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[itsminimes]

May 6: Time Loops: ...Baby One More Time

…Baby One More Time by EliotQueliot Fandom: The Magicians (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh Characters: Eliot Waugh, Jane Chatwin, Quentin Coldwater Additional Tags: Time Loop, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Quentin Coldwater Lives, Time Travel Fix-It, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Memories, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, horomancy, Mosaic Timeline (The Magicians: A Life in the Day) Summary: Jane is a Time Witch. Eliot took an elective in Horomancy. Let's get Quentin back, shall we?

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Eliot certainly never expected this: Jane Chatwin telling him that the cause of all the time loops, the chain of unlikely events that ultimately ended with Quentin’s death, the very thing he’s trying to fix now…started with Quentin’s grief over Eliot.

More specifically, Eliot’s death due to his own vices.

As Jane spoke, Eliot bowed his head. Part of it was grief, yes, the grief he had to fight for every breath. But part of it…he wanted to listen, not to Jane’s voice, but Quentin’s, which had started echoing in his head the moment she told him Q had set every loop in motion out of the fierce need to save Eliot. The same unshakeable love that had resulted in Q’s death.

Q’s words: Peaches and plums. Fifty years. It was sort of beautiful. I know this sounds dumb... but us. We... You know, think about it. Like, we... we work. And we know it 'cause we've lived it. Who gets that kind of proof of concept?

Eliot’s eventual response, which he hoped Q had understood as such, during the few seconds he had to speak from inside a Monster: Fifty years. Who gets proof of concept like that? Peaches and plums, mοthеrfսckеr.

Oh god, he hoped Q had understood.

It was the last time he had seen Quentin.

Eliot just sat there. Jane’s words were washing over him, but it was Quentin he was listening to, Quentin he was looking at fervently in his memory.

But now…he finally noticed that the cottage was silent.

Jane faced him, waiting for a response. Eliot hastily dashed away a tear before looking up.

He searched his mind, replaying back the last few minutes. Jane’s monologue had rolled on ahead. All about how Jane thought the dead should stay dead. But that wasn’t true, was it? If it was, Jane would never have started loop after loop, until she herself died.

Eliot had ostensibly come here on Margo’s behalf. He’d planned to sneak in his request for Quentin after he’d satisfied Margo’s demand to save Josh and Fen—Fen, who’d accused him of being too drunk to rescue anyone. Which—maybe wasn’t entirely fair—but also might not be entirely wrong, if he didn’t pull it together.

The last thing Eliot wanted to be was sober, experiencing the never-ending Mack truck steamroller of Quentin’s death. But—he needed to be brave for Q.

“Jane.” He cleared his throat. “Do you have anything stronger than tea?”

She raised a brow. “I don’t think you need any more alcohol right now, Eliot.”

“I was more thinking coffee. Lots of it. Or a sobriety potion. If you have the ingredients, I’ll make it myself.”

Her eyebrows rose further. Was that actually compassion in her eyes? Without another word, Jane rose and returned with the potion. Eliot swallowed it in one gulp.

As his mind cleared—he remembered what Jane had muttered when he’d unexpectedly arrived: “Shit.” Not exactly the kind of greeting you expected to receive as the former High King of Fillory, who’d helped rid the universe of her Beast of an evil sibling.

“How many times have I been here?” he hazarded.

Henry remembered all 39 of his other lives. Jane clearly did as well. The Beast must have seen the time loops, or he wouldn’t have tried to come after Quentin and Brakebills before Q even got involved.

Softly, Jane said, “Let’s hope that doesn’t become relevant.”

“You couldn’t have started those time loops without us. Quentin told me why he gave you the Time Key.”

“True enough.”

“We didn’t go to the Mosaic till the 40th time loop. That’s why you’re afraid of starting over. But we don’t have to go back that far—”

“We do, because I can only set the loop from a point when I’m still alive.”

Eliot thought harder. They sipped their coffee. Eliot said, “I took an elective in horomancy. And time doesn’t pass here, does it?”

“Not as such.”

“In the books, the Watcherwoman is a time witch. When Margo visited—you sent her back to Brakebills. Margo’s in the dungeon right now—”

“Don’t worry. I can send you back to the point when you left. She won’t languish there.”

“So you could—teach me. Like an apprentice. I never did have the chance to get a mentor, thanks to Fillory.”

Jane regarded him thoughtfully. “You tried very hard to be a good king. You made a lot of personal sacrifices to do that. And you were probably one of the best kings Fillory’s ever had, all things considered. All right. Yes, Eliot. If you promise to obey my instructions.”

He thought harder. “If you promise to give my requests serious consideration.”

“I will, if you provide sufficient basis for granting them. It has to be more than personal gain.”

“Then you’ll need more than personal gain as a motive for denying them,” Eliot quickly put in.

“Done.” They shook. And Eliot’s time studies began in earnest.

*       *       *

He couldn’t do anything that would jeopardize the Mosaic. That was Rule #1. Eliot’s heart soared at this, because he wanted that life, needed that life with Q—though he would sacrifice anything of his own, even that, if it would save Q’s life.

All the while, he was plotting. Planning. Studying where things were kept.

Because every time he suggested a means of saving Quentin, saving everyone—Jane very logically, very kindly shot him down.

At some point, he’d have to take what he could and flee.

Despite how patiently she taught him—even with that wry humor that grated on his nerves when it was Quentin’s life on the line—Eliot saw a resignation in her. She knew quite well whom she’d welcomed into her cottage.

“Look, even if you won’t let me change the past, there has to be a time when I can go back and speak to Quentin!” he roared one day.

(Once again, my concept went beyond 1k. To read the rest of this chapter--and the rest of this new WIP as I write it--please visit AO3:

[itsminimes]

Eliot Waugh's sense of style

I've noticed this a few times, so I'll try to share more. But I love the way he finds a way to replicate his sense of style, whether he's a king or an ordinary man in Fillory...or a Brakebills student. Still himself, still elegant, suited for the occasion.

[itsminimes]

Sketches for Mosaic Haiku, Ch. 2

Three of the six pictures for Chapter 2 have been sketched, and they're here:

[itsminimes]

Brian and the Monster, the final chapter

The final chapter is up, and the ending is even better than I hoped. I just love this whole fic so much. We get to have EVERYTHING. Don't want to spoil, but Wow. Just perfect!!! Thank you, @itsminimes ❤️

[itsminimes]

[itsminimes]

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Ch. 1, Art 2 & 3 painted

[itsminimes]

JULIA WICKER | 1.07 “The Mayakovsky Circumstances”

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I really love this for some reason.

[itsminimes]

“Yes. But you care about them.“  
  ↳ The Magicians - S4:E12, The Secret Sea.

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 1

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 1 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

-------------(I brightened up the following a bit)-------------

Picture’s thousand words? Our tiles. Our days, a billion patterns. Beauty of all life.

Quentin

Life doesn’t stop once you’re dead. I have to prize Time free. Breathe. Weep alone.

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit:

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 2

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 2 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

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What's real? I love you every day. Home's not a place. Can we go again?

Eliot

Not done being me. Only time I loved myself: Your husband, Ted's dad.

Mosaic journal: Record of our happy days, our book of patterns

Boredom breeds brainstorms. Tedium means tenderness blooms as time grows long.

Eliot

Every night I draw more: Patterns recalled. Proof we lived it. Proof I love you.

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit:

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 3

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 3 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

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That day you left home: we can't promise to be here. Know your dads love you.

Eliot

Beautiful Quentin. When will you learn to unwind? Here, babe. Drink with me.

Quentin

You work too hard, love. It's hot, watching you make art. Take a break with me.

Eliot

You're all I want, Q. Please don't leave. I love you. Wish I could say. You'd stay.

Eliot

Such good lives. Promise we'll make them real, soon as I'm brave enough, my love.

Quentin

You said, "Live your life." Finally I get my wish. This is the life, love.

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit:

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 4

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 4 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

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Eliot

I’ll spend a lifetime contemplating life’s beauty, as long as you’re there.

Banter

Q says: “Oh, really?” El’s tease: “Don’t you think so, Q?” Still fun, all these years.

Subtext: (You’re so cute.) (No, you.) That smile. Tongue in cheek. We mean: (I love you.)

(See the lovely slowed down gif of this moment from The Game of Nerds, "The Magicians 'A Life in the Day' Is the Best Episode of the Series to Date: S3:E5 Review with Gifs!" Posted by Michael, Feb. 14, 2018)

Eliot

That one syllable: "Hey." The sweetest sound I know. Kissing you all night.

Quentin

I'll do anything you say, but hot damn, you're in trouble now, sweetheart.

Time’s tricky. As long As we’re here, love, making art, We’ll never grow old.

Eliot

You’ve got a golden opportunity, Q. Please tease me back. Yes? Good.

We got so much time: Make art. Make life. Make love. We had a family.

Eliot

How could I not love all that you are, Q? My heart is yours forever.

Quentin

We weren't finished. You're not gone as long as I'm here to remember.

Our own quest, at last! Thank god we’re here together! Hope it never ends.

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit:

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 5

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 5 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

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Happy last year to this quest. But please, not to us. Worth it to get here.

(View a wonderful GIF of this moment as part of this lovely series of Mosaic GIFs by @whitefluffyyeti.)

Eliot

Tucking you in. Sleep well, my darlings. I love you more than life itself.

Quentin

We kissed on this quilt. You tucked us in tight. Now it holds you close for me.

Quentin

We miss her so much. But you're still here, loving us, making our hearts shine.

Eliot

"Q. Q, hey. Forget what I just said. You're right. We work. Thinking clearly now."

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit:

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 6

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 6 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

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Quentin

We solved it, El. You should be here. How can I turn back to see you're gone?

Eliot

"It's my home," I told Umber, not knowing how true that would one day be.

Eliot

Fairies, cannibals. The beauty of all life? Sounds like a welcome change.

Eliot

I just got back, Q. Hoping to spend time with you. You love quests. I'm in.

Quentin

Your bunny said, "Love, El." Once I feared losing magic. You promised sparkle.

Magic's gone. You're here. For you, I'd do anything. Brave gods. Find myself.

Quentin

Our timing was off. We've hurt a lot, these last years. Maybe now's our chance.

Glad you're here with me: Life's better, shared with a friend. Logic this with me.

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit:

[itsminimes]

Mosaic Haiku, Chapter 7

Welcome! I'm writing a series of haiku about the Mosaic! Disclaimer, I don't own any of these images (they're from the TV series adapted from Lev Grossman's series, The Magicians, which aired on SyFy). I'm just writing about them, ekphrastic style (seeing the image is an important reference when reading the poem, so I wanted to group them together). To read more about the project, the form, my author's notes (including a few more haiku), and to eventually see some sketches I made of these scenes, please visit the page for this chapter at AO3 (link below). I'm going to be rolling out the sketches as I have time, so please stay tuned for the rerelease! Either way, I hope you'll enjoy these reflections on the best episode of TV (The Magicians, Season 3, Episode 5, “A Life in the Day”) and my favorite ship, Quentin Coldwater/Eliot Waugh!

Mosaic Haiku - Chapter 7 - EliotQueliot - The Magicians (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

(Please also find some cool images for "A Life in the Day" at Getty and SyFy.)

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This feeling: magic! Hugging you with all my heart: this joy is our quest.

Quentin

Now, Teddy, don't leave without a hug from us both: some love for the road.

Eliot

These smiles! Holy shit. I'm so lucky. "Hey, Q. Make Teddy laugh challenge."

Quentin

Immortalize this, bitches! Let an artist paint, so future friends know.

Eliot

I'm telling you, Q: Let's take our time, have some fun. The heart has reasons.

Logic alone can't Solve this: Love wins, and you're so good, true, beautiful.

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To read all the chapters of Mosaic Haiku on Tumblr or check on which AO3 chapters have sketches posted:

If you'd like to leave comments/kudos, or see the sketches I'm making when they're available, please visit: