#not sold on the title just yet but it's what i've been calling it

[tranakin-skywalker]

WIP Wednesday

I Wonder Which One Has My Eyes

Bright gold caught her eye like a flicker of a star behind a telescope. Not unexpected, given the event Pooja Naberrie was attending. There were plenty of people dressed in gold here. It was, after all, a senatorial event, and gold was so often the color of wealth.

(Not on Naboo, though. Her homeworld held the color equal with things like loyalty, and promise, and devotion.)

Pooja blinked, and took a small sip of her drink. Non-alcoholic. Alderaan, it turned out, had different opinions about fifteen year olds drinking than Naboo did. It wasn’t that Pooja liked the taste, but she had fond memories of her grandparents letting her sneak sips of their wine at dinner, the warm taste of spiced mead before the ancestors’ altar. The time she’d stolen a gulp of her aunt’s drink, only to realize it was something much stronger than a six year old could handle, spitting it out like poison. The sound of her uncle’s laugh.

With thoughts like those, no wonder she was seeing familiar gold. Memories had a funny way of haunting the present like that.

And perhaps she would have brushed it off as nostalgia tainted with the taste of wine, in another world, another life. Had she, the story would have gone very differently.

But Pooja glanced again toward the gold, and nearly choked herself on her drink. She was surly haunted, she thought to herself, coughing up what she had accidentally inhaled. The woman she’d been chatting with put a concerned hand on her arm, asked something that Pooja couldn’t hear over the roaring of blood in her ears. She waved the woman off, gave her some assurance and begged her excuse as Pooja stepped away. Her eyes haven’t left the golden protocol droid across the room.

It can’t be, a part of her thought, denial fighting with hope as she stalked her way toward the droid. It can’t possibly be him. After all, protocol droids all look so similar. After all, he’d disappeared after her aunt’s death. After all, what are the odds?

Then she got close enough to hear the droid’s voice and oh, she could never forget that distinct voice that had told her and her sister bedtime stories, that had fretted at their hijinks, worried for their safety while he ran after them as quickly as fused joint legs would let him.

The melancholy longing hit Pooja like a blow to the chest.

“Threepio?” she called out, and the droid turned to her and it was like she was eight years in the past and just a little girl again, her world safe and her family unbroken.

“Oh! Hello!” he said and he was just like she remembered him. “How can I be of assistance, miss…?”

He didn’t recognize her. It was crushing, the realization he didn’t recognize her. That even this was taken from her.

Someone had wiped his memory. (she remembered, her uncle telling her and Ryuu how he’d never had Artoo’s memory wiped, no matter how many military secrets the little astromech held. He said wiping a droid was something like murder.)

“My apologies,” she told Threepio, and it felt like talking to a stranger. “I confused you with a droid who once belonged to my aunt. My mistake.”

He waved one of his stiff arms and it was so familiar it hurt. “No need to apologize, miss. It is an easy mistake to make, I’m sure. I’m sorry I’m not the droid you’re looking for.”

Oh, but you are. Pooja biteher lip.

“Well, if you don’t need my assistance, I must return to my charge,” he told her, shuffling away. Toward the young princess of Alderaan, and a little blue and white astromech.

For a moment, Pooja felt like she couldn't breathe.

It hit her, suddenly, that Leia Organa was soon to celebrate her eighth birthday. That Leia Organa was the adopted daughter of Senator Bail Organa.

That Bail Organa had been the last person to see her aunt alive. Her very pregnant aunt.Oh, she thought, the pieces falling into place with all the inevitability of gravity.

New thing I think I'm going to do where I'll post snippets from one of my WIPs on Wednesdays, for funzies.

This one's inspired by this fic, where the Naberries are aware of Padme and Anakin's marriage. As soon as I read it it got me thinking of an au where Pooja realized who Leia was, and what chaos might ensue.

[raining-dreams]

Best Underrated Shows

Saving Me 

Saving Me is about a lonely old guy who invents a time machine so he can go back to his child self and fix all his past mistakes. I learned about this show from this video titled Watch THIS instead of Hailey's On It by M!n!mal M!ss Art. Despite this video, I was still very excited to watch Hailey's On It. It seemed like a story with a cool premise and cute art style (and ultimately I do really like the show) But Hailey's On It wasn't gonna be out for weeks when I came across this video and this video really sold me on giving Saving Me a try. I never would have even heard of this show without that youtube video which would have been a real shame because Saving Me is fantastic! I hope this show reaches more people and I'm dying for a season 3!!!!!

House of Anubis

Mystery is my favorite genre and House of Anubis is chuck full of it. I used to be obsessed with this show back in high school. I had so much fun coming up with theories and live-blogging my thoughts and opinions about each new episode. Some of the acting & dialogue could be a little cringe sometimes but the story is just so good that it doesn't matter. I've heard that Het Huis Anubis (the Dutch version of the show that House of Anubis is based on) is even better, though I haven't gotten around to watching it yet.

Over the Garden Wall

Those of us who have seen Over the Garden Wall seem to agree that this show is amazing! Which makes it feel a little weird to call it underrated. But it seems like so few people have actually seen it. Maybe because it was a mini series, it couldn't reach the same level of popularity as other shows of similar quality. If you like Gravity Falls, you'll likely enjoy Over the Garden Wall as well. (Wirt is even voiced by the same guy who voiced Dipper!) I would highly recommend anyone that hasn't seen it already.

Dead End: Paranormal Park

I feel like it's pretty rare for animated series to exist in the horror genre for some reason. It truly is an untapped market. But if you love horror and animation, Dead End is the show for you! (Of course it's kid friendly horror since the target audience is children) The two main characters, Barney and Norma get jobs at a haunted park and work together to fight ghosts and demons. Dead End has a super cute animation style, in my opinion, and a very diverse set of characters. I encourage everyone to watch it!

Just Add Magic

Just Add Magic is based on a children's book by the same name. It's a show about three girls who love to cook and basically discover that they can use cooking to do magic. It's a pretty interesting take on how magic works in their universe. It's very fun to watch. All of the actors are also so talented! And one of those actors is Zach Callison (the voice of Steven Universe)!

The friendship between the trio is awe-inspiring! They have so much chemistry. It's a pretty fun watch.

The Last Kids On Earth

Based on a comic of the same name, this show is about a group of kids who have to survive on their own when a zombie apocalypse breaks out. And other various creatures start to threaten them (or even become their allies) It's basically a cute found family story. The premise is pretty simplistic but that's what I love about it. The animation style of The Last Kids On Earth is so beautiful as well!

I'm still waiting for a season 3!!!!!

Code Lyoko

I remember as a kid being aware of this show and thinking it looked kind of interesting (and I always loved the theme song!!) but I never ended up watching it back then because I let peer pressure get the better of me. I remember I met someone who brought up how much they loved the show. When I heard them express that interest, I was at first excited to ask them more but before I had the chance, everyone else started making fun of him for liking Code Lyoko.

I guess it was like the nerd show or something? I don't really know why it was considered cringe to like Code Lyoko but upon seeing my peers act this way, I decided I can't like Code Lyoko if I want to fit in. So, I avoided watching it. But earlier this year, when I was flipping through channels, they were showing old episodes of Code Lyoko! I was intrigued since I remembered it from childhood and thought I'd actually give it a chance this time. And it's actually a pretty good show! It can be slow at times but overall I enjoy it.

If you're like me and avoided watching this back then due to peer pressure, I highly recommend leaving that in the past and just letting yourself enjoy this show!!

Slugterra

Slugterra is honestly pretty similar to Pokemon, except it's slugs! And the entire series takes place underground. Basically, there's a whole underground world called Slugterra, home to slugs, trolls, moles, etc. And all the slugs have cool powers so the people collect & befriend slugs so they can use them as weapons ("slugslinging"). If you like Pokemon, you're sure to like Slugterra!

Detentionaire

I discovered Detentionaire randomly while I was searching through Amazon's library of cartoons. I was looking for a new show to watch and just stumbled upon this one. It looked pretty interesting and I was surprised to see it was a show from 2011. I don't know how I missed this show back then. Idk if maybe it only aired in Canada or something? (cuz it's a Canadian show) But anyways, Detentionaire is such an intriguing show where the main character, Lee, discovers some grand conspiracy and has to try to expose it to prove his innocence so he can get out of detention. It's such an interesting concept. And, as I mentioned earlier, mystery is my favor genre, so I had a lot of fun with this one.

The only problem though is, of course, it ends on a cliffhanger. The show got canceled before they had the chance to conclude the story in a satisfying way (or any type of way) so watch at your own risk.

Catscratch

I honestly don't even remember what this show was about but I do remember enjoying this show and being excited when I saw a new episode was out. I remember thinking it was so funny. I just don't think enough people know about this show.

[ckret2]

The way I see it, I've got two potential promising avenues:

I can work the word "goldilocks" into a pun, like "Goldilocked Up" or something—that's a dumb title but it shows you what I mean. That would also help the title fit Gravity Falls naming conventions, they LOVE pun titles, and I'm always happy to make the fic feel a little more canon-ish.

(Shoutout 2 the asker who sent "Under Goldilock And Key," I don't think it quite feels enough like the fic i'm writing but You've Got The Spirit)

So, with a pun, that opens up any phrase that includes the word "lock" or "gold" to be riffed off of ("Fool's Goldilocks," "Goldilocked and Loaded," etc etc y'all know how to make puns.) Considering doors that can't be opened are a big thing in the fic, there's SOME kind of potential with (goldi)locks and doors

OR, i can make an allusion to the Goldilocks principle—the idea that for something to work (in biology, in economics, in psychology, lots of fields), conditions have to be "just right" in between two possible extremes. The most prominent use of the Goldilocks principle is the Goldilocks Zone, which is the narrow criteria for earthlike planets that can support life (not too hot, not too cold; not too big, not to small, etc). I think i can work something with that, BUT i'd need to find a way to thematically work it into the fic. I think it's possible. Something something portal project, something something goldilocks zone of possible universes he can target?

(Plus, @thedemonsurfer pointed out that Bill being in the shack is sort of a Goldilocks zone for his redemption arc: not secure enough that he can default to all his usual defense mechanisms but not so insecure that he's constantly lashing out. Which is brilliant, I'd been trying to find some way to slap the goldilocks principle onto his current situation but couldn't figure out what two extremes he was in between.)

If I wanna go with a Goldilocks principle/Goldilocks Zone allusion, I've got a whole lot of fic left to write, I have time to make it seem like an actual theme I did on purpose. If I can find a way to tie it into the repeated Plato's Cave+Flatland+cosmic horror allusions I'm using, I've struck gold lmfao. (Something something a safe midpoint between the darkness of ignorance and the blinding light of full madness-inducing knowledge?)

My mind's spat out the idea "Wasting Away Again in the Goldilocks Zone," I don't think I'm sold on it yet.

Song allusion's to a guy trying to act carefree and chill in a vacation town as he gradually realizes he's the source of his own problems, which is true of the story and is gonna be even more true once he has enough freedom to properly pretend he's carefree and chill; Bill is a fan of margaritas; he definitely feels like he's wasting away; it mixes quirky fun summer vacationy vibes with subjects of cosmic significance; it firmly avoids the Goldilocks fairy tale OR calling Bill "Goldilocks, which is great; and it definitely don't sound like any other fic titles out there.

But on the other hand it's longer than I'd prefer; it's gonna be harder to remember for anyone who DOESN'T know the song allusion, plus anyone who doesn't know the allusion won't have any idea what the title means; I literally forgot until I checked 15 minutes ago that the line is "wasting away again in margaritaville" instead of just "wasting away in margaritaville" and apparently there's common confusion about whether it's "wasting" or "wasted," so there's multiple avenues via which it would be really easy to get the title wrong.

But like, it's a B- title. In spite of its logistical flaws, I actually like the sound of it. I think it's moving in the right direction. Leaning on the "Goldilocks zone" concept has potential.

[thewritersaddictions]

Day One: Soldier Boy + Baby It's Cold Outside

It's late december when Ben comes back from yet another search for a Vought member. He's not really a fan of christmas having never really gotten the things he wanted during his childhood.

The first time Ben hears the song it's during his time away at war. Ben is just thirty, and he loves music. Warming his heart in a way that not much else can. He hums to himself during his time away at war, and as his mother used to. It keeps him clam, and striaght with his thoughts.

It's when Vought takes Ben to be their test subject and their propaganda device, does the song come back to him. Years had passed, Vought wanted, and tried like hell to make the face of thier company sell.

What was worth selling? Sex has alway sold, and by the standards of the world then and now Ben is a deliciously sexy man. Now mix that together with money and you've pretty much got yourself anything you can dream of.

It forces Ben, or what Vought called him "Soldier Boy" to become apart of a few things. Movie titles, pinup posters, and songs. During the sevetnies, and eighties when the tech get's better the songs he laid down on records turned into shitty music videos.

During christmas time one of the years before he was caught by the russians. He does yet another albums filled with winter songs. Speicallifly the song he had used to keep himself level headed during the war, down in the trenches dirt and blood splattering his face.

Shaking the thought he does what he's told, and sings the song. That damn song that has been stuck to him like glue for the past twenty years at least. Ben does a few good things before getting caught by the Russians like buying the song on record his version and the orginal stuffing them away with other importnat documents, and things from his childhood.

Ben can see the stupid LED christmas lights from the apartments window as he walks up his duffel over his shoulder. With that he jams the brass key into the lock twisting and turning the knob before the door gives and he's let in. The lights are dimly light, and the sound of the tv plays in the background.

"I'm home." He says loudly so you can hear over the tv. He can the scampering of your feet on the hardwood, as he drops the duffel kicks the door shut with his boots, and sits down to unlace his boots.

Theres that beautiful smile he wishes he could see everyday whenever he's away. "Hey beautiful." He says with a contentment that you can hear in his voice. You smile sweetly down at him, and when ben gets up from his kneeled postion you smother him kisses.

You taste of choclate and mint, "What have you been up to while I've been gone?" He asks even though he really doesn't have to. The apartment is decorated ceiling to floor in christmas decorations. Ben feels as if he just walked into a christmas store, or maybe a hallmark.

"Well," You start with a smile written all over your face, "I've been trying to get into the sprit of christmas, and  I pulled some of your old records out looking for something a least a little bit chirstmassy." The words "your records."

"You weren't through my things?" Ben doesn't mean for the words to come out so harsh, but they do. Ben is and has always been protective of what he has and that includes you, but he wishes you could have waited till he was home and you had asked him instead.

The smile on your face starts to fall you open your mouth open to apoliges, but nothing comes out. You drop your hand from his, and get quiet moving over to the couch. "I'm sorry Ben." The tv is still playing but the sound is lower.

Ben can feel the tension in the air. Thick and it annoys him. He forgets just how sensitive you can be not used to being home just yet. Ben needs a drink before he can deal with that mess he's created.

He leaves you in the living for now, to mutter in your feelings while he finds in the kitchen a jug of eggnog. An old recipe card sits out, he internally groans. 'Fuck you for being so damn sweet to him.' and 'Fuck him for having such a sweet spot for you.' He pour himself a glass and it hits him with a tingle down his thoart. His eyes scan over the recipe card, In cursive, "Just a dash or two cups of whiskey."

He can't hear you, but cna hear the tv. He rolls his eyes has he pour himself anther cup, and you one as well. When he comes out of the kitchen you are right where he left you. Setting your cup on the side tablebut not before you move a coastar underneath it. He set his cup down on the other coastar. The silence isn't uncomfortable for Ben, but he can feel you messin' with your fingers and nails. He starts to scan what you took out. His records, and one catches his eye.

He slides his fingers over the old package, and pulls the record from the safety of it's home. The record is safe from marks, or scratches and so Ben slips it onto the record player. Grabbing the remote, turning the tv off.

"Listen baby," You don't look at him, "Honey, look at me." Your eyes are glazed with hurt, but you look at him anyways. He has to stifle his laugh at how adorable you look right now for him.

"I'm sorry for being short with you, you know it takes me a few hours to get back and used to being home with you love. Now get up here and let me fix it." Ben says, reaching out his hand palm up so your much smaller hand can fit right in it. You chew your bottom lip for a moment like your thinking of denying him, but as much as Ben's missed you you've missed him tenfold.

You grab his hand and Ben pulls you up effortlessly. He smiles for the first time since he arrived home, and your shoulders fall with contentment. Ben only lets go of your hand for a few seconds just enough to let the needle fall on the record and his hands to slip back into yours. One hand holding onto your hand and the other your waist. The two of you sway as the music crackles and then starts to play.

You rest your head against his large chest, and breathe him in. The first few tracks are not the song Ben's looking for, but he waits patiently. He likes being able to hold you like this, there's no rhythm or reason to your swaying.

That is until the song Ben had been waiting for hit his ears. The songs start slow, and then your movements become more fluid. Your socks glide on the carpet, and even if you accidentally step on Ben's feet he is still okay with having you in his arms. By the chorus of the song Ben's humming in your ear with his hand holding you with a warm grip 'round our waist.

"You'll sing it for me?" You ask with your cheek pressed into his chest. Ben's humming stops and for a moment so does the little swaying the two of you have gotten into. Ben thinks for a moment, "Maybe sweetheart. Maybe." But he can already feel you getting excited at the thought of him singing, "But for now can you take the hummin' and the swayin'?" He asks, putting a stray piece of hair behind your ear. Nodding, you place your head back on his chest, swaying, and humming resumes.

Completed on: 10/06/23

Posted on: 12/01/23

The Anti-Hero-

The Boys Master List // The Anti-Hero Master List // Christmas Stoires Master List

[jokeroutsubs]

[ENG SUB] Joker Out at Radio Antena (18.07.2024)

Jan, Kris, Nace and Jure were interviewed by a radio host Jaka Peterka for Radio Antena. They talked about who needs to retake their driver's license exam, Kiki, the PR genius and what it takes to cross the pond.

Transcription by a member of JokerOutSubs, translation by drumbeat and @chaosofsmarty, proofread by ‪@flowerlotus8‬, subtitles by a member of JokerOutSubs

Full Transcript below 👇

And in the studio, the boys who, in the last year, visited more countries through concerts, than I've ever been to on Google Maps. They hold the title for the most streamed song in Slovenia ever, Carpe Diem. They've sold out Stožice, this year we can see them all across Europe on their summer tour. Jan, Kris, Jure and Nace from Joker Out, Good morning!

All: Good morning!

Wait, is Bojan sick, or what's happened?

Kris: Bojan is missing, he wasn't feeling well. And we've got a concert this weekend and… So he had to…

He has to rest a bit.

Kris: Yes.

Have you brought anything?

Jure: A good mood.

Kris: A new song.

A new song, that's true, because we'll hear it later. And this time in Croatian.

A ja samo čekam i žudim

But I'm just waiting for and craving

Za trenutkom kad ćeš zvati

The moment when you'll call

Da ti kažem da za tobom plače.

To tell you that, because of you, my heart cries,

Kris: What?

tuguje i pati

grieves and suffers

We'll hear it later, we'll also find out where you'll be in the upcoming days, or on your summer European tour. And we'll also find out why and which of these boys, here in the studio, should attend a safe driving training.

We'll check. Hey I'll just start with the question, which one of you recently "enhanced their car a bit", in quotation marks, somewhere near here?

Nace: That was me.

That was you, Nace?

Nace: That was me, yes.

Really? What happened?

Nace: Someone bumped into me in a parking lot.

Really in a parking lot? Ah, okay.

Jure: No, it's understandable then.

Nace: I don't need to do a safe driving training here.

No, no, then you really don't.

Kris: Safe parking training.

Nace: Take that back.

Take it back? Alright, so be it. Hey, it's a minute past nine, Jaka Peterka with you on Antena. And the boys, who this year have concerts all over Europe, at all the biggest festivals. Joker Out, without Bojči here, because he got sick. We'll also hear your new single later, 'Šta bih ja', the boys have told me, isn't in Croatian, but in Serbian, right?

Nace: Correct.

Kris: Yes.

But first of all, a small thing, like we're used to at Antena, "Who's most likely to". Pay attention. Who's most likely to have to redo their driving licence courses?

Jure: Jan.

Jan?

Jan: I mean, Nace here has a scratch on his car, so I don't know.

Nace: I mean, yours has also undergone repairs.

Jure: Yours also isn't much better.

Who's most likely to be the most successful at their job, if Joker Out didn't exist?

Kris: Jure would be quite successful at his job as a cameraman. Of course.

What, as a cameraman?

Jure: Yeah, I was a cinematographer.

Really?

Jure: For RTV.

Ah, alright, so the rest of you…

Kris: I mean, I'd be successful, but I don't think I'd be happy.

Jan: The rest of us haven't even had jobs yet.

Okay, moving on. Who's most likely to get married first?

Jure: Bojan.

Bojan?

Jan: Bojan.

Okay. Who's most likely to arrive late to a concert or on stage?

All: Jan.

Jan? Jan!

Jan: Again, Kris was late today, almost.

They were quite on time, I've got to give them praise for that. Who's most likely to go to bed immediately after a concert?

Jure: Kris.

Jan: Kris and Nace.

Kris: Bojči.

Nace, your age is showing, right?

Nace: It would be Kris and I, we go to bed at a similar time.

Jan: Kris and Nace.

Jure: And watch a movie together, eh?

4 minutes past 9, joining me… Jan, stop turning the computer on, you won't be playing games.

Jan: We did the last time.

There's still a Slovenian band on the Antena radio, which, on the one hand, has long ceased to be just that, given that we can see them next to the biggest artists all over Europe. For example, at the recent Exit Festival they performed right before the Black Eyed Peas. Joker Out, good morning again. Now, despite the fact that you have a massive fanbase all over Europe, you still stick pretty much to the Slovene language and some Croatian or Serbian as well. How come?

Kris: Yes, we feel like working in the language that comes naturally. I mean, it just depends on how things turn out, it mostly depends on Bojči, and the language he can feel the lyrics in. At that moment, we felt like making a Serbian song on the upcoming album there will be a couple of those as well as Slovenian.

That's awesome.

Kris: So it comes naturally. In English, we've already done a few, and we will do some more.

Well, because five days ago you released a brand new single, 'Šta bih ja'.

A ja samo čekam i žudim

But I'm just waiting for and craving

Za trenutkom kad ćeš zvati

The moment when you'll call

Da ti kažem da za tobom plače.

To tell you that, because of you, my heart cries,

Yes, well, I have to say that I find it interesting that they have… Even before it was released, there were people singing it at your concerts. I mean, all over Europe, right. How come? What, you already had it on your setlist? Nace?

tuguje i pati

grieves and suffers

Nace: Probably because for the whole tour what, in March we've been playing it and that's how they would have picked it up.

Jure: And we have one great story about when…

Nace: Yeah, basically, on the first concert of this tour, right, Bojan didn't know the exact lyrics exactly yet and he gave our roadie, Kiki, the lyrics on A4 format paper, it was just…

Kris: The chorus.

Nace: The chorus, yes. And he's like, "Did you manage to hang it?" "I did, I did." And then, just like that, when Bojan comes on stage, we start the song, and the lyrics, he can't find them. "Kiki, where are the lyrics?" "What? On the monitor!" But he hung it for people to read. Not for him. And basically, the fans all thought that this was some kind of a PR stunt. That we'd done it on purpose.

That was good fun.

Nace: It turned out great. Yeah, awesome.

And then what, people have been posting it on YouTube probably.

Nace: They took pictures.

Kris: Yes, yes, yes.

Damn, that's nice. Now we can see you all over Europe until the middle of August, this Saturday in Germany, actually, at the Deichbrand festival, if I've got that right. But do you know what I was wondering about? At the moment, in fact, you're crushing it in Europe. Are you tempted to hop across the pond?

Kris: Yes.

Any plans, actually, well?

Kris: Yeah, there are no really definite plans, because it is very difficult to travel across the pond. Mostly because for one single concert you need to get a full visa for a whole year, so…

Is that so?

Kris: Yes, and it's very hard to justify the expenses. We have to give it some thought, on how to approach this, so it makes sense. But yes, we do, and we know we have some fans in New York and Toronto, so we could also play something there.

Cool. What about, let's say, our parts? Slovenia maybe? I mean, you've already been, I know, this year to Ptuj, right? But, are there more plans for this year or maybe…?

Jan: There are also plans to see you again on local stages, yes.

This year?

Jan: This year.

Jure: This year, after the release of the album.

After the release, nice. And the album's coming out…?

Jure: September, October, if all goes well.

Okay, fingers crossed. Anyway, you can hear Joker Out and 'Šta bih ja', on Antena right now. Guys, thank you for coming.

All: Thank you.

I believe we might see each other very quickly even in the prime time on Rock am Ring. Or somewhere similar. Fingers crossed, well, mostly so that… Thank you for coming, say hello to Bojči. And this is Joker Out with 'Šta bih ja'.

[thefisherqueen]

I'm reading Letters from Watson's The three Garridebs as a bedtime story tonight. First things first - what even is this title?? *some research later* Oh, Garridebs is a last name, apparently. Wouldn't have guessed that. Yet another story title I will never be able to remember

It may have been a comedy, or it may have been a tragedy. It cost one man his reason, it cost me a blood-letting, and it cost yet another man the penalties of the law. I'm intrigued. They surely didn't still do blood-letting in the early 20th century? Or does this mean that Watson gets wounded in this case

I remember the date very well, for it was in the same month that Holmes refused a knighthood for services which may perhaps some day be described. I'm having a bit of trouble telling apart when Holmes wants attention and when he does not. He seems to thrive upon Watson's attention, and to immensely enjoy the attention he receives by acting Dramatic(TM), yet public praise or fame is to be avoided?

I only refer to the matter in passing, for in my position of partner and confidant I am obliged to be particularly careful to avoid any indiscretion. Partner, confidant, collegue, companion, intimate friend. In other words, 'you are so important to me'

Holmes had spent several days in bed, as was his habit from time to time It's been years since I spent an entire day in bed. I wonder if that means that I'm doing better, or if I'm just not allowing myself enough time to rest and recover from Life

"Have you ever heard the name of Garrideb?" I admitted that I had not. Same, Watson, same

"Why do you say that, Mr. Holmes?" I seemed to read sudden suspicion in those expressive eyes. "Your whole outfit is English." Mr. Garrideb forced a laugh. "I've read of your tricks, Mr. Holmes, but I never thought I would be the subject of them." Oh my. This man does not like to be deduced. I have a feeling he's going to be difficult

"Why did he ever drag you into it at all?" asked our visitor, with a sudden outflame of anger. "What in thunder had you to do with it? Here was a bit of professional business between two gentlemen, and one of them must needs call in a detective! Ah, here we have our trouble. I hope Holmes politely yet ruthlessly will tell him to shut it and keep his calm

"And now, sir, since you are here, we had best have a clear account from your own lips. My friend here knows nothing of the details." Mr. Garrideb surveyed me with not too friendly a gaze. "Need he know?" he asked. Not even an actual king could pry these two apart, sir, you better not even try. They come Together

He made his money in real estate, and afterwards in the wheat pit at Chicago wheat pit: a market or exchange where wheat stocks are bought and sold (merriam-webster dictionairy)

one day I had a visit from the old man, and he was tickled to death to meet another man with his own name 'tickled to death' is one of the many amazing expressions I'm going to incorportate into my vocabulairy

I told him I was a busy man and could not spend my life hiking round the world in search of Garridebs. 'None the less,' said he, 'that is just what you will do if things pan out as I planned them.' I thought he was joking, but there was a powerful lot of meaning in the words, as I was soon to discover. "For he died within a year of saying them, and he left a will behind him. It was the queerest will that has ever been filed in the State of Kansas. His property was divided into three parts, and I was to have one on condition that I found two Garridebs who would share the remainder. I... wow. That is some typical rich guy bullshit. I wonder if a third one exists at all?

"I am wondering, Watson—just wondering!" "At what?" Holmes took his pipe from his lips. "I was wondering, Watson, what on earth could be the object of this man in telling us such a rigmarole of lies. I nearly asked him so—for there are times when a brutal frontal attack is the best policy—but I judged it better to let him think he had fooled us. Well. That does changes things. I'm joining Holmes now in wondering what that unpleasant american is up to

It was twilight of a lovely spring evening, and even Little Ryder Street, one of the smaller offshoots from the Edgware Road, within a stone-cast of old Tyburn Tree of evil memory, looked golden and wonderful in the slanting rays of the setting sun. I think I read about this place. An execution site, if I remember it correctly. *googles* Yes, it was a gallows. From marble-arch.londen:

It is impossible to know exactly what form the original took as there are so few written reports. In fact, during their first hundred years from 1177 to 1273, only eight single executions were deemed interesting enough to make note of.

But we do know that in 1571 a permanent triangular frame was erected – a mammoth structure that could, and sometimes did, hang up to 24 people at a time. The Tyburn Tree was of such renown it is even mentioned in Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost: “Thou mak’st the triumviry, the corner-cap of society, The shape of Love’s Tyburn, that hangs up simplicity.”

Many met their end here. Records from the 1570s alone report that 704 felons were sentenced to be hanged there throughout the decade, for crimes ranging from murder to stealing cattle. Finally taken down in 1759 (presumably due to wear and tear), the structure was eventually replaced by a gallows that could be easily erected and dismantled each time. A gruesome early iteration of the London ‘pop-up’.

The last execution upon the tree was that of robber John Austin in 1783. The new place of execution became Newgate Prison. Today, a circular plaque embedded into the pavement on a traffic island at the entry to Edgware Road marks the spot of the Tyburn Tree

The house had a common stair, and there were a number of names painted in the hall some indicating offices and some private chambers. It was not a collection of residential flats, but rather the abode of Bohemian bachelors. Didn't bohemian bachelors have some queer connotations? Sometimes I read so much I get it all confused. Damn, if I'm distracted by research all the time I'm not going to finish this letter before bedtime. Still going to do that *10 minutes later* I can't find much at the moment, save the definition in the Urban dictionairy, which I'm def not going to type here. Anyone who knows more?

The room was as curious as its occupant. It looked like a small museum. It was both broad and deep, with cupboards and cabinets all round, crowded with specimens, geological and anatomical. Cases of butterflies and moths flanked each side of the entrance. A large table in the centre was littered with all sorts of debris, while the tall brass tube of a powerful microscope bristled up amongst them. As I glanced round I was surprised at the universality of the man's interests. Holmes will love this place

But you are a Britisher with solid references, and he is bound to take notice of what you say. I would go with you if you wished, but I have a very busy day to-morrow, and I could always follow you if you are in any trouble." The American fellow is unavailable for the very thing he claims to have come to England for? Sounds like an elaborate ploy to get this mr. Nathan out of the way for a while. Little clue as to why yet. I assume he wants something that the man has?

“I wish I could look over your collection, Mr. Garrideb,” said he. “In my profession all sorts of odd knowledge comes useful, and this room of yours is a storehouse of it.” Our client shone with pleasure and his eyes gleamed from behind his big glasses. “I had always heard, sir, that you were a very intelligent man,” said he. “I could take you round now if you have the time.” “Unfortunately, I have not. But these specimens are so well labelled and classified that they hardly need your personal explanation. If I should be able to look in to-morrow, I presume that there would be no objection to my glancing over them?” Holmes def has his suspicions and is not leaving the collection unguarded. Excited to learn how this will turn out

By the way, who is your house-agent?” Our client was amazed at the sudden question. “Holloway and Steele, in the Edgware Road. But why?” I should go to sleep. I was convinced this was the adress of the American, but instead Watson just mentioned that street as he and Holmes walked past

“This is a more serious matter than I had expected, Watson,” said he. “It is fair to tell you so, though I know it will only be an additional reason to you for running your head into danger. I should know my Watson by now. Holmes has finally accepted that Watson would never let him go into danger alone. This is so cute

I have identified Mr. John Garrideb, Counsellor at Law. He is none other than ‘Killer’ Evans, of sinister and murderous reputation.” “I fear I am none the wiser.” “Ah, it is not part of your profession to carry about a portable Newgate Calendar in your memory. Plot twist! Also, how funny it is of Holmes to acknowledge that it is not really Normal to memorize entire lists of prisoners

I'll give you an hour for a siesta, Watson, and then I think it will be time for our Ryder Street adventure.” Since when does Watson get to have siesta's? I'm jealous

So these two are stuck behind a cupboard instead of a curtain this time. Fun times!

Then my friend's wiry arms were round me, and he was leading me to a chair. “You're not hurt, Watson? For God's sake, say that you are not hurt!” It was worth a wound—it was worth many wounds—to know the depth of loyalty and love which lay behind that cold mask. The clear, hard eyes were dimmed for a moment, and the firm lips were shaking. For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain. All my years of humble but single-minded service culminated in that moment of revelation. “It's nothing, Holmes. It's a mere scratch.” He had ripped up my trousers with his pocket-knife. “You are right,” he cried with an immense sigh of relief. “It is quite superficial.” His face set like flint as he glared at our prisoner, who was sitting up with a dazed face. “By the Lord, it is as well for you. If you had killed Watson, you would not have got out of this room alive. Ok not so fun times. Although Watson seems 100% fine with it. I've seen this scene quoted several times already, but didn't know it was from this case. This is some quality hurt/comfort. It has blood, desperation, removed clothing, and an excellent threat as the cherry on top. Brilliant

those bundles on the table are two thousand of Prescott's notes worth a hundred each and fit to pass anywhere. Help yourselves, gentlemen. Call it a deal and let me beat it.” Holmes laughed. “We don't do things like that, Mr. Evans. There is no bolt-hole for you in this country. Loving the implication that US is lawless territory

Well this was a fun case. Such a complicated ploy to get one old man out of his house, and some great Holmes/Watson interaction. I really need some sleep now

[coleskingdom]

Sunshine

El Phantasmo x F Reader

@midwestmade29

“Hey Sunshine “ I turn my head at the sound of Riley’s voice. “Jay said he needs to see you for a minute before we take off. “ Jay is in the corner and does a little wave. It’d be easier just to get this over with than to ask Riley what his friend wants. I walked over to Jay “Ry said you wanted to see me.” I shuffle nervously under his gaze. He smiles predatorily “Yes, I hear you both are going to a little shindig that Mercedes is throwing.” I nod my head a lot of people are going “well I happen to know about a secret room on the top floor of the building.” Clearly my face shows my confusion. “ Here’s the key. Send our boy off to the G1 properly okay” he laughs at my uncomfortableness at this suggestion. “It’s a small apartment, you look as though you thought I was giving you the keys to a kinky sex dungeon. Which if you’re interested in I can grab those keys the next time.” his eyebrow quirking. “Knife Pervert” I mutter “Sweetheart you have no idea.” I hear as I walk away.

“What did he want?” Riley shoots a questioning look over my head. “ Jay handed me keys to a loft I guess at this club and told me to send you off to the G1 properly..” my voice cool. Before Riley can say anything , Zack walks up “Darlings are we ready. I have a car waiting.” He ushers us out of the room and out the door to the car. Inside the car Zack breaks the silence “what’s wrong?” the question clearly directed at me “ A lovers quarrel ? What did Riley do now.” His voice teasing. “ Actually it’s Jay being Jay” dangling the keys at Zack. “ Oh boy, I didn’t realize he had one stateside. In Japan he had three of them. Well I should say was gifted three of them. You see each leader of Bullet Club buys one and the keys go to the next leader. When Jay was ousted he had the keys and titles and sold them all. I’ve only been in one of them in a storm in Tokyo there were no rooms and he took pity on me It was something, Riley have you ever been given the keys to one before?” Passing a bottle to Riley “I tried to stay out of his personal life especially in Japan. I didn’t even know about these.” Zack smiled “ Yet he handed her the key, interesting. Darling did Jay-say anything else.” Riley passed me the bottle. “ No just to send our boy off to the G1 appropriately.” They both laughed as I took a swig. “I’m curious as to what this one looks like. Before you two get to it, let me have a little peek. King Switch always keeps it interesting I’ll give him that.” The car pulled up in front of the building.

Riley walks us into the party and finds us a spot on the couch. He pours each of us a drink, “ We don’t have to go up there. “ he whispers in my ear, “ He’s just messing with you. I saw his face when you took the keys from him. “ he looked amused. “I’m kind of intrigued, honestly.” Sipping the drink . “Actually the sooner” my hand gliding up his thigh “the better. The wake up call is in 5 hours.” Kissing him, pulling away “ We do owe it to Zack to show him.” Patting his leg a groan falling from his lips. “ Forget Zack.” As he grabs my hand and we sneak up the stairwell. Inside the apartment he flips on the lights, it is the single sexiest apartment I’ve ever seen. “This is stunning” the apartment was done in black white and gold, the expensive leather sofa , ottomans and chairs all curves and sleek lines different heights begging to be used. The art was still shots in black and white, that allude to sex and carnal desires. Every accessory curved or a subtle phallic reference there’s only one reason for a place like this. “There’s only one thing stunning, and it’s you.” As soon as I step further into the living room, Riley’s arm is around my waist and he's pulling me to him.

"Fucking hell, I've been dying for you all night, Sunshine ." My eyelids instinctively close and my hands reach for his face. He breathes in the skin of my neck, massaging my hips, sliding his hands up and down my waist. His hands, oh God, his large calloused hands. He touches me like he owns me. His hair is soft, and he's wearing an unbuttoned shirt and jeans. I'm pressed up against his warm, bare chest. I pull my head back so I can see his handsome face. His eyes are hooded, his jaw tense. So serious. I tilt my head up to press my lips against his, a half-kiss. Savoring this calm before the storm of our bodies crashing against each other. He rests his forehead against mine, hands up in my hair, slowly exploring my breasts, my waist, my hips. "Beautiful girl, what have you done to me?" His hands cup my face. He smooths his thumb across my bottom lip, and I suck it into my mouth, moaning and watching him as I do.

Heat flashes in his eyes. He licks his lips. Makes a deep, guttural sound, like a shot fired, and the race to do as much to each other's bodies as we can begins. I pull his shirt down off his shoulders, running my hands down the smooth, toned muscles of his arms. He tosses the shirt to the floor and pushes me against the wall, kissing me hard on the mouth, practically growling, and then dropping to his knees and disappearing under my dress.

Oh sweet mercy, he tugs my panties down. I feel his thumb brush up against my clit, and then he grabs hold of my ass, slides one hand down the back of one thigh, hiking my leg up over his shoulder. He licks and then bites the flesh of my inner thigh. My eyes roll back inside my head. "Oh, Riley." I melt into the wall, into his hands, into his talented tongue. His flicking, circling, sweeping tongue. His gentle, punishing, determined tongue. I'm whimpering and floating up and caving in on myself. My hands slap against the wall, trying to find some leverage, bracing myself. And now his fingers get in on the action too.

“Riley please”He answers by moaning, pushing his fingers up to my hips and pulsing his tongue in and out and in and out. My entire being is struck by a hot jolt of electricity, and then my hips follow his rhythm, warmth radiating up and out from my center and back to where his tongue penetrates me. It feels too good. I scream out his name and then cover my mouth because I'm making such loud noises. "I want to hear you," he says from under my dress. "I want to hear you come.""Riley."

He continues licking me, pressing my trembling thighs together even more with his palms and then sucking on my clit. “Oh God!"He goes back to kissing me down there and doesn't stop until my hips have stopped rolling, until my body has stopped jerking and tensing, until every cell of my body has gone from screaming to whispering his name.

His head finally reemerges from under my dress, but I still feel little electric shocks in my core. Before I can even mutter his name again he's carrying me in his arms to the bedroom. He kicks the door shut. When my shoes are off, he stands up, takes my hands and holds them up, pulling my dress over my head.

The dress gets tossed aside. I can barely keep my heavy eyelids open, but his eyes are wide and apprecia-tive. I am completely naked before him in this room that’s bathed in soft light.

"Sunshine ...look at you. I’m going to remember this for the next six weeks." I run my fingers through my hair and toss it all behind my shoulders so he can see everything, dragging my fingertips down the side of my neck, between my breasts. He groans and reaches for me, but I reach for his jeans, looking up at him as I unbutton and unzip, maneuvering them so they can drop to his ankles. He steps out of them, kicking them aside. The bulge in his black boxer briefs is magnificent. I cup it with one hand while tracing my fingertip along the inside of the waistband and then pulling the elastic away from the taut skin of his pelvis. He watches me as my fingers run up and down his happy trail. “ I do believe I was told to send you off to the G1 properly.”I push the boxer briefs down until they drop to the floor. I cup his balls, wrap my hand around the base, and lick up the underside, all the way to the crown and then suck on it. We both groan at the same time. His hands are in my hair again. "Sunshine," he says so quietly.

"Fuck, that feels so good your hot wet mouth around me. Look at me.”

I stroke and lick and suck and squeeze never breaking eye contact. “ that’s my good girl taking me so well. I’ll be thinking about this the whole time I’m gone.” He tugs on my hair. His hands grip my shoulders. "Sunshine , stop." I stop looking up but not letting him out of my mouth. “ You did such a good job I need you on the bed now. “ I let him go with a pop the groan that fell from his lips as I laid on the bed.

“Seriously, I can’t believe this ?” giggling and pointing at the ceiling. Riley looked up at the ceiling , “Why does that not surprise me? Of course he’d have a mirror on the ceiling? We can go to the living room if this is weird .” he kisses me deeply. “I’m kind of into it.” He chuckled and with that he's settled over me again, he pushes forward just a little. I don't want to wait. I wrap my legs around him and lift my hips. Looking up I see the line in his muscular back, his magnificent ass and how small I look under him. "Riley. Please."He slides in deep in one thrust.The two of us gasp, and I tighten around him. He feels so good. I never could've imagined how perfectly he would fit inside me, as though he were made for me.

"Jesus Christ," he mutters.

"Fuck, you... you feel..."

"Perfect." I finish the sentence.

He takes my mouth in a searing kiss, and there are no more words between us. He sets a pace that leaves no room for any talking. I’m lost to watching him take me. His body moving watching his taught muscles I can’t resist running my nails down his back.

The only sounds are our ragged breaths and skin meeting skin. Sweat breaks out on his forehead, and I can see the strain of him fighting back, wanting this to go on forever. I push against his chest, wanting control again. I want to be what makes him lose it. He flips onto his back, taking me with him so l am on top, sliding down on his cock. I rest my hands on his chest, moving slowly, and the friction on my clit starts to build another climax.Riley’s fingers dig into my hips as he urges me to ride him a little faster. Once I'm at the pace he wants, he moves his hands to my breasts. His expert fingers touch me in the right way, kneading before moves to my nipples, pinching and tugging.

"Please," I manage to get out.

"Please don't stop."

"You're close. Your tight, pussy is clenching around my dick. You want to come again. Your body knows..."

"Yes," I moan.

“You’re so beautiful riding me.” He shifts to wedge his finger between us and starts to rub my clit again. It is both amazing and breathtaking. It's too much. I can't come again, but Riley is determined.

"Ride me, Sunshine . I’ve got you my good girl. Take everything because it's yours. Take it, love. Take what you need." I tilt my head back and I see me riding him. I scream, unable to hold back as another orgasm rockets through me. I collapse forward, but he's there, holding me to him. His hips jerk up, fucking me from beneath until he's groaning my name into my hair as he pulses inside me. I lie against his chest, unable to move even if I wanted to, which I don't. That was the most incredible thing l've ever experienced.

He moves my hair to the side and kisses my nose. “Sunshine, "You okay?"

"Huh?" He laughs. "I'll take that as a yes."

"Uh-huh."Apparently, all I'm capable of is speaking in sounds. I don't want to move. I want to stay like this forever. He chuckles again and then rolls me to the side. I flop over, my limbs not really cooperating. “I’m going to push my flight back. I’ll take the last flight out. I need a few more hours of Sunshine.”

[neoninky]

New OC Drop (SC x Diasomnia story)

So literally as I was formulating a new fox character the other day, HOYOVerse dropped this foxian dude onto the internet like an ikemen grenade as they do.

And my fox dude just so happens to be Chinese-inspired lol. I swear this is a coincidence. Anyway- (big ass nerdy info dump under the cut)

I am introducing another SC series OC, this time for my Diasomnia story that I said I would write forever ago. It's still happening, there are just a few bumps that still need to be ironed out. In the meantime: Meet Zhao Tai-Yang (last name, first name)

I'm taking some a lot of artistic liberties with the world-building for my Diasomnia story. The Land of the Crimson Long (I believe that's what we're calling it on the EN Server, correct me if I'm wrong) has been mentioned in TWST Chapter 7 and the original Halloween event before. As our dear Malleus has stated before, the Chinese Long is not the same as a dragon in the canon timeline. In the timeline that I'm writing for my Sacred Crown OC x Canon series, Long are a variant of dragon fae. Very different from their Briar Valley cousins but dragon fae nonetheless and where Malleus and his family are the monarchs of Briar Valley, The LoCL is ruled by the Long Emperor. Tai-Yang is a fox fae hailing from The Land of Crimson Long, inspired by the mythological fox spirits of China known as 'Huli Jing'. Not Kitsune. No, kitsune are Japanese fox spirits. From what I've read they are similar but not exactly the same. Anyway, moving on-

Without giving away too much, Tai-Yang served the Long Emperor as a trained assassin who sometimes posed as a concubine to lure in enemy targets (and to also protect the actual harem). His family has served the royal palace for generations. Circumstances in the past brought him to the shores of Briar Valley over hundreds of years and reunited him with an old friend in the current events of the story. While he is skilled with a sword, his preferred weapons are his armored claws which he utilizes in hand-to-hand combat. Plus they're easier to hide. Does he have a fox form like Malleus has a full-on dragon form? Maybe?? lol I mostly added the lil fox mascots simply because I could. The story itself doesn't have an official title yet. I've been considering 'Her Waking Dream' but I'm not entirely sold on it yet. Either way, I'm pretty happy with how my boy Tai turned out, especially for a very slapdash sketch I just kinda threw together lol.

@nuitthegoddess @wysteriadelights @iscarlettappel @foxwitchaine @honeyuuyuu @yunaemiya @1ndigowitch @ladyrosemoon @victoria1676 @aiimee9 @feldya @palomiuwu

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

Guilty Pleasures (Jean x Reader Short Fic)

Shoutout to my playthrough of Dragon Age: Inquisition for giving me the material to write this ask. I'm gonna be twisting the prompt juuuust a bit, but the ask's spirit will remain the same!

Also despite the title, not spicy, just fluff. And secondhand embarrassment. (featuring Aether and Paimon)

Jean sat in her office enjoying a bit of free time, for once.

Her eyes were glued to the contents of the book she was reading, "Swords and Shields". It was a romantic novel with some...suggestive content, as she would put it lightly.

But this wasn't just any regular book. This was penned by her S/O.

They were an author and they were fairly well-known throughout Mondstadt. But they had no idea that Jean read their works.

Least of all Aether and Paimon, who came through the door.

(Paimon) "Master Jean!"

(Aether) "Hey, been a bit!"

(Jean) "..."

The two looked at each other before approaching her.

(Aether) "Jean?"

(Jean) "AH!"

Jean almost dropped her book as she tried to hide it behind her.

(Paimon) "Woah! Jeez, is that book top secret?"

(Jean) "Ah, Honorary Knight, Paimon."

She took a sigh of relief as she tried to put the book into a cabinet underneath her desk.

(Jean) "My apologies, I didn't hear you come in."

(Aether) "Sorry for startling you. What were you reading?"

(Jean) "Ah, don't worry it wasn't anything important. Rather it was just a story written by S/O."

(Paimon) "Aw, that's sweet! Are their stories any good?"

(Jean) "Quite! Their books sell well enough in Mondstadt."

(Aether) "Hm, sounds like something we should add to the teapot to read. What's the one you were reading called?"

(Jean) "..."

Jean became quiet as her cheeks suddenly burned a crimson red.

(Paimon) "Master Jean, are you blushing?"

(Jean) "...While many enjoy S/O's works, this one is the exception."

She meekly revealed the cover of the book, Aether and Paimon looking curiously at it.

It was some drawing of a man and woman in armor, though the armor was very skimpy, and looked...-

(Aether) "Is this smut?"

Jean sighed, nodding in defeat.

(Jean) "It's not good at all, yet I can't help but love it. This was the latest chapter and it ends on a cliffhanger."

(Paimon) "Oh, maybe you can order S/O to finish it and-"

(Jean) "NO!"

Jean shouted at Paimon, making the both of them recoil in surprise.

Realizing her outburst, her face became even more red as she cleared her throat.

(Jean) "S/O does not know about this, nor should they ever! Now, is there anything you need?"

Knowing they were playing with fire, Aether excused himself and Paimon as they left the door.

(Paimon) "Wow, Paimon has never seen Jean so flustered before!"

(Aether) "..."

Aether got an idea.

An awful idea.

(Paimon) "You're thinking of telling S/O, aren't you?"

(Aether) "You in?"

(Paimon) "You didn't even need to ask."

With the smug grins on their faces, the two set off to find Jean's S/O.

A few minutes later, they found S/O at the marketplace buying groceries.

(S/O) "Aether, Paimon! What can I do ya for?"

(Paimon) "We need your help for a dire situation! It involves Master Jean!"

Before the color could leave S/O's face, Aether chipped in.

(Aether) "It's nothing serious, but I imagine it'd make your day. You need to write the last chapter for Swords and Shields so Jean can read it."

(S/O) "...What does that have to do with Jean?"

(Paimon) "You know she reads it, right?"

...

(S/O) "She what?"

(Paimon) "Yeah, we came in through the door, she tried to hide it super fast! Seems like she was really embarrassed by it."

(S/O) "If anyone was planning to look their mother in the eye anytime soon, they would be. That book was absolute crap! It barely sold anything, barely enough to make the Mora on the ink back!"

(Aether) "Yet, Jean said she loved it."

(S/O) "...Barbatos, of all the things she could've read-"

(Paimon) "Don't worry, she likes your other works, but she LOOOOVES this one!"

(S/O) "So you want me to write the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt the smuttiest, worst written abomination I've ever put to paper? This is literally the stupidest plan I've ever heard."

(Aether) "I'll give you 100,000 Mora to give it to her in person while we get to watch."

S/O smirked.

(S/O) "Oh please, I'll do it for free. Come back tomorrow evening."

...

Jean signed away the bit of paperwork that remained on her desk. The sun was beginning to set, and good timing.

She was just about to finish and-

Knock knock knock!

(S/O) "Jean? It's S/O."

(Jean) "Ah, I must have been overworking myself again. Come in!"

S/O had always come in to make sure she wasn't exerting herself too much, as per usual. It was either them or Barbara that showed up to do so.

S/O would recommend to take a break and maybe read a book.

Jean remembered when S/O mentioned a romance novel, and they must have been able to see the glint in her eyes, because that opened a whole floodgate of novels they've personally written.

She couldn't help but giggle at the memory. It was thanks to their recommendations, she got to know the author behind some of her favorite works.

That being said, she managed to find Swords and Shields because of Lisa, and S/O was adamant on never discussing it.

Shaking her head and coming back to reality, she smiled at S/O who came through the door.

(Jean) "Hello, dear. I promise I'm almost-"

It was then she noticed Aether and Paimon walk in behind them.

(Jean) "Is something the matter?"

(S/O) "Nope, nothing. They just wanted to see me give you a gift."

Jean raised an eyebrow. Why would they ever be interested in such a personal af-

...THEY WOULDN'T DARE-

(S/O) "I present to you, the latest chapter of Swords and Shields, my Dandelion Knight!"

Aether and Paimon were struggling to contain their laughter.

Even S/O was trying their best not to laugh along.

(Jean) "...I do not find this amusing."

(S/O) "Oh, I was told you were a big fan. Maybe I should get this through editing anywa-"

(Jean) "A-AH! S/O! I n-never said I didn't want it! If...you wouldn't mind?"

(S/O) "Of course. Here."

Jean took the book and calmly placed it on her desk while S/O squeezed her arm playfully.

(S/O) "Though, I am a bit surprised you found this the best of all my works, dear."

(Jean) "I-I...um..."

(S/O) "To each their own taste, I can't judge my audience. Besides, you're the only one who gets to see this. See you at home for dinner?"

(Jean) "Of course."

Jean gave a quick kiss to her S/O.

(Jean) "And...thank you for writing this."

S/O didn't want to mention it was absolute torture going back to that work. But if it made the love of their life happy, maybe the reward was worth it.

(S/O) "Anytime."

Aether and Paimon kept snickering as S/O quickly got out of the room.

The two turned to leave before a strong gust of wind slammed the door shut.

(Paimon) "W-What the?!"

Aether's battle instincts were kicking in as he turned around to see Jean's Vision glowing.

And with a death glare to boot.

(Jean) "You may not be a Knight of Favonius, but you are still an Honorary Knight. And you disobeyed a direct order from me, to not tell S/O about this."

(Paimon) "W-Well, you see we just wanted to...Uh-"

Aether calmly stepped forward, reassuring Paimon with a nod.

(Aether) "Allow me to explain, Acting Grand Master...IT'S PAIMON'S FAULT!"

(Paimon) "Yes, precisely Paimon's poi-

WHAT?!"

...

Klee playfully hummed to herself inside Solitary Confinement before the door swung wide open.

Master Jean walked in calmly and smiled.

(Jean) "Good evening, Klee."

(Klee) "Oh, hi Master Jean!"

(Jean) "For your good behavior this week, I've decided to give you tomorrow off. May I ask for you to collect your things and play at my house? S/O will be there to look after you."

(Klee) "Really?! YAY! Okay, I'll grab my stuff!"

Klee happily grabbed her belongings and went out the door.

(Klee) "It's Mister Honorary Knight!"

(Jean) "Ah, they won't be able to play. They're going to Solitary Confinement."

Klee's eyes almost bulged out her head.

(Klee) "What?! Mister Honorary Knight got in trouble?"

(Jean) "Go ahead home, Klee."

(Klee) "Um...Alright, when you're out, we can play together! Bye!"

Aether and Paimon watched Klee enviously as they watched Klee exit headquarters.

Jean crossed her arms as her frown deepened, expecting them to know what comes next.

(Aether) "Um...is it too late to say we're so-"

(Jean)

"INSIDE. NOW."

(Aether & Paimon) "Y-YES MA'AM!"

...

That night, Jean read the final chapter to Swords and Shields with the most intense focus S/O had ever seen. They couldn't help but cringe, knowing their most hated work is Jean's most beloved.

But as a writer, they couldn't control what their audiences liked and disliked.

Even if it was a really bizarre choice...

===

BONUS:

Lisa wondered why S/O refused to talk about this work to Jean.

It was romance, Jean would surely enjoy that much.

4 Chapters in, she now understood why.

(Lisa) "Aaaaaand, into the Forbidden Section this goes."

[artemisandhersilverbow]

If there are no fans of Taylor's lyric vids it's because I'm dead. They add so much richness to already elite lyrics. But I was immediately suspicious during The Manuscript video.

Because my understanding of what a manuscript is, is the following:

I had assumed, like many prior to the album drop, this was meant to make us think of books. These days in publishing a manuscript will be typed, but it's not the book in its final form.

In the Tortured Poet's library popups in a couple cities, there were a lot of books. Blank ones, damaged ones, ones with the names of TTPD song titles, and notably a handwritten "Story of Us." That hand written Story of Us then showed up in the Fortnight MV. Interesting...

Of course, any long time fan knows the role Taylor's diaries play in her music making as well. Her music has always sounded confessional and it's been one component of her musical super power. During Lover promo, excerpts from her diaries were sold alongside the album. She's underscored their importance many times.

So imagine my surprise when The Manuscript video... doesn't show a manuscript...

That is a screenplay.

And I click back to the first seconds of the video... looking at those underlined letters and asked myself... is it The Man U Script? *if i was a maaaAAn*

The way she has these lyrics written out in screenplay form... we're watching a scene narrating the "She" character reading something unpublished, perhaps handwritten, perhaps a diary, maybe lyrics. I assume the "HE" which is in voiceover is what she's reading and her lines are spoken.

Anyway, I wont break down the full scene because I haven't watched it in this new light yet. But this tension between the song name at first glance - something unpublished or handwritten. Messy, unfinished, not meant for the public, perhaps even at its most authentic... vs. characters in roles. Men that are scripted... well that's adding a whole knew dimension to it.

I really appreciate how before I watched this, the song feels like it's told in vignettes and time moves dramatically. But I didn't appreciate the play on POV initially (and there's a ton of it in this - very good - album)

Also noteworthy that, yes, there seems to be reference to the ATW short film, which makes even more sense to me now.

But anyway, the narrative about this album has once again become about the men. Which isn't new, but always disappointing. Genuinely, I got something really different out of this album by not focusing on solving those romance riddles with my own confirmation bias. The other story, the one about a singular artist, percolating beneath the surface is far more interesting to me.

It wouldn't be the first time she's called out the people who consume her work in this album and, frankly, it's one of my favorite things about it. It's cutting and it's earned. It's also heartbreaking. But for a song that confused me, is the bonus on all the regular editions of TTPD, I think it would be a lot more satisfying if this is the message she's leaving us with. That once I publish my work, my stories, in it's final constructed/edited form, I've moved from the place I was when I experienced them. And then when its published the truths you seek to dig out from my words don't belong to me - it belongs to you. Just a thought.

Edit:

I think there are a lot of ways to read this. In conversation with the fans/outsiders is the main one, which I touch on before.

But for a more literal reading using some clues from the video, I know how Taylor can’t resist utilizing a number when it’s available for a little clue. Now I think reading each page number by era… is actually a fun (still devastating) way to do that. As you’ll imagine 3 and 4 are where those lines show up.

But we end on 7 where she’s accepting she doesn’t own those albums anymore, but all that she’s left with is the manuscript - which I would guess is her music (published and unpublished) and diaries.

Lover era + promo diary era was her first entirely owned era, but as the song says “looking back” or re-recording/vault tracks/doing it on your terms is the only way to move forward.

Also how about the hard to catch glitch over the words “the actors”?

[devsgames]

how hard was it to set up stuff regarding economical/legal side of things for gamedev? (regirestering a company, register trademark, recieve income from steam, pay taxes, etc) i know that its country specific but i would want to hear your side of things

You're right in that it's incredibly specific to your location! I'll go over what I've had to do thus far for specifically living in Ontario, Canada; A lot of how I've gained the following insight has been from thorough Googling, looking on government resources and asking people.

Setting Up A Business

Here in Ontario we have generous small business laws, anyone making money from their own business is by default considered a "Sole Proprietorship". Normally businesses need to charge tax based on every Good or Service sold, however Sole Proprietorships don't need to do this until they reach $30k yearly profits in Ontario.

Currently I'm making maybe 5k a year from my games so I'm safe, and thus technically don't even need to register a business. The tradeoff however is that I'm legally and financially responsible for my own business, so if something happens financially or legally it's my own personal risk and not the business's.

There's a few business types here with different meanings (Partnership, LLC, Co-op, etc). Technically I should register one at some point but since it's just me and I'm broke it won't do much. To register a business in Canada isn't hard (I think it's basically just a 30 minute phone call where they give you a 'business number' for registeration and tax use and say "congrats you're a business now!). You have to come up with a unique business name which I've consistently floundered back and forth on and have never stuck to anything which is why "Dev's Games" is the best "brand" I have at the moment. Good thing I'm not registered yet!

Registering a Trademark

This also depends on your location, and I have never done this. I'm sure in many cases there is reason to if I really cared about exclusively using titles or names of things, but I honestly don't.

I also genuinely don't thinm not having a trademark as a problem! Trademarks strike me as useful for a company trying to build a big business around a name that is aleeady popular and ripe for idea theft (E.g Photoshop, Google, Adobe) and stopping others from using it. Right now, I'm so small that this doesn't matter, and I'd honestly consider someone drawing inspiration from me an honor as opposed to something I'd want to contain. Maybe if one of my titles got like SUPER viral down the road I'd seriously look into it; apparently it's a lot of paperwork and something you'd have to find a lawyer for.

Getting Payments

This is, you guessed it, just paperwork that depends on your operating location!

Established storefronts like Steam have a process for registering your account with them and when I started out this was the part of the process I was the most anxious for, but it's actually super easy (which is why there's so much shovelware on there). Steam as a baseline takes 30% of all your sales on the platform (an absolutely insane amount for what the platform does). You'll fill out some paperwork and based on your operating location to determine how much money Steam automatically sets aside for taxes (VST).

As a Canadian they take 0% because Canada-America has tax exemption treaties which make receiving payments from American companies like this tax-free.

Outside of that there's not much, you give them your bank account number and they send payments one month after month end (e.g. end of December they'll pay you for November's sales). Everything is in USD so be prepared for things to be a bit wonky in that respect, and note it costs $100 USD to add a game to Steam. Setting up store pages for your games is its own kind of busywork I won't get into here, but publishing to Steam on the whole is much more work than something like Itch.io.

All in all I like Steam's process for registering and they make it pretty easy to get onto the platform since it's in their interest to potentially make fat money off of your work for doing very little :)

Managing Income

I struggle with anxiety around finances so this part is long.

I set up my own bank account explicitly for earning/spending on my games - prior to getting laid off I only used it for that, but recently I've been having to pay rent from it now too sometimes.

Get a platform that allows you to track and categorize your expenses and income over time. I've been using Wave to balance my income and expenses, as I find it's pretty simple for my needs and lets me mark what different payments are to avoid losing secret money to things I forget about. It connects directly to your bank account, so it will be the most accurate form of income tracking.

Eventually you will buy things and forget what you bought, or receive money for something you're not sure why, or lose/receive money months after you should have. Steam and Itchio have ways of viewing your payouts and reports, but it's hard jumping through 2-3 websites trying to track down a magic number - viewing this all in one place is invaluable to your sanity and making sure you don't go broke. Having this will be a godsend to you during tax time.

Always have additional "rainy day" money set aside - when I started I put about $100 aside from each paycheque at my full time job into my business. Keep an eye on your income flow and know how much you can anticipate to spend on your work. Know how your business money relates to your personal finances and be ready to take money out of your business for emergencies, and vice versa for business emergencies. Money put aside to pay contractors is money you cannot and should not touch.

Contractors based in the US will often ask you pay them through a certain site, many of which aren't available outside the US. Don't be afraid to ask if they use something like Paypal instead. Keep extra money aside for them so you can tip. Make sure you're aware of how they expect to be paid, at what interval, and how much, and keep that money aside. And expense tracker is also helpful here.

Keep in mind most businesses operate on USD, and be mindful of how your local currency converts over. CDN is usually ~60-70% of USD, so I often have to pay more for things like subscriptions or labour then they're listed. When a contractor tells you their rates always be sure you know what currency they're talking about - sometimes I've expected to pay USD when I've had to pay AUS.

Also do not quit your dayjob. Make money through a stable employment and fund your games as a fun side hobby. Easier said than done, but there is an almost 0% chance you will be able to afford surviving off of making indie games as a full living and be afford to keep a roof over your head. I've shipped 4 games on Steam now and I only make about $100-$300 USD from sales there depending on the month. Minimum wage in Ontario is ~$25k a year, I am currently making like $5k from sales on Steam alone. Working at McDonalds would pay better.

Taxes

Taxes are very regional, so results will vary.

Usually businesses have to set aside sales taxes on goods sold. Since I'm a Sole Proprietorship in Ontario making less than 30k I don't have to. Taxes for me basically consists of saying "I made this much" to the government (good expense tracking REALLY helps here).

One thing to note is that at least here the government has NO IDEA how video games fit into business. Until recently there was no "Game Development" business type, and much of the tax reporting interface is obsessed with physical goods; it'll ask how much your "inventory" is worth, how many "goods" you have sold (games are technically "goods" even though they're not a physical thing). Basically be prepared for your tax system to be used to dealing with physical retailers and farmers, and not with digital-only software developers.

---

I'm sure there's more I can cover but my hands hurt. A lot of this is researching your local laws and/or talking to devs local to your area. It's not hard to do any of this necessarily, it's just a lot of paperwork (which is nevertheless super helpful to put together). Once you learn how it all works everything is way less scary though! :)

[scorching-earth]

just what are Icons?

@ninjablasterzx : Is Icon's like Idols or like the commander of a sin?

the Icon of sin: hello there you want to know what an Icon of sin. well let me tell you-

Icon for Greed: nether while you can call us Idols currently. were not the only Icons of sin. what we have are not titles but curses.

Icon of sloth: ... yah and we got our curses form boss.

Icon of pride: fear not curses are not all bad! I pride shall give you a drop of my wisdom! curses are how demons get more power. Butler come here!

Demon Butler: coming! what is it you need mam?

Icon of pride: tell them your curse.

Demon Butler: witch one?

Icon of pride: uh the devotion one.

Demon Butler: oh the curse of devotion, well it's like it's name sake. I'm Devoted to the Icon of sin. Kan's ambitions become mine, yet with all of this I will always own my soul. even if i make a deal for my soul it will fall through and I'll only get the benefit form the deal. it's why I was the first person to ever fallow Kan the icon of sin.

the Icon of pride then pushed the demon Butler out of the meeting room.

Icon of pride: there we go that will end this crash coarse on curses!

Icon of greed: so were was all of that "endless wisdom?" the butler did all of the teaching. even so you never even talked about how curses are made or given out or just what an Icon of sin actually IS.

Icon of pride: well GREED why don't you explain if your SOOOOOO smart.

Icon of Greed: sure since I've been an Icon longer then you this will be a breeze. what the butler failed to tell you is that his curse is what you humans consider a curse. his curse was a weakening curse, it was made so he would be weaker there is little to no upsides with these curses. whats the use of keeping your soul if it's going to be like you sold it anyways. what we Icon of sins have is call a strong curse our curses are only upsides with only few downsides. for me I have better magic, a stronger body, I'm stronger when around money... the light and shine of gold and gemstones heal me. all with the caveat of I have to eat money instead of normal food, and after I'm full the next time I get hungry I'll need to eat even more money to feel full again. yet it's minor compered to all the upsides I have, and I haven't even told you everything. there is not just one Icon of sin, there are meany. yet it's becoming known AS an icon to other demons that is the hard part. theirs also the fact that vary few demons can give the Icons curses. boss give out all of theirs already so don't go thinking you can be one of us ok.

Icon of greed: so how was that "Endless wisdom".

Icon of pride: I clearly knew all of that, I just wanted to see if you did.

Icon of sin: before you ask. I got my curse form winning the tournament. along side my other one. I'm the Icon of sin, alongside the ruler of all demons. while the names sound cool they don't do anything exciting, the only exciting part is that they both have vary little downsides since they are both strong curses.

[logisticalandrewthinks-blog]

Rebirth

Feel like i gotta put an edgy title, even if I'm not feeling as edgy at this moment in time. its been a little while, a little over two years in fact, last i posted was August 7th 2022, now its August 30 2024.

I've graduated university now, and was lucky enough to have snagged a job before I finished that pays decent and has alright upward mobility. I'm wondering if I should feel happy now or if that will come later? it feels all a little too empty. Although I am not in the depths of despair that I used to always be in when I posted on here, i am feeling slightly empty on is this all life is now. I'm moving in with Hung next year, so theres that to look forward to, and also the Japan trip is finally happening, of which I have done my best to plan and organise, I realise now that if I want to do something, I should organise it, otherwise nobody will do it, since the people I tend to surround myself with are very low maintenance people who therefore aren't really planners much with the exception of like Kass I guess, who enjoys this sort of thing of being organised and planning for things. But I do have Japan to look forward to I guess, I am excited for that, but a part of me does wonder if all I will do now in life is just make money so that I can go on holiday, and then work, then go on holiday. I dont really have many aspirations to own a house or even relationship stuff much at the moment, though next year maybe ill try to date again to see if im any different to it, and if im alright to date now. Its more that in my future I see other people getting together with other people, and i feel like i should follow suit, like i should have myown person that im with too, since at a certain point of our lives i assume we wont see eachother as much since they'll be preoccupied with their significant others.

All this talk of is this all life amounts to and tangentially being related to that, the worth and happiness of a life made me go back and read an old manga that I really liked when i first read it back in the day called "I sold my life for ten thousand yen per year." which is about a guy who does just what the title says, he sells his remaining life til just three months, since he has nothing to live for but not a lot of money, so why not live a few months in luxury at least. I won't regurgitate the entire story but its worth a read again future Andrew if you're still there, thats quite touching and gets you thinking about the worth and happiness of a life.

This is probably the most mentally healthy I've ever typed into my blog, materialistically things are looking up for me, I'm gonna be making decent starting wage with benefits at a (allegedly) good company, Ill be doing hybrid so work from home some days and work in office other days. I have a group of friends online that i frequently join the voice calls daily to hang out and game if that occurs or watch things. These extend to real life too, seeing friends in real life and interacting with them. Its all going in a way, materialistically very well, and yet I can't help but feel, "is this it?". Like am I supposed to just do this for another 40 years til I retire, to then just rot away and die?

Something I did do this year which I really enjoyed was travelling, I went to morocco with oogin + HABS people which was an amazing short trip, a 8/10 experience could only be made better if we were there longer, paris with chrystal and josh 💀 was a 5/10 but mainly cause of being a third wheel of a couple that I don't think should be together, maybe I'll keep a record of their thing later if I can be bothered, and also went to the peak district to try outdoor climbing for the first time, and then to manchester recently for a wellness chec kinda thing for chrystal, since she always visited us but we never visited her but i said i wanted to, so i said fuck it ill organise it, when are you guys off and so 4 of us went up north to manchester for two days. But all this to say, I really do enjoy travelling, I finally understood why those hippie sorts of people spend their entire lives travelling, I used to think oh it must get so tiring and so boring so fast, wouldnt you want to just sit down and chill? but you can! you can sit down and chill underneath a blanket of stars, or sit by a warm fire, and just look out into the distant deserts of morocco. I really enjoy travelling and I hope to do a lot more this next year.

Something else i took up in the last two years is bouldering, its a hobby that i genuinely enjoy, I've been climbing for two years, on and off, (maybe like 6 months total where i didnt climb so technically one and a half years) but its what inspired me to then go outdoor bouldering with puru armaan and yossi which was a fun trip, though it was humbling how difficult it is! currently I can climb v4-v5 indoors but i could barely only climb V0+ outdoors, which is like beginner grading, which is pathetic 😭 hopefully next time will be better.

I'm not really here to say much else, If i think of something Ill post again soon, but its 8 am and ive stayed up all night to watch LE SSERAFIM's comeback "CRAZY" which is really fucking good. Thats another thing I've done in the last two years, is gone back to my kpop roots cept this time i have the disposable income to irresponsibly spend money on merch and albums for LE SSERAFIM. the music and obsession as a hobby has really helped though, it gets me through the hard times seeing the behind the scenes and watching the live streams and hearing them talk about their lives. Bias is Miyawaki Sakura since I already kinda was biased for her in IZONE when she streamed gaming content on youtube and made videos for gaming.

I would say to end this post that LE SSERAFIM and Bouldering funnily enough have saved me, in the last two years. Two years ago i was hurt fairly badly by people who i thought i was close to, though perhaps i never was since its an online friendship, how close can a online friendship be? obviously an online friendship can be very close, but it depends alot, and it seems perhaps this was not one of those times. I dont recall if i ever actually outlined what happened from my point of view as a record, so maybe ill do that. haha i always say ill write these things and never get round to doing it. it does help somewhat though, clear my thoughts by writing in this blog, so i really should do it more often, maybe now im more mentally well ill do it???? who knows. we shall see in the next one.

I shall leave with le sserafims latest song that got released 4 hours ago, which is the cuntiest thing i have heard in a while, and will defo be a bop to remember, and so future andrew!! relearn your roots!!! go back to listening to le sserafim and rest up!!!

[zed-air]

OZ's 2023

______

Ch-ch-ch-changes

••• 

Going to keep this year's recap brief. Not sure if anyone reads these, but I reference them sometimes when necessary.

The main thing of note this year was my workload.

I returned to concert performance following the pandemic lull of 2020-2022. I played about a dozen shows with Pepperland in the second half of the year, beginning with a private event in rural Alberta and ending by closing an awards gala for hundreds of folks at the Edmonton Expo Centre (video below) and a sold out NYE show at the Blue Chair. More performances with Pepperland and others are planned for 2024.

I also broke my first guitar string(s) since 2011!

My radio work unexpectedly shifted into high gear this year. Following various developments in 2022, I planned to drastically scale back my fill-in work at CKUA - particularly during the daytime programs. However, through some cosmic irony, by the end of 2023 I ended up doing more radio work than ever before. My previous record for fill-in shows in a single year was 95. I ended 2023 having acted as a guest-host on 141 occasions, in addition to my own weekly show. This was not planned, and nearly all of those 141 shows have been classical music programs. I have been operating since February as the guest-host of Classic Examples during the long term absence of the regular host Mark Antonelli.

My weekly Friday night Albertan music program In Our Neighbourhood continues on CKUA. Also continuing, now in its fourth year, my collaboration with NME as the Senior Producer on their podcast series The No Normal.

Working this many weeknights has had the unfortunate consequence of my family rarely being in the same place together. What little time we've shared has been spent introducing my kid to Star Trek.

••• 

Some of my favourite 2023 music releases, in no order besides alphabetical, with apologies to any which I've overlooked, missed, or haven't had the chance to listen to yet:

ALBERTAN ALBUMS

Audrey Ochoa – Head of a Mouse

Betaboys – Just Yesterday

Confusionaires! – Westernization

Des Arcs – Masks

Downtown Exit – Bootleg Stardust

Miesha and the Spanks – Unconditional Love in Hi-Fi

Jesse Murray – I Did It All For You

Doug Organ – Quiet in the Library

Starpainter – Rattlesnake Dream

Trevor Howlett & the Cruz Bros - Self-Titled EP

Void Comp – Metropol

OTHER ALBUMS & SONGS OF NOTE

The Beatles "Now and Then"

Fifty Fifty "Cupid"

Go_A "Dumala"

Kinva - Kinva

Monks on Call "Capsized"

SZA "Kill Bill"

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway - City of Gold

Wayfinding "Bad Blood"

- - - - -

OTHER MUSIC THOUGHTS FROM THE ZIBLIOTHEK

In 2020, I started an alphabetical exploration of the Zibliothek’s vinyl collection. I’ve also been documenting the LP library and other aspects of the collection on Instagram. At my current rate, it will take me 13-15 years to listen to the full LP library. I made inconsistent progress in 2023, listening in waves with long gaps between opportunities. Here’s some of what I listened to this year:

Lou Christie: I once read he was Egyptian. This has proven difficult misinformation to shake. Some goofy goodies in his catalogue.

Eric Clapton: Outside of his 1965-1968 period, I am decidedly not a fan of Clapton as a person or musician. With the exception of his Unplugged album, which has strong moments, nearly everything since Derek & the Dominoes has been criminally dull. I can honestly say I never need to hear his music again.

Petula Clark: Great voice. Sometimes great songs too.

Roy Clark: I like his music best when I can't see him playing it.

The Clash: Tremendous.

Joe Cocker: Great bands behind him. Often great performances too. Not always strong material.

Patsy Cline / Leonard Cohen / Nat King Cole / Perry Como / Sam Cooke: All tremendous.

Ry Cooder: I remain a bit mystified by Ry Cooder. Admired by countless people I enjoy, but his music does nothing for me.

Elvis Costello: A very strong catalogue, and consistently enjoyable.

Cream: Clapton at his best, fighting for space in a tempest of madmen.

Creedence Clearwater Revival: I've never been a big fan. With a few exceptions, the overplayed radio hits remain tiresome. I have a vague memory of their live "Royal Albert Hall" album being strong, and I like their debut album and Cosmo's Factory, but everything in between was pretty plodding and dull overall.

Jim Croce: What a catalogue he might have produced had he lived. Some gigantic tunes.

The Cowsills: The hits still hit.

Bing Crosby: The birth of croon, but not the greatest in his field.

Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and Young): Great when they're good, forgettable when they're not.

Bobby Darin: I love his work, his young voice was one of the all-time greats for that kind of music. As his voice changed, he still used it well, but it was never as magical after the early 1960s.

Dave Cark / The Dave Clark Five: Business genius, funny drummer, some of the best British Invasion songs going. Mike Smith was a tremendously underrated rock & roll singer in his youth.

Deep Purple: Finally listened to the bulk of their peripheral catalogue. Several of their albums are essential for any library. Their early Mk I period is underrated heavy pop, before they found their signature sound. The iconic Mk II period is musically tremendous and lyrically abysmal, and Made In Japan still might be the greatest live album of all time. The Mk III period (and the Tommy Bolin years) weren't as bad as I anticipated, but didn't keep my attention either. The quality of the music seems unconnected to the quality of the album artwork.

Deep Purple solo projects: These range from forgettable to awful in almost every case. Some of Jon Lord's early works are nice to hear, but I love Jon Lord. Still don't understand the appeal of Tommy Bolin.

John Denver: I enjoyed his Rocky Mountain High album, but curiously his two greatest hits albums are painfully weak.

Delaney & Bonnie & Friends: Alright, I guess. Nothing special. Early shades of Clapton the boring.

Derek & the Dominoes: Sometimes very good.

••• 

This song came out in 2022 rather than 2023. Despite being familiar and a fan of Bill McClintock, I only discovered it a month ago. I've listened to it dozens of times and it might be the greatest mash-up ever made. Maybe even the best thing period.

••• 

No pithy ending for 2023. Be safe. Be well. Good luck going forward in 2024.

OZ

[fnafpro52]

I dunno man, this is my first fucking post so lemme do some self-advertisement for the book I've sold my soul for.

Prologue - Carlo's Logs:

Log 1

Title: Potential Subjects

I heard a story about an old mansion that fell to tragedy in the late 1900’s, in Newfoundland, but it was never properly discovered what had caused the family’s death. When the authorities went to investigate, they went missing too. Eventually, the investigation was abandoned. However, it’s been so long that whatever was there must be gone. Plus, the remains of the corpses may prove vital in my research to save my wife.

End communication.

Log 2

Title: A New Discovery

I boarded the plane to Newfoundland, Canada and tracked down the mansion. Cautiously, I made my way inside. Nothing was there except for a few skeletons. Four small skeletons. They must’ve been children. I scoured the house for possible adult skeletons, but with no luck. Left with no other option, I carefully gathered the small skeletons, placed them into an empty box I had found, and hired a shady crew to sail me back to my lab in Italy.

End communication.

Log 3

Title: Back To Life

Experimentation was a success. All four subjects were successfully reanimated as human children with special chemical enhancements. Subjects from now on are called: S-1T, S-2R, S-3S, and S-4W. All possess power over a specific element. S-1T has control over time, S-2R has control over reality, S-3S has control over space, and I’m not yet certain what powers S-4W possesses. They just seem to see things that aren’t there. Whether this is caused by experimentation or some other disease, such as schizophrenia, I have yet to uncover. So far, they seem to be great candidates for the cure, but I need to conduct more tests.

End communication.

Log 4

Title: Experimentation

Each subject was exposed to one experiment individually. The experiment consisted of being placed in a round room with a table with a target on it. All subjects seem to be able to harness their power as energy blasts. Subjects were instructed to shoot an energy blast at the target. The state of the target was then analyzed.

S-1T, Time: Upon the energy blast making contact with the target, it was immediately blown to pieces. Subject seemed impressed at the power that it wielded, and decided to test more. Incapacitating agents had to be applied to the room, before I could move onto the next test.

S-2R, Reality: Similar results to S-1T, although the target did seem to break into larger pieces then when S-1T shot it. Subject stared at its hands for a few minutes, but strangely didn’t try to use the power again. Putting it back in its cell was easy.

S-3S, Space: When the energy blast made contact with the target, target was launched across the room. Note that the room is roughly 30 feet across. Subject seemed to cower from their own power. Re-capture was easy.

S-4W, Unknown: The energy blast caused the target to wobble a bit. After another one was launched from instructions given by me, the target fell off the table. This seemed to drain the subject, as they proceeded to vomit before passing out. Limitations for each subject will have to be studied.

Overall, the experiment proved to be a success, as I can now say which subjects will have to be experimented on with more restrictions.

End communication.

Log 5

Title: Subject Behavior

After a day of experimentation, I decided to monitor their actions outside of testing. Subjects 2 through 4 exhibited child-like behavior, although something was odd about S-1T. They stood further away from the other experiments. Its eyes darted around the room several times, even looking into the camera I was monitoring them through a few times. Otherwise, behavior was similar to other subject behavior, although I will be carefully monitoring S-1T’s progress from now on.

End communication.

Log 6

Title: Final Log

Those little fottuti bastardi! S-1T was planning to escape the whole time! I was releasing them from their cell, in order to start experimentation, when S-1T made a run for it. This wasn’t uncommon, as S-1T did this a few times. I reached for my taser, but the other experiments jumped me. They knocked the taser out of my hand, and managed to launch me into my chemical room, where my hand was caught in one of the vats full of chemicals, trapping me. They soon found the keycard to exit and I was powerless to stop them. Then who comes out to try to stop them? She comes out of the room, completely unhooked from her machines. She grabbed the taser I had lost, and turned the intensity up to the max. I yelled at her to return to her chamber for her own survival, but she ignored me. She walked out the front door, and I didn’t see her again. But I did hear the firing of taser shots, before the sound of one of the experiments firing their energy blast, presumably S-1T. Then, the entire building was engulfed in an explosion, obliterating my entire house and the lab underneath it. I woke up days later in the hospital, having survived the explosion by some miracle. However, I was left with extreme injuries, and my right hand has been replaced due to prolonged exposure to the chemicals, creating some form of crystalized claw. The hospital unsuccessfully tried to remove it. After I got out, I started recording this log. I swear, if there’s any God out there, you can bet his holy robes that I’m going to find the subjects, and kill them all, one by one. And I will make it painful.

End communication.

-

Just to tell you, the entire book is not like this for the entire book, just the prologue. Also, this character is named Dr. Carlos Morto for anyone wondering. He's an Italian scientist to put it bluntly.

[hidekomoon]

Would love to hear about both! Or whichever one you’re most itching to talk about 😍

i just wrote about Azana so i'm gonna talk about old lady memories! i really can't find a good title for this one. i'm hoping when it's finished i'll have better ideas? luckily for me this is the project i'm the closest to finishing, since it's a short story. it's currently 8 pages long but i have several paragraphs and dialogs in a notebook that i filled while on vacation and i haven't typed it all out yet.

so the plot is about an old lady (last night i decided i was going to name her Cécile but i'm not 100% sold yet, it's always hard to pick a name for the MC) whose lover (another woman whom i've been calling LI for love interest) just died, and Cécile is trying to come to terms with it, and to go through the grief process. the story starts in the present, when LI is dead, and introduces the four memories (each set during a different season) of their past together.

the first memory is set in fall, when they were around 15/16. it's their first meeting; they're both on vacation with their families. they have a crush on each other and don't acknowledge it. they keep in touch via letters in the years that follow. the second memory is set in summer, when they're in their early 20s, studying and working small jobs. they live in the same city and basically spend every available minute together. one night there's a storm and the power goes out and they kiss, but LI isn't ready to commit to someone, +she has to move to another city for a job, so the next day they fight and decide not to pursue a relationship. they remain friends but don't see each other as much; the next year Cécile meets a boy and they get married a few years later. the third memory takes place in their early 30s. Cécile has 2 kids with her huband, they're living the nuclear family dream, she pretends she's happy, etc. she still meets LI from time to time, and one day she invites her to the house, and i haven't planned what happens there yet. maybe i'll have them fight, maybe they'll cheat on the husband, who knows. but after that they don't see each other for a few years. the last memory takes place in the spring, in their fifties, and it's the least thought out one so far; they reunite and start a relationship (Cécile's divorced) & it's a sort of happy ending... except we know that LI is really dead in the present time. idk, i really wanted it to be something kind of bittersweet. i was inspired by Annie Ernaux's Une Femme, which she wrote when her mother died. it's a short novel that recounts all of her mother's life. she did the same when her father died but i haven't had time to read it yet.

so yeah so far i've done a lot of description, a lot of character building since i really want Cécile & LI to be fleshed out and for the 4 memories to showcase the shifts in their personalities and in their dynamic. i also found that it's hard to write dialogs, especially conflicts, so i keep a notebook and a pen on me at all times in case i think of something i could use when i'm not expecting it.