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[devicecog]

[spockfallsinlove]

simple harmonies

prompt from @sierra198466​: After Beyond, Spock dumps Uhura and he realizes he loves Jim. He then finds out Jim has loved him since Into Darkness. word count: 2.2k ao3 link.

Spock has never known himself to do what humans refer to as “space out”. On the contrary, he does mental exercises daily to make sure his mind remains sharp. When there is a moment that he finds his thoughts floating from the current situation, he is normally able to bring himself back to reality.

However, during the whole conversation he and Nyota have, all he can seem to truly focus on are the wind chimes that are outside the coffee house door.

His mother had them, at their house. She used to say that it was the last non-electronic object that humans had to play music for them. The wind rarely gusted enough on Vulcan to make them sing; but whenever it did, she would look out the window and have one of her mysterious smiles that Spock never quite did figure out.

Like mother, like son. It is he who is transfixed, looking out the window, unable to look away as the chimes gently bump each other in the wind.

“We should end our romantic involvement with each other,” he says as Nyota takes a breath, ready to launch into the next part of her argument with him.

She stops. Blinks at him. “What did you say?”

The wind picks up again, knocking the littlest chime into the largest. A melodically odd tone results. “We should end our romantic relationship,” he repeats.

Nyota, for the first time since he’s known her, is speechless.

“Do you think that if we flew far enough in space, we could find the end of time?” Jim asks. He’s propped against the railing, staring out into the San Francisco bay.

Spock stops his vegetable gyro’s trajectory toward his mouth (it’s from a food truck that Jim insisted on them eating at; “the best in the galaxy” were his words). He frowns at his friend. “Modern physics suggests that a concept such as the ‘end of time’ is—”

Jim waves his hand, cutting Spock off. “I don’t want the science crap, any theorized evidence. What do you think?”

“Why do you wish to find the end of time?”

Jim shrugs. His hair is being lightly brushed by the wind and there’s a melancholic smile on his face that Spock cannot understand.  “If you can find the end, maybe you can trace it back. To where you want to go.”

Spock takes a thoughtful bite of his dinner and swallows before saying, “Even the ocean has an end. Technically.”

“It does, Spock,” Jim says, looking as if he’s seeing Spock for the first time, “it sure does.”

An hour after Spock leaves Nyota at the coffee shop, he receives an angry call from Doctor McCoy. He lets his phone ring itself to voicemail. The message is about as emotional as he expected.

“Listen you crazy hobgoblin—Nyota just told us what the hell you did. Just breaking up with her like that, no explanation, then walking out? Where the hell do you get off? You better believe that I’m going to kick that green ass of yours into the sky, and make sure you don’t get on the ship for that 5-year-mission—”

Spock deletes the message.

He stops at a crosswalk. People jostle his shoulder as they walk by. As is typical in the crowded streets of San Francisco, he feels fleeting snatches of their emotions and thoughts as they touch him: grocery lists running through people’s heads, worrying about who will pick up the kids at daycare, annoyance at how hot and sticky it is for a day in December.

Spock remains standing there. Staring into space, once again. The sound of windchimes stuck in his ears.

Spock tries to forget the day Jim got injured and almost died in his arms.

Peace talks with the people indigenous to Echo IV had not gone as expected. After refusing relations with the Federation, things had become tense. Jim, trying to calm down the situation, had gotten caught in the crossfire.

Spock’s hands were uncharacteristically shaking when he tore Jim’s shirt open to apply medical attention. McCoy was on the ship, since there was no anticipated danger at this meeting. Around the corner, the security team tried to manage the situation. Any requests for beam-ups were greeted with static.

“Spock.” Jim’s hand, stained with blood, caught Spock’s. “Leave it, find a way to get to the ship, just—”

“Cease talking.” Spock applied pressure to Jim’s wound. His mind was spinning. He could feel Jim’s agony through his skin.

“Get to the ship. Just be safe,” Jim choked out as he slipped from consciousness.

Spock tried to hail the Enterprise countless times. He helplessly watched as Jim’s face grew paler. Most of the security team had died, and Spock knew that soon it’d be him and Jim left. That Jim would die, either by someone else’s weapon or from his own wounds.

And all Spock could do is watch.

By the time the ship was finally hailed, and they were finally beamed aboard, McCoy had to stick a hypo into Spock’s neck to stop his body’s shaking.

It took five crew members to pull him off the unconscious captain.

It was standing over Jim’s sickbed, with Jim patched up and well and sipping water from a straw, that he finally relaxed. Breathed. He didn’t listen to the words that Jim said. He only watched his face, alive with emotions, and his lungs, expanding with breath.

It takes the whole afternoon before Nyota finally answers her comm. Spock is walking on the Starfleet Academy campus, which is empty due to the holidays, when his pocket buzzes.

“I wish to say I’m sorry,” Spock says, in a rush, before she can hang up.

She sighs angrily on the line. “I knew you weren’t a smooth talker, Spock, but, this... this takes the fucking cake.”

“I realize that I was … too forward.”

“Too forward?” she yells. “You didn’t even give me warning! One minute we’re arguing about me spending time on Vulcan with you, the next you’re dumping me in broad daylight! What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I do not know.”

“Well…” She sighs again. “It’s not like I didn’t see it coming. But the way you did it, it just—” There’s a silence. “I’m pissed at you, Spock. And I will be for a long time. Don’t call me again, okay?”

“Underst—” The comm link cuts out. He pockets the device, and stands by a large oak tree.

A cadet walks by in his uniform and shouldering a backpack. He looks surprised that someone else is on campus before giving Spock a wry, understanding smile.

“What was your mother like?”

Jim is lying on the floor of Spock’s living room apartment, wine glass clutched in his hand. He stares up at Spock innocently.

“Why are you asking such a question?” is Spock’s reply.

“Tell me about your mom, and I’ll tell you about my dad.”

“You never knew your father.”

Jim lets loose a laugh. “Low blow, Spock. I know enough, okay? Now, tell me.” He sits up, legs crossed. “Just one thing.”

Spock doesn’t think about his mother often. It threatens his control.

But it’s Jim who’s asking.

“She loved nature,” Spock says. “She always tended faithfully to a garden in the backyard, and would cry if a plant died.”

“A happy thing about her, Spock.”

“I did not know these facts had to be so specific in nature.”

Jim raises his eyebrows, stares at Spock expectantly. Spock relents. “Very well, she... “ He pauses. “I never understood her. She seemed to have many secrets.”

Jim rolls his eyes to the ceiling. “I’ll never get anything out of you, will I?”

“Perhaps give me an example of what your father was like, so that I may see what you mean.”

Jim grins. “All right. Mom said that he used to sing to her all the time. He was really good at it.”

“You did not inherit this talent,” Spock observes.

“What? I’m awesome!”

“I have heard you in our adjoining bathroom on the ship.”

Jim laughs, a full-bodied one where his head is tilted back and his golden hair catches the light of the setting sun. “You’re such a jerk, you know that?”

Spock lets a small smile tug his lips.

Jim’s laughter dies down, and he takes a sip of wine. In the silence, Spock offers, “My mother loved music. Her favorite object in the house was the wind chimes that hung just outside our kitchen window.”

There’s a sad way about Jim’s eyes when he says, “I wish I could have met her.”

Spock feels something fissure his heart. “As do I.”

On his birthday a few weeks later, Jim showed up at his apartment with a small, blue windchime. Spock stared at it for approximately 9.78 seconds before accepting the gift.

Spock finds a bench to sit on the harbor boardwalk. The sun is dipping low in the horizon, making the ocean seem to glow.

He does not want to return home, just yet.

Since the coffee shop, his mind has been restless. Unordered. Jumping between memories and realities as if he were a living television set.

He remembers the last time he was on this boardwalk. The image of Jim is in his mind, face happy and open, eyes discerning the sea in front of him. Spock has no doubt that he could take the world by storm if he wished; the galaxy included.

Jim could have anything if he set his mind to it. Could have anyone. It’s illogical; if these are the facts, then what does Jim need with an awkwardly socialized half-Vulcan?

Spock frowns at his shoes. The idea of Jim not needing him… is frightening. When Spock himself needs Jim so.

Spock’s gaze snaps to the ocean. The pieces in his mind burst together in a colorful, clarifying light.

Jim is at his apartment door when Spock returns, sitting against the door. He quickly scrambles to his feet when he sees Spock.

“Where the hell were you?” Jim asks angrily. “I’ve been calling and looking everywhere!”

“I have just been to your apartment,” Spock explains, unsteadily. “You were not there.”

“Because I’ve been waiting for you, you idiot! I’ve gotten hundreds of messages from Bones, Uhura, even Chekov has heard about it and is upset—”

“I regret worrying you,” Spock supplies, lamely, as he takes out his keys. He walks into his living room as Jim follows him through the door.

“What, you just break Uhura’s heart and then take off? And don’t even tell anyone where you were? You’ve been M.I.A all day!”

Spock places his keys on the coffee table. “I am aware.”

Jim puts both hands on his hips, glaring at him. “So, what, no explanation? You’re just gonna stand there?”

“I was attempting to find you. I need to—”

“Then why didn’t you call me? Why did I have to—”

“I am in love with you.”

Jim stares at him. His mouth remains slack, his eyes wide. “What did you just say?”

“It’s why I was attempting to find you.” Spock sits on his couch, hands on his knees to stop them from shaking. “I have come to this realization 3.57 hours ago. I regret not realizing and telling you sooner. And I regret not knowing this as I was ending my relationship with Uhura. But I assure you, I will give her an explanation.”

Jim stares at him. “You’re kidding me.”

“I assure you, I am not.”

“How can you just—sit there and deliver that news like it’s the fucking weather?”

“It is a fact. I thought it best for you to know.”

Jim puts a hand on his forehead, shaking his head. “Uhura’s gonna kill me.”

“I understand that the likelihood of you reciprocating my feelings is 5.456%,” Spock says, almost too quickly, “due to the fact that you have not shown amorous feelings for me in the past. I understand if you were to open my position to applicants, as working with me may now seem impossible. If you were to—”

“Spock.” Jim walks to the couch and stands close enough so that their knees touch. He stares down at him. “Shut up.”

Spock obeys. Jim kneels down to Spock’s eye level.

“Do you remember when I died?”

Spock goes tense. “I do not see what that has to do with—”

“Spock. Just answer the question.”

“Of course I remember. It is a stupid question.”

Jim closes his eyes in frustration. “God, you’re making this difficult.” He takes a breath and opens his eyes. “When I died, I couldn’t really get words out. And there was that… damn glass between us. So I couldn’t tell you what was really in my head.”

“Tell me what?”

Spock’s breath hitches when Jim is suddenly taking his hand, holding it between his. “I’ve loved you for years, you stupid Vulcan.”

Spock’s heart feels to have stopped. He takes time to illogically memorize the moment; the shadows casting on Jim’s face, the complete stillness in his normally animated expression. But only a moment, because Spock cannot stay still any longer and is framing Jim’s face with his hands, bringing him forward in a very human, very emotional kiss.

“Finally,” Jim breathes on Spock’s lips between kisses, moving to bracket Spock’s legs with his. They fit together flawlessly; effortlessly. As if the small moments between them were meant to lead to this.

In the distance, on the flight of the wind, Spock can hear the chimes.

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #317

“Dinner and Several Murders”

-Lie creates an opening to a random supermarket and manages to convince Smile to wait nicely outside.  She puts Sally in the cart and they start going up and down the aisles, gathering some foods.  Lie plans on making some warm food for both Stevie and CP.  She grabs a rope toy for Smile and a bit of candy for Sally who is entertaining herself with her teddy-

[Lie] Is going through the produce, picking out some onions-

-her phone buzzes with a text-

[Ever] Hey, got some more stuff for Arden next time you're out and about.

[Lie] responds- Actually out right now, I could swing by if you don't mind a couple others

[Ever] Oh, did I inturrupt something? I'm sorry Lie.

[Lie] - No, just doing some grocery shopping and picked up a little pasta on the way

[Ever] Then... I guess it's alright. Just not for long, okay?

[Lie] - Yeah, absolutely, give me like ten minutes to check out and everything

-She quickly finishes up her shopping and pays for everything, gathering all the bags she has Sally hold onto the strap on her shorts before meeting up with SMile and finding a secluded electronic device which she can use to get to Ever's.  She leads the two pasta's through and Sally looks around curiously when they arrive-

[Lie] - Ever?  I'm here

[Ever] Is already coming in with a box in his hands- Hi Lie! You brought a kid and a dog?

[Lie] - This is Sally and Smile, two of CP's brethren

[Sally] Decides now is the perfect opportunity to become shy-

[Smile] Wants to pee on the tree-

[Ever] So she's like your little cousin or something? That's cool. And that is an enourmous dog...

[Lie] - Yeah, Smile, stay away from the tree

[Smile] Whines a little-

[Lie] - So how's Karla?

[Ever] Busy on a new project. It's hideous so far but it's what the client wants and it beats her stalking around with a gun...

[Lie] - Speaking of stalking around...

[Ever] Hmm?

[Lie] - She might be getting a visitor she probably won't want to shoot

[Ever] As long as they knock on the door like a regular person or call first it should be okay. Should I be concerned about this?

[Lie] - Maybe?  And I doubt he'd knock or call, he's Sally's dad in a sense...

[Ever] Yeah... that's bad... I'll warn her, but I can't promise anything. I don't think you can blame her for being jumpy.

[Lie] - Yeah but it would probably be a really bad idea if you shot Slenderman...

[Sally] - Miss Lie?  Could I have my candy please?

[Lie] - Huh?  Oh, sure- She starts rifling through the grocery bags

[Smile] Decides to roll around on the ground-

[Ever] Maybe Smile would like to play outside? As long as he's careful of the horses?

[Lie] - Think you can do that Smile?

[Smile] Jumps up happily and adopts a playful position- Yeah!

[Lie] - Alright, I suppose it's better then what you were doing before

[Ever] Motions for Smile - Come here. I'll get the door. Good boy!

[Smile] Trots up to Ever, showing off his human grin-

[Lie] - And no cursing anyone Smile

[Ever] Looks nervous - Cursing?

[Lie] - He is a creepy pasta- She starts following with Sally

[Ever] I see.... hence the... teeth. - He leads them down the hall and into the kitchen, through the little mud room that still has two bales of hay and opens the back door-

[Smile] Bolts out-

[Lie] - Aw shit, that was something I should have asked Dawn, if I could use her kitchen...

[Ever] You need to use the kitchen? That's okay. We have a dishwasher. Ha. And I don't mean myself!

[Lie] Cocks a brow- Are you sure?

[Ever] Yes! Sheesh! - He walks back into the kitchen and leans on the center island. - What kind of trouble were you planning on cooking up?

[Lie] Puts the bags on the counter- Just something for CP and his brother, both are in a pretty cold situation right now

[Ever] Oh dear, are they fighting again?

[Lie] - No actually, remember how I said Stevie lost his arm during the fight with Harverstman?  Well we managed to connect a new one, but it took a lot of glitching.  As a result Stevie's, well, gained some powers...

[Ever] That's awesome, I mean, painful, but he got super powers?! What can he do?

[Lie] - So far ice and snow, the opposite of his brother which makes CP perfect for teaching him because he can't be frozen over

[Ever] Oh that's neat! And good for both of them. Brotherly together time and all that.

[Lie] - Quite the change from how it used to be

[Sally] Climbs up onto a stool and puts Mr. Charlie on the stool next to her-

[Ever] So... do you need help? Or just the knives and pots and stuff?

[Lie] - I wouldn't mind a bit of help, haven't cooked like this in awhile.  And since your letting me use your kitchen I'll share with you and Karla- She pulls out three packages of stew meat

[Sally] - Can I help?

[Lie] - Does your papa let you handle knives?

[Sally] Shakes her head-

[Ever] Somehow I'm suprised by that....

[Lie] - Well Slender is kinda protective of her.  Do have some paper or something she could draw on?

[Ever] Not in here. I'll grab some from the printer tray. I've got a lot of pens and pencils, but no crayons or anything.

[Lie] - That should be fine- She starts pulling more stuff out of the bags

[Ever] Comes back after a moment and sets out the supplies- Here you go Sally. We're not much set up to entertain kids around here.

[Sally] Offers her candy- Do you want some?

[Ever] Takes a few - Thank you. Do you want something to drink? Either of you?

[Sally] - Dawn gave me orange juice!

[Lie] - I'm fine for now

[Ever] Looks in the fridge - No OJ... I've got milk, root beer, mineral water, - rustles around- carrot juice... heh... half a bottle of white wine... and... - he peeks at a small can. - V8. Yuck.

[Lie] - It's alright, I think that's Sally's way of saying she already had something to drink- She starts to peel an onion

[Ever] Gotcha. Knife block is behind the toaster. What can I do?

[Lie] - Start chopping the other vegetables?

[Ever] You bought a lot of meat... this is usually crock pot stuff. It can take a while.

[Lie] - Well it has been awhile since I cooked out here, plus my husband does have a preference for meat...

[Ever] I'll help you. I've got a pressure cooker. - He opens a cabinet and pulls out the big pot. - Karla can cook and she's taught me a lot, but she doesn't like doing it. Says it takes too much time, she's a real work-a-holic. - He puts the pot on the stove and dashes in a little vegetable oil.

[Lie] - I see, if I had a recipe in front of me then I was decent at cooking, but being in game has made me forget a lot since for a hot meal you just have to put the ingrediants in a crafting table

[Ever] That is really handy. But I'm betting it's lacking in variety. Well, apart from whatever you've brought in from out here. Just cut the meat into rough chunks about the size of a lemon.

[Lie] - Thanks- She sets the onion aside and grabs a decent sized knife to start on the meat

[Sally] Starts humming a little as she draws-

[Ever] Pulls out a can of beef broth and squeaks it open.

[Lie] - Oh geez, that onion is strong and all I've done is peel it so far

[Ever] Just quarter it. It's going to give flavor but you don't have to actually eat it.

[Lie] Once she finishes cutting the meat she starts on the onion, her eyes tearing up a little- Gaaaaaaahhhhh...

[Ever] Scoops the slices into a bowl - all done. No tears nessesary. You cut up the potatoes and carrots, I'll brown the meat. Man, I haven't cooked with anyone else in ages!

[Lie] Laughs a little- Yeah, it has been some time.  I'll give tips on some things like juicing a lemon and such, but otherwise food is ridiculously simple in game

[Ever] How can you mess up juicing a lemon? - He cooks the outer parts of the chunks of beef in the bit of oil, turning them with tongs and powdering them with pepper, seasoned salt and onion powder-

[Lie] - He didn't know to cut it first

[Ever] Ho boy. Makes me think of those robotic arm tests where it just smashes what it's supposed to be handling- Laughs-

[Lie] - I think I've missed those...

[Ever] I know at least three people on the server have computers. Don't you look at the internet at all? I think this is ready. Are the veggies cut up?

[Lie] - I'm usually busy taking care of my animals, tending my plants, or keeping CP pacified.  And yeah, just about.  Just a few carrots left

[Ever] I thought he'd calmed down? Must be like having a kid some days. Oh! No offense Sally!

[Sally] Giggles a little- He's funny when he's on fire

[Lie] - He has calmed down- She hands Ever the vegetables

[Ever] Still... He seems like a handful. Especially on fire! - He adds in the can of beef broth, onions and a little worcestershire sauce - Now! We seal it up, full pressure and heat on low and we have 30 minutes to kill.

[Lie] - Wine and youtube?

[Ever] Sets a small timer that looks like a chicken- I'll get my laptop.

[Lie] - I'll pour the wine.  Any specific glasses I should use?

[Ever] Up to you. There's tumblers in the cabinet and flutes as well. - I'll be right back-

[Lie] Decides on a couple of flutes and pours the drinks- Do you wanna watch some funny video's with us Sally?

[Sally] - Yeah!

[Ever] Comes back in with his laptop and plugs it in on the side of the island- Just fire it up. I'm going to make some tea and take Karla a cup-

[Lie] - Alright- She turns the laptop on and opens the browser

[Ever] Hey, you can still put stuff in your inventory out here right?

[Lie] - Yeah, that's why I wasn't worried about the food still being hot by the time I got it to CP

[Ever] Gleefully scoots the small box of stuff for Arden towards her and titters as it gets sucked in. - That's so cool!

[Lie] - Do I want to know what's in the box this time?

[Ever] Mostly comics, and some fuzzy handcuffs and lube just for yucks.

[Lie] Laughs a little, the few sips of wine that she's had already taking a bit of an affect-  Hopefully it won't take them so long to use them as it took for them to get together

[Ever] I'm so happy for them both. So are you ever gonna tell me the gory details?

[Lie] - I think that may be more Arden's job...

[Ever] Are you sure? I get the feeling you know more then you're saying... - The kettle whistles and he goes to pour the water into mugs-

[Lie] - Yes I do, but Zeke is pretty private and it took quite a bit for him to tell me...

[Ever] Oh... well I used to be pretty closed about that kinda thing too. Karla has a knack for expanding ones horizons.

[Lie] - You?  Private?  I find that a bit hard to believe

[Ever] I didn't have a lot of experience okay?! And it's practically her hobby.

[Lie] Laughs a little- Go take her the tea before it starts cooling

[Ever] Humph. - He arranges the tea on a tray with sugar and cream and stuts out proudly in his slouchy t-shirt, jeans and bare feet-

[Sally] Hugs her teddy to her chest- Can you hand me my candy?

[Lie] - Sure- She passes the child her bag of chocolates

[Ever] Comes back a few minutes later with Karla walking behind him, holding her cup-

[Karla] Why didn't you say we had company?

[Ever] I knew you were busy and Lie needed to use the kitchen anyway.

[Karla] And who is the cheerful moppet pray tell?

[Lie] - This is Sally, a creepy pasta

[Karla] Respectful nod. - I am Doctor Karla Emmerich, and I see you're already met Ever Nolan.

[Sally] Tries to hide behind Mr. Charlie-

[Lie] - Why are you being so shy all of a sudden?

[Karla] Especially since my experience with creepypastas so far has been heavily laced with their ferocity and power.

[Lie] - Sally's one of the few child ones, I'm babysitting while her dad's in a meeting essentially.  Oh, and there's a creepy pasta dog running around outside

[Karla] A dog? Well, thank you for keeping your animal outside.

-the kitchen is filling with the lovely smell of meat cooking and the ticking of the small timer.

[Lie] - Yeah he's pretty rambunctious

[Sally] - Smile's fun

[Karla] Still...

[Ever] He's a really big dog and it's hard to cook with critters bouncing around.

[Lie] - Oh I know, I've sneeze teleported because of my vulpix's and Hope knocking over spices and such

[Karla] Drinks her tea - So... why here?

[Lie] - Ever had something for me to pick up for Arden and I needed a kitchen- She swirls the wine around in her flute a bit

[Ever] I thought I'd help out with a little cooking lesson too. - grins

[Karla] Ah, Arden... Ever's internet friend. - she makes a vague gesture to the computer where a cat video has stopped buffering and is quietly playing. - And a little wine is good for cooking. How are your... flowers doing?

[Lie] - Working well...  And Azrael took interest in the vampiric one

[Karla] Ah, so you've met my unwilling benefactor as well?

[Lie] - Just a few hours ago actually

[Ever] You met Death?! He's way cool. Scary, but still hecking cool.

[Lie] - And familiar with Sally's father, who may be stopping by to visit you at some point Karla

[Karla] Sally's father? Another creepypasta I presume?

-the little timer goes off and Ever fusses with the release valve so he can safely open the cooker-

[Lie] - Try Slenderman...

[Ever] Nearly drops the bowl of carrots and potatoes - S-S-SLENDERMAN?

[Karla] Who?

[Lie] - One of the most terrifying beings I've ever met?  He can command CP and CP listen's to him without question?  Basically leads a chunk of creepy pasta's?

[Ever] Tries to still his hands long enough to mix the vegetables in and repressurize the cooker-

[Karla] So he's a small god or something?

[Lie] - I'm not sure, but he's the one Rudolph stayed with for awhile

[Karla] That slimy... I'm not suprised. He was horrible in life and even worse in death. Him seeking out a group of murderers doesn't suprise me at all.

[Ever] Resets the pressure cooker to full pressure again and sets the timer for 15 minutes. His hands are still shaking.

[Lie] - You've caught his interest and that's a good thing, if he finds you interesting he's less likely to attack, mostly observe, plus Azrael warned him against trying to kill you

[Sally] Is caught up watching the videos on the laptop-

[Karla] Sometimes it's best to remain invisible to the eyes of the powerful Lie... And Azrael likely cautioned him against his own desires. - She grins wickedly- He needs me. I know he hates it and his daughter does too.

[Lie] - So I've noticed

[Sally] - Miss Lie I'm out of candy...

[Ever] Walks over to sit near her and leans in spellbound as she runs a gloved finger under his chin and kisses him sweetly, but briefly on the lips.

[Karla] Lucky, lucky me...

[Lie] Shifts nervously, her face already red from the wine- Sally, why don't you go outside to play with Smile?

[Sally] - Okay- The child slides off the stool and heads for the door leading outside

[Karla] Leans on her elbows facing Lie, there's the barest curl of steam from the cup in front of her. Her smile is predatory. - So how have you been?

[Lie] - Finally getting a break.  After the Harvestman battle, well we're still recovering

[Karla] So has your mate finally calmed down? His bloodlust saitied with finally getting his revenge?

[Lie] - Probably not, but he's distracted at the moment with his brother

[Ever] At Karla - Stevie got superpowers. He can do stuff with ice now.

[Karla] How interesting....

[Lie] - Thus why I'm making something warm for them

[Smile] Starts barking really loudly-

-Timer pings-

[Ever] Foods done! I'll go release the pressure cooker so it doesn't explode or something.

[Karla] Is suddenly alert- Your dog sounds annoyed....

[Lie] - I don't normally hear him bark like that...

[Sally] Comes running back in- Miss Lie!  Miss Lie!

[Lie] - What?

[Sally] - Smile caught an intruder!

[Karla] Hand strays to her pocket and she slides out a lugar- What kind of intruder child?

[Sally] - A person!

[Lie] Pulls out her sunglasses and slips them on as she hears Smile approaching-

[Smile] The massive dog trots in dragging a struggling teenager with him, Smile is rather happy about it-

[Karla] Looks rather angry- Who are you!? And why were you on my property?!

[Teen] - None of your damn business bitch!  Now let me go or my dad will have to arrest you!

[Karla] It doesn't work like that. This is private property and I can shoot you and get away with it. - She's toying with the hammer on the gun meaningfully.

[Teen] - Yeah right, my dad's the sheriff!

[Smile] Starts growling menacingly-

[Karla] And I care why?

[Ever] Ummm...

[Teen] - Because he basically owns the town, and won't tolerating anybody hurting me!

[Karla] Gets up from the table and her boots clack menacingly on the stone floor- Oh? And just where does he think you are right now boy?

[Teen] - With my friends, who have probably already gone to get him

[Karla] I think that's a lie. And I think you were looking for something to steal from an old lady.

[Lie] - I can ascertain if it's the truth or not

[Karla] Be my guest then.

[Lie] Spawns an honesty blossom and blows the pollen into the kids face-

[Teen] - The fuck are you doing!? Drugging me!?

[Karla] Are you here alone?

[Teen] - My friends came with me

[Karla] almost looks disappointed. - Smile? Did they get over the fence already?

[Smile] Shakes his head-

[Sally] - I heard them running away!

[Karla] Care to fetch them like a good doggy?

[Smile] Becomes really alert and wags his tail-

[Lie] - You have to drop the current one first Smile

[Smile] Drops the teen and Lie uses her vines to hold him in place-

[Lie] - Ever?  Do you mind opening the gate?

[Ever] Swallows hard- o-okay... He heads outside to open the fence.

[Smile] Follows Ever and once the gate is open he takes off into the woods-

[Lie] - Karla, I'm sure you have something better suited then my vines for restraint

[Karla] Oh. I do. But I'm not sure I want to make my nice restraints dirty on someone I don't even care about.

[Lie] - So what will we do with him?

[Teen] - I'm right here you bitches!

[Karla] He calls me a bitch one more time I'm going to take him outside and curb check him.

[Lie] - Then might I suggest a gag?  I'd rather the kid not be injured if we return him to his father

[Karla] Oh must we? We could always pass him off to your husband...

[Lie] - No, that would make some others on the server mad.  Last time he killed a human we ended up taking the other...  And returning her as a man with memories of what happened erased

[Karla] Laughs - That's too funny! But also disapointing. In some ways I envy the creepypastas their freedom to do as they please...

[Sally] - Papa makes sure we don't over do things, and keeps us from getting caught most of the time

[Karla] Lucky child. Wait, you gave him honesty pollen didn't you? - She rounds on the boy, close to his face- What's your worst fear?

[Teen] - Never seeing my dad again

[Lie] Face palms-

[Karla] I could make that happen...

[Lie] - Karla...

[Karla] We could just send him somewhere far away where he doesn't speak the language, zhat vould be fun...

[Lie] - Yes but then he could eventually find his way back, and unless you manage to move "it"...

[Karla] Phhh You're no fun.

[Lie] - And I'm betting you could be more creative then that

[Karla] Well, we could send him somewhere a bit more... low res... would that be more merciful?

[Lie] - Doc and TLOT aren't fond of many people knowing about that, and after the last one that came in...

[Sally] - What about a slave?

[Lie] - Excuse me?

[Karla] Meh. Just another mouth to feed.

[Sally] - Oh, that's what papa says some of the others do to humans...

[Lie] - I have flowers that make others forget, but I don't know how strong they are...

[Karla] Looks annoyed, - can't I just kill him?

[Lie] - I'd prefer you didn't...

[Karla] Then what do you suggest? Ms. peaceful brine?

[Lie] - I...  I don't know...

[Karla] I do have a floor drain downstairs... Why did you come here anyway?

[Teen] - Creepy old house in the middle of the woods housing a reclusive bitch, why wouldn't I?

[Smile] Comes back into Ever's line of sight with three more teens-

[Karla] It's not smart to interfere in other peoples private affairs.

[Ever] Looks super nervous-

-Two of the teens have broken legs and Smile looks quite proud of himself-

This message has been removed.

[Ever] Oh dear, that's a lot Smile...

[Lie] - Karla...  If you absolutely must, then can I at least request you make it quick?

[Karla] I'll have too. Ever might try to stop me, he's so sentimental sometimes.

[Lie] - Well he is human

[Karla] Smiles at Lie- Not really... he's eaten the fruit as well.

[Lie] - He's what?

[Karla] Did you really think I wouldn't share my gift with my favorite playmate? I don't want him getting old on me.

[Lie] - Well yeah but...  It just hadn't occurred to me

[Smile] Is dragging the screaming teens towards the house-

[Karla] Ah, no time to play. - She takes a hold of the boys hair and smashes his skull against the stone floor with a sickening crack. Then lifts him up for a moment to check his [lack of] pulse. - Fast enough for you?

[Lie] Is in a relatively stunned silence, not expecting Karla to do that right in front of her-

[Sally] - Can I help with the killing?

[Karla] I'm assuming you have some kind of strange powers? I would be delighted to see zhem child!

[Ever] Comes back up, a little out of breath and pauses at the door. - Mistress!

[Karla] Steps over the body. - He tripped-

[Smile] Holds onto the three remaining teens-

[Sally] - Yeah!  But sometimes Papa has to help me...

[Karla] Ushers the child outside with an air of excitement-

[Ever] Comes in - Oh fuck....

[Smile] Follows them outside-

[Lie] - I would suggest you stay here with me...

[Ever] Yeah.... fucking hell... - He runs his fingers through his hair- I... dammit... - Reflexitively he starts putting the food into containers. - fuck fuck fuck

[Lie] - Ever...

[Ever] I know she's killed before... she was military... and she's killed defending me... but I don't know how to dispose of a body!

[Lie] - Neither do I...  Karla did say she had a floor drain downstairs though?

[Ever] Yeah! But the floor is marble! Look at this mess!

[Lie] - ...  Bleach?

[Ever] It will just ruin the finish! It's porus.

[Lie] - I have water buckets and that's it

[Ever] Arrrggghhhh. And we'd have to dig a hole and people might come asking questions- He looks like he's on the cusp of a nervous breakdown-

[Lie] - Should I call my husband?  He'd probably be entertained by this situation...

[Ever] Would he actually help?! Or just point and laugh? This is serious!

[Lie] - He'd help...  And probably laugh too

[Ever] Sits down and takes a long pull from the abandoned wine bottle before violently coughing-

[Lie] - Don't choke there!

[Ever] Thumps his head on the counter -

[Lie] - I'm just...  Gonna call him...- She sends a mental message to CP

[CP] - Let me see if I can't get TLOT to babysit

[CP] - TLOT!  Can you watch Stevie for a bit?

[TLOT] Is actually mining for a change, or more approriately- watching Steve's back and taking out the occasional block- Hmm? I'm a bit far away , but I can manage it. Can you bring him to me?

[CP] - Do you want your mineshaft to be frozen?

[TLOT] We'll go over a bit, There's a pretty big lava pool-

[Steve] Stevie is joining us?

[CP] - Alright, just don't blame me if your mate ends up a popsicle- He grabs his brother and teleports them over

[Stevie] Is shivering a little and the air around him is immediately colder-

[TLOT] Oh dear, come on- starts walking him- Lava is over here.

[Steve] Brrr!!!

[CP] Gets a general grasp on where Lie is and comes out the computer near the tree- Lie?

[Lie] - In the kitchen!

[CP] Follows her voice- What exactly do you need me so badly for?- He stops when he see's the blood spreading along the floor

[Lie] - Disposing of a body?

[Ever] Waves weakly-

[CP] Sighs and summons a fire ball- Are there any more bodies?

[Lie] - Probably?

[Ever] They're outside-

[CP] - Well let's start in here- He sets the body alight until it's nothing more than ashes- There, now I'm going to take care of the others- He makes his way outside to where the other's are

[Sally] Has adopted her dull and bleeding form, when she touches one of the teen's their body falls to the ground as their mind is trapped in a cycle of Sally's memories from when she was raped and murdered.  This gives her a chance to bash in their heads-

[Smile] Is chewing on one of the living teen's leg-

[Karla] Has gagged one of them and started making lots of small cuts with a scalpel-

[CP] - Sally...

[Sally] Turns around quickly, her colors brightening as she runs for him- You're here!

[CP] Scoops her up and puts her on his shoulders- Enjoying your kill?

[Sally] - Yeah, but they're not moving anymore

[CP] - I can see that

[Karla] Notices Cp and grabs the teens head, giving it a sharp twist to break the neck cleanly. she gets up briskly and walks over to him- Ah. Cp. Good to see you again!

[CP] - I never expected my wife to ask me to come dispose of bodies...

[Karla] So you came to help. Even better. I got a bit carried away and made a mess in the kitchen. I'd hate for dear Ever to have to clean it up.

[CP] - Already burned that body to ashes

[Remaining teen] - You won't get away with this!  Jessica got away

[Smile] - I cursed her!

[CP] - Yeah I don't think that will be a problem...

[Karla] Pulls out the gun again and screws a small silencer to the end before casually shooting the teen in the forehead- Annoying...

[CP] - So should I burn these ones away too?

[Sally] - Oh no, Mr. Charlie got dirty!

[Karla] That would be lovely, thank you. And Sally, would you like to use my wash machine for your bear?

[Sally] - But he usually gets floppy when he's been washed...

[CP] - I'm sure Trender will restuff him for you again

[Karla] Well I do have a dryer as well...

[CP] - His stuffing usually ends up squished in places and not evenly distributed, that's what she means by floppy

[Smile] Is trying to rip a limb off of one of the corpses-

[Karla] I understand. - Is utterly non-plussed by the dogs actions- I'm still more fond of cats, but he is an impressive hound.

[CP] - Well he is a harbinger of curses

[Karla] Just nodding- I should probably check on Ever...

[CP] - He's still in your kitchen with Lie, Smile knock it off, I need to burn that

[Karla] Looks down at her coat and shucks it off. The brown fabric is heavily stained with blood- Can you burn this as well? I'll miss it, but blood is hard to fully remove.

[CP] - No problem, just toss it on the pile- He puts Sally down- Go on bacl to Lie

[Sally] - Okay!

[Karla] Casually tosses it on a body- Thank you Herobrine. - She makes her way back into the kitchen and gathers Ever up in her arms, soothing him-

[Ever] Is shaking-

[Lie] - Sally you're a mess

[Sally] Giggles-

[CP] Quickly burns everything before coming back inside-

[Karla] Is giving Ever small kisses and smoothing his hair -

[Ever] Manages to whisper- foods done....

[Karla] We know, you did a good job.

[CP] Looks at the blood on the floor- Want me to take care of that?

[Karla] I would very much appreciate it.

[CP] Takes a sampling of clean floor and replaces the bloodied portions with it- There

[Lie] - Sorry for pulling you away from Stevie...

[Karla] Nicely done.

[Ever] Snuggles into her chest-

[Karla] Shhh

[Sally] Just climbs on CP-

[CP] - What are you doing kiddo?

[Sally] - Playing

[Karla] Well at least she'll have a story for her daddy when she gets home.

[CP] Groans-

[Lie] - Karla, do you mind if I use the bathroom to clean her up?

[Karla] Of course. And the washer is next to the back door if you want to toss the bear in

[Lie] - Are you okay with that Sally?

[Sally] - Mmmm...  Okay

[CP] Takes the bear while Lie takes Sally to the bathroom.  He sits down at one of the stools once he's back-

[Karla] Ever and Lie cooked for you. If you want to grab the container and stow it while it's still hot- She gestures at a very large bowl with foil over the top-

[CP] - Is that why she came here?  Geez, she didn't have to do that- He does go and get the food though

[Karla] She was just being thoughtful, and Ever was being his usual helpful self- she kisses his forehead- Can you put the small bowl in the fridge please?

[CP] - I guess- He does as Karla asks- So what brought this murder spree about?

[Karla] They snuck onto my property with intent to wreak havock on a helpless old lady just trying to live away from society. They got more then they bargained for.

[CP] - I could see that, ah well, it's been awhile since Smile's gotten to hunt or curse anybody.  Although you may still get a visit from the cops

[Karla] Probably. But thanks to such good friends - respectful nod at him- they'll be nothing for them to find.

[CP] - And the one that got away won't be sane for much longer

[Karla] How convenient. Could you give Smile some of the meat? A just reward for a good dog.

[CP] Tosses out a couple of steaks which Smile tears into- Out of curiosity, did Lie see any of the killing?

[Karla] Only the one in the kitchen, and I was quick as she requested.

[CP] - Joy, so she'll be hesitant for a few days

[Karla] Ah, my apologies. I should have dragged the little worm outside first.

[CP] - It wouldn't be the first death she's witnessed, but I, unfortunately don't currently have much if any time to spend with her

[Karla] Because of your brother... ah but true love is patient.

[CP] Yeah well it's been a couple weeks

[Ever] Is starting to calm down a little-

[Karla] I thought time moved rather quickly in your world?

[CP] Yeah that should say something.  I mean we did have a quickie in the lava bath, but I know it wasn't as satisfying for her as it could have been

[Karla] Well she made a trip out just to cook for you. That should make you feel loved at least.

[CP] - Yeah, she hasn't done that before

[Karla] So I wouldn't worry about it.

[Ever] Manages to stand up and sits next to her, watching them both-

[CP] - Still, she's probably a bit wanting despite her probably absolute denial of it

[Karla] I don't think it would take much attention to convince her then. She had a drink earlier and I think that action could be repeated with a little nudge.

[CP] - Did she start giggling?

[Karla] I don't think so?

[Ever] small -no.

[CP] - Then she probably only had a few sips, she gets very giggly when drunk

[Karla] That's adorable. - Wiggles her fingers at Smile-

[Sally] Comes running in covered in a towel- Is Mr. Charlie done?

[Smile] Takes interest and goes over to Karla-

[Karla] Rubs his ears affectionately- I don't hear it anymore. He probably needs to be tossed in the dryer.

[CP] Goes over to throw the bear in the dryer-

[Sally] - Be careful!

[CP] - I know, I know

[Ever] Shakily pours himself a little bit of wine-

[Lie] Comes in- CP, here- She hands Sally's dress over as well to be dried

[Sally] - Are there any cookies?

[Smile] His tail is thumping on the floor-

[Ever] I don't think so... I've got chips in the cabinet though- points.

[Sally] Opens and digs around a bit before finding the chips-

[Lie] Sits back down at the counter- Are you okay Ever?

[Ever] Manages to nod a little-

[Karla] So your mate also came to warn me that I might be recieving a visit from the childs father soon...

[CP] - Oh joy

[Karla] Should I be concerened?

[CP] - Probably, but I wouldn't try attacking him

[Karla] Duly noted. Though I wish people wouldn't drop by unannounced. It's so rude.

[CP] - Other than the usually just showing up he's fairly polite

[Karla] For someone my mate seems to be terrified of, that's good. I've never heard of him before today.

[CP] - I'll tell you this, absolutely be prepared for a headache afterwards.  It's an effect of being around him, and he does tend to poke at peoples minds

[Karla] I don't like that... I worked very hard to free my mind from...  outside influences.

[CP] - He usually only does it when he first meets somebody or if he knows somebody is hiding something

[Karla] Hmmph. Is there anything else I should be wary of?

[CP] - Not that I can think of right now

[Lie] - CP, who's watching Stevie?

[CP] - TLOT

[Lie] - On the main seed?

[CP] - Yeah, why?

[Lie] - Go take your brother back to the other seed!

[spiritleak]

Magick Tools: Which are they, What they are used for, Cleansing them..

You do not have to find a "Magickal shop" to get tools from in order for them to be effective in your spells. You can get them in your local shop or you may even have them or their ingredients already available in your house.

But, never forget that wherever your tools come from, you must give them a thorough cleansing and consecration befure use. Both natural objects, and man made tools can have negative energy that can reduce the effectiveness of your spells...so you must cleanse and consecrate each one. More about this part will be featured later in the post.

Fist off, let’s see some of the Sorcery tools and what they can be used for.

Pentacle, or Paten: A pentacle, or paten is a disk usually made out of wood with a pentacle inscribed upon it. This tool is used to represent primarily earth along with the rest of the five elements, and will bring energies of power, and protection into the working of the practitioner.

Sword: A sword is a long-bladed tool. This tool is used in ritual in order to direct energy, and to represent the energies of fire, and/or air.

Wand: A wand is a forearm length rod usually made of wood, but they have also been known to be made out of crystal, and copper, among many other things. This tool is used in ritual in order to direct energy, and to represent the energies of air, and/or fire.

Staff: A staff is a body length rod tool usually made of wood. This tool is also used to direct energy in magical working, and represents the energy of the earth.

Cauldron: A cauldron is a pot that is made out of cast iron, and is used in magical practice to burn herbs, hold ingredients, or even be used as a place to put water while scrying.  It is connected to the element of water.

Chalice: A chalice is a goblet, or footed cup that is used to hold different liquids and is used to represent the elemental energies of water.

Candles:  A candle is a wick surrounded by wax that can be lit on fire. This is used to represent the energy of Fire, and it will also raise energy for magickal working, while it is burning. The different energies will be raised depending upon the color of the candle.

Electronic candles: An electronic candle are LED lights that are meant to look like candles. These electric candles are also used to represent the element of fire, and are also used in order to raise energy especially in places where burning candles is not allowed. Different energies will be raised depending upon the color of the electronic candle.

Crystals: A crystal is a crystalline substance that have their own powerful energetic system. They are used to represent the element of earth. These crystals will be used to raise certain types of energies, depending upon what type of Crystal they are.

Herbs: A herb is any plant that can be used for culinary, medical, or aroma purposes. These herbs will represent the element of earth, and will give off specific energies when burned, eaten, or interacted with.

Boline: A Boline is usually a white handled curved ceremonial blade that is used to cut herbs and cords.

Censer, and incense:  A censer is a place to hold incense while it is burning, and incense is a substance that is burned for a certain aroma. These items are both connected to the element of air, and the process of burning incense releases energy that can be used in your magical working depending upon what type of incense it is.

Scourge: A scourge is a multi whip like device that usually has soft thongs of leather that are used to gently scourge people who break moral codes, and has also been said to be used as a training tool for beginner witches.

Besom, or broom: A besom, or broom is a wooden stick with bristles at the end of it.  In magick it is used to clean, and purify the magical space through the act of sweeping.

Jewelry: Jewelry are personal accessories that are made from many different types of materials, and can hold many different magical properties, because of this they can be incredibly helpful in directing, and supplying different spiritual energies.

Spear: A spear is a pole with a sharp point, that is used in order to direct energy in magickal workings.

Fire Bowl: A Fire Bowl is a bowl that is fire retardant, and is reserved for burning things.

Mortar and Pestle: The mortar and pestle is a bowl, and a pumble that are usually made out of wood or stone. It is used in order to grind up herbs, and minerals, and can also be used to push your energy, and intention into those ingredients.

Pendulum: A pendulum is a string with a weight at the end of it that is used in divination.

Scrying Mirror: A scrying mirror is a mirror that is usually black that is used in divination.

Magick Robes: Magick robes are a form of garments that are worn during magical rituals, and practices. A lot of the time these are made of silk, or cloth, and are black, and will also be enchanted or blessed in some form of way.

Grimoire: A grimoire is a book that is used to keep recipes, lore, spells, rituals, and any other spiritual things that you want to keep track of. It can also be used as a form of journal.

Book of Shadows: A book of shadows is a book that is used to keep track of certain spells, and rituals one has attempted, and keeps a documented record of them, so that they can be redone later.

Book of Mirrors: A book of mirrors is a book that is used to keep track of a practitioners reactions of rituals, or spells they have cast.

Holy Book: A holy book is a book that contain some form of holy scripture either religious, or spiritual.

Statues: A statue is a figure of a specific entity that will act as a representation for a practitioner to connect more closely with them.

Asperger, or Aspergillum: An Asperger, or Aspergillum is a tool that is used to sprinkle water in spiritual, and religious rituals. It is usually made of copper, or silver, and is connected to the element of water.

Altar Cloth: An altar cloth is a piece of cloth that is used in order to protect your altar from the wear, and tear of constant use. It can also be used to represent certain things during rituals and spells

Bell: A bell is used in order to purify areas, and is used when calling upon entities to get their attention. It also has the metaphysical properties of water.

Cord: A cord is a string that is used in order to tie knots for knot magick.

Essential oils: Essential oils are very powerful liquids that have metaphysical properties that can be used to anoint objects depending upon what type of oil it is.

Rune set: A rune set is a set of 24 rocks that have a Norse alphabet written upon them usually the Elder futhark. These runic rocks are used in divination, and all have their own unique meaning that can be used to give insight.

Tarot Cards: Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards that are used in divination. These cards all contain a different meaning, and can be used to relay different messages, and insights.

Singing Bowls: Singing Bowls are a form of metal bowl that make a humming noise when you strike them. They can be used in order to purify, heal, and balance energies.

Altar: An altar is a place where a practitioner keeps things pertaining to there practice, and will be a place where spells, and rituals will be cast. These altars will act like home basis for their practice and may even be spaces that are connected to the higher planes of existences.

Ouija board, or spirit boards: A Ouija board is a board that has a bunch of letters, and symbols on it. The Ouija board is used in divination usually to contact Spirits, or other entities.

Crystal Ball: A crystal ball is a ball that is usually made out of clear quartz, or glass but have been known to come in multiple different types of crystals. These are used in divination, through the act of scrying.

Scrying Mirror: A scrying mirror is usually a black mirror that is used in divination, through the act of scrying.

Dowsing rods: The dowsing rods are 2 "L" shaped copper rods that are used in dowsing in order to find water, and to divine.

Pendulum: A pendulum is a string with a weighted object attached to the end of it that is used in dowsing.

Feather: A feather is used in order to with incense, or smoke from herbs. It is also used to represent air.

Bones: Bones are used in order to connect with the entity that once possessed the bones, and can be another way of summoning help in order to gather energy, assistance, and guidance.

Let’s say than now you’ve gotten your sorcery tools what do you do next?  You certainly don't want to just put them on your altar or on your person, without clearing them of any energies they've collected.

The process of cleansing an item does not have to be complicated, though.

Here are some ways to do it:

Moon Bath - The simplest way to purify Wiccan tools is to bathe them in Moonlight. This will not only cleanse them, but recharge them as well. Except for the very lightest cleansing, you'll probably need to leave them at least one full cycle of the Moon. Full to Full, or Dark to Dark ... whichever feels right to you. For lighter Moon-washes, use the Waning Moonlight.

If your altar is in the Moonlight, this is the best place to leave your ritual tools for a Moon bath. Otherwise, hanging them in a tree is good, or even placing them outside your window or up to your balcony.

Sage Smudging

– purchasing or creating a smudge stick and using the smoke from the stick to pass over and surround the magickal item while focusing on sending any alien energy away from the item and allowing it to become neutral again. Incantations may be used or not as the witch prefers, and deities, elementals, or other beings may be called to assist but are not necessary.

Incense Smoke

– choosing a fitting scent or blend and following a procedure similar to or the same as that with the incense. Each witch usually develops their own specific method in accordance with their needs and desires.

Holy Water

– purchasing or creating your own holy water and using it to submerge or to sprinkle over items as needed, or in conjunction with energy work while focusing on your intent to cleanse the item of unwanted energies and speaking an incantation. You may call on the power of others to join with your own , if preferred.

Running Water

– allowing items that would be unharmed by water, to be submerged in a stream or creek and allowing the natural power of the water to wash away and cleanse the items of any unwanted energy. Rainwater can serve the same purpose when available.

Sea Salt

– immersion in sea salt is an effective way to cleanse energies from items, just make certain that the salt will not be damaging to the item before hand, bury it in the salt and leave it for a few days so the salt can absorb the unwanted energy.

Sunlight

– make certain that the item will not be damaged by sunlight and then leave the item in direct sunlight and allow the sunlight to remove the energies from the item.

Moonlight

– place an item outside after sunset and bring it back in prior to sunrise in order to allow the moonlight to cleanse away any unwanted energies.

High Vibration Sounds

– using a lead crystal bowl, a Tibetan Singing bowl, a gong, drumming, tuning fork or even your favorite music turned up loud will cleanse an item of unwanted energies.

Pyramid Energy

– placing an item under or inside a pyramid which has been charged for cleansing will take away any negative energy and return the item to neutral.

Personal Energy

– using your own personal energy to drive the unwanted energy out of the item that needs cleansing is one method that is safe for every item, though it can be intensive depending upon the quantity and quality of the energies needing to be stripped away.

Charged Crystals

– some crystals have a natural ability to strip away energies of items and leave them neutral, amethyst or rock crystal excels at such work. Small items may be placed on larger crystals; larger items may have smaller crystals set on them to draw out the unwanted energies.

As with all things magickal, the methods and procedures may vary. A method may be used as is, considering them as a starting point and modifying them as needed, or go a completely different route. 

[trespiratesque]

Day 5

Saturday, 4/15

We had several appointments already scheduled for this day, which dawned drizzly and cold. The very first was with some caracal kittens at the nearby zoo in the Jardin des Plantes. A caracal is a medium wild cat, whose shoulder height measures to about an average human knee. They're reddish tan, with lighter bellies and tall black tufts on their ears. We heard about them pretty much the day we arrived, plus one of the folks at the lab lent Beck her museum card (which all employees receive free and gives them access to all the amenities of the Natural History Museum complex). It would be our second visit to the zoo - we went the last time we were in Paris a few years ago. A selection of animals we saw: red pandas, a yak family, a bunch of different vultures (which are magnificent in person), several kinds of goats, gray cranes, a rhinoceros hornbill, cockatoos (very needy), ostriches, owls, martens, and whatever this important little fellow is.

They have a raccoon enclosure, but there were no "washing-rats" (as translated by yours truly) to be seen in the thin, gray daylight. The primates were diverting, as ever, with orangutans performing some NSFW athletics. And of course, the kittens were marvelously cute, feeding and then rearranging themselves into a sleeping pile. Fortunately, the rain was very light, barely noticeable, so we had no discomfort making our way around the uncrowded zoo. We did have a time limit on our wandering though, and we snagged crepes from a zoo stand on the way out.

Next up was moving to our new place. We'd packed everything up pretty well before we left for the zoo, and after finishing touches, we brought our luggage downstairs to the front hall of the building. I then set off for Gare d'Austerlitz, the nearest train station and taxi source. I hustled to the taxi stand (a 7-10 minute walk) and told the driver in my nervously practiced French: "Hello! I am sorry, I speak French like a cow. I would like to go to rue Buffon, my friend is there with our bags. After, we go to somewhere near Bastille." That got us most of the way there - in the end, the final address was somewhere near the Republique metro instead, but they aren't far apart. Taxis are a whole different ball game in Paris, or at least that's the impression I got from this one. Signs indicating smartphone chargers were available, magazines to read - I think it's more like what Uber's dreams are made of. I believe I even spied bottled water. The car was incredibly clean, the driver was nicely dressed, and even the taxi UI was elegantly integrated into its hardware.

We arrived in a small street, rue Dupetit-Thouars, looking for a door with our number on it. There were a few cafes on the block, and a teensy, triangular open plaza with seating and a ring of flowering trees. Rounding the corner with our bags, a young man on his cellphone waved at us. We introduced ourselves to Jordan, who had been expecting us. He kindly offered to take a bag from me, but I think began to regret the offer around the top of the second flight of stairs. Because this is a classic Paris building with a classic Paris stairwell: cramped, uneven, spiraling stairs with no alternative means of ascent. And we were headed for the fifth floor. I think Beck counted something like 85 stairs from the front door to our door. But there was light at the end of the tunnel, literally - a skylight beckoned us up the final flight, to a short landing with two doors.

Ours was on the left, painted a medium green with a doorbell that didn't work. Jordan opened the door and revealed our new home. The floor was the same hexagon tile as the landings, but in here it was covered in red paint and slanted downward toward the external wall. A small, well-used wooden desk was planted against one white wall, a bricked-off fireplace stood against another, and most of the rest of the walls were punctuated by thrown-open windows. The bedroom featured another window and some built-in cabinets for storage - no space for any furniture other than the bed and a tiny stool/table. The kitchen had a stainless steel countertop, a diminutive refrigerator, and a few cabinets. A tacky fabric printed with images and names of Paris landmarks hung in swathes from ceiling rails all over the place. I made sure the taps worked, and Jordan tried to help us figure out the laundry machine.

Not a washer or dryer, but a washer AND dryer in one. (I'm writing this a full 48 hours later and only now have we begun to understand this mysterious creature.) Laundry was one of the first tasks we undertook after signing papers and saying our farewell to Jordan - it was comforting to know we would be able to wash clothes on our own schedule again. I began to organize the kitchen to my liking and take a tool inventory, while Beck made the bed and unpacked his things. He found that the bottom desk drawer swings out and contains slots for files, which happen to perfectly fit all the board games we brought. The shower is very small, and the bathroom also contains an enigmatic device that may be a heater, or possibly a towel rack? We decided to just pretend it didn't exist rather than risk burning down the building.

After putting together an initial shopping list and taking a moment to revel in our new independence, we set out for the day's next appointment: going to visit the apartment we hoped to move to in nid-May. I'd been corresponding with a Frenchwoman named Linda. We walked there, about 25 minutes' walk, planning to take the Metro back, and arrived about 15 minutes early after stopping for a snack along the way. Beck had the best quiche he'd ever eaten, and I had a ham & cheese croissant. The ham and croissant parts were good, but there was a very soft, almost liquidy cheese hiding inside that I wasn't expecting, which wasn't quite to my taste.  We also picked up a baguette for later.

This building was also very much of a style with what you imagine a residential Parisian building to look like - pastel yellow, tall windows, steep-pitched slate roof with a flat top, 4 or 5 stories tall. It was just a block or two from the Seine on the Left Bank. Linda was there with her boyfriend, cleaning after the previous tenant had left, and let us in through a foyer, up a mercifully short flight of stairs. I knew I was going to like this apartment from the pictures, but in person I absolutely fell in love with it. Airy, clean, spacious, and it had an oven! There was even a bathtub. Linda was totally charming, and Beck and I were falling over ourselves to compliment the place. She said she had others coming to look at it, but she would try to make a decision by the end of the long weekend. (I still haven't heard anything, so answers hopefully to come soon! We are definitely still obssessed with that place.)

We took the Metro home, and stepped into a protest at our stop. I couldn't tell what the aim or purpose was, but I did see some Palestinian flags, and signs calling for justice for someone, not sure who. We hadn't used this Metro before, so it took some time to find our way to our new home, but our other task was grocery shopping anyway so we found somewhere to do that. Monoprix is sort of like a small-scale Target, with heavier emphasis on fresh foods and less on appliances and electronics. This was the Saturday before Easter, and the store was completely packed - not exactly Food Shopping for Dummies, but we got a few essentials to tide us over. It's incredible how overwhelming a shop full of 95% unfamiliar items can be, and we were lucky to have gone grocery shopping in Croatia so many times before since that at least got us knowledge of what lactose-free milk might look like. Walking out with TP, cheese, milk, a couple of veggies, and a couple of snacks felt like a victory.

When we got home, Beck took another look at the still-running laundry machine and made some lentils and green beans for dinner. This place only has two hobs and a microwave, so we're going to do our best as far as cooking. It came out really good. And Beck also gave his folks a call on Skype so they could see the place (I have never managed to get my parents set up with Skype, alas - maybe someone local can help them). It was nice to hear from them (and I'm not just saying that because I know they read this blog).

Sorry for the super long post, but I do have one other thing to mention - I have had a hard time figuring out how to balance the joy and excitement I'm feeling about this adventure with the mountain of awful things happening in and performed by the USA and its military. It feels so tasteless, tone-deaf, to be publicly exuberant about choosing to live overseas when Syrians and Afghanis are living in fear, unable to escape violence done in my name. I am actively looking for ways to be supportive of radical and progressive causes and actions back home while I'm abroad, so if anyone reading this has ideas, please do share them. Anyway, if I seem to be holding back pictures and facebook posts, this is why. I know it's important to also celebrate the good things in life and share our joyful moments, but at the moment it can feel inappropriate. What can help me with this is having direct requests made - for example, a friend who lives in Japan posted on my wall demanding pictures, and that was the push I needed to make my first uploads. I hope everyone back home is staying safe and taking steps appropriate to their own lives to join the struggle against utter bullshit.