Damon being involved in the killing game..? 'Mara' (Ma-ra) is the enforcer, so following my bizarre name logic here, she would also be a 'devil'. Maybe Damon is actually associated with Tozu and co. but doesn't remember it (a snake in the grass, if you will).

Eva Tsunaka:

'Eva' is of Hebrew origin and means 'life'. It is also (to nobody's surprise) deeply Biblically relevant. It's a variation of 'Eve', as in, the first woman.

'Tsunaka' was easier to track down than 'Maitsu', but it still seems uncommon. According to a website called 'Japanese Names', it's made up of the kanji for 'harbour' (or 'ferry') and 'inside' which... isn't super enlightening? I could jump through hoops to make a Noah's Ark parallel, but that seems like a reach.

Putting the two meanings together we get something along the lines of 'inside the harbour'. The word 'harbour' (as a noun) describes a place where boats moor. As a verb, the word could be used to describe someone protecting something; to harbour a runaway, or to harbour a victim. In that sense, Tsunaka seems like an almost angelic name, promising protection to others.

Wolfgang Akire:

'Wolfgang' is a German name derived from the words 'Wulf' (meaning - wait for it - 'Wolf') and 'Gang' (meaning 'path'). Therefore, 'Wolfgang' is often interpreted as 'travelling wolf'. It's probably best known as being Mozart's first name, but I personally think it was chosen for the irony factor - having a guy named 'Wolfgang' be represented by a sheep is a perfect irony.

This name could also be interpreted as 'one who has the ways of the wolf' (someone who follows the path of a wolf).

'Akire' consists of the kanji for 'reveal' (諒) and 'clever' (怜)... Or, 'truth' and 'wise'. This makes a lot of sense, given the whole 'lawyer with the moral high ground thing he has going on. It almost seems like a play on the typical Danganronpa protagonist, a little tongue-in-cheek about revealing the truth.

Grace Madison:

'Grace', to nobody's surprise, shock or horror, means 'grace'.

'Madison' could be taken to mean 'strength', or it could mean 'Matthew's Son' which launches us right back to the Bible. Apparently, the name Madison used to be a pretty unpopular 'boy name' but skyrocketed in popularity for girls after the 80s film 'Splash' was released.

Grace's surname might just be a reference to Madison Moman, a teenage golfing prodigy (fun fact, she has a blog titled 'Live Laugh Golf'... icon behaviour).

Toshiko Kayura:

According to the highly academic Wikipedia, the name Toshiko can be read as -

I'm noticing the word 'child' (子 is the 'ko', as seen in the word 'kodomo'), which adds up with Toshiko being so young. 'Genius child' is very Danganronpa, since that's kinda half the premise, and 'graceful' plays into the flamingo motif. There was a Princess Toshiko, but I can't see anything of immediate interest that links the two. If I had to guess, Toshiko's name encapsulates her childhood genius, implying that it defines her. Her character development might involve her overcoming this idea and redefining her identity.

Kayura is made up of the kanji 香由良, which have a variety of meanings. 香 can be read as fragrance. 由 means reason. I also noticed some cases where this kanji is used to describe a noble lineage of some sort, which could link with Toshiko's princess namesake, but that might not actually work here, just food for thought. 良 means excellent, good or skilled - makes sense with the whole 'child genius' thing.

Since she's a matchmaker, I could see her talent being hereditary and built from tradition. The way she dresses and acts is very proper, suggesting she's carrying the weight of someone's expectations - since she's only fourteen, it seems unlikely that these values were self-encouraged.

Ulysses Wilhelm:

The name Ulysses has an interesting history of usage. At first, I assumed our Ultimate Historian got his name from Ulysses S. Grant, a civil war general... He was also the 18th president of the USA, which I did not know, what a plot twist, I just thought he was the war guy. This could very well be the reference, but 'Ulysses' is apparently the Latin version of 'Odysseus'. Because of its link to The Odyssey 'Ulysses' can mean journey.

Oh, also, it can mean 'wrathful', we'll get into that.

(Huge tangent incoming, you might want to take a water break before this)

So like. I know I said in my first post that owl boy was probably going to die early, and I still kinda stand by that, but... His name means wrath. Biblically that's pretty big, right?

If the Killing Game is the Garden of Eden then what is the mastermind? Satan, right? Or maybe that's wrong. Maybe the mastermind is God. Metaphorical God, but still. Ulysses has a keen memory, not to mention he writes down everything that happens because he struggles to remember non-historical things.

Maybe that's not entirely true, though. Maybe he's trying to hide how knowledgeable (dare I say... omnipotent) he is. Maybe his skills are mostly analytical and his aptitude towards history is just a byproduct of that. Y'know... like how the Ultimate Analyst made an effective Ultimate Fashionista because she could analyse trends.

Okay, so maybe it's not that plot beat again exactly, but it's still pretty interesting.

Ulysses mentioned the classic 'those who do not learn from history' thing, but wasn't that what they were doing in the prologue? They looked at an old case and learned from it. Maybe there's a bigger element in there that they missed.

If Ulysses is wrath, then he could be 'divine wrath', which is basically when God gets angry but because he's pure and loving, it's a necessity and devoid of guilt or relevance or... something? It's wrath but from a high horse. Let's go with that.

What I'm trying to say is that Ulysses is the mastermind and that the killing game is a social experiment designed to end all conflict, idk, something like that.

(Tangent over)

'Wilhelm' is a German name that apparently means 'Will Helmet'. I have no idea what that's supposed to mean, will helmet do what? Is the helmet filled with willpower? In all seriousness, I think it's supposed to be a protection thing (because Ulysses is symbolically God- okay, I'll stop).

It's also a historical name which would match 'Ulysses'.

Desmond Hall:

'Desmond' means gracious protector, which suits him well based on his general 'we'll escape you guys, honest, nothing bad could ever happen' demeanour. However, that's just one website's interpretation, the most common meaning would be 'from south Munster', but that's far less fun.

'Hall' as a surname, interestingly, could mean 'kind' or 'forgiving' which comes "from the belief that Viking thanes were eternally benevolent to those who lived within his hall" (quote is from a website called Select Surnames).

Alternatively, it could stem from someone living in a hall.

Diana Venicia:

Diana, Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, maidens, etc. Princess Diana, of Wales, the people's princess, etc. Lots of famous Dianas to choose from here, but as a general meaning, Diana could mean 'sky', or 'daylight'. Most likely, this name was chosen because the goddess Diana was said to be beautiful.

Or... because of its connotations with the moon. The tarot card 'The Moon' is a card of divine feminity and of secrets.

I swear to Ulysses God this girl is hiding something.

Venicia means 'desire', 'love' and 'happiness'.

Jean DeLamer:

Upon first Google (which is all this is, this is for fun, do not take this 10000% seriously, I've probably messed up several times throughout this whole spiel), Jean means 'God is gracious'. He could be named after Jean Lafitte, a French privateer who had a killer stache. If I had to put money on it, I'd go with the latter.

'DeLamer' translates to 'of the sea' which... is easy enough, thanks for that, moving on.

Jett Dawson:

Jett is a type of black stone. To quote 'The Bump's description of this name "Jett is the guy in a leather jacket who’s cool, composed and confident. The name’s intriguing meaning, “black stone,” also gives it an edgy and glamorous allure". Jett is also evocative of something fast, so I think this is a case of 'cool name, cool guy'.

Jett was also the name of Judah's firstborn son in the Bible, but I don't know what to do with that info, so...

Dawson could either mean 'Beloved' or 'Son of David'. I find 'Beloved' far more entertaining, it makes me think of that locket GIF that was everywhere a while back.

Kai Monteago:

Kai is most notorious for meaning 'sea'. I don't know why, but that's been ingrained in my brain for years. I have a sneaking suspicion it's the Disney Channel's fault... did they have a surfer boy named Kai at some point state "My name means sea"?

'Monteago' (not 'Montego', there were a lot of search results for that) can mean 'friendly' or 'charismatic'. 'Charismatic' makes more sense here.

Kai seems an unusual name to have for the character, so if it was chosen in direct reference to something, it could be a setup for an ironic punchline. If Kai is executed, for example, he might 'drown in a sea of his own fans'. Or someone could drown him. Alternatively, water symbolises emotion.

'Mark 'Mayhem' Berskii':

Oh, hi Mark.

This one's a little unorthodox. 'Berskii' isn't a surname that's super searchable. In fact, googling 'Berskii name meaning' shows this character on the front page... after a few 'Berski' explanations. I tried putting it through an anagram decoder, and it sure does have the word 'bikers' in it, but that seems random. Berski apparently means 'Influencer, Freedom Lover, Charisma', which doesn't scream Mark... maybe freedom-loving?

Google translate says it's Malay for Skiing.

Urban dictionary says it means, "God. Berski is all mighty. Typically used as a nickname for the bro-est of the bros. If someone calls you Berski, you should be truly honored."

9/10 doctors can't tell where this name came from.

I am the one doctor who can tell you that 'Mark Berskii' is an anagram for, brace yourself... 'smirkier'.

Another case closed.

So anyway, the Biblical meaning of 'Mark' is 'polite', but it also correlates to 'Mars' from Latin, meaning god of war so...

I dunno, it's all a mess, Mark lives up to the pseudonym 'Mayhem'. He's a cool guy, if anyone has any ideas on his name, let me know!

Wenona:

Wenona is a Native American name meaning 'first born daughter'. I don't have much else to say beyond that. I think it's a very pretty name and I'm interested to see where Wenona goes as a character.

Eloise Taulner:

'Eloise' means 'famous warrior', which is a very literal take on her character, but I respect it. As the Ultimate Fencer she is, straight up, a famous warrior. Some other websites claim it means 'healthy' and 'wide', but I prefer 'famous warrior'.

'Taulner' is another case of 'this isn't quite a name, what do we do'. 'Taul' is Estonian for 'table', according to Google Translate... 'Tau' means 'Yes' in Hmong.

Honestly, I just think she has a neat name all around.

Ingrid Grimwall:

'Ingrid' is a Scandinavian name that means 'fair' and 'beautiful'. This name is derived from 'Ing's Daughter', with 'Ing' being the old name for 'Freyr', the god of summer and a bunch of other things. Something interesting to note: Freyja was depicted as having a chariot pulled by big cats. It's a bit of a stretch, but maybe Ingrid's lions are a super roundabout reference to that.

Maybe every character is a metaphorical god here, who knows, symbolism is wild.

'Grimwall' is a very cool surname, and could be compared to 'Grimwald', meaning 'fierce might'. I don't have much to say here, I feel like Ingrid's name is more vibe based than context-based.

Cassidy Amber:

'Cassidy' means 'clever' and 'curly-haired'. At least, that's what the first search result said. A few search results down, however, gave me this: "Cassidy name meaning is she who entangles men".

Hm. Interesting. Very interesting, since her assigned animal is a spider.

I don't know where this site got that from, but I'm going to roll with it because it's very, very fitting.

'Amber' is also quite interesting. When I think of amber, I think a bug encased in fossilised tree resin. A bug trapped in something... The spider imagery continues. Honestly, this name is super interesting (especially since Cassidy was on my sussy mastermind list... I should probably make a post specifically to theorise on the mastermind, I work it into these way too often).

Conclusion:

So, I started writing this a month or two back, got through Damon, Eve and Wolfgang's analysis, and then shelved it because my brain hurt. I woke up this morning and realised that I should probably finish this post. It was a lot of fun, I felt like I was making some crazy revelations when things made sense... and when they didn't, I just kept telling myself "meh, it's a cool name, it doesn't always have to make sense".

Anyways, if you enjoyed this feel free to comment your thoughts or reblog adding to it. Have a good morning/afternoon/night!

[blackjackkent]

Chats with Jaheira's gang of kids:

----

"A fine day to you, saer. Are you known to this court?"

Hector, sadly, lacks the worldly experience required to know what she's talking about and play along, so he just blinks at her. "I am not. But it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Crude manners," the girl says primly. "But you speak well enough. For a peasant."

"Jhessem discovered an old family tree in my study," Jaheira says lightly. "We haven't had a moment's peace since."

"Tethyrian nobility!" Jhessem cries, waving her arms. "You might be *royalty*, Jaheira. You don't want to be queen, of course, and Rion curses too much, so it would have to be me."

"Careful, girl," Jaheira quips. "They have a habit of taking against tyrants there."

"Bah," Jhessem says, rolling her eyes. "I"m not a tyrant. If anyone calls me one, I'll have Fig chop their head off."

-----

A note hidden under a floorboard:

:(

-----

"I take no responsibility for your plants," the orcish boy, Jord, says as Jaheira approaches him. "You know I'm more of a mushroom man."

"You've let my study turn into a thicket; is this what I am hearing?" Jaheira says.

Jord shakes his head. "I tended to it. I just... let it thrive in its own independence. You know," he adds pointedly, "same way you raised us."

She scoffs. "I raised you to be a sweet and kind boy. What happened?"

He frowns - a particularly sharp expression around his equally sharp tusks. "I watched what you did instead of listening to what you said. This house has taken in a lot of children over the years," he adds to Hector. "Mother dear was sometimes more commander than, well... mother dear."

"So you're all Jaheira's wards?" Hector asks, deeming it prudent not to pass judgment on anything happening here-- this is a far more tangled knot of love and anger than he feels qualified to untie.

"Wards. Family. Life-long irritants," Jaheira says dryly. "Use whichever term you wish."

Jord tilts his head at her, and then grins. "We were down the market when I was about nine years old. Some merchant started in with the usual. 'Yes, but where's *your* family. Whose son are you *really*?' When mother was done with him... well, let's say he won't have any sons of his own to worry about."

Karlach swallows a snort of laughter and Hector smiles. Jaheira's expression doesn't shift, but her eyes glint with a flash of amusement. "Hmph. Nature's law in action."

-----

"Commander!"

"Spare me your salutes, you little traitor." Jaheira's words are sharp but her tone is amused, affectionate even. "You walked me right into that ambush."

The girl grins. "Sorry, commander. You *are* my commander, but... Jord promised me pies!"

Jaheira laughs softly. "Hm. I can't fault your priorities. You'll look after them for me?"

The girl bounces up on the balls of her feet. "Can I have a real sword?"

"No."

"Hm. Fiiiiiiiiine."

-----

Further reference to Jaheira's family history and her escape from Tethyr as detailed in her BG2 romance dialogue:

-----

"No arguing," Rion says sharply as they approach. "Just... tell me you're well."

"I..." Jaheira hesitates. Then her shoulders slump and her voice softens lower than its usual snap. "...am well."

Rion nods slowly. "And Minsc?" she asks, her eyes flicking to the berserker.

The interpersonal subtleties here are slightly lost on Minsc, who simply grins widely. "Boo is also very well! And happy to see *you*, Rion."

The girl grins crookedly. "And I him. Enough that I'll let him keep his lumbering, sweaty steed inside." The smile fades and she looks from Hector to Jaheira with intense practicality. "So. This cult," she says, matter-of-fact. "What's our plan."

Hector resists the urge to smile. She is very like her mother, this one-- determined and strong and stubborn, and cool with a river of emotion roaring underneath.

"I'm not fool enough to think I can change your mind," Jaheira says quietly. "But if you're staying, I don't want you taking up arms. There are other ways to fight."

Rion clicks her tongue skeptically. "Really. Like what?"

"There are refugees outside the walls," Hector points out. "They'll need protection."

Jaheira flinches, and her eyes drop. "You shame me," she mutters. "In all our hunting, I had put them from my mind."

Perhaps it is that reaction, more than the words themselves, that cause the work of sudden emotion - troubled anxiety followed by determination - that flashes across Rion's face. "Right. Leave them to us then," she says firmly. "if we can't get them past the checkpoints, we'll at least make sure they're watched over if it comes to fighting in the streets."

She looks at Jaheira steadily for a long moment. "If I have to stay home and babysit, then it's *your* job to make sure ther'es still a home to look after. Take what you need, and we'll do the grand reunion when you come back for good."

Hector can see that there's something else she wants to say, but as Jaheira often does - as Hector himself often does - she shoves it down and away, out of sight, out of mind. "So," she says briskly. "Lovely as it is to have you back, mother - go away. You have work to do."

"Aye aye, commander," Jaheira says, inclining her head slightly. A pause, and then she adds, "Wait. One more thing. There are doppelgangers on our trail. One even went so far as to steal my face."

Rion studies her for a moment, then smiles faintly. "Hm. All right, then. If you turn up looking for hugs and kisses, I'll make sure to shoot first."

Jaheira laughs softly. "That's my girl."

[blackthornv]

TWP: my arthurian headcanon pt.2

Warnings: 1) YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ARGUE. DRUSILLA BLACKTHORN IS SOVEREIGN. I AM RIGHT AND IF YOU DISAGREE YOU ARE WRONG. 2) Ash Morgenstern will try to kill you if you show any disrespect towards Drusilla Blackthorn.

Drusilla Blackthorn, sixth of the Seven Blackthorn Siblings: she is the Lady of the Lake. There are numerous versions of the Lady of the Lake; she is described as both benevolent and cruel, friendly and hateful, helpful and selfish, but always, always pivotal to the story. When the knights are lost she is the one who guides them to the right path, both directly and indirectly. She is the one who gifts Excalibur to Arthur (you have to know where i'm going with this Arthur thing.) AND the one who emerges from the lake to reclaim Excalibur once the King dies.

*Julian's voice in the back* you are the heart of this family, baby girl.

She is the moment, alright? She was 13 and:

- housed a fugitive (head empty, just crimes);

- held her shit together to show stability to her younger brother while her older siblings where out and about (i know they where occupied with important shit ok? but leaving her with that responsibility was still a bit unfair);

- instigated the idea of performing necromancy in case of losing one of her siblings in LM;

- invaded the Gard alone during a rebellion to save the consul + gather witnesses to the crimes of the cohort (boo! they should have died!);

- fooled a warlock while being bait to (again) gather evidence of crimes;

+ now, at 15/16 is occupied terrorizing the new academy with her two principal strategies: 1) crimes - poisoned the entire academy with love spells - and 2) psychological warfare - frightened her colleagues during halloween by taking them to the middle of the woods and telling horror stories.

Funny bits aside, she has been helping the protagonists consistently since the moment she appeared (her first appearance was in CoHF, this mention will be relevant in my interlude, pay attention). She advised Kieran when he was lost, noticed Ty's turmoil when no one else did, saved Jia and the Rosales brothers, tried to lead Kit in the direction of his true love, lead Emma to Mark when he was still disconnected to the family, helped Cristina and Jaime to reconnect, was the first to try to get Julian and Emma's attention when they succumbed to the curse, when Jaime goes to Faery on a dangerous secret mission she is the one who will try to save him. She is right there, and she matters.

But she's also resentful at how easily her brothers seem to forget about her, the lonely girl fading in the background. Rarely standing on her own, perceived mostly as a faceless Blackthorn orphan, sometimes as a nameless attractive body - just another ornament in the background.

And there she is, through the good and the bad, a beacon of hope and of tragedy. Willing to do good when asked, likely to raise caos when left forgotten. Always vigilant, waiting for a target to finally strike.

What she does not know, could never imagine, is that Ash is also right there, tossed aside and forgotten. Always vigilant, but his dagger already left his hand - and landed on hers.

[crossdressingdeath]

Jaheira: You meant well, Minsc. But you exposed the city to harm. You helped the cult spread. And worse, perhaps, than any of this: Jaheira: You forced me to leave you behind. Minsc: But... this is where Minsc falls short of the understanding, Jaheira. Minsc: What else is a berserker for, if not to charge into danger ahead of his Wychlaran? Narrator: Intelligence (History): *The Wychlaran: wise women of Rashemen, each bonded to a berserker bodyguard for life. There is no higher title, nor deeper bond, in all of Rashemaar custom.* Jaheira: Wychlaran...? Minsc, I am not your witch. You are not my bodyguard. This is not some high lodge of your homeland. Minsc: Boo agrees, you are a queer kind of witch. But this city is a queer place. And Minsc, you may have noticed, is sometimes strange himself. Minsc: The titles matter not. Only this - when Minsc does as Minsc does, and charges in to make a mess: Minsc: Jaheira does as Jaheira does, and finds a way to save us all anyway. Kyvir: Aw. That's actually kind of sweet. Jaheira: ...I fight alongside fools. Minsc: You hear that, Boo? We fight alongside a Wychlaran again.

Oh they are so cute. You really can tell they're old friends who've been through a lot together! I'm really looking forward to playing the first two games and seeing their dynamic there, it's gonna be great.

Also, I'm getting the strong sense that if you agree with Minsc enough Jaheira is basically (affectionately) thinking "Oh gods, there's two of them now." She has to deal with so much shit from her idiot party members who she loves.

[a-d-nox]

I'm not familiarized with the tarot cards, do not know how many tarot cards types there are, how many they are... the hermit... i have heard about that card some times, so i want to learn about them!

aand i now want to ask for you to introduce us into your tarot card interpretations or what each of them mean (oh, and if you have observed some interpretations of each one that you haven't seen other mentions, if they aren't in a absolute definition), if they have a separated meaning from them interpretation into web wyrd

yhank u

👣

what is tarot? a crash course to the tarot deck.

hello, hello. i am gonna answer this one, manon, it will cover both questions.

it's all good that you don't know much about tarot. as i said in my about me post, i have been practicing tarot for nine years now! so it takes time to build up confidence and knowledge when it comes to reading! so a mini break down of tarot:

history: today's tarot appear most similarly to a 15th century italian game - it spread all over europe quite quickly. by the 18th century (shoutout to the enlightenment era for having nothing better to do than to make tools to help people better reflect on their life situation (yay printing press as well) AND boo to the puritans for demonizing the practice of any divination), french subcultures better developed meanings of the cards and began using it as a means of divination. this makes sense for european history because the great plague of 1738 occurred and people had already been turning to occultism for divination purposes (this is even remarked upon in journal of the plague year daniel defoe's book from 1722 regarding an outbreak in london 1665). while tarot is connected to / is credited to ancient egyptians, i ching, kabbalah, and many other older practices, the modern recognizable tarot deck originates in the 17th century.

so a tarot deck eventually came to contain 78 cards total. this deck can be split into the categories of major arcana (trionfi - triumphs or trump cards as they were known as in their early existence. arcanus - secret.) and the minor arcana.

major arcana (what is used in the matrix, or wyrd web as i have taken to calling it) are 22 cards. each card follows was was the typically hero's journey at the time (15th - 18th century hero's journey). the major arcana were meant to better form a storyline meaning to represent some higher power, a character, morals, and/or immoral feats. each card has a internal and external aspect as well as a individual and collective meaning.

while the minor arcana are a set of 56 cards that were originally your everyday pack of cards at the time. the minor arcana consisted then and now of four suits - fourteen cards each. four court cards per suit: king, queen (back then sometimes it was two kings as queens were often removed from "men's games"), knight, and page (at the time it was a jack). then cards ace to ten in each suit! like a modern deck of playing cards, the suits have four differing symbols - cups (hearts way back), wands (club or baton), pentacles (the diamond), and swords (the spade).

so now that that is cleared up - the rider waite smith version of the deck tends to be closest to original imagery, and is often a great starter deck as all the images, if looked at carefully, can provide insight to there meaning.

exhibit a.

the magician is the 1 (manon ;)) card of the major arcana. take a good look at this guy.

the magician stands before a table in which all four elemental suits (wand, cup, pentacle, and sword - likely the the objects from the fool's (22's) bundle) are present. flowers bloom abundantly before the table. an ouroboros (the snake that swallows it's tail) and a infinity floats over his head - he burns a candle at both ends towards the heavens and points to the earth showing his connection to both the physical (pointing down and ouroboros) and the spiritual (the candle towards the heavens and the infinity sign over his head). this symbolizes balance similar to how his outfit is both red (passion) and white (purity).

the magician essence of the card claims abundance and having everything one could possibly need. the magician can connect to both the spiritual and physical realm - this is a power card (all the elements are in front of him to do as he pleases in the image on the card). a magician can do what they want and create whatever they wish to. but the reverse of a magician shows the misuse of power (suddenly the magician is "unnatural"; he wills the objects to stay on the table). the reversed image of the magician is manipulating you into believing up is down and down is up. they also distractingly point to the bush of flowers and not the table. hence a reversed magician struggles to see their ability to create - they block themselves from identifying who they are and what they want.

most every tarot reader will agree to individual card meanings, but a spread is often up for debate as multiple cards often interact with each other differently (that's an opinion of mine). the question(s) asked to a deck often hold some sway to card meaning as well - they often carry a different message based on the question.

the magician when asking about romance can indicate rekindling or entering a relationship. it may ask that you mind your emotions (cup on table) and thoughts (sword) while being grounded (pointing to earth) and passionate (red cloak and candle in the sky). meanwhile in a career or money reading, the magician indicates new opportunities that will lead to abundance. it could mean starting your own business or negotiating a raise. meanwhile in a relationship spread when i see the 3 of cups and the magician reversed (i denote that as rx), i know that one person is up to no good and is likely gaslighting / using the other person.

i promise that all/every major arcana will eventually be discussed as we continue down the road to discovering more about the wyrd web! every minor arcana is definitely up for grabs though as they will not be touched upon when examining the web.

please use my "suggest a post topic" button if you want to see a specific pac/pile next! if you'd like my input on how i read a specific card or what i like to ask my deck feel free to use the ask button for that as well!

click here for the masterlist

click here for more tarot & intuition related posts

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© a-d-nox 2023 all rights reserved

[friendly-books]

Dresden files Peace Talk Live Blog

Content warning: Brief mention of SA I go off on a rant.

Dresden files Peace talk live blog

“My brother ruined a perfectly good run by saving “Justine is pregnant.” pg. 1 What a way to start a book

“He was one of the men who were so good-looking that it made people check around to see if they were being pranked.” pg. 1 Bi Harry 45

“Sorry to spoil your man time, Hemingway.” pg. 2 Ha

“I’ll have you know I’ve been a full time dad for well over a month, and Maggie isn’t dead yet. I clearly have mad parenting skills.” pg. 11 Ha and aw dad Harry

Carlos!

“The supernatural world had been kind of topsy-turvy lately. Some lunatic had managed to wipe out the Red Court of Vampires completely, and the resulting vacuum had destabilized balances of power that were centuries old.” pg. 16 Yeah Harry I wonder who would do that. Truly only a lunatic

“Marcone?” I demanded. Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, former robber baron of Chicago’s outfit was now Baron Marcone, the only vanilla human being to sign the Unseelie Accords. He’d managed that a few years ago, and he been building his power base ever since.” pg. 8 First Marcone mention and in the first chapter! Harry you were one of his signatures

“That was all him. Tell me that the Council doesn’t want me to be our emissary.”

Ramirez blinked “Wait what? Oh…God no, Harry. I mean…no. Just no.” pg. 8 Ha

“I took off the weighted vest with disgust and tossed it on the beach. It made an extremely weighty thump when it hit.” pg. 8 Nice Rock Lee moment

“I wonder if Harry Dresden is still Harry Dresden or if the Queen of Air and Darkness has turned him into her personal monster” look

I get that one a lot these days. Sometimes in the mirror.” pg. 9 Aw :( poor Harry

Mister!

Maggie!

I love Maggie and Bonnie

“As dumpy as it had been, that grotty little apartment had been my home. Damn the vampires, for burning it down. Damn Marcone, for buying the property and putting his new headquarters on the ground where home used to be.” pg. 21 I also miss Harry’s house. Also Harry, do you wonder why Marcone built his headquarters on your own house.

Is…is Harry sick?

“Runes and sigils of green light spangled the walls.” pg. 27 I don’t think Harry’s magic has always been green?

Ebenezar!

No wait Thomas is here and Eb doesn’t know they’re related oh no is there any chance they can all sit down and talk? Can we please all be grownups and communicate with each other just this once

“What is that thing here?” Ebenezar demanded

Thomas lifted his eyebrows. “Thing? Pretty bold assertion of righteousness from the White Council’s hatchet man.” pg. 30 Eb that’s rude to call Thomas a thing

“There has been a motion raised before the general Council to strip you of your status as a member of the White Council entirely.” pg. 33 Oh no

“If you look up unnecessary risk in the White Council’s dictionary, my picture is there. And my address. And all my personal contact information. And my permanent record from middle school.” pg. 34 Ha

“I’m being set up” pg. 36 Yep

“Stars and stones”

“Don’t say that,” he said, his tone slipping into a more familiar, grouchier cadence. “You don’t even know what it means.” pg. 40 Interesting

“Maggie,” he said quietly. His voice sounded rough. “Hello, young lady.” pg. 41 Aw

“How’d that work out?” I asked him. “Let’s ask Mom. Oh, wait. We can’t. She’s dead.” pg. 43 Poor Harry poor Eb

“Your mother is dead,” Ebenezar said. “Your father is dead. The woman who bore your child is dead. And you are the common denominator.” pg. 45 EBENEZAR! >:(

“but only a fool squared off against Ebenezar McCoy.”

(Yes. I am aware of the implications of that statement; I’d been doing it for like ten minutes.) pg. 47 Ha

Murphy!

“I don’t get to be me anymore,” she whispered” pg. 52 Poor Murphy :(

“So instead, I kissed her.” pg. 53 Harry/Murphy kiss!

“He was on the tall side of medium height, good-looking,” pg. 56 Bi Harry 46

Boo Rudolph

“And Marcone owns Rudolph,” Karrin said. She pursed her lips. “Or so we assumed.” pg. 64 He is!? When was this assembled?

“New colors”

“He made an alliance with a powerful guardian entity.” pg. 68 Interesting

Lara and Mab

“There?” pg. 71 How did Lara get three favors from Mab?!

“The embassy was on fire-and my daughter was inside.” pg. 74 Oh no :(

Earthwalk sounds terrible

“Why is everyone so shocked that I have a girlfriend?” pg. 80 Ha

Hope Carpenter!

Why ware the svartalves trying to take Maggie?

“Who did you lose?”

“Austri” pg. 87 Oh no poor Austri

“It was Thomas” pg. 90 What!? Why would Thomas try to assassin someone?

“And that’s why you’re sending me back?” Maggie asked” pg. 96 Aw poor Maggie :(

I love that Harry has plans for Maggie if he were to die again

“She hugged me tight again” pg. 99 Aw my heart :)

“He says you are,” Maggie said. “That you’re a good man. One of the best he knows.” pg. 99 My heart :)

Justine!

“Justine went limp and wept.” pg. 106 Poor Justine :(

“My friend. I recall you telling me about how one should respond to loyalty, once upon a time. That when you get it, you gotta give-it back, or else a man starts looking at those people like they’re things to be used.” pg. 112 Interesting shows Ebs teaching

Aw Harry and Eb are fighting :(

“If I do what is right, they’ll throw me to the wolves, huh?”

“Look in the mirror,” Ebenezar said harshly. “You are a wolf. That’s the point.” pg. 114 Ouch

“Outsiders” pg. 117 Oh no

“My mentor, my teacher, the most feared wizard on the planet, was frightened.” pg. 119 Oh no

Eb is so cool

This fight is so cool

Now they’re being chased

“why it’s damned stupid thing to trust vampires’ course.” pg. 126 You’re bringing this up now?! Now?

“Power against the Outsiders” pg. 128 So cool so Harry can fight the Outsiders. Wait did Harry’s mom plan Harry’s birth? Is that why Mab wanted Harry as the winter knight?

“please also observe that every single point of the plan is vampire-free.” pg. 130 Ha

“The whole pack is here. Now they’ll get serious.” pg. 131 The whole pack that’s a lot

“I don’t know.” pg. 133 Oh no

“Conjuritits? At your age?” pg. 134 What?

“Consulere Rex!” pg. 135 What. What kind of spell is this?

“Having a friggin’ Tyannosaurus Rex roaring out the tune of “Happy Birthday to You” at full volume is an entirely appropriate birthday present for Waldo Butters.” pg. 135 Ha

“And many moooooooooore!” pg. 138 Ha and yes I counted the o’s there’s 10

“God, I love working under pressure.” pg. 143 That’s good? Is this sarcastic? I think it’s sarcastic

“And I felt them.

Inside my head.

Felt the Outside.” pg. 145 Oh no

“I saw an image from their point of view-a being made of coherent light, a column of glowing energy centers, and pure dread, standing like an obelisk before the cornerhounds, a bolt of terrible lightning gathered around its upraised fists, head, and shoulders, like a miniature storm front.

I saw what they saw when they looked at me.

And I felt their fear.” pg. 145 So cool

“Because they took someone from me.”

“Mom?” I asked

His jaw muscles tightened. “Her too” pg. 148 Did vampires also kill Ebs wife? Whole family?

“Just…hurt.” pg. 149 Poor Harry

Butters!

“Okay. So the White Council wants to give you a hard time. So what else is new?” pg. 154 I’m with Buttes this isn’t new behavior from the White Council. This does bring back that quote from Elaine in Summer Knight “God, Harry. You can’t see it, can you? The Council doesn't care about you. They don’t want to protect you. They will only put up as long as you toe the line and don’t become an inconvenience.” pg. 150 The Council has never liked Harry. I’m more shocked that it’s taken this long.

“to recover is a solid sleep cycle” pg. 157 Knowing Harry that’s not going to happen

Andi!

Marci!

“He’s an adult human being, guys. And I’m tired. Draw conclusions, Harry.” pg. 159 Ha and throuple?

“Damn. Little guy had gotten all grown up on me.” pg. 160 Aw I’m so proud

Sayna is in town. Something is about to go down

“Who are you, and what have you done with Harry Dresden?” pg. 163 Ha

Riley! My guy you don’t get paid enough. Switch sides. Marcone probably has better benefits.

“Sister?” I asked “Oh, Sigrun Gard?”

“Freydis Gard.” pg. 170 Oh Gard has a sister

“Lara was a beautiful and dangerous as a hungry tigress, and very, very smart.” pg. 171 I’m seeing similar vibes to how Harry describes Marcone and Lara

“I thought it was closed to all outsiders then.”

She grinned and moved her hip in a little roll that made me want to stampede. “Have you looked at me?” pg. 173 Is Lara half Japanese or Korean or Chinese? Or is it because she’s pretty?

“Have you told his grandfather about him?” pg. 175 What!? Lara knows about Ebenezar?!

Okay don’t mess with Lara’s family good to know

“None of them were smiling.” pg. 186 Oh no

“Mistrusting me right from the get-go huh?” pg. 186 Not off to a great start

Can someone please de escalate this situation

“We’re friends” I said

“Then let us be your friends,” pg. 191 This isn’t how friends act. They don’t stalk, pull over their car, pointing weapons at them! Just let Harry explain and trust him.

“The last time I’d faced off with this many Wardens, they’d been there to arrest me, after the death of Justin DuMorne. I’d been sixteen. I’d remember how frightening those grim spartan figures had been.” pg. 192 That’s a lot of wardens after one warlock. Why so many?

Rant start

“He’s been with at least one sexual partner in the past several hours,” pg. 193 What. Is that the spell? Why would you make that spell? Why would you do that to Harry?

“And, as I realized what they’d been doing, my own anger started swelling dangerously. The Council had poked its nose in my business my entire adult life. It didn’t need to start poking it there. My heart started beating faster.” pg. 193 HOW FUCKING DARE THEY. >:( They have no right to know that information. The spell only seems to say that at least one and it seems to make no indication whatsoever if it was consensual. Maybe it wasn’t they (wardens) know that. They’re accosting Harry. Why do they care who Harry sleeps with? It’s none of their business. They don’t react this way to Mab when Harry becomes the Winter Knight. This is such an invasion of privacy. 

“Who was it?” Ramirez asked me, voice hard

“The nerve” I snarled

“Was it Lara?” he pressed. His jaw set like stone. “Harry, has she gotten to you?”

My fingers tighten on my staff until the wood cracked. “You’re crossing a goddamned line, Carlos.”

“Harry,” Chandler began, his tone soothing. He reached out to put a companionable hand on my shoulder.””

I struck it away

Chandler hissed and withdrew his arm, holding it close to his body.

“We have to know, Dresden,” Ramirez said. “Who did you sleep with tonight?”

“Because your sex life is a disaster, you pull this crap on me,” I growled” pg. 193 It’s none of their business. The nerve is right. They are crossing so many lines. Good if Harry doesn’t punch every single one of these Wardens by the end of the book I’ll do it myself and they deserve the backlash/back talk.

“Carlos face drained of color, but his expression never changed. “Believe it. Who?”

“Suddenly I remember why I have authority issues,” I said “Go fuck yourself Ramirez. And tell whoever ordered you to do this to me to pound sand while you’re at it.”

“Captain Luccio ordered me to do this,” Ramirez said quietly. “She’s still your friend. She wants to help you, too.”

“I don’t need this kind of help,” I said. “We’re supposed to be on the same side.”

“We are,” Chandler said emphatically. Then his face fell. “Unless. . . we aren’t, I suppose.”

“Ever word I’ve said to you is true,” I snapped. Or at least not a lie. “I’ve had enough bullshit from the White Council for one night.” pg. 194 Yes Harry has every reason to have authority issues. Tell him off Harry. LUCCIO! Why would you order this? I’m so disappointed in you. Did she think this was a good idea because of what happened to her and Peabody? If that’s why it doesn’t mean you get to be suspicious and be an unreasonable jerk to Harry. Why would the wardens agree to this? I thought they were Harry’s friends. Harry’s actually friends would sit him down and talk to him and trust him. This is an order you have to look at and disagree. You need to think for yourself. Why would anyone think this was a good idea?

Rant End

“Margaret Katherine Amanda Carpenter,” I chanted rhythmically, “I call you.” pg. 200 Ha

“I’m human. But this mantle isn’t like yours. It’s an order of magnitude more complex.” pg. 202 Interesting

“Molly had definitely become someone darker and more dangerous.” pg. 203 Oh no

“And more than anything else, it’s where you build that world that you want.” pg. 212 I love the passage about home

“My comfy, dumpy old apartment was gone, flattened by Gentlemen Johnnie Marcone to make way for his stupid little castle and the Bigger Better Brighter Future Society. I mean, that had only been after the Red Court of Vampires had burned my home down, but I guess I’d settled their harsh not long after. I was willing to call that one even.” pg. 213  Marcone mention! It’s a cool castle.

“I bowed my head at a light and wept.” pg. 213 Poor Harry

“Then perhaps you are the right person, in the right place, at the right time,” Michael said “Again. Have faith in that. And get some sleep.” pg. 218 I love this

Oh dear Molly hasn’t told her parents about being the Winter Lady

Pretty suit

Gary!

Sanya!

“He’d shaved his head entirely, and his scalp was the color of dark chocolate, covered with beads of sweat, and the blazing afternoon sun shone gratuitously upon all the muscles.” Bi Harry 47

“But knowledge good, too, da?”

“Da,” I said, firmly.” pg. 230 Of course Harry thinks knowledge is good

“And directly through Sanya’s wrist.” pg. 233 Oh dear

“He suddenly frowned. “Hey” pg. 234 Ha

“With an angel inside,” breathed Butters” pg. 239 So cool

“I accidentally ran it through the laundry once.” pg. 239 Ha

“The fete was being hosted at the Brighter Future Society’s headquarters, a small but genuine freaking castle that Gentleman Johnnie Marcone had flown over from somewhere in Scotland, stone by stone, and rebuilt on the lot of a burned-down boarding house.” pg. 242 Marcone mention!

“My old house.

Gone now

In fire

I wanted to go home.” pg. 242 Poor Harry :(

“When it got fully dark, Marcone’s castle would look like it was holding a flashlight under its chin.” pg. 243 Marcone mention and ha

“Technically, this wasn’t my first visit to Marcone’s little fortress, but it was the first time I’d done so physically.” pg. 247 Marcone mention

“M-Baron Marcone, the White Court, and the Paranetters have formed an alliance against the Former here in Chicago the past few years,” I said “Too many kids had gone missing.” pg. 248 Yep and I love that Harry has to stop and correct himself from just saying Marcone

“Wild Bill scowled darkly. “They turned to criminals and the White Court for help, did they?”

I straightened and turned slowly to Wild Bill, lookIng directly at him. “Their kids were being taken. And it wasn’t like we were helping them.”

Wild Bill quickly averted his gaze from mine. There was an uncomfortable silence.” pg. 249 Yep what were the White Council doing while Harry was dead? And the years after. It doesn’t seem like they were helping people. Where were the people supposed to go? Marcone and Lara were offering protection.

Childs!

German Shepherd! Doggy!

“My employer’s main concern tonight is that no one brings any explosive compounds inside,” he said calmly.

“Yeah. That would suck, if everything blew up and the place burned down,” I said “I speak from experience.” I might have given him a toothy smile as I said it.” pg. 250 Ha and come on Harry’s here. There’s going to be a fire.

I’m halfway through the book

“Marcone keeps a platoon of Einherjaren on standby. Remember?” pg. 251 Marcone mention

“Me, too. Just remember what I taught you.”

“Never start the fight. Always finish it.”

“Not that.”

“Make your bed and do your chores?”

“Not that”

“Something, something, never let them see you sweat.”

A grin flashed over the old man’s seamed face, there and gone. “Close enough.” pg. 252 Ha

“Marcone’s little castle had a large central hall that took up what had to be a goodly portion of its ground floor.” pg. 253 Marcone mention and this castle is so cool. I can’t wait for Harry to get it.

“And apparently, Baron Marcone had convinced them to help him.” pg. 253 Marcone mention and it’s interesting that Marcone got the Summer court to help

“And they were playing for Marcone’s party.” pg. 254 How many favors does Marcone have? And to who? How many did he cash in for this accord meeting? Why?

“I thought about the vaults we’d partially wrecked in the basement of Marcone’s bank, where he’d been entrusted with protecting assets from a dozen different supernatural nations at least. Just how many markers had Marcone given out? How many truly scary beings were in the man’s debt?

I frowned. The robber baron of Chicago was becoming a real concern.” pg. 254 Yep and I can’t wait to see him

“I blinked. Lara wasn’t exactly a ditzy party girl, but she was doing a damned good impression.” pg. 258 Oh Lara’s plotting

Oh interesting that the favor have an effect on Harry

Oh no ghouls are here

“I considered setting them all on fire for a while, until I started getting looks from the table. It was only then that I noticed how wildly I was smiling and moved along.” pg. 264 Harry hates ghouls so much

IVY! She’s here!

Where’s Kincaid?

Has it really been years since Harry saw Ivy?

I want Marcone. Where’s Marcone? This is his event. Hmmm =| 

Vadderung!

Ferrovax is here too?!

Genoakwa survived?! He’s here?!

Oh good it’s just RiverShoulder’s

The Forest People are joining the Accords!

Yes Harry is a good friend. I wish Carlos remembered that yes I’m still mad about it

“Blood on His Soul won’t forget.” pg. 270 That’s his name?! And he survived!? Ahhh!!!

“Yeah. Marcone had plenty of people here.” pg. 270 Yep

“Yeah, these parties are a hoot,” pg. 272 Yeah Harry isn’t great at parties

“Beowulf. Vadderung.” pg. 273 VADDERUNG was Beowulf! That’s so cool

River Shoulders is old

“You know what, Hoss Dresden?” pg. 275 So far three people have called Harry ‘Hoss’ Eb, Listen-to-Wind, and River Shoulders

“You pretty good about defying folk who need defying. And you’re getting better about fighting out who those folk are.” pg. 275 Yep

“Sometime, you want to learn more, come find me.” pg. 275 I hope Harry learns from Rivers

“Baron Marcone has given his permission, as host, for me to deal with this matter.” pg. 281 Marcone mention

“Baron Marcone, as host of this gathering, offered to hold my brother prisoner until the matter had been settled through an Accorded  emissary.” pg. 283 Marcone mention

“My read is that this whole conference is Marcone’s baby.”

I grunted agreement. “He’s actually doing what Cristos only thinks he is,” I said. “Building alliances.”

“And if you screw up Marcone’s plan? Karrin asked bluntly.

“His reputation takes a hit,” I said

“And he will respond to that.”

“Marcone is actually aware of the concept of payback,” I agreed.

Karrin glowered. “I don’t know all of the beings you deal with very well, Harry. But I know Marcone. And he scares me.” pg. 286 Marcone mention. Yeah Marcone is scary. So this is Marcone’s pet project.

“I love you,” I said.” pg. 292 Ahhh!!! :)

Yelp now they’re getting tailed

Why is everyone looking at Justine?

How do I only have 12 chapters left?

I like Freydis

“Are you seeing anyone?”

Murphy blinked.

“Mortals cheeks turned bright pink. “Um.”

Freydis frowned slightly and glanced from Murphy to me and back. “I don't mind sharing.”

“I’m . . . I’m Catholic,” Murphy said.

Freydis’s eyes shone with a wicked sparkle. “I don’t mind conflicted, either.”

Murphy gave me a somewhat desperate glance.

Huh. I’d officially seen everything now. Murphy asking for a rescue. From monsters and madmen, she’d never cried uncle.

It had taken a redhead.” pg. 309 Ha and Murphy didn’t say she wasn’t straight just Catholic so I’m putting that down as a Bi Murphy 2

“Marcone owns it.” pg. 317 Marcone mention

“It’s bullshit. However inconvenient you might be for them, whether any of them like it or not, you’re a wizard Harry.” pg. 319 You know what’s bullshit your intervention. I will be forever be mad about it

“Yet a wizard, Harry,” I growled.” pg. 319 Ha

I’m almost done and it’s only been four days

“Point is, I’ve already cast my vote on your behalf. So have most of the other Wardens.”

I was quiet for a second, with my throat a little tight. “Oh. Thanks.” pg. 319 That doesn’t make up for the intervention

“Don’t you like parties, Harry?” pg. 320 Ha and is that an understatement

“Wham. It was nearly audible, how fast his expression became a closed door.” pg. 320 Ah right Bombshell

“Why would he?

He was a friend. He trusted me.

I felt sick.” pg. 321 Is Carlos really your friend after the intervention. Does he really trust you? He was the one to mistrust and track Harry first

“Baron Marcone was a handsome man of middle years dressed in an immaculate gray business suit. Perhaps slightly taller than average, he had barely changed in all the years I’d known him. The few marks of age that had come upon him only made him look more reserved, severe, and dangerous.” pg. 322 Bi Harry 48 and MARCONE my guy is here finally! Look at him! I love him probably far too much. And yes Harry Marcone is handsome.

“Marcone glanced up as the White Council’s delegation entered together, and he looked at me for a moment, his expression neutral.” pg. 323 Marcone mention and I love that Marcone looked at Harry. I wonder what he’s thinking?

“I returned the look with as much of a poker face as I could, and we both looked elsewhere at the same moment, as if we’d planned it.” pg. 323 Ha

“I briefly toyed with the image of Marcone, with several missing teeth, reclining in a dentist chair for repair work while Gard and Hendricks menaced the poor DDS with their glowers, and it made me smile.” pg. 324 Ha

“If any underworld boss in the world had a dental plan for his employees, it would be Marcone.” pg. 324 Yep

“I should probably be looking into a checkup for Maggie before she went to her new school in the fall,” pg. 324 Ha and yes dad Harry

“Oh. You just went from a three to a six, seidermadr. I like men who look past the surface of things. And you can dance.” pg. 328 Ha and yes Harry can dance

“One of Marcone’s people in the in the red jackets looked like he might disagree with me going up the stairs to the gym” pg. 331 Marcone mention

“The guard looked from me over toward Marcone’s camp. Marcone didn’t look up from  his conversation, but Hendricks, his right hand, gave the guard a nod.” pg. 331 Marcone mention and what is he thinking?

Why are Harry and Lara undressing?

“Marcone had to give in with grace and installed dumbwaiter doors.” pg. 333 Marcone mention and ha

Why are they getting in the dumbwaiter? How can they both fit? How can Harry fit?

“Oh. You and the policewoman? Congratulations, wizard.” pg. 334 Yes true love protection

Wait I need to go back I missed Gard and Hendricks description because I was distracted by Marcone

“had grown out a short beard that had come out several shades darker than his hair,” pg. 323 Hendricks has a beard!

“on top of Lara in the boxing ring, making out furiously.” pg. 336 What. Why? Out of all the illusions you go with that one? After that “intervention” if anyone sees it won’t be good for Harry

I hope the guard will be ok

“Because it was my door.

My door, mine, from my old apartment; the door to my sub basement lab.” pg. 347 Harry’s basement! Does Marcone know it’s Harry’s lab? Why did he keep it? Has Marcone gone into the lab? Can he? Ah it’s a piece of Harry’s home.

“Hells bells, I wanted to feel like I was home again. And instead, I was standing in Marcone’s house.” pg. 346 Well it’s going to be Harry’s house soon.

Poor Thomas :(

“You’ve got conjuritis? I’ve heard about how awkward it can be when wizard kids get the disease. Aren’t you a few. . . decades old for that?” pg. 354 Interesting could Harry have gotten it from Maggie? Does being isolated to just him, Justin, and Elaine in their adolescence play a part? Does Harry have a longer lifespan than other wizards so now in his 40’s he still considered young enough to get conjuritis? Why does Lara know about conjuritis? Did Thomas, Molly, Maggie, or Charity? ever get conjuritis? Am I massively overthinking this probably

“The whole time I got dressed, I did my best to ignore the image in the boxing ring” pg. 355 It’s still going on?!? Why?

The potion from Fool’s Moon!

“He loved books.

He took me to see Star Wars movies.

Him and me.” pg. 360 Aw Harry’s dad got him into Star Wars :) My heart

Oh no Ferrovax can see Harry

Oh good Vadderung is helping

“None of the valets or staff survived.” pg. 367 Oh no

Noooo Gwynn ap Nudd I liked you

“YOU DARE! YOU ARE A GUEST IN THIS HOUSE!” pg. 374 Oh dear Mab is mad

“I remember how you wept when Merlin cast you out.” pg. 813 What!? Mab and Merlin

What

Just

Happened

Did the being just kicked Mab through the wall?

Who is the bronze lady?

“Gentleman John Marcone stepped out from the unmoving Gard, impeccable in his suit. He didn’t look frightened, though he had to be. He simply stepped forward, clear of his guards, and said, “Good evening, madam. I am Baron John Marcone. This is my home. Might I have the pleasure of knowing how you wish to be addressed?” pg. 378 Marcone mention and what are you doing Marcone?

“The goddess narrowed her eyes, watching Marcone with the kind of revulsion that one normally sees reserved for a swarm of maggots. She shook her head, dismissing Marcone from her attention as she fixed her gaze on Vadderung again.” pg. 378 Marcone mention and don’t you look at Marcone like that.

“This is your host?” she demanded. “You permit a mortal among you? Where is your dignity? Where is your pride?” She shook her head. “This world has gone astray. We have failed it. And I will no longer huddle fearfully in the seas and watch the mortals turn it into their filthy hive.” pg. 378 Who made you the judge, jury, and executioner? And Marcone is cool.

“The goddess walked forward, starting down at Marcone. She circled him, shaking her head in judgement and still no one moved.” pg. 378 Don’t you shake your head at Marcone

“Chicago fell into total darkness.” pg. 381 Oh no

“A solid quarter minute of stunned silence followed before Gentleman John Marcone hauled himself to his feet, looked around at the destruction and confusion in the hall, and mused, “It would seem we have the Formor’s answer with regards to the peace process.” pg. 382 Marcone mention and yes Ethniu made her statement quite clear

“The dead, it would appear,” Marcone said. He started for the high seat and offered a hand to Molly. She glowered at him but took his hand and rose with a polite nod. He spoke in a low, intent voice that wouldn’t be overheard by most of the room. “Assess Mab, please, Winter Lady.”

Molly stared at him for a second. Then she went over to the hole in the stone wall behind high seat. She stared for moment and said, “What’s on the other side of the wall?”

“Storage,” Marcone said

“On the other side of that,” pg. 382 Let Marcone help you up Molly.

Yes Marcone call out LaChaise

“Are you a coward, sir,” Marcone asked, his voice deadly quiet.

“A question, sir,” Marcone said. “Not a statement.”

“Tread carefully, mortal,” LaChaise said. “I would be pleased to use your own entrails to make sausage links.”

“I ask the question,” Marcone said, “because your next actions will show everyone here what you are, LaChaise.”

“Marcone’s voice cracked out. You are a guest, sir. In my house.” pg. 384 Let him have it! Marcone’s so cool

“Once you awaken them, frighten them, you anger them. They will lash out at any supernatural threat they can find” pg. 386 Yep humans are scary

“It meant that the Last Titan was in league with the Outsiders.” pg. 390 Oh no

Yes Marcone taking control of the situation

“But Chicago’s streets had changed.” pg. 394 Oh no

“And being initiated to the supernatural world was difficult even when it happened gently-much less when it rolled up and ripped someone’s face off.” pg. 396 It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the masquerade comes off

“You fool,” he said. “You damned fool.” pg. 399 Oh no

“Don’t you see, boy? You’ll be vulnerable, compromised. Mab, and this creature, they’re isolating you. That’s what abusers do.” pg. 402 Yep

“And then me and the old man went to war.” pg. 403 Oh no

“But he deserved the truth. Had to have it, really.” pg. 411 This is how you’re going to tell him

“Good talk.” I said. “Wizard McCoy.” pg. 413 My heart :( ow will they ever recover from this?

“It hurts” I said quietly. “Oh God. It hurts.” pg. 416 Poor Harry :(

“The Eye of Balor” pg. 420 The what?

Alfred!

Lara stop

“Murphy was holding a live grenade to either side of their heads.” pg. 439 Murphy what are you doing?!?

“Gods, that’s hot,” pg. 440 Ha

“I’d heard the tone before. Back when I’d had to put the fear of, well me, into a vampire named Bianca. We’d sort of been amicable opponents up until that point. Things changed when I’d made her feel helpless. Things had gotten a little complicated.” pg. 441 Bianca just keeps haunting the narrative she’s been dead for what a decade? We’re still dealing with the repercussions of her party.

Ok so Harry’s plan is to trap Ethniu

“I thought of the hideous scarlet light of the Eye, tearing through Marcone’s little fortress.” pg. 455 Final Marcone mention and how are they going to get Ethniu to DeamonReach?

Final thoughts

Good book. I liked the fights and thought it was funny. I wish there were more Marcone moments but I always want that so that’s not new. We're up to Bi Harry 48 moments and Bi Murphy 2. Not sure how everyone is going to defeat the Formor and trap Ethniu. I’m sad about Eb and Harry’s fight. I was too sad to comment much about the fight. Poor Thomas I’m not sure how he’s going to come back and I have no idea what’s going on with Justine. I want someone to punch Carlos and co. for their “intervention” and I want to punch Luccio. That was such a long rant not sure if it made any sense. I think that was the fastest I’ve ever read a chapter book before. Only six days. While I want Carlos to get punched I am concerned about him. With his talk of pliers in cold case, the talk about lower power practices, and how he’s always been more of the White Council favorite than Harry. I can see him getting more extreme or more in line with the fanatics. I liked the dad Harry moments. I loved the Harry/Murphy moments. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I can’t wait for Harry to be kicked out of the White Council. What have they done for Harry?

Onto the comics. Not sure how I’m going to format that. Yes I’m procrastinating reading Battle ground. I’m not ready.

[y2ku]

HELLO, HELLO...

This just in.

A fabulous Y2K Boo just slipped off the edges of Instagram and just became your latest source of Gossip

You may believe i'm just some squeez in a basement, or some bored suburbian trash, or maybe even someone on the outside looking in. 

Here's the tea.

One thing about being on the inside. Once you get there you don't allways get to choose where you stand... sometimes you need to take a step outside, clear your head and remind yourself of who you are and venture out into the real world.

Good Morning from your newest arrival, yours trully, my name is D.

Todays rendezvous, the 1st of many will be about Social Media, and the power it holds on people, children, media, status, fame, politics and mental health, etc, you know it.

And so by it's definition, in case you haven't realised and had to do a quick search, Instagram, "it's a platform to showcase talents, build a personal brand, and promote businesses. It offers visual inspiration and the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and brands."

Can you relate? Great. Neither can anyone.

Are you and Insta Scroller or a Facebook Babe? Take THIS in.

Social Media platforms like Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook are on the Top 10 List of Social Media with most active users. 

Did you know Zuckerberg Bae's are on the top with 2.11 billion active daily typers. Half of them are probably your kids. 

What? You think you're not old to have your own spawn?

I am 25. Remember that.

(By now, and don't lie to me, you checked the notification bar twice, at least, or are you maybe checking as i speak? Rude)

Fuelled by numbers and translated into graphics, the internet has done it's job and came back to me with usefull intel.

Half of SMU's (Social Media Users) are bellow 45 years, and I the less searched categories are "Usefull Content" and "Relevant". Yes Boomers. Right back at you. One of the most searched though is informative content. Of how recent studies (Tik Tok misinformation) came to us once again as proof of nothing.

Most of the posts portrayed in all the 10 categories provided by Statista.com (Thank you Gurl *wink* 💋) are a departure from tge category.

You see where i'm trynnna get?

Internet and Technology where bounded to us with the purposes of communication, information and as intelligente working tool, not just to lounge.

We have at tip of our hands one of the most powerful tools ever made, and you're gonna waste it on posting a hot tip about your breakfast? What does that say about you? Will it flop? Will they laugh? Or worst... God forbid, be cancelled.

Are these the things you think b4 posting?

These websites can be addictive, promote body dismorphia, anxiety and contribute to FOMO (yeah. we all have it gurl. pipe down)

Babez here, is trynna tell you to go live your life. 

As I speak, more Innocent fools, maybe like yourself, are having their lives ruined by Social Media.

Yess henny, FOMO, you are already missing out, on your friends, a lovelly walk, or just the simple pleasure of recognising a familiar face. Tik Tok Tik Tok Y2K'rs, your time is running on the clock for a golden press.

Dissociation from reality can be set apart of all this, but if you think it over, it can really mean something much more deeper than to pass time.

Buckle up Peeps, this is a thing, its a study made by Sarah McQuate in University Of Washington.

Okay in short. We are as a young population very shamed about allways being on our phones, right?

That has a reason. Like when you read a good source of Hot Goss 💅🏻, or a book if you're into it, you can get lost in it right?

Think with me, we all read bad books, but everybody with me "BOOKS ARE THE SHIT".

THINK about all the unproofed misinformation gathering about in SM, compact it, and all it's negative effects, cut a few lines of text, add the caption and voilá! Years of mental instability and a prolonged sence of Dissociation while navigating your Socials (Stay off your phone will you read this.)

The reason we do it tho. 

Social Media was not made to maximise what humans value. Period.

Quoting, yet another associated Researcher to this project, Amanda Baughan:

•"social media platforms are designed to keep people scrolling. When we are in a dissociative state, we have a diminished sense of agency, which makes us more vulnerable to those designs and we lose track of time. These platforms need to create an end-of-use experience, so that people can have it fit in their day with their time-management goals.”

(I'll leave the study here jic, https://www.washington.edu/news/2022/05/23/people-enter-a-dissociative-state-when-using-social-media/ ).

Looking at a laptop or a cell all day is bad, but doing that for the Socials, henny, it's soo 2015.

It's killing your mind, your hangouts, your friends mental stability and your kids (Don't).

And for an afterthought, Social Media Content Creators, as an Artiste (Clock the Work), the freedom of speech that you hand out, is overrated.

Because now, not just massive corporations have a platform, we all do, and if we could hold hem accountable for every cyberbully, every rover, every mean girl, social media would be a hostable party might i say 🤷🏻

Go watch the following video too! https://youtu.be/wQdcCiVb59g?si=pefj5yngsodJF4tV

For as long hot updates, drama and chaos are on check, nobody cares, right?

Its fine as long as you post a pic or send a mean text.

It won't even phase you.

You stash your lockscreen away and fade into all the negativity you absorved from the radiocative toothorn on your pocket.

Maybe some photo you saw.

Some post about a douche bashing something or someone relating to you.

Maybe a text some coward sent u, cause dude ain't got balls for shit.

In my day, i had to take the crap right to my face, but you know what it taught me outside of the Webz?

Worry not Y2K readers, in a world full of shade, if it hits you, it means you'll shine through.

And as for me?

It takes two to tango, but only me to talk.

Get used to it,

-D

[yandere-romanticaa]

What traits do you wish your future husband to have.

Also what caused you to start a yandere blog?

I want my future husband to be patient and understanding. I'm kind of silly™ and don't think sometimes which often leads me to say things that might sound hurtful to someone but that is never my intention so I'd really appreciate it if he could reel me back in 👉👈 I want him to be gentle with me because I am a horribly sensitive person and I pick everything up, even your tone through a text can't fool me. Physical touch is also a MASSIVE must for me, if I can't cling to him like a koala bear 24/7 then what's the point? Also won't lie, I kinda want him to be maybe a little bit on the logical side and just be able to use a fucking calculator because numbers are my sworn enemy. In highschool I managed to get a NEGATIVE result and no one knows how I did that. Even the teacher was speechless.

My guy, whoever you are, if you can't do basic math then you and I are in big trouble!!!

Other than that I don't think I have any criteria, nothing specific. I'm not too picky about looks, all I want for him to do is just fucking bathe and look clean. Although, fluffy hair is a bonus. Let me play with your hair!!

As for why I started a blog - there was absolutely no GOOD content for my main boo (Mikaela Hyakuya) and I HAD to fix that. I was around 16-17 when I first started writing and I think my love for yanderes was woken up by a massive desire to just find someone and what better way to cure that then to fantasize about my boo slaughtering all those bitches who make me mad or sad? 🥰 Yassss king, slay!!

But no for real, there was NO CONTENT for the fandoms I was in. Hetalia was dying, Seraph of the End had NOTHING. Someone HAD to step up so I decided that person would be ME™.

Aaaaand that's how I got to where I am today!

[antonio-chandranis-dream-blog]

THE NEXT DREAM. EARTH YEAR 2005 A.D.

I slept with Alejandro’s gift underneath my head like some idiots supposedly suggested. That is, I woke up after that previous dream and it turned out I was holding the book against my chest already.

It obviously didn't do anything!!

It didn’t? :0

And what’s with you? You usually don't make such tones, djinn.

Anyway, I decided it was best to go speak with my teacher. That cat man is almost as bad as you, djinn, so it's not like it was a huge change excepting the fact that he did what he sometimes does—actually help me out!

With his shitty hints, I was totally able to decode it! >:] But...

But what should I do about Alejandro's real gift?

Within the Boundless, from that place monstrous forms emerge and cause havoc for our society 100,000 years in the future, we students of the preeminent Protector's class have often saved humans trapped within their dreams and nightmares... Those who become surrounded by such monstrous forms. More often we free ghosts of their monsters, or sometimes nothing that's left at all but a memory. Or even the simple hope of one.

On the rarest occasion... Via a 1 in a five hundred million chance... We’re given something. Gifts. Something parted from a ghostly soul or even their memory as thanks.

Alejandro was given something not that long ago—it was all the buzz across our planet, since he's very well-favored to become the Protector of Worlds. (He won't become the Protector. It is assured.)

It was everywhere across the world through what you call “the television” in the year 2005 A.D. Or was it “the streams”?

Whatever you call it, he was on it. Everyone knows he was gifted something rare.

“The True Angel's Engraving.” Can you believe it? A name that boastful! It’s what they named it across the—on all the streams, or whatever you all say in the year 2005 A.D.

It’s in my hand now—a pleasing multicolored bracelet. Its components look and feel like ordinary stone fragments that fits well together, so cool to the touch, and yet I think they must not be ordinary. Not in a meteoric way or anything. The bracelet is singing with alchemical energy… With “the True Angel’s Engraving,” so to speak.

Earlier…

It felt like something familiar. Like my dad’s alchemy.

Not the way it is now, but like something from a very long time ago.

I’ve been thinking that since I saw it. I’ve been wanting to get away from everything…

Alejandro hid the bracelet away in this book I’d assumed was my main… My main prize of some sort.

On the streams, they kept repeating how it would bring him to the one he wanted to find, no matter what. That his heart was now connected to the bracelet.

Not just who he wanted to find… Who he seriously wanted. They’re obsessed with setting him up with someone these days. Alia. Diego. Khalida. Konna.

Still, enough of the journos mentioned it—that it could lead him to his try-hard brother too. To his family. To his…mother, potentially.

Why would he give it to me?

He must not have believed it. He’s such a fool.

Is he the fool, or are you? You don’t even believe your own words. Like usual. You’re always waiting for him to appear, and now you want to say ‘oh, boo-hoo, he obviously can’t believe that nonsense they say!’

But see, he used to prattle on about saviors. Am I not allowed to have opinions on them? He knows how I feel.

Child. He knows you are worse.

That’s not true. I really can’t stand you.

Do you really think it works both ways? I could—

You surely could!

Shut it. The bracelet… It doesn’t feel like my dad’s alchemy anymore. It feels like Alejandro’s.

I could put it back in the book. Pretend I never solved his stupid riddles.

And sleep holding it?

Do you think he wanted to give it to someone else first? I adore Diego, but you know he’s a little—

Oh, darling. I don’t know.

What should I do? He was too foolish—I can’t wear it in public. If he can’t think to give it to his prissy brother, it really was something to give a paramour. It’s too bad he has no real lover.

The public would have a meltdown even if a friend wore it—which I suppose I count as.

What should I do? I need to at least harangue him.

What should I do? Alejandro Caldera-Altaha. He really bothers me.

I likely slept too long today. I’ll need to eat when I wake. I won’t let mysterious votes choose that, so I’ll bring it up next time, I suppose.