Supreme Queer Being
Apr. 11th, 2021 06:24 pmI just want like... The Fifth Element, But Make It Gay
Evil Space Capitalism is defeated by The Power of Asskicking And Big Queer Love (+blue alien opera lady, or equivalent)
It's fun and pretty and not that deep, and we deserve that shit!
The Old Guard kind of gets there for action movies, and to that I say Hell Yeah!
but I want it in a world that doesn't resemble mine, and I want the flowery romance to be integral to the plot
Evil Space Capitalism is defeated by The Power of Asskicking And Big Queer Love (+blue alien opera lady, or equivalent)
It's fun and pretty and not that deep, and we deserve that shit!
The Old Guard kind of gets there for action movies, and to that I say Hell Yeah!
but I want it in a world that doesn't resemble mine, and I want the flowery romance to be integral to the plot
personal rep
Mar. 27th, 2021 09:11 amRevry ad talking about lack of bi rep. I guess that's true, tho the missing rep that really sticks out for me is trans rep, POC queer rep, and disabled queer rep. Did I mention trans POC? Especially Black trans masc folks? yeah.
There didn't used to be good bi/pan rep, but gay chars used to be tokens written by, or at least for, straight ppl. But even then, Maureen in Rent was there for us. She sucks, but so do I sometimes.
Smart-and-Dumbass ND Disaster Bi Dr. Julian Bashir should be mentioned...
I feel very represented by Disaster Bi Jock Avatar Korra.
Decently seen with Eleanor on The Good Place.
Killjoys is full of queers and damn near everyone is queer friendly, tho I couldn't think of a specific bi/pan char... wait yes I could. ZEPH! I love that nerd! and she does make me feel seen.
In The Dragon Prince:
BIG RELATE with High Mage Viren (queer in the VERY LOUD subtext) and Queen Sarai (gone too soon, taken by the Fridge Your Moms trope, with a small assist from Bury Your Gays)
I feel super duper represented by p much all the dumbass pansexual vampires on What We Do In The Shadows. Nadja and Laszlo and Jenna, but very especially Mr. Nandor the Relentless. Practically just my vampsona, but tall and with a beard. I do possess more capacity for introspection than he displays, but it's awful and I avoid it, so it comes out the same.
The Filth, tho.
I never imagined I could feel as well-represented as I do by Stella on The Filth. She's like... me, but without kids. Me... but a plumber. Me... but lives in California.
I even had a Max, too, sort of, and he had a Danny. But my Max is bi, too, and he's married to a woman now, AFAIK, and has a cute kid. And his Danny married a chicken-raising, roller derby-playing agender butch with two kids, and became a hell of a stepdad.
ETA: I cannot fucking believe I left out Xena. I was thinking about stuff I watched as an adult, but how the fuck can u talk about dumbass pansexual warlords and not bring her up?!? Just smush Xena & Stella together & u get me. Also u kinda get Nandor? And Korra is really similar? Also something something The Old Guard...
There didn't used to be good bi/pan rep, but gay chars used to be tokens written by, or at least for, straight ppl. But even then, Maureen in Rent was there for us. She sucks, but so do I sometimes.
Smart-and-Dumbass ND Disaster Bi Dr. Julian Bashir should be mentioned...
I feel very represented by Disaster Bi Jock Avatar Korra.
Decently seen with Eleanor on The Good Place.
Killjoys is full of queers and damn near everyone is queer friendly, tho I couldn't think of a specific bi/pan char... wait yes I could. ZEPH! I love that nerd! and she does make me feel seen.
In The Dragon Prince:
BIG RELATE with High Mage Viren (queer in the VERY LOUD subtext) and Queen Sarai (gone too soon, taken by the Fridge Your Moms trope, with a small assist from Bury Your Gays)
I feel super duper represented by p much all the dumbass pansexual vampires on What We Do In The Shadows. Nadja and Laszlo and Jenna, but very especially Mr. Nandor the Relentless. Practically just my vampsona, but tall and with a beard. I do possess more capacity for introspection than he displays, but it's awful and I avoid it, so it comes out the same.
The Filth, tho.
I never imagined I could feel as well-represented as I do by Stella on The Filth. She's like... me, but without kids. Me... but a plumber. Me... but lives in California.
I even had a Max, too, sort of, and he had a Danny. But my Max is bi, too, and he's married to a woman now, AFAIK, and has a cute kid. And his Danny married a chicken-raising, roller derby-playing agender butch with two kids, and became a hell of a stepdad.
ETA: I cannot fucking believe I left out Xena. I was thinking about stuff I watched as an adult, but how the fuck can u talk about dumbass pansexual warlords and not bring her up?!? Just smush Xena & Stella together & u get me. Also u kinda get Nandor? And Korra is really similar? Also something something The Old Guard...
WWDITS S3 wishes
Jan. 30th, 2021 12:26 pmmore werewolves
someone befriending or dating a werewolf
more local politics shenanigans
Guillermo dating or hooking up & Nandor being jealous
Guillermo wearing other clothes!
Laszlo & Nandor backstory
more mosquito hunters
Derek to not be dead & maybe a vampire, but I know that's hopeless.
Guillermo family & hopefully 1 or more siblings, maybe childhood friend?
a sexy bearded Guillermo doppelganger/evil twin/distant cousin.
Guillermo & Nandor backstory, maybe how they met
backstory about how the vampires met
Guillermo baking
moar Jenna
MUSICAL EPISODE(S)!!!
someone befriending or dating a werewolf
more local politics shenanigans
Guillermo dating or hooking up & Nandor being jealous
Guillermo wearing other clothes!
Laszlo & Nandor backstory
more mosquito hunters
Derek to not be dead & maybe a vampire, but I know that's hopeless.
Guillermo family & hopefully 1 or more siblings, maybe childhood friend?
a sexy bearded Guillermo doppelganger/evil twin/distant cousin.
Guillermo & Nandor backstory, maybe how they met
backstory about how the vampires met
Guillermo baking
moar Jenna
MUSICAL EPISODE(S)!!!
Nandor is thrilled that, for once, his hair and renaissance faire experience are assets. Speaking Persian seals the deal, and this show could be his big break, if the blend of scripting, improv, and audience interaction catches on. He'll be less nervous once Mr. Broadway Bigshot arrives.
Guillermo de la Cruz looks younger than his bearded headshot, but his presence commands every room, in a gently charming way. He takes Nandor out for drinks, and draws him into a conversation about their experiences in the industry. It feels really good to share his perspective, but Nandor can be awkward without a script.
"It's a cliche profession for vampires, but I really like it!" Guillermo smiles encouragingly and nods, sipping his margarita de tunas rojas. Nandor's sangrÃa verdadera is excellent and well worth the price.
"Everyone expects you to stick with theatre, and it's proud tradition, but I prefer TV. And that's... not an easy sell, if you don't stick to playing vampires. A lot of people get fang surgery..."
Guillermo shakes his head vehemently.
"Fuck that! Who you are is good enough!" He gazes earnestly into Nandor's eyes, and reaches out to squeeze his shoulder.
Nandor shrugs.
"It's not that big of a deal to land a dream job. Pretty much just cosmetic. Like..." he tries to think of comparable examples.
"...circumcision..." (examples that don't refer to penises, or hint at your past in adult film!)
"...or liposuction" (examples that don't insult your gorgeous fat scene partner!)
"...or, or getting tattoos! Piercing your bellybutton!" Guillermo shakes his head, laughing, and changes the subject.
As they gather up their belongings, and Nandor leaves a generous tip, he fidgets, looking everywhere but at Guillermo. Once they´re outside, he feels a hand on his elbow.
¨Hey,¨ Guillermo says, ¨I´m a hugger. Is that ok with you?¨ Nandor nods, and is promptly enveloped in strong arms and soft warmth. It´s overwhelmingly comforting and wonderful. He leans down into the embrace, trying not to give off desperate, touch-starved-for-decades-vibes.
¨It is a big deal,¨ Guillermo tells him. ¨No one should have to change to get roles. If anyone tells you otherwise, I´ll be glad to kick some ass.¨
¨Thanks,¨ Nandor says, patting his shoulder. ¨That means a lot.¨
He starts to pull away, but Guillermo holds him tighter.
Guillermo de la Cruz looks younger than his bearded headshot, but his presence commands every room, in a gently charming way. He takes Nandor out for drinks, and draws him into a conversation about their experiences in the industry. It feels really good to share his perspective, but Nandor can be awkward without a script.
"It's a cliche profession for vampires, but I really like it!" Guillermo smiles encouragingly and nods, sipping his margarita de tunas rojas. Nandor's sangrÃa verdadera is excellent and well worth the price.
"Everyone expects you to stick with theatre, and it's proud tradition, but I prefer TV. And that's... not an easy sell, if you don't stick to playing vampires. A lot of people get fang surgery..."
Guillermo shakes his head vehemently.
"Fuck that! Who you are is good enough!" He gazes earnestly into Nandor's eyes, and reaches out to squeeze his shoulder.
Nandor shrugs.
"It's not that big of a deal to land a dream job. Pretty much just cosmetic. Like..." he tries to think of comparable examples.
"...circumcision..." (examples that don't refer to penises, or hint at your past in adult film!)
"...or liposuction" (examples that don't insult your gorgeous fat scene partner!)
"...or, or getting tattoos! Piercing your bellybutton!" Guillermo shakes his head, laughing, and changes the subject.
As they gather up their belongings, and Nandor leaves a generous tip, he fidgets, looking everywhere but at Guillermo. Once they´re outside, he feels a hand on his elbow.
¨Hey,¨ Guillermo says, ¨I´m a hugger. Is that ok with you?¨ Nandor nods, and is promptly enveloped in strong arms and soft warmth. It´s overwhelmingly comforting and wonderful. He leans down into the embrace, trying not to give off desperate, touch-starved-for-decades-vibes.
¨It is a big deal,¨ Guillermo tells him. ¨No one should have to change to get roles. If anyone tells you otherwise, I´ll be glad to kick some ass.¨
¨Thanks,¨ Nandor says, patting his shoulder. ¨That means a lot.¨
He starts to pull away, but Guillermo holds him tighter.
WTF Harrow S1 edition
Dec. 7th, 2020 12:48 pmCN for suicidal thoughts and actions
As an often suicidal parent, King Harrow pisses me the hell off.
You're given an option to reduce the sacrifice made by your people, and you don't take it.
You feel guilty about your actions and you don't stick around to atone.
Sir, you have children.
You have a ten-year-old sir - how dare you?!?
They already lost their mother.
And that was your idea!
The little one is going to end up with all the kingdom's problems in his lap! With no guidance... and no training! Whose fault is that, exactly?!?
Ohhhh, my duty.
Ohhhh, my honor.
Something something ethics vs. pragmatism.
Fuck you.
Get some therapy.
Get a temporary replacement.
Or throw yourself headlong into trying to make peace.
Just, for fuck's sake, live.
For your kingdom.
For your people.
For your goddamned kids!!!
I know it hurts.
I know it doesn't feel like you can ever be what they need.
I don't know how it feels to miss someone the way you miss her, but you know what she'd want.
Let people love you.
Let them die for you.
It's their job, and yours.
One day at a time.
One hour.
One breath.
As an often suicidal parent, King Harrow pisses me the hell off.
You're given an option to reduce the sacrifice made by your people, and you don't take it.
You feel guilty about your actions and you don't stick around to atone.
Sir, you have children.
You have a ten-year-old sir - how dare you?!?
They already lost their mother.
And that was your idea!
The little one is going to end up with all the kingdom's problems in his lap! With no guidance... and no training! Whose fault is that, exactly?!?
Ohhhh, my duty.
Ohhhh, my honor.
Something something ethics vs. pragmatism.
Fuck you.
Get some therapy.
Get a temporary replacement.
Or throw yourself headlong into trying to make peace.
Just, for fuck's sake, live.
For your kingdom.
For your people.
For your goddamned kids!!!
I know it hurts.
I know it doesn't feel like you can ever be what they need.
I don't know how it feels to miss someone the way you miss her, but you know what she'd want.
Let people love you.
Let them die for you.
It's their job, and yours.
One day at a time.
One hour.
One breath.
vaguely inspired by this: https://www.facebook.com/kira.magrann.33/posts/10159012315356484
The priestess stands on the wall, and her long hair streams in the wind. The spear-tip glints in the sunlight as she watches her love ride away.
Their dreams and their duty lead them far apart. Yet they meet again, when the High Cleric crowns a queen.
Love can be shown through service, until that, too, is gone. Til all that's left is smoke, and memory, and stone.
Their vows held them separate when they stood side by side. But once there were other promises made...
***
It's their last night together, spent in the bower, bathed in the copper-gold light of early fall.
"I know we won't always have this," Sarai murmurs into her hair, "but I'll never love anyone more than I love you."
"I'll never love anyone else," Opeli responds, curling close to her side, "and if anyone hurts you, I swear I'll destroy them."
The priestess stands on the wall, and her long hair streams in the wind. The spear-tip glints in the sunlight as she watches her love ride away.
Their dreams and their duty lead them far apart. Yet they meet again, when the High Cleric crowns a queen.
Love can be shown through service, until that, too, is gone. Til all that's left is smoke, and memory, and stone.
Their vows held them separate when they stood side by side. But once there were other promises made...
***
It's their last night together, spent in the bower, bathed in the copper-gold light of early fall.
"I know we won't always have this," Sarai murmurs into her hair, "but I'll never love anyone more than I love you."
"I'll never love anyone else," Opeli responds, curling close to her side, "and if anyone hurts you, I swear I'll destroy them."
Auspicious Circumstance
Sep. 13th, 2020 11:51 pm1.
Custom decrees that any two people caught in the rare glow of the roselight crystal who are free to do so ought to kiss, as this will bring good fortune to them and their folk. It is a custom of the capital region, and Viren, newly arrived from the western uplands, has never heard of it. The High Mage smiles when she mentions it, and the lesson meanders off on a tangent about her beloved late wife's odd relationship with luck and games of chance. Apprentice mage Viren files the bit of folklore away as foolish sentimentality that could, like any knowledge, prove useful in the right circumstances.
He isn't expecting to be quizzed about it the next evening by the heir to the throne. His Highness Crown Prince Harrow, whom Viren has only met once, in a crowd, asks if he knows what kind of crystal is set in the lamp over one door to the New Year's Ball. Eager to prove himself, he identifies the crystal, describes its structure and uses, and mentions the custom he's just learned.
"... but I'm not certain what's meant by 'free to do so.'"
Harrow shrugs.
"Probably old enough, not in holy orders, and not married?"
"That would depend on the type of marriage or other bond. Different human nations have different traditional family structures, and in ancient Xadia..."
They both end up late to where they're going. And in the following weeks Viren finds himself spending many evenings in the library, helping the prince study, telling stories, or talking through his latest research ideas while Harrow listens.
2.
Harrow is seventeen when he travels to Neolandia, excited and a bit overwhelmed with the new and wondrous sights and sounds and smells and tastes. Viren is with him, a close and familiar companion whose presence helps center and ground him, despite the young mage's frenetic attempts to learn every bit of information about every place they visit and everyone they meet.
Their clothes aren't right for the weather, so it's a welcome relief to eat lunch with Prince Ahling in a shaded, poolside garden. Afterward they wander through a cave filled with the prince's prized pets, rare lucky dthak lizards that draw energy from the fireheart crystals embedded in the walls. The lizards occasionally make croaking/chirping sounds that are faintly musical. It's Neolandian tradition, Ahling tells them, that if you hear one sing six notes, you will find true love within the year. He has many other lizard facts he's proud to share, and Viren listens avidly, while Harrow returns to the pool, pulling off his boots and swishing his toes in the water.
It's no surprise that Viren crashes into bed immediately after dinner and starts snoring soon after. Harrow feels worn out too, but too keyed up to sleep. A huge yellow moon rises over the garden, and the lizard sounds start up again. Some climb out of the cave while the moon is brightest, and he starts counting the notes. He tries to wake Viren, but his companion slumbers on, face aglow with moonbeams, soft and calm and beautiful.
Harrow thinks if he hears the six notes there's no need to wait a year, or a minute; his true love is here. He laughs at his own romantic nonsense. His mother would dismiss it, since that's not how royals ought to think. Viren might dismiss it, too, depending on his mood, but it doesn't matter. Loving Viren is just a part of him, warm and steady in his heart for years now. He brushes Viren's hair back from his forehead, and gently kisses his cheek, before climbing into bed, sleepy at last.
As he's drifting off he hears a dthak lizard singing, six notes in a row.
3.
At Princess Annika's wedding, Viren dances for hours, polishing familiar steps and learning new ones.
Shortly before sunset, the families offer a song and a prayer, and the brides toss their garlands of flowers into the crowd.
If the garlands are caught by lovers, it's an extra blessing for the marriage. So when Viren catches one, and sees Harrow catch the other, he isn't surprised by the kiss, and he plays along.
"It's gracious of you to make a good show for tradition and luck."
Harrow shakes his head with a nervous smile.
"They aimed for us. Because they know how I feel about you."
"How do you feel about me?"
"Please, let me show you..."
He reaches for Viren, and Viren nods and leans in. This kiss, like the other one, is joyful and sweet, but it's also tender, and passionate, filled with pent-up longing and a hint of future dreams.
Then Harrow asks, "How do you feel about me?"
Viren tells him, "I'd do anything for you!"
Harrow smiles. "I know. But I'm your prince, and that's your duty, so-"
Viren stops him.
"I'll always serve the crown, of course, but you... It's not your crown or your title that makes me want to follow you anywhere..."
Harrow pulls him close.
"...face any challenge, risk any danger..."
He trails off as Harrow claims his lips decisively. Annika flashes a satisfied smirk in their direction as the brides make their way to their private chamber.
There's more dancing, and this time prince and mage move together, close and slow in the torchlight, murmuring truths and promises, in between kisses, long into the night.
Custom decrees that any two people caught in the rare glow of the roselight crystal who are free to do so ought to kiss, as this will bring good fortune to them and their folk. It is a custom of the capital region, and Viren, newly arrived from the western uplands, has never heard of it. The High Mage smiles when she mentions it, and the lesson meanders off on a tangent about her beloved late wife's odd relationship with luck and games of chance. Apprentice mage Viren files the bit of folklore away as foolish sentimentality that could, like any knowledge, prove useful in the right circumstances.
He isn't expecting to be quizzed about it the next evening by the heir to the throne. His Highness Crown Prince Harrow, whom Viren has only met once, in a crowd, asks if he knows what kind of crystal is set in the lamp over one door to the New Year's Ball. Eager to prove himself, he identifies the crystal, describes its structure and uses, and mentions the custom he's just learned.
"... but I'm not certain what's meant by 'free to do so.'"
Harrow shrugs.
"Probably old enough, not in holy orders, and not married?"
"That would depend on the type of marriage or other bond. Different human nations have different traditional family structures, and in ancient Xadia..."
They both end up late to where they're going. And in the following weeks Viren finds himself spending many evenings in the library, helping the prince study, telling stories, or talking through his latest research ideas while Harrow listens.
2.
Harrow is seventeen when he travels to Neolandia, excited and a bit overwhelmed with the new and wondrous sights and sounds and smells and tastes. Viren is with him, a close and familiar companion whose presence helps center and ground him, despite the young mage's frenetic attempts to learn every bit of information about every place they visit and everyone they meet.
Their clothes aren't right for the weather, so it's a welcome relief to eat lunch with Prince Ahling in a shaded, poolside garden. Afterward they wander through a cave filled with the prince's prized pets, rare lucky dthak lizards that draw energy from the fireheart crystals embedded in the walls. The lizards occasionally make croaking/chirping sounds that are faintly musical. It's Neolandian tradition, Ahling tells them, that if you hear one sing six notes, you will find true love within the year. He has many other lizard facts he's proud to share, and Viren listens avidly, while Harrow returns to the pool, pulling off his boots and swishing his toes in the water.
It's no surprise that Viren crashes into bed immediately after dinner and starts snoring soon after. Harrow feels worn out too, but too keyed up to sleep. A huge yellow moon rises over the garden, and the lizard sounds start up again. Some climb out of the cave while the moon is brightest, and he starts counting the notes. He tries to wake Viren, but his companion slumbers on, face aglow with moonbeams, soft and calm and beautiful.
Harrow thinks if he hears the six notes there's no need to wait a year, or a minute; his true love is here. He laughs at his own romantic nonsense. His mother would dismiss it, since that's not how royals ought to think. Viren might dismiss it, too, depending on his mood, but it doesn't matter. Loving Viren is just a part of him, warm and steady in his heart for years now. He brushes Viren's hair back from his forehead, and gently kisses his cheek, before climbing into bed, sleepy at last.
As he's drifting off he hears a dthak lizard singing, six notes in a row.
3.
At Princess Annika's wedding, Viren dances for hours, polishing familiar steps and learning new ones.
Shortly before sunset, the families offer a song and a prayer, and the brides toss their garlands of flowers into the crowd.
If the garlands are caught by lovers, it's an extra blessing for the marriage. So when Viren catches one, and sees Harrow catch the other, he isn't surprised by the kiss, and he plays along.
"It's gracious of you to make a good show for tradition and luck."
Harrow shakes his head with a nervous smile.
"They aimed for us. Because they know how I feel about you."
"How do you feel about me?"
"Please, let me show you..."
He reaches for Viren, and Viren nods and leans in. This kiss, like the other one, is joyful and sweet, but it's also tender, and passionate, filled with pent-up longing and a hint of future dreams.
Then Harrow asks, "How do you feel about me?"
Viren tells him, "I'd do anything for you!"
Harrow smiles. "I know. But I'm your prince, and that's your duty, so-"
Viren stops him.
"I'll always serve the crown, of course, but you... It's not your crown or your title that makes me want to follow you anywhere..."
Harrow pulls him close.
"...face any challenge, risk any danger..."
He trails off as Harrow claims his lips decisively. Annika flashes a satisfied smirk in their direction as the brides make their way to their private chamber.
There's more dancing, and this time prince and mage move together, close and slow in the torchlight, murmuring truths and promises, in between kisses, long into the night.
intertwine
Aug. 6th, 2020 11:36 pm"May I cut a lock or your hair?"
"I suppose. What for?"
Viren frowns slightly, cutting the hair and stroking it between his fingers as he answers.
"My grandmother - not Claudia, the other one - was a wild mage in the mountains. One of her stocks in trade was protection charms. There's one for childbirth, with a braid of all the family's hair. I've already got mine, and Soren's... A bit foolish, perhaps, but I've had terrible dreams..."
Silvis shakes his head.
"It doesn't sound foolish to me. I've got no reason to be snobby about types of magic." He peers at the hair in Viren's other hand. "But yours are so short, how can you make a braid?"
"Maybe... spin it first?" Viren's tone indicates he knows precisely nothing about spinning.
"That works with wool and... flax?" Silvis doesn't know much more. "But I don't think you'd get the same results with human hair. It's so... slippery."
In the end the hair is sort of twisted together, around braided thread, and placed in a pouch embroidered with runes for health and protection. He's wearing it over his heart, and it's certainly imbued with love and care, which ought to be enough.
*
Storms on the road from Camboria keep the birth priest delayed. Labor starts sooner this time, and drags on. Viren talks, at times with nervous energy, and Silvis mostly naps. He does find the energy to grumble in response to musing about names, "if the child is a girl."
"We won't know that," he says tiredly, "Until she tells us."
Viren nods quickly. "Right, yes, sorry. If we'd adopted your people's approach it would have saved Harrow some grief... But we haven't, and we won't. I thought we agreed to bestow a name on the seventh day again."
"Yes, that's fine. That's different from claiming we know what we can't."
He's expecting to be part of the ceremony, but fate has other plans.
"I suppose. What for?"
Viren frowns slightly, cutting the hair and stroking it between his fingers as he answers.
"My grandmother - not Claudia, the other one - was a wild mage in the mountains. One of her stocks in trade was protection charms. There's one for childbirth, with a braid of all the family's hair. I've already got mine, and Soren's... A bit foolish, perhaps, but I've had terrible dreams..."
Silvis shakes his head.
"It doesn't sound foolish to me. I've got no reason to be snobby about types of magic." He peers at the hair in Viren's other hand. "But yours are so short, how can you make a braid?"
"Maybe... spin it first?" Viren's tone indicates he knows precisely nothing about spinning.
"That works with wool and... flax?" Silvis doesn't know much more. "But I don't think you'd get the same results with human hair. It's so... slippery."
In the end the hair is sort of twisted together, around braided thread, and placed in a pouch embroidered with runes for health and protection. He's wearing it over his heart, and it's certainly imbued with love and care, which ought to be enough.
*
Storms on the road from Camboria keep the birth priest delayed. Labor starts sooner this time, and drags on. Viren talks, at times with nervous energy, and Silvis mostly naps. He does find the energy to grumble in response to musing about names, "if the child is a girl."
"We won't know that," he says tiredly, "Until she tells us."
Viren nods quickly. "Right, yes, sorry. If we'd adopted your people's approach it would have saved Harrow some grief... But we haven't, and we won't. I thought we agreed to bestow a name on the seventh day again."
"Yes, that's fine. That's different from claiming we know what we can't."
He's expecting to be part of the ceremony, but fate has other plans.
Home is where...
Jun. 21st, 2020 12:25 pm"I can't stay here, and you won't leave. I guess that means it's over."
"Why can't you stay here? This is our children's home!"
"I just... can't! It's not my home, and it never will be. I've tried to change the way I feel, but I can't do it. I miss Del Bar too much. I miss the mountains, and the rivers, and the way things smell... I miss the snow that actually stays on the ground all winter. I miss the food! The holidays, the music..."
"You can visit anytime you want."
"I know that, but it's not the same. I need to live there. I miss my family. My parents won't be around much longer, and my cousins and nieces and nephews will grow up without me."
"I don't understand why that matters so much. Do they need you?"
"Yes. And I need them. We need each other. We belong to each other."
"I don't understand."
"I know you don't."
"..."
"Come with me! I know you don't feel the same way about Katolis. My people would welcome your skills. You can serve humanity anywhere."
"Humanity, yes..."
"...but not your king."
"I'm sorry."
"Me too. I know we would feel differently if we could. You just can't change what your soul needs."
Alternate, earlier, more poetic (?) version:
Too Far From the Home Place
"I miss my home too much... I'm sick with longing. My people are all buried there, and I want to visit and speak with them. There's a hill behind our home where the hidden folk live, and they've been calling to me in my dreams. I can't stay away!"
"I suppose you should leave, then."
"Come with me, please! You can use your talent to serve humanity anywhere!"
"Yes..."
"...but not your king. That's the problem, isn't it?"
Viren doesn't answer. There's no need.
(a bit inspired by recent soul-crushing personal experience, but also a Due South fic I meant to write in 2001 or so)
"Why can't you stay here? This is our children's home!"
"I just... can't! It's not my home, and it never will be. I've tried to change the way I feel, but I can't do it. I miss Del Bar too much. I miss the mountains, and the rivers, and the way things smell... I miss the snow that actually stays on the ground all winter. I miss the food! The holidays, the music..."
"You can visit anytime you want."
"I know that, but it's not the same. I need to live there. I miss my family. My parents won't be around much longer, and my cousins and nieces and nephews will grow up without me."
"I don't understand why that matters so much. Do they need you?"
"Yes. And I need them. We need each other. We belong to each other."
"I don't understand."
"I know you don't."
"..."
"Come with me! I know you don't feel the same way about Katolis. My people would welcome your skills. You can serve humanity anywhere."
"Humanity, yes..."
"...but not your king."
"I'm sorry."
"Me too. I know we would feel differently if we could. You just can't change what your soul needs."
Alternate, earlier, more poetic (?) version:
Too Far From the Home Place
"I miss my home too much... I'm sick with longing. My people are all buried there, and I want to visit and speak with them. There's a hill behind our home where the hidden folk live, and they've been calling to me in my dreams. I can't stay away!"
"I suppose you should leave, then."
"Come with me, please! You can use your talent to serve humanity anywhere!"
"Yes..."
"...but not your king. That's the problem, isn't it?"
Viren doesn't answer. There's no need.
(a bit inspired by recent soul-crushing personal experience, but also a Due South fic I meant to write in 2001 or so)