#(— I’m not going to think you have ANY expertise beyond ‘this projects well. it’s sweet you’ll love it :)’ which she did to someone else)

[museenkuss]

Not the lady at the perfume counter annoying me with that “do you need help?” “Not right now, thank you” … “do you need help?” Until I DID ask her a question to get her off my back and she went “well you’ll have to check yourself” …excuse me? What good is your help, exactly?

[pearwaldorf]

That modern Dorian post reminded me I actually did have a modern AU started. It’s never getting finished, but I think it could have gone in a cute direction.

Features: Cullen/Dorian, Dorian & Adaar friendship/snark, the Inquisition as an academic library, a dog I made Patho name because she wanted the story (sorry Patho)

Dorian was pondering how best to rearrange his wine glasses (by likelihood of use? height? a pleasing eclectic mix of both?) when he heard a somewhat frantic knock on his door. He opened it to find his neighbor from across the hall, holding a set of keys and a leash with a very large Mabari at the end of it. Dorian had seen the blond man and the dog out and about, but had never exchanged more than a polite greeting.

“Can I help you?” Dorian wasn’t sure exactly was going on here yet, but from their limited interaction, he didn’t seem like a serial killer. (It certainly didn’t hurt that he was extremely good-looking.)

“I was rather hoping you could.” His neighbor put his hand to the back of his neck, a ridiculous nervous affectation that Dorian found charming, even though he was sure he wasn’t supposed to. “I’m being called away on rather urgent business for work, and I don’t have anybody to look after my apartment or feed my dog.” Here he looked awkward and sheepish, like he couldn’t believe he’d found himself in a situation this ridiculous. “I’m new to the area, and anybody else I would trust to do so is also going to be traveling with me. I understand it’s a great deal to ask from a virtual stranger, but--”

“I’d be happy to. I'm Dorian, by the way.” Dorian smiled, and his neighbor nearly collapsed in relief.

"Dorian, you are a lifesaver. Feed Henry two cans of wet food along with two scoops of dry food twice a day. Make sure he has water at all times. He likes to walk twice a day before mealtimes, but any time you can get him out is fine.” His phone pinged and he handed over the keys and leash to Dorian. “Shit, that’s my cab. I owe you so much for this. Name your favor, and when I get back I swear it will be done.”

“But I don’t even know your name!” Dorian called to the retreating figure running down the hall.

“Cullen! Cullen Rutherford!” He--Cullen--shouted back. Henry whined quietly, looking the direction his master headed. Dorian let Henry sniff his hand and the dog licked it, politely if not affectionately. Dorian tugged on the leash, still a little unsure of how exactly he’d gotten himself into this situation.

“Come on Henry, let’s go for a walk.”

--

A couple days later, there was a knock on his door, and a courier handed him a slim envelope. It was addressed to “Dorian in Apt 302”, and he wondered once again at the ridiculous circumstances of his life. Opening it, he found a note and some money.

I just realized that I was low on dry food. If I could trouble you to pick some up I would be so grateful. There’s a pet store down the road that sells the special food Henry eats. Here’s my number if you need anything.

Continuing to be in your debt,

Cullen

Sticking the money and note into his pocket, he went to work. He was in the middle of trying to figure out how best to catalog an overblown address to the Magisterium when Adaar sidled up to him. She had a first name, but nobody besides the payroll person actually knew what it was. They’d collaborated on the Koslun project, which was of mutual interest to both of their areas of expertise, and he’d found her to be sharp and thoughtful, as well as one of the few people who had deigned to talk to the Vint about non-work matters when he’d first arrived.

“Sera tells me you got a note from your neighbor.”

“And where did Sera hear that?” Dorian asked as he slipped the transcript back into its protective case. Sera was a tech who somehow managed to have eyes and ears in the most mysterious places.

“Probably from Josie.” Josie was one of the directors, who made it a point to stop and chat with everybody. She cooed over the pictures Dorian took of Henry and seemed thrilled to to hear all about the strange and somehow delightful ridiculousness going on with his neighbor. Adaar smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Are you going to text him?”

“I admit the thought hadn’t occurred to me.” Dorian lied.

“You are so full of shit sometimes, Pavus. I bet you had to stop yourself from tapping one out as soon as you got that note.” It was still strange to him, this staying in one place long enough for people to see through his calculated feints and attempts to keep safe distances. It wasn’t as terrible as he thought.

“You’re wrong. I waited until I got on the bus.” It wasn’t quite a concession, but as much as he’d give. Adaar’s expression softened, something that still looked odd to him for a split second before his thinking brain kicked in. Qunari were painted as fanatical, fearsome beasts in Tevinter, and he’s spent enough time outside the Imperium that he knew a great deal of what he was told growing up is bullshit, but there was only so much one could do with initial conditioning.

“From what you say, he sounds sweet. I think you should do it.” She punched him on the shoulder gently. “You of all people deserve a chance to be happy.”

“But only if I text you about what happens first?”

She laughed, the gilding on her horns catching the light as she shook. “I’m glad we understand each other.”

--

He took a selfie with Henry and sent it to the number in the note. We’re getting along great! he tapped out. It was an acceptably neutral message, he hoped. He got a reply back almost immediately.

I'm glad to see that. Has he been behaving? We're not usually apart and I worry about him.

He's fine, helicopter dad. Dorian sent. He hesitated before tapping out Are *you* doing all right without him? There was a pause, longer than he thought should have been necessary to reply. Before Dorian could apologize, Cullen responded.

You’re very perceptive. Although given how much I fuss over Henry, it must seem obvious. Dorian chuckled. The phone pinged again.

Which is to say, my obviousness does not negate your perception. Just in case that wasn’t clear. Andraste’s knicker weasels, he shouldn’t have found it anywhere near as charming as he did.

So tell me about your day. He texted. Dorian got a steady string of observations about the Orlesian countryside, mostly long-suffering but wry enough to be amusing. Cullen talked a little about the work he did with the Inquisition: scouting, evaluating locations for a more permanent base of operations. Apparently it was looking to expand its presence in the more remote, underserved areas of Orlais, where its presence would be most welcomed.

And will you be staying away long? Henry will miss you.

Gods, no. Dorian heard back almost immediately. I'm too old for extended time in the field. I miss my bed already. Dorian, already in his, curled up tighter in his blanket in sympathy.

They chatted back and forth for longer than Dorian realized, until he found his eyes growing heavy and his vision blurring. He stifled a yawn.

I have to go to sleep now, or Cassandra will kill me. Dorian’s heart dropped for a moment, before another message popped up. She is a terribly fussy roommate, and always has been.

She sounds formidable. I would not wish to incur her wrath.

The next reply was a single word: Hah. It was then followed by You have no idea. Sleep well.

Pleasant dreams, if I may be so bold. For a moment, Dorian wondered if it was too much. It wasn’t as if they actually knew each other, although they were certainly more familiar than they were two days ago. One last message popped up on his screen. You may. Good night. :) How quaint; he still made his emoticons on the keyboard.

The next thing he knew, his phone was buzzing in his hand, the alarm demanding his wakefulness. He’d been holding it all night.

--

Upon reflection, Dorian realized it should have been obvious that bringing Henry to meet his cat was not perhaps the wisest idea. Henry was perfectly all right with the idea of sharing space, however temporarily, with another animal, but Livia was of the exact opposite disposition. She growled at them both and fled to the bedroom, where Dorian would have to no doubt spend a great deal of time coaxing her out from under the bed with dried fish flakes and apologies. But that was for later.

He unlocked the door to Cullen’s apartment and let Henry back into familiar surroundings, which he was pleased by, judging by the way he ran around and sniffed contentedly. He fed Henry the specified amount of food and marveled at how dainty a giant dog could be in eating. As he ate, Dorian looked around. The place was sparse, like its occupant was used to living with only essentials, thus making the personal items scattered about much more significant. There were some books, mostly Genitivi’s travelogues and popular nonfiction pertaining to the Chantry, but also a surprising number of mass-market fiction books by Tethras. Dorian noticed there were photographs: a family portrait, two boys, two girls, and parents; the eldest girl and Cullen in front of a chessboard; a picture of a young, serious Cullen in a Templar uniform, posing in front of a large stone tower. It was the most recent picture, and Dorian guessed it was at least ten years old.

--

Adaar came up to him silently; a not insignificant feat for someone of her size, and just waited until Dorian noticed her. He continued sorting some of the twenty linear feet of archives some windbag magister willed to the university without looking at her.

“We’ve been texting. It hasn’t gone beyond that.” He’d get sporadic updates during the day: a snapshot of a silly Orlesian dog (accompanied by commentary on the difference between them and Ferelden canines), a fancy dessert he grudgingly approved of, and once, a picture of a stern, fearsome-looking woman he assumed was Cassandra, fast asleep.

He did not need to look at her to register the disappointment emanating from her direction. It wasn’t like he could do anything while Cullen was away on business. Well, to be precise, there was video chat, but Dorian had a very strong feeling this was not the way to Cullen’s heart, or his pants. His lack of emoji use notwithstanding, there was something charmingly old-fashioned about him.

[fox-household]

Act 5: The Countess’ Request, Chapter 1

This is short. Short chapters are a thing, makes life easier for me. Year 12 hard. Not much else to say. Though this ended up making me really sad for Sci, something I never realised for him. Anyway finally she’s here after all this time, it’s rude to keep a countess waiting after all. 

FIRST, PREVIOUS, NEXT, INFO

‘’Asgore, wrench please.’’, Sci’s voice came from under the sink, reaching his hand out behind with even taking a glance. The sound of metal clanging was quite the invasion of everyone’s eardrums as the kid rifled through the unorganised toolbox, finally pulling out the aforementioned tool and handing it to the skeleton. ‘’Thank you’’. ‘’Soooo… you just want to use one of your few days of spare time to go around fixing things, do you ever stop working?’’, Asgore asked curiously, partly to hide the boredom of only being there to pass tools to the other. ‘’Well yeah kid, just want to help out and might as well do that with the excess of energy I’m feeling at the moment. Besides, didn’t you come here to help Al fix up the place?’’, His tone was one of amusement that only went along with his casual humming as he worked. ‘’That’s true I guess, just it turned out there was a lot of stuff that I couldn’t do… apparently cleaning didn’t end up fixing everything.’’ ‘’Well some of it is to dangerous for a kid like you, electrical sutff for example, which is my next project.’’ Asgore’s brow furrowed, ‘’I don’t believe you’re allowed to do that either’’ ‘’Says who?’’ ‘’Al did’’ ‘’She did not say that’’ ‘’She did too, I heard her yesterday, ‘leave it to me or someone with more electrical expertise’ were her words exactly I believe’’. Sci groaned and moved out from under the sink to look at Asgore with a slight grouchy look, ‘’Well why the heck not, I work in a state of the art lab, I work with tech that surpasses home electrical systems, I have dealt with things beyond the comprehension of those that built this. I’m sure I can damn well change some wires around in the wall, just watch me.’’ The kid’s face was doubtful, but he decided it was best not to argue. Any argument he could’ve had would have been interrupted anyway as a phone went off, Sci’s mobile device on top of the kitchen bench let out a rather jazzy ringtone. Sliding a small distance away from the sink, Sci then stood and picked up the phone while Asgore moved to check under the sink himself. He sighed as he found it was a blocked number, should he even answer such a secretive call? Though he soon found it was more of a question about whether or not his curiosity would forgive him if he didn’t answer. Finally, with a determined acceptance, he answered.

‘’Hello, whose this here?’’ ‘’Oh hello Sci, it’s been quite a while’’. The caller was that of a woman, her words sounded like they were carefully chosen, yet her voice was lathered with an alluring feel, a girl that most definitely wanted something. Though it wasn’t surprising considering who the voice belonged to as it also came with a sense of dread and cold chill down his spine. ‘’…Hello Muffet… Underkeep right? what brings you calling?’’, his tone was dull and tempered, he had to keep his feelings in check, what type of trouble could he possibly be in? It had to be Keep! Muffet because she called him Sci, anyone from his universe knew him as Sans. ‘’Would you look at that, did you research me after all this, that’s quite sweet of you. It’s a real shame isn’t it? We became quite friendly back in those old days, but then we lost contact. Should’ve really done something about that I think’’. The voice on the other end didn’t change disposition at all. He could only believe she was lying, after the incident he was sure she cut any sort of contact with everyone, at least he hadn’t heard of anyone talking to her or even knowing where she was, at least that’s what the others told him. What on earth was he saying, it didn’t matter, why did he even care that much two years ago? Why did he even feel the need to wonder where she went? Muffet was talking to him now and he had to focus, who knew what scam she was going to pull on him. ‘’Yeah for sure, but what’s the real reason you called?’’ ‘’Well that’s rude of you, why must you be so blunt? I’m quite astonished that even you’re showing signs of being a ruffian.’’ ‘’…Muffet...?’’, there was barely an effort to contain the bite behind his word, something he felt he was going to regret with the coming short silence, luckily for him it seemed nothing truly came of it. ‘’Well you see Sci, as much as I feel embarrassed and vulnerable to say this, and you know I hate both of those things, I need a place to stay. I need a roof over my head. I need a place to… crash as you folk say’’. ‘’What?! No, that’s not happening. You can’t stay here at all.’’, He couldn’t believe what he was hearing, she wanted to stay with him? Why? Was he dreaming? No it didn’t matter, if she came it would put his substance use at risk, he couldn’t afford her to be here, any other reason be damned. ‘’Oh really? Let’s not be unreasonable here! Isn’t it nice to be helpful to a friend in desperate need? A few months is all I really want.’’ Her tone suddenly became a little more aggressive, a sense frustration was pervasive. ‘’No, no, no. You’re not taking a step in here, especially not one lasting that long. There’s no way you’re in desperate need, surely you have others to stay with’’. ‘’I called you because out of all the people I know, I deemed you the most reliable and the one who’d most likely take me in.’’ ‘’Well sorry, but you don’t just god damn ignore any sort of contact from someone for two years and then show up asking for a home.’’, a small amount of personal anger seemed to come out of the general annoyed tone through that sentence There was silence on the other end and then the tone on the other end changed to a tone he couldn’t quite recognise, something closer to confusion and concern, something so very unlike Muffet, ‘’What are you talking about Sci… why were you trying to …?’’ ‘’You know what just stop… ugh, it’s not like I could invite you anyway even if I wanted to so better luck next time.’’ Her voice returned to normal except it was a little more serious in nature. ‘’You can’t, why is that?’’ Sci cursed himself for letting that be known and even more he cursed the sudden stroke of bad luck that came in the form of Asgore speaking. ‘’Sci, you alright there?’’, the goat’s concerned look would’ve been touching in any other circumstance if it wasn’t for the spider on the phone. ‘’Was that Asgore?’’, she asked curiously, a rising volume of glee was appearing in her voice. ‘’Yes, thank you, I’m alright’’, he then went back to putting his attention onto the call, ‘’Maybe it was it doesn’t matter.’’ ‘’Ahuhuhuhu~ I think it does matter very much, I think that was a very a valuable piece of information. I’ll be seeing you soon, have a nice day dearie’’. ‘’Wait Muffet don’t.’’, but by that point it was to late and she was gone. ‘’What’s happening, is someone bothering you?’’, Asgore stood up next to the skeleton, wondering what was going on. ‘’Yes, I suppose you could say that… appears like trouble might be coming.’’, Sci sighed, being left wondering what to make of Muffet’s declaration.

[worldsawaybook]

Chapter 2

The crowd broke out in excited chatter, some going down to the examination room to congratulate the man in charge.

Bethany and I slipped back towards the elevators. “That was…wild,” she said.

“That’s definitely one way to describe it,” I responded.

“But also strange.”

I nodded. In the back of my mind I was still thinking about the translation the Alchemists gave for “kidnapped”. I knew I had seen the word before in a text, in a very rare text, but I couldn’t remember what it meant.

We stepped back into the afternoon sunlight and made our way to the small courtyard outside the Text Department. Bethany stared at the entryway.

“You’re so lucky that you get to study here.” She said wistfully, “And I’m so lucky that I get to marry such a smart man.”

“I’m not that smart.” I replied, “I can’t even remember what kidnapped means.”

Bethany’s face changed, her eyes going wide.

“You’ve seen the word before?”

“Yes, in an old manuscript I think...”

“Could you find it again?”

I shrugged.

“I can’t even remember where I found it, I think it was shelved incorrectly.”

I rubbed the side of my head as I felt a migraine coming on. I got them occasionally, a side effect of all the dust I inhaled on a daily basis and not getting enough sunlight. At least that’s what Bethany’s brother Connor had told me. He specialized in Alchemy related to the human body, and I often went to him for advice.   “Maybe you should,” Bethany whispered.

“What?” “Maybe you should try and find the manuscript again.” She said, a bit louder this time, “It could have important information in it that the Alchemists could use.”

“I might.” I said, smiling at her, “But I have a lot of work.”

That was a lie. Things had actually been pretty slow in the Text Department lately, and I spent most of my time there wandering around the library.

“I have time for lunch though, would you care to join me?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I have class soon.” she said, turning towards the bell tower at the center of campus, “But you’re still coming over for dinner tomorrow right?” “I wouldn’t miss it,” I said, smiling.

“Good.”

She reached for my hand but stopped short, looking concerned.

“Oliver your hands...they’re shaking.”

“What?”

“Look at them.”

Oh, that had never happened before.

“Just a side effect of the migraines.” I said, before looking back up at her “Don’t worry about me, you’re going to be late.”

She glanced at me one last time before turning and walking off in the direction of the Church School.

I spent the rest of the day holed up in the College library, going over different texts to try and learn more about the sinners. I discovered nothing new, only the same horror stories they taught us when we were younger.

I was beginning to give up hope when I heard someone nearby call my name.

“Oliver!”

I looked all around, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. I left the corner I had been studying in and made my way to the main hallway of the library. I immediately spotted Bethany’s brother, looking down the stacks presumably looking for me.

“Over here, Connor!” I called, wincing as my voice echoed down the hall.

Connor flashed me an over-eager smile and ran towards me. Honestly, there was something about him that was a little bit off. I couldn’t explain it. He was friendly, smart,  and a member of the most well-respected family in our village. A family that I would soon be marrying into.

“How are things in the land of paper and dust my brother?” He asked.

I couldn't help but laugh. He always had an interesting way of phrasing things.

“It’s been a little quiet, but things should be picking up soon.”

Winter was approaching, and normally once the cold set in all the departments began focusing on end of year research. Students and professors alike would be coming into our department at all hours to seek out our expertise.  

“If you have some free time, I’d love to steal you away for an hour or two.” “Sure,” I said, heading back toward my study corner to put away my texts.

“I was given a very interesting new assignment today.” Connor whispered as he followed me through the stacks, “And I could use your help.”

I stopped and turned to Connor.

“Really?”

“Yep, but you can’t tell anyone.” He added quickly, “It’s top secret and only alchemists are supposed to know about it, but we need a text and language expert.”

“I haven’t studied much about languages, but I’ll try my best.”

Connor nodded excitedly and rubbed his hands together. “Thank you so much Oliver, you’re the best!”

Connor quickly wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest.  

Surprised, I dropped my study tools all over the floor. Pens and pencils began rolling away, and my notebook spilled out several pages of notes.

“I’m sorry!” Connor said loudly, “I’m just so excited. I’ve never worked on a project this big before. It feels like I’m finally moving up...”

“I understand,” I replied, leaning down to collect things.

“Let me help you pick all this up.”

“It’s really ok Connor-”

“What’s this?”

I froze when I saw what he was holding. It was a sheet of notes I had been working on, with the word “kidnapped” written in block letters in the center of the paper.

“Just research,” I said, moving away from him.

Connor stared at me. His expression was unreadable.

“How do you know this word?”

As soon as he asked, I knew I couldn’t tell him the whole truth.

“I came across it in an old manuscript, about a year ago I think…”

I suddenly felt a stabbing pain in my head, and an image flashed in front of my eyes. It went by too quickly for me to figure out what it was, but I suddenly felt very sick.

“Has someone already talked to you about the project?” Connor whispered, “Another alchemist maybe?”

I hesitated. I had no idea how to explain myself to Connor.

“I overheard some Alchemists talking at lunch.” I lied, “I’d never heard the word before, and I was curious. None of them seemed to know what it meant.”

Hopefully, Connor would believe me.

“I can’t believe they were being so careless!” he said, shaking his head, “But I trust you, Oliver, you won’t tell anyone will you?”

I guess I didn’t have to mention that his sister heard the word as well.

“Of course not,” I replied.

“Excellent! I fill you in on the rest over dinner…” +++++++++++++

The two of us walked silently towards the College Dining Hall. Connor kept shaking his head and smiling, occasionally looking up at the sky.

“Do you ever think about how many undiscovered things there are in the world?”

“Not really,” I said, gripping the strap on my work bag tightly.

“There’s just so much! It’s like the Good Book says, all things unknown are for the eyes of the wise. Getting to work on this project proves that I’m wise enough!”

“Father Lucas must be very proud.”

Connor stopped just outside the door to the Dining Hall, his face falling slightly.

“Some of my fellow alchemists think I’m only a part of the project because Father Lucas helped with the discovery, but I know I got in by my own merit.”

“Of course you did.” I said, pushing the door open, “Let’s get some food, then you can tell me all about this discovery.”

We grabbed two plates and filled them up with food before heading out into the dining room to find a table.  

“By the way, did I see you and Bethany over by the Labs this morning?” Connor asked.

I quickly conceived another lie, so Connor wouldn’t suspect anything about Bethany and I sneaking into the Labs.

“I was tired of sitting in the library with nothing to do, so she offered to walk around campus with me.”  

“That was sweet of her.” he said, smiling, “How is she?”

“She’s fine.” I replied, “Worried about finals, even though she has no reason to be. She’s the smartest girl in her class.”

“Church School finals were the easiest tests I’ve ever had to take.” Connor said, shaking his head, “I don’t know about you, but I found them almost too easy…”

“Oh definitely,” I said, relaxing a bit as we took our seats at a table near the corner of the room.

The College Dining Hall was warming and inviting place, lined with fireplaces and tapestries depicting the history of the College. Dark wooden tables were arranged throughout the room, some big, some long, and some small. Large windows looked out on Mary’s Lake, a location of particular significance as it was the starting point of the Soul River. The River ran alongside the mountains, acting as a trade and transportation route for the whole country. I stared at the lake, wondering if it’s water originated somewhere inside the mountains…or perhaps beyond them.

“Tell me about this discovery,” I asked.

Connor looked around, noting that the only other students were all the way on the other side of the room. He then turned back to me and leaned in close. “I thought it was impossible when they first told me.” He said, “So prepare yourself.”

“Okay.”

“We found a Sinner.”

Even though I already knew what he was going to tell me, I was still amazed. We’d always been told that Sinners died out long ago, falling victim to their lust and gluttony.

“How do they know it’s really a Sinner?” I asked, curious to hear his answer.

“Father Lucas consulted scripture and confirmed it.” he explained, his eyes wide and excited, “They really exist.”

“What is it like?"

“Wild that’s for sure.” He said, starting in on his food, “It’s a female, young, comes across as particularly spirited.”

“How so?”

“It keeps trying to escape,” he explained, sounding annoyed, “and it lashes out any time we try and communicate with it. We haven’t learned much from the creature itself, but its body has offered up a wealth of information.” Despite the warmth of the room, I suddenly felt cold. I didn’t want to hear about the experiments they were probably performing on it, so I changed the subject.  

“Has anyone been able to communicate with it?" Connor took a sip of his drink and then responded.

“Kent Cromwell.”

I immediately felt better about the situation after hearing this news. Kent Cromwell was a family friend, and unlike most people in our village, Kent never married. There had been rumors about him going around for years, whispers as to why he didn’t have a family of his own. Some said he’d been engaged at one point but his fiancé died under mysterious circumstances. Others said he fathered a child out of wedlock, but the mother and child disappeared. I commonly referred to him as “Uncle Kent”, even though we weren’t related.

“You don’t sound too happy about that,” I said, noticing the frustrated look on Connor’s face.  

“I know you and your family know him fairly well, but I always thought there was something off about him.”

I nodded in understanding. Uncle Kent was different, but he was a smart man. “He’s had a hard life.” I replied, “At least that’s what my parents told me. He lost many people he cared about; that much death can take a toll on people.” We were both quiet for a while as we ate our food. Finally, I became too curious and had to ask about the Sinner again.

“So what has he learned from it?”

“Who?”

“Kent. Has he learned anything from the Sinner?"

Connor smiled darkly.

“Kent doesn’t know that we’ve been recording his sessions with the creature. Mostly it’s been spouting gibberish and lies.”

“Like what?”

Connor finished off his drink before speaking again.

“So far the most outlandish thing it’s said is that it’s royalty.” he replied, chuckling to himself, “Can you imagine?” My eyes widened. “Really?”

“It’s completely unbelievable!” he said, shaking his head “Princess of the Sinners! It keeps saying that her father, the King is going to come for her and kill all of us!”

I stared at him in shock as he burst out in uncontrollable laughter. I’d spent a whole semester researching the concept of royalty and its purpose in history, but I never imagined that a monarchy could still exist.   “Fascinating…” I said, pulling out some note paper, “Their society must be so different.” “I think the word you’re looking for is crazy,” Connor said.

“Maybe not.” I said, writing everything he told me so far down in my notes, “How do you know the things she’s saying aren’t true?”

“Are you joking?”

“Humor me.”

“Absolutely not!” he said loudly, before lowering his volume again, “The creature is clearly out of its mind. Do you know at one point it said the man who brought me here isn’t holy or wise! We were amazed that she even knew those words! “So the Sinners know things about us?”

“Apparently.” Connor said, shrugging, “Then it started saying the most vulgar things about Father Lucas, calling him some made up name…” “What was the name?”

“I can’t remember.” He said, “If they invite you to join the project I’m sure they’ll share it with you.”

I nodded, taking my notes and returning them to my bag.

“If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to head out.”

“That’s fine.” Connor said, smiling “ Don’t work too hard though! Bethany just keeps saying you spend too much time in the Library, and I agree with her”

“Of course you do.”

“She really cares about you.” he said, standing up to walk me out, “I’m really glad you two are getting married, we all are.”

“Thanks.”

“We should get dinner together more often.” He said, “Once you’re married I won’t get to see you as often.”

“Yeah.” “I’ll see you at our house for dinner tomorrow, right?”

“Of course.”

Perhaps if I went over early I could ask Father Lucas about his discovery. “Well, I’ll let you run off back to your cave now,” Connor joked, patting me on the back and rubbing my shoulder, “I’m heading back to the Labs. Kent is supposed to be taking another crack at the creature later tonight.”

I turned back towards the Text and Literature Department, prepared to spend the rest of the night researching Sinners and looking for answers.

[shemakesmusic-uk]

INTERVIEW: Hannah White.

Hannah White has battled her way to gaining a loyal following of fans around the UK whilst maintaining a wholly independent approach to her career. Her music is influenced by country, blues, folk, pop and soul but remains distinctly her own.

With a voice that can switch from a sweet Nashville croon to a bluesy holler, her songs draw from a rich well of life experiences. Hannah released her latest album Elephant Eye earlier this year, preceded by the single and video for 'In It For Love'. We had a chat with the artist about the new record, performing live, her venue The Sound Lounge and more. Read it below.

You have just released your third LP Elephant Eye. What was the inspiration behind the record? What do you hope fans will take away from the album?

"Well I am constantly writing songs, I do it almost daily.  Everything I write is either autobiographical or about something that really matters to me, so it always comes from somewhere sincere.  This record is no different. It wasn’t a collection I looked at pulling together for any particular reason other than for the purpose of sharing.  There is a lot of my politics in the album, there are some deeply personal songs about my relationships, about love, loss and my search for meaning.  My hope for anyone listening is always that they find some kind of connection.  I think that’s what’s so powerful about music and song; when it makes someone feel something."

How does Elephant Eye differ from your previous two releases Poetry and Whose Side Are You On? How do you feel you have grown as an artist?

"I’m not sure I’ve ever really thought about my own evolution as an artist.  My own music preferences have definitely evolved since I wrote my first album, Poetry.  I’ve always listened to Dylan and Cohen, I’ve always loved Prince and also The Bee Gees and Abba for their brilliant, pop songwriting.  But I went through a period of listening to a lot of hiphop and RnB which is something that came and it left me really.  Now I listen to a lot of bluegrass & country and the songwriters I love have evolved too: Tom Waites, Tom Paxton, John Prine and Patty Griffin are all a huge influence on me.  Mostly American artists.  That has definitely influenced my writing, I think you can hear the Americana in me coming out more than it did before."

You worked with lots of talented people on Elephant Eye including producer Nigel Stonier and AMA 2017 Instrumentalist of the Year Chris J Hillman. What was it like working with them and what have you learned from the experience?

"It’s impossible not to learn from any person who joins in on a creative project.  Every single person brings their own creative energy and turns the song or the performance into something it couldn’t have been without them.  The fact that they are lovely people helps too.  That sounds a bit silly but honestly, bringing a song you have written into the world is such an exposing thing, it can make me feel really vulnerable, so being around positive people with lots of talent and who feel where it's coming from is an amazing feeling.  It’s like a little piece of magic happening."

You have a few shows planned for later this year, in the summer. Which of the new songs are you most excited to play live?

"Do you know it changes every time I perform.  I never write set lists because I’ll aways run with the vibe of the room (or the crowd if it’s a festival).  I walk on to a stage and get a sense of who I’m with and what’s going to work.  I think performing is a two-way experience.  It’s at it’s most amazing when you’re making a connection with people.  I know when this has happened because after a performance people will approach me to share their own personal stories.  It’s amazing to think I’ve done some sharing on stage and the audience wants to share back.  It means that it’s not been a one-way experience and that my songs have touched on some emotional fibres."

What is your favourite thing about being on stage and performing live?

"I love performing live I think almost as much as I love songwriting itself (which is just my favourite thing in the world).  It’s never entirely comfortable, but it’s beautiful to share something with the musicians I’m on stage with, when you��re all locked in it is a very special feeling.  But also, crucially, to lock in to something with an audience is just amazing.  I am pretty sure there is no other feeling like it.  Nothing else exists during that moment.  I can completely understand why Bruce Springsteen gets on stage and performs for 4 hours!  I could do it myself, I absolutely love it."

You wrote your most recent single 'In It For Love' after spending time in 2016 at the refugee camp in Calais where you went as a volunteer with food, tents and clothes. Tell us a bit more about that experience and how important activism is to you and the impact it has on your music.

"I decided to go to Calais myself because I was so upset by what I was reading and the images I was seeing in the news, I got to a stage where I couldn’t do nothing anymore.  I went out with clothes and tents and things but also instruments because I knew there would be musicians and songwriters just like me, among the thousands of people living in the camp.  Of course it was really hard to see people living in third world conditions just a few hours from my own home in London.  It was hard to hear their stories and feel very helpless but it was also uplifting to see people coming together through adversity; to see how people find hope and exist by it.  I don’t know if I could if I’d lost everyone and everything.  I played music with the refugees and the joy it brought was amazing, I will never, ever forget it.  I brought those experiences home with me and I live with them every day.  The people I met there, the despair and the horror, but also the resilience and the determination are things that don’t leave me.  Back home I’ve raised money & collected donations, I’ve campaigned for policy change at a political level, I’ve given over my sofa to refugees here in the UK who would otherwise be destitute.  I think it’s the inhumanness of the refugee crisis that makes me so sad, so I just do what I can to be humane. "

You opened the London venue The Sound Lounge with your husband, Keiron to support the careers of other independent artists like yourself, after running an incredibly successful crowdfunder. What an amazing thing to do! Tell us a bit more about what inspired you to do this and how it all came about.

"We came across a completely derelict space in Tooting, SW London, which was open to the elements, without any electricity or plumbing.  My husband (who plays guitar & performs with me) and I had been talking about opening a venue in South London to promote independent artists to support the new music emerging from our city because through working on my own music we’d come across so many other artists with such enormous talent and without enough platforms.  We applied for some grant funding but we were rejected because we didn’t have the track record to support the claims we were making about what we planned to do.  We didn’t have any money ourselves so we thought we’d try a crowdfunding campaign instead to see whether ordinary people like us would get behind it.  We knew it would also tell us whether there was a desire out there for what we were planning or not.  It was amazing, people emerged from everywhere offering money, skills, expertise, PR, graphic design, plumbing….the list goes on.  It was such a brilliant, community project.  We turned the space into a 250-capacity grassroots music venue and creative hub.  We hosted charity events, screenings, talks and we ran workshops for families, young people, we did sound engineering and barista training for refugee minors, we launched our ‘Friendship Coffee’ sessions offering free cuppas for people suffering from social isolation.  And, crucially, we were putting on live music events from mainly UK artists, but also artists from Texas, Nashville, Canada, Europe and attracting audiences from all over the UK and even beyond."

Finally, what would you say has been the biggest highlight of your career so far and what are you looking forward to in the future?

"I did once perform at a festival in Turkey surrounded by mountains to a completely silent, seated audience of 3,000 and that was quite amazing!  But I have to say the people who have come into my life thanks to music is what I’m most grateful for.  I’ve made some lifelong friends and I feel very lucky for it! Already this year I’ve been lucky enough to have national radio play and press on this album which has been amazing so for that to continue would be brilliant because it would mean that my music can reach more people.  But ultimately if I can keep writing, performing and meeting wonderful people then I literally couldn’t ask for anything more."

Elephant Eye is available now.