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SwynTask: Mid-Year Reflections

Note: I did not participate in the 2025 Resolutions originally so this is just me reflecting on what I've done so far this year, what I want to do going forward, and my thoughts on how my journey within the group has been thus far.

Click here to read! (TW: Mental Health Conversation)

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"Gotta do the knight in shining armor thing sometimes, y'know?" Tony winked. It was easy to flirt platonically with Pip. This was the sort of friendship they had had back in secondary, the easy sort of friendship that Tony knew he could relax into. Pip had always been so fully himself, loud and proud and made for the spotlight. Tony had lost a lot of his spark by the time he had met Pip. He walked with less energy in each step, kept his head down more often than not in class, but he had admired the starlight in Pip's whole personality.

Laurette being gone was an odd feeling, he'd never really reconnected with her after their breakup (he hadn't known how badly he'd hurt her) but he was glad that she was off doing her own thing now. On to her own beautiful adventure.

"Well I can certainly keep you company until you have to kick me out," he promised. "And I'll do my usual. No one here makes it as well as you do." It was an easy order, Earl Grey tea over warm milk, but Tony wasn't convinced that Pip didn't have just enough magic to add to the tea when he made it. His mind flashed back to the number of times Pip had used his discount for Tony when he came in, and Tony (like all of those times) used the same amount that the drinks would cost to dump into the tip cup.

"If you're not forced to clean up too much after, do you want to sit at our table?"

@exsqueak-me

Closing Time || Pony

[foreverydinger]

Tony felt like the world was finally slowing down after ramping into overdrive after the curse broke. Both settings were wonderful, the ability to unpause from his curse and get some momentum around town was a beautiful moment but he liked feeling like he was able to ease into what his life looked like.

He'd been wandering around town, enjoying the evening glow, when Hatter's caught his attention. He hadn't spent a lot of time there lately, mostly varying coffee runs, but he felt compelled to come and sit for awhile.

As Pip's voice raised to his ears, he chuckled and nodded. "Seems to be the case, actually. I just felt a pull toward the shop so your efforts have paid off. That psychic message is getting stronger I'd say." He leaned against the counter, noting that Pip really was alone in the building right now.

"Slow night?"

@exsqueak-me

Closing Time || Pony

[foreverydinger]

@eilonwy-notjustgirl @foreverydinger

[foreverydinger]

One Last Group Photo

@eilonwy-notjustgirl @edward-andalasia @foreverydinger @barleythebrave @ianthedisastrous @thegcldenguard

[foreverydinger]

Tony didn't count the cash as it was handed over, preferring to be surprised at the end of his night with what he made. Besides, it was pretty obvious that there was a pretty penny in his hand here. Instead, he simply slipped it into his server book and winked at Jared before turning back to Jess.

"Well, guess my good looks are good for something."

*~*~*

It was another night and Tony was just glad that he was working as a temporary barback position. He still took a couple tables but Jared was requiring a little bit of backup since Lucky wasn't available (Lucky hadn't offered an explanation and Tony hadn't asked) so Tony was happily working with stocking and assisting with drinks.

There was a short lull in the service rush that Jared murmured a need to hit the loo and Tony was left to his own devices. This, of course, meant that chaos had to strike.

"Oi!" Tony crowed, seeing the older gentleman—that had only had two drinks at the Court yet mind—climb onto the bar and begin to dance. "That is not a stage and you're not a featured dancer! Get down!" He tried to reach up to tug the man down but ended up having to dodge a rogue boot that nearly collided with his skull.

Dammit!

@notbad-justsungthatway

The Miracle Touch || Tess

[foreverydinger]

♥ 647 likes rydingtony: Alright, my tattoo is finally feeling good enough to fully show off! Birthday tradition with @.siriandore to get some tattoos so this year we got decided to do matching ones to commemorate our engagement using #forgetmenot and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! (My arms are getting full so I did the ankle this time lol)

@ianthedisastrous

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"Hey, there's gotta be a first time for everything. Plus you're a light sorceress, your powers are technically just really concentrated rainbows," Tony pointed out with a smirk. "But you know what I mean! Edward's literally a fairy tale character so I think Posy has a pretty good chance of being both a badass and a pretty pretty princess in both the literal and figurative."

It was still odd sometimes to remember that Eilonwy was royalty, that that was the reason she would be leaving them soon. Tony thought of her as Lon, his rough-and-tumble sister-in-law. It wasn't that she wasn't queen material, she certainly was, but that wasn't the side of her that Tony saw and so he sometimes required reminders. Thinking about Primrose's future brought that to the forefront.

"I'm sure she'll be a little warrior like her mum," Tony caressed Posy's cheek, a soft smile on his face. "I almost can't wait to see her with a little dagger in her hand."

@eilonwy-notjustgirl

Welcome to Earth || Open

[foreverydinger]

"Now that's good! I'm definitely using that!" Tony laughed, glad that Eilonwy had a clue for how to control the Barley problem. Barley cared a lot, which as a good thing, but it was also an overwhelming thing. Tony was getting used to it, to everyone being able to be so overwhelming in their knowledge and care for him, and it was easier with some than others. Tony was willing to accept love, to embrace it, but sometimes he thought that the level of love people brought might make him explode with it. Barley had always been one of those people. Barley was just a bit too much for the space he was provided.

Tony caressed the baby's cheek, knowing newborns slept a lot but still always a little awed by her anyway. "Of course you and Edward would make the most sunshiney baby in the world," he remarked with a snort. "You're both made of sunshine and rainbows. She's gonna be just as wild, though, so you've got your work cut out for ya. Especially if I get a say in the matter." He knew that there would be times he couldn't pop over so easily, that eventually it would be a much longer journey to see this part of his family, but he was determined not to be forgotten ever again, even by this little face. He'd make the journey work.

@eilonwy-notjustgirl

Welcome to Earth || Open

[foreverydinger]

Tony took another half-step to the side, trying to give Selene some space. He knew some people found Chapter Three to be a little claustrophobic given its crammed shelves and lack of traditional organization. Tony, however, found the atmosphere comforting. It was a good excuse to spend a good afternoon exploring and entertaining oneself.

"Well, are you looking for anything specific?" Tony asked, curious as his fingers slid over the spins of a few books on the shelf. One finally started capturing his attention and he smiled. "You into SciFi?" He held it up, the words The Gods Themselves by Issac Asimov bold on the cover.

@wintersselene

Chapter Three | OPEN

[foreverydinger]

SwynTask: Recipes al Fresco

Tony Rydinger's life has been a series of kindnesses via food. There are so many recipes he could mention here, so many gifts of homecooked meals that he could list throughout decades of living in Swynlake. He lived alone for so long, had a reputation of being orphaned with no family to lean back on, that packaged leftovers and a sweet word slipped into his hands was always touching but not uncommon. He has appreciated every meal or dessert he's been given throughout his lifetime. These are the current dishes that mean the most to him.

TW: Parental Death Mention

1. Jammy Dodgers, Courtesy of @eilonwy-notjustgirl

Tony has always found jammy dodgers to be his favorite cookie. They're sweet and tart in different amounts and he has just found the care put into them to be something he admired. Tony is currently very grateful for Eilonwy for her recipe of the dish. He was very surprised when she decided to learn his favorite cookie and even more so when, every year, she asked him for his favorite again to bake it for him. It showed him exactly the kind of person Eilonwy has always proven to be: Caring.

2. Feijoada, Courtesy of @notbad-justsungthatway

Throughout the years, Tony has found different ways to keep Jess in his life. His friend and girlfriend in secondary, his kind waitress after she graduated, a beautiful and kind coworker backstage, and eventually now his boss and pseudo-mother. While Tony loves the vegetarian dishes that Jess provides for him to share with Ian, he does love a meal with some hearty meat in it. When Jess slides him a separate container of feijoada or invites him over to her house for a meal while Ian is working, Tony feels that warm closeness that he feels with her and her alone. Most of the time he doesn't miss eating meat, but there are just touches here and there that make Tony feel like he's just a little more seen.

3. Baked Potato Soup, Courtesy of Hattie Rydinger & @ianthedisastrous

One of the first recipes that Tony ever learned to cook was his mother's baked potato soup. Harriet "Hattie" Rydinger was a woman of many talents. Music & cooking were chief among them. Tony couldn't remember many nights spent without a meal prepared by her with her record player and soft voice crooning away. She pulled him onto the counter to be sure he saw every step of the process, explaining every choice and the reason for it. This was the meal his mother would make when he was sick or had a hard day. This was the meal she would make for every birthday and, eventually, every graduation. Hattie knew it was his favorite even when she no longer knew that Tony was her own son. Tony spent years perfecting it again once he lost her. As time went on, Tony began to make it for himself when he was sick or he was sad or for his own birthday. For many years he even made it for his own graduations so he would have an easy-to-heat meal to make during the fallout. It was a somber affair, even if he still loved the meal. It reminded him of his mother and her love, that was enough really. What Tony never expected was for his best friend and eventual fiancé to learn how to make it. Tony made it for Ian, wanting to take care of him when times were hard, and admitted how much the dish meant to him. When Ian asked to be taught how to make it, Tony had thought that was sweet enough. What he had never anticipated was that Ian would take that lesson, a tender moment between them, and actually use it when Tony wasn't there to assist him. There's a certain kind of love that is shown through acts of service, and this might be Tony's favorite one.

[foreverydinger]

"On it, boss," Tony chirped at the out presented to him on a silver platter. There was just something about the way that Jess entered a room that always seemed to make him feel better. Helping him get away from drunken girls was no exception to that rule. His mind flashed back to all of the times they'd done this song and dance for each other, though Jess was certainly bothered more than he was.

The moment that Tony could sneak away he did, hearing the complaining from the crowd Jess was standing over. He shot himself behind the bar, begging Jared to act like he needed Tony's help. Jared simply handed him some dishes to put away.

Once those ladies threw down cash for Tony (as well as an illegible phone number written on a wet napkin - ew), Tony poked his head out from his hiding place.

"Thanks, Jess! Gotta love being a uni town, right?" He laughed awkwardly, fidgeting with his ring again. "Please tell me they at least tipped me!"

@notbad-justsungthatway

The Miracle Touch || Tess

[foreverydinger]

"It just gives you more control over your vision," Tony countered gently. "And this town is full of talented artists. If you wanna work with someone directly you've got plenty of options and, if you don't want a Swynlake resident, then you've got a whole world to be choosy over!" Tony wasn't trying to overwhelm Ian, quite the opposite, but he figured that Ian needed to hear that he wasn't trapped under the weight of the decision. It could all be decided in time and with care.

When Ian confirmed wanting a local, Tony clapped his hands together excitedly. "Hell yeah! I'd definitely start on campus and see if anyone vibes with your ideas but you could also post online an open call for artists to submit portfolios for you to go over to make sure you think it will mesh." In his mind's eye, Tony saw a line of artists and Ian sitting in the conference room of Town Hall. It was silly and perfect and Tony hoped Ian took submissions.

Tony booped Ian's nose as he started to sigh, not wanting Ian to fall down that rabbit hole. "Well, Mr. Fancy Author, I guess you're just carrying this relationship, huh?" Tony laughed, trying to make the situation lighter. "The world moves and, hey, I get to move with it now. So yeah, it might seem like things are moving fast but I'm right here with you for every step of the way. You can do this and you deserve to do this. It's going to be just the next step in you getting toward your career. Easy-peasy."

@ianthedisastrous

Where Does the Time Go || Tian

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i do not want to have you to fill the empty parts of me i want to be full on my own i want to be so complete i could light a whole city and then i want to have you cause the two of us combined could set it on fire

- rupi kaur

@ianthedisastrous

[foreverydinger]

NAME: Tony Rydinger

HOMETOWN: LLa Ciudad de Rosas, living on the outskirts now

OCCUPATION: Musician

YOUR WISH: To be the most talented musician in Rosas

WHAT YOU GAVE UP: The ability to be rich. He can live well, affording what he needs to live & be happy, but nothing more.

YOUR UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE: He cannot become famous for his music. He is known as that Mundus who turned down magic for music.

LOYALIST/REBEL/OTHER: Rebel

BIOGRAPHY:

Tony Rydinger’s mother had moved to the kingdom of Rosas after her husband had perished at sea. Too old to make a wish for herself, she spun the wonder of a wish for her son. By day, Harriet was a seamstress, but by night their little home was filled with music. The guitar, her voice, even a small pipe that she would let him play with. Those were the moments that crafted who her son would be, those were the memories that Tony cherished well into his teenhood.

Everyone thought that Tony would wish to become a bard specialty. It would have suited his love of music and fixed his Mundus nature.

Tony spent his life surrounded by magic out in the city but none of it within. His mother was a Mundus as well, something that was a weight upon her shoulders and a strike against her character. It was hard, he knew, but he never heard her complain about her place in the world, never saw it being her down. No, Tony ever saw the strength in her resolve and the pride she took in her own work.

When Tony eventually faced the king, everyone in attendance was shocked. Everyone, of course, except his mother.

Tony wished to have unmatched musical talent, to be the strongest musician in the kingdom, and it was granted. No magic, but the price was he could only live comfortably, not lavishly. What he hadn’t expected was that came with him never making a name for himself aside from a Mundus who had turned his nose up at magic.

So he continued to live comfortably, making enough money with his music to sustain him and eventually Ian, a boy he’d met years ago in the shops who had given up his magic with his wish. Tony understands not wanting it, turning toward simplicity, and will defend their choices with his dying breath.

A wish was more than an opportunity, it was a statement.

Tony has turned his attention to the rebellion, those in the Riverlands more understanding and gracious than those within the city at their predicament. If it can keep him and his fiancé safe then he welcomes their help. He’ll take a foot soldier roll in return. So long as he can keep playing his music.

[foreverydinger]

Tony needed some new books. He wasn't exactly known as the reader in his relationship, his fiancé was an author after all, but he had reread his copy of Frankenstein for the.. well.. Tony didn't know how many-th time and he was hoping to find something that could scratch that itch to keep him from just going right back to it.

Chapter Three was the old reliable, one of his more beloved former workplaces, and he adored the way the building smelled and the completely chaotic "Vibes Only" organization that the shop had. He'd always enjoyed debating where a particular book should be shelved when he'd worked there, thought it really said something about the book to determine where it would go, and that was part of the hunt now.

Once he found where Frankenstein was currently shelved, he began to run his fingers over the neighboring books to determine if anything that might draw him in. However, he was too focused on his search and wasn't aware there was another person until he'd nearly bowled them over in the narrow aisle.

"Sorry," Tony chuckled, taking a step back. "This place is such a maze, it's hard not to get lost in all of the options." He fidgeted with his ring, feeling the engraved music notes in the metal. "I do understand how it's laid out, though, if you need any help."

@wintersselene

Chapter Three | OPEN

[foreverydinger]

"I thought some flavors from home would be appreciated right now," Tony explained. He had been glad to have the connection to Eilonwy throughout the years, the Welsh cooking and language had always been a piece of them that he felt cemented part of their friendship. He was glad now, though, that she could remember all of it. "Laurel asked me for the recipe but I figured it'd be easier just to make it myself."

Here Tony rolled his eyes, his exasperation with Barley Lightfoot a deeply-rooted part of his life. "I wouldn't even say we're fighting, so much as Barley just will not stop insisting on throwing us a bachelor party now when we haven't even started wedding planning!" Tony appreciated his future brother-in-law's enthusiasm, it was admirable, but Tony had always struggled with how loud and boisterous he was. Barley took up a lot of space just with his personality and Tony didn't always feel like they fit in the same room.

"We're taking things slow. I guess we kinda always do?"

@eilonwy-notjustgirl

Welcome to Earth || Open