#matthewalexander

[matthewalexander]

I’ve always yearned for death. Not in the edgy way you’d think, but rather as a hallmark of the life which I have fulfilled. I yearn for the company of death, or perhaps I long to accompany him instead.

I find him fascinating in the simplest sense; I’d consider morbid curiosity entertaining as well as it is the defining trait of humanity. Though, what would it take? Perhaps drugs? But that would mean permanent damage which shall ultimately lead to death— something I do not wish.

A voice interrupts my contemplation.

“Mind if I take a seat next to you?”

It’s a boy? Maybe a man? Ah, a teenager.

How could I forget such a word? Odd.

“Of course. Feel free to take a seat; I do not own the grass after all.”

He chuckles. A toothy smile spread across his face. 

He is lanky and tall, though something about him feels gentle. He also seems to be carrying a book.

“What brings you here, sir?” he gestures toward me.

I point toward the sun.

“I came here to witness that.”

“Oh, I see… you mean the sun, right?”

“Yeah. The sunset actually and well, the ocean just below this cliff.”

“Any particular reason?”

“Well, it might sound cheesy, but it’s pretty nice to watch the sun setting while the ocean gets deeper shades of blue. It feels comforting to witness such a change. Though it does remind me that life isn’t as still as I’d like it to be.”

“Sounds pretty philosophical; I agree.” He says, looking toward the horizon.

We sit in silence, immersing in the moment.

“It’s pretty nice to think that life has a way of making the end of things beautiful though. Like, as fleeting as it is, it doesn’t restrict the beauty of it all from expressing itself,” I say.

“Care to elaborate?” He raises his eyebrow.

“We have this belief that life created life itself as a gift for death. The journey toward death is the gift of life for living things. That said, life basically created this existence that ends itself without losing the allure it had from the beginning.”

“I see. I guess that’s an interesting way to see things. What belief is this from?”

“Oh, it’s not from any particular system. It’s just a family story my grandma told me about. She says they’re two lovers fated to meet someday. Though, I don’t know where she got the story.”

“It sounds lovely. Your grandma sounds like a lovely woman.”

“Oh, she was. She told me that life himself creates all these creatures on earth because he wants death to experience what he can’t.”

“Oh. They’re both HEs?”

“Well, my grandma told me they were both men while time and fate were women. Well, I like to imagine them that way too. I mean, they don’t have a gender. After all, they’re just concepts.”

“That is true…” He says, looking up above.

The skies deepen as the sun lowers itself down the horizon. The moon makes its presence known with each tick of the clock.

“I guess I never really got to ask you what brings you here. So what does bring you here?”

“Ah. Right. Well, I supposedly came here to write, but I guess I got caught up in our conversation… well your story.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t think I’d distract you. Well, I’m guessing you were originally here to write a book review?” I glance at the book he’s holding.

He shakes his head. “Nope. I’m actually writing the book. This is the first draft; it’s a bound manuscript. I’m working on it.”

My ears perk up.

“Really? That’s amazing. What’s it about?”

“The journey of a flower.”

I tilt my head, “I see.”

A journey of a flower… What an interesting story. What could a flower possibly tell? What journey does it have? Flowers don’t exactly move nor do they do anything in particular. Maybe it’s a story about growth?

He laughs. “I’m guessing you’d like more context.”

“Haha, you caught me. Yes, I’d like to know more.”

He looks at the grass, grasping its blades.

“Well, I own a flower shop. The flowers sold are ones that my boyfriend planted. So, I thought I should write a story about it: how the flower starts from one seed, becomes a full-grown thing, is cut, transported, made into bouquets by me, and finally arrives to the person who wanted them."

I smirk, “That’s a wonderful story.”

“It is, isn’t it?”

The silence encapsulates the moment once more. Consuming the space in which we occupy.

The grass blades sway along the wind, trees ruffling their leaves, pollinating each other. The world sings, whistling sharps as it swirls.

The sky paints itself with oranges and reds, hints of pink across the surface amongst the remaining deeper blues.

“I know this sounds random, but what do you think of life and death? I mean, your book seems like it’s talking about life and I felt like it had a relation to death.” I question.

“I don’t really feel anything in particular about death, but life? I think I’m deeply in love with it. Well, in your regard, him. What made you ask… well other than because of the book I’m writing.”

I snicker. “I just wondered is all. I wondered if you teenagers ever think about it. I mean, as a 30-year-old, I tend to think about it more frequently than the younger population— that’s what I assume. After all, this can either be the first half of my life or the 80th percentile.”

“I think you look too fit to die too son, sir!” He flatters.

I laugh, “Well, life can be unpredictable. Who knows? Maybe life has decided to simply reach my life out to death. Can’t exactly help it now, can I?”

“I guess that is true. Then here’s a retortion: What if life just decides this is barely scratching the time you have? Wouldn’t you just want to enjoy the journey?”

I look at him in the eye.

I laugh.

“You got me there. Well, maybe that is the case. I can’t know for certain.”

“Even if you can’t know, I think it’s worth thinking about. We get born, we study, we find a person to be with, and we die. I mean, that can’t possibly be all of it now, can it?”

“That sounds like the book you’re writing.”

“Exactly.”

“For a teenager, you sound incredibly wise.”

“What can I say? Life happens.”

“Incredibly profound.”

“As it is.”

He stands up, dusting himself off.

“Where are you off to now?”

“Nowhere in particular— just somewhere I guess. After all, a writer mustn’t sit still. There are way too many experiences begging to felt and sights asking for witnesses.”

“Well, I wish you the best.”

I turn my back to him, looking at the sunset for a brief moment.

“Oh! I forgot to ask—”

The clearing is empty. Signs of him are nowhere to be found. The grass was not merciful to his tracks as they did not show any sign of being stepped on. I would ask the trees for answers, but they seemed to be indulging the wind I too was trying to enjoy.

“Your name.”

I wonder where he went. What an odd teenager— odd stranger perhaps?

“Oh well."

[gildedxink]

"Oh god, please it's Max." She laughed shaking her all the while, "Even Daddy doesn't use my full name." She reached over giving a gentle squeeze to his shoulder before stretching out a little. "I hope your faith is well rewarded. Be safe, Father. I have a feeling we'll be needing your guidance... or your services soon." She gave a tilt of her hat and headed out to the old Rogers home. Billy needed to be moved and well he sure wouldn't listen to Will, if this thing was a creature she half hoped it might take Billy out for Dad's sake.

"Thank you, Maxine," Matthew said and shot the saloon owner a smile. "I'll try not to..." Even when he felt that Isabelle and her girls riled him up in return for reasons he did not wish to confront deep down.

"And I'll pray that we survive this killer in time to come. I have faith in our sheriff and deputy to get to the bottom of everything. Don't let me keep you from anyone else in here."

[mathias-attano]

Church Goers

Whatever chance Mathias got to leave the castle, he took. Sure there was a lot of work to be done, but he didn’t want to think about it nor do it. So he opted to just sneak away to the village. There he could walk around and not think about his new responsibilities or whatever bothered him. He could just enjoy the Russian air and walk along the streets of the place he once lived. 

It helped greatly that Matthew had taken up residence there too. When he found out his father was in charge of the church, Mathias had a very good laugh. There was something funny about a fallen angel being in charge of a church, and if you had told Mathias this would happen way back then, he would have called bullshit. Things were different now though. He was a councilman in a world ruled by witches, and Matthew was a priest (or something close to that). 

He stepped into the church and sat down in the pews at the front. It was quiet and peaceful there. The necromancer could see why people would come to places like this often. Since there didn’t look like there was anyone around, Mathias spoke freely, “Should I say bless me father for I have sinned? Or does the demon blood in me make me exempt from blessings?”

@hell-fyres

[americanahighways]

REVIEW: Matthew Alexander "Midnight Dream Station"

REVIEW: Matthew Alexander "Midnight Dream Station" #matthewalexander #americanahighways #midnightdreamstation #JohnApice #newmusic2023

Matthew Alexander – Midnight Dream Station This is North Carolina’s Matthew Alexander’s 8th album & while he taps into typically standard topics that average listeners can relate to, he also reflects on life’s mysteries & it has a tinge of optimism. This effort is more piano-based than his previous efforts. According to Alexander the set is based in an acoustic pop folk tradition. He believes…

[faithinlycaon]

"That is a fair point..less flailing... but a still flailing none the less." Faye giggled it was a little more cackle than usual. "You can't miss him, he's all shiny and everything."

"Yes she is indeed, we thought it'd be cute. Your little spell has made it a little less adorable and more bitchy, at least from my side but I'm going to enjoy it while I can. Hunt down and bother will. Try to steal Max's shoes, make Gwen a little uncomfy it'll be great!" She started to head down the road, a bit more hip sway than what was required she was apparently enjoying herself. "Have fun Matthew, it's your party after all."

"Leaving them with legs with mute seems more fun. What use would they be if they cannot speak?" Matthew chuckled before the look in his eyes brightened.

"A delectable Prince, you say? Oh, then I just might." The fallen deity flexed their long fingers atop their sceptre. Any Prince was worth bullying just as much as any Princesses that came Matthew's way. Happy endings were for the deluded, of that much Matthew was certain, and everyone needed to wake up to that reality at some point.

"Steal away, my dear. I wouldn't begrudge you the fun of destroying someone's happy ending," he chuckled. "Isn't that cousin of yours dressed as your fairy tale counterpart?" Matthew distinctly remembered seeing Gwen in a Good Witch get-up when she entered earlier.

[mathias-attano]

Redo

He held his breath in disbelief. There was once a time where Mathias didn’t think he’d ever live through a war. He had read about them yes, but thought that he would never be thrown into battle. Coming to Krovs changed that. He fought more often than not, taking the side of the vampires despite seeing people do otherwise. This war was different though, because this war had already happened. 

None of this was right. Going back in time was certainly new, and seeing that some had just reverted to who they were two hundred years ago was not what he expected. Mathias had to find people though. He ran through the various encampments, trying to keep a low profile and avoid anyone who might cause harm. His feet were taking him somewhere, and rather than fight it, he went along with it. That was how he ran into his father. It was a surprise to see Matthew (two hundred years younger). The necromancer froze in place, realizing that perhaps he could change their future right now. “M-Matthew?”

@hell-fyres

[mathias-attano]

Matthew was by far the hardest person for Mathias to talk to, and yet he was the one person who knew him the best. In the end, Matthew would be all the necromancer had left, so he had to keep trying to make an effort. They butted heads more often than not, but perhaps it was just out of concern for one another. No matter, Mathias couldn’t avoid Matthew forever. 

He knocked on the demon’s door, and waited for him to answer. 

“...It’s me. Can I uh...stay with you for a bit?”

@hell-fyres​

[mathias-attano]

for: @hell-fyres​

The day had finally come, and Mathias was ready to face his twin. He had managed to survive the attack on the castle, but that was child’s play compared to what he had in store for him. Matthew was going to aid him, and Mathias did end up asking Heinrich to come as well. The necromancer was still nervous abotu that, mostly because he wasn’t sure what Heinrich was going to see. 

He had everything prepared when he went to Matthew’s suite, and knocked at his door. “Hey, it’s me...A-Are you ready for this?”. He didn’t know why he was asking his father that question, and he figured it was more fr himself than anything else. 

Zeke had been on his mind ever since Matthew told him that his brother wanted his head. Mathias didn’t like knowing he’d have to kill his brother again for the second time, but it was what had to be done. 

“Where are we going to do this?”

[louisnotjack]

Louis sighed, this was pointless. If he asked more he was sure it would just be more vague and agonizing things. The muscle near his eye twitching ever so slightly in frustration. Taking a moment to try and memorize his face so he could cycle through memories and try to remember who this prick was. "Fine.." He wasn't worth it. He wasn't worth the trouble. "Have a good day." The sentiment heavy with sarcasm and animosity toward this absolute asshat. Louis turned on his heel and started back towards the music shop he'd originally been going to... not that he could remember now he was too busy being mad.

"Me? I know nothing, my dear boy," Matthew scoffed although it was obviously a lie. The carrot had been dangled but it really no place for the fallen deity to do anything about. It was not like Matthew wanted the responsibility of a mere human on his hands.

"What's going on in that mind of yours has nothing to do with me. Now leave me alone and let me get back to my coffee," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

[mathias-attano]

The day when Mathias was supposed to face his twin was drawing closer. It made the necromancer nervous, since he still wasn’t sure if he was ready yet. Of course, there was only so much he could do, since he was still a young necromancer. Thankfully, there were people who were willing to help, like his familiar and his father. Bear would be by his side like always, and Mathias had all the trust in the familiar. The person who he still wasn’t too sure of, was Matthew. 

He found the Chief of Staff and rushed over to him, “Hey! Uh...Can we talk?”

@hell-fyres​

[mathias-attano]

Skinny Latte

It was nice having set regulars who would come to the coffee shop. Those were the ones who Mathias would have their orders already done by the time they came through the front door. They would all be greeted with a kind smile, as well as an affectionate purr from Baph, who was always on the counter.

One of the regulars (who wasn’t at the shop every day but came enough) was a man named Matthew. Mathias didn’t know much about the man, other than the fact that he was pretty nice and had been coming to the shop for a long time. His order was always easy, a skinny latte (which Seth made) and the occasional small scone. As Matthew walked in, Mathias smiled and waved at him. “Good morning, Mr. Matthew. I have your order right here for you”.

@hell-fyres​

[mathias-attano]

Interruption

For the first time ever, Mathias wasn’t avoiding Matthew and was actively trying to track the demon down. After his talk with Wicek, he was pretty much set on talking with Matthew about what happened. Mathias was sure if he was angry or hurt by the angel’s actions. Of course, the necromancer was to blame too, but he still saw Matthew as the evil one out of the both of them. 

When he tracked Matthew down, the demon was all over a master. Clearly Matthew wasn’t taking things as nicely as Mathias thought he would. The necromancer wasn’t going to make it any better either. He strode over to the two and practically yelled at the chief of staff, “You’re a grade A piece of shit you know that?!”

@hell-fyres

[louisnotjack]

Human was sure a new way to be addressed, he wasn’t sure he liked that one. Being called Jack was already unsettling even more so now that he had a clearer idea on what was happening to him. The moment he saw the face that had called him that all his confusion over the human comment left and there were far stranger questions. He’d met the man once before on the street and he’d been cryptic. This time it was blunt and forward.

It took a moment to adjust as older memories had started to slowly be there. He recognized the man being around Izak but outside of that he was still a bit of a haze. “It’s um going… do you usually start a conversation by saying someones species or?” Okay maybe irking the weird cryptic thin man was a bad idea but Louis was full of those apparently. “So I did know you the last time I saw you, you were all… cryptic.”

memory | louis & matthew

for: @louisnotjack location: rubicund

Matthew was making his way though Rubicund that night on one his usual trips up to Level Four when he spotted a vaguely familiar face. A human, one he met awhile ago and one that some other supernaturals were slowly trying to integrate into their community. The fallen deity would not normally have paid him much mind, but this human also used to be one of Izak's bunnies.

He sauntered over to the young man and stared down his nose at him. "Human," Matthew said. He vaguely recalled his name starting with a 'L' or something, but he could not find it in himself to bother remembering. "How has integrating been coming along?" Did he even remember Matthew?

[mathias-attano]

Fatherly

The one person Mathias was actually fearful to face again, after attacking them, was Matthew. Both of them exchanged words and fists basically, and their motives were exposed. The one good thing was that Matthew finally referred to Mathias as his son, even though it was during a threat. Mathias was also able to speak to the kinder side of the angel. That side expressed his regret and Mathias promised him that he would try to make things better again. That was why he stood outside of Matthew’s suite, knocking at his door. 

He wasn’t overly thrilled, because he wasn’t sure what Matthew was going to do. Mathias almost had the man beat until he had his evil half show up. Although he did get to see his father’s true power and true form. What used to be hate was now respect. He waited patiently for Matthew to answer the door, keeping guard up as he did. 

@hell-fyres

[mathias-attano]

Mathias had been keeping his distance from Matthew. While he wanted to make the demon proud, he was also afraid of disappointing him yet again. He still hadn’t gotten his collar removed, but he figured he could still find a way to appease the grounds keeper. He had heard of Matthew’s involvement with some people, and Mathias was hoping to use that to his advantage. 

He knocked on Matthew’s door, waiting patiently for him to answer. “Uh Matthew...It’s me, Mathias. C-Can I come in please?”

@hell-fyres

[mathias-attano]

@hell-fyres

Matthew would have liked to believe that the magic of the castle would not affect him, but it was really wishful thinking on his part. It had been a few hours into the day of trying to fix things when he suddenly felt nauseous and needed to sit down on one of the lounge chairs to close his eyes for a moment. The next thing he knew, Matthew started awake, his eyes wide.

“What?” were the only words that left his mouth as he looked around at the many people who were scrambling around the corridors, clearly affected by something. Right, there was a spell that he was supposed to be looking into fixing.

The angel stood from where he was seated so that he could get back to work and strode down the corridor on long legs when he quite literally ran into someone.

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry...” he said quickly as his hands reached out to steady the other person, a genuine apologetic look on his face. “I didn’t see you at all.” The words of contrition came much faster than what many people in the castle would have expected from the fallen angel.

Luck seemed to be on Mathias’ side when he ran into Matthew. This version of the necromancer remembered exactly how the angel treated him the other day, and he remembered all those times Matthew called him weak. He was anything but weak now. It seemed that Matthew was a bit different too. Mathias never thought he was one to quickly apologize, so maybe there was some magic done to him too. Either way, this was going to be enjoyable. 

Mathias just smiled at the angel, “It’s fine Matthew”. He could feel his powers starting to leak out of his skin, wanting to tear into the angel in front of him. It was so tempting to just unleash Hell on the man, but he wanted to play it out. 

“Are you okay? You don’t look too good”.