#ch: fiddler

[night-unfurls-its-splendour]

When the Longing Returns (Phantom of the Opera 2004 Fanfiction) || Erik x Christine

Ch. 6 Author's Notes

Read the Fic here on tumblr or on AO3

◇ She glanced down and admired her ring, which had taken on a unique colour in the dank, low light of the canal; not red, nor green, nor gray but something which bridged all of them and bound them into one indescribable hue.

Imagine an effect like this

◇ I don't doubt you take wonderful care of him, and I know the stables for the stage horses are in the cellars in any case, but... only he must be awfully lonely, without the other horses..."

Book Canon: Chapter 7, "Faust and What Followed”: "What stable?" "Why, yours, sir. The stable of the opera." "Is there a stable at the opera? Upon my word, I didn't know. Where is it?" "In the cellars, on the rotunda side..."

◇ The little ballet brats to whom she gave sweets and told fairy tales idolised her; the aged seamstresses and tailors, who always found in her good taste and a helping hand, thought her the dearest creature in the world.

Leroux Reference: Chapter 12, "Above the Trap-Doors", another reference to Christine's relationship with the lower-ranking denizens of the opera:

"It is the dancing school, for those girls ages seven to nine or ten. Already they wear low-cut bodices, fluffy tutus, and pink stockings, and they work and work, their little feet aching, in the hopes of becoming ballerinas, or prima ballerinas, covered in diamonds. In the meantime, though, Christine gives them candy." "And so she took him all over her empire, which was artificial, but immense [...] and inhabited by an army of subjects. She passed among them like a popular Queen, encouraging their work, sitting in store-rooms, and giving good advice to those seamstresses whose hands hesitated to cut the rich cloth that was to clothe heroes. [...] They had all come to like her because she took an interest in their troubles and their little quirks."

◇ "I don't remember her very well... a professor’s widow who was very fond of Papa's music. Madame... Valerius..."

Book Character!: In the book, Madame Valerius, and her husband the Professor, are a wealthy couple from Gothenburg who discover Christine and her father performing at a fair. Mme. Valerius considers Papa Daae a musical genius and the couple immediately become the patrons of the fiddler and his daughter, bringing them to Brittany when Madame must move there for her health. The widowed "Mama" Valerius, as she becomes to Christine, then funds Christine's education at the conservatoire following Papa Daae's death, and Christine lives with her as her ward/adoptive daughter in an apartment on the Rue-de-Notre-Dame-Victoires. — In the canon of my story, Mme. Valerius was already a widow when she discovered Christine and Gustave. She would happily have taken Christine as a ward as she does in the book, but Christine is significantly younger here and the aged dame was too ill to take in a child; she did, however, pay for Gustave's funeral and burial, and left Christine an inheritance to be held in trust until her twenty-first birthday or until she marries. She's passed away by the time the story begins.

◇ That had been at the end of August, when the trees were still green...

ALW Reference: No one has yet commented on the reference to "Beneath a Moonless Sky" I sneaked into in Chapter 4, and that's fine. This one, however I do want to actually draw attention to. This is, of course, a reference to the most common lyrics to "Think of Me" in the stage version of PotO: "Think of August when the trees were green Don't think about the way things might have been" These lyrics were not used in the film, however; as with most of the songs, the older libretto from the original cast recordings was used. Because this line got axed from "Think of Me" in the film, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to reference this here. "Think of Me" is often regarded as foreshadowing the "inevitably" ill-fated romance between Erik and Christine. And yet "Think of Me" has very little association with Erik. It's never referenced in any of his leitmotifs. It is, however, majorly featured with Christine and Raoul. Raoul recognizes Christine as she sings this song, and launches into his nostalgic recollections of their brief, youthful romance/crush over a single summer in Brittany. Immediately following Raoul's interruption solo, Christine resumes with this line: "Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade They have their season, so do we" "Think of Me" is referenced during "Masquerade", as Christine and Raoul have their little moment off to the side regarding their engagement, which Christine insists on keeping secret. So if this song indicates an ill-fated romance between Christine and anyone, isn't it really Raoul?

◇ She had poured the depths of her soul out to her good genius.

Leroux Reference: In the book, Madame Valerius is the only person who knows of Christine's secret lessons with "The Angel of Music". In fact, it is she who reinforces Christine's belief in the divine nature of "the Voice".

This phrase, which is rendered by Lowell Bair as "guiding spirit" and by Leonard Wolf as "Good guardian spirit", is used by Mama Valerius several times to refer to the Angel of Music (so called). The translation I have chosen to use is the phrase found in the original 1911 version.

Though Erik certainly is a genius by the best known definition of the word (an individual possessed of great talent or intellect. Alternatively, the talent or intellect belonging to such a person), its use here is in the more archaic, spiritual sense of its Roman origin (an attendant manifestation or spirit similar to a guardian angel.)

◇ Her poor wrist! God, what if he'd bruised it? If he'd marked her blameless skin with his unworthy hand? That alone would deserve death.

Leroux Reference:

In Chapter 22, “In the Torture Chamber”, during the book's climax, Christine (having clumsily attempted suicide by banging her head into the walls) is bound to a chair by Erik to prevent her from further harming herself.

In the course of events, she convinces him to untie her (an attempt to assist Raoul and the Persian, trapped in the torture chamber next door), and upon freeing her, Erik makes this utterance: “Oh, Christine! Your poor wrists! Have I hurt them? That alone is deserving of death.”

◇ When she, with tearstained face, but steady hand, had offered his mask back to him, those months ago in the lair, in that moment, Christine had become fully real to Erik. Neither a perfect angel, nor a mocking vixen, but a real woman; prey to curiosity, but capable also of understanding. And though—shaken as he was by her exposure of him—he had pushed it down so that it would not show on his face, his love for her, his desire to wed her, had never been so resolved.

This is a little homage to a quote by Hal Prince, the original director of musical, in reference to his interpretation the unmasking in the First Lair:

"She sees his face. We don't—the audience doesn't—but she sees what's behind that mask early in the evening. She recoils—wouldn't we all?—but then she does something very sensitive [she gives the mask back to him], and that's the moment when, I think, he falls in love with her."

I don't know that I fully agree with Hal here; I suppose his implication is that Erik's motivation up to this point has been primarily sexual.

It's my perspective, though, (especially in movie Canon, where Erik's emotional relationship with Christine has a lot more history) that Erik, of course, already loves Christine, but that this is a turning point: though Erik seeks to draw out Christine's confidence in herself and her desires as a woman, he is guilty of idealizing her in his head. Up to this point, she is a perfect fantasy angel who will love him for his voice and his music so much that what he's hiding behind his mask won't even be of import to her.

The Unmasking, though unquestionably a trespass by Christine, was a vital occurrence which shattered Erik's Fantasy Christine (embodied by the bride doll) and allows him to see her as the flawed human she is. In the moment of shattering, Erik lashes out at her for breaking these expectations and seemingly confirming his worst fears—she is a viper, a demon, a vixen; but when she, in an act of silent apology, returns his mask to him, the two Christines in his head resolve into one and he is able to see her as a whole person, a Living Bride, so to speak, and that depth only makes him lose himself to her more completely.

◇ That ring he had offered her as the token of himself and all his worldly goods suddenly weighed on him, for it was also a souvenir of the time of his greatest sins... the rosy hours of Mazandaran...

Leroux Reference: This ominously idyllic phrase "The rosy hours of Mazandaran" is used frequently in the book by both Erik and the Persian to refer to Erik's time working for the Shah—especially when concerning his work of torture and assassination.

Both recall this period negatively: Erik with resentment, The Persian with horror.

There's a cryptic mystique to this very specific phrase, and neither its origin nor meaning are ever fully explained in canon.

Depeche Mode References:

◇ The pain had been unbearable, the echoes of their joyous voices creating a beating in his brain....

From "Barrel of a Gun" off of Ultra:

“An unbearable pain A beating in my brain That leaves the mark of Cain Right here inside”

I imagine this is exactly how Erik felt listening to "All I Ask of You".

◇ “He seemed to crumble in front of her, uttering a pitiful sound.”

From “In Chains” off of Sounds of the Universe:

“I know I crumble when you are around Stutter, mumble a pitiful sound Stagger, stumble, shackled and bound In chains…”

This one is very out of context. It wouldn’t even count if I hadn’t added the line about him making a pitiful sound, but I was re-writing this paragraph and I saw the potential and couldn’t resist.

◇ He did not deserve her, but he suffered enough from greed that he would not refuse the mercy she offered him.

From "Mercy in You" off of Songs of Faith and Devotion: “You know what I need When my heart bleeds I suffer from greed A longing to feed On the mercy in you”

[moon-warrior-books]

Made a new creature in ch 6 of book 2 (which I completed last night)

Art by Taran Fiddler on pinterest

I call these babies (or at least something similar) Sawtooths. They prefer to hunt in the open ocean, frequently raiding ships that they see. Packs can go from 5 to 50, and they like to hide in the water to deceive those aboard. Sawtooths are primal hunters and only hunt to eat, but it is very dangerous to sail the waters surrounding Lud during their mating season. Their mating habits can result in territorial fights, which can end up on the decks of ships.

[mirandamckenni1]

FIDDLER'S GREEN - A GOOD OLD IRISH BAR (Official Video) New album THE GREEN MACHINE out 29.12.2023! Order THE GREEN MACHINE here: https://ift.tt/J3mSsqo "A Good Old Irish Bar", the third song of the new Fiddler's Green album "The Green Machine", followed by the release of the whole album at the end of the year (12/29/2023). With "A Good Old Irish Bar", Fiddler's Green invite everyone to raise their glasses to the good old days. An era of cosiness and exuberant partying, which the Franconian sextet brings back to life again and again with its powerful stories and its powerful speed folk sound. Even if some things in life may seem extremely important at first glance - in the end, your best decision is a drink in "A Good Old Irish Bar". Experience FIDDLER'S GREEN live: THE GREEN MACHINE Tour 2024 22.03.24 CH - SCHAFFHAUSEN - Kammgarn 23.03.24 CH - LANGENTHAL - Old Capitol 11.04.24 DE - WIESBADEN • Schlachthof 12.04.24 DE - KÖLN • Carlswerk Victoria 13.04.24 DE - ERFURT • HsD 19.04.24 DE - MÜNSTER • Skaters Palace 20.04.24 DE - BREMEN • Schlachthof 26.04.24 DE - NÜRNBERG • Löwensaal 27.04.24 DE - STUTTGART • LKA Longhorn 03.05.24 DE - MÜNCHEN • Backstage Werk 04.05.24 DE - KAISERSLAUTERN • Kammgarn 09.05.24 DE - HAMBURG • Markthalle 10.05.24 DE - LEIPZIG • Anker 11.05.24 DE - DRESDEN • Tante Ju 17.05.24 DE - BERLIN • SO36 18.05.24 DE - BRAUNSCHWEIG • Westand Website: https://www.fiddlers.de Facebook: https://ift.tt/VtO1HJ3 Instagram: https://ift.tt/PYh6WcB... TikTok: https://ift.tt/OiKVx6L Video by Holger Fichtner / 360 Grad Design: https://ift.tt/fM0Cpwt via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozdowUh9WTg

[the-brave-and-the-dumb]

Fiddler Isaac Bowin being embarrassed by his mom in Stargirl s01e02

Bonus:

[alrighty-vigilante]

[at Felix Faust's funeral]

Sebastian Faust: Can I have a moment alone with him?

Fiddler: Of course.

Fiddler: *leaves*

Sebastian, leaning over Felix's coffin: Listen here, I know you're not dead.

Felix Faust: Yeah, no shit.

[haleyjames]

Inbar Lavi photographed by Roy Peri (2020)

[delta-pavonis]

😈 + 30

Ooooooooooh, "I missed you". I have a few really good places I could do this in this AU... okay, so, there will be a time jump between end of the last chapter posted and the next, so I am going to do a scene in between Ch 14 and Ch 15 of You create me against your lips.

When Dream comes back from his time in the Waking World he pretty much flops onto the chaise that has become a permanent fixture on the balcony of their chambers. Because it is quite obviously their chambers at this point, there is no use denying it.

Hob marks his place in his book, sets it on a small table, and turns to Dream. "Why do you keep working with this Constantine if she vexes you so?" He rearranges his legs so that they are no longer folded awkwardly.

Dream can feel his eyebrows raising even as he lets himself drop sideways and put his head on Hob's thigh. "Vexes?"

"Yes! Vexes!" Hob's smile is blindingly bright. "It is such a great word, and fun to say! Vexes."

"Fun to say?" He is trying really hard to keep from laughing and is only partially succeeding.

"Oh, you know," Hob looks up, considering with exaggerated glee. "Like galoshes. Or baobab. Or Constantinople." When Dream doesn't respond he looks down. "What?"

He can feel the shimmer of Hob's delight in the waters of the Dreaming, how it causes positive ripples outward. On the far end of Fiddler's Green a few honeysuckle bushes burst into life. Dream sighs, letting the smile win and overtake his face. "I missed you."

Hob's mouth falls open nearly to touching his chest. "You were gone..." He looks out to the sky, no doubt tracking the movement of the celestial spheres, then shakes his head in disbelief. "Like seven hours, at most."

He lets his eyes fall closed and his weight sink more solidly into Hob and the cushions of the chaise. "Felt more like seventy years." Dream nuzzles into the light shirt covering Hob's belly, able to get the scent of his skin even through the fabric. "She does vex me so."

"Hey!" A pillow that was most definitely on their bed moments ago is now mashed onto Dream's head. "No teasing! Or I'll tell Lucienne who knocked over that bookcase."

Dream pushes the pillow aside enough to be able to peer up at his lover with one eye. "You wouldn't." Hob just looks at him, one eyebrow rising in challenge. "You wouldn't dare."

"Looooseeemmmrrrpmgh!"

Dream cuts Hob's hollering short by shoving the pillow up and into his face.

Hob splutters as Dream pulls the pillow away, but then looks down with a gleam in his eyes. Another pillow pops into existence in Hob's hand. "Oh, those are fighting words."

"But I didn't say anything!"

Apparently that is no excuse. And so the Lord of Dreams and King of Nightmares finds himself in his first pillow fight.

[avelera]

I can tell a lot happened that people were thinking about in ch. 18 of Giving Sanctuary because of how few people reacted to the House getting to talk for the first time 😂 He’s such a fan favorite I really thought that would receive more comment! But I suppose there was quite a bit of drama going on.

But some people mentioned the Manor House’s resemblance to Gilbert aka Fiddler’s Green and while that was in no way intentional, I’m now shipping them. Because the image of fortress-turned-manor house embodied as a warrior-turned-Tudor gentleman/butler, this sort of rough scarred old man who has settled into a joyful life as a caretaker in his twilight years, making a sweet but stuffy gentleman/peaceful garden like Gilbert *swoon* is doing cracky, silly, but honestly kind of sweet things to my heart.

[fancy-rock-dove]

Chapter Head Art for Maybe Sprout Wings (Full set)

I have had just, So Much Fun working on these. This story really is built on such a great concept, and with such fantastic worldbuilding, and with action so thoroughly in tune with its themes that it really does reward digging into. @moorishflower's writing kills me in the best of ways (and in the sleep deprivation kind of ways but I have no regrets), and designing them was a great time. And on top of that, everyone here has been just, so lovely, so I'm very excited to post the full set of chapter head illustrations!

Stylistic consistency continues to elude me, but hopefully these look like a matched enough set regardless. Cursive titles are the chapter titles, block print is my own title for the illustration. Just for fun, and in tribute to the (probably truly unhinged) amount of time I spent thinking about Symbolism while making these, I'm including one selected Fun Fact relevant to my thoughts on some part of each of these at the bottom of this post in case that interests anyone!

Ch 1: Baobabs are some of the oldest living flowering plants on the planet and can live up to two millennia. I have a lot of feelings about the sheer volume of life these trees can contain (both spatially and in time) and what that means for how we look at them.

Ch 2: If Abel were looking to avoid anachronism, he could still absolutely have left out books that were machine-printed with moveable type, but they'd probably have to have been in Chinese or Korean, from somewhere that had already widely adopted the technology by the 14th century.

Ch 3: Homer's works contain what is believed to be the first written mention of apples in Ancient Greece. Its writing is about as many centuries removed from the events of the Odyssey as the events of this chapter are from the first recorded mention of apples in England.

Ch 4: An ink quill is definitely more aesthetic, but graphite had actually been discovered in England and pencils invented in the decades prior to Shakespeare's first writings. It's entirely possible he could've been jotting down quick notes with a pencil like any stagehand today.

Ch 5: Though Corinthian style architecture is named for the Greek city of Corinth, with which it's associated, its inventor Callimachus is actually thought to be Athenian. The spiny, curling acanthus leaves used in its motifs are generally associated with long life, immortality, and rebirth. Go figure.

Ch 6: Symbolically, clovers are a sign that others are thinking of you. They're associated with good fortune, and apparently also male energy, and seen as a sign of protection. Excellent Fiddler's Green groundcover here.

Ch 7: Three-masted, fully-rigged ships became common in Europe by the 16th or 17th centuries during the Age of Sail because the extra space for sails became more necessary with the increase in open-ocean voyages. Making them the go-to type of vessel for both trade and exploration.

Ch 8: The simple but effective design of drop spindles is largely unchanged from their first documented use in the first century CE. there's evidence of their use for spinning (making a single, stronger thread from many disparate fibers) dating back at least to the advent of agriculture, some 10,000 years ago. Definitely what I picture Clotho using.

Ch 9: The fractal, branching structures of roots, lightning, and Lichtenberg figures are all self-similar: you can get much closer and they'll still appear very similar or identical to the way they were at a distance.

Ch 10: The throne room scenes of Sandman were shot in Guildford Cathedral. The Dreaming's Castle was intentionally designed to be a mashup of a whole ton of architectural styles, but the facade and throne room definitely feel gothic or neo-gothic. It's been a classic for centuries and the gothic-style window is definitely the kind I picture Hob's room having, at least on days the castle's feeling a bit fancy.

Ch 11: The item at the front left there is a weaving shuttle. According to Artemidorus, while dreaming of most kinds of looms indicates that you should expect rest, dreaming of a warp-weighted loom -- the kind which was common in bronze-age Greece and enables multiple people to work together on the weaving -- indicates an upcoming journey.

Ch 12: I feel like I've already talked about the symbolism of this one elsewhere, so for this one, instead of a fact, a comment (that I found fun): The binding circle in this only shows up in areas covered by the puddle of the Dreaming Sea, the means by which the nature of the "gilded ring" was elucidated. :)

Ch 13: Greek ships often had eyes on their bow, which among other things, was intended to imbue them with some will and ability to avoid obstacles. The Argo famously had eyes and also some innate awareness/intelligence, and could actually speak to the crew.

Ch 14: While Calliope, muse of epic poetry and eloquence (and the one invoked at the beginning of the Odyssey) is associated with a book, scroll, or tablet, Erato, muse of romantic poetry and love stories, is depicted in crowns of rose and myrtle. My title for this one was very nearly just (Invocation pt. ii). Also, I have a headcanon that Dream has only seen very bad performances of the Odysseyif ( he's seen any at all) since antiquity. Any show that literally begins by calling his ex is something he's not gonna stay for unless he's really sure she won't actually show up.

Whew! thanks to anyone who actually read to the end of my rambling here! Clearly this whole story has been really, really fun to just turn over in my mind. Cool stuff just keeps falling out of it! Since I would literally be two photos under Tumblr's limit on this post otherwise, how about a couple bonus alternate versions at the end here? Because why not?? I added some red accents to a couple of these for fun, and though it doesn't fit the for the chapter headings, I do think it looks cool!

[dilemmaontwolegs]

The Miracle - Ch.6

Morpheus (Dream of the Endless) x reader (no gender/pronouns mentioned) Summary: Things are changing in the Dreaming as it heals from the many wounds suffered over the years, but the greatest healing comes from forgiveness. Warnings: none WC: 1.7k

Ch.1 || Ch.2 || Ch.3 || Ch.4 || Ch.5 || Ch.6

Forgiveness. In theory it is such a simple thing to do, but the reality was much harder. You didn’t even know where to begin as you stared at your reflection in the mirror that almost covered one wall of the bedroom. You were growing irritable the longer you stared, the space behind your shoulders still lacking anything resembling wings.

Exhaling the frustrated breath you had been holding, you swept from the room in search of a distraction. The first attempt was thwarted by Lucienne when she informed you that her history lesson with Hope was about to begin so you took aim at the throne room. 

“Morpheus?” you called out, voice echoing off the harsh stone surfaces in the empty room. Backtracking from the room, you walked the halls until you came across Mervyn - a bucket full of some dark liquid you were probably better off not knowing. 

“Have you seen Dream today?”

“Not since he went to the House of Secrets this morning.” Merv shook his big pumpkin head before hoisting the bucket up, its contents spilling over the side. “But if you do see him before me, ask him what he wants me to do with this shit.”

“You don’t actually mean…” You took a step away from the sloshing bucket. “I’ll, um, definitely send him your way when I find him.”

In need of fresh air, you made your way to Fiddler’s Green and took a rest under a tree you hadn’t visited in many years. The knotted trunk was thicker than before and its peak was higher but the leaves were still the vibrant green they had been when you had climbed it to the dragon’s nest.

You peered up between the branches but found no sign of the nest and felt the sudden urge to find the Three Graces, as they triplets had been named in the end. You ran your fingers through the strands of grass around you before rising to your feet. 

“Thank you for the company, Mr Green.” The trees swayed in a phantom wind as he waved his goodbye and you continued in your walk through the Dreaming. 

You couldn’t remember the last time you had simply meandered through the lands with no destination in mind. You always seemed to have somewhere to be and didn’t take the time to just breathe in the sweet scented air. It was refreshing, replenishing even.

You felt his presence before you spotted him and a smile graced your lips when he stepped into the path and wrapped you in his arms. “You look exhausted, my love.”

He hummed in your ear before stepping back and looping his arm through yours. “The brothers have been getting along rather well, Lucienne suggested I check in and see what was the matter.”

“And?”

“Cain hasn’t killed Abel for almost four days,” he said with a short laugh, “but Lucienne is right to worry, it is very unusual for them. Where were you heading to?”

You chuckled at the thought and shook your head at the brothers. “I’m off to find my dragons. Did Mervyn find you?”

The wrinkle of Morpheus’ nose gave you the answer before he even nodded. “I’ll spare you the details, but the Hippogryph will be missing from guarding the gates for a while I should think.”

Dream stopped as the path reached the edge of Fiddler’s territory and opened to tussock grass that stretched across the plateau. He bent down and began to unlace his boots, kicking them off before tossing them into the pocket realm hidden in his cloak. 

“What are you doing?” you asked as he turned to you and waited. “What?”

“Take off your shoes,” he ordered as a smirk teased his lips, “or I will.”

He lowered himself to one knee as you stayed where you were and your mouth parted at the sight of him looking up at you. His hand held your leg steady as he lifted it and pulled your shoe off before moving to the next, tossing them into his cloak too. 

“Someone wise once said it is good to feel the earth beneath your feet.” He caught the curl of your eyebrow and chuckled, lacing your hands together before heading into the knee high grass. “Earth, Dreaming - it's all the same, it’s grounding to walk barefoot.”

The grass tickled your feet and you felt the warmth of the soil that had been absorbing the sunshine all day. It was as if you could feel the realm itself, an extension of Dream, and your steps became lighter. 

The ground vibrated with life, from the small worm aerating the soil for growth to the roots reaching down deeper for a stronger foundation. It reminded you that you were all connected no matter how small your role was. 

“I am going to recreate the Corinthian.” You stumbled at Morpheus’ admission, groaning as you stubbed your toe.

You blinked at his serious face before stammering your question, “Why?”

Morpheus shrugged, kneeling into the dirt so he could fuss over your toe as he spoke, “It’s time. We have all changed and now I feel ready to create him as he should have been. With the support of Lucienne and you in keeping the Dreaming running smoothly, I can invest my time into educating him on his purpose.”

“Have you forgiven him for what he did to the humans?”

“He was a nightmare that I created. I cannot forgive him, such as I cannot forgive the wolf for biting, it is its nature.” Morpheus rose to his feet and brushed his lips across yours before trailing them along your jawline. “I forgave myself so that I might try again.”

You jolted away with wide eyes. “Take me to the library.”

The terrain blurred as you were whisked into the Library of Dreams and you darted along the aisles, searching the list of names until you found yours. You could feel the questions radiating off Morpheus but he kept his thoughts to himself as you flipped through the book, your story. 

The pages of your life read with a familiarity that was also foreign. It was your history but from an objective perspective and held no emotion to the facts. You inhaled the information, turned the page and repeated until you reached the last page that was almost completely blank. 

The rest was up to you. 

“You found your answer,” Morpheus stated with a proud smile. “I knew you would.”

You rolled your shoulders as you felt a pressure building in your back, the pops and cracks of your bones shifting. A nervous smile curled at your lips and you placed your book back on the shelf. “Did you now?”

“Absolutely,” he said with a kiss to your forehead. “My miracle is capable of anything.”

Wind whipped your face as you stood at the precipice of the wall above the gates. A strong updraft was blowing in from the ocean beyond but you were still nervous as you saw the drop below. “Will you catch me?”

Morpheus took your hand and kissed your knuckles. “My love, I would never let you fall.”

You could feel the bone structure of wings beneath your skin, but they had not yet made an appearance. Your stomach was in knots as you teetered on the edge and took a deep breath. 

You were an angel, you were a human, you were a miracle, and you could fly.

You leapt from the wall and cast your arms out into the open air, feeling the burn of the wind drying your eyes. The setting sun was reflecting off the ocean and sand with a golden beauty that stole your breath and you finally felt free. 

Wings erupted from your back, larger than ever before, and the screaming wind was silenced as the plumage caught the updraft to soar along the coast. Laughter turned to tears as you beat your wings and found they weren’t just reflecting the setting sun but each feather was gold. Gold like Morpheus’ sand.

You swooped back towards the gates and Morpheus held his arms wide open with an even wider smile. You caught him, wrapping your arms and legs around him before flapping your strong wings and rising higher towards the palace.

Morpheus radiated pride as he wiped the tears from your face and ran his fingers through your feathers as you glided around the north spire. “How do you feel?”

There was only one word to describe it. “Whole.”

You flew until your back ached and your body begged for a bath to soothe the overused muscles. It was well after dark when you returned to the palace but you were too impatient to wait to visit the Silver City, hunting down Michael to thank him. Morpheus had merely kissed you goodbye and given you a push to the door, trusting you would return to him.

When you stepped into the bedroom he hadn’t been to sleep but he also wasn’t pacing the room which was progress for him. He knew you well enough to have taken the liberty of expanding the width of the bed to accommodate your wings. You smiled gratefully as you saw that, your heart unwilling to shift them back under your skin after missing them for so long. 

“You never told me how your book ended.”

You hoped it never had an ending as you turned to your reflection in the mirror on the wall, that it would always remain as it was right now: ‘To be continued…’ You smiled at your reflection and saw Morpheus shift from the bed to join you. His body warmed your back and tickled your feathers as he pressed himself into you and rested his chin on your shoulder. 

“I love you,” he whispered sweetly in your ear.

You turned so you could see his starry eyes when you spoke to him, “I love you too.”

Turning back to your reflection, you looked into your own eyes as you voiced the hardest truth you had faced. “I forgive you.”

Tagging: @wt-fvck @nightly-polaris @lu123sworld @selene07sblog @mikariell95 

[pleasespellchimerical]

https://nytf.org/fiddler/

So Fiddler on the Roof (but Yiddish) is coming back for a limited engagement, and I went and dug up the original recording from 2018, and it is delightful.

Read an interview where the translators were kind of nervous about having too many ‘ch’ sounds, but someone at one point decided to lean into it bc that’s a very Yiddish sound by gd, and the singers in that recording are ‘ch’ing their hearts out <3 What an absolutely wonderful production

[cultivating-wildflowers]

“Stay, I Pray You” (Anastasia) | The Fellowship of the Ring | Digger (Ursula Vernon) | Shadow of the Hegemon (Orson Scott Card) | Genesis ch. 50 | “Anatevka” (Fiddler on the Roof)

[titsoutfortalmud]

merch list for the reform jew by choice

(aka judaica. i can’t help referring to it as merch because I want to avoid the alternative of “swag”)

I’m still learning about judaica and kept looking for but not finding a list like this. I live alone with no kids so your needs may differ. As always, if in doubt, ask your rabbi. 

reform judaism has only recently started practicing many rituals again, so practice varies widely. I’ve included very brief explanations but please do your own research for your own needs 

Essential (as in, you don’t NEED it but you may be inconvenienced by not having it)

Copy of the Torah

Challah cover (if you can host Shabbat meals)

Kiddush cup (Shabbat)

Candlesticks (any two candlesticks)

Menorah/hannukiah (Hanukkah. Many options are out there, many decorative and even silly. Some are electric or even oil-based. Not all are considered kosher.)

Mezuzah (Ask rabbi about how to follow this mitzvah. Be aware that any that you buy online probably do not come with a real parchment scroll inside.)

Optional (but practical to have, or specific but optional uses for holidays)

Siddur (prayerbook, especially the one used by your congregation)

Tallit (prayer shawl, considered men-only by some people. Optional in a Reform context. Beware tallit that may be sold for Christians with Christian messages written on them in Hebrew.)

Elijah cup (Passover/pesach - I think it is only minhag/custom to use a specialized cup for this)

Miriam cup (If this is your practice)

Sukkah (if you own a home / have space outside - your temple may have its own sukkah)

Lulav and etrog (seasonal for new year, may be provided for use at temple)

Kippah/yarmulke (the “skull cap” hats worn by some during Shabbat services and worn by others daily)

Challah boards and knifes

Matzah covers, display containers, or plates

Tzedakah boxes (saving coins for charity)

Washing cups/mayim achronim (I have not seen these used in Reform yet - ritual hand-washing cups)

Yad (Torah pointer - only used with actual Torah scroll to avoid touching it with your hands when reading the Hebrew)

Yarzeit candle (if mourning/commemorating someone who has passed away)

Dreidel (for the dreidel game)

Lots of books! Tanakh, commentary, prayer books, history books, religious texts, philosophy, special interest, etc etc etc!!

Kittel ( Formal wear for certain kinds of celebrations- again not something I have personally seen yet - stuff to prepare for a Jewish wedding may be a whole separate list)

Tallit katan (daily-wear tallit that is worn underneath daily clothes- not often used in Reform to my knowledge)

Kitchen accessories to keep kosher, avoid mixing meat and milk etc. (If this is your practice)

Not required (but still cool)

Tallit clips (for the prayer shawl)

Tallit bag (for storage of the prayer shawl)

Laundry bag for tzitzit (for safe laundering of prayer shawl to keep the strings/tzitzit from getting tangled or snagged)

Jewish art

Jewelry (may have the hamsa/eye-on-hand/sign of protection; chai/life [pronounced “hi” but with a gutteral h. Like “ch” in the German “ach!” Think Fiddler on the Roof’s L’chaim! To life!]; the star of David; pomegranates; the tree of life; phrases in Hebrew; or many other Jewish symbols)

New year plates or dishes with apple and/or honey themes (apple with honey symbolizes sweetness of the new year)

Hanukkah clothes or decorations

Matchbox covers (for lighting candles)

Decorations, cards, plaques with prayers written on them

Car mezuzah

[the-brave-and-the-dumb]

If they don't show us more Mama Bowin – Awkward Baby Bowin interactions I'm gonna go apeshit.

If they don't show us Isaac playing the fiddle I'm gonna destroy the city.

He doesn't even has to be a major important role. Just show me the boy.

[alrighty-vigilante]

Every friend group should include:

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Tuesday, September 14

AMY: Thanks, Rack, for taking us. I know it's been a while. You'll never believe- RACK: You were a rat. AMY: How did you know? RACK: I hope that taught you not to mess with spells you can't handle. You should leave that in the hands of a professional. Oh. This one's givin' off vibes. WILLOW: I don't mean to ... vibe at you, I, if it's in a negative way.

~~Buffy Season 6 Episode #110: "Wrecked"~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Dragon of Knowledge (Buffy, Dawn, T, Yakuza xover) by

Blood and Ivory (Spike, unrated) by ollyDB

In the Dark (Buffy, G, SPN xover) by nextcompanion

there's an art to life's distractions (Buffy, T, Twilight xover) by little_brown_songbird

penthesilea (Buffy/Spike, T) by ndromacheprince

The Bronze (Buffy, Giles, T) by BuffyGiles_Archivist

Fan-Sonnets (Multiple Characters, T) by Samus - earliest fics (ShawnaCanon)

After The Prom (Buffy/Faith, G) by RavenclawSlayer

Third Date (Buffy/Giles, M) by ElleV

Xander, High Priest of Chaos! (Multiple Xander pairings, M) by Khatix

Untitled (Wesley/Reader, unrated) by prose-for-hire

[Chaptered Fiction]

Buffy the Grimm Slayer Ch. 1-6/? (Ensemble, RWBY xover) by unlimitedblack

Dancing In The Moonlight (OCs, G) by RaithWay

Alternative Child Ch. 6 (Ensemble, G) by Gigi13

Have Fun Storming the Castle, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, E) by SunnydaleSummers

Dress My Body All in Flowers White, Chapter 18 (Buffy/Spike, M) by othellia

Averting Disasters and Other Ways to Avoid Your Problems , Chapter 4 (Buffy/Spike, M) by JaneRemmington

Le chemin de la destinée, du courage, et la force de ses convictions, les chemins de son cœur…. Le commencement Ch. 35-36 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Violette-Milka

He's a Friend from Work, Chapter 6 (Buffy/Spike, E) by DeamonQueen

The Tiger is Out, Chapter 20 (Buffy/Spike, M) by Cosmic Tuesdays

The Future is Ours , Chapter 35 (Buffy/Spike, E) by DarkEternity96

Touching the Fire, Chapter 13 (Buffy/Spike, E) by GillO

Gray, Chapter 9 (Buffy/Spike, E) by Dusty

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork:BtVS Subreddit Cartoon () by Scuffleboard

Artwork:leather boy spike () by rattycattyfanfic

Artwork:Portrait of a wedding on fire (Buffy) by snakeliciousbaby

Artwork:Buffy & Faith () by withgaby

Icons: 13 Willow x Tara (BTVS) icons () by buffyscmmers

[Reviews & Recaps]

PODCAST: Damage by mmpodcastnetwork

PODCAST: 3x22 Tomorrow by Angel On Top

PUBLICATION: [META] Is This A Penis Metaphor? (Reptile Boy) by HerInsectReflection

[Community Announcements]

Poll to pick next round's theme is still open at

[Fandom Discussions]

Willow as Big Bad by confusedguytoo

no one asked for this but this is what btvs characters would wear to this year’s met gala: by chasingfictions

So… the whole Twilight thing is dumb, but.... by oveliagirlhaditright

Xander's military training by atlasshrugd

Willow & Tara - Bed scenes by girl4music

Who agrees that Willow should have led the Potential Slayers into battle in Season 7 and not Faith? by girl4music

A short character study of Willow. by girl4music

Spike’s character development by fiddler-on-the-starship

Faith in S3 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 by atlasshrugd

Thinking about that time where Buffy tells Angel “I love you, but I dont know if I trust you.” by ex-vengeancedemon

Stake fodder by Discussion of 5.11 "Damage"

Discussion of 5.12 "You're Welcome" by Stake fodder

Did Angel leaving make BTVS a better or worse show? by Multiple Authors

Do you think Buffy like Cordelia or Faith more? by Multiple Authors

There's a new slayer in town by ILLYRIAN

Did Angel leaving make Buffy a better show or better with him on it by Multiple Authors

Holtz Accent by lilys00

Buffy Quotes & My Classroom by Luci_Ferr_2020

Dance confusion (Out of Mind, Out of Sight) by Tuxedo_Mark

Growing older and getting tired of Xander.... by lack-0f-lustre

how could Xander have made Buffy his girl? by imbatsick452

Xander/Nicholas Brendan posts by Vodka-Knot

Which moment in Buffy and Angel made you cry by ABigYawn

Have you ever met a fanatic who is ready to defend a character at all costs? by Sarajanefan

Some of you need to read this by a_cruel_angel

Where do you stand on "Restless"? by JasonFuckBoyDean

Bite by chemeli888

S06E14 - Older and Far Away - Dawn smiles at the end? by Wolfimus_the_1st

First rule of the Scoobies by Justkillmealready110

Am I the only one who thinks we were deprived of Spike being a legitimate Scooby? by Cheshire_Cat_135

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