#especially given all the other factors I'd have just looked for reasons to ignore it

[msburgundy]

perhaps God was just actually torturing me to make me understand something

[theflowerofthecommonwealth]

Power Armor Punch Part Sixty Six

Gardio: I thought I heard some movement on the roof. *tinkering with the pin from his tie. Making it into a tiny knife he can use in self defense*

Lucille: Either that or she ran off again. This is a very common thing with her.

Ma: (Heavy sigh as she leans on the wall) “Yeah, there really was nothing anyone could do when she decided to run off back in the day. She was too fast for her friends and any adult who could spare the time to chase her down, even if they had a car. So we just… let her do her thing and hoped she’d return before dark.” (Small scoff) “Sounds irresponsible of us, I know…”

Teshteal: *shakes his head sadly*

Joyce: (Studies her boyfriends face, returning that somber look as she clutches both of his hands)

Teshteal: Don't worry... The moment I sense she wants to kill me, I'll run as fast as I can. *shrugs with a sheepish but almost forced grin* Not that it'll help much- at least it's something.

Jasmine: (Knows that her biological rapid healing abilities get stronger when she’s in direct sunlight, kinda like she’s a human solar panel. And she heard a doctor in the vault bitching one time about another expensive procedure that was given to her that requires her to recharge under the sun. The doctor was going on how it wasn’t that necessary as she already has other healing factors, but he was ignored and she was pumped with more sedatives and whatnot)

Nick: *checked out into a book he has on file since she's calm. He's keeping an eye on her, though. It can't be all Jas all the time in his head or he'll go mad. Even parents need a break from their kids*

Jasmine: (Curls up against Nick like a kitten who just found a warm and cozy spot under the sun with her back to the light, partly closing her eyes as she does the little kneading motion she always does when she’s content. Her position is inefficient for healing as her most severe wounds are on her front side, but she wants to snuggle right now)

Gardio: *frowns* They didn't at least scold her for running off?

Lucille: *rolls her eyes* I don't think she has enough respect for others to actually LISTEN. I'm almost twice her age and she thinks it's okay to tell me off, swearing included.

Ma: (To Gardio) “Believe me, we tried to get it through her spunky little head that it was dangerous stunt to pull off, but she was convinced that she was fine on her own so it bounced right off her. And as for disciplinary measures, well there wasn’t much they could do when she was already doing all the chores and taking care of her siblings like a mini parent. What more could they add to that?” (To Lucille) “The swearing is new, I’ve never heard her do that before. But telling off other adults she definitely did, especially when she deemed something unfair.”

Lucille: I would say she's rebellious but honestly there comes a time when it's outright disrespect.

Gardio: I'd have to agree... *frowning still at the fact she was left to take care of her siblings despite literally being 9* I shouldn't judge because of what she's been through but so far she seems pretty rude when she's not hiding or running off. *clucks and shakes his head in disappointment*

Joyce: (Still looks so worried for him, a million “what if” running through her head)

Teshteal: *keeps smiling. It looks more and more forced by the second. He wishes she'd stop worrying about him. He's nothing after all...*

Donovan: (Yawns and stretches out on his bed, rubbing both of his eyes out of habit despite having an eyepatch. He blinks, frowning when he remembers the previous nights disturbing events, how he had to try and talk down Rosie…)

Ma: (Nods her head sadly) “Yes, that’s what’s worrying me. She’s not acting like herself at all. Little Rosalinda used to be somewhat reasonable and respectful, even when she had a good reason to rebel or haughtily toss her hair back.” (Rubs her hands together) “Once her mother passed, she got more defiant and distant with us. Instead of at least hearing us adults out, she’d just walk away even if we were just trying to help her process the tragic loss. And God forbid we try to separate her from her siblings for even an hour to give her a rest when they didn’t want to, she preferred to distance herself on her own terms.”

Joyce: (Heavy sigh as she looks to the bed, quickly rushing over to scoop up Gilbert to rescue him)

Gilbert: (Makes several squealing noises in complaint because he was smothered by the two puppies)

Joyce: (Walks back to Teshteal as she pets her little ferret, debating with herself if she should press further or just let it go)

Teshteal: *still forcing that smile even though the voices are rising up again, reminding him of how pointless he is compared to Jasmine. The only reason he was kept alive in the vault was for their sick pleasure. No one should have to worry about someone as pathetic as him... but he won't say it to her. She's already worrying about him.*

Gardio: *furrows his brow with concern at how she changed after her mother's death* That's where it started... *sighs and pinches his nose*

Ma: “Yes... It was terribly unfortunate. Poor kids already had to navigate without their father, they lost him before Rosie was even three....” (Sighs to herself again) "You know, I think it was their somber origin story that gave them extra points to get away with things they shouldn't have. They were good kids with kind hearts in a bad and unfair situation..."

Donovan: (Rises from his bed, gathering his clothes so he can freshen up for the day and go see Jas)

Joyce: (Blinks sadly, putting away all pressing questions despite her fears) “...Should we head down for breakfast now?”

Teshteal: *nods* Yes. Breakfast would be nice. *heads to the door. Feels terrible for making her worry. Feels like he's troubled her too much*

Gardio: That's unfortunately commonplace now a days... *solemn nod*

Lucille: The settlements see a lot of orphans come through... kids and adults a like. You'd think it would be easier before the war to get help for that sort of thing but even then... *sarcastic but pitying scoff* Good luck if you were poor or looked a specific way.

Ma: (Points to her ghoul complexion) “Some things never change with people I suppose.” (Small laugh when several memories come to mind) “Rosie never had a tolerance to that, she’d get right into people’s faces if they dared try to bully her friends or family for their looks or their lack of wealth. And she was the one who passed as something more than just another street urchin.”

Joyce: (Decides to set Gilbert down as she follows him out)

Donovan: (Was just exiting the bathroom when he sees his little sister come out of her room and he smiles warmly at her) “Mornin’ JoJo!” (Nods at Teshteal) “Mornin’ to ya too!”

Joyce: (Small smile at her brother as she walks over to wrap him in a hug) “Morning…”

Donovan: (Sways her side to side as he pats her back) “Did you sleep well?”

Joyce: (Nods into his shoulder) “Mhm, yes.”

Teshteal: *starts to walk down to the kitchen without her to dish them up. He should at least make himself useful*

Jasmine: (Nuzzles under her Dads neck as she breathes evenly, her loose curls partly hiding her face)

Lucille: *quietly nods. Still doesn't like she got away with things so easily to the point she has next to no respect or consideration for others.*

Gardio: *to Ma, reminding her of why she's here* Shouldn't you be looking for Jasmine...?

Ma: (Smiles and nods) “Yes, I should be. But do any of you two need anything before I go?”

Joyce: (Hugs her brother a little tighter, opening her mouth to say something but then she quickly shuts it)

Donovan: (Looks down at her) “Hm? What’s wrong?”

Joyce: (Softly, not wanting to worry him further) “Nothing…”

Teshteal: *warms the food up in the oven... while his thoughts beat him over the head that he's only a burden on Joyce*

Lucille: I'm fine.

Gardio: Nothing at all, thank you. *shakes his head*

Ma: (Nods) “Alright then, I’ll be off.” (Walks back down the stairs, giving her two children a quick nod before she makes her way outside. On the side of the house is a newly installed set of stairs that she climbs to reach the platform on the roof where she finds Nick and Jas)

Jasmine: (Hears Ma coming and she whines in fear, hiding away in Nicks shirt while tightening her grip)

Donovan: (Pats the bottom of her chin) “Are you sure…?”

Joyce: (Quickly nods, but there is still a question lingering in her eyes)

Teshteal: *quietly to himself* I have to eat... it'll help... *just wants the voices to stop*

Nick: *looks up and sees it's Ma then back down to Jas* It's okay, kiddo. It's only Mama Evie... *gently brushes away her hair from her face with his good hand. He looks up at the motherly ghoul* Come to check up on us?

Jasmine: (Relaxes her tight grip when her dad reassures her, peeking up from Nick to blink at Ma with wide eyes)

Ma: (Nods, smiling warmly at the teen girl and her father) “Yes, I realized you were both missing and Detective Chapel directed me to the roof as he heard movement.” (Gestures around the little platform) “You two are catching some sun? It’s a beautiful day out here. One of our first since winter came to a close.”

Donovan: (Knows something is up so he keeps staring at his little sister worriedly)

Joyce: (Smiles up at him) “…Have you eaten yet? We can go eat breakfast together!”

Donovan: (Worried blink but he nods and takes her hand, starting down the stairs with her in tow)

Teshteal: *dawns a new forced smile when he hears footsteps coming down the stairs. He pulls the food out of the oven for Joyce and him* I've already prepared your portion, Joyce! *sets hers on the table. It's a pretty ballanced portion size. His is most of the food he couldn't eat from yesterday plus just a little more to make it a complete breakfast* Hope you don't mind!

Nick: Yeah figured I could use a tan. This face is a bit pale from being cooped to all day. *wry chuckle at is own ironic self jab* As for Jas the sun on her skin seems to help her heal better.

Ma: (Chuckles at his little joke as she approaches) “Shall I bring you some sunscreen then? Don’t want you to get burned.”

Jasmine: (Nuzzles her head back under Nicks chin with a small hum, closing her eyes as a gentle breeze blows by)

Ma: (Folds her hands) “I wanted to originally ask if it would be a good idea to give Rosie some bone broth after her milk? Or maybe she could try eating some toast or even some apple sauce?”

Jasmine: (Makes a noise of protest at the mention of food as she tightens her grip back on her Dad)

Joyce: (Comes bolting over to the table with a wide smile) “I don’t mind!” (Sits down in her spot)

Gilbert: (Circling under Joyce’s chair, trying to jump up so he can be with her)

Donovan: (Follows close behind to brew himself some coffee. He wants to wait until Joyce starts eating before he goes and checks on Jas)

Teshteal: *decides to sit across from her to give her some space. He quickly goes to eat before she can say anything about this.

Nick: We can start with some broth... I don't know if she's ready for solid food just yet. *rubs her back gently to reassure her*

Ma: “That’s perfectly fine. I’ll go prepare that now if there isn’t anything else you need.”

Jasmine: (Puts her thumb in her mouth to help soothe herself without scratching. She still doesn’t like the idea of drinking anything either)

Donovan: (Serves Joyce a glass of milk to drink along with her breakfast, still so concerned about her)

Joyce: (Doesn't want to worry him as he has already had a hell of a night dealing with Jasmine up in the lighthouse. She picks up her fork and looks up at Teshteal from across the table, wanting to ask why he didn’t sit besides her but she keeps quiet about that)

Teshteal: *thinks he's intruded on her enough. Doesn't want her to feel like he's smothering her*

Nick: *just shakes his head in response*

Ma: (Gives a small wave and heads off back down to the kitchen, entering through the side door)

Joyce: (Perks up when Ma walks in, smiling brightly as she sets down her fork) “Hello Mama! Good morning!”

Ma: (Walks over to give her a gentle kiss on the head) “Morning love. Did you sleep well?”

Joyce: (As she picks up Gilbert and sets him in her lap) “Yup!”

Ma: (Turns to Donny) “And you?”

Donovan: (Gives a thumbs up) “Slept fine.”

Ma: (Turns to Teshteal next) “How about you, dear?”

Jasmine: (Nuzzles against her Dad, planning on alerting him if her feelings get too strong. If Nick looks closely to the oldest wounds on her sides, he can probably see that they are starting to fade with the sunlight)

Nick: *is none the less surprised by this but doesn't say anything to disturb her. Instead he rubs small circles on her back to soothe the teen*

Jasmine: (Grips onto his shirt collar to keep her hands busy, focusing on breathing along with the circles he’s rubbing on her back. It’ll be awhile before her newest and worst wounds start healing)

Teshteal: *forces a smile again and looks up at her. It's hard to tell he's faking it* I slept wonderfully! Thank you! *goes back to eating*

Ma: (Bright smile) “That’s good to hear!”

Donovan: (Takes his coffee mug and starts waking to the stairs)

Ma: (Opens the freezer to get some premade bone broth out that she had froze) “Rosalinda and her father are up on the roof, Donny.”

Donovan: “Oh? Alright then.” (Starts heading for the door)

Ma: (Tilts her head, worried that Jas might get upset if she sees Donny and remembers the previous night) “You should eat first before you go up to see her…”

Donovan: (Shakes his head, pausing to turn to his mother) “No, I’ll be alright-…”

Ma: (Gives him a look) “Donovan…”

Teshteal: *keeps his head low as he eats. Doesn't want to bring attention to himself. Telling himself it's none of his business and that he's just going to get in the way. He always does*

Donovan: (Blinks, scratching his head with a heavy sigh when he realizes what she means) “Perhaps you are right…”

Ma: (Continues prepping the broth) “I believe I am. Just at least until she eats something, okay?”

Donovan: (Silent nod as he takes a seat by his sister, sipping his coffee) “I suppose I do have to clear the area of any Mirelurks that may have nested after the storm… Maybe check the bog for berries.”

Joyce: (Perks up from her breakfast at the mention of the bog) “Oh! Can I come?!”

Ma: (Doesn’t want Donny to go out alone, especially after the previous night) “I may tag along as well if you’re gonna go out.”

Donovan: (Shakes his head at his family’s offer) “No, you both don’t have to. I don’t know what’ll be lurking out there so it’s best you stay here where it’s safe.”

Teshteal: *softly* I can help with the mirelurks... *bitterly at himself* It's what I'm made for after all.

Ma: (Missed that last remark as she heads off to gather a diary and pencil for Jasmine while the broth boils) “You’re our guests here, so don’t worry too much about that and just focus on your healing.”

Donovan: (Sets down his coffee mug, remembering what Gardio had pointed out earlier when they were heading out after the trappers) “…Is it even safe for you to leave?” (Takes in a deep breath) “Or for Rosie? We ought to have a talk about that as your group’s situation is still unclear to us.”

Joyce: (Looks between her boyfriend and brother worriedly, the maple syrup bottle held midair so it’s slowly dribbling onto her plate)

Ma: (Goes upstairs to collect some items to bring to Nick and Jas on the roof, gathering everything in a little basket before she walks back outside and up the stairs)

Jasmine: (Was starting to relax again with the warmth of the sun and Nicks soothing rubs when she hears the approaching footsteps, making her shriek with alarm and cling to her Dad like a baby koala and try to hide under the collar of his shirt)

Ma: (Frowns at the girls reaction, assuming she’s still jumpy from her nightmares) “She’s still nervy from her night terrors, poor sweet child…” (Hold up the pretty pink diary after she sets down the bottle with formula on the little table) “I brought this for her to use as a way of coping. Journaling her nightmares can help her process them in a… “healthier manner”. And perhaps aid you in understanding your daughters situation better so you can better guide her.”

Nick: *smiles at the journal then at Ma* That's actually a wonderful idea. I'm surprised I hadn't thought of it sooner. *to Jas* What do you think, kiddo? Want to give journaling another go? *not reaching for the bottle yet. She needs to calm down first*

Teshteal: *matter of factly but only because he can get through the details quicker like that* Jasmine is the one in danger most outside, especially in the state she's in. Plus, her programming has a stronger hold on her than mine. They had a lot more time to break her down. Don't worry. If we're outside, I'll be able to smell the chems miles before they get to us.

Donovan: (A little confused) “You can do what now? Smell them from far away?” (Has way more questions but he figures that he shouldn’t overload Teshteal as the poor guy had a breakdown yesterday)

Joyce: (Starts eating her food again, not minding that she once again drenched it in syrup)

Gilbert: (Sticking up his wiggly little nose in the air, trying to smell the food on his Joyce’s plate)

Jasmine: (Raises her head to peep up at the two adults, still sucking on her thumb. She looks at the pretty diary thats so much more appealing than her bloodied book, her big magical doe eyes sparking at the color and the fact that there’s prints of roses on it. She glances up at Ma, then at her Dad, nodding her head at him)

Ma: (Smiles brightly down at the teen, taking out a small pencil case with colored pens inside in case Jazzy wants to use those as well. She that and the diary besides the two on the chair) “I hope this and the beautiful day out can help her settle down enough to get some proper sleep.” (Looks up at Nick) “And with her wonderful and caring father watching over her.”

Teshteal: *taps his nose* I have enhanced olfactory senses. It's pretty easy for me to sniff out people. It's how I found Jasmine earlier. Everyone's got a distinct scent profile. Kind of like a fingerprint... *wonders if this is weirding them out* It's kind of a disgusting ability... I'd understand if you think I'm some sort of freak.

Donovan: (Shakes his head) “I’ve been around long enough to have seen more freakish things, this ain't one of them.”

Joyce: (Looks at her boyfriend with a small smile) “I think its pretty neat! But I suppose it would be a bother with strong scents.” (Wrinkles her nose)

Nick: *smiles at the compliment, taking the case and the book from the table* Don't forget to rest, yourself. You're welcome to join us out here if you want. *to Jas* Do you want to go ahead and write something now, doll?

Jasmine: (Nods and sits up as she takes the stationary, scooting off Nicks lap so she’s sitting besides him on the double lounger with her head leaning on his shoulder. She props up her knees to use as a table and starts to write about her previous nightmares starting off with describing the shadows looming over her, the coding helping her see and focus despite her splitting headache and pain)

Ma: (Shakes her head with a wave of her hand) “Don’t you start fretting ‘bout me too, you have enough as it is. I have some things to take care of but I might come back up later as this day is just too lovely to ignore.” (Puts Nicks coat and a thin robe she brought for Jas on the table just in case they get cold)

Nick: *looks at her pointedly* A good guest ought to be mindful of their host. *not looking at what Jas writes right now in case she wants to keep it private*

Teshteal: *scrunches his nose, too* Yeah. For instance the barn yesterday. This also means I have a strong sense of taste, too. *shakes his head, remembering the original subject* That's besides the point. I can get away a lot quicker than they can spot me. Besides I'm sure Joyce can fight, too. *smiles at his girlfriend* I'll do my best to protect her.

Joyce: (Looks to her older brother with puppy eyes, tugging on his arm) “Pleeeeeeaasse???”

Donovan: (Rubs the temple of his brow) “Oh good lord, now there’s two girls who can do puppy eyes at me…”

Joyce: “I wanna pick some berries!”

Donovan: “And I want to keep you safe from Mirelurks and whatever else might’ve made it’s way here after the storm. We haven’t had time to practice your shooting in awhile. Plus, the smell of rotting corpses would draw in more creatures. I wouldn’t be surprise if there was a Fog Crawler or two.”

Joyce: (Eyes widen slightly)

Donovan: (Heavy sigh as he starts to tap his fingers on the table) “That and the Trappers in the quarry...” (Starts mumbling to himself) “God... that's gonna take awhile, there's so much I gotta fix.”

Joyce: (Gets a concerned look on her face for her workoholic brother)

Ma: (Opens her mouth to say something, then looks at Jas and quickly closes it. She silently gestures up to the lighthouse that still has blood and glass covering the floor, something she had to get rid of in case they get more guests)

Jasmine: (Trying to document even the littlest details, doing her best to express the jumbled up feelings that she felt in the moment. The helpless desperation and fear as the large shadows towered over her small frame, the twisting in her heart when they all kept shouting the same degrading insults. Her eyes stay glued onto the diary and her hand never stops moving, the programming taking ahold and putting her into complete focus mode)

Ma: “Donny is also thinking of going out to clear some potential Mirelurks then head to the tarberry bog, I may go with him as there can possibly be more than just that out there.” (Turns and looks out over her newly established farm on this unfamiliar Island, sighing sadly to herself as she folds her hands)

Nick: If that's the case, might be wise to take either Teshteal or Gardio with you. *frowns* I'd suggest Lucille but she's currently out of commission until her leg heals.

Ma: (Stares out longingly at her farm for a long moment, sighing heavily as she shakes her head and turns back to Nick) “Mhm, maybe we will….” (Gets another thought at the mention of Lucille, pursing her lips together)

Jasmine: (Still writing like mad, her hand shaking with how tight she’s gripping the pencil)

Nick: Something on your mind? *looks up curiously at her*

Ma: “Hm?” (Realizes that she’s delayed her response and gives a half smile) “Oh nothing at all- it’s just this old gal getting held up by the past.”

Teshteal: Don't know what a fog crawler is but if it's anything like a Mirelurk Queen, I can take it out easily. *interlaces his fingers and stretches them by pushing them away from his face while grinning with carefree confidence*

Donovan: “Ah…. It’s almost like a giant shrimp- praying mantis type mutated monster. They’re waaaaaay faster than they look and can be a pain to take down.” (Shudders just thinking about it)

Joyce: (Puts her head in her hands, looking at her brother in deep thought) “Still… can we at least try? If there’s anything dangerous we can come right back home.”

Donovan: (Rubs his chin) “I suppose so… but we have to be extra cautious and take the longer rout to avoid going best the water.”

Teshteal: *intrigued by the Fog Crawler and wants to go even more, now. More to himself* I wonder if they taste like shrimp, too...

Donovan: (Sips his coffee) “We’ll go later, maybe right before lunch or after.”

Joyce: (Beams with delight, but then sags a little) “Erm…. Before we go or do anything else- can we talk about something? Just me and you?” (Shyly tucks some hair behind her ear)

Donovan: (Remembers what happened at breakfast yesterday and nods) “Sure, Jo-Jo… You wanna go up to my room to talk right now?”

Joyce: (Quickly nods, turning to her boyfriend) “We’ll just be a minute, okay?”

Teshteal: Okay. *sheepishly waves*

Joyce: (Stands from the table with her brother and Gilbert in her arms, giving Teshteal a quick kiss on the head before she follows Donny up the stairs to his room)

Teshteal: *blinks and blushes at the kiss. As soon as they're gone he gets to work cleaning up his food and clearing the table to keep his thoughts clear*

Nick: *shakes his head* I know the past can be a bit of a slog, believe me, but that expression of yours shifted just as I mentioned Lucille. *raises an eyebrow*

Ma: (Brightens up) “Ah- I was just thinking about asking Lucille if she’d like me to draw her a bath so she can wash up.” (Thinks that the poor young woman needs a good soak after the previous nights events)

Jasmine: (Starts to tremble when she gets around to writing about the Guard Leader, writing faster in order to keep up with her racing mind. Tears form on her eyes as she remembers every word he spat at her, still believing it all. She goes through on how he just appeared in front of her and how he mocked her shivering frame on the floor, stopping when she describes how big he is compared to her after he called her babydoll and yanked her to the floor)

Nick: *rubs Jas's shoulders slightly when he senses she's paused- probably because of something terrible. He only turns his attention to her briefly. With a reassuring tone* You don't have to write it if you don't want to, Rosie... Take a moment to breathe. *to Ma* Good idea- She probably could use a good long soak. She doesn't get to do that often, I'm sure. *nods, as if confirming it for himself*

Ma: (Waves her hand) “I’ll go do that right now.” (Turns and heads back down the stairs and into the house, going straight up to the attic to ask Lucille if having a warm bath sounds like lovely idea)

Jasmine: (Doesn’t stop writing because if she does she won’t be able to start again and she needs to document these things. Hell, she needs to update that damned bloodied book as it’s part of her programming)

Nick: *only nods after her then leans his head back and shuts his eyes, keeping an ear out for any other pauses of Jasmine's pen*

Jasmine: (Lips quiver as she writes, describing being tossed to the floor followed the the growing fear because she knows what he was going to do with her next. Then she recounts that she called out for Nick to save her but was asked by the Guard Leader why he would ever help her. She writes on how she shakily said it was because she was Nicks daughter, but the Guard Leader smacked her with the other reasons on why Nick is bothering to care about her- which made her angry enough to try and hit him)

Lucille: *doing some programming practice on her pipboy*

Gardio: *reading a book he borrowed from the guest room. Because of last night, he feels the need to stay by his little girl's side right now*

Ma: (Comes up the stairs to the attic and knocks on the wall) “Yoo-hoo?” (Smiles warmly at the two) “Lucille? I wanted to ask if you’d like me to run a bath downstairs for you?”

Lucille: *confused* I'm not that dirty, am I...?

Gardio: *looks over at her* Remember, you can take baths for other reasons, Lucille.

Lucille: *raises an eyebrow*

Ma: (Approaches with a gentle smile, stopping at the side of the bed) “It’s good for your mental health as much as your physical health to stay clean, love. And soaking in a nice warm bath with epsom salt can do wonders with relaxing your muscles to help relieve pent up tension.” (Tenderly strokes Lucille’s hair, still so frightfully worried about her as if the young woman was her own daughter)

Lucille: *freezes at the tender touch, glancing up at the older woman. Slightly tears up at the kindness she's being shown. Quietly as she looks back down at her pipboy* Okay.…

Ma: (Smiles even brighter down at Lucille, smoothing out her hair as she leans down to kiss her forehead) “You deserve to pamper yourself every once in awhile. I’ll go run the water for you and gather some soothing supplies. We have some crutches for you to use to keep you off your ankle or your father can help you down the stairs.” (Nods at Gardio) “Also my dear, you think you’ll need assistance in the bathroom? I can wash your hair for you, give ya a little salon scalp treatment and wash.” (Not bringing up the fact that leaving Lucille alone wouldn’t be a good idea considering last night)

@lucilleandherrobots

[twistedtummies2]

Who would you cast as who if NRC (including your ocs) were to do a production of Wicked?

Oooooh...oh, that's a toughy. A super toughy. I'm gonna focus on the six most prominent characters in the story: Elphaba, Glinda, The Wizard, Madame Morrible, Fiyero, Nessarose, and Boq. Glinda Cater. I honestly can't think of anybody else who'd be better in that part. You need somebody who loves superficial elements and popularity, and who can also be perky and chipper and optimistic...BUT, you also need them to be able to flip that and be really mean or really vulnerable. I can see some characters who could work for one side or the other, but Cater is the only character where I think he could fit both sides and make it even remotely believable. The Wizard The Wizard is usually an older male actor, so I think it would be interesting to cast a staff member here. I'd say either Crowley himself or Sam would fit the bill best; Sam isn't really that much older than the main cast, obviously, but he's still staff so that applies. Either of their personalities and aesthetics could match that character, I feel. If we must cast a student, then I should say...either Idia or Azul. For probably obvious reasons in both cases. XD If you want to use any of my OCs, then I think either James or Eli could pull it off. Madame Morrible Similarly to the Wizard, I can see a staff member in that role, and I feel it would HAVE to be Divus Crewel. He's got the right balance of "fabulousness" and strict harshness that character demands. Once again, if we must cast a student...I should say Jamil would be best. Not for the "fabulousness," obviously, but specifically because of his similarly two-faced nature as a character. Elphaba I held off on Elphie because...there are actually quite a few characters I can see working for her, all in different ways or for different reasons. XD With my OCs, obviously, Theodore is the one to go with. He's based on the Wicked Witch of the West, and I actually used a bit of Elphaba (among other takes on the character) in conjuring up my ideas for him. Heck, I have two story ideas for him in mind, and both of them I plan to give titles taken from songs in the show - "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed." So that tells you everything. If you want to go with canon characters...I can safely say I feel it would have to be one of two characters: either Malleus or Vil. I can't think of anybody else who would fit better in any way. It has to be one of those two. Plus, the humor of either one of them against Cater as Glinda is freaking hilarious to me. XD Fiyero Ahhhhh, this is a hard one! Because there's absolutely nobody who I honestly feel really fits Fiyero perfectly in the canon cast! And there's also absolutely no one who I ship with either of my Elphaba picks OR Cater, for that matter! XD So, okay, let's just ignore the ship factor - we'll get over that awkwardness when able - and specifically focus on Fiyero's character. As far as the canon cast goes...Floyd could possibly work. That whole "Dancing Through Life" philosophy he has at the start would fit him well, and when Fiyero becomes the Scarecrow...well, look at Floyd and tell me he doesn't have a Scarecrow build, so to speak. XD For my OCs, I'd personally pick Nakoda, again due simply to that opening philosophy. Plus, seeing Nakoda have to play a daring and brave prince by the end of things honestly is HILARIOUS to me, he'd be SO freaking uncomfortable, especially given his scene partners. LOL

Nessarose Hmmmm...for the Wicked Witch of the East...this is another super hard one. Because there are essentially two different sides to Nessa: for the first act she's a sort of desperate, sweet character. In the second act, however, she's cold and volatile. Once again, I can think of characters who can fit either side, but not necessarily both. I guess if I HAD to choose...presuming Idia or Eli don't play the Wizard, either of them could possibly work here. Or...I dunno, maybe Smitty or Billy tries their best to NOT be adorable in the second act. And...somehow fit into a wheelchair, in the latter's case. XD Or perhaps Epel could work for the part, show his own meaner sides, but I dunno. This is probably the hardest one so far, to be honest. Boq I think either Deuce or Trey would work best here. Heck, if we make Epel into Nessa, then making Deuce into Boq would be decidedly ironic, since I ship them both so much. XD I will say that villifying either lad, given how Boq turns out by the end, does bother me a tad...but que sera sera. I am at the mercy of the script. :P This is a very rough lineup, but right now I think it's the best I can manage.

[talkfantasytome]

Going to delete ask posts that directly linked other people's posts, based on this feedback and suggestion (which I thoroughly appreciate!), as I'm not trying to point fingers at anyone or directly tell a specific person they're wrong. I'll repost the general content, with a summary of what was asked, starting with this post.

Anon Ask: Some people are saying that SJM has confirmed Vassien by saying that she'd like to do retellings of firebird legends, swan lake, and Vasilisa the Beautiful, using some shots of her comments. What are your thoughts on this? And the time on facebook that Sarah said E\ain and Lucien have a lot of "tension, growth, and healing to be found (together)".

The most important thing to consider here is timeline. Both of the twitter shown were made in April of 2015. The first one is, honestly, fairly irrelevant. First of all, she's just saying fairy tales she might like to retell. And, for the record, she has also said she'd like to do a retelling of The Little Mermaid, yet often people disregard that as an argument for Gwynriel. So, either her comments on what she'd like to do a retelling of matter, or they don't.

And, if they're saying that those comments are foreshadowing a Vassa + Lucien book, then clearly The Little Mermaid comments are foreshadowing a Gwynriel book. And then...where's E\ain's?

E\ain is getting a book, so which fairy tale gets the short straw?

Or, maybe, the story won't be exactly like the fairy tale.

I do think that both of those comments are important, but Sarah said she wants to do a retelling.

That could literally mean anything. All that tells us is that she will take themes and ideas from the story. I'm not saying Vassa won't be important in a later book, but Sarah can retell the story any way. She could have Vassa betray E\ain, get Koschei to transfer the curse over to the middle Archeron, and now E\ain is the swan on the lake (cause, come on, E\ain's def. a bit swan-like), and Lucien has to rescue her. Or, maybe Jurian is the one that rescues Vassa while Lucien and E\ain deal with Koschei?

There are so many options in a retelling that to say SJM telling us she wants to do a retelling of these stories is a clear sign that Vassa + Lucien are endgame is, honestly, not a very critical analysis.

I'm going to address this tweet next:

This twitter exchange happed April 30, 2015. ACOMAF was published in May of 2016. This post can not be used as foreshadowing of Vassa + Lucien, because it happened before we found out E\ain and Lucien are mates. That "at some point further down the road" literally means "any time after book 1".

People keep using this tweet and presenting it as if Sarah's response came recently. They're spreading misinformation - it may not be purposeful, they may not have seen or noticed the date, but this twitter exchange can't be used as proof that Lucien's person has to be someone other than E\ain, because when it was made we did not know about the Lucien and E\ain possibility.

That doesn't mean it definitely is talking about E\ain, but my point is that this is not proof of Vassa + Lucien, of someone else + Lucien, because of when it was posted.

As for other comments on retellings Sarah would like to do - it's the same argument as the first one. Sarah said she wants to do a retelling of the firebird and swan like. We all know this. It's not new information. People who are saying Vassa + Lucien won't happen aren't ignorant of this fact. We're well aware, and we're also well aware of every other thing Sarah has said, mentioned, foreshadowed, and we're tying it all together. Focusing solely on stories Sarah has mentioned she'd like to retell - not confirmed she will retell - and ignoring everything else doesn't provide a solid analysis. You have to weave how those stories would fit into the grander scheme, and look at the other surrounding factors as well.

And, again, we need to remember that Sarah can do whatever the hell she wants in terms of the story and how she chooses to retell a fairy tale. I mean, how often is Little Red Riding Hood turned into a werewolf story? And sometimes even Red is the wolf?

Writers use fairy tales as a base, a foundation, but then they make it their own. No writer is going to tell the fairy tale exactly how it first was. They're going to adjust it...a lot...to make it their own story.

I'd also like to point out that both times she mentions Vasilisa, she says "Vasilisa the Beautiful". The first time she also said 'the Brave', but the second, solely 'Beautiful'. Vassa is beautiful, of course, but one of E\ain's defining characteristics is her beauty. Even in ACOSF it was again mentioned, discussed, about how her beauty made others hate her.

Could Vassa be Vasilisa...of course. However, I think people are a bit blinded by the similarities in names. Remember, Vasilisa the Beautiful wasn't the firebird - those are different stories. And, honestly, after doing a bit of research into the tale, I'm starting to get more and more sure of the thought that the character who would portray Vasilisa is E\ain.

I think I'm going to do a post on it...

In the later comment on retellings she'd like to do - which we know came after the first as the first came out in August 2015 and that story she's telling was given after the second set of books was confirmed - I also find it interesting that she said Vasilisa the Beautiful (specifically) and Swan Lake, subbing out the firebird.

Why would she do that? Perhaps because she's already brought in the firebird pieces she planned to bring in. We already know that retelling, and how it's come to play. Vassa is a firebird by the curse.

I'm not saying it couldn't end in a Swan Lake thing, as that is what the curse reminds me of. But, personally, I think the fact that she's saying Swan Lake now is also symbolic of something more, possibly another character getting trapped by Koschei.

As for the other piece you asked about, I don't have much to say about it, because it feels like the closest we'll come to an elucien confirmation.

That was also posted a while ago, back when ACOMAF came out. So, it's not like this is recent information Sarah is providing us. However, we know that Sarah can sometimes end up choosing endgame based on gut and things that just hit her. Cassian and Nesta - literally didn't know about them until she wrote them on the same page and was like "oh shit". So Sarah saying that she and Lucien didn't see E\ain coming...I'm sorry, but that feels almost more telling than even the next part of the sentence - where she says they have growing and healing to do together.

That's so huge. And we haven't seen that yet. We've only really seen the tension.

Sarah said this back when ACOMAF came out. And it was around writing or publishing ACOWAR that she got the okay for the second set of books (I think?). Which means she was likely thinking about the longer-term stories before that. Which would explain why we didn't get that growth and healing in ACOWAR.

Instead, she left them in a spot where it seemed like a possibility, and then for the later books has just added more tension. But that journey is still there. She's had it planned for so long. And yes, maybe she could change her mind, but we only know of two cases where she did just that:

Az and Mor

Nesta and Lucien

For Az and Mor it was because she decided to make Mor bisexual and unable to be in an emotional relationship with a male. This was due to complaints over diversity. It's the closest Sarah's probably come to 'fanservice' - except, admittedly, this is so not fanservice. Fanservice is doing something like, say, having Voldemort and Bellatrix have a secret love child despite the fact that Voldy never once came off as having any form of romantic or sexual feelings for her or anyone, ever. (Seriously, that guy was asexual and that is a hill I'll die on.)

Adjusting a character due to legitimate complaints and concerns on diversity, not just fanservice. It's more a full on social service, really, to try and provide that representation better. Yes, it wasn't done in the best way, but she did make an attempt.

The second one - Nesta and Lucien. That was her general plan, until she put Nesta and Cassian on page together. Then it all went out the window. Just like all of Nesta's thoughts when she saw Cassian. Just like Cassian's entire brain when he saw Nesta. 👀

And we get it, because we see it too.

So, while Sarah could have changed her mind about E\ain and Lucien, the only reasons she'd do that don't yet apply. She's already made a change for the diversity complaints, and I don't see her doing that with these two. As for finding out they actually belong with someone else when she sees them on page - well, that hasn't happened yet. She made the E\ain + Lucien decision after we see E\ain and Azriel interact, so clearly Az is not that for E\ain. And we've seen Lucien and Vassa on page together. There's nothing there except Lucien being pained about her curse - which, yeah, she's his friend. How often is one IC member described as looking pained for another? Or thinks about how much it hurt them to see their friend hurt?

But we know what it looks like when the chemistry is so undeniable it will adjust Sarah's plans. And if you're not sure - go back and read all the Nessian scenes in ACOMAF. And then see the one scene where Lucien and Vassa are on page together - I think you'll find there's another male there that, with Vassa, rings closer to the Nessian home.

There was no on page chemistry between Vassa and Lucien, and certainly not enough to change Sarah's mind. Which would also mean E\ain already wasn't meant for Az, which is likely why no one arguing for Vassa + Lucien seems to care as much about that, because most people who ship them are already dead set on E\ain + Azriel.

So, there you have it, my point of view/rant on those two pieces. But it's always important to look at the context of a post, and especially the "source material" people use to provide proof. It's why I tend to stick to the text where I can, and only use SJM statements that don't have an expiration date to their importance. SJM saying something about how she loves happily ever afters, for example, no expiration date. SJM telling us in 2015 that there is someone special for Lucien down the road - an expiration date after the first sign of a possible love interest for Lucien. Once E\ain was declared to be his mate, that statement became irrelevant, because regardless of whether it will be E\ain or not, you can no longer state that it's clearly hinting at someone else, since E\ain is a love interest for Lucien.