Post by: Jitter on January 10, 2022, 01:54:25 PM
I for one think this is a very good idea! Hopefully it will keep us going now when the updates slow down, and then we’ll get the epilogue and then…
So, while there are still updates, the idea is to set the prompt based on the previous week’s page(s). The prompt will be set between the posting of the Friday page, and the following Monday. Anyone can set the prompt, just post it into this thread. Something on the lines of “Prompt of the Week for the week of 10 January will be xxxx”. The first one to suggest a prompt gets to do so, no turns reserved.
Please also remember that if it were to happnen so that there were no works on that week, it does not mean that your prompt would be boring! We have many creators but everyone has a life too, so it may just happen everyone is busy with other things. As the previous events demonstrate, any prompt can be interpreted in a million ways.
Then anyone who feels like it, makes something on the prompt and posts here. Any media is welcome again! Just like the other events, but nobody has any pressure, ok? And if you start something, but don’t finish during the week, just post when it’s done (or post a sketch, or both!)
I want to stress again that this is intended to be a relaxed, relaxing and fun thing. There are no right or wrong answers, and you are free to post any prompt as your association process comes up with. And similarly, you are free to apply the prompt just as you see fit, or even not at all. You don’t have to make a work, when you post a prompt, but are of course very welcome to do so.
Discussion of the works will also go into this thread, just like before. Anyone is welcome to comment and discuss, both the creators and anyone else!
Let’s try to keep this going, ok? We have many running threads, so could as well start one for general creative works too!
Post by: Jitter on January 10, 2022, 01:56:50 PM
The prompt of the week for week of 10 January is Neither.
Post by: wavewright62 on January 12, 2022, 02:47:01 AM
I'm working through a WIP (dunno if I'll get it done this week?), which I will tease via one of our popular Six Word Stories:
The Rash: be spared, or die?
Post by: thegreyarea on January 12, 2022, 01:27:35 PM
Great idea!
(Must check those six word stories)
Post by: Jitter on January 13, 2022, 02:37:03 PM
“Ok, mum, dad, I have heard your advice. And I have decided after all, that I will not be joining the Norwegian army. I think it’s not the right place for me.”
“Freya be praised! My son! You don’t know how happy it makes me hear that!”
“Hrrmph, son, you gave your mother nightmares.”
“Oh, I’m sorry for that mom. But I had to go on that mission to understand what I really want to do with my life.”
“I always knew you love the sheep too much to really leave them! You are such a sweet and gentle soul!”
“Umm, yes, I suppose… sheep are very nice. And fluffy. So, anyways, i have decided I must learn much more about magic.”
“Oh, the Academy has such great courses on sheep husbandry! I happen to know that next semester they will be starting both Lambing and sheep fertility and Curing and un-cursing ruminants!”
“Why would you know that?”
“Oh, no reason. I just happened to meet a few of the teachers. They are very competent mages, you know.”
“Uh, I’m sure they are. So, as I was saying, for my further training I will…”
“Need a place to stay in Reykjavik! You can go live at my sister’s house, they need help with the kids.”
“Mom, I’m not going to Reykjavik!”
“What? Why? I’m sure the Akureyri academy is good too, but surely…”
“I’m not going to Akureyri either!”
“Hm? Didn’t you just say… What do you plan to do, if you are choosing neither?”
”I will go to Finland. I must learn about spirits. Onni will teach me. I’m sure he will.”
”Oh. But. Yet… Finland?”
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 13, 2022, 08:56:36 PM
One of the debutantes should be able to manuaver Emil into a compromised position and he would be married as was right and proper. So not to sully the girl's reputation
She looked over and saw Emil and the Lila girl missing. Her heart skipped a beat.
The following morning Lila, Lalli, Emil and another girl Siv did not reconize came back to the house.
"Aunt Siv you'd never guess this. I got married last night!"
"Really Congrationalations" As she reached over to hug Lila.
"Thanks so much, Helga and I are going to open a shop in Mora. We decided on a double ceremony."
Emil smiles at his aunt.
Post by: tehta on January 14, 2022, 04:56:39 AM
Dmeck: Snerk snerk. What kind of a shop are the girls opening? (Maybe a cake shop where Lalli can get bun discounts?)
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 14, 2022, 06:45:04 AM
Jitter: Ooh, is this part of your general 'Onni and Reynir develop a new magic together' timeline? Anyway, I love Reynir's voice here.
Astyr I would like to be Onni's love interest. (per the one story) I am trying to control the swirl of ideas so I can the story it into words. I am kinda jumping from rock to rock and am having a hard time getting my thoughts in order to write it.
Jitter: Snerk snerk. What kind of a shop are the girls opening? (Maybe a cake shop where Lalli can get bun discounts?)
I had no idea, for the shop. (Maybe a forge ) Emil picked Lalli
Sooo Lila+Helga and Emil+Lalli. Sorry Aunt Siv not today.
Post by: tehta on January 14, 2022, 08:00:35 AM
Post by: Jitter on January 14, 2022, 11:20:28 AM
Jitter: Ooh, is this part of your general 'Onni and Reynir develop a new magic together' timeline? Anyway, I love Reynir's voice here.
Thanks tehta! I guess it is (the name of that continuum is Spirit House), this probably happens some time after Adventure 2 when they are taking a vacation in Iceland but I guess after Mist. Clearly Onni doesn’t yet know about his role as Reynir’s teacher :)
Dmeck, in my main continuum Reynir and Onni will end up as life partners, but much later. Reynir will marry and have children and divorce before that. In the meanwhile they are friends and comrades in magic. I don’t yet know if Onni will have anyone before Reynir. I know what you mean about the “swirl of ideas”, to me it almost feels like there was a story that existed somewhere, and I just get to see bits of it and then I try to write those bits, but I don’t (yet?) know what happens in between :)
I like Astyr and the way you introduced her! It’s one of the many great things about this fandom that we can and do have very different relationships between the characters and don’t fight about it. But, my main ship is Emilalli :) And so is many others’. Not everyone’s of course. And we also have a lot of fanfic with no shipping of anyone!
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 14, 2022, 12:56:07 PM
Dmeck, in my main continuum Reynir and Onni will end up as life partners, but much later. Reynir will marry and have children and divorce before that. In the meanwhile they are friends and comrades in magic. I don’t yet know if Onni will have anyone before Reynir. I know what you mean about the “swirl of ideas”, to me it almost feels like there was a story that existed somewhere, and I just get to see bits of it and then I try to write those bits, but I don’t (yet?) know what happens in between :)
I sincerely apologize!! I was thinking only my story arc. (duh!) I have to go look for those stories, as it is an arc I had not though of. (Lalli and Emil are sooo obvious to me. Sigrun and Mikkel also. Though that would be more like Sigrun hits Mikkel over the head with a shovel ;) )
I like Astyr and the way you introduced her! It’s one of the many great things about this fandom that we can and do have very different relationships between the characters and don’t fight about it. But, my main ship is Emilalli :) And so is many others’. Not everyone’s of course. And we also have a lot of fanfic with no shipping of anyone!
Some of the ARCs I have read so far I really like and would keep them for my stories if possible.
You. are so correct there. So far I have read/enjoyed a few from tehta. Mikkel's story from lwise2019 (I have not read all of them yet), For some reason I really liked Jstevens Fragments of us. I have just started to read through A03 and Fanfic. I have not see your stuff as yet
I have also read some from other writers and use the google translate to read non-english ones.
Post by: Jitter on January 14, 2022, 01:17:58 PM
Post by: tehta on January 14, 2022, 07:03:48 PM
***
“He’s adorable!” said Siv, relieved to find that it wasn’t even a lie. So many toddlers were shockingly unappealing, but, luckily, her little nephew’s golden curls, bright smile, and chubby little limbs made him look rather precious, like an exquisite little marzipan confection. “And he certainly does have your hair, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, yes,” said Helga, in that languorous way of hers, before setting Emil down on the carpet. His huge eyes followed her as she made her way towards the drinks cabinet. “Entertain him, please, while I fix us all some cocktails.”
“Cocktails?” Torbjörn asked, looking down at the child with uncertainty. “Shouldn’t we… Wouldn’t it be better to wait for Torolf?”
“Oh, he won’t be home until very late. He never ever is.”
Siv joined her husband in watching Emil watch his mother take out a few decanters. “The gifts!” she suggested.
“Oh, right!” Torbjörn clapped his hands, and stepped out into the corridor, returning with the toys and handing Siv her choice before crouching down in front of his nephew, his own purchase in his hands. “Look, Emil! A teddy bear! It’s an antique, very expensive.”
Emil did look, but his expression was more perplexed than delighted.
Siv rolled her eyes a little, and crouched down as well, holding out the fluffy bunny she had selected. “How about this one, sweety? I used to have one very much like it when I was your age.”
Emil’s head swiveled towards the new toy, but his expression did not change. His eyes darted from one gift to the other, his little forehead scrunching up in increasing confusion.
“Honestly, I don’t know why you bothered,” said Helga, closing her cocktail-shaker. “He has piles of toys already.”
“Never too early to teach him good taste,” said Torbjörn, shaking his teddy bear encouraginly. “Look, he likes it!”
It was certainly true that Emil’s face had suddenly cleared into an expression of pure delight, but Siv did not think he was looking at the bear. Or even at the bunny. No, he appeared to be looking at the gap between her and her husband, as if fascinated by something behind them both.
Siv glanced over her shoulder, but all she could see was the wall, with its antique fireplace.
“Oh no,” said Helga. “Not again. Stop him, will you?”
“Stop him? What do you mean?” asked Torbjörn, staring up at her quizzically and completely failing to see little Emil launch himself towards the flames.
Luckily, Siv, always faster at spotting potential disasters, caught him just in time.
***
Incidentally, this story holds a very deep metaphor. Emil represents me, and the various things he pays attention to represent various things I would, or would not, be interested in seeing in the epilogue.
Post by: tehta on January 14, 2022, 07:13:25 PM
And I do like the idea of the forge for Lila and Helga! Emil can come over and stare at the fires.
Jitter, I completely agree that being able to take the story and the relationships in different directions is one of the great joys of fandom. Not only can we enjoy each others' different interpretations, we can interpret characters in several different ways ourselves and nobody will bug us about continuity. I mean, I did have Emil get married to a woman in one story, while being completely committed to Lalli in some others... And I did write Onni/Mikkel as well as Onni/Reynir (although, come to think of it, those two could actually be the same Onni, which could be fun exploring).
Post by: Jitter on January 15, 2022, 05:55:39 AM
You do not have to make a work on your own prompt, but are of course welcome to do so.
Please also remember that if it were to happnen so that there were no works on that week, it does not mean that your prompt would be boring! We have many creators but everyone has a life too, so it may just happen everyone is busy with other things. As the previous events demonstrate, any prompt can be interpreted in a million ways. (Added this last bit on the opening message too - the last thing I want is someone to feel this is a competition!)
Post by: wavewright62 on January 15, 2022, 04:29:22 PM
Barely Holding On
This Again?
Disconnection
*waggles eyebrows*
Post by: Jitter on January 15, 2022, 04:32:58 PM
Post by: tehta on January 15, 2022, 04:55:31 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on January 15, 2022, 06:53:33 PM
Jitter, Tehta and dmeck7755, those are great pieces! It's fascinating how each story reflects the prompt on a different way. You're amazing!
And here goes my contribution. As I said, this story was half written, and luckily was a good match for "Neither".
Spoiler: show
Post by: wavewright62 on January 17, 2022, 02:42:05 AM
*squints at one-day-ago me*
This Again?
Spoiler: alt title • show
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 17, 2022, 09:28:05 AM
And here goes my contribution. As I said, this story was half written, and luckily was a good match for "Neither".
Oh my!! I can't wait to see more
Post by: thegreyarea on January 17, 2022, 12:07:38 PM
Oh my!! I can't wait to see moreThanks dmeck7755! Can't wait? Well, you can watch the next episode's teaser...
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on January 17, 2022, 12:17:09 PM
Dmeck, have you read all the previous parts?
Wave, thank you for the interesting prompt! I’m not sure if I can make something, I am ill. But we’ll see.
Post by: tehta on January 17, 2022, 03:18:14 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on January 17, 2022, 07:35:05 PM
Grey, another interesting part in your tale! I especially liked the description of Onni’s flight and sensations as the owl. Do you have personal experience of Borrowing?Thanks Jitter! I also enjoyed a lot writing that part! :) It's the writer's superpower, being able to "materialize" our imagination, however strange it is! As for the personal experience of Borrowing, I'm afraid mine is limited to books, pens and other inanimate objects. ;) But I'd love to have that superpower! Do you know anyone that is actually capable of doing something like that?
Dmeck, have you read all the previous parts?
Wave, thank you for the interesting prompt! I’m not sure if I can make something, I am ill. But we’ll see.
And I hope your illness is something mild and easy to overcome, and may you get well soon! <3
Dmeck, if you (or someone else) didn't read the previous episodes, I'm going to put them on AO3 tomorrow and share a link here and also on the SSSS scriptorium.
Grey, that was very entertaining! I loved the little nods to the comic (bad bad mountains), and the plot is definitely picking up, isn't it?Thanks Tehta! I'm very glad that you liked it, and that you noticed the mountains thing!
The plot is, indeed, getting more complex. This is a crossover with ASOIF, after all, so there must be some game of thrones (And I must kill characters, of course. So far I have a butterfly - episode 1 - and a pigeon - episode 7 - and... a cow(!), killed offscreen by Balerion! I must look at our dear GRRM for inspiration...)
I just hope to be able to juggle all those balls properly... :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 17, 2022, 08:01:39 PM
Dmeck, have you read all the previous parts?
No I did not know there were previous parts
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 17, 2022, 08:06:39 PM
Thank you. More to read on the Commuter rail :)
Dmeck, if you (or someone else) didn't read the previous episodes, I'm going to put them on AO3 tomorrow and share a link here and also on the SSSS scriptorium.
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 18, 2022, 05:24:34 PM
Lalli and the Smurf
Lalli was just finishing his patrol in southern Denmark. With most of the ghosts gone and Reynir purging more as they showed up, this was easy work. It paid well and he and Emil got to spend the summer together.
Lalli realized he had not eaten in over a day. Emil is gonna be unhappy that he does this. The last time he grabbed something in the field, he was sick for days. Lalli *knows* the woods, the last time was an accident.
Near a small brook, some thing blue flickered near the water. The blue thing did not give off any bad vibes, so he got closer. This thing is stupid Lalli thought. It is awfully noisy and it’s color makes it stand out. Maybe it is good to eat.
Clumsy: Brainy, I told you you should have left pappa’s transport alone. I do not think we are where we should be.
Brainey: Clumsy, if you did not drop the stone we would not be in this trouble.
As Brainey continued his rambling, a hand snatched him up. Clumsy fell and was hidden from view.
Lalli: What kind of spirit are you? I can understand you.
Brainey: I am no spirit, I am a Smurf.
Brainey: Who are you?
Lalli had no intention of giving his name to a potential evil spirit.
Lalli: I am a scout and mage. What is a Smurf?
Brainey: MAGE brainy shouted, Don’t eat me!!
Lalli: Why would I do that?
Gargamel the wizard says he will get more magic if he eats us.
Lalli bites his head off and proceeds to eat. The noise was annoying.
Clumsy retches quietly and finds the stone and transports home.
Lalli finishes his snack. I don’t feel any different. Too many bones for too little meat. I’ll pass next time.
Lalli pee’d blue for the next week. Emil was quite amused and told Lalli so.
Post by: thegreyarea on January 19, 2022, 05:29:19 AM
Thank you. More to read on the Commuter rail :)So here it is, the link for Sunset Sea Songs on AO3. I'll be quite happy if it does entertain you while commuting... Actually is great to imagine someone, far away, reading my stories on a train! <3 :)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36516715 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36516715)
And your story with Lalli and the Smurfs made me chuckle from the title to the very end! ;D
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 19, 2022, 07:31:58 AM
So here it is, the link for Sunset Sea Songs on AO3. I'll be quite happy if it does entertain you while commuting... Actually is great to imagine someone, far away, reading my stories on a train! <3 :)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36516715 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36516715)
And your story with Lalli and the Smurfs made me chuckle from the title to the very end! ;D
Thank you for everything!!
Post by: wavewright62 on January 20, 2022, 04:16:17 AM
Post by: tehta on January 20, 2022, 12:47:51 PM
Stars to Clouds (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36548185)
Emil might be hibernating in his long-desired single room, but that doesn't mean he can't interact with Lalli.
dmeck, the Smurf story was hilarious and unexpected. Although I am shocked that Lalli ate something so similar to blueberries...
grey, I will see you on AO3.
Post by: thorny on January 20, 2022, 01:45:34 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on January 20, 2022, 02:12:53 PM
I think the story I just posted fits the prompt pretty well...Well, I went to see you on AO3, my dear Tehta, and must say that I loved <3 the story!!! Lalli/Emil interaction is fantastic, and the dream manipulation, and the fluffy clouds!!!
Stars to Clouds (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36548185)
Emil might be hibernating in his long-desired single room, but that doesn't mean he can't interact with Lalli.
dmeck, the Smurf story was hilarious and unexpected. Although I am shocked that Lalli ate something so similar to blueberries...
grey, I will see you on AO3.
(I must confess, however, that just about the end, when Lalli spoke about rain, and later the clouds moved, that they would get soaked...)
I hope you enjoy mine just as much!
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 20, 2022, 02:33:35 PM
I think the story I just posted fits the prompt pretty well...
Stars to Clouds (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36548185)
I really liked story thanks!
Quote from: tehta [b
dmeck,[/b] the Smurf story was hilarious and unexpected. Although I am shocked that Lalli ate something so similar to blueberries...
I did not know until later about Lalli's adversion to blueberries. Smurf blue is not as pretty. It will definitely make Lalli want to avoid blue foods.
Post by: wavewright62 on January 20, 2022, 07:02:45 PM
:mikkel: :mikkel:
The cows were stirring in the front paddock, crowding along the fence line. Freja Madsen glanced up from washing the dishes to look out the kitchen window, then did a double-take. "Oh, for the love of...," she puffed, and threw the dishcloth into the sink, without regard for the resulting splash of dishwater onto the floor. Wiping her hands on her trousers, she stomped out to the front porch of the farmhouse before carefully composing herself to stand calmly at the top of the stairs.
The two trudging up the carriage way exchanged a look. Freja's carefully neutral expression didn't fool either of them for a moment.
"Well hello, you two," she called out as they advanced, "is harvest over already?" She crossed her arms.
"Hello, mama." Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, Michael smiled up at his mother, who had lost the battle to keep from scowling. He swept the knit cap from his head and gestured expansively toward the cows milling at the fence behind them. "Gosh, it's lovely to see you, and the girls of course. Is that your famous soup I smell?" Arms held out, he came up the stairs to his mother.
Freja snorted at Michael and stepped aside to avoid his embrace. "No, I'm pretty sure that's your own bullshit you smell." She turned to the other young man advancing up the stairs. "Mikkel."
He stopped advancing. "Mama." He met her stare briefly before his eyes flicked away.
Freja opened her mouth, but closed it again and shook her head with an eyeroll. "Come on up, boys," she sighed, waving toward the front door. "I'm sure the others will be back in soon."
She followed them inside as they shucked off their boots in the mud room and laid their duffel bags down next to the huge wooden table where the family gathered for their meals. Once they were seated with a mug of chamomile tea apiece, Freja faced her sons again. For identical twins, they looked very different; Michael with his tousled hair and easy charm, and Mikkel with his stolid calm. Mikkel looked unshaven, or maybe he was growing out some sideburns. She cleared her throat. "This again? And Michael too, this time? It's getting to be a bit of a pattern." Michael fidgeted with his mug and screwed his mouth to one side. Mikkel showed no reaction. Freja began to pace alongside the table as she continued, "you say you can't stand it, you want to leave, you go get a job, and come back here every single time- "
Mikkel interrupted her. "Not every single time." She stopped mid-pace. "I've had five jobs this time."
Michael chimed in, "Six."
"No, five," Mikkel counted on his fingers, "Jens, then the pumpkin farm, then that silo, then-"
"You've been fired from six jobs. I'm counting Ole firing me as one of yours."
"How do you figure that? You weren't even there."
Freja mouthed the word 'fired' as she stared at Mikkel. Michael waved his mug at Mikkel, "Yeah, but he said my face reminded him too much of you."
Mikkel sighed, "It's not my fault every person on this island is an idiot."
Freja snorted. "I see. Good thing you're going to be dealing with cows, then." She turned on her heel and walked back to the sink. "Madsens," she muttered under her breath.
Post by: moredhel on January 20, 2022, 07:21:12 PM
(https://moredhel.is-a-geek.net/hybrid_bear.png)
Post by: wavewright62 on January 20, 2022, 08:14:53 PM
Post by: Róisín on January 20, 2022, 10:45:07 PM
Post by: tehta on January 21, 2022, 06:30:06 AM
moredhel, that's a truly nightmarish creature. Especially the bunny (who makes me think of Wolverine from the Xmen.)
wave, yep, sounds about right. Although, it would be interesting to know more about the circumstances of all these firings.
Post by: tehta on January 21, 2022, 08:45:11 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 21, 2022, 09:02:43 AM
but
...also, are we proposing new prompts yet? If so, I would like to suggest rude awakening for this week.would be quite enjoyable also (heh heh heh)
Post by: Jitter on January 21, 2022, 01:23:15 PM
(Also what is cafune?)
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 21, 2022, 02:36:18 PM
The ”rules” say prompt can be set after the Friday page is posted, and the first to do so gets it. So next week’s prompt is rude awakening se by tehta.
Sorry I have not gone through all the rules yet. Please forgive
(Also what is cafune?)“The act of caressing or tenderly running fingers through a loved one's hair” is a mouthful mercifully avoided in Brazil with the term cafuné. This affectionate action can be applied to lovers and pets alike, as can the term chamego, which wraps up the senses of intimacy, infatuation, and cuddling, all in one term.
For some reason the accent on the e did not carry over. It is a word of the day I got last week :)
https://www.dictionary.com/e/portuguese-terms/
Post by: Jitter on January 21, 2022, 03:34:00 PM
Also the “rules” are very soft rules, so if anyone gets inspired by this sweet term you just introduced, go for it! This is not a right or wrong exercise, it’s meant to encourage people to do something. And you :sparkle: dmeck :sparkle: have been exemplary! Thank you for that!
Post by: tehta on January 21, 2022, 04:04:40 PM
Although honestly using cafune in an Emilalli fic doesn't seem very difficult...
Spoiler: show
A Reynir fic could be more challenging... the tender act could take hours.
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 21, 2022, 04:18:22 PM
Mikkel sighed. He was hoping Sigrun would be home early from the hunting expedition. She had been gone for the week and he and the children were starting to miss her terribly.
Looking at the clock he realized it was getting late and the rambunctious children would be up at first light. He settled in to sleep.
"Well", he thought, "this is not too bad. Sigrun is a bed hog and I get to spread out."
A few hours later Sigrun returned to the homestead. It had been a successful hunt and everyone celebrated before heading home.
She wanted to cuddle in a nice warm bed and Mikkel was such a bed hog.
She had a thought. She thought it was one of her best ideas ever!!
Sigrun quietly sneaked into the house, opened the door. It was cold in the foyer, as the fires of the night had long burned down. She carefully removed all of her clothing and shoes and put them on the bench. For good measure she stomped a little in the snow before heading up the stairs.
Mikkel heard her coming up the stairs and thought, "she's late she can have the end of the bed".
Sigrun sneaked in the bed and made sure she wrapped her coldest bits closer to his warmest bits.
Sigrun never thought she saw a man move as fast as her husband. She snuggled into the spot he had recently vacated.
Post by: Jitter on January 21, 2022, 04:38:01 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 21, 2022, 04:39:43 PM
Omg dmeck this is brilliant! Brilliant, I tell you! :sigrun:❄️ :mikkel:
Thank you I really appreciate.
Post by: Jitter on January 21, 2022, 04:41:48 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 21, 2022, 05:02:17 PM
People who produce a fic combining the prompts will get extra respect from me!
Although honestly using cafune in an Emilalli fic doesn't seem very difficult...Spoiler: show
A Reynir fic could be more challenging... the tender act could take hours.
There are actually a few stories that I read recently that outlines it nicely. It was one of the reasons I thought of it.
The story https://archiveofourown.org/works/31269746 's ending brings it to mind
Post by: tehta on January 22, 2022, 04:14:48 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on January 22, 2022, 03:27:44 PM
Post by: Jitter on January 22, 2022, 04:36:14 PM
This again?
Emil and Lalli had been tasked with sweeping a hamlet to the east of the encamepment. The hamlet had had a couple of dozen houses in its day, with estimated Y0 population of around 50 people. As nothing particularly dangerous was expected to reside there, it was just the two of them.
Approaching the hamlet, the mood between them was nice and companionable. The day was a little overcast, but dry and pleasant. But when they arrived at the nearest house, Lalli tensed. “What is it? Is there something here?” Emil asked.
“Shh. Don’t know.”
Both boys silently took out their weapons and approached cautiously along what had been a road running between the houses. Emil didn’t see or hear anything. “So, where do…” he whispered.
Lalli just hissed to him. After a minute or so of superattentive scanning, Lalli admitted, still whispering. “I don’t know. Not good.”
“Maybe it’s nothing?”
With an annoyed whisper “Stand still, and stay silent”, Lalli was off. Emil was left standing on the road, holding his gun in his hand.
Watching Lalli move carefully among the houses, Emil felt the hairs on his neck stand on end. Turning around, he heard a voice: “fOoD?”
I was ill all week so this is a bit late-ish, but have this double drabble
Post by: tehta on January 23, 2022, 07:16:00 PM
Let's hope that this is only a lone duskling, or maybe a small group, so Emil can stay safe and get his revenge. Or maybe Lalli's been getting him to exercise and he can now run all night?
Post by: thegreyarea on January 23, 2022, 08:34:35 PM
Funny thing, I had a very similar idea for that prompt, with Emil, Lalli and the Notoros, but it was a busy week (and weekend) so I was unable to develop it...
I hope you're feeling better now.
Tehta, I hope Emil, without the need to drag a person, will at least be able to run towards Lalli so they could find, together, a way to reach a safer area. Maybe a river? I suppose Notoros wouldn't be able to swim...
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 24, 2022, 07:38:16 AM
This again?oopsie!!
. Turning around, he heard a voice: “fOoD?”
I was ill all week so this is a bit late-ish, but have this double drabblehopefuly you are feeling better
Post by: Jitter on January 24, 2022, 07:57:10 AM
I think Emil and Lalli will be able to undertake strategic advancement towards the direction of away. Or perhaps there is a conveniently placed trash can? The story doesn’t tell, but we do know they didn’t end up as fOoD so there must be a way.
Anyways it’s just “a little overcast”, which actually strikes me as a weird wording. Would lightly overcast be better? Yes? No? Yes it would.
Post by: Jitter on January 27, 2022, 03:27:08 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 27, 2022, 04:27:49 PM
The Friday page has dropped, but it's still Thursday here. So, here's a Rude Awakening[/
OOOOH so cool!!
Post by: Róisín on January 27, 2022, 08:10:15 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 28, 2022, 08:55:24 AM
Post by: tehta on January 28, 2022, 09:57:36 AM
Favourite lines: "swishing his glowing sword and surprisingly enough not hurting anyone" and "I would have thought Emil gets injured often enough, when he's awake."
Sorry I have not contributed this week. It's my last full week of work, and it's a killer. I might still try for a late drabble later. I can try to propose a prompt, but I did the last one, so it should be someone else's turn.
Post by: Jitter on January 28, 2022, 10:30:54 AM
I’m interested in hearing where along the storyline you saw what it it? I tried to make it ambiguous in the beginning, but also ensure that it’s easy to see before the end.
BTW you can listen to Sigrun’s somg here: (not Dwarvish, unfortunately, but Finnish. But I like this version).
Dmeck the page is out, anyone can set a prompt now!
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 28, 2022, 10:47:01 AM
Thank you guys! I had the idea for a while (when I figured out who could be extra two persons it clicked) but hadn’t gotten around to finishing it until now. So, having a suitable prompt was very helpful!
I’m interested in hearing where along the storyline you saw what it it? I tried to make it ambiguous in the beginning, but also ensure that it’s easy to see before the end.
Dmeck the page is out, anyone can set a prompt now!
I loved the music clip. Unfortunately I do not speak Finnish, but it definitely touched my heart. I love that kind of music.
I kinda had an inkling at this line:
[Onni raised his staff and made a small light on the top. “Come, let us go now, for the way is long]
how about Ewww! for the week's prompt? Is should spur some funnies?
Post by: tehta on January 28, 2022, 11:08:16 AM
Post by: Jitter on January 28, 2022, 01:38:42 PM
I only have the Finnish version, I hope the solemn style I tried to give to Onni’s speech worked.
BTW it was a delight to read that part again! Clearly it’s been many years. Which reminds me I haven’t finished the Silm.
Dmeck the prompt is yours
The prompt of the week of January 31st is Ewww!
Post by: tehta on January 28, 2022, 04:27:03 PM
I hope someone will have time to wonder ”tall and muscular? Emil?” before the penny drops.
Who's to say that's not how Lalli always thinks of Emil? Love is blind etc. (I mean, I personally would find that a little out of character. But it is not my story.)
Post by: tehta on January 30, 2022, 04:29:34 AM
Here you all go: Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
“Ewww,” said Emil to Lalli while picking up the discarded scout’s uniform. “Well, I sure am glad that Mikkel is the one doing the laundry! What did you do, roll around in troll guts? Wait – did you actually roll around in troll guts? How did that happen? Did you fight a troll? Are you okay?”
He looked up, hoping to verify this for himself – but Lalli, a very fast dresser, was long gone; probably asleep in the tank, by now. So, he was probably okay, then? Leaving Emil to focus on the ewww of it all. Troll gutsI Ugh.
***
“Eww!” said Emil to himself as he watched Lalli clean yet another deformed skull, blood and unidentified matter flying everywhere. While the Swedish ‘scientific’ stance on religion now seemed thoroughly foolish to him – finding actual evidence that magic was real was not even hard, anyone could do it, even a scientifically-untrained cleanser – he had to admit that religion was just weird. Eww.
***
“Ew!” Emil could not help exclaiming as Lalli vomited all over his boots. It wasn’t Lalli’s fault, of course: the sway of the boat had thrown off his otherwise excellent vomiting aim. And boots could be cleaned. Still, ew.
***
“Ewwww,” said Lalli to Emil. “Blueberry soup? Really?”
Emil, who had spent all morning working on this special dish, dyeing both his hands and even some of his hair in the process, was rather taken aback. “It’s an old family recipe!”
“Your family is weird. Blueberries? In soup? Also, I hate–”
“You hate blueberries, I know, but I thought what you really hated about them was the element of surprise: how they’re all different, and you never know what you’re going to get? Well, the soup doesn’t have that, does it? And it’s sweet, I put extra sugar in it, I really thought you might…”
Confronted by Lalli’s flat, unimpressed stare, Emil could not help trailing off. And, well… if he were perfectly honest with himself, he could not help feeling a little – just a little – resentful. He had tried so hard! He always tried so hard. And did he ever get any acknowledgement, any thanks? Well, yes, maybe two… no, three times. And he’d always said it was enough, but was it, really? Was it even worth it? Should he start reconsidering this whole, well, rela–
His racing, dark thoughts stopped dead as he saw Lalli pick up his spoon. And dip it in his bowl. And, even, consume its contents! And then, repeat this whole process, several times!
“Is the soup… okay?” Emil asked tentatively.
“Yes. Or, wait, no,” Lalli paused, spoon in mid air, and stared at its blueish contents in confusion. “It is not okay. It is very good. You did a very good job. I think…” He turned his bewildered gaze on Emil. “I think I should apologize for the times I said you were stupid. Some of them, anyway. You are not always stupid.”
It was Emil’s turn to be confused, by this sudden change of topic. “It’s… fine?” he said. “I don’t really mind the ‘stupids’. I know you use them as a sort of... punctuation.”
“But they are incorrect. I don’t want to say incorrect things.” Lalli put down the spoon, his expression serious. “Emil. You have fixed blueberries. You are some sort of genius.”
Emil felt his face assume a loopy grin, all his earlier doubts fading away. At times like this, it was definitely worth it.
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on January 30, 2022, 11:56:28 AM
Post by: tehta on January 30, 2022, 01:29:30 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 30, 2022, 02:37:46 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 31, 2022, 02:42:55 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/91791607
Post by: Jitter on February 02, 2022, 01:03:09 PM
S: Yeah. Your are right. We can just try to find some new equipment. I guess. This way!
M: Hm, Emil and Lalli seem to be missing. Reynir, have you seen Emil or Lalli?
R: I think they went off the road, behind those bushes. Maybe?
M: Reynir thinks they are behind the bush.
S: Oh crying out loud... half of the team insist on going and the other half goes into hiding! No respect for leadership!... C'mon kids, time to... Ewwww!
E & L: Huh / mrh?
S: What are you guys doing! WHY are you kissing?
E (blushing): Well, me and Lalli... we...
L (kicks Emil's ankle, frowns)
E (indignant): I will have you know me and Lalli are in love! It may be something unusual in the small mountain villages you come from, but in Mora it's perfectly acceptable!
S (flabberghasted): What are you on about? We all know you are boyfriends! And good for you to be in love! But why are you kissing now? He's covered in stinky mud, and you still have some troll entrails in your hair.
E (squirming): Entrails? Ewwww! I washed! ... Lalli, we must go wash!
S: No, we must go now. Mikkel worries about the Surma thingy. You can wash later.
E: But... but my hair!
Post by: Jitter on February 02, 2022, 01:12:58 PM
I have never had MREs, I guess lucky me :)
And yes, Róisín is quite something, isn't she! We actually have a Róisín appreciation thread somewhere!
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 02, 2022, 01:18:27 PM
Dmeck, your story was good :) I only got time to read it now.
I have never had MREs, I guess lucky me :)
Thank you, They do sell MRE's on line, but real food is better. I read they have been improving over the years.
And yes, Róisín is quite something, isn't she! We actually have a Róisín appreciation thread somewhere!
That's cool!!
I love all of the prompts so far. They are fun to read and make a quick diversion. Thank you for your story also.
Post by: Jitter on February 02, 2022, 01:26:42 PM
When the epilogue ends and we are stranded with no pages at all, Friday is probably better, as more people are likely to have time on the weekend. But while we have the pages, let's build on them!
Post by: tehta on February 02, 2022, 02:04:04 PM
Also, it might be good to start encouraging people to post non-ssss stuff. I might post some of my stupid watercolors, if they match a prompt.
Also... I really enjoyed the ficlet. Yes, that was a major Eww moment, and yes, one could easily read all of Lalli's staring as interest. (I wrote something about it, even, but never posted.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 02, 2022, 02:20:31 PM
BTW, from now on the day to set the prompt should be Monday, after the epilogue page appears, do you agree?
When the epilogue ends and we are stranded with no pages at all, Friday is probably better, as more people are likely to have time on the weekend. But while we have the pages, let's build on them!
Works for me. It even may give us inspiration for a prompt
Post by: Jitter on February 02, 2022, 04:08:58 PM
Post by: tehta on February 07, 2022, 01:22:41 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on February 07, 2022, 01:26:02 AM
How about 'Can You Dig It'?
Spoiler: show
Now I need to go back and read through threads, sorry.
**I blame working from home under Covid restrictions yet again - at the end of the work day I turn the computer OFF for the night.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 08, 2022, 02:11:09 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/92255734
Post by: Jitter on February 08, 2022, 03:41:39 PM
Post by: tehta on February 13, 2022, 01:10:58 AM
***
“Running five kilometers should be easy,” Emil proclaimed. “My tutor told me about this man from… from Matterhorn, a foreign place, who ran at least twice as far, to warn his friends about… three hundred attacking giants. My tutor said the key to running is pacing yourself.”
To his intense displeasure, none of the other recruits seemed to be listening to his scholarly insights. Some continued to chat among themselves, while others seemed to be posing in weird ways, stretching out one limb after another.
“All right, you ugly lot!” the drill sergeant shouted. “Let’s see what you’re made of!”
***
It was only after fifteen minutes – or was it fifteen years? – of running that Emil remembered the man from Matterhorn had died of running. The realization was not unwelcome. Trapped as he was in an endless nightmare of burning lungs, screaming leg-muscles, and the excruciating shame of being so, so far behind all the peasants, Emil longed for the sweet release of death.
It was not to be. He reached the endpoint last, ridiculously red-faced and sweaty, but alive.
“Pacing yourself, eh, Västerström?” someone asked.
So, at least one person had listened to him. That was… something.
Emil felt cheered.
Post by: Róisín on February 13, 2022, 03:27:00 AM
I already had a poem on Digging from a recent prompt of the local library writers group. Thought it might amuse.
VERS LIBRE POEM: ‘DIGGING’
‘Digging’, you prompt.
Am I digging in the garden?
Digging my grave, perhaps, with my knife and fork?
Digging myself in deeper? But into what?
Some trench, defensive revetment or fortification?
Or simply deeper into trouble with my tongue?
Perhaps some other meaning is implied?
I may be just appreciating something?
A skilful jazz performance, a handsome youth,
The wit and wisdom of some clever one?
Or even that I grok a point of view?
I may pursue a scandal, dig for dirt
Or excavate in journalistic wise
The filthy sewers of crime or politics?
If there is any difference to be found?
I think, though, I prefer to turn the soil.
Dig dirt to build a garden full of food
Or tapestried with flowers. Let’s do that!
Let us displace the worms and roots and soil!
Dig holes to make some space for things to grow!
Let us go out and plant some apple trees!
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 13, 2022, 05:39:22 PM
tehta, I think Emil's work did bite him back (chuckle)
Post by: wavewright62 on February 14, 2022, 02:38:50 AM
And Róisín, that's what I'm talking about! So many usages for 'digging' in English, this is a delightful poem.
Post by: tehta on February 14, 2022, 11:42:02 PM
So, does anyone have a new prompt for us? I am feeling a bit like Emil, myself. Too bleary to come up with stuff, and also selfish so I would just pick something that matches a story I am already writing...
Post by: JoB on February 15, 2022, 12:11:19 AM
So, does anyone have a new prompt for us? I am feeling a bit like Emil, myself. Too bleary to come up with stuff, and also selfish so I would just pick something that matches a story I am already writing..."Lumilintu (http://www.sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=28)"? IIUC it has the same connotation as its literal translation "snowbird (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowbird_(person))" in AmE ...
(Feel free to ignore me, though; I'll be traveling the rest of the week plus, and might well not even get to witness the chaos I sowed.)
Post by: Jitter on February 15, 2022, 03:35:21 AM
However, Lumilintu / snowbird is a great prompt with or without the connotation so that’s what we have for this week!
Post by: tehta on February 15, 2022, 04:07:20 AM
I enjoy snow and cold, but my partner doesn't, and so we have ended up escaping the European winter as much as possible the last few years. (Working remotely makes it particularly easy.)
So, I am tempted to respond to this prompt not by writing, but by posting one of my (very beginner-ish) watercolors of a tropical location.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 15, 2022, 06:35:01 AM
"This article is about migratory people from North America. For other uses, see Snowbird." (That one almost made me inhale my coffee)
Though it really is a bird (dark eye junco, which does show up at my winter feeders )
When i try and look up Lumilintu, I get lots of song links :)
heh heh.
Now to come up with some kind of idea...
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 15, 2022, 06:45:52 AM
Hmm, I just learned a new word -- that might describe me!
I enjoy snow and cold, but my partner doesn't, and so we have ended up escaping the European winter as much as possible the last few years. (Working remotely makes it particularly easy.)
So, I am tempted to respond to this prompt not by writing, but by posting one of my (very beginner-ish) watercolors of a tropical location.
That would be really cool. Art is good for the soul.
Post by: Jitter on February 15, 2022, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 15, 2022, 09:14:19 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/92702098
Post by: Jitter on February 16, 2022, 01:21:03 PM
Please don’t worry about whether something “suits” a prompt. If you were inspired to create something, then that something is what the prompt was for you this time :) It’s not a quiz.
Post by: Róisín on February 16, 2022, 04:49:33 PM
Post by: thorny on February 16, 2022, 05:08:47 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 16, 2022, 05:12:59 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 21, 2022, 11:47:36 AM
I was thinking of Clichés. How people take them from books, movies and use them not in life or in conversations.
Examples of movie ones
"Glitch in the matrix"
"Make my day"
Or book ones
"my precious"
"Tilting at windmills"
Etc.
Post by: tehta on February 21, 2022, 12:36:00 PM
This week, I was thinking about being sneaky and using the prompt to post an ssss story I have been writing anyway. And, well, I think dmeck's prompt might work for that, because it seems very open-ended? Unless I misunderstand it. (It's not clear to me whether we are supposed to take inspiration from a cliche quote, or to use a cliche quote in the story verbatim.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 21, 2022, 09:43:37 PM
This week, I was thinking about being sneaky and using the prompt to post an ssss story I have been writing anyway. And, well, I think dmeck's prompt might work for that, because it seems very open-ended? Unless I misunderstand it. (It's not clear to me whether we are supposed to take inspiration from a cliche quote, or to use a cliche quote in the story verbatim.)
I thought the prompt of the week was to take a them and write a SSSS story. If I got this wrong I am sorry. I misunderstood.
The prompt is very open ended. Like in the story people in comments section use "butter good" That can be construed as a cliché.
I am sorry I mis understood the intent of the prompt. Go pick something else. To better relate to the intent.
Post by: tehta on February 21, 2022, 10:32:56 PM
And your prompt would actually work very well for a non-ssss story: something set in our world, where cliches are cliches. (I am not sure our movie-based cliches would work in ssss... although, they do still have books. Jitter's series about Emil's book-based dreams would fit this prompt well. And there are always AUs.)
Anyway, I think the prompt is good. I wasn't vetoing it, just asking for clarification.
Post by: Jitter on February 22, 2022, 12:44:48 PM
Works can be either SSSS or something else. I’m sure we all love SSSS content, but in the interest of diversification of the Forum, also other fandom stuff and original works are very welcome! (Which reminds me, tehta, you were supposed to post some watercolor?)
Post by: tehta on February 23, 2022, 08:21:47 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8bYq2ws/PXL-20220223-124330037.jpg)
It's usually very peaceful, but right now there are lots of waves because of the cyclone that just passed us.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 23, 2022, 11:24:32 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/93138976
Tehta,
It looks so peaceful. I like it. I would love to be on that beach. Especially if I do not have to share it with anyone!!. Thank you.
Post by: Jitter on February 23, 2022, 03:33:51 PM
Dmeck, those are great. And yes, he is the stuff dreams are made of!
Post by: tehta on February 24, 2022, 12:02:41 PM
And thank you both for your kind words on my painting.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 24, 2022, 03:19:46 PM
Dmeck, now I get what you meant by cliches. (I bet the napalm one just wrote itself.) And maybe I'll have a go at some.
Yeah I had that tickling the back of my mind for a bit.
Post by: Jitter on February 25, 2022, 06:00:23 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/52q688pf/adventure.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nLSBgN5d/resultsorexcuses.png)
And some more! (I may have sliiiightly overdone it)
Spoiler: show
Making these I was reminded how utterly toxic many of the so called inspirational quotes are. Especially the fitness ones!
But after all, let's not forget to enjoy the simple things in life! Just like happy forest creatures do!
(https://i.postimg.cc/44qwmHW8/eatpraylove.png)
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 25, 2022, 11:02:22 PM
Bravo!! Bravo.
That was amazing!!
Post by: tehta on February 25, 2022, 11:14:41 PM
After looking through them all, I have decided that Reynir is a great model for sensible quotes. While the Hotakainens are generally terrible. (I do love your take on 'no pain no gain', but Lalli is not a great role model in this instance.)
Post by: tehta on February 25, 2022, 11:59:50 PM
"You want the truth?" Mikkel signed. "You can't handle the truth, Emil. Trust me on this."
“I can! You know I can! I am a grown man who has looked giants in the eye and lived. I am not afraid of anything my father might say or do! I am just… curious… as to why the two of you are corresponding.”
“All right, then. If you insist.” Mikkel took a deep breath. “I met your mother while working in Sweden, as an underage apprentice tree surgeon. Our company did quite a lot of pruning on your parents’ estate, and she was always so welcoming, offering us lemonade, and, well… It would appear that the rest of your family recently found out.”
“Found out what?”
"Look." Mikkel handed Emil the letter. "I am your father."
(Cliches come from 'A Few Good Men' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'. I wanted to work in 'Casablanca's Here's looking at you, kid, too, but I ran out of inspiration.)
Post by: JoB on February 26, 2022, 02:12:46 AM
"Look." Mikkel handed Emil the letter. "I am your father."... I take it, then, that the Västerström family lost their wealth to bribe the entire Madsen family to keep mum about this ... >:D
Post by: Jitter on February 26, 2022, 05:49:40 AM
I wasn’t consciously trying to make all of the workout ones on trolls, but mow I notice I have, with the exception of No pain, no gain. That and the Home is where the heart is were the ones I thought of first, and then it escalated just a little,
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 26, 2022, 02:28:03 PM
I am too obsessed with current world events to focus, but here, have just two cliches:Snerk!!
"Look." Mikkel handed Emil the letter. "I am your father."
Yeah current events are really scary.
Thank you all for putting some humor in a dreary time. I have to say I really like everyone's response to this weeks prompt
Post by: Jitter on February 27, 2022, 09:55:33 AM
Should I crosspost the inspirational quotes to the memes and edits thread?
Post by: Jitter on February 27, 2022, 04:24:55 PM
Post by: wavewright62 on February 27, 2022, 05:27:05 PM
Should I crosspost the inspirational quotes to the memes and edits thread?
YES - I was going to suggest that. These are perfect and I so appreciate you making them.
While I agree that some of these quotes are toxic, I grant you 'rule of funny'. I lost it at 'Champions train, losers complain', I really did.
'Be the Change...' was actually really pertinent, not just funny, as was Kaunoinen.
Post by: Jitter on February 27, 2022, 05:47:49 PM
I didn’t put in the mentioned sources, because they are often wrong, but the Kaunoinen one was attributed to Confucius in the source I took it from, and it could be his. I think that one worked very well overall and looks good too. It might even work without the context, probably the only one of these.
I hope the combination of the most terrible ones with trolls helps so that it’s clear I don’t actually endorse never quitting :)
EDITED to add one more because, because why not?
Post by: tehta on February 28, 2022, 04:15:22 AM
I also love the new prompt. It has already inspired me. (I have spoilered my response for discussion of sexual activity. I don't think it's too much for a general topic, but if it is, then let me know, and I will move it to nsfw!)
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 28, 2022, 11:47:40 AM
Yes, 'Be the change...' was great!
I also love the new prompt. It has already inspired me. (I have spoilered my response for discussion of sexual activity. I don't think it's too much for a general topic, but if it is, then let me know, and I will move it to nsfw!)
I liked the prompt story, but I am a bit confused. Was Sigrun having a 2-fer?
I love Emil being the prude ha ha
Post by: tehta on February 28, 2022, 12:34:42 PM
Spoiler: show
Hmm, maybe I should move this to another forum after all?
And yes, my version of Emil is a huge prude.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 28, 2022, 01:19:43 PM
Post by: Jitter on February 28, 2022, 02:03:14 PM
But why is Emil being a hypocrite here? Could it be that
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 01, 2022, 12:56:11 PM
-----------------------------------
Reynir was sitting near the lake looking all gloomy, staring at Onni.
Mikkel asked what is wrong.
Reynir said "Onni is fishing"
Mikkel walks over to where Onni is sitting with a fishing pole.
Mikkel pulls the pole out of the water and sees it is not even baited. He drops it back in the water. He raises an eyebrow at Onni.
"Lalli says you hate fishing. You'd do better if you bait the hook"
Onni replies "Reynir was here and talked non-stop for three hours. He never came up for breath once. I told him fish need quiet to bite. It is going to be my new hobby"
Post by: tehta on March 03, 2022, 06:25:57 AM
Dmeck, Hee. (Although, personally, I like to think that Onni appreciates Reynir's overtures of friendship at least a little.)
Jitter, Yes, well, we know Emil can be really rude. So I wouldn't put mage-touching past him. Scandalous.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 03, 2022, 07:40:07 AM
Sorry, very distracted these days...
Dmeck, Hee. (Although, personally, I like to think that Onni appreciates Reynir's overtures of friendship at least a little.)
Jitter, Yes, well, we know Emil can be really rude. So I wouldn't put mage-touching past him. Scandalous.
I believe you are correct, he could shut him pretty quickly. Though Reynir does chatter, I think he may want some peace. Plus it was like the only thing I could think of for the prompt :(
But Emil is a Swede, they don't believe in magic!!. So, that can be his "work-around" and fits into the prompt theme again.
Post by: tehta on March 03, 2022, 08:54:08 AM
Post by: Jitter on March 06, 2022, 03:57:12 PM
Onni was supervising the students’ lesson out in the woods. Two human presences emanated from underneath a thickly branched spruce. Too excited for him to miss, as he was on the lookout both to supervise the students and to keep them safe. Well well, those two. Of course.
“Lumi! Sturla! What is this!” Two kids jumped up, got tangled with the branches, and finally emerged from the tree, looking flushed.
“What are you two doing?”
“We are studying!”
“Studying… Professor Onni” Sturla was clearly embarrassed.
“I see. What are you studying?”
“Landspirits. Just as we were supposed to!” Lumi on the other hand appeared to be pleased with herself.
“Spirits? Were you trying to connect to some spirits?”
“Yes! That’s just it! We wanted to communicate with the spirits so found a peaceful spot to do so!”
“Well, that was good of you. Which spirits were you looking for?”
Just as Lumi said “Tree spirits!”, Sturla blurted “Earth spirits!”. Lumi gave him a stinky eye.
“Hrmph. I think you were trying to connect with each other!” Onni was frowning fiercely, and Sturla was cowering before him. His niece, of course, still looked smug.
“How many times do I need to tell you to focus! You will not learn the ways of the spirits, unless you can focus your luonto, and your heart and mind, Sturla, to the task at hand! What do the spirits require? Lumi?”
“Respect, and focus, and a firm mind.”
“Yes. And were you being respectful? Sturla?”
“Yes, um, Professor, um. We were trying to be. I promise!”
“And were you focusing?”
“We were… we tried to. Honest!”
“And what happens, if you don’t focus?”
“You, um, you lose the connection?”
“You are close, Sturla. Either you don’t find the connection at all, or worse, if you already have a connection, but lose the respect, you may upset the spirit!” Sturla paled visibly. “And what happens, if the spirit gets upset? Lumi?”
“You may be left powerless. And if it really gets irritated with you, it may inflict something on you.”
“That’s right, Lumi. The spirits do not take well with frivolous mages! You have to learn to behave yourself!”
“Sorry, Professor Onni!”
“Sorry, uncle. I will behave better from now on!”
“Well, good then. Keep this in mind!”
“I will, uncle. We will behave just like you and Professor Reynir!”
Onni turned on his heel and stormed off. He could swear he’d seen a glimpse of the girl’s fox luonto.
“Why did you say that! You are related to him, but I’m not! Please don’t make him angrier!” Sturla was terrified.
“Oh, don’t mind Uncle Onni. He’s trying to be all grim, but he’s really just a big softie. Especially now that Reynir is here. Pappa says we should just let them be happy. They’ve only just got together together.”
“I didn’t know that! Aren’t they supposed to be these long-time companions who together discovered…”
“Yeah yeah, that old thing. It’s true. They did discover the way to connect with Icelandic spirits together, ages ago. And before that they defeated the Kade. But they discovered each other only just last time Uncle Onni was in Iceland. Finally, isi says.”
Post by: tehta on March 06, 2022, 10:39:37 PM
Post by: Jitter on March 07, 2022, 10:25:19 AM
I think today's page has great potential for a prompt! But as I just decided the last one, maybe someone else would like to set it now?
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 07, 2022, 10:35:18 AM
Thanks tehta :onni: <3 :reynir:Go for it!!. I can't come up with anything. Unless someone with a better imagination than mine has something better...
I think today's page has great potential for a prompt! But as I just decided the last one, maybe someone else would like to set it now?
Post by: tehta on March 07, 2022, 01:19:37 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 07, 2022, 01:24:11 PM
I would suggest 'betrayal', both for Reynir's treacherous attack and for Mikkel's attempt to get Onni to stab his last family member in the back...
OOO That is a hard one to do without being dark and dreary...
Hopefully I will succeed
Post by: Jitter on March 07, 2022, 02:04:10 PM
It’s a good prompt!
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 07, 2022, 04:02:21 PM
Hopefully I fit the prompt...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/93815641
As I finished this I look out my window and there were like 200 blackbirds eating all the seed I put out yesterday. Talk about omens.
Post by: Jitter on March 08, 2022, 11:57:11 AM
Your ficlet was quite dark indeed. Are the “beacons” people who have the potential for mage powers? Or something else?
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 08, 2022, 01:32:10 PM
Wow dmeck I hope it wasn’t an omen! I like blackbirds (if they are the same we have here, a trush species) but too much is too much!
Your ficlet was quite dark indeed. Are the “beacons” people who have the potential for mage powers? Or something else?
It could be am omen of spring :) . All my snow has melted, and has been replaced with mud.
I think they were starlings, as this is the time of the year they come back. Though starlings here have long yellow beaks; (these were black, but they could change for winter). This was definitely a horde, and decimated the feeders in hours. They could have been Rusty blackbirds, as we are on a migration path. I have a huge amount of sparrows also, so I set out feeders with cheap seed. The piggies ate 15 kilos yesterday.
I was thinking that the beacons would be lights of potential mages, or people who would be mages as time goes on. "Beacon" may not have been the correct/best word, but nothing else really came to mind.. I was trying to come up with a way the Kade would see mages.
Post by: Jitter on March 08, 2022, 02:07:10 PM
Post by: Jitter on March 08, 2022, 02:16:52 PM
Starlings aren’t here yet
Post by: lwise on March 08, 2022, 03:42:37 PM
I would suggest 'betrayal', both for Reynir's treacherous attack and for Mikkel's attempt to get Onni to stab his last family member in the back...
Quite by coincidence, I have something with betrayal in it. I will publish it on AO3 tomorrow.
I did a silly story https://archiveofourown.org/works/37555984 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/37555984). The fourth chapter involves "betrayal".
Post by: Jitter on March 12, 2022, 01:55:54 PM
Content warning: ANGST, EMOTIONAL PAIN, SERIOUS INJURY
Withering
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 12, 2022, 03:55:50 PM
Here is a double entry on Betrayal. It’s made of double drabbles and has double authors, @tehta and me! We worked on this a while ago, didn’t finish, but here it finally is!
Withering
OOOO! This is awesome. I hope "love conquers all" and there is more :)
Post by: Jitter on March 12, 2022, 04:27:57 PM
I’m glad you liked it!
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 12, 2022, 04:38:21 PM
Well, at least Emil is determined to right all misunderstandings, and Lalli is physically incapable of escaping. So, there is hope for them, finally!
I’m glad you liked it!
I am very much in the Emil-Lalli camp. The possibility of them finally getting together….
I think there was an Ao3 story. I need to look
Post by: Jitter on March 12, 2022, 06:09:04 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 12, 2022, 07:52:46 PM
I think about 50% of our fandom’s stuff is EmiLalli, and some if the rest has them together in the background :lalli: <3 :emil:
It is good to not be alone :emil: <3 :lalli:
Post by: Róisín on March 12, 2022, 08:57:16 PM
Post by: tehta on March 12, 2022, 10:45:39 PM
Dmeck, apart from commenting on AO3, I meant to say that the Kade story was my favourite of your pieces! It's so lively and dark.
Also, I am glad you enjoyed the angst! And I think that you know that both Jitter and I have many stories where Emil and Lalli end up together, so maybe you meant together in this particular setting where they break up and Lalli runs off into the Silent World? My 'Unmasking' was a different and less literary take on it, and the whole double-drabble series started as an alternate, darker ending for my 'Future Imperfect'. But if you're looking for Emilalli in general, then I would second Roisin's suggestion of Onnenlintu's wotk. Kasvatus is the Emilalli gold standard for me.
Post by: tehta on March 13, 2022, 01:15:18 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 13, 2022, 11:54:16 AM
Dmeck, apart from commenting on AO3, I meant to say that the Kade story was my favourite of your pieces! It's so lively and dark.
Also, I am glad you enjoyed the angst! And I think that you know that both Jitter and I have many stories where Emil and Lalli end up together, so maybe you meant together in this particular setting where they break up and Lalli runs off into the Silent World? My 'Unmasking' was a different and less literary take on it, and the whole double-drabble series started as an alternate, darker ending for my 'Future Imperfect'. But if you're looking for Emilalli in general, then I would second
Roisin's suggestion of Onnenlintu's wotk. Kasvatus is the Emilalli gold standard for me.
Thank you for your kind words. I know I am not the greatest writer. Probably from writing technical documentation for so long. I at least hope the story’s premise and such wins over people.
I have read future imperfect and always like that Emil and Lalli over come much. I have read a few more. I need to reread them, as it all becomes a jumble in my head
I think jitter’s Ao3 name is jiiri. I read the spirit house. All I liked very much
I have to look for Tanist’s stories.
I loved Onnenlintu’s series.
Post by: tehta on March 13, 2022, 12:20:30 PM
Another Emilalli story I like very much is "About Emil, and How He Picked Up a Little Finnish". Oh, and "on the salt-burnt sands". Probably many more I can't remember right now.
Post by: Jitter on March 13, 2022, 12:50:32 PM
I am indeed Jiiri. My main EmiLalli series is Toivosaari, but the Spirit House centering on Reynir and Onni and how they learn more about magic is in the same continuum. The little Hypocrisy fic is a bridging piece but I have one proper bridge in the works. It’s been so for a long while now so I don’t know if it will ever happen, but still. Maybe one day.
Misunderstandings and Yule Preparations are one-off EmiLalli fics i.e. not in the same continuum as Toivosaari. I seem to like to write about how they understand their feelings are mutual, so I have several takes on that.
Kasvatus by Onnenlintu is in a league of its own really. I hope my Toivosaari doesn’t take too much from him!
Post by: Jitter on March 13, 2022, 03:05:48 PM
Post by: lwise on March 13, 2022, 04:24:34 PM
Oh and lwise, I think there are various betrayals in your story! The whole premise of stealing children sort of qualifies even though your tone makes it clear it wouldn’t be a dark deed :) But parents pushing to give their children away are certainly betraying their kids, even if the kids want to go!
Well, you could call it giving away the children, but you could also call it giving the children for fostering, which used to be a traditional way to give the children a leg up in society. At least, that's what Siv would claim it was.
Post by: Jitter on March 13, 2022, 05:38:28 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 13, 2022, 09:27:24 PM
So everyone's kind words really touches me, and I am truly grateful.
Plus I love hearing and seeing everyone's stories. This is definitely a bright spot.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 14, 2022, 08:00:05 AM
Gratefulness/Thankful
?
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 14, 2022, 11:11:22 AM
But I wrote something already (It was waiting to come out...haha)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/94189549
If there is a different prompt, please let me know
Post by: tehta on March 14, 2022, 01:03:59 PM
I also like your fic! Although I notice you left out the redheads. I mean, I suppose Reynir is grateful for the chance to help, but Sigrun... She is probably grateful for all the chances to use her skills? Or for all the mages she has managed to acquire like vacation souvenirs?
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 14, 2022, 01:12:02 PM
I also like your fic! Although I notice you left out the redheads. I mean, I suppose Reynir is grateful for the chance to help, but Sigrun... She is probably grateful for all the chances to use her skills? Or for all the mages she has managed to acquire like vacation souvenirs?Hmm you are right. I need to add Sigrun and Reynir to have a complete set.
I will think of something :reynir: :sigrun:
Post by: Jitter on March 15, 2022, 01:11:39 PM
And, Lalli the cat being Happy that Emil is warm 😆 (along with his other good qualities). I chuckled out loud.
Plus, Lalli’s thought about how Emil’s people noise shields him from other people’s noise is very insightful.
All in all I like this one very much (again!).
Like tehta said, there is no prompt approval, the first one to suggest it, gets to set it. Only… you promised to write another one if there is a different prompt, so maybe I should put in another? :)
BTW if I may suggest, you could rate your work at G (or T if you are unsure), because non-rated always asks for permission to proceed. If you put in something that requires a higher rating later, you can change it.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 15, 2022, 01:59:19 PM
Dmeck, another beautiful one! Especially the one on Onni. I agree, it is Reynir’s nature and part of his magic to be giving. Reynir’s inner monologue (Onni! Onni! Onni!) is great, and rings true for Reynir. And I like the way you describe Onni’s haven reflecting his mood.
I really think Onni is like a beignet (doughnut) crunchy outside and soft and mushy inside.
I think that may be why Reynir is as powerful as he is.
And, Lalli the cat being Happy that Emil is warm 😆 (along with his other good qualities). I chuckled out loud.I am glad..
Plus, Lalli’s thought about how Emil’s people noise shields him from other people’s noise is very insightful.
All in all I like this one very much (again!).
Like tehta said, there is no prompt approval, the first one to suggest it, gets to set it. Only… you promised to write another one if there is a different prompt, so maybe I should put in another? :):) <3 I still need to add a Reynir and a Sigrun one to make a full set
BTW if I may suggest, you could rate your work at G (or T if you are unsure), because non-rated always asks for permission to proceed. If you put in something that requires a higher rating lat, you can change it.
Thank you. That is good to know. I did not realize it did that.
Post by: Jitter on March 15, 2022, 02:44:27 PM
Post by: Yuuago on March 15, 2022, 02:57:20 PM
Yeah, non-rated works always ask first, the author has chosen not to rate the work and it may contain adult content, do you wish to proceed?
This is actually user-defined.
For logged out users, it always asks. But for logged in users, there is a checkbox in the preferences that turns this off.
Post by: Jitter on March 15, 2022, 03:00:02 PM
Post by: Yuuago on March 15, 2022, 03:11:22 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 15, 2022, 08:53:15 PM
I also like your fic! Although I notice you left out the redheads. I mean, I suppose Reynir is grateful for the chance to help, but Sigrun... She is probably grateful for all the chances to use her skills? Or for all the mages she has managed to acquire like vacation souvenirs?
Added the redheads. Set is complete. he he
Post by: Jitter on March 21, 2022, 06:01:08 AM
Edited to add: Farewell is just the prompt suggestion! This thread will NOT end after next week!
We’ e had several new members lately, we’d love to see you participate here! The contribution can be anything, and this would be a great opportunity to test some ideas.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 21, 2022, 07:52:49 AM
Works for me
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 23, 2022, 08:39:27 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/94681942
Post by: Jitter on March 23, 2022, 12:26:44 PM
I know you have added things after posting before, would you like a little suggestion? I thought of something when reading this.
Also, am I seeing some indications you are warming to Onni/Reynir? 🥰
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 23, 2022, 01:42:49 PM
Oo sweetness! And some ichor to spice things up!
I know you have added things after posting before, would you like a little suggestion? I thought of something when reading this.
Also, am I seeing some indications you are warming to Onni/Reynir? 🥰
Suggestions? sure! I hope i am not doing something wrong.
For Onni and Reynir sort of. They play so well off each other. Maybe not so much a romance. But a genuine friendship. You do not have to be lovers to be close. Though who knows.... :onni: :reynir:
Post by: Jitter on March 23, 2022, 02:07:48 PM
And you are right, people can be close without being in a romantic and/or erotic relationship.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 23, 2022, 02:10:26 PM
Oh no no, nothing wrong! I was jus thinking that in the part where Emil has to fight against the slime and stuff to get to Lalli, maybe his will could manifest in the form of flames that clear a path for him?I thought of fire, but he'd worry about burning Lalli. I wanted to convey that Emil was willing to get all mucky and dirty to help Lalli.
And you are right, people can be close without being in a romantic and/or erotic relationship.
Though Reynir won't stop trying to have something more ;)
Post by: tehta on March 25, 2022, 11:14:54 AM
***
“The whole thing makes no sense at all. Iceland is much too far to visit for just a week or two. And even if it were closer, well, don’t you hate boat trips? Also, we do not even know this woman.”
Lalli could have mentioned that he knew Reynir’s sister a little, even if Onni didn’t, but he saw no reason to prolong the conversation. Onni had made his point: he didn’t want to attend the wedding. Lalli’s own feelings on the topic were mixed, and uncomfortable to dwell on, so it felt good to have the decision made for him.
“You’re right,” he said. “It makes no sense. We won’t go.”
Still, in spite of his welcome decisiveness, Onni seemed to have further points to make. “And the invite is not even written by her, but by her annoying brother!”
“Which annoying brother?” There were at least three, of various flavours of annoyance. “And how do you know who wrote it, anyway?”
“The brother we know the most, the untrained mage. It’s in his handwriting.”
“Is it?” Lalli didn’t think he’d ever seen Reynir’s handwriting, outside of runes, which didn’t count. “I guess the invitation I got was very messy, like his hair. But that ‘please come, it will be a fun reunion!’ part was in Finnish, which he cannot speak.”
“‘A fun reunion’? Is that what yours says?”
“Yours doesn’t?” Lalli leaned over to peer at the paper in Onni’s hand, and managed to spot a full paragraph peppered with exclamation marks before Onni tilted it away, so he couldn’t see.
“A reunion, hmm,” said Onni. “That implies the others are also invited: the treacherous Dane, the captain… and your friend. Wouldn’t you like to see him again?”
Lalli shrugged. Yes, of course he wanted to see Emil again, the way he wanted water on a hot day, but he also knew that seeing Emil again might be a stupid thing to do, now that he could go whole days without thinking about him once. Not that any of that was Onni’s business, of course.
“Don’t be like that. Seeing him will do you good,” said Onni absent-mindedly, glancing down at his invitation. “It is decided, then. We will go.”
Lalli didn’t argue. He still didn’t want to think about any of it very much.
***
The sea crossing was, of course, nightmarish, and best forgotten, but the coach ride to Reynir’s hometown was comfortable enough. Lalli curled up against a window, but did not bother with the view, which brought up too many memories of his first visit to Iceland. This second visit was a mistake, he understood that now. A mistake for him, anyway: Onni seemed strangely cheerful as he attempted to engage Lalli in conversation. When Lalli did not respond, he even went so far as to exchange a few words with the other passengers.
Reynir met them at the coach stop, greeting them loudly in truly terrible Finnish. So maybe he had written the invitation, after all. Luckily, his new knowledge seemed to run out after “Good morning, how are you?” and certainly didn’t extend to understanding anything said to him, so Onni switched to Icelandic as they made their way towards the house. Lalli walked a few steps behind the others, not thinking about anything.
The walk ended at a small tent in the back garden.
“Very convenient, staying this close to the house,” Onni told Lalli. “Because of the bathroom, I mean. Anyway, Reynir says we should meet his family for some breakfast. Do you want to go?”
Lalli did feel hungry, but the thought of all those Icelanders, speaking Icelandic at each other, and maybe even at him… "No," he said.
“Right, I expect you want to get some sleep. I’m sure Reynir will understand, once I explain.”
And then, just like that, Lalli was alone.
He kicked his bag into the tent and spent some time looking around. The local trees were just as pathetic as he remembered, but the nearby mountains made great scouting-points. As he also remembered. He might go up one later, if he could keep the memories under control. For now, he decided he might as well take Onni’s advice, and try to sleep through his hunger. He crawled in after his luggage.
Strangely, sleep proved elusive. Maybe it was because he was worried that, now that Emil was closer, their shared dreams would resume? But such worries made no sense, as meeting in a private dream would be far preferable to meeting in a crowd of Icelanders.
Also, there were weird noises outside the tent. A sort of rustling, as if something were bumping up against the fabric. Almost certainly a sheep, Lalli decided as he moved towards the tent-flap to scare the beast away.
“AAAAAAAH!”
Lalli blinked at the light, and then at Emil, who was laying sprawled on the grass, his face a picture of shock. The familiar sight made him feel better about the whole trip, and also worse.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Tripping and falling over in surprise, I guess? Sorry, you popped out very suddenly.” Emil sat up, and waved his hand, which was clutching a piece of paper. “But before I fell, I was leaving you a note.”
Lalli’s brain felt slow. “A note?”
“To tell you where to find me… and Sigrun, and Mikkel, of course. It might be tricky otherwise, what with all the other guests.” He smoothed down his hair, which was surprisingly long. But still very shiny. “Anyway, we’re in the big barn.”
“Aha.”
“It’s very crowded there. You would hate it. All that snoring, and– But, wait.” Emil grinned. “That’s not how I wanted this meeting to go, at all. I really wanted to start by thanking you for your letters. They were great!” He looked at Lalli expectantly. Receiving no response, he continued. “All those descriptions of nature. Of course, some of the vocabulary was a bit… specialized for my dictionary, so I ended up taking them to the Finnish Cultural Center. And they really loved them too! One woman cried. She said your words took her right back to her childhood in the woods.”
“You…” Lalli sat down in the tent’s entrance. “You showed my letters… to strangers?”
“Was that wrong?” Emil’s grin faded. “I mean, you never wrote anything personal at all. I could understand that clearly, even with my limited vocabulary.”
“Hmm.”
Emil was right: Lalli had definitely kept all his letters job-related. He was very glad of it, now. To think that he had come so close to taking them in a different direction! One time, he had actually considered closing with, ‘I miss you,’ but it had seemed like both too much and too little.
When he had thought about writing what he really felt, it just sounded stupid. ‘Remember that day you tried to kiss me, and I pushed you off the fishing pier? Well, at the time I was pleased with my reaction, and you seemed to accept it too. You even laughed when describing your sudden clumsiness to the others. But as the surprise faded I became confused, and now, many months later, when we’re no longer even in the same country, I somehow can’t stop thinking about that moment and regretting that I have ruined things forever.’ Nobody would write something like that, not even Emil, whose letters were full of personal opinions and questions.
Emil, who was now frowning. “You seem upset. Look, I really thought that–”
“I am not upset.”
“Are you just tired, then? You were sleeping. Here, take my note, and–”
“No, I couldn’t sleep.'
“So maybe you’re hungry? There’s breakfast out by the barn. I could take you there.”
Lalli shook his head. “Too many Icelanders.”
“I see.” Emil sighed, then brightened. “You know what? I think the bakery is opening soon. We could go there. You remember their buns, right?”
Lalli did remember, very well. As ideas went, visiting the bakery was not a bad one. But it would involve spending more time with Emil, and more good-bad feelings. “I was thinking about walking up a mountain,” he said.
“Oh! Like the last time! Can I join? You know, Norway is full of mountains. After living there for a while, I am so much fitter, you'll be so surprised.”
Lalli considered this. He had already noticed that Emil did look a bit more muscular than he remembered, but then muscles did not really guarantee stamina.
“And we could visit the bakery on the way there,” Emil added.
Lalli's stomach growled. It was all too much to resist. "Okay then," he said, and prepared to be surprised.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 25, 2022, 12:51:36 PM
“Which annoying brother?” There were at least three, of various flavours of annoyance.
Various flavors of annoyance What a hoot!!.
I don't know why I always feel sad where Emil and Lalli are separated wether by the cosmos or various unfortunate incidents. I makes me feel out of Kilter. (Maybe that is why I end my Emil/Lalli stories with them together. It makes the universe feel whole to me)
This is a nice story, and you are right it would be awesome for a longer version. Thank you!!
Post by: Jitter on March 25, 2022, 02:01:23 PM
Why does Lalli know Gudrun though? This timeline doesn’t have the Root Cellar Incident, right?
Please write more! I don’t know why you keep thinking that “it’s just EmiLalli again”, we love EmiLalli!
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 25, 2022, 05:10:56 PM
Please write more! I don’t know why you keep thinking that “it’s just EmiLalli again”, we love EmiLalli!
Yes we do!! quite a lot
Post by: tehta on March 26, 2022, 12:29:07 AM
(And I think that even the canonical, in-comic Lalli can say he knows Gudrun a little? They lived in the same house for a month, after all. They would have shared meals, run into them in the common areas, and so on. By the same token while the time he spent with Reynir's other siblings was a bit shorter, I still believe it was enough to decide exactly how annoying he finds them, and in what way.)
Dmeck, I understand why you feel sad when Emil and Lalli are separated. But such sadness makes for good drama!
Post by: Jitter on March 27, 2022, 02:39:17 PM
Onni was worried. Reynir hadn't been over for many days. Sometimes he visited every night, and that was clearly too much. Onni may have given him a piece of his mind the last time he wouldn't stop talking. But, he hadn't told him never to come over! Surely Reynir didn't think that?
Next morning Onni asked Lalli about it. "Have you heard from Reynir recently?"
"Yes"
"Oh, he visits you still?"
"No"
"But, you just said...?"
"No. He came by and said he will not be coming for a while. Then he went, and hasn't visited since."
"Oh, and why is that?"
"So that we wouldn't worry."
"Well, I worried? Why didn't he come tell me?"
"He asked me to let you know, in case you are interested."
"He did? Why didn't you?"
"I just did."
"??"
"As soon as you showed interest, I told you."
Lalli was serious in his confidence he had done exactly as asked.
"But you... I... Never mind. Did he say why he won't be coming?"
"Yes"
"Ok, so... why are you being difficult. Just tell me!"
"I'm not being difficult. I don't know how to deal with things like this."
"What things?"
"Feelings. Other people's feelings."
"Reynir has feelings?"
"Everyone has feelings all the time. Emil has told me."
(muttering) *Mielikki help me...* "So, Reynir is not coming because of something to do with feelings?"
"Yes"
"What kind of feelings?"
"He's sad"
"Sad? Why?"
"Unndís has told him to go."
"Unndís? His wife? Why?"
"Reynir didn't say. Maybe he doesn't know. Such things are hard to understand."
"Ok, so, how did he seem?"
"Sad"
"Lalli!"
"Sad and confused, even more confused than usually. But he wasn't ill or anything."
"Did he... did he tell you not to seek him?"
"No. That would be stupid. I can't seek him anyways. He's the one who can cross the Dream Sea."
"Oh, right. Well, thanks for telling me. Eventually."
"You are welcome."
Onni's dearest friend and companion was sad and troubled. He'd have to try to help somehow. Getting to Iceland in the physical world took a long time, and Onni couldn't walk on the Dream Sea any more than Lalli did. But, there was something he could do. It was draining, but is was possible. He'd done it before, although never as far as to Iceland. Well, there was nothing to it. He had to try.
Beseeching Ilmatar the air mother, Mielikki the keeper of forests, Tapiotar the mother of birds, and others, he set on the long journey. He made his presence as light as possible, for the way was long in the Dreamworld too. And all the better, if he could avoid detection, because there were the... denizens of the Dream Sea.
So, the spectral owl took wing and started towards the spiritual equivalent of west. He flew for what felt like days, even though he knew that not much time passed in the physical reality. Staying almost ethereal was tricky. It made traveling easier, but it also made it harder to keep his spirit focused. Several times his luonto appeared in front of him and called him by name, a couple of times even pecking him with its great beak. "Hold on to yourself, my friend. Don't lose your itse!"
After a long flight, he noticed that the sound of the Dream Sea was different. It sounded like surf. He was coming to someone's shore! And indeed, ahead he saw land at long last. Rolling green hills, in partial shadow. But not fully, there was always sun in Reynir's area. The great owl swooped over the shoreline and into the valley. There was a copse of trees there, and within those trees was a stone outcrop Reynir liked. And indeed, there he was, sitting on his favorite spot.
Finally, he had reached his friend. Reynir was concentrated on something in his hands and didn't notice the arrival of the wisp-thin spectral owl. Onni was exhausted, and he absolutely had to rest now. Still, he couldn't swoop on Reynir, so he spread his wings to slow his descent. He'd land on Reynir's shoulders, nice and gently. Reynir would see he'd come to help.
http://sssscomic.com/mainimages/art/2019_calm-before-the-owl.jpg
Itse is one of the three parts of the Finnish soul, in addition to the luonto and henki, which is the life force that keeps the body alive and blood flowing. Itse is the part that makes the person who they are, and that may remain after death (henki leaves at death and luonto goes away, to become someone else's luonto later).
I had some idea for the following parts of the reunion, but I realised I need a timeline for the Toivosaari and Spirit House continuum and so I was working on that. In any case this goes between "One door closes, another opens" here https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1262.180 and "Hypocrisy" earlier in this thread.
Post by: tehta on March 27, 2022, 02:50:11 PM
Also, Lalli is in top form here, isn't he?
Post by: Jitter on March 27, 2022, 03:56:37 PM
Post by: tehta on March 28, 2022, 01:05:25 AM
Post by: Jitter on March 28, 2022, 04:13:18 AM
Also this is at least 10 years to the future as Reynir has three children by this time, so I think Lalli has become a bit more fluent in human during his time with Emil and the women. But here he’s confused because feelings and therefore retreats to his old habits.
Post by: Jitter on March 28, 2022, 02:04:18 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 28, 2022, 05:19:51 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/94976407
Post by: tehta on March 28, 2022, 11:10:35 PM
That said...
For this sad prompt, I was thinking about posting the 150-word snippet I wrote in this (https://archiveofourown.org/comments/525416317) comment chain for Withering, but I decided to rewrite it as an actual drabble first:
Spoiler: show
...hmm, I believe that the last page of this great comic deserves a better Goodbye. I mean, technically speaking, nobody says goodbye in there, do they? I will think about writing a proper piece.
Post by: Jitter on March 29, 2022, 03:44:53 AM
tehta, yours is horrible! Horrible I tell you!
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 29, 2022, 06:31:20 AM
WAAAAAAHHHH!
no no no
Post by: thegreyarea on March 29, 2022, 08:01:48 AM
(Yours is also great, Tehta! Horrible, but great! :D )
And here is my contribution, a brand new, original short, non-SSSS related, non-proofread, eventually non-interesting... You tell me.
Goodbye
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 29, 2022, 08:21:48 AM
Hi! I'm back! So many great pieces in this thread!
(Yours is also great, Tehta! Horrible, but great! :D )
And here is my contribution, a brand new, original short, non-SSSS related, non-proofread, eventually non-interesting... You tell me.
Goodbye
thegreyarea.
I like it. The end was a bit of a pleasant surprise.
Spoiler: show
Tehta's is great, it triggered an emotional response. but nooooo!!
Post by: thegreyarea on March 29, 2022, 08:47:05 AM
thegreyarea.Thanks dmeck! :) I'm still reading yours. As soon as I finish it I'll comment.
I like it. The end was a bit of a pleasant surprise.Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on March 29, 2022, 11:52:50 AM
But okay, now onto grey's story. I liked it! I particularly enjoyed the slow reveal of
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on March 30, 2022, 12:53:09 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on March 30, 2022, 10:11:14 AM
dmeck, I read your story and really liked it. The fact that Tuuri talked most of the time fits quite well, and so the limited words from Lalli, Onni and Ensi. Well done, and very emotional. I'm ready to add it to our canon*.
*: BTW, we should have a special place to keep the stories we consensually agreed that should be part of our own complementary SSSS canon, don't you think?
EDIT: I published it on AO3! https://archiveofourown.org/works/38059108 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38059108)
Post by: Jitter on March 30, 2022, 12:11:00 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on March 30, 2022, 12:58:43 PM
Grey, why do you say it’s not related to SSSS? Because, clearly,My dear Jitter, clearly you're using your telephatic powers to read my mind. But since you're a good friend I don't mind.Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 30, 2022, 02:01:58 PM
*: BTW, we should have a special place to keep the stories we consensually agreed that should be part of our own complementary SSSS canon, don't you think?
EDIT: I published it on AO3! https://archiveofourown.org/works/38059108 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38059108)
Thanks. That may be kinda an interesting thought. We all have our own "cannon" , but maybe come up with a global one would be fun!!
I read my sentences and yikes!! grammer not. so sorry
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 30, 2022, 02:06:02 PM
1. trifolium repens is clover..
2. Is Trifolium repens edible?
Image result for trifolium repens
White Clover (Trifolium repens – pictured above) is a totally edible plant. Eat the leaves raw or cooked as a spinach substitute, or dry them to add to baked goods for a vanilla flavor. The flowers are also edible, as are the seed pods – which when dried can both be ground into a flour.
Coolness
Post by: thegreyarea on March 30, 2022, 02:43:23 PM
I did not know thisYes, very cool! I didn't know the edible part.
...
Coolness
About your text, I wasn't looking for mistakes, but don't recall anythig that stands out. However I may not be the best at picking them... ;)
Now, when you say "pictured above", did you actually insert a picture and I somehow can't see it, or you forgot?
Post by: Jitter on March 30, 2022, 02:58:30 PM
I think one of the cornerstones of why this fandom is so friendly is the way we don’t argue about ships or anything fan-created, whereas many fandoms have gone completely crazy fighting over such things. I think we are safer not trying to “lock” anything.
Having said that I am completely happy if you want to open a thread about what YOU as in one person consider canon or as-good-as. Discussion about it would be a good idea! (There may be such threads in history but we could start a new one). This is different than declaring something as “Forum canon” which would seem to imply that everyone has to agree with it.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 30, 2022, 04:02:06 PM
I don’t think we should declare anything as “fan canon” or “extended canon”. Everyone has their own in their mind (and saying “This is canon for me” is ok). This is because while I think the ines of us who are currently most active here would probably agree quite easily on what to include, it would not work for each and every current and future Forumite. In the past there has even been discussion whether it should not be allowed to mention EmiLalli! Or any ships at all.
I think one of the cornerstones of why this fandom is so friendly is the way we don’t argue about ships or anything fan-created, whereas many fandoms have gone completely crazy fighting over such things. I think we are safer not trying to “lock” anything.
Having said that I am completely happy if you want to open a thread about what YOU as in one person consider canon or as-good-as. Discussion about it would be a good idea! (There may be such threads in history but we could start a new one). This is different than declaring something as “Forum canon” which would seem to imply that everyone has to agree with it.
Jitter, I had not thought of it. This is the first fan forum I have been involved in for a VERY long time, so I would consider myself a newbie as far as fan forums and fan fiction is concerned. Though instead of "forum cannon"as you said, maybe a cooperative set of stories. There are things I like from other people's cannons/stories I would like to use (with permission of course)
Of course, I need to finish the one I did borrow from lwise 😳
I definitely do not want any angst. The people on this forum are awesome. So your comments are very valid. It also allows for the wide variety of the fiction I have read and enjoyed. So yeah I would prefer not to do that.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 30, 2022, 04:09:59 PM
Yes, very cool! I didn't know the edible part
Now, when you say "pictured above", did you actually insert a picture and I somehow can't see it, or you forgot?
no, I grabbed the description from a web page. I forgot the picture was separate.
Post by: Jitter on March 30, 2022, 04:29:29 PM
So, for example, if we declared Lalli/Emil as “our canon” and someone wrote them as just friends, would that someone feel their work is unwelcome? Or that they would have to tag it as canon-divergent?
We don’t insist anyone to adhere to the actual canon (as set by the comic) but calling something “Forum canon” might lead to controversy nevertheless.
But if Grey meant a discussion on the lines of “this might as well be canon for me”, I’m all for that! I’m all for it even if he didn’t suggest it :)
Post by: lwise on March 30, 2022, 06:28:08 PM
But if Grey meant a discussion on the lines of “this might as well be canon for me”, I’m all for that! I’m all for it even if he didn’t suggest it :)
One possible topic for discussion is little things in canon that might inspire people to write stories, since we won't receive more from Minna. I was thinking about Onni today, and it occurred to me that there's something odd about his story that I don't recall anyone pointing out. Why wasn't he with the hunters and scouts in Fall Y79? Why was he on the island of livestock and crops?
It's not because he was too young; Lalli was there and he was eight. It wasn't because he wasn't immune; Hilja, Tapsa, and Ilmari were all there and they weren't immune either. In Y90 he was paralyzed with fear of the outside, but he clearly wasn't in Y79, since he travelled from island to island with only his little sister. So why wasn't he with the hunters and scouts?
Also with regard to Onni, why was he so completely ineffective against the Kade? Breaking the fourth wall, I think Minna was tired of the whole thing, hadn't worked out how he was going to defeat the Kade, and just threw in a deus ex machina, but if you want to make the canon make sense, there must be some reason why he was totally wrong about his abilities.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 30, 2022, 07:10:44 PM
One possible topic for discussion is little things in canon that might inspire people to write stories, since we won't receive more from Minna. I was thinking about Onni today, and it occurred to me that there's something odd about his story that I don't recall anyone pointing out. Why wasn't he with the hunters and scouts in Fall Y79? Why was he on the island of livestock and crops?two things:
Now this may be just my head cannon, but what little I inferred from the comic, Onni was responsible for Turri. The part we saw in the comic (Adv II) is Ensi pecking on Onni saying "I gave you one job!" Maybe Ensi had some premonition that Tuuri was going to die young, and that Onni was supposed to prevent it (You can go into a rathole about "fate"and all that here)
The other is that I believe Ensi was not happy with Onni. He is a different person than Ensi. I felt his magic was more spiritual than physical. Whereas Lalli and Ensi were more of the physical.
Spoiler: show
It's not because he was too young; Lalli was there and he was eight. It wasn't because he wasn't immune; Hilja, Tapsa, and Ilmari were all there and they weren't immune either. In Y90 he was paralyzed with fear of the outside, but he clearly wasn't in Y79, since he travelled from island to island with only his little sister. So why wasn't he with the hunters and scouts?
I think the fear is how everyone died so quickly and by one of their own. I think Onni, Lalli ad Tuuri all had a form of PTSD from the incident. Especially since they were the only survivors. (Survivor remorse?)
Also with regard to Onni, why was he so completely ineffective against the Kade? Breaking the fourth wall, I think Minna was tired of the whole thing, hadn't worked out how he was going to defeat the Kade, and just threw in a deus ex machina, but if you want to make the canon make sense, there must be some reason why he was totally wrong about his abilities.
I don't think he was. Onni seemed to be more of a mental mage than a physical one. Lalli was more physical, was able to search the physical world for trolls , safe paths and even weather. I think though the addition of Reynir (Not so much Lalli), brought a different form of magic. Part of my head cannon is Reynir can be like a spiritual guide. He did that with the ghosts in Denmark, why wouldn't that talent extend to the trapped souls of the kade.
I really think Reynir is special or his magic is. All of the Icelandic mages in the comic were female. Given their power from Freya.(according to some mythos).
So Reynir is either blessed by Freya, (through some if the readings I have done, is gay).
Or he is blessed by Odin and would be very powerful indeed.
From what I read, Icelandic male mages were special.
Post by: lwise on March 30, 2022, 07:41:51 PM
two things:
Now this may be just my head cannon, but what little I inferred from the comic, Onni was responsible for Turri. The part we saw in the comic (Adv II) is Ensi pecking on Onni saying "I gave you one job!" Maybe Ensi had some premonition that Tuuri was going to die young, and that Onni was supposed to prevent it (You can go into a rathole about "fate"and all that here)
The other is that I believe Ensi was not happy with Onni. He is a different person than Ensi. I felt his magic was more spiritual than physical. Whereas Lalli and Ensi were more of the physical.
Lalli did see that portent in Silent Denmark, so it's not impossible that Ensi saw a clearer portent, let's say one that showed Tuuri dying of the Rash. So Ensi orders Onni to prevent it, but by keeping Tuuri inside walls, he frustrates her to the point that she runs away to the expedition ... and gets the Rash. Sort of an Oedipus type situation, where trying to avoid the fate causes it to occur.
That does make sense.
Post by: thorny on March 30, 2022, 07:42:46 PM
Yes, very cool! I didn't know the edible part.
Clover blossoms also make nice tea.
in terms of group agreement as to the story, and so on: I agree that declaring certain things to be 'this-board canon' (nitpick: "cannon" is a different word; English is weird) would create a problem, both in that it would discourage people who want to write alternate versions, and in that it's rather asking for arguments. But I do like a sort of 'shared-fan-universe' concept for those who want to join it, so that people who want to do so can build off each others' stories. Maybe we need some way to routinely and easily indicate that permission's being given for others to build off a story, and also some way to indicate that a group of stories are so related to each other?
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 30, 2022, 07:59:29 PM
Cannon Boom!. Stupid spell check
(nitpick: "cannon" is a different word; English is weird)
Other canon….sorry
Post by: thorny on March 30, 2022, 08:29:29 PM
Post by: lwise on March 30, 2022, 08:41:31 PM
(nitpick: "cannon" is a different word; English is weird)
At least canon and cannon are spelled differently though pronounced alike. Consider cleave (stick together) and cleave (cut apart).
Post by: tehta on March 30, 2022, 11:56:46 PM
It's a different issue, but inflammable and flammable are also fun, as two words that sound opposite but mean the same.
Regarding canon, I agree with Jitter. We want to be as accessible and welcoming as possible, plus having multiple interpretations is fun. I have even been enjoying interpreting things slightly differently within different stories of mine. I am not even sure I have personal fanons I would stick to 100% of the time. (I have even written fics in which Emil and Lalli are not an explicit couple!) Well, maybe except the Sami etc not being all dead or assimilated, because that's bad on so many levels.
Post by: JoB on March 31, 2022, 02:37:53 AM
I was thinking about Onni today, and it occurred to me that there's something odd about his story that I don't recall anyone pointing out. Why wasn't he with the hunters and scouts in Fall Y79? Why was he on the island of livestock and crops?The canon information we have is that Ensi started training him as a mage, but then dropped him to train Lalli instead. Considering the one-on-one principle of Finnish mage formation (http://sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=87), that might well have been enough to let Onni fall through the cracks and limit him to a self-studying bookworm ...
(nitpick: "cannon" is a different word; English is weird)Still applicable (https://xkcd.com/1401/). :P
It's a different issue, but inflammable and flammable are also fun, as two words that sound opposite but mean the same.Fill in this form by filling it out.
Getting into quicksand is a slow death.
Slim chance, fat chance, same difference.
Emil can speak of that building burning up as it burned down.
You can park in a driveway, but better should keep driving in a parkway.
... hey, we've all heard the ondit about English and dark back alleys. :3
Post by: tehta on March 31, 2022, 03:12:16 AM
Regarding Onni's power, yeah. I was just thinking about that. I believe that Minna has said that the reason she kept him out of Adventure One is because he is so powerful that he would have ruined the plot, but in Adventure Two he did... almost nothing beyond teaming up with Tuuri, really. I think this is a genuine Plot Hole^TM, in need of filling. (While the comic was still going, I was sure the Kade had gotten to him, somehow.)
And I love the idea about the ironic/tragic portent!
Post by: thegreyarea on March 31, 2022, 07:01:00 AM
To clarify, when I talked about our canon I meant pieces/stories that we consider so fitting they could be canon. Not that we would, or should, define our own dogmatic canon, and anyone contradicting it would burn on the bonfire of our comments.
We could even have two (or more) could-be-canon things for the same moment in the timeline. So dmeck wrote that nice piece with the Hotakainens conversation, and it fits very well with the story and the characters, therefore many of us (or perhaps one of us) believes that it could be canon, and so we add it to that yet-to-be-created repository/thread. Next month someone else writes another piece about the same conversation. And, you know, it's very different, but also great. We don't have to decide which is the best, or which fits better. We simply add the new one to the repository.
My idea is that those works should be added to the SSSS scriptorioum, and inside that we could create a thread ("Could be Canon" or other name, IDK) where we put a brief description of the story and a link to the place where it is (just to avoid repetition). That would also help avoiding that those pieces where "lost" inside other threads where it can be hard to find them in the Future.
Now, if someone disagrees with the could-be-canon status of a story... well, speak up and explain the reasons, and we decide. And by "we" I mean the people that are around the Forum. The fact that only moderators or admins can remove a post would help, of course. I can help keep it organized and write descriptions.
Well, that it. I hope it wasn't very boring. :)
Oh, about the permissions, I'm completely ok with anyone using anything from my stories to develop their own. No need to ask, but I'd like to be informed, not to "police" what happens but just to know, because I'd be curious to see the outcome.
Post by: tehta on March 31, 2022, 07:49:52 AM
I think that this sort of thing could create drama, or at least tension, by encouraging people to criticize others' works? Right now, there's always the option of "don't like, don't read", and the stories one disagrees with are easy to ignore*. But if stories that vex people start getting anointed as 'could-be-canon', and if criticizing them to get them removed from the list is a viable option, then people might get more vocal?
I know this fandom is generally a very kind one, but when talking to older authors I have heard some rumours of disagreements as to Tuuri's character (as in, is she abusing Lalli?), and I have seen some pretty, er, spirited discussions in the older comic comments on other topics (like, is Lalli abusing Emil? Can their friendship be called functional?) And, as Jitter mentioned, shipping is always a hot-button issue, of course.
* I have some of these! I see them mostly as uncontroversial (they tend to be extreme, unironic darkfics) but I could be wrong. I know triggers can vary wildly from person to person.
Post by: lwise on March 31, 2022, 07:57:56 AM
But if stories that vex people start getting anointed as 'could-be-canon', and if criticizing them to get them removed from the list is a viable option, then people might get more vocal?
Agreed. I am likewise uncomfortable with the idea. But I think a discussion of "how could you resolve this plot hole" (like the unsatisfying conclusion of the Kade problem) might be interesting. Not in a "this is the should-be-canon" way, but in a "this is my idea" "ooh, but what if --" way. That is, it would be a way of sparking ideas off each other, which could then give rise to stories for those of us thirsting for more.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 31, 2022, 08:02:12 AM
We can do themes instead
Examples (These are my head things)
Emil and Lalli
Tuuri does not die
Sigrun and Mikkel
Onni and Reynir (This is not mine, but they do go well together, and I have written a couple with and without)
Back stories on any of the characters. (I have been loving lwise's stories)
This way it may encourage different writers and their canon's. Or even if people have the same, how different and worthwile all the stories are
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 31, 2022, 08:03:45 AM
Agreed. I am likewise uncomfortable with the idea. But I think a discussion of "how could you resolve this plot hole" (like the unsatisfying conclusion of the Kade problem) might be interesting. Not in a "this is the should-be-canon" way, but in a "this is my idea" "ooh, but what if --" way. That is, it would be a way of sparking ideas off each other, which could then give rise to stories for those of us thirsting for more.
Great minds think alike (ha ha)
Post by: lwise on March 31, 2022, 08:06:24 AM
Tuuri does not die
I have a plan for that ... :)
Post by: tehta on March 31, 2022, 08:13:02 AM
I think I, for one, would find it inspiring. I tend to express my canon-related ideas better (or, at least, less boringly) with stories than with essays.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 31, 2022, 08:20:30 AM
Maybe we want a new thread for plothole and canon-fix discussions? Where should it go?
I think I, for one, would find it inspiring. I tend to express my canon-related ideas better (or, at least, less boringly) with stories than with essays.
I new thread is a good idea!! we are starting to clutter this one up
It also may bring people/ideas who do not read this thread.
Maybe under Writing Board or General Discussion?
Post by: thegreyarea on March 31, 2022, 08:41:00 AM
And I think it would fit well in the "Writing Board".
Also I think "Tuuri does not die" is a fascinating starting point for a story, but in my mind that fits in the "Alternate universe" category.
And I may be naíve, but I didn't want to suggest anything that would create strong arguments between Forumites. Maybe I'm not expressing my idea well, or maybe it's just a bad idea. All I wanted was that those small pieces that come out on events (usually not in the scriptorium) and complement so well the canon were brought together on a single place :)
Post by: Jitter on March 31, 2022, 10:35:54 AM
Grey, I like your idea and like I said I have no doubt us discussing right here would have no problem agreeing what to include in such a list. But example from other fandoms tells us that it’s nevertheless a bad idea. Maybe not right now, but over the years that we hope we will have.
Post by: tehta on March 31, 2022, 11:40:57 AM
I would include the Hotakainen reunion in that, as well as the discussion Lalli and Onni MUST have had after the gang found the latter, but also Emil's backstory (or an explanation for his suddenly near-fluent Finnish), a description of what Trond's blackmail material was, info on where Ukko-Pekka came from...
Post by: thorny on March 31, 2022, 12:24:03 PM
And it should be easy enough to make it clear that multiple different ways for filling the same gaps are welcome.
Post by: lwise on March 31, 2022, 02:31:26 PM
Writing board would be safer than SSSS board, as it clearly indicates it’s intended as a writers’ resource rather than Saying How It Is. Could the heading be ”How would you resolve… SSSS ’plotholes’ and common questions for writers”. No, that’s long and boring.
What if you put it under SSSS board, and entitle it "How would you resolve ..." That leaves it open-ended whether you are resolving plot holes or character backstories or inconsistencies or whatever.
Post by: JoB on March 31, 2022, 03:52:52 PM
Might it be possible that Ensi alternated between training her two grandsons? Also, it might be that with mages, making sure they get basic training early on is vital, to develop those strong mental defences Lalli described to Emil. So focusing on training child Lalli, and not the already-mostly-trained Onni, might make a lot of sense.I don't remember offhand where exactly, but it was said that Ensi entirely stopped training Onni when she took on Lalli (who might be weaker than Onni magic-wise, but a much better fit to joining Ensi on her typical missions).
I can create a new topic and move those posts there, but how should it be called? "Plotholes" may be too strong, and IMHO would deserve a dedicated thread. "Canon-fix" also implies there's something, and error or fault, to be fixed. "Canon-complementary stories"?"The Canon(s) Tree", reminiscent of the famous Language Tree, with all sorts of interesting stuff branching out in every which direction?
Post by: Róisín on April 03, 2022, 04:34:09 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 03, 2022, 08:42:23 AM
I don't remember offhand where exactly, but it was said that Ensi entirely stopped training Onni when she took on Lalli (who might be weaker than Onni magic-wise, but a much better fit to joining Ensi on her typical missions).
I think part of the reason for Ensi later concentrating on training Lalli more than Onni might have been that Lalli was immune and could help with Ensi’s work while training? Onni would be safer at home, plus given a basic grounding there might be a lot of stuff like runos that he could then study by himself? And a non-immune mage might still be useful for things like defending the farm island.
I agree with these statements. Onni is a powerful mage. It seems to me, that the type of training Finnish mages go through is a form of apprenticeship. I think Onni's magic was not the same as Ensi's and Lalli's was. So once Onni got the pre-requisites, he had to discover/learn his own type of magic. Whereas Lalli and Ensi seemed to be more alike. Lalli could pick up from Grandma, and I am sure Grandma had to learn things from Lalli. (If only from a male-female perspective) A good teacher will always learn from their students.
Plus I think Onni was tasked with protecting his sister, and well as various things within the village and farm. The shelter that they utilized when the breakout happened, looked like it was not a hastily built item. They also were the only ones there, so I think it was a family "secret".
Through the comic, it looks like there are different types of magic (Especially For the Finns). Reynir's magic is even different from how it was described for Icelandic mages.
So magic can be a very personal thing.
Post by: tehta on April 03, 2022, 09:23:05 AM
I think a rather fun prompt might be something like perception vs reality, inspired by the two images we get of Aksel's grandma. That could work for fiction or art, couldn't it?
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 03, 2022, 12:37:41 PM
Hey, so is next week's prompt going to be related by the prologue we will be rereading?(Personally I would love something related to Iceland's refugees because of a WIP I plan to post, but that's some ways off, isn't it?)
I think a rather fun prompt might be something like perception vs reality, inspired by the two images we get of Aksel's grandma. That could work for fiction or art, couldn't it?
So a story about Aksel's grandma or about Grandma's? Or year 0/1? Or something in the schedule for reading pages 1-11
(I have the oars, now I need a boat lol)
Post by: tehta on April 03, 2022, 12:39:53 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 05, 2022, 07:29:07 AM
Spoiler: show
I meant specifically 'perception vs reality' as the prompt. But I am not married to it...We would all be expecting an invitation if you decided to marry a prompt here at the Forum. ;)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 05, 2022, 07:51:44 AM
I really like the "perception vs reality" prompt! Here's my take. I hope you enjoy it!
We would all be expecting an invitation if you decided to marry a prompt here at the Forum. ;)
This is awesome!! They are so cute!!
Post by: tehta on April 05, 2022, 08:33:24 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 05, 2022, 10:02:51 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 05, 2022, 10:55:18 AM
Thanks dmeck and tehta! I wasn't expecting to come back to them after Goodbye, at least not anytime soon, but then this came to my mind, and with your support... who knows which places and moments we will visit? :)
The universe is a big place. There is always room for kindness and love
Post by: Jitter on April 05, 2022, 11:43:51 AM
The universe is a big place. There is always room for kindness and love
Never a truer word!
Grey, nice surprise :)
Post by: Jitter on April 06, 2022, 12:55:29 PM
Goodbye
She was cold. Other than that, she was surprised how little she felt. She had been overcome by a surprising weightlessness, and gliding through the darkening surroundings was easier than she had feared. The light from the above was diminishing rapidly, or maybe it was her eyes giving up? But no, there definitely was some light nearby.
Straining her closing eyes towards it she realized the light was shining from a floating hedgehog. Lately, she had seen many weird things (fewer than expected, but still, not too bad!) but this was even stranger than any of the trolls. Why was the hedgehog here? Why was it glowing? And most of all, while she was 100 % she had never seen anything like it, why did it feel so familiar?
The hedgehog was floating in the front of her face now. "It is time for us to part now. It has been an interesting, and happy, and sad, this life with you." The hedgehog can talk too? Why wasn't she even surprised? She tried to say "What are you?" but of course she couldn't speak here. Still, it seemed to hear her.
"Oh my child, we have been together since you were about one year old. You haven't seen me, but I was with you all the time. Everything you did, I helped. Everywhere you went, I followed. But now you are going where I cannot follow, and I will go back to waiting. And the flame we both will be leaving here."
With that, she felt as if something inside her was extinguished. Where there had been a... source? spark? flame? was now nothingness. Out of that nothingness she rose, suddenly floating like the hedgehog was. The cold was gone and her suddenly truly weightless being (it was a big difference, the way she felt weightless a minute ago, and now actually being weightless! Interesting!) was moving upwards. No, she was supposed to make sure to not go upwards!
"Don't worry my friend, it is done. You can go now. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!" she managed to say, now that she didn't have a mouth anymore. She burst to the surface and set into following the guide to the one-way star road. But... again there was someone else? This one was also familiar, although not quite as close as the now-absent hedgehog. But despite his pleas, she couldn't stay.
"Don't be sad! We'll see each other again some day, you know that!"
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 06, 2022, 01:00:07 PM
I forget how much I miss Tuuri. Sniff....
Thank you
Post by: tehta on April 06, 2022, 01:24:55 PM
I really like how you've shown that Tuuri's curiosity stays with her as part of her core self (the itse, I suppose?)
Post by: Jitter on April 06, 2022, 01:25:01 PM
Tehta: yes, the itse or self. Luonto is sort of personal and mental strength and perseverance, but the itse is the innermost personality. The spark or fountain is henki, which ends at death.
Thank you both.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 06, 2022, 01:31:11 PM
Askel Eide is envisioning his grandma in tatters, patches on the drapes, No lights, no glass in the windows, and an old timey TV.
Kitty from hell scratching her
When she answers the phone, you see
Her feet are up, she looks sooo cozy, with kitty sitting on her lap, hot tea (or coffee, or maybe a toddy??). Flowers, book and a flat screen TV.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 08, 2022, 08:50:33 AM
Tuuri - I am going on the expedition.
Onni - No you will not
Tuuri - I will be just fine
Fate - No you will not.
Reynir - I will go to Denmark and see some palm trees
Fate - No you will not
World - The rash is not serious, It will pass
Fate - No it will not
Kade - I will destroy you
Onni - No you will not
Onni - I can do this without help
Reynir, Lalli - No you cannot
Surma - I have defeated you
Kaunoinen - No you did not
Sigrun - Time to go to Norway
Shuttle boat - No you cannot
HQ - You should have enough supplies for the expedition.
Fate - No you do not
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on April 08, 2022, 01:29:34 PM
Ah, SSSS's fate... Atropos is always waiting for the right (or wrong) time.
(https://i.postimg.cc/YCvnqzbc/Alexander-Rothaug-The-Three-Fates-circa-1910-credit-public-domain-SSSS-fate.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(for those less familiar with the Fates, or Morai (https://greekreporter.com/2021/07/05/the-moirai-the-fates-of-greek-mythology/) )
(always thought this work by Alexander Rothaug is an amazing image! I hope my small addition doesn't spoil it too much)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 08, 2022, 01:39:15 PM
That is a really nice picture of the fates. I like the little string of ssss
Post by: Róisín on April 10, 2022, 02:35:41 AM
Post by: tehta on April 10, 2022, 02:57:09 AM
The fate picture seems very appropriate, if sad!
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 10, 2022, 09:22:09 AM
That was grand!!!
I hope the busyness is good things.
Thanks to Jitter who corrected my mistake!!
Post by: Jitter on April 10, 2022, 10:32:19 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 10, 2022, 10:46:58 AM
Dmeck, you mean Tehta :) It is great!
Oops!! Embarrassed me. Thanks
Post by: tehta on April 10, 2022, 11:26:35 AM
So, very much matching the theme of perception/reality.
Post by: Jitter on April 10, 2022, 01:08:47 PM
Post by: moredhel on April 10, 2022, 02:42:52 PM
I mean, it is entirely possible that Jitter and I are just two made-up aliases used by the same person (for a dark purpose?)I fail to imagine a dark purpose that this could serve.
So, very much matching the theme of perception/reality.
Post by: Jitter on April 10, 2022, 03:00:52 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 10, 2022, 03:06:09 PM
It is a clever plot to make you accept more EmiLalli than you would from one person!EmiLalli is great. I am in that camp..
Well one can do the angsty stuff and one can do the happy fluffy stuff.
The angsty stuff always makes me want to cry.
But I am definitely in the happy fluffy camp.
As Onni would say "The world is a terrible place" We need more happiness.
Post by: tehta on April 10, 2022, 03:07:59 PM
Here is a list of potential dark purposes, on fanlore: https://fanlore.org/wiki/Sockpuppet#Examples_of_Negative_Uses
Also Jitter is too shy to ask, but she could really use a new Ferrari. Her old one is dusty.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 10, 2022, 04:04:12 PM
Also Jitter is too shy to ask, but she could really use a new Ferrari. Her old one is dusty.
I was making a joke. I am Sorry it flopped
Here you go
https://carconfigurator.ferrari.com/en_US/ferrari_car_configurator/812gts
Post by: Jitter on April 10, 2022, 04:55:04 PM
Post by: moredhel on April 10, 2022, 06:49:47 PM
In my previous fandoms, there were a few serious dramas caused by sockpuppets (which is what I was INCORRECTLY implying I was).Oh wow people do strange stuff. I seem to be a bit naive.
Here is a list of potential dark purposes, on fanlore: https://fanlore.org/wiki/Sockpuppet#Examples_of_Negative_Uses
P. S. there is no known limit for the ammount EmiLalli that can be accepted.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 10, 2022, 07:28:28 PM
Yikes!!!!
Post by: tehta on April 11, 2022, 12:14:12 AM
I haven't seen the enemy thing so much, but have witnessed people using sockpuppets to (try to) organize fandom-bought gifts for themselves (a laptop, in one case) and people flaming themselves to get, as fanlore says, attention and comfort.
Hey, we need a new prompt!
Post by: Róisín on April 11, 2022, 06:53:56 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 11, 2022, 07:30:25 AM
Or if we want to follow the comic, early days of an apocalypse.
Post by: Jitter on April 11, 2022, 10:29:32 AM
I'm sure courtship suits this week's re-read, I mean Mikkel's family came about somehow :)
Post by: thegreyarea on April 11, 2022, 03:14:00 PM
How about the prompt of the week as courtship? I want more Lani and Rivi stories, so this would be the next logical step. (giggle)You seriously want me to dwelve in the intricate courtship/mating strategies of their race? Be careful on what you wish! What if they evolved from something like praying mantis (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/praying-mantis-mating-cannibalism-birds-bite-facts-news)?
Or if we want to follow the comic, early days of an apocalypse.
<3 :) :) <3
<3 :V :P <3
<3 O:-) __ <3
So courtship gets my vote too! ;D
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 11, 2022, 03:46:49 PM
You seriously want me to dwelve in the intricate courtship/mating strategies of their race? Be careful on what you wish! What if they evolved from something like praying mantis (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/praying-mantis-mating-cannibalism-birds-bite-facts-news)?
<3 :) :) <3
<3 :V :P <3
<3 O:-) __ <3
So courtship gets my vote too! ;D
Then she would bite his head off and there will be no more stories. :-[ . Plus it would so ruin the mood
I got the feeling they were ant-like or termite like. They could also be spider like, or bee and wasp-like (I was thinking segmented insects. )
But some I had listed would be queen cultures, and your story would not really fit would that culture.
I googled Segmentation and there are all kinds of critters. Earthworms? Mice? (That one surprised me!)
(Maybe some spiders. Not black widow. (She would be like a mantis) Other spiders, mason bees)
Or because they advanced so much they do not do hives any longer? Or a different species all together? who says they have to be earth-like?
Post by: thegreyarea on April 11, 2022, 04:33:16 PM
Then she would bite his head off and there will be no more stories. :-[ . Plus it would so ruin the moodYeah, that could set the mood a bit down...
I got the feeling they were ant-like or termite like. They could also be spider like, or bee and wasp-like (I was thinking segmented insects. )
But some I had listed would be queen cultures, and your story would not really fit would that culture.
I googled Segmentation and there are all kinds of critters. Earthworms? Mice? (That one surprised me!)
(Maybe some spiders. Not black widow. (She would be like a mantis) Other spiders, mason bees)
Or because they advanced so much they do not do hives any longer? Or a different species all together? who says they have to be earth-like?
And maybe on an advanced species the whole biting-off-your-husband-head-and-devouring-him is slightly frowned upon... perhaps out of fashion?
But on the other hand I would finally finish a multi-story arc! :D
I'll think about it. As for their aspect I'm thinking on something like the Talagosi from a sun-type star on the small magellan... oops, I'm not supposed to share that kind of info. Sorry
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 11, 2022, 04:38:39 PM
I'll think about it. As for their aspect I'm thinking on something like the Talagosi from a sun-type star on the small magellan... oops, I'm not supposed to share that kind of info. Sorry
That zoomed by me, so ...no secrets were divulged
Post by: Jitter on April 12, 2022, 03:26:09 AM
BTW there’s an excellent AU story on AO3 with a strangely alien Reynir. I’ll post a link if I can find it, unfortunately I don’t remember the name or the author.
Post by: Jitter on April 12, 2022, 03:35:26 AM
Post by: Keep Looking on April 12, 2022, 04:37:32 AM
Here it is! Read and enjoy: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19007542/chapters/45138382
Oh, haha, I remember that story! It was quite funny - although the worldbuilding made me really curious about how that particular planet worked.
Post by: Róisín on April 12, 2022, 05:44:24 AM
Post by: thorny on April 12, 2022, 01:54:46 PM
And maybe on an advanced species the whole biting-off-your-husband-head-and-devouring-him is slightly frowned upon... perhaps out of fashion?
You might be interested in this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_Time_(novel)
(I need to get around to laying my hands on the sequel.)
Post by: Jitter on April 12, 2022, 03:19:46 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 13, 2022, 09:11:49 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/95866357
Post by: Róisín on April 13, 2022, 10:22:38 PM
Post by: tehta on April 14, 2022, 11:18:47 AM
Dmeck, I thought your Onni already had a soulmate (with the same luonto)? But this was a sweet fun read. Hotakainen courtships, heh/
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 14, 2022, 12:27:27 PM
I think the third chapter (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38158930/chapters/95893885) of my ongoing Reynni/Emilalli story counts for 'courtship'. There's a whole singles party in it!
Dmeck, I thought your Onni already had a soulmate (with the same luonto)? But this was a sweet fun read. Hotakainen courtships, heh/
He does, but that is a whole different story arc. ( I am having trouble getting it written, so anything is fair game. :onni: Onni has so much angst, he is fun to write about, in all kinds of compromising situations...)
This is just different fluff :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 14, 2022, 12:47:02 PM
I think the third chapter (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38158930/chapters/95893885) of my ongoing Reynni/Emilalli story counts for 'courtship'. There's a whole singles party in it!
Party time!!
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on April 14, 2022, 02:59:45 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 14, 2022, 05:49:52 PM
Regarding what you just said about Emil...Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on April 17, 2022, 03:23:39 PM
Courtship
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 17, 2022, 05:43:03 PM
Spoiler: show
Very good. It *does* make me nervous :)
Post by: tehta on April 17, 2022, 06:04:10 PM
I loved the reversal with the edible flowers. And the mother's sage but old-fashioned advice.
Do we have a prompt for next week?
Post by: Jitter on April 17, 2022, 06:27:29 PM
I also have a draft for Courtship but haven’t finished it because of having been otherwise engaged (reading our excellent Comic of the Month, mostly) but Grey’s treat reminds me about it. Monday is still a holiday so I’m mentioning it now in the hopes I’ll finish it!
Post by: thegreyarea on April 17, 2022, 08:08:16 PM
Very good. It *does* make me nervous :)Thanks, dmeck! Even I was nervous when she came closer to his neck!
I'm not nervous at all! This is exactly how I prefer to enact my own courtships...Hummm... I'm afraid to ask for further details... :)
I loved the reversal with the edible flowers. And the mother's sage but old-fashioned advice.Thanks! I had fun with that part, and all the small alien details, particularly the "legs and trousers" section! :)
BTW would you all be more relaxed if I pointed that she mentions her mother but not her father...? ;)
Do we have a prompt for next week?
We don’t have a prompt yet. When suggesting, maybe keep in mind Sigrun’s birthday is this starting week.What if we select "Sigrun" as our prompt for next week?
I also have a draft for Courtship but haven’t finished it because of having been otherwise engaged (reading our excellent Comic of the Month, mostly) but Grey’s treat reminds me about it. Monday is still a holiday so I’m mentioning it now in the hopes I’ll finish it!Looking forward to read it, dear friend!
And now that I finished my story I can read your contributions! :) I'm sorry for not doing it before but the combination of work+holiday+writing my story left me with no time/energy to do that. Expect comments!
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 17, 2022, 09:19:52 PM
I'm not nervous at all! This is exactly how I prefer to enact my own courtships...The flowers were an excellent touch. Though the "jaws" theme kept playing in the back of my head.
Post by: JoB on April 18, 2022, 02:43:30 AM
We don’t have a prompt yet. When suggesting, maybe keep in mind Sigrun’s birthday is this starting week.
What if we select "Sigrun" as our prompt for next week?Considering your .sig, you don't need the occasion to base your proposal on, do you? :P
(Still, would Sigrun know about ancient Easter customs to ever ponder how to weaponize the Easter bunny ... ?)
I also have a draft for Courtship but haven’t finished itI never got beyond the idea for the punchline, consider yourselves lucky.
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on April 18, 2022, 05:02:13 AM
If we go with a Lalli prompt, I will write something in which nothing bad happens to him.
(Finally, yes, I enjoyed the alien trousers moment as well! And I did notice the lack of mentions of a father.)
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2022, 06:51:58 AM
Prompt for this week is Lalli!
JoB, groan!
Post by: JoB on April 18, 2022, 07:37:23 AM
I think the Sigrun thing was a typo?
Spoiler: Verbotene thoughts • show
Post by: tehta on April 18, 2022, 07:40:29 AM
Post by: JoB on April 18, 2022, 07:53:58 AM
The combination of Lalli and .. the other birthday boy... suggests to me that the best way to celebrate the day will be by posting pics of kitlers.I'll bark (https://satwcomic.com/cute-puppy) to that. :P
Post by: thegreyarea on April 18, 2022, 08:16:27 AM
I think the Sigrun thing was a typo? It's Lalli whose birthday falls on the 20th of April. (And Tuuri died around this time; at least, that's how I figured it in a story I wrote once.)I'm glad that you liked it! And since we will go for the "Lalli" prompt I'll second you and promise not writing a story where he's eaten by Emil ;D
If we go with a Lalli prompt, I will write something in which nothing bad happens to him.
(Finally, yes, I enjoyed the alien trousers moment as well! And I did notice the lack of mentions of a father.)
Also I had to google "Kitlers". O_O The things we learn here...
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2022, 09:44:49 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 18, 2022, 10:15:06 AM
<3 :sparkle: ...:V :lalli: <3
<3 :sparkle: :kroner: :emil: <3
I don’t want a repeat of that experience!Oops! Sorry! >:D
Post by: tehta on April 18, 2022, 11:14:33 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 18, 2022, 11:35:55 AM
If it's the story I am thinking of, which surely it must be, it was Lalli who ate Emil. Which is better, of course, since he could use a good meal.
Spoiler: dirty mind • show
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2022, 11:56:11 AM
And yeah, Tehta, I think it’s the same story. Hopefully there aren’t more!
As far as I recall it was properly tagged, so I only got what was coming to me, reading it anyways. Writing weird and disturbing stuff is completely ok, I don’t mean to complain to the author of that story. It’s up to the reader to choose, which is why tagging is extremely important.
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2022, 04:00:56 PM
Courtship
Lalli was standing in front of a door with his hand raised. He scratched on the door vigorously, and Emilia answered almost instantaneously. Oh, Emilia! She was looking gorgeous! She reached towards Lalli and made a weird gesture, that was kind of like kissing him on the cheek but not really touching his skin with her lips. She also took hold of the enormous bouquet of large flowers Lalli seemed to be carrying.
“Oh, for me? How lovely! You shouldn’t have…” she was fluttering her deep blue eyes.
“I shouldn’t? You don’t like them? I’m sor…”
“I love them! How sweet of you to remember I love peonies!” She stepped inside and Lalli followed into a modestly sized but cosy room, with an old-fashioned fireplace, a sofa with lots of cushions, and some pictures on the wall.
Emilia was wearing a pale blue dress, and blue gemstones glittered in her ears. She cocked her head to better display the earrings.
“So, what do you think, love? I find them perfect for my eyes! Thank you so much! Or was it Tuuri again?”
“Ah, um… Tuuri?” Lalli was confused.
”Oh, honey, don’t be silly. I know it’s your secretary who chooses many of the gifts. I know you are a busy and important man, so I don’t mind. As long as it’s you in person delivering them!” She smiled dazzlingly, and Lalli couldn’t help but smile back.
“But look at the time!” Emilia grabbed his hand to look at a glittering clock he was wearing as a watch. “We must go! I’ll just quickly put these into water…” she was talking while popping into another room. She returned, holding the flowers perfectly arranged in a stylish vase, which she placed on the sideboard, made of deep brown old wood. “… and I’m ready to go!” She took his arm and led him outside.
In front of the small but cosy house, there was a… vehicle. It was slightly similar to some of the machines Lalli had seen, but it looked ridiculously flimsy and had huge windows, with no shutters to be seen. Mikkel was standing next to it, and when they stepped outside, he opened a door. Emilia ushered Lalli into the vehicle. In the inside, there were seats like the Cattank had for the driver, only much, much more comfortable. Mikkel seemed to know where they were going (as well as how to drive the contraption!) and they took off.
Soon they arrived at a white house set in a garden of sorts. Most of the garden appeared very bland with only short grass, but around the house there were also shrubs and flowers. Mikkel opened the door again, and Lalli let himself be led up the grand stairs into the house. They were greeted at the door by Sigrun, who was wearing weird black and white clothes.
“Welcome, welcome Mr Hotakainen! How wonderful to see you again! We have your table ready, please follow me.”
“Today’s specials are…” Sigrun was explaining as she was leading them to a high-ceilinged room with huge windows and many tables, all with pristine white tablecloths. She was saying words Lalli didn’t understand. Confit? Romesco? Escagots sounded like a dangerous creature!
But this was no hunting lodge, and Sigrun was not dressed for a hunt. Neither was he, for that matter. He was wearing very dark grey trousers and jacket, and a white shirt underneath. Despite the sensible color, the jacket was weird. There was only a couple of buttons, and it could not be closed properly. Right now, it was warm, but it wouldn’t be useful when it got cold. Stupid jacket. And the scarf was outright ridiculous, just a colorful strip of fabric. As if it was meant to make him stand out rather than hide! His shoes were light, but Emilia and Sigrun were wearing weird shoes with impossible heels. No one would be able to hunt in those!
Soon Reynir appeared at their table, bringing big plates with a tiny little thing in the middle. “Greetings from the kitchen, sir, madam! The club appreciates your custom!” As Emilia was eating it, Lalli gave it a try too. It tasted salty, and remotely of fish, but it was hardly a morsel. What as stupid food. Emilia and Reynir appeared to have a conversation in some kind of code, but soon Reynir left, and Emilia beamed at Lalli. “I ordered for you too, love! You should eat more! I hope you don’t mind.”
Lalli was starting to feel uncomfortable. The shirt was itchy at the neck, now that he had paid attention to wearing it. Other people were eating in the room, and the clinks of glasses and screeches of knives and forks, combined with the incessant chatter, was getting to him. He was trying to calm himself down, when Reynir reappeared with more plates, buzzing around noisily like a very large and hairy bumblebee. Stupid Reynir. On the plates there was something… weird. It looked like huge snails but cooked with butter. Surely, they were not expected to eat that too? Lalli shivered to think what a snail-like thing would feel in his mouth.
Reynir was raising a large bottle. He turned the stopper, which suddenly propelled from his hand with a loud POP, waking Lalli up.
Coming to his senses was unpleasant. The itching, the noises, Emilia’s weird behavior and impractical dress (Emilia? Dress? Was there something off?), the disgusting thing on the plate. Reynir poured some of the drink from the bottle to Lalli and Emilia’s glasses. Lalli took a gulp to calm his nerves, and was immediately attacked by a gazillion bubbles, all of which wanted to exit by his nose. Ok, this was enough. Time to wake up properly.
He stood up, and immediately noticed the room went quiet. Everyone was looking at him. Emilia was staring expectantly, smiling like crazy. For some reason, Reynir was winking at him from behind Emilia. Abashed, Lalli was about to cross his arms when he noticed there was something in his breast pocket. He fished out a tiny box. Too small to really hold anything. What a stupid, useless thing! He opened it, and Emilia’s eyes widened.
***
“Yes! Yes! I will!” Emil was yelling when he sat up in bed and almost crushed Lalli in his arms. Lalli was trying to disentangle from him after shaking him awake. Emil blinked a few times, seemed to get his bearings, and started blabbering to Lalli “I had the most wonderful dream! You were in it, and you were so handsome and cool and romantic…” Well, at least he was just one person chattering.
The book on Emil’s bedside table had a vivid cover, depicting a beautiful woman embracing a man with a chiseled jaw.
Post by: tehta on April 18, 2022, 04:32:41 PM
I love Lalli's point of view of the whole situation, especially the goings-on in the fancy restaurant (all the impractical outfits! the revolting snails! and especilally the attacking champagne!), and I am happy to note that at least he still likes Emil(ia). (But, seriously, shouldn't dream!Emil know better than to say things like 'you shouldn't have'?)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 18, 2022, 04:57:31 PM
I agree with Lalli on the snails (Blech!). I think they are only edible because of the garlic and butter (Which would be just as yummy on anything else!)
Emil and Harlequin romances (LOL)
It also would work for this week's prompt also :)
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2022, 04:58:13 PM
I didn’t come up with a name, but hmm… Secret of Silver? The Best of Businessmen? Exciting Encounters?
Did you figure out where the restaurant is located?
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 18, 2022, 05:02:42 PM
Emilia didn’t know it’s not a good idea to say “you shouldn’t have” because Lalli is still largely the Brooding Stranger here. I mean, he’s not tall, or dark, but the boy sure can brood!
I didn’t come up with a name, but hmm… Secret of Silver? The Best of Businessmen? Exciting Encounters?
Did you figure out where the restaurant is located?
I am really bad at guessing, but maybe the hotel where Surma and the bear met?
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2022, 05:25:53 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 18, 2022, 05:48:24 PM
No, I mean what type of location in general? I assume it’s some American city, or perhaps mainland Europe. Somewhere that is lost in any case.Fancy restaurant with small food on large plates, Escargot and Champagne? My first option would be France, or really anyplace with two or three Michelin stars ;)
Post by: tehta on April 18, 2022, 05:59:39 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 18, 2022, 06:33:03 PM
Pshaw, escargot in butter is too normal for a two-or-three-star restaurant! It'd be something like, "We reconstituted the foie gras of wild geese to look like an escargot and are serving it with a Sauterne foam made to resemble butter."Mademoiselle! We're speaking of Helix Lucorum Escargots that were captured during a full solar eclipse on Burgundy, brought to our restaurant alive, by plane, and fed until today with our chef secret receipt! And butter made from milk of selected cows that live outside, in the green pastures of the Azores, away from all pollution, later prepared at full vacuum on our level-four security rated (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosafety_level) cuisine using the only existing copy of the teachings from the notorious roman chef Mantequilus, that worked for Emperor Julius Caesar.
Post by: tehta on April 18, 2022, 06:47:13 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 18, 2022, 08:25:05 PM
Okay, yeah, that works. The Azores do have some amazing dairy products.Oh, I forgot to say that yours works really nice too! I like the idea of intricate ways to prepare a dish that, if successful, would reach the same effect of using the original ingredients, but with lots and lots of extra work! Tre chic!
So maybe we should open a fancy Polish-Portuguese restaurant!
(A short research on Polish food O_o after writing that sentence left me a bit confused on how it could work... But we would surely have, at least, the most best menus! ;D )
Post by: tehta on April 19, 2022, 05:46:36 AM
I want to take a moment to say that I love the Azores. We took advantage of the whole Corona/Work from Home thing to live there for five months in 2020/2021 (mostly in an apartment in Ponta Delgada) and I was blown away by the landscape and, yes, the dairy. (And I normally live in Switzerland, so it's not like my dairy standards are low.) And also the seafood and beef, and the white wine, and people were very nice to us... I like many other parts of Portugal too, but the Azores have a very special place in my heart.
But speaking of Polish-Portuguese fusion, I have at least one idea: that Christmas I was bored and made a wide variety of seafood pierogi and they were very, very tasty.
Post by: Jitter on April 19, 2022, 09:18:11 AM
Maybe your restaurant should be Polish / Brazilian, meaning lots and lots of meat but grill everything? And feijoada served with pierogis?
Post by: tehta on April 19, 2022, 09:32:32 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 19, 2022, 09:40:46 AM
But speaking of Polish-Portuguese fusion, I have at least one idea: that Christmas I was bored and made a wide variety of seafood pierogi and they were very, very tasty.
OMG! What an idea! I love pierogis (pirogis?). I have to try that. What kind of seafood? I thought shellfish initially, but a light bodied fish would work. A heavier fish like bluefish may work, but it would need lots of seasonings (When i make pierogis I make enough for a year and freeze them. Normally the potato/onion/cheese variety.)
Post by: tehta on April 19, 2022, 10:41:15 AM
I am not sure mine were exactly Portuguese. I had some with shrimp or octopus (with lots of garlic, heresy to my mother) and some with flaked-fish-and-creamy-cheese, which I guess is a ravioli thing. I also put a little olive oil in the dough, which is another heresy.
This seems to be slipping very off-topic, oh no.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 19, 2022, 11:00:17 AM
So sorry i shall stop now!!
This seems to be slipping very off-topic, oh no.
Post by: JoB on April 19, 2022, 11:20:53 AM
This seems to be slipping very off-topic, oh no.
So sorry i shall stop now!!There's a thread (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=118) for that ...
Post by: Jitter on April 19, 2022, 12:48:24 PM
I noticed that bit, but thought it was a general dig at modern lawncare.
Ok I was thinking it’s a golf club restaurant. Not as obvious as the stupid tiny box!
Post by: thegreyarea on April 19, 2022, 12:52:13 PM
Spoiler: show
However I'm not a particularly skilled cook (I usually colaborate in the cooking process with the before, preparing ingredients, and the after, eating 
So you probably know that part way better than me. I would love to spend a few months there like you did. Post by: tehta on April 19, 2022, 04:10:48 PM
But to try to bring things back to the topic of, er, courtship, one old Polish dish is 'black soup', a broth enriched with duck blood that was traditionally served to unwelcome suitors as a gentle and tactful rejection gesture.
Does Sweden have anything comparable? I could write something about Emil's horrible family serving it to Lalli.
Post by: Jitter on April 19, 2022, 04:28:09 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 19, 2022, 04:38:43 PM
Sweden has (at least one) totally revolting dish, but it would likely drive away everyone and their neighbors. Apparently it’s considered extremely bad form to open a can of surströmming in an indoor space.
Ot Iceland's Hákarl or Asia's Durian?
Some people make fun of haggis, but if made right it is just a sausage and it actually pretty good.
I wonder if the process for Hákarl would make trolls edible?
Post by: Jitter on April 19, 2022, 05:32:23 PM
Spoiler: Appetizing Finnish Easter delicacy mämmi • show
Post by: wavewright62 on April 19, 2022, 10:22:19 PM
I can't see where the discussion of the week's prompt is, but I think it's Lalli?
Well, I prepared a piece for Lalli's birthday, in any case. (broke out the ink and everything)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d773b407bbff0a86d9c8522f32bf5038/b47cd29c6b004b15-5f/s1280x1920/ce803c224d3c0bf7992aebd61e9d7afce7f1d948.jpg)
Thinking about him pulling on a pair of thigh-high boots that somebody else bought for him and running all night in them on the very first wearing. It also occurs to me that I miss the CatTank.
Post by: Jitter on April 20, 2022, 04:00:39 AM
Correction about mämmi though, it’s not actually fermented. It’s self-sweetening, meaning that it’s left in a warm place and the enzymes in the food spontaneusly break down starch, producing thesugar maltose, which gives the food a sweetened taste. Some recipes add syrup too.
Post by: thegreyarea on April 20, 2022, 04:16:16 AM
Thinking about him pulling on a pair of thigh-high boots that somebody else bought for him and running all night in them on the very first wearing. It also occurs to me that I miss the CatTank.Great drawing, Wave! I really like that touch of colour. And poor Lalli! Running on rough terrain (actually any terrain) with brand new boots... Well, at least he doesn't put much weight over those feet.
And I miss the cattank too! What if we choose it as next week's prompt?
Post by: Róisín on April 20, 2022, 07:20:17 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 20, 2022, 07:27:18 AM
Maybe one long painful run will break them in just right. My foot was a little bigger than my mom's and she used to have me "break-in" her shoes. (I'd stretch them just a bit.). She stopped when I broke in one pair and kept them.
Post by: tehta on April 20, 2022, 10:48:43 AM
Post by: Jitter on April 20, 2022, 11:23:07 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 20, 2022, 01:33:32 PM
https://www.atlasobscura.com/experiences/dinner-party-online-course?utm_source=Gastro+Obscura+Weekly+E-mail&utm_campaign=5d4ae211db-GASTRO_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2418498528-5d4ae211db-67126645&mc_cid=5d4ae211db&mc_eid=76db88f14c
Look at the food pics near the bottom. :)
The purple thing looks like water pie (which is actually a thing)
Also if I could make a runo to keep shoes from hurting I would.
Post by: tehta on April 20, 2022, 02:22:06 PM
And I forgot to say: I like the prompt of 'cat tank', but maybe we can make it broader and include other motor homes? In case someone wants to write about the prologue Finns on their boat, or about Rivi and Lani on a romantic shuttle trip?
Post by: Jitter on April 20, 2022, 02:33:55 PM
However, I’m not entirely sure I want details on Rivi and Lani’s meals. Even if said meals don’t include anyone sentient.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 20, 2022, 02:45:24 PM
I have had salads that looked that pretty (tasted pretty good also)
A lot of the other pretties are edible, but she uses a log of AGAR to achieve the effects.
Textually solid AGAR= blech! (OK if you add things like Fruit to make jam or jellies. Though I am more used to using pectin, and corn starch or tapioca starch for a thickener)
Post by: thegreyarea on April 20, 2022, 03:31:49 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on April 20, 2022, 04:15:58 PM
Also if I could make a runo to keep shoes from hurting I would.Only you can prevent cruelty to shoes!
All of this reminds me of the fact that we have the cookbook Dining on Babylon 5 around here somewhere.... now how did I manage to guess the title page dish (https://babylon5.fandom.com/wiki/Spoo)? 8)
I fully agree with the mobile homes as a prompt that would include the cat tank, the Hotakainen's boat and etc... Can the "etc" include an aircraft carrier-sized spaceship? ;)If you want to think big, the Perry Rhodan sci-fi series gets to teleporting entire galaxies around, which makes them "mobile homes" as in "we live there, and we are in control of their whereabouts" ...
Post by: thegreyarea on April 20, 2022, 04:25:49 PM
If you want to think big, the Perry Rhodan sci-fi series gets to teleporting entire galaxies around, which makes them "mobile homes" as in "we live there, and we are in control of their whereabouts" ...Humm... entire galaxies... O_o interesting. I did read (and enjoyed) the initial part of the series, but I didn't get that far. I only recall the use of teleport as a weapon, but my memories from that are 30+ years old...
Post by: Róisín on April 21, 2022, 12:07:30 AM
And anent colourful food, a salad with differently coloured lettuces and endives plus whole nasturtium and viola flowers and petals of calendula and blue cornflower is both yummy and pretty, especially with added flower sprigs of mustard or cress for piquancy. Finely grated beets and carrots are nice as garnish too. No reason that nourishing food can’t also be delicious and pretty.
Post by: tehta on April 21, 2022, 05:07:41 AM
I recently got a set of paints that includes (two shades of) gold and silver, so I wanted to try some small medieval-style illumination (so, the photos don't show it, but the yellows/greys are all gold/silver). I am not very happy with these, except for their facial expressions, which worked out 100% as intended. The thumbnails lead to larger versions that show up all the flaws...
So, here is Lalli, in his haven, as an initial:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0cYXy3S/PXL-20220421-085710831.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0cYXy3S)
Since watercolor paper is pricey, I always use both sides. Here is Lalli's other side:
(https://i.postimg.cc/fSwzJMGp/PXL-20220420-171220071.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSwzJMGp)
Post by: thegreyarea on April 21, 2022, 05:45:26 AM
BTW did you notice the we have "Lalli the Lynx" and "Onni the Owl"? :)
Post by: tehta on April 21, 2022, 06:10:41 AM
And you are right about the initials! Has anyone asked Minna?
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 21, 2022, 07:57:50 AM
They definitely capture the medieval style and the facial expressions are spot on.
Very nice. (I do not have such talent )
Though here is a hedgehog
🦔
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 21, 2022, 12:34:13 PM
So here is a quickie Lalli
Lalli
Lalli is quietly watching the vermin. He knows any sound or movement will alert it to his presence. He needs to dispatch it quickly and quietly.
It is his responsibility to protect his family from such things.
Quietly..quietly..closer..closer BAM! A successful kill.
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on April 21, 2022, 01:32:11 PM
Here is my prompt. I started a story and realized I was writing more about Emil than Lalli. (Though I like the idea and am going to try and finish it)That doesn't surprise me. In my mind Emil and Lalli are so connected that's hard to imagine a story with one of them that doesn't include the other. :lalli: :emil:
So here is a quickie Lalli
And it's one fine quickie! :)
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 21, 2022, 01:58:39 PM
Spoiler: show
Thank you!! You were my inspiration :)
Post by: wavewright62 on April 23, 2022, 08:14:58 PM
And you are right about the initials! Has anyone asked Minna?
Lovely Capitals indeed!
Although I kinda doubt the alliteration, seeing as how there is not a similar correspondence in Finnish or Swedish.
Spoiler: estonian really is not just like finnish huh • show
Post by: JoB on April 24, 2022, 04:08:39 AM
Wasn't Onnis luonto specifically said to be an Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)? If so, it'd apparently avoid the "pöllö" theme (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Finland#Barn-owls) and go as "Huuhkaja" instead.Spoiler: estonian really is not just like finnish huh • show
... which sort of jives with Onnis middle name ...
Spoiler: But still • show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 24, 2022, 09:30:05 AM
Wasn't Onnis luonto specifically said to be an Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)? If so, it'd apparently avoid the "pöllö" theme (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Finland#Barn-owls) and go as "Huuhkaja" instead.I agree. From drawings of Onni's luonto it looks like a Eurasian eagle-owl
... which sort of jives with Onnis middle name ...
That wikipedia link is pretty cool though Thanks!!
Post by: Jitter on April 24, 2022, 11:04:03 AM
I had a problem with a similar list for Iceland when I needed to learn whether one can usually hear the songbird chorus there. There are quite limited species of terrestrial birds there that occur commonly in Iceland but the list threw me off for a bit. Birdlife in Iceland is rich and varied, but largely because of seabirds, there aren’t many passerines there. :reynir:
Post by: thegreyarea on April 24, 2022, 04:01:55 PM
Now let's imagine that something magic happened, and Lalli, with two of his best friends, will have to travel far away to find the answers...
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 24, 2022, 05:35:17 PM
Awesome!!
I think the prompt changes Monday.
BTW New one is Cat-tank and vehicles
I have not written anything, but 'd like to mention @lwise 's story which fits in perfectly :)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/34821232
@lwise I hope this was OK.
Post by: lwise on April 24, 2022, 05:58:51 PM
Grey!!
Awesome!!
I think the prompt changes Monday.
BTW New one is Cat-tank and vehicles
I have not written anything, but 'd like to mention @lwise 's story which fits in perfectly :)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/34821232
@lwise I hope this was OK.
Yes, of course! Thank you!
Post by: thorny on April 24, 2022, 06:33:47 PM
like to mention @lwise 's story which fits in perfectly
That is very good.
But also -- blurred for spoiler:
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on April 25, 2022, 04:30:07 AM
Spoiler: show
And grey, WOW. That is absolutely spectacular. What a seamless edit. (Although I really hope that Lalli doesn't plan to wear fur the whole time he is in Africa.)
Post by: Róisín on April 25, 2022, 05:56:20 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 26, 2022, 08:07:28 AM
I have a cattank, but A03 just sits and spins (sigh)
I never bothered to set up any type of an account to link to (probably a bit of paranoia on my part...)
Post by: Yuuago on April 26, 2022, 11:14:18 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 26, 2022, 11:18:58 AM
I am trying to post a picture on A03 . Is it like the forum where it has to be a link? Or can you past directly into A03.I did insert a picture on an AO3 comment. Once. If I recall correctlly it has to be a link, and in a line with a format like <img="link"/img> where link is the html link to your picture hosted somewhere else. You can also try creating a postimage ( https://postimages.org/ ) account. It's what I use , it's free and after you upload an image just click on "share" and it gives you a range of formats ready to insert.
I have a cattank, but A03 just sits and spins (sigh)
I never bothered to set up any type of an account to link to (probably a bit of paranoia on my part...)
Good luck! And if it doesn't work keep asking because I'm sure someone with greater knowledge of those arcane spells ( JoB ) will help... :)
And here's my contribution. A bit of ink + colour pencils + photoshop = The Cat Ship! ;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDqrTqS6/cat-ship.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLVx9tFr)
(PS: Yuuago! It's good to see you!)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 26, 2022, 12:35:29 PM
I did insert a picture on an AO3 comment. Once. If I recall correctlly it has to be a link, and in a line with a format like <img="link"/img> where link is the html link to your picture hosted somewhere else. You can also try creating a postimage ( https://postimages.org/ ) account. It's what I use , it's free and after you upload an image just click on "share" and it gives you a range of formats ready to insert.
Good luck! And if it doesn't work keep asking because I'm sure someone with greater knowledge of those arcane spells ( JoB ) will help... :)
(PS: Yuuago! It's good to see you!)
I will try that and thanks!! Love..love..love your cat tank!!
Post by: tehta on April 26, 2022, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 26, 2022, 12:52:34 PM
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IeltSaWSjqYKfwFY6MnpvYr8HRbxXDJwe0uB4KpBJy7NeTys8SJUxf7g3is1d2WdIvK0rBQKnMOYq8MuxUdxnPL2iQoSTFEHpniLHUc=s1000)
I did not draw the image, but I did color it.
And because it is silly!
/>
Post by: thegreyarea on April 26, 2022, 02:26:23 PM
dmeck, your cat tank mecha* is great and well painted. So where did you find it? It's from some colouring book?
And the video is so funny! Interesting to notice how cats are keeping up with new tech like remote controlled units... :)
* I'm assuming that it's big enough to be manned, therefore it'd be big...
Tehta, this ship would be, indeed, way larger than the original cat tank. I suppose it would fit in the cargo bay through the rear access ramp... I'll check with my contacts and try to find more info... ;)
About the cabins... well, individual cabins take too much space, don't you agree? I'd say three double cabins* would satisfy our shipping hearts... ;)
:lalli: :emil: + :sigrun: :mikkel: + :tuuri: :reynir: , but when we add Onni and keep Tuuri we have an odd number and need four cabins... someone would be traveling alone, or sharing the cabin with Kitty :onni: :3
Unless we have one larger cabin for three... O_o
;D
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 26, 2022, 04:51:47 PM
Thanks dmeck and Tehta!
dmeck, your cat tank mecha* is great and well painted. So where did you find it? It's from some colouring book?
And the video is so funny! Interesting to notice how cats are keeping up with new tech like remote controlled units... :)
* I'm assuming that it's big enough to be manned, therefore it'd be big...
Tehta, this ship would be, indeed, way larger than the original cat tank. I suppose it would fit in the cargo bay through the rear access ramp... I'll check with my contacts and try to find more info... ;)
About the cabins... well, individual cabins take too much space, don't you agree? I'd say three double cabins* would satisfy our shipping hearts... ;)
:lalli: :emil: + :sigrun: :mikkel: + :tuuri: :reynir: , but when we add Onni and keep Tuuri we have an odd number and need four cabins... someone would be traveling alone, or sharing the cabin with Kitty :onni: :3
Unless we have one larger cabin for three... O_oor we make a large cabin to fit everybody together! O_O
;D
The base drawing is from an application called pigment. It does have a free version, but access to some pages and brushes is limited. I use it on an iPad, but supposedly they have and android version. I have not been able to find it though
My cat uses my tablet all the time, so I bet they would be up to date on tech.
The teams cattank can be the shuttle cat for the real ship.
Plus you have the other ships set up also (wink wink nudge nudge )
Onni and the kitty ( owl and the pussy cat?)
Post by: JoB on April 27, 2022, 01:31:42 AM
The teams cattank can be the shuttle cat for the real ship.
Good call to name it "shuttle cat" and not "cat shuttle"
Spoiler: because • show
Post by: Jitter on April 27, 2022, 06:19:38 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/nLPvYCpK/EADCDA5-B-25-C2-4-B34-AD2-D-3-BA0178-DEB2-E.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/y87X7MLR/F0-F5-FEDD-E9-A5-46-FD-A57-C-D80-D50-CA380-A.jpg)
Post by: Jitter on April 27, 2022, 06:21:40 AM
Post by: tehta on April 27, 2022, 06:58:59 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 27, 2022, 07:03:15 AM
Here’s my transport vessel (not exactly a vehicle I think). Photos taken by myself on 22 February 2022 in Keuruu harbour.Wow, amazing! I'm searching the pics to find Lalli and Tuuri on them!
And the definition of vehicle on the Wikipedia does include boats! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle) (and spacecrafts! I'm safe too!) :)
Also thanks!
I am loving the creativity of the responses here. Keuruu harbour (which we will see soon during the reread), a mecha, and a spaceship! (Hmm. Are the spaceship crew anything like the City of Hunger team? With Hotakainens as cyborgs? In that case, maybe they don't even need bunks, but power outlets? (Poor Emil, he would like to plug his phone into the socket under his bed to charge it, but it's so often in use... I can also see Onni charging himself in the more public spaces. Tuuri can just use the pilot's console, very practical.)
That would be interesting. Does Emil sparkle when his battery is low? :sparkle: :emil: :sparkle:
But to be honest CoH didn't cross my mind when I was creating the ship. I may have something more about that, however it's not ready yet...
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 27, 2022, 07:43:00 AM
That would be interesting. Does Emil sparkle when his battery is low? :sparkle: :emil: :sparkle:
Slower twinkle rate and some red ones to indicate low battery
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 27, 2022, 12:39:21 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/96608094#workskin
This one is based on @lwise 's story the other team member
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/96608130
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 27, 2022, 12:47:53 PM
And Grey, Dmeck, really great, as well as very big, cats!
I think of it moving like one of the Star Wars AT-AT's
Post by: Jitter on April 27, 2022, 02:01:03 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 27, 2022, 03:01:41 PM
Dmeck, yeah, it looks like it would resemble an AT-AT in movement! And in cat tank 3, did it go witha Valkyrie to Valhalla, with Tuuri to Tuonela, or some other mechanical heavens? Possibly to be reincarnated as a shuttle cat?
Well the person's spirit that what was the tank cat could go to the hereafter wherever the reader wished they went. If you were going to follow Canon, then that person would have gone where ever all the Danish ghosts went. It is up to the reader to decide..
The person just was finally freed :)
The actual tank cat could be repurposed for whatever as time goes on.. Maybe cat-tank 2 or space would be cool. The shuttle cat for grey's spaceship
(to infinity and Beyond....)
Post by: tehta on April 27, 2022, 03:25:39 PM
(My one idea for this prompt so far was to write a story in which all the couples in the original team reminisce about the romantic--or maybe pre-romantoc--moments they experienced in the tank. Onni could get in on the action, too, because he communicated via that radio. But I decided that I've been doing enough shipping lately, and should display some dignity.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 27, 2022, 04:24:05 PM
Two very fitting stories, dmeck! And actually, they could be part of the same continuity, couldn't they? The person moves on, the tank becomes a memorial... And our heroes are reunited at the site.
(My one idea for this prompt so far was to write a story in which all the couples in the original team reminisce about the romantic--or maybe pre-romantoc--moments they experienced in the tank. Onni could get in on the action, too, because he communicated via that radio. But I decided that I've been doing enough shipping lately, and should display some dignity.)
Yes the stories could be the sequence, though I wrote the "second one" first
The couple story sounds neat. (I think most people do not mind ships ;) )
dignity is over rated (at least for me. )
Post by: thorny on April 27, 2022, 06:47:26 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 27, 2022, 08:53:34 PM
dmeck, and lwise, lovely stories! They actually inspired me.
So here it goes. I hope you like it. (I'll put it under spoilers to save space)
Just Before
Spoiler: show
Post by: lwise on April 27, 2022, 11:19:48 PM
Post by: Róisín on April 27, 2022, 11:32:50 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 28, 2022, 07:23:01 AM
That was wonderful.
So good to see Tuuri and Reynir
Plus the new adventure <3 <3 <3
Very moving
:reynir: <3 <3 :tuuri:
Post by: tehta on April 28, 2022, 09:57:01 AM
Grey, what a sweet story. I love the interplay between Tuuri and Reynir. Poor guy stands no chance. Good thing she is (mostly) nice.
And what a great prompt this is proving to be! So many reponses. I was almost thinking... perhaps we could collect all these tank-related entries into a single AO3 work? Or is that too much effort?
Anyway, here is my contribution (The shipping content is minimal, and i think it needs a stronger ending. But Minna did say foxes took up residence in the tank...)
Spoiler: show
Post by: lwise on April 28, 2022, 10:01:32 AM
Anyway, here is my contribution (The shipping content is minimal, and i think it needs a stronger ending. But Minna did say foxes took up residence in the tank...)
Awwww.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 28, 2022, 10:54:41 AM
Your story hits all of my emotional levels. It is sad, happy, sweet all rolled up in one package!!.
Post by: thegreyarea on April 28, 2022, 01:01:32 PM
Anyway it's just like dmeck said!
About putting them together on AO3, I like the idea, but IDK how it's done. Is it possible to create a collection with stories from different authors?
(and that reminds me that I have to put my stories on AO3...)
So thanks everybody. I'd like to ask if you noticed three references to very different stories (not mine) that ended up in "Just Before".
I hope none of you sees it as me being presumptuous. That's never my intent. It's just a game I enjoy playing with my friends...
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 28, 2022, 01:10:04 PM
The only one I may have trouble with is the original story (The Other Team Member, but I was just going to publish the url there. )
I think if I add people as co-authors they should be able to edit the story, and have write access
I agreeable to people, I will try after work (it was not a 10 minute thing, so I will need to try later)
Post by: Jitter on April 28, 2022, 01:23:48 PM
Dmeck, if you add the others as co-authors, they get an invitation, and when they agree they can edit or add new chapters. It’s also possible to make multi-author collections, but these can easily go as chapters into one work.
Post by: thegreyarea on April 28, 2022, 02:28:39 PM
If anyone wants to insert a picture and uses postimages.org just select the last sharing option: hotlink for website. No need of any editing.
Post by: Róisín on April 28, 2022, 11:39:29 PM
Post by: tehta on April 29, 2022, 06:08:31 AM
Grey, I got the first two, but have never read wheel of time.
Post by: tehta on April 29, 2022, 08:02:59 AM
Or just a tag we all use?
Idk. We don't have to link them at all. I just thought that this week showed a lot of lining of minds...
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 29, 2022, 04:23:53 PM
Incidentally, since some of the stories about the cattank are already up, and some are yet to come, maybe a collection would be a good way to link them?
Or just a tag we all use?
Idk. We don't have to link them at all. I just thought that this week showed a lot of lining of minds...
I tied to make a collection, it would not let me select stories on A03. I still have not figured out how to make a work that allows me to connect different stories to one idea. I wills that one on the A03 board.
Post by: tehta on April 29, 2022, 06:08:37 PM
Post by: lwise on April 29, 2022, 06:10:09 PM
Post by: tehta on April 29, 2022, 06:17:24 PM
I think it worked, see: https://archiveofourown.org/works/38686560
The collection is a bit bare-bones at the moment as I am sleepy, but I think the linking works? I have added lwise, grey and dmeck as owners.
Post by: lwise on April 29, 2022, 06:29:41 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 29, 2022, 07:22:09 PM
Yes!!! ^-^
* @lwise , don't you mind me asking if your user name is, as it seems, a short for "likewise"?
Post by: lwise on April 29, 2022, 07:32:29 PM
@lwise , don't you mind me asking if your user name is, as it seems, a short for "likewise"?
No, L is my first initial; my name is Lee.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 29, 2022, 07:47:13 PM
Thank you for making the collection!
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 01, 2022, 12:45:47 PM
The week's reading schedule is Iceland and the photo montages
We can do Iceland? or something from the photos
(Or because it is MAYDAY!! we can so spring!)
Happy mayday all
Post by: tehta on May 01, 2022, 04:15:35 PM
Post by: Jitter on May 01, 2022, 04:47:16 PM
As Onni and Lalli walked into the woods, Mikkel and Sigrun went to open the double doors to the storage compartment. “Maybe there’s still some… oj, dritt!” A heap of bones rattled to the ground, as the doors opened. “What…? Did you have a secret food stash back here after all?” Sigrun was indignant.
“Well, I don’t think you would have wanted to eat this fella,” Mikkel responded, gingerly picking up a… skull? with several jawbones jutting in weird directions.
“Troll bones? What the Hel?” Sigrun grabbed her blade.
“I think mostly small beasts. But yeah, not a pantry. They are all dry as bone, you can put that away. Besides the mages said no danger.”
“Yeah, about that… Reynir! Come here! And stay back!” When the consfused Reynir circled the Cattank at a distance to see the rear, Sigrun demanded “What is this? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Ah, um… we didn’t feel anything? Not even Onni did. I think they’re all dead?”
Sigrun was poking at the bones still inside with the blade. “I guess they are. But why are they here? The doors were closed, and there’s no traces of nesting. Besides they are from many different creatures. I’ve never seen the like. Any ideas?” she questioned Reynir, Mikkel and Emil who had also walked round to see what was going on.
“Well, I can tell these creatures were not burned. But that’s all I know.” Emil volunteered.
“Yet, all the bones seem intact. They weren’t crushed or cut to death either. Reynir, are you absolutely sure the foxes were normal animals?”
“Yes, they are so cute! And beast foxes wouldn’t have cubs!”
“Hmm, this is a conundrum indeed.”
***
Approaching the cairn, Lalli thought he saw some flickering in the shadows among the trees. Must be his eyes playing tricks on him, as when he wiped his eyes, he didn’t see anything (stupid wet eyes). And there was no feeling of any danger.
The cairn was… beautiful. Lalli was surprised at the number of flowers growing over the stones. Even the small pole he had erected was blooming with white flowers of a vine encircling it.
“Lalli, this is beautiful! How did you plant the flowers so early in the spring?”
“I didn’t. I only added the pole. I was expecting a bleak heap of stones.”
“Well, you must have accidentally chosen a particularly fertile spot then. She would have loved this.”
***
With the Hotakainens returning to the Cattank it was soon established that none of party had ever heard of a creature or phenomenon that would create such a collection of clean and neat grossling bones. Still, all of the mages were sure there were no live grosslings nearby. “Well, I guess whatever it was, it’s long gone. A troll killing thing is a good thing in my book!” Sigrun concluded.
What with the mystery of the bones and everyone visiting the cairn (Reynir couldn’t get enough of the flowers, and how lovely it was they happened to grow right there) it was evening before they had moved the foxes, so put up camp on the clearing next to the Cattank.
While the others were preparing dinner and setting the defenses, Reynir was painting the misdirection galdrastafur around the tent. Suddenly he heard a polite voice.
“Ah, eXcusE uS… Do yOu mind?”
“Um, sorry, wha… who are you?” Turning, Reynir saw two indistinct shapes flickering nearby. They were remotely human shaped and looked like they were made of fog or perhaps white smoke. At first Reynir thought they looked like oversized hattifnattar, but then he realized he’d seen similar creatures before. But the these things had beautiful shining eyes, not burning red. And they didn’t feel dangerous.
“sOrry, we… please fOrgiVe. It’S haRd to rEmeMber maNneRs after a feW decCdes of deaTh.” Reynir just stared, thinking frantically. “I am ElLa, anD tHis is Abdi.”
“I… nice to meet you? I guess?”
“wEll, We met bEfore… tHouGh I gUess we looked diffeRent?” said the thing called Abdi. Reynir frowned in confusion.
“sOmeTHinG liKe tHiS?” suddenly Abdi was black, and his (its?) eyes were glowing red. A maw full of red teeth opened under the eyes.
“Aagh! Get back, you fiend!” Reynir brandished his brush in desperation.
“sorRy, sorrY! Abdi, I tOld you noT to do tHat! See, hE’s all staRTled up!” Abdi returned to his fog and brown eyes again. “PleAse eXcuse hiM. That’s nOt whAt we are noW. It was all bEcauSe of NielS. NiEls and his uNrelentiNg revenGe.”
“I, um, I don’t understand?”
After a long and somewhat convoluted explanation, Reynir understood that Ella, Abdi and some others had been part of the ghost horde led by Sleipnope, but had left some time after the battle where Onni had saved the expedition. Or most of it, anyways.
“YoU see, we Were nevEr really inTo NiEls’ pursuinG vengeaNce on the liVing. But, somEhow, we jUst got sWept alOng in tHe eXCitemeNt. SudDen freEdoM to MoVe, nEw sOUls to cRusH, yoU kNow hoW it goEs. But, yEah, after the fiRe eagle we staRted re-eValuating the plaN.”
“AlsO we felT very sOrry for the nice lAdy! HonEst!”
“AnywAys, we weRe hopinG NielS woUld be saTisfied about the venGeance thiNg with the laDy’s… aCCident, but nO. I was beComing cleaR he actuAlly meNt it wHen he saiD we wEre goiNg to purSue you to tHe end of the EartH. So, we dEcided to leG it.”
“RatheR, we sOrt of driFted aWay. But still, wHen NiEls and the otHers contiNued to hunt yoU, we stAyed here.”
“SomE time lAter, theRe was a weiRd thinG. A pillAr of light apPeared and iT… callEd to us. IvaR, MettE and AisHa deciDed to folloW it. AnD IvAr of couRse was alReaDy hurT. But wE had had enoUgh of all granD scheMes and staYed firmlY put. AiSha wasN’t sure if it wOuld work foR her, but sinCe she haSn’t come bAck I’m surE it must hAve.”
“AnyWays, ever since thEn we have beeN liVing here. We’ve doNe whAt houSekeePing we can, and I’m haPpy to tell you thAt there arE quite A lot of healtHy aniMals here noWadays. Do you suPpose she woUld have likEd that? And the floWers?”
“She? Oh, you mean Tuuri” Reynir felt a fresh pang of sadness. “I’m sure she would have.”
“GoOd. We… for wHat’s it woRth, we arE sorRy. We woulD like to apoloGize to you.”
“Well, I’m not the one you want. Her family is here too.” Reynir beckoned towards the rest of the camp, still busy with evening preparations, and strangely unaware of what was going on.
“We wEre… aFraid so. I don’t thinK we haVe the couRage to aPproach theM. EspEcially the FiRe EaGle MaN. WoulD you tEll hiM thiS? And let hiM knoW we truly aRe sorrY.”
“And tHat it waS NielS all alOng, not uS!”
“I suppose I can. But he’s skilled at leading people into the beyond. Would you like to go?”
“UmM, not reAlly. We’ve leaRned to likE this plaCe. And, wE don’t knOw whEre we woUld go, or whetHer we will be aBle to go toGether.” Ella and Abdi looked at each other, and for a moment a tendril of Ella’s fog circled Abdi gently.
“AnD the foX familY will need pRotection. The pUps are still veRy small. If yoU don’t miNd, we’d liKe to stAy?”
“Um, well, you do seem to make good guardian spirits. Please keep up the good work!”
“We prOmise. But wE meant to aSk you somEthing.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“CoulD you remoVe the mark you mAde on the baCk dooRs? The interioR is spaciOus for the tWo of us, but noW, with the foxEs in the mAin room, it wOuld be conveNient for us to haVe use of the baCk doors... And to, yOu know, to feEl truly at... at hoMe.”
“Oh yes. Of course. I’ll do that first thing in the morning.” Home decoration for ghosts? I wonder what’s next?
Of course, the thanks goes to @Purple Wyrm for this delight: https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1070.msg161775#msg161775
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 01, 2022, 05:05:15 PM
The cat tank story is great.
Spoiler: show
This was definitely an awesome prompt!!
Post by: lwise on May 01, 2022, 06:17:40 PM
Post by: Jitter on May 02, 2022, 03:28:47 AM
Post by: tehta on May 02, 2022, 05:11:13 AM
I particularly enjoyed the ghosts' perspective of their experience--half the things they say are hilarious--and their opinion of Onni. And I really like the idea of a Tuuri Memorial Lehto.
Post by: Jitter on May 02, 2022, 10:32:29 AM
Upon tehta’s suggestion I tweaked Abdi’s description a little. With the blue eyes / red eyes I was going for good/evil robot convention, but as she rightly pointed out to me, it could be read in a way that reduces the effect was trying to get with the names and final destinations. I think the story is better for it, and thank you again, tehta! You Helped! :reynir:
This was indeed a great prompt. I like Mayday for this week, it can tie to spring, or the Iceland prologue (or, of course, anything else you’d like to do). So let’s go for that.
Post by: thegreyarea on May 02, 2022, 11:47:34 AM
I agree with "Mayday" as this week's prompt. It's interesting and can have different interpretations.
And I would like to suggest that the following week (that starts at May 8/9) could use "Vellamo" and/or "Water" as prompt. The reasom will be evident for anyone checking our calendar... ;)
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 04, 2022, 10:47:14 AM
I have added Jiiri to the membership group for the Cattank stories, so you can put that wonderful story there if you wish. I think it would be an excellent addition :)
It is such a great story.
Thanks
Also for the week's prompt
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/96985629
Post by: tehta on May 04, 2022, 06:23:56 PM
***
“Welcome back, Emil, Lalli,” said Mikkel. “How was the family visit?”
“Oh, fine.” Emil collapsed onto the couch next to Sigrun, accepting her shoulder-punch manfully. “It’s always nice to see the triplets, you know.”
“Mmpfh,” said Lalli as he sat down on the floor, leaning back against the couch. “The uncle asked Emil for money again.”
“Really?” Mikkel grinned. “That’s the third time this year, isn’t it? VAH-Expeditions must be in trouble again. I heard that the team they sent after the tank is asking for extra hazard pay, because of–”
“Anyway,” said Emil, cutting gossip about his family short, as usual, “they also gave me something. For free, even. Two tickets to the opening night of that play Håkan is in.”
Mikkel took the tickets from his hand. “Mayday: a Serious Historical Drama,” he read. “Sounds serious. And dramatic. What’s it about?”
“Human nature in the face of disaster, Siv said. It’s set in year zero, on a ship full of Rash-infected tourists who, one by one, start turning into trolls. I know, it sounds a bit–” He grimaced.
“No, no,” Sigrun sat up. “That could be interesting. More so than anything else in this boring town, anyway. I mean, they fight the trolls, right? What role’s the kid playing?”
Emil frowned. “Um, he’s got a couple of roles… He told us, let me think..”
“He’s Norwegian Tourist One,” said Lalli. “And Troll Four.”
Sigrun nodded approvingly. “Good roles! Although ‘troll one’ would sound better.”
“You should go watch him,” said Lalli. “Siv said Emil should use the second ticket to take out a girl.”
“Oh, you heard that?” Emil touched Lalli’s shoulder. “I think Aunt Siv keeps forgetting how much you understand. I am so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? I heard what you said to her, too. Anyway, I don’t want to go.”
“It’s settled, then! The ticket's mine!” Sigrun stretched and stood up. “Now, what’s for dinner?”
***
“Welcome back, Emil, Sigrun,” said Mikkel. “How was the play?”
“Excruciating,” said Emil.
“Hilarious,” said Sigrun.
“Excruciating, because Sigrun wouldn’t stop laughing. Or rather, she would, but only to give advice to the actors. Loudly.”
“Well, it was hilarious how stupid everyone was being. All those pauses to make dramatic speeches when being found, chased, or eaten by trolls. You wouldn’t find any Eide doing that, even back in history!” Sigrun continued, flopping onto the couch. “But I suppose that’s why we lived! And you should be glad of my advice. It really helped Håkan.”
“How?” Mikkel asked. “Do tell.”
“Well, the kid actually listened to me!” Sigrun’s voice was full of delight. “So, Norwegian Tourist One evaded all the trolls, and became the star of the play.”
“Really? He went off-script?”
Emil sank into the armchair, hand over his eyes. “Yes. Very much so.”
“So… were you asked to leave?”
“No, that’s the best part!” Sigrun sat up. “They want us to come back tomorrow, and do it all again! Me advising the actors, Emil shushing me! Can you imagine?”
Post by: tehta on May 04, 2022, 06:27:46 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 04, 2022, 09:15:29 PM
What a hoot!
Thanks
Post by: Jitter on May 05, 2022, 08:49:07 AM
Oi! Big ship, our saviour!
Mayday mayday may…
Post by: lwise on May 05, 2022, 09:40:42 AM
“Excruciating,” said Emil.
“Hilarious,” said Sigrun.
I love this story so much!
Post by: tehta on May 05, 2022, 10:32:30 AM
And it's very possible that the play was supposed to end this way! But now we'll never know. One thing's for sure, poor embarrassed Emil never went on a date with a nice girl again.
Okay WELL you guys made me do this.
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAY..."
"Hush, Reynir, he is not dead.
He pines for the fjords."
Sorry.
Post by: JoB on May 05, 2022, 10:46:08 AM
But hungers for those who
Once were of his kin.
(Enter the Norwegian Red?)
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 05, 2022, 01:12:25 PM
He pines for the fjords,Maybe..Norwegian Blue :)
But hungers for those who
Once were of his kin.
(Enter the Norwegian Red?)
Post by: Jitter on May 05, 2022, 03:15:25 PM
Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
Post by: thegreyarea on May 08, 2022, 07:13:25 AM
Once were of his kin
but now life and death changed
They look delicious
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 09, 2022, 11:05:31 PM
Hey, I'm alive and loving all this chillingness and silliness! Trying to finish my contribution...Grey, I am glad all is well
Once were of his kin
but now life and death changed
They look delicious
Post by: Jitter on May 10, 2022, 05:53:32 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 10, 2022, 06:57:06 AM
Jitter, the story is fantastic! I'll comment more later.I thought Grey had suggested water
I agree with "Mayday" as this week's prompt. It's interesting and can have different interpretations.
And I would like to suggest that the following week (that starts at May 8/9) could use "Vellamo" and/or "Water" as prompt. The reasom will be evident for anyone checking our calendar... ;)
BTW happy birthday!!
Post by: Jitter on May 10, 2022, 08:31:59 AM
Post by: tehta on May 10, 2022, 05:06:23 PM
Anyway, Jitter said she wanted something soothing, so here is a tiny sketch of a watery place where she can have a nap (click through for slightly bigger version--but not much bigger as it's a tiny painting):
(https://i.postimg.cc/sMkTrjcs/PXL-20220510-202832046-MP.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMkTrjcs)
I hope it's clear what it represents!
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 10, 2022, 05:13:29 PM
Okay! As threatened I have decided to post a new 'work of art' I just made: my second gouache painting ever! (Last week, I decided it might be nice to use gouache to plan out my watercolor compositions, so I bought an intro set of three colours + white and black. And then I realized that gouache is another medium with some confusing properties...)Absolutely lovely. I really like it!!
Anyway, Jitter said she wanted something soothing, so here is a tiny sketch of a watery place where she can have a nap (click through for slightly bigger version--but not much bigger as it's a tiny painting):
(https://i.postimg.cc/sMkTrjcs/PXL-20220510-202832046-MP.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMkTrjcs)
Post by: tehta on May 10, 2022, 05:28:17 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: moredhel on May 10, 2022, 08:09:31 PM
(https://moredhel.is-a-geek.net/lake.png)
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 11, 2022, 01:00:32 PM
That is so lovely. I am glad you made the art. It is beautiful to look at. I like all the shading and detail you achieved using just one color.
Tehta,
Two for the prompt how wonderful. :lalli: <3 :emil:
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 11, 2022, 01:01:26 PM
It is a bit weird
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/97360119
Post by: Jitter on May 11, 2022, 01:14:53 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 11, 2022, 01:28:25 PM
In response to your question about Ukko-Pekka
Spoiler: show
Post by: moredhel on May 11, 2022, 02:08:31 PM
On the subject of water, here is my post.
It is a bit weird
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/97360119
I like the story but I am unable to find the weird part.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 11, 2022, 02:17:34 PM
I like the story but I am unable to find the weird part.
When i first thought of water, I thought of what I wrote in the story. Which was weird thinking of "breaking water"
I also thought of Lalli and his aversion of water because it means boats.
I think it was just weird to me :)
Post by: Jitter on May 11, 2022, 05:07:53 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 11, 2022, 05:50:13 PM
Dmeck, I kinda figured. Also I think you are not the only one on those lines, what with the very fleeting mention of him in the family tree. There are of course other interpretations as well.
I'd be curious of the other interpretations
Post by: Róisín on May 12, 2022, 07:50:37 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 12, 2022, 08:47:25 AM
I have wondered if Ukko-Pekka was something more than human. There have been some fine fics exploring that idea.
That would be interesting.
That may be a cool prompt of the week Ukko-Pekka and/or the Hotakainen family line (Relatives mentioned in comic or others we just don't know about)
Post by: Jitter on May 12, 2022, 03:21:45 PM
Tehta, it’s very clear what is in the artwork. I will happily nap among the stalks of the water lilies! Unless there’s a Swede trashing in my water. It is lovely, and the medium results in an interesting style.
Moredhel, it’s amazing how expressive you can be with watercolor. Even more so considering how recently you started learning them. Such a simple work, yet creating both a landscape and a mood.
Post by: moredhel on May 12, 2022, 03:36:12 PM
Post by: Jitter on May 12, 2022, 03:37:51 PM
A deep voice spoke. “I see you find it funny to get oneself wet, little fish. Maybe try yourself?” A wave rose, too big for the little pond. Lalli’s plank rolled over, and despite his nimbleness it was the scout’s turn to swim.
When Lalli was climbing out of the pond, huffing and sputtering, Emil saw something in the water. A glimpse of long green hair.
Post by: tehta on May 12, 2022, 05:58:45 PM
(I almost went swimming myself, today. It was a very warm day. Sadly, the water is still only 15C, and I am a princess who would prefer at least 18C.)
Post by: tehta on May 12, 2022, 06:04:14 PM
I think one other interpretation of Ukko-Pekka is that it's a made-up name Ensi used to cover up the twins' real parentage. I have seen it hinted that the real father was her cousin.
Post by: lwise on May 12, 2022, 08:10:56 PM
I think one other interpretation of Ukko-Pekka is that it's a made-up name Ensi used to cover up the twins' real parentage. I have seen it hinted that the real father was her cousin.
That's an interesting thought that I hadn't heard before. That would mean Taru is the half-sister of Jukka and Juha, and thus the (half-)aunt of the three Hotakainens. Jukka and Juha were born in 38 (when Ensi was 38 and Veeti was maybe 46) and Taru in about 49 (when Veeti was maybe 57). Maybe there was a relationship between the cousins, perhaps because the family was travelling around in that boat for many years. Then they had a falling out and Veeti settled on one island and started his own family while Ensi settled on another with the children.
Post by: wavewright62 on May 13, 2022, 12:37:19 AM
Post by: JoB on May 13, 2022, 01:58:12 AM
Unless there’s a Swede trashing in my water.Amazing, isn't it, that of all the Nordic nations and their infatuation with the sea, it's the Finns who focus mainly on Swedewater (https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/64617/freshwater-as-opposed-to-salty-water). 8)
Post by: tehta on May 13, 2022, 08:06:33 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 13, 2022, 11:57:04 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 13, 2022, 03:23:42 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 13, 2022, 03:57:29 PM
Fret not, landlings. I am not angry with little fish. But I think he should have a go every once in a while, if only for the sake of variety!
muhwahha! Emil can warm him up!
Post by: thegreyarea on May 14, 2022, 07:15:33 PM
Ah... Hi friends! Look! I finished my story for the "Mayday / May Day" prompt! :sparkle: ;D :sparkle:
*Everybody stares at him. Somebody points at a calendar.*
What! It ended! We are almost ending the next prompt!? O_O
Well, I guess I can blame too much work... Anyway, here is the story on AO3. I hope you like it:
The Wanderer (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38992989)
Now I'll go see what you all have been doing while I was away... ^-^
Post by: Jitter on May 15, 2022, 04:59:13 AM
Post by: tehta on May 16, 2022, 11:03:36 AM
Also, I guess we're going to have "Emil" in two weeks, for that birthday? I want to paint some fires.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 16, 2022, 12:47:49 PM
That is a really great story. There really is not anything from the "monsters" side. So it was very interesting.
"long lost relative" is fine for me as a prompt.
Post by: thegreyarea on May 17, 2022, 12:48:51 AM
Grey,Thanks, dmeck! ^-^
That is a really great story. There really is not anything from the "monsters" side. So it was very interesting.
"long lost relative" is fine for me as a prompt.
There are a few stories from the "other side". First comes to mind is "Copenhagen" by sectoboss. It's great and mindblowing! Makes me want to write from there...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/3718744
And I like the prompt too. :)
Post by: Róisín on May 17, 2022, 02:46:19 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 17, 2022, 03:40:14 AM
Post by: tehta on May 17, 2022, 05:23:26 AM
I wrote a drabble about Emil's mercy-killed dog once, but I have stayed away from other trolls, as I worry about breaking my own heart by making them too sympathetic.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 17, 2022, 07:42:59 AM
Post by: Róisín on May 18, 2022, 08:30:47 AM
Post by: tehta on May 18, 2022, 09:00:52 AM
Post by: lwise on May 18, 2022, 09:38:03 AM
There are a few, also by Wavewright, and whose was the ”Hsss” about a librarian? But I haven’t read any that have such an active proponent who also is a troll.
Maybe you meant "Shhh" about a librarian? That was one of mine.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 18, 2022, 09:42:58 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 18, 2022, 03:26:11 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 19, 2022, 01:09:08 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/97795059
Post by: Jitter on May 19, 2022, 02:02:13 PM
And I totally agree about Mikkel’s pockets. He has some sort of hammerspace device on him. Just look at the size of his backpack all through A2, and compare and contrast with the amount of stuff they have.
Maybe candle soup taught him to always, always carry rations, and once you are at it, you can take a few other useful things.
He totally could have one too! He recently came to money, and probably spent some on a fine container in Snærri Sluggissons Household Emporium (help for any housekeeping needs! Academy approved!) in Reykjavik.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 19, 2022, 02:11:01 PM
Oh! That was unexpected, and sweet!Thank you very much!!
And I totally agree about Mikkel’s pockets. He has some sort of hammerspace device on him. Just look at the size of his backpack all through A2, and compare and contrast with the amount of stuff they have.Backpack/pockets of holding :)
Maybe candle soup taught him to always, always carry rations, and once you are at it, you can take a few other useful things.
He totally could have one too! He recently came to money, and probably spent some on a fine container in Snærri Sluggissons Household Emporium (help for any housekeeping needs! Academy approved!) in Reykjavik.
he he he
Post by: tehta on May 19, 2022, 02:50:29 PM
Also I am sure that Mikkel always has something to read.
BTW, I sat down to think about family for the prompt, and got inspired to write something that doesn't actually fit it at all. Should I link it here anyway?
Post by: Jitter on May 19, 2022, 03:27:19 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 19, 2022, 03:41:22 PM
Tehta of course you should!
I agree. :)
Post by: tehta on May 19, 2022, 04:04:52 PM
Like I said, it does revolve around the concept of family, but not long-lost relatives. Maybe I should have just continued my story about Mikkel being Emil's real father...
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 19, 2022, 05:01:11 PM
On no! Here (https://archiveofourown.org/works/33470776/chapters/97802703) it is.ROTFL
Like I said, it does revolve around the concept of family, but not long-lost relatives. Maybe I should have just continued my story about Mikkel being Emil's real father...
It has long lost relatives in it. Different type of lost, but lost none-the-less
Post by: Jitter on May 19, 2022, 06:10:28 PM
But alas, there is a flaw in the plan (one that Sig and Mik might well fail to consider): Reynir doesn’t have a family name.
Post by: tehta on May 19, 2022, 06:18:16 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on May 19, 2022, 06:29:43 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on May 20, 2022, 03:21:05 AM
Post by: tehta on May 20, 2022, 04:48:21 AM
Post by: Róisín on May 20, 2022, 05:46:23 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 20, 2022, 11:05:24 AM
So, we do have many stories with grossling PoV after all. Still, I haven’t come across any where the protagonist were such an active character and retained most of the sanity (with the notable exception of Pastor A). Of course Grey’s Wanderer is only at Y8 by the time of this story.
Post by: lwise on May 20, 2022, 11:14:16 AM
Thank you tehta. Links don’t seem to work well for me.
Róisín, I never remember how to make links for this site, so I bookmarked the instructions. (https://www.bbcode.org/creating-links-with-bbcode.php?id=9)
Post by: Róisín on May 20, 2022, 06:46:34 PM
Post by: wavewright62 on May 21, 2022, 06:40:19 AM
Spoiler: long lost relatives is the prompt • show
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 21, 2022, 08:36:27 AM
I regret that all I've got to share is a WIP, but I won't have any more time to work on it for a while. Maybe you can work out where I'm going with this from the snippet.Well it looks like it will be a doozy :). But now we have a cliff-hanger 🥲Spoiler: long lost relatives is the prompt • show
Whomever this person is they are definitely high-ranking. Guesses can be anything
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on May 21, 2022, 09:18:04 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: lwise on May 21, 2022, 09:41:41 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 21, 2022, 10:10:48 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on May 21, 2022, 11:02:22 PM
I remembered a pair of identical twins we know: Star had known them since he and they were all teenagers, I met them all when they were in their twenties, so a long acquaintance! Most people couldn’t tell the two women apart, not even their parents and boyfriends. Star could tell them apart when they were younger, because one of them had, as he described it, ‘a lump of anger in her’. Then when in her thirties she sorted out her feelings about an old trauma that hadn’t happened to her sister, he couldn’t tell them apart either, until I showed him how I distinguished them: one has a tiny facial scar that the other doesn’t. But otherwise they were truly identical! I imagine Michael and Mikkel being like that.
Post by: JoB on May 22, 2022, 04:15:06 AM
But otherwise they were truly identical! I imagine Michael and Mikkel being like that.... I seem to remember a piece of art from Minna showing Michael and Mikkel side by side, Mikkel quite clearly being less eager for the meet-up ...
Post by: wavewright62 on May 22, 2022, 05:44:36 AM
lwise and Jitter have the right of it (although tehta's idea is very intriguing albeit horrifying), you know me well. You say I'm fascinated with Mikkel's twin brother Michael? Maaaaaybe you're right. I've tagged several works on AO3 with either Michael or Mikkel & Michael, and there's one other (https://archiveofourown.org/works/17725859) not tagged. I have considered angst (https://archiveofourown.org/works/11585682), unspecified tragedy (https://archiveofourown.org/works/33169441), humour (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26100469), horrible puns (https://archiveofourown.org/works/25837597), and others (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36542923) that are a bit of both (https://archiveofourown.org/works/21447073/chapters/51107668) dark & light.
Alas nothing I have produced matches this gem off tumblr (speaking of the image JoB references):
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/63cbc7514958bfbc566e9257c1ad333b/tumblr_p61r9xSnem1skeq86o7_540.pnj)
All jokes aside, this might be the first time I've considered Michael in post-canon.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 22, 2022, 12:18:06 PM
dmeck, that is a possibility I never considered, buuuut considering where the person has been (no spoilers), that's actually a really good take that I maystealincorporate.
lwise and Jitter have the right of it (although tehta's idea is very intriguing albeit horrifying), you know me well. You say I'm fascinated with Mikkel's twin brother Michael? Maaaaaybe you're right. I've tagged several works on AO3 with either Michael or Mikkel & Michael, and there's one other (https://archiveofourown.org/works/17725859) not tagged. I have considered angst (https://archiveofourown.org/works/11585682), unspecified tragedy (https://archiveofourown.org/works/33169441), humour (https://archiveofourown.org/works/26100469), horrible puns (https://archiveofourown.org/works/25837597), and others (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36542923) that are a bit of both (https://archiveofourown.org/works/21447073/chapters/51107668) dark & light.
Spoiler: show
Post by: lwise on May 22, 2022, 12:38:25 PM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on May 22, 2022, 12:46:35 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 22, 2022, 12:49:06 PM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
🤔
Post by: lwise on May 22, 2022, 12:49:57 PM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on May 22, 2022, 01:04:12 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on May 22, 2022, 02:06:12 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: lwise on May 22, 2022, 02:23:36 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on May 22, 2022, 02:32:08 PM
Post by: JoB on May 22, 2022, 05:29:03 PM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on May 22, 2022, 05:49:03 PM
It was a dark and stormy night. Boom! Boom! A loud knocking echoed in the main hall of Madsen Farm.
“Who could it be? This late at night?” Maja wondered.
“Well, whoever it is, they’ll have to come back tomorrow. I’m not getting up to open the door for anyone” Jens, her husband, grumbled. Jens pulled the bed covers up to his chin, but Maja got up.
In the entrance hall she met her brother. “Who do you think it is? Surely not him?”
With a frown, Michael responded “I haven’t heard from him in months. Which probably means he’s in trouble again. And that means…” Michael opened the door.
And of course it was him. Their brother Mikkel was standing at the porch, soaking wet in the rain. “Oh, finally! There you are, my beloved siblings!”
“What” asked Michael, his frown deepening, “are you doing here at this time of night?”
“Well, it is my home.” Mikkel defended himself, flashing them his most lovable grin. Neither of his siblings were fooled.
“You surely don’t treat it like that. We could have used your help during potato planting. And the calving. And…” Mikkel made a nonchalant gesture.
“Mind if we take this inside? I’m kind of getting wet here.”
Sighing, Michael stepped back, letting in his prodigal brother. “Look, I’m too tired to sort this out tonight. I have been working all day.”
“Well, I have been walking all day to get to my family!”
“Oh yeah, that means you desperately need something again. Whatever it is, let’s discuss it in the morning. Night.” Maja left her candle with Mikkel, when she and Michael withdrew to their parts of the big house.
All the numerous Madsens who happened to be at the home farm, were finishing their breakfast in the large hall, when Mikkel slogged in. The news of his arrival had already reached also the families living in the smaller houses, so most just greeted him. Some of the younger children ran to him, asking for stories and sweets, which their adventurous uncle usually brought when he (rarely) visited the home farm. “Sorry kids, I didn´t bring any this time. I … left in a hurry.”
“Ooo! Were you chased by a troll?” “Are you in trouble? Mum says you are in trouble!” “Did you make a mayor angry again?” Mogens, Margarethe and Mathias were all talking at the same time. But as no candies appeared to be forthcoming, they soon lost interest.
After a while, it was just Michael, Mikkel and a couple of their siblings in the kitchen.
“So, spit it out. What brings you here?” Maja, who had a husband and children, was more or less the head of household. But in matters between the siblings, Michael as the eldest took the lead.
“Come on guys. I just wanted to see my family. Just look how little Maria has grown!”
“Her name is Margaret. You are not fooling anyone. You only show up, when you need money, or a place to hide. Which one is it?”
“Well, you see, it’s a funny story actually…”
Michael groaned. “Don’t tell me. You need both.”
“Well, my dear brother, in a word: yes. Due to circumstances entirely out of my control, it turns out I owe a sizable sum of money to certain parties in Mora.”
“Why don’t you just go to Iceland then? You have business there?”
“Yes, ah, the business in Reykjavik wasn’t quite as profitable as I was led to believe, so…”
“Fine, Norway then.”
“Norway is part of the problem. Or more specifically, a certain General Andersen. I owe him a favor, and he’s decided to call it in now. But his scheme is far too dangerous for a fine gentleman such as myself.”
“That’s our Mikkel all right. Always so “ready for adventure”, but when things get dangerous, he comes running home.” Malthe sneered.
“So, anyways, you have to hide me. And take care of this little monetary transaction.” Mikkel slipped a piece of paper to Michael.
“What! Are you crazy! 20 000 kronor! What makes you think we have such money!”
“I know we do. Just cough it up, I am also an owner of the farm.”
“You have some nerve! You never show, you never ever help, and now you are demanding 20 000 kr just like that!”
“Plus I need to lie low until autumn. I’m not going to go to that expedition that crazy old man is planning!”
“You know what. I am fed up with you. This time you will earn the money you are taking.”
“I’ll do anything! Seriously, I’ll make it worth your while! In fact, I have just the thing in mind where the family could stand to gain serious return on investment!”
“Don’t think you can lure us into your schemes. We’ll think about this, and how you will make up for this.”
In the evening, Mikkel and Michael are sitting together at the fireplace of the drawing room.
“I have made my decision. We’ll pull you out of the water one more time.”
“Great! I knew I could trust you! Blood is thicker than…”
“I’m not finished! There are requirements for you. Here’s what we’ll do. I will go to this General Andersen of yours, and send the money to Mora. You will stay put here.”
“I like this plan already!”
“I’m sure you do. You will shave, and…”
“I never shave! My sideburns are my pride and joy!”
“Exactly. The plan hinges on it. I will go as you, and you will stay here at the farm as me.” Mikkel paled visibly at this. “You see, I’m bored at the farm. I’ve been stuck here for years and years, while you are travelling the entirety of the Known World. I have spent my time well, and I know a lot of the world. But I want to see it outside of Bornholm. And I want you to take some responsibility for a change.”
“I… but… I’m not a farmer. I cannot stay here.”
“These are the options. Either you stay here as Michael, and take care of the farm, or you will leave empty handed and sort out your Mora and Andersen issues by yourself.”
“Not to forget Reykjavik” Mikkel muttered, more to himself than his brother. “But you are a farmer. What use could you possibly be for General Andersen’s expedition?”
“Like I said, I have read a lot. And I am a decent medic.”
“You tend to animals!”
“Yes, but also to humans. You are never around, you have no idea how often I need to patch up someone after a fall or a run-in with an irritated cow. And I can cook.”
“Since when can you cook? I’m sure Jens still does most of the cooking!”
“Well, ok, I’m not necessarily good at it. But I will be helpful. More helpful than you, because I have a sense of responsibility! Now, let’s go, we’ll trade clothes and I can be on my way in the morning.”
“Trade clothes? You are going to take my beard, and my clothes? I will look like a farmer!”
“This is, indeed, the gist of the plan.”
Post by: lwise on May 22, 2022, 05:55:08 PM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on May 22, 2022, 06:09:49 PM
I suppose this could be yet another way in which the expedition got lucky: they got Sigrun, who definitely possesses skills above the expedition's pay-grade, and the Hotakainens, who, in spite of lacking any common sense, possess many relevant skills--and now Michael, who is presumably more useful than his failure of a brother! One might also say that Emil, the master of first impressions, is more competent than one would expect upon talking to him for five minutes. This all lends more credence to the theory that somebody wanted the mission to fail, and just got very unlucky when trying to assemble a team of losers.
Post by: Jitter on May 22, 2022, 06:21:09 PM
But it’s a one-off, not part of my actual head-canon.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 22, 2022, 06:47:30 PM
So much fun. Michael was In the silent lands. I like it!
Thank you
Post by: lwise on May 22, 2022, 09:19:24 PM
Wait, y'all want wild ideas?Spoiler: show
I hope it's okay with you that I wrote a story based on this.
Post by: wavewright62 on May 23, 2022, 12:21:46 AM
(although I haven't much appetite for conspiracy/espionage stories)
Post by: JoB on May 23, 2022, 02:36:41 AM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on May 23, 2022, 04:21:44 AM
Also, the week after is Emil's birthday, so are we doing 'Emil' or something related then?
Post by: lwise on May 23, 2022, 07:28:19 AM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: lwise on May 23, 2022, 08:32:53 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 23, 2022, 10:23:27 AM
Emil for next week is goos. Shall we make it just “Emil” or something more detailed?
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 23, 2022, 10:48:42 AM
Grossling’s point of view was suggested as a prompt earlier, inspired by Grey’s Wanderer. Do we keep this?
Emil for next week is goos. Shall we make it just “Emil” or something more detailed?
Sure, I like both :)
Post by: tehta on May 23, 2022, 11:30:31 AM
I'm a day late, but I did write a story (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39164805) for last week's prompt, based on JoB's "wild idea". It's kind of melodramatic.
I like it, and have responded on AO3 a little.
If I might make a different comment... I think that, to a person who had not read the suggestion, the fact that Michael had been arrested for smuggling books might seem like a significant but under-explained detail. It's such a strong echo of Mikkel!
Post by: lwise on May 23, 2022, 11:36:21 AM
I like it, and have responded on AO3 a little.
If I might make a different comment... I think that, to a person who had not read the suggestion, the fact that Michael had been arrested for smuggling books might seem like a significant but under-explained detail. It's such a strong echo of Mikkel!
Ah, thank you. I'll go back and add something.
Post by: Jitter on May 23, 2022, 01:02:46 PM
An interesting take! Does Michael have a gang of smugglers?
Post by: lwise on May 23, 2022, 01:19:42 PM
Under the fourth line, there is one Sigriður where I think it should be Sigrun.
An interesting take! Does Michael have a gang of smugglers?
Actually, no, it's Sigriður. This is between adventures, when the team was staying in Brúardalur.
Yeah, I kind of imagine a gang of smugglers. Based on JoB's second suggestion ("And then there's the possibility that a crew - say, of five - had been ordered to stay and wait for any survivors coming out of the chaos. Imagine a band of twenty showing up, and waiting until the ship's out at sea (well, out in the Øresund) to 'tell' the crew that they do not intend to return to post-Rash Denmark ... nobody would take notice of yet another crew that suddenly vanished 'at Kastrup'."), it could be they're all survivors of Kastrup.
I don't intend to go on with this (though my intentions don't always work out), but it is kind of an interesting idea. How many other Danish families thought their loved ones died at Kastrup, when they didn't? Did some of them know what was going on? I'm guessing the crew of that little ship got tossed overboard, which makes all those survivors, including Michael, murderers ...
Post by: Jitter on May 23, 2022, 01:49:33 PM
A smuggling operation is perhaps the first fanfic idea I ever had, although I never put any sort of a draft in writing. But it is an environment conducive of crime, as some people are clearly very affluent, and there are old world artifacts just lying around in places where even a fairly haphazard team can get them.
Post by: Jitter on May 23, 2022, 01:51:46 PM
Anyways do we have the grossling PoV this week?
Post by: JoB on May 23, 2022, 01:54:24 PM
Emil is good? Emil is goose? Who knows!If you want maximum output, try "Emil is goosebumps". 8)
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 23, 2022, 01:55:35 PM
Hum, me and my typing… Emil is good? Emil is goose? Who knows! Next week will tell!
Anyways do we have the grossling PoV this week?
I am good with it...
Post by: tehta on May 23, 2022, 05:02:39 PM
Post by: Jitter on May 23, 2022, 05:59:49 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 24, 2022, 12:07:34 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/98074374
Post by: tehta on May 24, 2022, 03:55:13 PM
Btw, didn't Minna say at some point that people turn into trolls that are somehow appropriate thematically? I seem to remember reading some speculation about the trolls we met -- e.g., that the barbie trolls Emil set on fire were a dance troupe.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 24, 2022, 04:43:47 PM
Very interesting, dmeck! I have the feeling that she was able to keep it together as well as she did because of her close kinship with the cats (even if the cats sadly rejected her.)
Btw, didn't Minna say at some point that people turn into trolls that are somehow appropriate thematically? I seem to remember reading some speculation about the trolls we met -- e.g., that the barbie trolls Emil set on fire were a dance troupe.
Barbie trolls? I am trying to figure which were those.
I can see the protagonist becoming this very large hairy monster..
Post by: lwise on May 24, 2022, 05:05:50 PM
Barbie trolls? I am trying to figure which were those.
I can see the protagonist becoming this very large hairy monster..
These guys. The murderpops. (https://www.sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=499)
Post by: Jitter on May 24, 2022, 05:43:06 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 24, 2022, 06:25:22 PM
I wrote about them for YoinkTober and I’ll shamelessly link it because it suits this week’s prompt! It’s here under prompt FIRE https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1262.75
There is some great stuff in that thread. Thank you
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 24, 2022, 06:30:05 PM
These guys. The murderpops. (https://www.sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=499)
Ah Those things. I thought of them as balloon creatures
But I can see how they were dancers
Post by: wavewright62 on May 25, 2022, 10:30:12 PM
Post by: lwise on May 26, 2022, 01:26:40 AM
I now think Minna made up the cluster troll theory on the spot, as one of her "No Science, Only Canon" explanations when she's asked.
Still, you need something like that theory to account for the lake cows and the wolf-beasts.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 26, 2022, 09:02:13 AM
Still, you need something like that theory to account for the lake cows and the wolf-beasts.
Considering how different each "mutation" can be, maybe it is an adaptive illness and will affect each thing differently. Though adaptive viruses will mutate and can become more virulent (or less) . This would be a really scary thing in the SSSS world.
I was thinking how people change or die (both does happen), may be what they eat.
If they caught the rash illness and their stomach's were empty, they just died.
If they ate something, their mutation would be from whatever food they ate. This would also cover "like" mutations.
The cows were in a field and ate grass, they all mutated the same.
The dancers had a communal meal before or after their performance. They became the balloon people. (Maybe they had cacio e pepe and that would explain the long legs.) lol
The acid creatures in adv II, had pizza and beer. (That would definitely be acidey)
Post by: lwise on May 26, 2022, 09:47:26 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 26, 2022, 10:27:09 AM
Trolls however come in many many forms despite all deriving from biologically very similar creatures. And again, why would the entire troop of dancers (or whatever) all turn? And what’s more, dusklings are not only alike to each other but have happened in many different places - Lalli knows what they are like, when they first encounter them in Silent Denmark. The Kalma have an information page about them, clearly referencing various occurrences of them,
But hey, there is of course always the overarching explanation: magic!
Post by: Róisín on May 26, 2022, 11:03:32 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on May 27, 2022, 05:43:22 AM
Meanwhile, the prompt is "Fire", right? So here it goes:
Fire
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on May 27, 2022, 05:49:40 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 27, 2022, 07:24:43 AM
And then, next week is Emil because of his birthday. So you are actually one ahead, again!
And I like the story very much. Although it may be that while Loge is a friend of Emil’s, he might not be quite as kind with all humans, including Emil’s family!
But, does Emil become fascinated with fire because of his friendship (his only friend?) with Loge, or is Loge drawn to him because he also is a creature of fire? 🔥 :emil: 🔥
Post by: tehta on May 27, 2022, 07:37:16 AM
But yes, a very intriguing story! You always take things in such interesting directions.
(Not sure I will be able to put together anything this week, because of a variety of RL annoyances taking up all my time. Really hope to make something for Emil's special day, though.)
Post by: thegreyarea on May 27, 2022, 07:54:39 AM
The prompt was Grossling point of view, but you have that one magnificently covered already! In fact it was our excitement with your story that spurred the prompt. I just linked my old one that was at te time written on Fire, but also has Troll PoV :)Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! I caused excitement with my story!!! Yuppy!!!
And I like the story very much. Although it may be that while Loge is a friend of Emil’s, he might not be quite as kind with all humans, including Emil’s family!Well, it's well known that relations with deities are... complicated, with potential to become very complicated. I guess Loge doesn't let friendship get in the way of his "work". Very professional attitude ;)
But, does Emil become fascinated with fire because of his friendship (his only friend?) with Loge, or is Loge drawn to him because he also is a creature of fire? 🔥 :emil: 🔥
I think the answer would be both. There's a mutual attraction that works both ways and creates a positive feedback :sparkle:🔥 :sparkle:🔄 :sparkle:🔥 :sparkle:
And I think that's quite possible he was Emil's only friend back then :( (but not now :) ). It's not hard to imagine Emil, being a bit overwheight, rich and spoiled, having a hard time with other kids.
And another question: what would happen if Loge and Lalli met? Would sparks fly, and of what kind?Thanks Tehta! If Loge and Lalli met... I don't know, but surely the temperature would rise. ;)
But yes, a very intriguing story! You always take things in such interesting directions.
(Not sure I will be able to put together anything this week, because of a variety of RL annoyances taking up all my time. Really hope to make something for Emil's special day, though.)
And this story... well, let's just say that it fits in the "universe" of Lightning (https://archiveofourown.org/works/21430231), my very first story (don't know if you read it)
Post by: JoB on May 27, 2022, 08:12:55 AM
And I think that's quite possible he was Emil's only friend back then :( . It's not hard to imagine Emil, being a bit overwheight, rich and spoiled, having a hard time with other kids.That's pretty much canon (http://www.sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=807), I'd say.
Post by: lwise on May 27, 2022, 08:56:33 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 27, 2022, 10:10:43 AM
So I'm one step ahead !?! :sparkle: ^-^ :sparkle:
Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! I caused excitement with my story!!! Yuppy!!!
And this story... well, let's just say that it fits in the "universe" of Lightning (https://archiveofourown.org/works/21430231), my very first story (don't know if you read it)
Grey,
Thank you for the story and the link to the other one. I enjoyed both.
So this week's prompt is Fire and next is Emil?
I must have lost a week. I thought this week's was Emil...Oh well!!
Also your Wanderer stories were great as Jitter said.
Post by: Jitter on May 27, 2022, 12:25:24 PM
Fire isn’t a prompt, I confused Grey with my link to an earlier story.
However the point of the prompt of the week is to inspire people make something, so getting the prompts wrong doesn’t matter in the slightest!
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 27, 2022, 01:02:21 PM
Dmeck, no, this week is the grossling poit of view. Which you already posted! Next week is Emil.
Fire isn’t a prompt, I confused Grey with my link to an earlier story.
However the point of the prompt of the week is to inspire people make something, so getting the prompts wrong doesn’t matter in the slightest!
Wow I am way ahead of the curve.. I also lost a few days. Work was a bit crazy..
I do have the beginnings of an Emil story. I hope to have it finished buy next week's prompt time .. The main Emil part is completed.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/39259251/chapters/98236245
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 27, 2022, 01:08:23 PM
I don't have a new story from the grossling point of view, but I have this one about Mama Bear (https://archiveofourown.org/works/35593690).
I found this one so very sad
Post by: thegreyarea on May 27, 2022, 07:07:51 PM
Evil Västerströms is very different, but also very good! The story has a very interesting concept that opens paths with a great potential. What are our dear villains up to? Siv seems quite Machiavellian... I really like it, and am looking forward to see what comes next.
lwise, Pieces of Her Heart is great (and has a great title too), and sad, so very sad. An excellent origin story for the bears. Ah, poor mother bear! At least she found a new beginning in the end...
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 27, 2022, 07:50:52 PM
dmeck, Grossilng is captivating. You managed well to depict the slow loss of humanity from the sadness for the dead spouse in the beginning to the hunger in the end, while always keeping a connection with the cats. It leaves the reader wishing for more. Nice! :)Thank you
Evil Västerströms is very different, but also very good! The story has a very interesting concept that opens paths with a great potential.Thank you again. I do hope it was enjoyable. I do see Siv very Machiavellian
Post by: lwise on May 27, 2022, 07:57:02 PM
lwise, Pieces of Her Heart is great (and has a great title too), and sad, so very sad. An excellent origin story for the bears. Ah, poor mother bear! At least she found a new beginning in the end...
Thank you.
Post by: tehta on May 30, 2022, 01:52:07 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/178217443737600000/980768100981047296/PXL_20220530_093325180.jpg)
I know, I know, the burning house should be a mansion. I guess this could be an outbuilding.
Post by: Jitter on May 30, 2022, 02:42:09 PM
Post by: Lazerbird on May 30, 2022, 03:36:59 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on May 30, 2022, 07:03:55 PM
(And that could be what's left of the mansion...)
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 30, 2022, 10:01:23 PM
The fire looks very realistic. It is great. I think you caught fire just right
Post by: Róisín on May 30, 2022, 11:22:08 PM
And yes, as someone who is in real life a teller of folktales, I have a soft spot for the ‘Eternal Champion’ mythos.
Post by: Jitter on May 31, 2022, 02:58:48 PM
Post by: moredhel on May 31, 2022, 05:51:16 PM
(https://moredhel.is-a-geek.net/candle.png)
Post by: Jitter on June 01, 2022, 04:05:31 AM
And with that, please proceed to the promotion celebrations thread, ranger Moredhel!
Post by: tehta on June 01, 2022, 04:29:58 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on June 01, 2022, 05:54:54 AM
Here goes another story with Emil, now together with his actual best friend!
Warning: Strong shipping ahead!
Birthday
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on June 01, 2022, 08:24:53 AM
Post by: moredhel on June 01, 2022, 08:45:44 AM
Post by: Róisín on June 01, 2022, 08:46:37 AM
Post by: Jitter on June 01, 2022, 12:51:46 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/fT6JR1sc/3-D37-E586-92-DF-41-E0-A751-0-C029095-BEE5.jpg)
It is bright like fire, and beautiful like Emil, right?
We planted lots of tulips last autumn, but this one was here before, planted by some previous gardener.
Post by: moredhel on June 01, 2022, 05:25:53 PM
(https://moredhel.is-a-geek.net/lighter.png)
Post by: tehta on June 01, 2022, 05:46:30 PM
In the meantime... grey's warning for 'strong shipping' made me all competitive, and I decided to up the ante with some strong shipping of my own! I haven't written much in a while so it felt nice to just go with an idea again. I hope it makes sense. And at least Emil is happy! Vicariously, but still.
Spoiler: show
Post by: moredhel on June 01, 2022, 06:01:47 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 01, 2022, 06:28:57 PM
Jitter, the red flame tulip is lovely. The tulips on my area have been past for about a month. Most people do the purple or pink ones here.
Grey, I like the story, so warm. something like a butane lighter would be such a loving gift in the post-rash world. Or just Emil and fire
Post by: moredhel on June 01, 2022, 06:37:24 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on June 01, 2022, 06:53:43 PM
BTW, nice work with those pencils, moredhel! I'm delighted that my story inspired you! :sparkle: ^-^ :sparkle:
moredhel, Tehta, Róisín and dmeck, thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I really enjoy writing those intimate moments.
(one of these days I'll try to get really intimate... but that would be on the mature thread... ;) )
Also you're right, dmeck. A lighter like that would be very useful and would probably cost a lot. Luckly Lalli doesn't have many things where he likes to spend money (except cinnamon rolls) so he was able to save some to buy that gift.
Tehta, your competitive side is always welcomed, particularly when it inspires interesting and funny stories like this one!
And I chuckled with the "(presumably)" touch on Mikkel's translation, because I always loved his ability to twist things... ;D
(question: do I use too many emojis? :D )
Post by: tehta on June 01, 2022, 07:30:06 PM
And I look forward to your intimate moment posting on the other thread.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 01, 2022, 08:13:00 PM
i missed your story (but found it!! I am soooo glad i did!!)
Thank you!!
:sparkle:
Post by: JoB on June 02, 2022, 03:14:17 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on June 02, 2022, 05:17:10 AM
Ooh, yay, another watercolorist! (Yes, my painting was a watercolor.) What paints did you buy, grey?I can't consider myself a watercolorist... but one's never to old to try. :) Most of my experience in painting is oil over canvas, but of course I played with watercolours a few times. I find them fascinating, yet hard to master. Let's see what I can do, but don't expect much.
And I look forward to your intimate moment posting on the other thread.
And I just bought some children sets on a nearby supermarket, nothing fancy.
Here's all set to start
(https://i.postimg.cc/50mxjYnQ/20220602-095619.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62ysm3sB)
As for the intimate moments... well I'm looking forward too. Must find some naughty muse for inspiration...
Post by: moredhel on June 02, 2022, 09:26:13 AM
Post by: Jitter on June 04, 2022, 03:18:06 PM
Mutton (prompt Emil)
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on June 04, 2022, 05:22:24 PM
Post by: Jitter on June 04, 2022, 07:27:31 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on June 05, 2022, 01:10:33 AM
Post by: Buteo on June 05, 2022, 01:13:01 AM
That little story is the most elegant kind of horror- subtly and thoroughly terrifying.
You took the words right out of my fingertips!
Post by: wavewright62 on June 05, 2022, 02:54:02 AM
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/9b2a350de06ab0ac432a16ef1b08eca5/1b7f504a985f9590-a0/s1280x1920/ae7dac624c47148c80b9af0d7b855920464b3521.pnj)
How Emil imagined himself to be as a cleanser, rather than reality.
Post by: tehta on June 05, 2022, 04:52:40 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on June 05, 2022, 05:13:15 AM
Can I call a story about fire 'chilling'? Nice one, Jitter!
Actually, I've spent some more time going back further, and looking at all of the flaming tributes to ya boi Emil. Lovely, just lovely.
Post by: Jitter on June 05, 2022, 05:47:28 AM
Thank you all for your comments on the story! I would not have made Grey’s friendly Loge burn Emil or Lalli, now would I? But they would have been in serious trouble, if the crops had burned.
I started writing thinking it will be an amusing scene where Emil is trying to eat and the food keeps going away. But then imagining it felt chilling (Wave it’s exactly the same word I would have used) so it turned into this.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 05, 2022, 09:16:46 AM
That is one nasty dream...It is a good thing Lumi takes after Lalli and hs the presence of mind (and mage skill?), to know something was not correct.
Wave,
That is one heroic Emil...Even with the sparkles...
Loved them all!!
I did need to look up äiti :)
Emil could not have magic, he is just blessed by the gods (well at least Loge)
Post by: Jitter on June 05, 2022, 01:00:55 PM
And I agree, Emil (probably?) doesn’t really have mage skill, but he’s very very keenly attuned with fire.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 05, 2022, 03:22:30 PM
Dmeck, Lumi is the biological daughter of Lalli and Inka, who is also a noita, so yes. She does take after them, and Ensi. Also I notice I confused my own timeline a bit, Lumi must be a teenager by now for Reynir to be living with Onni (she was already studying when that happened). So I guess they have younger children too, who require constant shepherding while swimming.
And I agree, Emil (probably?) doesn’t really have mage skill, but he’s very very keenly attuned with fire.
I think you wrote a story about the four of them Dancing... <3
Then another about the babies being born. I think Onni was in that one ( and really did not want to know details..I have to re-look them up...) So your story fits. (Lumi could be any age in the telling)
Emil turning out to have mage skill would be a hoot!
Post by: tehta on June 05, 2022, 04:39:45 PM
Is there a prompt for next week (which starts tomorrow)?
Post by: Jitter on June 05, 2022, 05:49:32 PM
But the first time Lumi appeared to me is a short story about Onni and Reynir being old men and living in Iceland at the Spirit House. Lumi is the leader of Spirit Castle, which is in Finland. At the time of that story, it’s been peaceful in the east, but apparently this has not always been the case. I hope we’ll learn something about what has happened there, and prompted them to build a castle rather than another school.
To put it shortly, tehta is correct :)
Post by: tehta on June 06, 2022, 10:54:20 AM
If I were to propose one, I might propose 'art', since we were discussing it last week. And it's pretty open-ended: people could respond by making art, or by writing a story (or painting a picture) where someone produces art, or by having a team scavenge art in the Silent World...
Unless someone has more inspired ideas?
Post by: Jitter on June 06, 2022, 03:57:27 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 06, 2022, 04:10:53 PM
We’ll got with ART!
This is good...Thanks
Post by: thegreyarea on June 07, 2022, 02:55:35 PM
And that reminded me of Onni's favourite painting... :onni:
(WARNINGS: Mild / suggested nudity under the spoiler, eventually NSFW, particularly if you live in some theocratic state. Also mild assassination of a classic painting)
The Birth of Reynir
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 07, 2022, 04:10:55 PM
Art is a great prompt!
And that reminded me of Onni's favourite painting... :onni:
(WARNINGS: Mild / suggested nudity under the spoiler, eventually NSFW, particularly if you live in some theocratic state. Also mild assassination of a classic painting)
The Birth of ReynirSpoiler: show
Very subtle and very good!
Post by: Jitter on June 07, 2022, 04:51:07 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 07, 2022, 05:52:42 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/98870403
Post by: thegreyarea on June 07, 2022, 06:40:02 PM
And I must confess that I've been waiting a long time for a reason to do this, because Reynir's hair always reminded me of this painting.
Speaking of Art....Really nice story, dmeck! Onni is matching perfectly his character here, from the start to the final grunt! :D
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/98870403
And I guess it's quite possible that his "6th sense" isn't as accurate as Lalli's. Onni seems to be much more powerful in the dreamworld, so just to balance things he might be less capable in the real one.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 08, 2022, 07:50:46 AM
Thanks, dmeck and Jitter! I'm particularly happy with this Reynir. It took a lot of work, but he looks awesome (Of course the original model was very pretty, which helps a lot).
It took me a minute to discern the differences when I first saw the remake. It was truly well done
Post by: tehta on June 08, 2022, 08:49:27 AM
And it's a great idea, anyway. If I had more time right now I would look for other great works of art to repurpose.
Dmeck, I already made a comment on ao3, so I just wanted to add that I was hoping that someone would mention Onni's artistic tendencies! He needs to express his feelings.
Post by: thegreyarea on June 08, 2022, 09:42:01 AM
I'm actually quite happy with the result, because it took a lot more effort than I previously thought. The only parts that I didn't had to alter were hands, knees, feets and forehead (above the eyebrows). And I just adjusted the colour of eyes and hair, without any other change. Of course the face was the most delicate part, trying to bring the cartoon face of Reynir into a "real" one (so I had to work on nose, lips, cheeks, chin, jawline...).
And I found out that Botticelli's Venus was much more feminine, round and soft than I remembered, and that's an interesting part of this kind of edit: You have to look intensely at the original, and learn about it. (just like we do when drawing existing buildings on architectural drawing classes).
I'd love to see your take on some other painting, Tehta! I'll see if I remember something...
Anyway I made a side-by-side comparison if anyone is interested and/or wants to play "spot the differences". :) (under spoiler to save space in the thread)
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on June 08, 2022, 11:07:42 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 08, 2022, 11:14:59 AM
I started thinking about Onni's Sigrun-approved art. And then I wrote the following. Apologies for continued silliness, but I really enjoy writing the gang interact (in spite of the language struggle, which is real):Spoiler: show
I think Reynir has a different type of "art" in mind.
(he he he)
We need a second part!! Thank you
Post by: Jitter on June 08, 2022, 12:50:55 PM
”My guess would be Reynir”
Pffft! This is a PG-13 space tehta!
To clarify: NOT wearing my mode hat
Post by: tehta on June 08, 2022, 01:49:11 PM
You know, the way Emil and Lalli are often in each other's heads. All completely platonic.
Please ignore the later mentions of sex, they're unrelated.
Er, should I change it? Asking for reals.
Post by: Jitter on June 08, 2022, 02:35:45 PM
I don’t think you need to. Maybe I should remove mine, which makes SURE everyone sees it like that O:-)
Post by: Róisín on June 08, 2022, 11:55:02 PM
And from a completely different angle, something I have wondered about with our-world Finnish magic: does that system have any restrictions or recommendations as to what a mage may do for a living? In the world of SSSS I can understand that such restrictions would not be practical in terms of the survival of humanity, but I am curious as to whether such restrictions exist in current practice? Of the few folk I have known who practised Finnish (or in one case Finnish/Estonian) magic, one individual and one family were farmers, one other individual is a software engineer who intends to be a farmer when she retires, and one is a musician.
The Celtic system most familiar to me certainly has such restrictions, as do some of the Aboriginal systems (I can’t speak for all of them, far too many over too wide an area), and such of the Roma systems as I know anything about. Some of the Celtic ones at least are still being argued over, in the light of modern professions that did not exist when the rules for such things were formulated. I once sat through three weeks of debate about whether commercial airline pilot was an acceptable profession for a Druid. It is.
Post by: wavewright62 on June 09, 2022, 02:24:32 AM
Spoiler: i does appreciates the nsfw pun i does • show
Ba-dum-tssssh, and *snerk*
But going back, the edit was 'master'ful indeed.
I was going to make a snerky short about Onni's artistic tree renderings, but I like these better.
Post by: Róisín on June 09, 2022, 03:00:58 AM
Post by: Jitter on June 09, 2022, 03:43:18 AM
And Róisín, I don’t know if there are restrictions. I do know that the members of Karhun Kansa, who are a registered religious community of Finnish faith, have members who have various professions. But as far as I have understood their teaching is very free and everyone decides what rituals if any they want do, and how. The only source really are a couple of interviews in mainstream media that I have read. It seems some of them have more of a philosophy while others are more focused on the ritual and spiritual side. No one really mentions magic at all, although there are some descriptions of rituals such as honoring a tree in the garden which brings protection to the house. In other words, magic, even if it’s not called that. It seems largely to be a version of Western neo-paganism with some Finnish flavor rather than a direct continuation of earlier folk beliefs. Sadly, the original tradition is lost.
They don’t have anything akin to a priesthood so I don’t know if the question comes up at all. They did have a community leader, but that person was involved in a horrible personal tragedy a few years ago, so I don’t know what the situation in the community is now.
Other than them there are some groups and individuals who are witches, healers, shamans etc more or less tied with traditional Finnish beliefs, or a least using concepts, ideas and language that they think is related. As these people perform in the wider neo-pagan community in their roles, they are not exactly advertising what other professions they may have. I don’t mean that they would be secretive about it, jua that it’s not prominently presented in what material I as an outsider am likely to see. I would imagine that a spiritual and sensitive person would be unable or at least uncomfortable in certain jobs, but I am not aware of any established rules.
Post by: tehta on June 09, 2022, 04:23:39 AM
And now... My main Art contribution, one I have threatened this thread with before! It did not come out quite as I intended (for starters, it's nowhere real bright enough), but I had loads of fun working on my first real botanical painting.
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on June 09, 2022, 06:54:12 AM
Post by: Róisín on June 09, 2022, 08:29:06 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 09, 2022, 08:34:37 AM
The tulip is lovely. I think it looks great.
This is all fascinating! The only thing I have ever heard about this is when a Wiccan once told me one cannot practice magic and work with computers, as they are opposites. (It's certainly that way in some role-playing games, but it seemed a little odd to me.)Definitely fascinating
It can be thought of that computers and the people who program/work with them are mages in their own right.
Years ago I worked in a language called Lisp. Talk about Arcane
Spoiler: sample • show
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 09, 2022, 08:37:32 AM
Between the painting of the Emil tulip and the edit of Reynir as Venus, what a day for lovely art!
You are so correct. It is pouring rain here today (Though we really need it, so I am not complaining)
I was watching this little bird try to eat at the feeder. Every time it put it's head in, it got this huge drip on it's head
Post by: Róisín on June 09, 2022, 09:06:29 AM
Plus at least the Celtic ones allow for circumstances in the world. For example, in many of the Celtic systems it is not considered right for a mage to be a mercenary soldier or part of a peacetime standing army, but is perfectly permissible to be a soldier in a war in which one’s own country is threatened. And even in ordinary circumstances some users of Celtic magic have been non-combatants within the military system- I have known three who were army field medics, one who was a military bandsman, and several who were nurses or doctors in military hospitals. I think it has to do with the attitude to taking life, and to jobs that put someone in a position where power could be too easily abused.
The arts are generally okay, along with music, dance and other performing or teaching arts, and the ones that involve some sort of service-to-humanity task - health care, education, and suchlike. One senior druid worked for many years in a program educating people who were in jail to the point where they were literate and numerate enough to get and hold a legal job, since the lack of such skills is an all too common reason for people winding up in the prison system. Seems to me like a service to humanity thing to do.
Post by: JoB on June 09, 2022, 10:36:20 AM
It can be thought of that computers and the people who program/work with them are mages in their own right.There have been suggestions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_smoke) to that effect, yes ...
Years ago I worked in a language called Lisp. Talk about ArcaneGee, thanks, now I'm feeling old (both for writing it "LISP (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisp_(programming_language))", and having learnt FORTRAN (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortran) instead, before turning to newfangled ones like COBOL (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COBOL)). :trond:
Post by: moredhel on June 09, 2022, 02:46:37 PM
Post by: tehta on June 09, 2022, 03:34:09 PM
I don't know about minimum age, but my dad always said people older than twenty five can't code anymore. (It's when he stopped coding.) But I'm quite a bit older than twenty five myself, so...
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 09, 2022, 04:07:06 PM
Lisp was one of my first languages too! It's why I still love using maps and zips for everything. But, yeah, kids nowadays don't tend to learn it.
I don't know about minimum age, but my dad always said people older than twenty five can't code anymore. (It's when he stopped coding.) But I'm quite a bit older than twenty five myself, so...
I do not think there is a minimum or maximum age to code. Some of it is what your interests lie, as well if this is a career path one would like.
I have a friend who still codes (he is over 70, mostly training materials though)
I know quite a few older dev-ops people who use a lot of python or perl (I find python easier. It is at least human readable. Though my work life I live in SQL and excel :p)
I am actually quite surprised that there are still some flavors of Lisp being used still.
Post by: moredhel on June 09, 2022, 04:25:30 PM
Post by: lwise on June 09, 2022, 05:35:40 PM
LISP is such a nice language. After looking it up (because xkcd mentioned it) and learning a little bit of it. I am always wondering why not more people use it.
You know what LISP stands for?
Lots of Irritating Single Parentheses
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 09, 2022, 06:44:33 PM
You know what LISP stands for?I knew it as Learning is Such a Pain
Lots of Irritating Single Parentheses
(because xkcd mentioned it)
I love Xkcd..
(https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/lisp_cycles.png)
but in reality
(https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/lisp.jpg)
but because LISP (https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php/224:_Lisp)
Post by: lwise on June 09, 2022, 06:58:47 PM
"I hacked into the DoD computers and stole their code for operating the nuclear weapons. To prove it, here's the last two lines of the code:
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 09, 2022, 07:13:00 PM
The other LISP joke I know is this one:That actually has some basis in truth. The DOD did use LISP a lot. I do not know anything about the nuclear mission though
"I hacked into the DoD computers and stole their code for operating the nuclear weapons. To prove it, here's the last two lines of the code:
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Post by: JoB on June 10, 2022, 02:44:24 AM
there is a minimum age for writing it LISP?Not strictly, but if you look at the timeline (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisp_(programming_language)#Timeline), spelling changed from "LISP" (as of 1955) to "Somethinglisp" (in 1965) to "Lisp" (1975), not counting the variants where the name vanished into an "L" or nothingness.
With occasional regressions (AutoLISP, ISLISP, Visual LISP), of course ...
That actually has some basis in truth. The DOD did use LISP a lot. I do not know anything about the nuclear mission thoughDid you check for a string constant of "00000000 (https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/18544/was-the-us-nuclear-missile-launch-code-set-to-00000000-for-15-years-of-the-cold)", perchance?
Post by: tehta on June 10, 2022, 05:35:19 AM
Post by: JoB on June 10, 2022, 07:37:51 AM
I feel like, at this point, someone should propose next week's prompt, based on this discussion.... you mean, "Things
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 10, 2022, 08:34:14 AM
how/when someone discovered they are a mage?
Or how they start trying to use the ability?
Post by: Róisín on June 10, 2022, 09:27:38 AM
Post by: Jitter on June 10, 2022, 10:38:12 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 10, 2022, 11:23:11 AM
May I suggest that we take Technology or Tech level for next week, because we have talked about it a lot now and it’s very relevant to where the re-read is, as Tuuri is in awe of the Swedes. But let’s keep in mind both the becoming a mage and Runo suggestions, as they will soon become relevant in the reread as well (for example when Emil is derisive of Lalli’s mage ability, and indeed at the moon Runo)?
Ok. Magic would still fit in a way ;)
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
- Arthur C. Clarke
Post by: thegreyarea on June 12, 2022, 06:11:18 PM
Ok. Magic would still fit in a way ;)Looks like a nice theme! Let me think about it...
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
- Arthur C. Clarke
BTW Clarke was surprised for his saying becoming so widely known and, IIRC, explained in one of his letters that he was quoting a friend... Anyway he admited there was nothing to be done, because everyone now called it one of Clarke's Laws... (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarke%27s_three_laws)
Post by: tehta on June 17, 2022, 05:27:15 AM
***
"And there's the lake." Emil gestured towards a sliver of water just visible down an empty side-street.
"Ooh." It didn't look very impressive, but Tuuri still paused to stare, rising up on her toes as if that would help her see more of the lake. "Is that where the island is? The one that requires quarantine? What's it like? Rich? Nice?"
"Not really. My family has always chosen to live outside it." In fact, Emil had only visited it once, as part of a school summer program. It had not gone well. "It's mostly just for skalds. Not the bookish ones like Uncle Torbjörn, or the medical ones like Aunt Siv. The mechanics."
"The mechanics?" Tuuri took a step towards the street.
"Yeah, the people who design and build our Swedish technology. Like defences for the trains. Or radios. Or batteries. Our batteries are the best in the world, you know." When Tuuri did not respond, but kept staring, her eyes very wide, he felt prompted to ask,"Don't you have mechanics in Finland?"
She turned towards him sharply. "Yes, of course we do! I'm one, too, actually. Well, almost. I haven't finished my big project yet "
"Oh, okay." Well, that explained the interest: it was professional. Emil could remember his own excitement when he saw his first flamethrower workshop. "You know, you could probably learn a lot by visiting that place. It's got many mechanical things. Kuggeholm, we call it."
"Cog island," Tuuri repeated, voice full of wonder. "I would love to go! But we can't, can we? We'd need to quarantine."
"We can't now. But when we're back, I can show you around personally."
"Oh, thank you so much! Have you spent much time there?"
"Yes, loads."
"What's it like?"
"Full of factories, and…" Emil scoured his memory for any interesting detail.
Luckily, that was the moment Uncle Torbjörn chose to ask them to hurry up. So, they walked on.
***
Notes: the Swedish name for the island was suggested by skrank on the discord. And I hope Emil was at least a little annoying. I tried to convey his pre -trip personality.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 17, 2022, 09:09:38 AM
Wonderful!!. It *HAS* been a crazy week. (the gods are conspiring..or is it just real life...)
I have rewritten mine twice and am rushing to finish...
Thank you
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 17, 2022, 11:16:32 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/99397716
Post by: wavewright62 on June 17, 2022, 09:52:55 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 18, 2022, 07:39:27 AM
"better than nothing" - a wee bit better than that, I reckon.
Thank you. I think my comment was a little off. I kept changing my mind on what I wanted to write. Every time I would start, some other idea would trickle in. Then what I was writing did not look so good.
Lalli’s story originally was supposed to be Onni’s. For some reason Onni running around in a full diaper was funny to me. But Lalli is more figetey, so it went to him. The whole thing was starts and fits. So I am grateful, it did come out ok.
Post by: Jitter on June 18, 2022, 08:59:48 AM
Post by: Jitter on June 18, 2022, 09:03:17 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 18, 2022, 09:08:46 AM
It was great! And like I commented on AO3, I’m finding it fascinating to think about magic, gods and spirits related to for example technology. Could a machine have a spirit (other than the operation smoke that is)? Would the god of electricity be Thor? For the Finns, Ilmarinen the Smith would be a good match for a techno god :)
Thanks!!
That can lead to some very interesting places. :) I'd lean toward the "smithy gods" personally, as the machines started out as lumps of metal from the earth (You could possibly toss in an earth god/spirit also?)
I have all these ideas, and need to get them written down..(It is hard sitting down to do it with so many other "distractions" (lol)
There are lots of books that explore whether intelligent machines have souls.
They are probably very dated now, but I remember Simark's Cemetary World and Time and again (When I was young, he was one of my favorite authors)
I read the book recently "American Gods" One of the story lines are there are now new world god (Like media, internet etc.) So there could be old world machine gods.
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on June 18, 2022, 12:05:55 PM
Indistinguishable from magic (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39726405)
Post by: Róisín on June 19, 2022, 04:37:13 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on June 19, 2022, 05:38:46 AM
Request: could someone please draw an ancient Nordic techno god?
challenge ACCEPTED
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/060ab03563482fe3c8d83fd51c1e9e76/e0a1112c81077006-e8/s1280x1920/2fa5a1805da34b2dc0c8fc9acf3d3edc6b1e1d2e.jpg)
Behold, the inventor of the ultra-finely knit itch-free union suit.
(I can't come up with a name.)
Are you going to tell me making thousands of knots in a piece of string until you have a whole garment isn't technology?
Post by: Jitter on June 19, 2022, 06:11:22 AM
Also a great dialogue between your and Grey’s works on “level of technology” :)
Grey, your recent use of “the Three Body Problem” in … And then the murders began thread prompted me to read it. We’ve had it here for a couple of years and I finally got round to it (see, not all work!). It reminded me of how much I enjoy Science Fiction. Although I have to admit that for my taste, The Three Body Problem is a bit much on the hard side of SciFi, with the often related problems with characterization etc. Anyways, well worth a read and certainly something different from work stuff :) And I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler if I let you know the murders have already began - the book opens in the middle of the Cultural Revolution. Dark stuff, both the real history and the SciFi.
So, maybe I’ll try some of the Culture books I still have waiting. My husband loves Culture so we have them all. I have half a room of books TBR, so… Anyways my point is that this prompt resulted in very interesting variety of works, again!
Post by: Jitter on June 19, 2022, 07:16:55 AM
BTW you may want to rate it, no rating asks for permission to proceed to potentially adults only material. I see no reason why it wouldn’t rate at G.
Post by: thegreyarea on June 19, 2022, 11:50:45 AM
But Róisín gets to be the first (because she's Róisín <3 )
So, Thank you Róisín! I'm vary glad that you liked it! This magic-tech connection seems, indeed, a great path to explore, and I'll look for Rohan's books. And your reference to "Ogoun of the Iron" reminded me of the Brazilian "Ogun". so I digged a little to make a small summary. I'm quite sure they are the same deity, and that Loa and Orixá also share the same meaning.
So, Ogun is a deity of African origin in African-Brazilian religions like Umbanda and Candomblé. In this mythology, the supreme god Olorum created the Orixás, and then the first Orixá, Oxalá, created the world, and humankind. Back then both inhabited a primordial land called Ilê-Ifé, living side-by-side.
Ogun is also an Orixá, Lord of Smithcraft, ruling over Iron, Steel and all tools made with them, like spears, hammers, knives or shovels. It's associated with Courage, Strength and War (It's name means War in Iorubá, an ethnic-linguistic group from western Africa). Later it shared the knowledge on metallurgy, hunting and fighting with humankind.
Through those metal tools Ogun is also associated with work, including agricultural work.
African slaves brought their religion (and Ogun) to Brazil, but due to Catholic pressure Ogun's worship became "hidden" under Saint George's faith...
dmeck, your story is very nice! It's great to have a look over the earlier lives of our beloved characters, and you did it in quite a funny way! Well done!
Tehta, lovely little piece. I think Emil sounds just like he would in his "pre-trip state"! :) And Tuuri is, as always, a delight.
Wave, what a great drawing! So well done! I love the pose, the face, that lifted eyebrow that asks "Why you are disturbing me?" And of course knitting is a mix of tech and magic, one that I don't dare dwelving into! O_O
Jitter, I'm vary glad that you enjoyed the story and also that my reference to The Three Body Problem was useful. I didn't read it yet, but under your influence I pushed it to the top of my TBR read, and it's already open in my phone.
I hope you have many more relaxing moments, because you deserve them, and also that your upcoming dive into the Culture helps to cope with all that work.
Please give my thanks to your husband. I'm delighted that a true Culture fan liked my first attempt into it. If it's not asking too much, I'd love to know if he thinks The Grey Area sounded as it should. I didn't reread Excession before writing this, so it's personality came all by memory.
(and I already changed the rating. Thanks for the tip!)
Post by: Jitter on June 19, 2022, 02:14:38 PM
Post by: wavewright62 on June 19, 2022, 04:53:42 PM
Do you think she’s Finnish or Norse?
"I have no use for borders. Your borders come and go like leaves on the beech trees. But come, sit over here and tell me about this bamboo I've heard about..."
Post by: Jitter on June 19, 2022, 06:42:14 PM
How about next week? Tuesday is the nordic Summer Solstice and juhannua, the midsummer festival is next weekend. How about something related to that?
Post by: thegreyarea on June 19, 2022, 08:54:25 PM
How about next week? Tuesday is the nordic Summer Solstice and juhannua, the midsummer festival is next weekend. How about something related to that?Another great idea! I think the Solstice/Midsummer is a nice and appropriate prompt. There are so many traditions and stories related with the longest day of the year to inspire us...
Post by: Róisín on June 20, 2022, 12:02:25 AM
Grey, I agree with you that Ogoun/Ogun are the same deity. Like our Celtic deities many of their old gods have been concealed under/conflated with Christian saints. I find it fascinating how many of the old prayers and spells remain in new forms under saints. And yeah, I think the Loas/Orixás are the same things.
Have you encountered the Sufi concept of ‘The Ten Intelligences’? Their idea was that God was too much a pure mind, spirit and essence to deal directly with matter, so created a subform that was a little closer to the material world, which in turn created a form still closer to matter, until finally the tenth one down could manipulate matter.
Our own concept in Druidic custom is that when God sang the first word it divided into three rays of light, from which proceeded all of the material creation. Hence the symbol known as the Prince of Wales’ Feather, or the Awen symbol which you will probably recognise in the pattern of the tattoo on my wrist if we ever meet in the flesh, said tattoo being intended to show where I fit.
If you look back to the early years of the Fan Forum you will find several threads about magic and folklore which discuss this stuff.
Wavewright, your drawing of the knitting Lady is beautiful. Maybe a more positive counterpart to the Classical Fate Clotho?
Post by: tehta on June 20, 2022, 04:37:00 AM
I will read the other stories this week. (I have been limiting my off-work computer time quite severely, for sanity reasons. If I do anything this week it will probably be a painting. Unless I get very very inspired.)
Post by: thegreyarea on June 20, 2022, 07:09:15 AM
"I have no use for borders. Your borders come and go like leaves on the beech trees. But come, sit over here and tell me about this bamboo I've heard about..."Oh yes, bamboo, that magical material (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1617/s11527-018-1228-6)! :)
Grey, he says The Grey Area was spot on! When he was reading he suddenly said “oh, this is a Culture ship”, and this was before it was made evident. Now when I asked for comments, he said it’s just like a culture Mind to bend the rules like Grey did here, and that it “sounded” very much like one of them. And, he’ll be happy to read anything else on the Culture you may write. So full marks from him! And me!Do you hear that bouncing sound? That's me kicking from wall to wall in excitment! I'm very happy that he thinks that way. I hope to have, sooner than later, a bit more of Culture to share.
BTW, what's his opinion about the best book to start?
Summer solstice sounds good, I shall try to have a go. Might jar me back into writing.Yes! We would love to have a new story from you!
Have you encountered the Sufi concept of ‘The Ten Intelligences’? Their idea was that God was too much a pure mind, spirit and essence to deal directly with matter, so created a subform that was a little closer to the material world, which in turn created a form still closer to matter, until finally the tenth one down could manipulate matter.No, I haven't. But the concept is intriguing and begging to be part of a story... Just give me some time to summon my inner Neil Gaiman... ;)
Our own concept in Druidic custom is that when God sang the first word it divided into three rays of light, from which proceeded all of the material creation. Hence the symbol known as the Prince of Wales’ Feather, or the Awen symbol which you will probably recognise in the pattern of the tattoo on my wrist if we ever meet in the flesh, said tattoo being intended to show where I fit.This one?
If you look back to the early years of the Fan Forum you will find several threads about magic and folklore which discuss this stuff.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Awen_symbol_final.svg/300px-Awen_symbol_final.svg.png)
And according to wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awen): "Various modern Druidic groups and individuals have their own interpretation of the awen. The three lines relate to earth, sea and air; body, mind and spirit; or love, wisdom and truth.", so, you fit in one of those three branches, or in the whole?
I've been planning to dive into the macic threads for a while, but, you know, time...
And speaking of time:
Wavewright, your drawing of the knitting Lady is beautiful. Maybe a more positive counterpart to the Classical Fate Clotho?I love the idea of the old lady knitting the happy moments of people's lives. :)
Post by: Buteo on June 20, 2022, 11:19:21 AM
Lives are not made up only of happy moments, though. If she's going to knit a life, she must knit the unhappy and difficult moments also, or the fabric won't hold together. A whole piece can be a garment, a shopping bag, or a table runner or wall hanging; bits that aren't connected may be lovely in themselves, but what they're usually used for is cleanup rags...
Post by: thegreyarea on June 20, 2022, 12:29:55 PM
Hmm...Yes, you're right. Each life could be, perhaps, one long scarf, with happy, luminous colours that get contrast and definition from the somber ones. (so that darker moments make we value more the bright ones). Hopefully she would prefer the lighter tones for her work...
Lives are not made up only of happy moments, though. If she's going to knit a life, she must knit the unhappy and difficult moments also, or the fabric won't hold together. A whole piece can be a garment, a shopping bag, or a table runner or wall hanging; bits that aren't connected may be lovely in themselves, but what they're usually used for is cleanup rags...
One could create a whole mythos here...
Maybe she doesn't like to choose the colours, rather taking them at random and improvising a composition. Maybe some other deity likes to mix the lines (creating knots?), or to throw black ink over them (Loki, what are you doing with that can of black ink?).
And what if the old lady has a bad vision (or is blind!) and that makes her work unpredictable, representing the role of chance/luck on humans lives...
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 22, 2022, 09:07:03 AM
I like the picture. In some way she reminds me on Ensi.
Post by: Róisín on June 22, 2022, 09:13:28 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 22, 2022, 10:43:40 AM
Yes, that symbol. My rather stuffy and oldfashioned branch of druidry takes the symbol to signify the three rays of light that started from when god sang the first word and which further divided into the material creation (which, yes, encompasses the five elements and all the various energies, but it is a symbol that means a lot of different things to different people and traditions. Who knows. Maybe everyone is right, or nobody? As always, I have way more questions than answers.
I am unfamiliar with most Druidry ( I did not know there were branches)
I am assuming the 5 elements are:
earth, water, fire, air, and space.
There are 6 elements in the picture (Could there be a 6th the mind? inner space?)
I would like to think that everyone is right. There are always more questions....
Post by: thegreyarea on June 23, 2022, 07:00:21 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/hvFtMnSx/The-Wanderer-at-Sunrise.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N94tfW2f)
Our friend The Wanderer stands at a stone circle watching sunrise at the solstice. He told me that something at his necklace "whispered" that he should do that... ;)
Post by: Róisín on June 23, 2022, 07:06:20 AM
And I wonder if the legs have anything to do with the steed of that other more traditional Wanderer?
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 23, 2022, 09:31:33 AM
That is awesome...The wanderer does not look as bad as some...
Hopefully there is peace for him there
Post by: thegreyarea on June 23, 2022, 09:39:12 AM
Grey, that is sad and beautifulThanks Róisín. His solitude is, indeed, sad. But it seems that he learned (more or less) to live with it.
And I wonder if the legs have anything to do with the steed of that other more traditional Wanderer?
And no, these eight legs come from Kafka's inspiration on my Metamorphosis (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38992761):
"Gregor looked at his body again, but the horrific vision remained. Still dreaming, of course! Better enjoy it the best he could. He never remembered his dreams in such a clear way, but was quite sure they were never that imaginative...
He managed to roll from the bed, landing on his six... no, eight spindly, yet surprisingly strong legs. What a strange feeling! His arms and hands, however, looked almost normal..."
But I tried to keep the drawing simple and left most of Gregor, including arms and hands, under his hooded cloak, that he uses to protect himself from the sun.
And thanks dmeck! I guess yes, a moment of peace with a touch of magic, perhaps even some brief connection with his grandmother's spirit...
Post by: tehta on June 23, 2022, 12:51:47 PM
And grey, only you can relieve The Wanderer's loneliness.
Post by: thegreyarea on June 23, 2022, 03:11:48 PM
And I'm working on what comes next to out eight-legged friend... Let's see if the inspiration remains with me. :)
BTW, have any of you (besides, obviously, Róisín) been at one of those stone circles? I've been, and it's really inspiring. So if you have a chance, grab it.
Last one was more than a circle, it was the Almendres Cromlech (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almendres_Cromlech), and it's amazing! I've been in many places, great castles, monumental ruins, large neolithic settlements... but this simple arrangement of stones, to me, is definitively much more than a simple arrangement of stones. Maybe it's just a suggestion that comes from knowing their age, or the effect of the empty landscape that surrounds the place, or even reading too many books... ;)
But I could swear there's power in those stones.
I feel that I should send Reynir there...
Post by: Jitter on June 23, 2022, 03:29:14 PM
But one place where I’ve felt the power very clearly was at the Maen Llia standing stone in Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. It’s a single stone, and we were planning to stop by it so were looking, but at least in my memory it commands the landscape (despite not being on a peak or anything) so that I noticed it immediately when we came near. There I felt the connection so clearly that I still sometimes calm myself by thinking about the Maen Llia, and sometimes I’m able to ground some worry or anxiety by “giving it to the stone” in my mind. There is also a waterfall nearby (the main objective of our day was a waterfall trail) where I swear fairies come to bathe :)
The travel guide in our Cardiff hotel said that if you go to Brecon Beacons, you will leave a part of your heart there. True for me. I must go again!
Post by: Róisín on June 23, 2022, 04:39:50 PM
Post by: Jitter on June 23, 2022, 05:33:57 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 23, 2022, 06:00:54 PM
Both were really amazing. Stonehenge is a big tourist spot and there were people there (The weather was crappy and it was early, so there were light crowds.)
One of the things I noticed was the silence. Everyone talked in soft tones and were as quiet as possible. Most did not talk at all. I think the feeling of the place was the reason. Even children were quiet, they definitely did their share of exploring around. It was like you could feel the power of the place and the silence only enhanced the feeling. Even though it is a busy place, it left an impact to me that i'd want to go back.
Scarpa Brae is older than Stonehenge and is just as magical. (Plus there is the village to visit) I love the Scottish Isles and it is on my list to go back. (It feels like one of the last wild places to me. Even though there are plenty)
One other place that has sacred places is Hawaii. The heiau's there are pretty amazing and date way back also. One of the things I wanted to do was visit them on Kauai We managed to get to about 8 of them. Each was very different, but all had the same kind of powerful silence.
Post by: Róisín on June 24, 2022, 12:07:59 AM
And Skara Brae. The whole landscape resonates in one’s bones. Did they choose to build there because there was power in the land, or did all the lives lived there build the power, or are both things true? We should learn all we can about such places before climate change wipes them out entirely, as seems scarily possible.
Post by: tehta on June 24, 2022, 07:27:25 AM
Anyway, I got inspired today to write a double drabble about a very special Midsummer as celebrated by Ensi, only it turned into a sixtuple-drabble instead. Here it is!
***
Ensi set out on her journey as soon as she felt the nearby trolls retreat from the first rays of the sun.
Nobody saw her leave–most people were fast asleep, resting up before the next nights’ big celebration–but that was for the best: there was no need for anyone to know how frivolous she was being, heading far beyond her usual scouting range for no reason. After all, there was no real reason to visit the northern lehto, not apart from satisfying her curiosity to see a far-off place she’d been hearing about for years. But then, there was no reason to stay in the village, either, not now that she had no family left to celebrate Midsummer with.
She did not blame Veeti for moving to Keuruu, not after the previous year’s tragedies. It did bother her that his letters already spoke of a new wife, but that was probably just because the appeal of marriage continued to elude her. Or because he had referred to the new wife as a new mother for his children, as if people could be replaced that easily.
Ensi missed the children. She’d been looking forward to teaching them about the world, and seeing it anew through their eyes.
At least the forest was there as ever, bringing its usual comfort as she ran through it, and through the longest day of the year.
***
She reached the lehto in good time, and it was just as perfect as she had imagined, full of healthy plant and animal life and of hidden magic. It had only one flaw: the man who had arrived there before her.
Ensi did not want to be rude, so she greeted the man with a nod and stayed out of his way, finding her own spot to rest, away from his firepit. When the sauna was ready, they used it together, in polite silence punctuated only by a couple of prayers to the gods. She could not help feeling his power, so similar to her own.
Once they were finished, he offered her his flask of liquor.
“If I had wanted to drink with people at Midsummer,” she told him, “I would have stayed in my village.”
Still, she took out her own flask, as she’d been planning to, and joined him at the fire. They even spoke, a little, of life in the forest. He came from the north, where winters were both harder and safer, and seemed like a person with sense.
After a while she became aware of the way he looked at her.
She took a long pull from her flask, and thought it through.
The situation was not without appeal: a man she’d never see again, who lived two long days’ journey away would never get weirdly possessive. Or even if he did, well, she’d never know. And he was not bad-looking, and the way they’d moved around each other, in silence but not without understanding, was promising.
There was only one problem: Ensi knew her body well, and so she knew that this was one of the days on which she would normally avoid sex, to avoid complications. On the other hand…
On the other hand, she had been missing Veeti’s kids. This could be a chance to start a family of her own. She was no longer young; she would not get many more such chances. Especially not with a man like this one: a skilled, immune scout, a mage of some power, whom she was unlikely to ever see again.
Ensi set her flask aside, and returned the man’s warm gaze.
***
Post by: Jitter on June 24, 2022, 08:52:17 AM
Now that you pointed it out, I wonder if someone could have the power to tell whether a month is likely to result in a pregnancy of a fetus that would be immune if they were to born (i.e. tell whether the egg that month has the immunity genes or whatever). I don’t think any of our Hotakainens do, but someone with deep skill in fertility magic?
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 24, 2022, 09:02:11 AM
Lovely story.
I like this Thanks!!
It is kinda cool how many different ways Ensi's meeting with Ukko-Pekka are written.
This one is really nice. Sad though.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 24, 2022, 09:04:12 AM
Tehta, lovely! It’s both warm and distant, very fitting for Ensi. And you are absolutely right, she wouldn’t get pregnant by accident.
Now that you pointed it out, I wonder if someone could have the power to tell whether a month is likely to result in a pregnancy of a fetus that would be immune if they were to born (i.e. tell whether the egg that month has the immunity genes or whatever). I don’t think any of our Hotakainens do, but someone with deep skill in fertility magic?
That would be a really cool thing. But if it could be discerned, wouldn't there be more immune people around? Unless it is a very rare talent and better living could be attained nearer populations centers?
Post by: tehta on June 24, 2022, 09:23:56 AM
(Er, please let me know if that comment is above this board's rating. I'm only talking about the science.)
I'm also not sure that immunity is as simple as a single recessive gene.
Post by: Buteo on June 24, 2022, 11:58:41 AM
I was particularly happy to see this piece, although I had to read it in translation, because it was so similar to my own hypothesis.
Post by: Jitter on June 24, 2022, 12:10:53 PM
And yes, I mean that the power would increase the odds by choosing the more-likely-to-result-in-immunity months on the egg side of things, but still the sperm are random. So, not that it would make immunity of the child certain. It could also explain why some communities have high immunity while in others it’s rare. I mean the differences between the various settlements in Saimaa.
Post by: tehta on June 24, 2022, 12:45:33 PM
Post by: Jitter on June 24, 2022, 12:50:16 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 24, 2022, 01:28:33 PM
There's a fanfic on AO3 that (if I recall correctly) posits a three-gene requirement for immunity. All three must have the correct allele (form of that particular gene) for immunity to be produced.
I was particularly happy to see this piece, although I had to read it in translation, because it was so similar to my own hypothesis.
I'd be interested in reading that story. If you every come upon it again, please let me know
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 24, 2022, 01:29:52 PM
I was just thinking that, in some places, the idea of a noita sitting around and using tiny creatures to sort through sperm might be considered inappropriate for children. I mean, it could be happening in a bedroom!
They don't have a huge "shelf life" So the noita needs to be quick!
Post by: wavewright62 on June 25, 2022, 06:22:06 AM
Nice, sex-tuple tehta, and a good insight into Ensi. Happy midsummer indeed.
(I gotta admit, I also just closed down a WIP for the night, a story I parked for a couple of years and have only just started chipping away at again for the last couple of weeks. I was hoping to finish the durned thing this weekend, ready or not, but now it looks like I may not. No spoiler, but it also concerns Ensi and 'Ukko-Pekka' and their liaison. It doesn't feature magical methods of sorting gametes, so gotta hand y'all that one!)
Post by: Buteo on June 25, 2022, 11:53:31 AM
I'd be interested in reading that story. If you every come upon it again, please let me knowthere
I will do so. It's one of the ones I'll be looking for, there are some I've been thinking of re-reading.
You know, there might be a sperm-sorting shortcut available to a mage: Instead of searching for the gametes that carry immunity, do a spell for the couple involved that draws an immune sperm to an immune egg. Perhaps a more complex version of the spell could prevent fertilization if there was no possibility of the potential child being immune.
Post by: Jitter on June 25, 2022, 03:05:28 PM
Post by: Buteo on June 25, 2022, 08:10:09 PM
Post by: JoB on June 26, 2022, 05:07:03 AM
Or a combination of the two magics: the noita can tell which month is promising, and the seidur provide a sorting disk with a pattern that leads the ”immune” and ”non-immune” sperm.[head of Dagrenning Program kisses his budget goodbye, reaches for the booze, and wishes he had never tried to fix those "technical and communication difficulties (http://sssscomic.com/comic.php?page=300)" that stood in the way of getting the Finns involved]
Post by: thegreyarea on June 26, 2022, 07:23:58 AM
What about a technical way to sort the immune sperm and ovule from the rest? Dip the collected material on a rash-contaminated medium. The disease will kill or mutate (?) the non-immune cells, then you just has to filter the surviving ones and proceed to the in vitro fertilization. Rinse and repeat if necessary... :sparkle: :)
(Sorry, not magical at all, and the magical approaches are much more fun!)
Post by: JoB on June 26, 2022, 08:42:20 AM
What about a technical way to sort the immune sperm and ovule from the rest? Dip the collected material on a rash-contaminated medium. The disease will kill or mutate (?) the non-immune cells, then you just has to filter the surviving ones and proceed to the in vitro fertilization.The limited ex-corpore lifetime of sperms might throw a wrench into that, and I have a hunch that we better leave the discussion of "syngamy first, then filter" to the post-Rash folks and their beliefs.
In the meantime, we can instead help by coming up with some wording to soothe the thoughts that non-immune mothers about to have rash-exposed gametes or zygotes (re-)implanted might be worrying themselves with. (Offspring of immune parents is supposedly guaranteed to be immune as well, and does not need any sorting methods of whatever shades and grades of magic involved, remember?)
Post by: Jitter on June 26, 2022, 08:43:08 AM
JoB, on the contrary, the sorting system would make the Dagrenning program more efficient as it would be possible to use more donors, when offspring immunity would not need to be ascertained by parental immunity. But still the gametes would have to come from somewhere. A couple with no immunity genetics would not benefit from any sorting because all gametes would disqualify.
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 26, 2022, 08:43:46 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on June 26, 2022, 08:58:50 AM
JoB, on the contrary, the sorting system would make the Dagrenning program more efficient as it would be possible to use more donors, when offspring immunity would not need to be ascertained by parental immunity. But still the gametes would have to come from somewhere. A couple with no immunity genetics would not benefit from any sorting because all gametes would disqualify.It would move the threshold of who is a suitable biological parent for having a shot at immune offspring from the current "only immunes need to apply, and we'll come looking for them abroad" to "some non-zero rate of immune gametes is good enough" - and while we have no hard numbers on that, we would have to assume that plenty of Icelanders would satisfy that condition (because, assuming random mixing of immunity genes pre-Rash, an almost-zero rate of partial immunity genes would quickly lead to zero immunes). In other words, most Icelanders could bond with any local they want, have a try at getting biological children with the sorting method, and if that fails because one of them is really totally free of immunity genes, they could (relatively) easily get a domestic donor. I suppose you could still call that a "Dagrenning Program" if you insist, but.
Post by: Jitter on June 26, 2022, 10:28:35 AM
So, here’s an ancient Baltic mystery for you:
(https://i.postimg.cc/VvSMNnWK/781-AD323-4-FA8-45-BA-A8-BB-82-C36-BBD377-C.jpg)
This place is a jatulintarha or jungfrudans in Nagu (Finnish: Nauvo) in the Finnish archipelago. Hundreds of these mysterious sites remain in Finland and Scandinavia, and some are known elsewhere in Northern Europe and the Kola Peninsula and White Sea area. The ones that have been aged in Finland were built in 1300’s onwards, but some have been suggested to be prehistoric. There are around 200 of them known in Finland alone, all on the Baltic coast and almost all are on islands. Similarly the ones in Sweden and the about 20 that are known in Norway are coastal. Who built them? For what purpose? We don’t know. They have been studied and several Doctoral theses have been written, but no consensus has been reached.
In Finland suggested purposes include ceremonial or magical use, navigation markings (I don’t think the Nagu one is visible to the sea even if the trees were cleared) or simply as a way to pass time. Suggested magical uses could be good luck charms or a way to bind malicious spirits, and fertility magic (it’s always fertility magic, isn’t it?). The Finnish name jatulintarha means “giant’s garden” or “giant’s corral” which might relate to the spirits explanation, however there are also other stone remains that are called work of giants, so it doesn’t necessarily refer to any use.
The Fenno-Swedish name jungfrudans means “maiden’s dance” or “maiden dance”. It’s been speculated that young women and men would dance in the labyrinth, with the objective for the young man to lead the maiden out of the labyrinth. Again, just passtime? Courtship ritual? Fertility magic? We don’t know.
They are constructed by laying of stones to form the pattern, and the path is between the rings of stones.
(https://i.postimg.cc/D0tG40Cn/333-BD914-B989-4-E82-902-F-5-BF88-BD80-DDC.jpg)
These are not mazes in the sense that there are no dead ends. It’s just one path circling into the center. The center in the one I visited is marked with a little larger stone.
(https://i.postimg.cc/66SnmbBg/65327214-FD33-4248-8-DD4-F6250-C2-B7080.jpg)
Most of them have this kidney shape and 7 rings, but variations are known. Some are simple spirals, those tend to be the newest ones built in the 1800’s or even 1900’s. They are usually about 10 m across but vary from a few meters to about 20. The Nagu one is 14 m wide.
While their significance is not known, the pattern must have been important because from 1400’s, pictures of them were painted on the walls of churches along with lots of other stuff. This photo is from the church of Korpo, the island community (previously municipality) neighboring Nagu.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yd8cwwg4/C1-CA047-C-F618-499-E-95-FE-055-A9-AC35997.jpg)
We visited the church on the same day so I was delighted to see these. Interestingly, again it is not known why these and other paintings were done in the churches. Many of the paintings are outright weird, I’ll add a few more pictures under cut at the end.
The pattern resembles the Troy Towns known in the UK, but the UK labyrinths were cut in turf rather than built by laying of stones. Only three remain there, but several others have been recorded before they were lost. Their timeline is not known either, the turf needs to be recut which results in losing the hints to original age. The Wikipedia article on Troy Towns mentions that there have been turf cut labyrinths in Denmark as well, so maybe there is a relation?
The pattern items is well known from many cultures. One more interesting site I have visited is the Rocky Valley near Tintagel in Cornwall. There are carvings on a vertical rock face, of unknown age and purpose. And a familiar pattern:
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZzRPCmN/E5750-E87-7372-41-AD-9-BFF-96-E3-BAD7-C08-D.jpg)
In what little I have learned about the Rocky Valley carvings, no mention was made to Troy Towns or their Nordic counterparts. But who knows?
Edited to add links to articles and more medieval paintings from the Korpo church.
About these in general:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Town
https://fi.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatulintarha (Finnish)
http://akp.nba.fi/wiki;jatulintarha (In Finnish)
About the Nagu Jungfrudans:
https://visitparainen.fi/en/uncategorized/the-archipelagos-finest-nature-paths-5-jungfrudansen-nagu/ (Picture with people walking the path to demonstrate size)
https://www.kyppi.fi/palveluikkuna/mjreki/read/asp/r_kohde_det.aspx?KOHDE_ID=533010001 (in Finnish, Antiquities Board description, which also mentions that between 2015 and 2020 checks some stones had been taken away but more had been brought in, so someone keeps fixing it, the paths stay open due to walking).
About the Rocky Valley carvings:
https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/cornwall/ancient/rock-valley-labyrinths.htm
Here are some of the weird church paintings a Korpo
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 26, 2022, 12:16:17 PM
Those are amazing. I would love to see them in person. Thank you for sharing!!
The 5th one down look like a representation of "the tree of life" Does Finnish folklore have some such? I know it is a common theme in many ancient religions.
When Christianity was trying to take over the world. They absorbed may ancient customs. (Xmas and Easter are the most notable, but there are many) Could the designs in churches be something like that?
Onto google I go....
Post by: Jitter on June 26, 2022, 12:23:23 PM
Post by: tehta on June 27, 2022, 05:29:23 AM
My tongue-in-cheek explanation for weird drawings in church is that they seem fun to look at, and so would keep people entertained during boring sermons. And those mazes look fun to draw, too, like celtic knots.
BTW, what is this week's prompt? Not sperm-sorting I hope. But something related to mazes, ancient sites, rituals?
Post by: Jitter on June 27, 2022, 05:45:49 AM
I like the idea of ancient / sacred sites and/or rituals!
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 27, 2022, 09:02:27 AM
Any number of Mikkel's current/past ones
Emil being a cleanser
Onni/Lalli the turmoils of being a mage etc.
Or any of the post-rash occupations out there (maybe crime in the post rash world)
or
I like the idea of ancient / sacred sites and/or rituals!
is good too...(now that my cold is almost gone...)
Post by: tehta on June 28, 2022, 04:00:40 AM
I would be for doing both the ideas suggested, in either order. (If we pick something for next week now, then we don't have to go through this next week!)
Post by: Jitter on June 28, 2022, 06:30:17 AM
So, the prompt for this week is Occupation(s)
Next week’s prompt will be Sacred sites and/or rituals (let’s try and keep this in mind, ok? I think we have made a similar decision and then forgotten it in the past :) )
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 28, 2022, 08:26:15 AM
Tehta, that’s a good point!
So, the prompt for this week is Occupation(s)
Next week’s prompt will be Sacred sites and/or rituals (let’s try and keep this in mind, ok? I think we have made a similar decision and then forgotten it in the past :) )
Works for me. Thanks!!
Post by: thegreyarea on June 29, 2022, 12:00:08 PM
Now, for this week... I was convinced that we would have ancient sites first, and occupations on the next week... but no problem! Here goes mine:
Occupation: Explorer
(https://i.postimg.cc/HWc6h3PW/The-Door-At-The-Mountains-of-Madness.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhSkqkpG)
Shall our brave explorer enter the great door?
(loosely inspired by Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness")
Post by: tehta on June 29, 2022, 12:28:40 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on June 29, 2022, 01:41:37 PM
I say... yes! A giant door surely leads to giant riches?Sure! What could go wrong?
Spoiler: show
Post by: Buteo on June 29, 2022, 02:16:09 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 29, 2022, 02:23:18 PM
Sure! What could go wrong?Spoiler: show
That's right up there with Dude hold my beer....and watch this!
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 29, 2022, 03:40:33 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/100090131
Post by: thegreyarea on June 29, 2022, 07:29:32 PM
For this week's promptWhat an nice set of stories! I chuckled with Sigrun (but won't say more to avoid spoiling it!). And Emil... O_O
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/100090131
Post by: thegreyarea on June 29, 2022, 08:44:26 PM
---
Day 14
I made it! The others thought that I would go back, that I didn't had in me the courage to keep going after they abandoned me! Those bloody cowards!
Today, after five long and solitary days marching across these frozen plains, I reached the proof that supports all my theories. Something that will make my name known, and leave those that doubted me green with envy!
And I have the pictures to prove it! That monstrous gate of unknown age, standing proud and mysterious in the middle of the endless snow with those perfect straight lines. How many centuries... No, millennia! Perhaps more! If my research is correct it makes our civilization look like a mere blink. And the marks those rocks bear! Scholars will spend their careers just trying to understand the secrets of these strange, sometimes unnerving signs and images.
I must admit my hesitation. Even after the extenuating journey, after so many years of research, all the troubles... I just stood there, crushed by the sheer sensation of... Power? Fear? Magic? It's so hard to tell. I even drank a bit of my scotch, hoping the alcohol would fuel my resolve and push my insecurities away.
Then I remembered all my friends from the Forum... Tehta, Buteo, Dmeck, all the others... and the way they supported my quest for the truth. So I pocketed the scotch and walked into the ominous darkness that waited beyond the gate.
And here I stand, writing this with the help of my small lamp. The space is, indeed, vast and dark, in such a way that my feeble devices are unable to lighten it. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it looks bigger in the inside.
Now I must rest and regain my strength. Many marvels surely await me tomorrow. Now I will make camp next to those curious sets of stones. The ability of the ancient builders was effectively impressing. They do look like giant toes, including some razor sharp claws... Now the sun is setting, and soon the last vestiges of light that come through the gate will be gone, but in the morning the first thing to do will be understanding which creature this elders wanted to represent.
Now I'm very tired and in need of a good night of sleep. Hopefully that will be enough to overcome this sensation of being observed.
---
And that's it, ladies and gentlemen! The full transcription of that mysterious and solitary page that was recently found close to McMurdo station on Antarctica. It's believed to be part of the journal of our English friend that disappeared last Summer. The fool, remember, insisted to continue, clinging to some unfounded beliefs despite all attempts from his companions.
Is this proof that he found something? Or just the product of an imaginative and exhausted mind? I'm inclined to the later, but some members of the Forum insist that we should chase his nonsensical ideas and organize an expedition...
That said, let's vote.
Post by: tehta on June 30, 2022, 12:40:06 AM
My suspicion: the stones are not stones. Scotch does NOT help one make sensible decisions...
Post by: thegreyarea on June 30, 2022, 04:52:56 AM
Ooh, grey! What a brave explorer! (Although I am a bit sad, as, for a moment there I was expecting another installment of our alien romance.)Thanks, Tehta! My suspicion is that your suspicion might be correct... But I guess we will find out when our expedition gets there. ^-^
My suspicion: the stones are not stones. Scotch does NOT help one make sensible decisions...
(BTW fear not: our alien romance is not forgotten. The file is, indeed, open on my computer... :) )
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 30, 2022, 07:48:04 AM
Thanks, Tehta! My suspicion is that yous suspicion might be correct... But I guess we will find out when our expedition gets there. ^-^
(BTW fear not: our alien romance is not forgotten. The file is, indeed, open on my computer... :) )
Thanks Grey. All that tension in one little note...
Ah Romance!!
Post by: Buteo on June 30, 2022, 12:24:26 PM
"I am a follower of Cthulhu and I lead a mad horde
Searching everywhere for our vanished overlord!
We hear him singing in the aether, oscillating through our minds,
Though his city of R'lyeh lies buried in sliiiiiime...."
Post by: thegreyarea on June 30, 2022, 07:09:28 PM
[guitar playing][takes the drums and follows the rhythm]
"I am a follower of Cthulhu and I lead a mad horde
Searching everywhere for our vanished overlord!
We hear him singing in the aether, oscillating through our minds,
Though his city of R'lyeh lies buried in sliiiiiime...."
"I am a follower of Cthulhu and a part of the mad horde
Searching everywhere for our vanished overlord!
We hear him coming through our dreams, stars coming into place,
Soon the city of R'lyeh will rise, we'll see his awful faaaace!"
Post by: wavewright62 on June 30, 2022, 08:50:43 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on July 03, 2022, 06:24:38 PM
Post by: Róisín on July 03, 2022, 10:45:08 PM
Post by: tehta on July 04, 2022, 09:52:17 AM
Post by: Buteo on July 04, 2022, 12:31:26 PM
Is the tune for that filk ‘Wichita Linesman’? That would fit well!
Yes, it is. I still remember the entire filk, from mumblesomething decades ago, though I never knew who wrote it.
Post by: Jitter on July 04, 2022, 02:40:45 PM
Post by: Buteo on July 04, 2022, 11:13:04 PM
I'd be interested in reading that story. If you every come upon it again, please let me know
Turns out there are two AO3-posted pieces analyzing possible SSSS genetics, one published on 2020.08.02 on inheritance of immunity and the other on 2020.08.05 about the genetics of magic-using ability.
My memory had conflated them. The one on magic use posited a polygenic inheritance, with dominant and recessive alleles on all sites; the one on immunity considered one gene, with dominant and recessive alleles.
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 05, 2022, 08:18:23 AM
Turns out there are two AO3-posted pieces analyzing possible SSSS genetics, one published on 2020.08.02 on inheritance of immunity and the other on 2020.08.05 about the genetics of magic-using ability.
My memory had conflated them. The one on magic use posited a polygenic inheritance, with dominant and recessive alleles on all sites; the one on immunity considered one gene, with dominant and recessive alleles.
Thank you. I shall look
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 05, 2022, 08:19:30 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/100416684
Post by: thegreyarea on July 05, 2022, 10:52:04 AM
Well here is this week's endeavor. This started out being for the midsummer prompt, but the cold had its grips in me. So it has been repurposedMy dear dmeck, you keep getting better at this! I really liked the story, and also appreciate the connections with SSSS and more... Well done! :sparkle: <3 :sparkle:
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 05, 2022, 12:00:55 PM
My dear dmeck, you keep getting better at this! I really liked the story, and also appreciate the connections with SSSS and more... Well done! :sparkle: <3 :sparkle:
BLUSH! Thank you so much for your kind words.
Post by: tehta on July 05, 2022, 12:29:31 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 05, 2022, 12:45:00 PM
Ha! When I realized the story was set in England, and the protagonist was called Arthur, I knew there would be a reference to the old legends! Bit then the wizard reminded me of the Wanderer...I hope Grey did not mind...but it was my inspiration
Post by: Jitter on July 05, 2022, 01:11:09 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 05, 2022, 01:53:51 PM
I was also a wonderer whether this is the end of the Wanderer :) Interesting story! I like seeing other mythologies besides Finnish and Norse in the SSSS setting!
I did/would not "kill off" the wanderer. He is not mine to kill. But I used that type of character to be the mentor...
Post by: thegreyarea on July 05, 2022, 02:04:51 PM
I hope Grey did not mind...but it was my inspirationImagine how would you feel if someone took inspiration from your work... Of course I don't mind! Quite the opposite. I'm very glad about it! :)
Also I noticed the connection, but couldn't be 100% sure before you stated it. And I also didn't feel like you killed the character. Mine and yours merely share something, but definitively are not the same.
BTW, unless my Wanderer learned to swim very well* he would never be able to cross the channel and reach the former UK.
*or to float? or maybe find a boat that could handle his weight? Not that easy... Remember he saying that might go around the Mediterranean to visit the pyramids?
Post by: Jitter on July 05, 2022, 05:01:59 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 05, 2022, 05:18:38 PM
Maybe he could go through the train tunnel under the Channel? Although I’m sure there are evil trolls there.
Really!! Well he beat all of them in his last adventure. I bet he'd kick butt (Now where would troll butts be?)
I forgot about the Chunnel.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 06, 2022, 12:20:09 PM
Really!! Well he beat all of them in his last adventure. I bet he'd kick butt (Now where would troll butts be?)I'll try to find a delicate way to ask him about the location of his butt... ;D And I also forgot about the chunnel! However I think the british would probably block it in a rash-like situation.
I forgot about the Chunnel.
And now I want to write that story! But I'm working on something completely different for this week... The Wanderer will have to wait.
Post by: tehta on July 06, 2022, 03:07:54 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/178219559608647681/993941695773278328/20220705_200915.jpg)
I can't take credit for it: Sol made it, on the Discord. (The underlying photo was mine though.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 06, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
I know it's a bit late, but I did find something suitable for Occupations!
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/178219559608647681/993941695773278328/20220705_200915.jpg)
I can't take credit for it: Sol made it, on the Discord. (The underlying photo was mine though.)
Love it!! and a City of Hunger Onni too.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 06, 2022, 03:36:08 PM
I know it's a bit late, but I did find something suitable for Occupations!Great! The bus even has wings in the logo! ;D
And they have professional drivers and mages for a safe journey!
(https://i.postimg.cc/85dhQ7v4/Advantages-Onni-Bus-com-Onni.png) (https://postimages.org/)
(I bet he hates the tie...)
Post by: Jitter on July 06, 2022, 04:52:29 PM
I tried to look up how many companies are registered with the name Onni-something or Something-Onni, but the trade registry’s data service won’t list them when there are over 200 hits, so couldn’t.
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 06, 2022, 05:01:05 PM
Grey, I love the Onni photoshop of the driver...
Post by: Jitter on July 06, 2022, 06:22:45 PM
Post by: tehta on July 07, 2022, 03:53:41 AM
Incidentally, aren't their names sadly ironic? Neither could be called lucky; Onni has not had much happiness so far.
Post by: JoB on July 07, 2022, 08:03:20 AM
I bet he'd kick butt (Now where would troll butts be?)Before or after?
Unlike e.g. “kuusi” which means spruce and six (and “your moon” as well as “your month” but that is just a form of the word and not the base word).Wasn't there a ... ? Ah, there (https://external-preview.redd.it/wWToeUpDVHLFjE3KjRMXfEnAPLIRnnrUmLLz_JpiljA.png?auto=webp&s=4599c06550f338f68fbfa7701e7cc5caa2b2bcec) it is ...
Post by: Buteo on July 07, 2022, 11:56:25 AM
...so you might as well say it that way... /jk
Post by: tehta on July 09, 2022, 10:16:44 AM
Anyway, I guess it's time to pick new prompts, again. Any suggestions? I like the idea of lining up at least two or three for the next few weeks (with the option of introducing something into the list if everyone gets excited about something). Maybe Jitter or someone can collect whatever we say at the end of the weekend and make a list.
Personally, I would propose "train" as a prompt, since it somewhat covers two things we have been discussing for the reread, trains and trainings.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 09, 2022, 02:53:24 PM
BTW I'm still working on ancient rituals... it should be ready later today or tomorrow.
Tehta, I hope you are past the being ill part by now.
Post by: wavewright62 on July 09, 2022, 05:44:45 PM
Nice work on the flexible prompt, to cover both hot topics!
Spoiler: non participation • show
Very far ahead, but hear me out - I'd like the week surrounding 1 September to have the prompt "We Survived", in honour of the Forum's 8th anniversary?
Post by: thegreyarea on July 10, 2022, 07:41:01 PM
I start with an idea for a short story and soon get myself wandering how good a novel about that would be...
I'll try to get my focus back tomorrow. Meanwhile here's a repost that may fit well the "train" prompt. It's not new, I know, therefore I'll put it under spoilers, but I kept it in the freezer and looks edible...
Perhaps some of our newer members weren't around when it came out for the first time (more or less when the gas tank troll was chasing the team in Finland)
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 10, 2022, 09:46:22 PM
Post by: Róisín on July 10, 2022, 10:42:11 PM
Post by: tehta on July 11, 2022, 05:22:31 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on July 11, 2022, 07:31:33 AM
I also hope not many 5 y.o. see this, and if they do... Well, then I blame the parents that left a disaccompanied 5 y.o. loose on the Internet! :)
And I think this last good night of sleep helped me to organize my thoughts about the following story. Why rush to the end? Why not take the time to develop it? Why not present you, my friends, just the first part?
An Ancient Tale
Spoiler: show
Edit: just added a few minor corrections here and there. This wasn't proofread, after all, and new things always come when one reads its own work again (well, that's true for me...)
Post by: Jitter on July 11, 2022, 07:32:31 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on July 11, 2022, 08:26:33 AM
And below are some images that relate with the story. More will come in time.
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 11, 2022, 08:48:16 AM
Thanks dmeck, Róisín and Tehta! ^-^ It was so fun to draw! I just hope it doesn't work as nightmare fuel, and that the copyright owners don't decide to sue me...It is not close enough for copyright infringement. (Though if you are familiar with the stories you will get the connection :) )
I also hope not many 5 y.o. see this, and if they do... Well, then I blame the parents that left a disaccompanied 5 y.o. loose on the Internet! :)
An Ancient Tale
This is great!! I really like SSSS stories with other cultures point of Views. (I remember Róisín wrote quite a few I had enjoyed)
Post by: Róisín on July 12, 2022, 06:34:03 AM
Some of the Amazonian magical systems also have the concept of a world below the waters. Fascinating stuff. I am curious to see where you take this tale.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 12, 2022, 11:10:38 AM
This is great!! I really like SSSS stories with other cultures point of Views. (I remember Róisín wrote quite a few I had enjoyed)Thanks, dmeck! I'm with you. I really enjoy these different points of view. So much that I set this last story at the roughly the same moment in time when "The Wanderer" happens, i.e. on year 8. ;)
Grey, that is a fascinating story. All I know about the Tucano folk is some of their plant lore and folk tales, most notably the myth of yagé woman. Plant magic is of interest to me. The only dream-world like area I have met in South American folklore is the one accessed by following the roots of plants or the mycorrhizal web down into the world of the dreams that live below the earth, a concept that turns up in plant-using magical systems across the world. And I know the tale about their remote ancestors coming from the Milky Way in a great serpent-ship.Thank you so much, Róisín! I should know better, but you surprised me here. I was convinced no one would know about the serpent-ship myth... but of course you know!
Some of the Amazonian magical systems also have the concept of a world below the waters. Fascinating stuff. I am curious to see where you take this tale.
I just wish I had one tenth of your knowledge! But no, nowhere near that. I grew up in the Amazon and never heard (that I recall) anything about the Yagé woman. I had to google Yagé just now to find out what it is, even if I did know the Tukano and other people from the forest used some plants to produce perception-altering/enhancing effects (hence the "sacred cigars" on the story). But even google couldn't find the "yagé woman"... So, if you ever feel inclined I'd love to hear that tale.
I also never heard about the "root network" dream world! It's a fascinating idea, that matches with some recent findings that point to the ability trees would have to "communicate" using their interwined roots... And what a huge network the Amazon forest would be!
I did hear about some tribes having an underworld. They even say the world is divided in three: The World Below, the Middle World and the World Above. Humans, of course, inhabit the Middle World... Isn't it fascinating how that ressonates with so many traditions and cultures around the World?
Nevertheless the dream world in this story is directly inspired by the one in SSSS, and not by any deep cultural research on my side...
I really found intriguing the idea of those sacred places that hold the knowledge, and the need to visit them, even if in thought, to acquire and become able to use such knowledge. That, together with the exploration on how a tribe could (would?) survive in the SSSS world, was the inspiration for this story. Hopefully I'll be able to continue in interesting ways. :)
Post by: Róisín on July 13, 2022, 03:29:45 AM
Post by: tehta on July 13, 2022, 06:14:19 AM
(And hmm, yeah, if the Rash as an upside it's environmental... although it certainly plays havoc with the ecosystem, in its own way.)
Post by: thegreyarea on July 13, 2022, 08:55:23 AM
Grey, I would love to see more of this tale. You likely know that in many of the tales of South and Central America, Earth is the eldest child of Sun and Moon. Yagé woman, whose embodiment is the caapi vine, may be either a younger sibling, or the child of Sun and Earth, or a separate creation of Sun, depending where you are. She breaks off bits of herself, often bits of her rainbow-coloured vinelike tail, and gives one to each tribe, from which grows their local variant of caapi.Thanks, Róisín! And now I know about the Yagé woman...
I don't know if she will show on the story, anyway this mythology also includes several "demiurges" or "demigods" that interact with the spirits and/or humans. As an example in the "house of Crafts" the spirits met one of these superior beings who gives them the knowledge of craftsmanship. There's another that teaches them to make the Yagé tea, IIRC...
But I found no reference on who created the demiurges. The Sun and/or the Moon, the Universal Grandfather Himself, or someone else? There are dark, negative spirits that inhabit the World Below. Who created them? (Sigh) So much to discover...
BTW it seems odd for a woman to have a tail in this context. In a land inhabited by so many monkeys I guess the tail in a human-like figure would probably feel to much "monkeyish"... So the hair seems a good alternative. What do you think? Have you heard of any tale where she gives them her hair?
Finally read this, grey! A fascinating world; definitely looking forward to the next installment.Thanks Tehta! The next part is my priority. :)
(And hmm, yeah, if the Rash as an upside it's environmental... although it certainly plays havoc with the ecosystem, in its own way.)
And yes, the rash would eliminate the most harzadous enviromental agent that exists... us. On the first years it would be a mess, because of our absence, together with the large majority of mammals (IIRC the consensus was around a 97% mortality rate, leaving the remaining 3% for trolls/beasts and a small amount of immunes).
But soon (a few decades?) a new balance would be achieved, and other animals would fill the empty niches. The populations of birds and reptiles would explode, and, in the Amazonian forest, I believe most beasts and trolls would soon be eliminated by them (alligators, snakes and jaguars - that are felines, and therefore immune - are already the most dangerous predators in the area), besides being isolated by the rivers. Oh, and there are piranhas! and electric eels! ;D
Images under spoilers:
Spoiler: show
Actually writing this story I realized that the river system in the Amazonian would act pretty much the way the Saaima lake system in Finland, with water bodies cutting the progression of anything that can't fly or swim, with the extra that, unlike Finland, there isn't a road network here, and bridges... Well, there are no bridges AFAIK, unless in the larger cities (that are just two: Belém and Manaus). So without boats any infected animal would have to go a looong way to reach a point to wade through.
All that makes me believe that a good number of isolated tribes could, indeed, survive, as long as they don't get contaminated in the main wave of infections. The problem in the long term would be that they still could be suddenly contaminated by a beast/troll, considering how long they live even without food...
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 13, 2022, 09:38:50 AM
Did the anaconda recently eat? Its belly is larger and rounder than the rest of it..
The jaguar picture melted my heart. That is a beautiful photo
Big sharp teeth!!
But soon (a few decades?) a new balance would be achieved, and other animals would fill the empty niches. The populations of birds and reptiles would explode, and, in the Amazonian forest, I believe most beasts and trolls would soon be eliminated by them (alligators, snakes and jaguars - that are felines, and therefore immune - are already the most dangerous predators in the area), besides being isolated by the rivers. Oh, and there are piranhas! and electric eels! ;D
It would be interesting if things can eat trolls/beasts (other than other trolls beasts) Unless like the cats they band together to destroy the admonition that the rash created
Post by: Jitter on July 13, 2022, 09:40:04 AM
Post by: thorny on July 13, 2022, 10:21:04 AM
It would be interesting if things can eat trolls/beasts (other than other trolls beasts) Unless like the cats they band together to destroy the admonition that the rash created
If nothing else, they'd kill them in self-defense if attacked.
Some of the trolls/beasts might know better than to attack them, though.
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 13, 2022, 01:17:55 PM
If nothing else, they'd kill them in self-defense if attacked.
Some of the trolls/beasts might know better than to attack them, though.
For some reason though, I think I remember that nothing can eat a troll (other than other trolls beasts)
Post by: thorny on July 13, 2022, 01:55:46 PM
Post by: Jitter on July 14, 2022, 04:07:23 AM
Apparently grosslings smell similar to the animals they used to be (to mosquitoes anyway) so that mosquitoes get fooled to sucking them.
Post by: JoB on July 14, 2022, 04:45:43 AM
Apparently grosslings smell similar to the animals they used to be (to mosquitoes anyway) so that mosquitoes get fooled to sucking them.Mosquitoes aren't picky, IIRC they home in on a couple key chemicals only.
Minna also specified that grossling flesh is unsafe to eat - not downright poisonous, but caustic IIRC -, so nobody and nothing wants to eat them.
Post by: Jitter on July 14, 2022, 10:12:01 AM
Maybe they do, and the special thing in the Lehto is how very very many there were.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 14, 2022, 12:29:22 PM
Maybe they do, and the special thing in the Lehto is how very very many there were.You're probably right, else how the team members would even know what a mosquitoe was?
Post by: thorny on July 14, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
Post by: tehta on July 14, 2022, 02:13:43 PM
Fic idea: while in Iceland, Sigrun learns about mosquitos.
Post by: JoB on July 14, 2022, 04:21:18 PM
Mosquitoes aren't picky, IIRC they home in on a couple key chemicals only.
Minna also specified that grossling flesh is unsafe to eat - not downright poisonous, but caustic IIRC -, so nobody and nothing wants to eat them.
JoB, but in that case there should be mosquitoes everywhere, or at least near human settlements! There are humans, domestic animals, birds and some mammals too. So if mosquitoes just avoid the grosslings, they could survive even though possibly in smaller numbers.Which of my two lines are you replying to?
Saying that nothing (unRashed) wants to eat grossling flesh does not preclude it occasionally happening by error, nor does it say anything about mosquitoes sucking grossling blood, which is said not to be just caustic but enough to kill them.
Post by: Jitter on July 14, 2022, 05:18:16 PM
Post by: JoB on July 15, 2022, 02:52:51 AM
JoB, I understood that you meant that mosquitoes would know to not even try (not want) grossling blood, which would mean their food source is diminished but would not lead to the mosquitoes poisoning themselves to extinction.Hmmmm, now that I reread the info page (http://www.sssscomic.com/comic2.php?page=320) and Onnis explanations (http://www.sssscomic.com/comic2.php?page=316), they do not imply that any mosquitoes present will sample the blood of nearby grosslings, only that the will die if they do, and that they have turned nearly extinct in many places due to the lack of noninfected animals to feed off of.
(Onnis "... so they don't" could be referring to Reynirs suspicion that mosquitoes might carry the Rash, rather than his own, immediately preceding hypothetical scenario of some of them sucking troll blood.)
Post by: thegreyarea on July 15, 2022, 06:26:27 AM
If no one has an idea, may I propose "Beach / Shore"? Of course this idea has no relation, at all, with me being at the Algarve in said week... :)
Post by: Jitter on July 15, 2022, 01:34:31 PM
So the prompt nest week is Beach / Shore!
I will also be on vacation, which may or may not result in me actually doing some writing. I’ve been floating half-formed ideas for several of the prompts now, hopefully I get something actually “on paper” :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 15, 2022, 03:57:53 PM
Grey, you may! The rule says first come first served :)
So the prompt nest week is Beach / Shore!
I will also be on vacation, which may or may not result in me actually doing some writing. I’ve been floating half-formed ideas for several of the prompts now, hopefully I get something actually “on paper” :)
I hope you have an awesome vacation....
Post by: thegreyarea on July 15, 2022, 07:50:02 PM
Jitter, I hope your vacations are great, and may the muses be with you! I miss your stories!
On my side, I'm not planning to take the laptop with me, so anything will have to be done with my phone... Let's see if there are any grosslings around for inspiration. Usually I find, every year, several human/shrimp hybrids on the beach... 8)
Post by: JoB on July 16, 2022, 04:15:00 AM
On my side, I'm not planning to take the laptop with me, so anything will have to be done with my phone... Let's see if there are any grosslings around for inspiration. Usually I find, every year, several human/shrimp hybrids on the beach... 8)"It's dangerous to go there unarmed! Take a token of your angry
Post by: thegreyarea on July 16, 2022, 06:49:14 AM
"It's dangerous to go there unarmed! Take a token of your angryThanks, JoB! You're absolutly right! I already downloaded the protective token to my phone, and will arm myself with those ice-made weapons as often as possible... ;)fireiceball-hurling signature deity (http://sssscomic.com/mainimages/art/beach_day.jpg) with you!"
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 16, 2022, 03:49:32 PM
Thanks, JoB! You're absolutly right! I already downloaded the protective token to my phone, and will arm myself with those ice-made weapons as often as possible... ;)
(https://www.seededatthetable.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/How-to-Make-a-Slushie-UPDATE-8.jpg)
I made bourbon slushies one winter (Cram a glass full of snow and pour bourbon on top..)
Or in the Finger Lakes in NY they sell wine slushies (Very sweet, but yum)
Post by: thorny on July 16, 2022, 06:11:20 PM
in the Finger Lakes in NY
Hey! That's home!
(though I prefer my wine and my ice taken separately. However, ice wine https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/toast-ice-wine/ (https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/toast-ice-wine/) is delicious (and has no ice in it, and is generally out of my price range, though I have had some.))
Post by: Róisín on July 16, 2022, 07:42:17 PM
It is made in the high cold areas of Australia. I used to like one that Brown Bros in Victoria did. Luxury!
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 17, 2022, 12:26:26 PM
Hey! That's home!I love the Finger Lakes...
(though I prefer my wine and my ice taken separately. However, ice wine https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/toast-ice-wine/ (https://www.lifeinthefingerlakes.com/toast-ice-wine/) is delicious (and has no ice in it, and is generally out of my price range, though I have had some.))
We try and go every year to "replenish" our wine supply. NY Ice Wines are delicious and very costly..
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 17, 2022, 12:35:01 PM
Eiswein, yum! I first encountered the European version, made from grapes that have frozen on the vine and are harvested and pressed before they defrost. This concentrates the sugars in the grape must. There used to be some argument about whether the wine was better or worse for the grapes being affected by pourriture noble, I think it tastes fine either way. The process has to be done both carefully and fast, so eiswein is way expensive to make. Worth it, but way out of my league to buy these years.
It is made in the high cold areas of Australia. I used to like one that Brown Bros in Victoria did. Luxury!
I have has Australian "stickies" They are not the same thing correct?
Eiswein made with frozen grapes that have the noble rot are good, but sometimes to me they taste "fuzzy". My spouse love them though. Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat are the ones most know to be susceptible to it. The Finger Lakes are world renown for their Riesling's.
Most of the wineries in the Finger Lakes do it that way also. Also in the Niagara Falls area of Canada and NY is a region well know for its ice wine.
It is like liquid candy. Great with cheese...
Though many Finger Lake wineries grow Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat also. It is too cold for the others I think.
Post by: wavewright62 on July 17, 2022, 10:49:16 PM
I have a vague memory (no time to fact-check right now) that Iceland has not been blessed with mozzies IRL, so likely not in canon either.
Post by: Róisín on July 18, 2022, 01:41:18 AM
Re Australian stickies: there are many, of which eiswein is its own special subgroup. I like the richer sauternes styles and the topaque (Tokay) varietals.
Post by: tehta on July 18, 2022, 04:32:35 AM
In that case, I am wondering where Reynir would have first encountered one. Since it must have happened after he left home, isn't some cleared area of Finland the only real option? Unless they do exist in post-apocalyptic Iceland, after all (I doubt Minna knew they didn't).
Post by: Jitter on July 18, 2022, 06:58:57 AM
There are also mosquitoes in Lalli’s dream world, or in the shared one where he and Emil are on the fishing pier. So while the insect itself may be mostly gone, the memories remain with the Finns and probably the Scandinavians too,
Post by: tehta on July 18, 2022, 11:12:13 AM
Post by: Róisín on July 19, 2022, 01:08:31 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on July 19, 2022, 11:12:24 AM
It was an ancient fortification with vestiges from the IX century , then turned holy place with a small chapel.
After the rash it was fortified again, taking advantage of the natural choke point (see red arrow) and house of a small group of survivors. These later moved to a larger settlement at the Sagres promontory, but the place is still used as an outpost and supply point.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sD02xwjZ/20220719-154922.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/65Q3BDXX/20220719-154653.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Post by: Jitter on July 20, 2022, 04:44:26 PM
The Beach
Lalli was woken by a sharp nudge at the ribs. “Look sharp!”
It was Emil, sitting next to him on a most uncomfortable seat. The entire surroundings were extremely uncomfortable. It was a wonder really that Lalli had been able to sleep at all, as the smallish space was reverberating with the worst noise he’d had to endure since the fateful trip on the Dalahästen train. It was somewhat similar too, yet different. It had the same mechanical quality as all the buzzsaws working at once, but this was a more even rhythm. Stupid, horrible noise!
Slowly becoming aware of the other elements in his surroundings, Lalli discovered a few things. The space was indeed smallish, with slightly curved walls of metal. The long benches on either side were occupied by a group of men. Military, Lalli could tell immediately. They all had similar clothing, which had to be uniforms of dusty brown. Just plain brown, and everyone was wearing or holding a round hat made of metal. Lalli noticed his own hat in his hand, along with a heavy pack on his back.
So, some sort of transport. It was heaving a bit too. It was bigger than anything Lalli had ever seen, but otherwise somewhat familiar, except for the noise. And the air… full of smells of men in small spaces of course, but there was something weird about it.
Before he could make more observations, Mikkel stood up on the far end of the room. He was wearing similar attire, but no pack. He was shouting. “Ok men, we are approaching the drop zone. Everybody ready! Check your gear!”
Many of the men around paled at this and fiddled nervously with their equipment. But Emil was beaming. “You hear that? We are at the drop zone! You ready? I know I am!”
Now the men were putting on their hats and standing up to form a line at the middle of the space. Just as Mikkel grabbed a handle on a hatch, Lalli realised why he felt so weird. They were very high up! And now Mikkel opened the hatch, and it opened directly to the outside. Who would think of opening it when they were high up? Who had put it there? Someone might fall! Stupid hatch!
Many of the men grunted at the view, and even Lalli made a small noise. They were much higher than he could ever have imagined. An unknown land opened far and wide, far, far below. Definitely much higher than that time when Onni had lifted him from the Dream Sea and flown him to his haven. Even worse, the landscape was moving. They were in some sort of a sky ship! Lalli was reeling with surprise and nausea.
Just as Lalli thought the situation couldn’t possibly get any worse, Mikkel was shouting again. “Ok, Team one, go!” The men nearest to him stepped to the opening and jumped into the emptiness. A boy next to Lalli looked like he was about to faint. Another one threw up noisily in the other line. But they kept going, and one by one they reached the opening and just jumped to their apparent death. Now Emil was standing at the edge, shouting something unintelligible, and down he went. Lalli tried to stop him, but there was no way, as Emil clearly voluntarily jumped.
Next it was Lalli’s turn. He was standing at the opening, staring out in wide-eyed horror at the speeding landscape and some weird… flowers?... floating around him. He was about to turn towards Mikkel to protest, but Mikkel said “No time for cold feet, soldier” and unceremoniously booted him out. In the moment of shock Lalli had time to realize Mikkel wasn’t really home, the person at the hatch had the empty eyes of Dream-Mikkel. Stupid, stupid Dream-Mikkel!
So, this is a dream. Maybe I won’t die. But I really don’t want to try how it feels to fall from this height. Lalli was arranging his limbs in mid-air, but it didn’t seem likely to help much. Suddenly he realized Emil was near, and now Emil was behind him? But Emil fell first, how can this…? “Pull! Don’t freeze! Pull open the chute!” Pull? There were some cords dangling from Lalli’s pack, that sort of looked like a handle. He grabbed it, pulled strongly, and with a weird swooshing sound he was suddenly jolted to a halt. No, just slowed down a lot. Maybe I really won’t die!
The flower-shaped thing slowed Lalli down sufficiently so that he managed to make a gracious landing. He was a bit less gracious getting out of the pack and the expanses of cloth (stupid lifesaver-flower-thing!), but after a while he was standing in a field. He couldn’t take the entire lifesaving pack with him, but he discovered a smaller backpack containing some ammo to a sidearm he had with him along with some other items. All around him, men were falling from loud skymachines. Most of them managed to… pull the chute? But not all. Lalli decided it’s best to stop watching. Instead, he looked around. There were some trees nearby, and some of the cloth seemed to be stuck to them, so Lalli went there to check.
Emil was hanging from a tree branch by the ropes between him and the cloth. “Oh, there you are, my lad! Why don’t you give your sarge a hand?” Lalli didn’t understand what is a sarge and what he was supposed to do, so he went to help Emil down from the tree. “There’s a good lad! Thank you! You see anyone else around?” Lalli waved upwards and around. “Oh of course, they are all around the place. Well, I’m sure we can regroup in no time! Follow me, soldier!”
After a while of walking around, Emil stopped. “Well. Um. I think we are a bit off course. Would you happen to have an inkling of where the beach is?”
“37,43 km to the north”
“Oh, thank you lad. That was surprisingly accurate. Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Well, let’s go then” Emil started marching towards the south-west. Lalli stood in place. “Chop chop! Move it!”
“North” Lalli said, nodding towards the north.
“What’s that again, my lad?”
“North. That way.” Now Lalli was pointing.
“Ah, of course, of course. Let’s get started, we have a bit of hike ahead of us if your distance estimate is correct.”
“It is.”
They started walking towards the north. After a while they ran into Reynir, who was sitting on rock looking lost like a lamb. He was also wearing the uniform, but he had something else looking weird about him as well. It was his hair! Or rather, his hair wasn’t. He had the same weird round hat that seemed to be the top fashion around here, and there was no way his braid could have fit inside it. So, the braid must be gone. Stupid braid. Stupid Reynir. Lalli had not missed Reynir, and he certainly didn’t miss his idiotic braid. But he did look weird without it. Even more stupid than usually.
Reynir was terrified and blabbering (what else is new?) but while he was very like the real thing (except for the hair) Lalli saw it was just Dream-Reynir. Nevertheless, he tagged along, being equal parts irritatingly helpful and irritatingly afraid of everything. But to Lalli’s surprise, he was able to keep marching, as did Emil. They made good time towards the beach.
As they were drawing nearer, it became evident that there was a fight going on. Explosions and gunfire could be heard a lot before they saw anything. Lalli spotted groups of men advancing into the same direction they did, some in an orderly fashion, others in haphazard groups, or alone. There were also machines. Armored vehicles of various descriptions and tanks. And flying machines above. Stupid flying machines!
“Ok men, I think our position should be on top of that ridge” Emil had to be shouting to be heard over the commotion, despite them being still far away from the battle. What sort of a grossling horde requires this much firepower? Who HAS this much firepower?
The sound of fighting was deafening. They had to crouch down and almost crawl towards the ridge point. Peering over the summit, Lalli saw the horror of the battlefield. Machine guns, hand grenades, heavy artillery, men with rifles… it didn’t make any sense. He didn’t see a grossling anywhere. Coming to think of it, he didn’t feel any nearby at all. T
aking another look the truth dawned to Lalli. A truth much worse than the moment when he realized he was meant to jump into the emptiness of the sky below.
“It’s people! Emil! They are shooting people! Look, people on the ridges are shooting at people on those boats! Why would anyone…!” Lalli felt nauseous. He had seen terrible injuries, he had listened to his home village burn, but never in his worst nightmares could he have imagined something like this.
The sea was teeming with boats, carrying men to the shore. Men shouting and shooting. And other humans, on the ridges, shooting directly at the people coming ashore. And the people on the beach were shooting on the ridges. And large war machines were reaping destruction everywhere. The beach and the water were black and red with the dead and the dying, and still more kept coming…
The ground was heaving under Lalli, and suddenly he felt the pain of all those thousands upon thousands of people hurting and dying around him. He burst to tears.
“Well, now, lad, calm down! It’s quite something, but they are Nazis you know. It’s them or us. Snap out of it now.” Emil was trying to sound calming, but he was visibly pale too. Stupid Emil. He took of his hat, wiping his forehead.
Among all the terror, another terrible detail caught Lalli’s attention. “Emil, what have you done with your hair?”
“My… my hair?!” Emil was trying, and failing, to grasp his locks. His hair was about 1 cm long, just like Reynir’s, and was hardly able to show his blonde color, let alone any sparkle. “It’s gone! Oh no, my HAIR!!!”
* * *
Emil and Lalli awoke in their bed. Emil was clutching his lovely, chin-length hair, and Lalli was holding his ears until the shrieking subsided. With the immediate panic resolved, Lalli remembered the horrible scene.
“What” he asked gravely “was that all about? Humans attacking humans, with military weapons. Why would you dream something like this?”
“I’m sorry. It’s this book… look, it’s about Omaha Beach. I thought that sounded fun.”
Any historical inaccuracies can be blamed on the author of Emil's book.
I tried to do some research on Omaha Beach by watching clips of Saving Private Ryan. I couldn't stomach it very long. So I basically just typed this up.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 20, 2022, 05:47:55 PM
Can we have pirates next? :)
I'm on vacations and far from my computer, but I feel an edit coming... ;)
Post by: tehta on July 20, 2022, 06:43:57 PM
But, yeah, for all the awfulness of post-Rash society, at least they don't have to cope with war.
grey, I also enjoyed your historical report. Much more cheerful.
Over here, I am still hoping to get inspired, but, oof. It isn't happening. So I challenged myself to speed-paint a beach in five minutes, and I quite like the result! (It's a mess, but it's a watercolory sort of mess. Speed-painting is nerve-wracking, but it means I can't fiddle, and fiddling is terrible for watercolor.)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/890847457225887765/999379267567763456/PXL_20220720_181137702.jpg)
Post by: Jitter on July 20, 2022, 06:44:57 PM
On the pirate issue, may I refer you (back?) to here: https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1262.210 (work titled Water). There are others too :)
Post by: Jitter on July 20, 2022, 07:07:40 PM
And… you painted that in 5 minutes? Wow. Just wow! Didn’t you just start or re-start with watercolors quite recently?
I was a bit worried over Lalli being overly emotional in this, but he is affected by Emil’s dream so he can be anything, right? And seriously human on human war must be horror beyond understanding for these guys (it is for us, and we know it happens). Also the balance between joking and the extremely serious subject matter is a bit dubious, but I didn’t want to write a complete downer. I’m glad if you find it entertaining.
Post by: wavewright62 on July 20, 2022, 07:28:46 PM
And a lovely beach! You're right about the fiddling, maybe that's why I end up with muck whenever I try to use them.
Post by: tehta on July 20, 2022, 08:01:43 PM
(And you are right, I gave Lalli non-canonical precise troll detection in this (https://archiveofourown.org/works/34757353/chapters/86556406) Emilalli drabble. I am obviously very amused by the idea. But giving him geographic sensors might well be canonical, if he can really sense that the world is round...)
I could't paint that in 5mins without practicing all of the elements ahead of time (in other, horribly overworked paintings). And yes, I have been painting for less than a year, but I have been doing it A LOT.
Post by: thegreyarea on July 21, 2022, 05:33:52 AM
Obviously I need to practice more (remember the set I bought maybe a month ago? Sitting in the drawer, almost untouched... Writing takes up a lot of time, at least for me)
I like Lalli's precise geolocation ability! It may be (one of ) HIS special powers. :)
Post by: thegreyarea on July 21, 2022, 06:41:14 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/MZ09wqM3/20220720-121031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hjxw4Gtb)
Those ineffective shelters are still used today by scout parties when no better alternative is at hand.
Post by: wavewright62 on July 21, 2022, 03:55:08 PM
Post by: tehta on July 21, 2022, 04:32:21 PM
I still think GPS Lalli is a better option...
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 21, 2022, 05:40:08 PM
Beach this week
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/101385510
Train Last week
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/101380539#workskin
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 21, 2022, 05:41:09 PM
Rare, pre-rash pictures of the place called "Our Lady of the Rock".
It was an ancient fortification with vestiges from the IX century , then turned holy place with a small chapel.
After the rash it was fortified again, taking advantage of the natural choke point (see red arrow) and house of a small group of survivors. These later moved to a larger settlement at the Sagres promontory, but the place is still used as an outpost and supply point.
That looks amazing. Are you able to walk on the top?
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 21, 2022, 05:45:38 PM
Thank you for the warning, Jitter. It was indeed horrible to witness what was done to Emil's hair. (I did love the idea of Lalli having a built-in gps, compass, and altimeter, though. Sounds about right.)
But, yeah, for all the awfulness of post-Rash society, at least they don't have to cope with war.
grey, I also enjoyed your historical report. Much more cheerful.
Over here, I am still hoping to get inspired, but, oof. It isn't happening. So I challenged myself to speed-paint a beach in five minutes, and I quite like the result! (It's a mess, but it's a watercolory sort of mess. Speed-painting is nerve-wracking, but it means I can't fiddle, and fiddling is terrible for watercolor.)
Jitter..to repeat why Tehta said.. Lalli being the compass etc is great.
That is one thing that may be a benefit to the post-rash world. People do not want to fight each other. Maybe the common enemy.
Tehta...you speed painted that?? that is really neat. It is pretty.
Grey..It is amazing you still were able to see a sand fort still around after all the years...
Post by: thegreyarea on July 22, 2022, 06:23:05 AM
This YT channel has many amazing videos of Portugal and is worth exploring.
Still didn't have time to read your fics. I'll come back to that later
Post by: thegreyarea on July 22, 2022, 07:47:01 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/N0gM4bgb/20220722-105350.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyc8DCHR)
A brave scout notices an amorphous troll approaching and hides behind a dead tree trunk
(https://i.postimg.cc/zf0fPWvN/20220722-105803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/94wVDDyg)
The things senses the scout and comes closer. The scout SSSS
(https://i.postimg.cc/PxJqGxvw/20220722_110146.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJVhL7gv)
The SSSS tactic works! The thing goes away!
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 22, 2022, 08:31:50 AM
This YT channel has many amazing videos of Portugal and is worth exploring.
Still didn't have time to read your fics. I'll come back to that later
Thank you Grey!! You should be playing not reading my fic's
🍷
Post by: Jitter on July 22, 2022, 08:53:54 AM
Dmeck, I read both your pieces. I am obviously not an expert on the Sami, but to me it seems both fitting and respectful. I love the idea that all Sami can use the joik to an extent. I know in your arc they are in regular contact with Finns and others, but it could also work very well for a setting where the Sami have survived and decided to stay hidden, like we’ve been discussing elsewhere. I also like how you mention that information about a person and their ties can be “read” from their clothing.
Another very important and magic-related thing is the drum, also depicted in the Sami flag. Having the noaidi use drums should be well-based.
Post by: JoB on July 22, 2022, 09:16:06 AM
yes, you can walk on the top of Senhora da Rocha. Here's the link to the drone footage.... that drone shares some weird thoughts as it visits the chapel. And speaks German to boot ...
Post by: thegreyarea on July 22, 2022, 09:56:13 AM
... that drone shares some weird thoughts as it visits the chapel. And speaks German to boot ...Does it? I must watch the video again...
But, you know, drones are snarky things ;)
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 22, 2022, 12:41:31 PM
Dmeck, I read both your pieces. I am obviously not an expert on the Sami, but to me it seems both fitting and respectful. I love the idea that all Sami can use the joik to an extent. I know in your arc they are in regular contact with Finns and others, but it could also work very well for a setting where the Sami have survived and decided to stay hidden, like we’ve been discussing elsewhere. I also like how you mention that information about a person and their ties can be “read” from their clothing.
Another very important and magic-related thing is the drum, also depicted in the Sami flag. Having the noaidi use drums should be well-based.
True, I forgot to mention the drum for noaidi. It is important, and I really need to put it there. I think the true shamanic drums could be really large. (At least some of the drawing I have seen. I am reading a book called In Search of the Drum by Ailo Gaup, and the drawing on the cover is quite large.)
I wanted to convey this was simple magic all people needed to/can do. There are not many places to hide on a snow covered plain/tundra
Many of the old drums were burned and there are very few examples still around. I have found a few pictures, but cannot really guess at the size.
I like the idea of writing a story of the Sámi where they decide to stay hidden. I have the beginnings in the works. But it is taking some research, so it is slow going. Much like writing historical fiction..
Post by: Jitter on July 22, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 22, 2022, 02:40:31 PM
Pretty much all of the old drums were destroyed by Christians :( Most of the information comes from descriptions and drawn pictures of now lost specimens. But, I think the drum was usually of a size fairly convenient to hold in one hand (by handle at the back) and play with a… hammer? in the other. Easily a size the noaidi can take on longer treks too, but not small enough to fit inside a backpack or such.
You are probably correct. It would be difficult to travel with a really large one.
I read some place that there are only 70 left across the world. Recently one Was retuned to the Sami this year.
I found a list of the 70. There are drawings of some, but alas no pictures.
https://old.no/samidrum/locations.html
Post by: Jitter on July 22, 2022, 08:59:55 PM
Post by: Róisín on July 23, 2022, 01:42:35 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on July 23, 2022, 03:04:00 AM
Post by: Jitter on July 23, 2022, 05:43:28 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on July 23, 2022, 06:19:05 AM
Only one n that list is marked as being from Finland, and it is classified as fake 😢 If you click on the number you will see a drawing of the pictures of each drum.Don't cry, my dear. You may have missed #43 and #44, that are listed as from Kemi. :)
Also, the designs are beautiful, and can inspire many interpretations. I see strange symbols, animals, trees, humans and... supernatural beings?
Post by: Jitter on July 23, 2022, 10:42:44 AM
The three-field illustration depicts the Underworld, the human world and the High Up. In other atykes rhe central motif is either the sun or a World Tree.
One (but not the only) way the drums were used was casting of lots i.e. making predictions. The lot piece was placed on the drum face and the playing moved it, and the prediction was based on what picture it ended up on. I don’t know if this was used with a particular illustration style or all of them. (The word “arpa” is the one used for “arpajaiset”, a lottery, in the modern sense).
Post by: tehta on July 24, 2022, 05:33:18 AM
I have no good ideas. Hmm, have we already had something music-related? The drum discussion is suggesting 'music' or 'rhythm' to me.
Post by: Jitter on July 24, 2022, 08:27:00 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 24, 2022, 09:11:35 AM
How about “play”, which could be either music or something else. Then follow with “work” so we’ll have train, play and work almost together. And Mikkel’s week may well be related to work for some of us :)
That sounds good
Post by: tehta on July 24, 2022, 09:38:57 AM
Not a serious suggestion! I like the sequence, and will try to actually produce something. Only... I mostly feel in the mood for Emilalli...
Post by: Jitter on July 24, 2022, 10:29:55 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 24, 2022, 10:30:00 AM
And then we can do 'burnout' the week after.
Not a serious suggestion! I like the sequence, and will try to actually produce something. Only... I mostly feel in the mood for Emilalli...
oooh decisions...Truthfully I am fine with the majority's opinion.
I have to admit it will be harder for me to write something for "play"and "work" than Emilalli.
Emilalli pops in my head so easily, I should be able to do a quick one for that (I hope I did not just jinx myself :headbang:)
Though the work/play were suggested first. And "burnout" after Mikkel
s birthday is not a bad idea.
I know I read something recently, where Lalli was burning/burnt out and Onni had to step in. So I actually think in the SSSS world burnout is a very real thing. People have to do so much to survive, that it probably is a common occurrence..
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 24, 2022, 10:31:00 AM
Well, I’m sure you can think up something the boys can play? 🤭
MuhHAHA
:lalli: :sparkle: :emil: <3 <3
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 24, 2022, 10:32:36 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/39393006
Post by: tehta on July 24, 2022, 10:41:41 AM
Also, I was not suggesting Emilalli as a prompt. I was just saying that I am currently very likely to turn any prompt X into "X+Emilalli". I just find them comforting to write about.
For example, here is "train+Emilalli" (which I started intending to write a drabble, sigh):
Spoiler: show
Post by: wavewright62 on July 25, 2022, 01:58:17 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 25, 2022, 08:03:10 AM
Cute....BOOM?
True Emilalli is fun to write about...
Post by: wavewright62 on July 26, 2022, 12:03:39 AM
:emil: :emil:
Sune stood transfixed, staring at the rainbow colours playing on the surface of the disk his cousin had placed in his hands. “What is it, Emil?,” he whispered.
“That,” Emil grinned, “came from the Silent World. Pretty, isn’t it?.”
Sune nodded solemnly, still turning the disk in his hands.
Emil wasn’t about to admit to his little cousin that this disk wasn’t actually one of the gramophones that Mikkel had dumped in the mud. The Finnish inn they’d been staying in over the winter was using stacks of them for drink coasters, and Emil had pinched a few as keepsakes.
:emil: :emil:
(Originally this was going to be about the terrible trio terrorising the household flinging CDs around like frisbees, but here we are.)
Post by: tehta on July 26, 2022, 04:22:42 AM
(BTW, I want to backtrack. Why did I say my story was Emilalli? It clearly wasn't. There was no more romance in it than in canon.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 26, 2022, 08:02:09 PM
And now, for some reason, I am imagining Sigrun throwing CDs at trolls like she's Xena the Warrior Princess.
(BTW, I want to backtrack. Why did I say my story was Emilalli? It clearly wasn't. There was no more romance in it than in canon.)
If you files the edges they can be really sharp. Post rash throwing stars...or CD's rather lol
It is Emilalli. It show Lalli wants to help Emil. Love manifests in many ways...
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 26, 2022, 08:14:22 PM
Onni and Ásta were playing various melodies on Ásta's drum and Onni's kantele. It was obvious they were trying to sync a joik and a runno together with really bad results...
Ensi looked up from the table where all of the other adults were talking...
You two!! Go out and play someplace else...
Onni and Ásta got up, placed their instruments on the table..smiled and left...
Post by: Jitter on July 30, 2022, 01:20:58 PM
Reynir came home in the evening. He had been away for several days, so the kids were very excited to see him. “Daddy! You are back!” “Did you get all the way to Bárðarbunga?” “Did you see lava?” “Is there going to be an eruption soon?” “Did you talk to Bárðarbunga?” “Was it hot?” “Was it scary?” “Was it very cold?” “What did you talk about with Bárðarbunga?” Unndís had to step in.
“Let daddy sit down first, children! He must be tired.”
“Are you tired?” “Why did you have to go?” “Why do you need to talk to the spirits?” “What happened when…”
“How is it possible to have so many questions at the same time?” Reynir wondered aloud. Unndís just smiled, but told the kids to go outside for a bit and give their dad a breather.
After Reynir had had a moment to sit down and drink some tea with his wife (yes, he had approached Bárðarbunga but hadn’t succeeded in talking with it, however based on the intel from lesser volcanic spirits in the area he was reasonably sure there was no major eruption about to take place very soon), the children were back.
“Daddy, come play with us! You have been away for so long! We missed you!”
“Um, yes, I missed you too. But I’m tired. It’s a long way to Vatnajökull, you know that.”
“But you haven’t played with us for ages! Daad!”
“Ok, ok, why don’t we play Sleeping Giant?”
“No! You always just sleep for real!”
“Hmm, ok, I know what. Let’s play Volcano.”
“Volcano? How do we play that?”
“Ok, see, I will be the volcano here.” Reynir sat on the floor and drew a blanket over his head. “And you will have to come and see if the volcano is about to go BOOM!” Reynir grabbed one of the children, who was giggling with delight. They played for some time, the kids walking around and on their father, with some “earthquakes” and “eruptions” taking place.
After a while, the family room was surprisingly quiet. Unndís went to take a look. Reynir was sleeping on the floor under a blanket. The kids were sitting next to him, arranging his fiery hair around the floor. “What is this? Have you opened daddy’s braid? Why?”
“Daddy promised to be a volcano for us! He’s sleeping, so he’s having a Hawaiian eruption!”
A Hawaiian eruption is the most peaceful type of volcanic eruption where lava flows from the vent in a relatively gentle fashion, generating lava flows but not much explosions or volcanic ash.
Bárðarbunga is a subglacial stratovolcano with an extensive related volcanic system, located under the Vatnajökull glacier. Several major eruptions are known to have taken place, the most recent one in 2014-2015 was Hawaiian but the Veiðivötn eruption in 1477 was a major explosive eruption and the most deadly one in Icelandic history in terms of loss of human life.
The Y100+ Icelanders would likely be keenly interested in knowing what Bárðarbunga is planning, if it was generating earthquake swarms. So, our favorite Helpful Boy (I suppose man at this point) will try to find out!
Post by: tehta on July 30, 2022, 04:27:10 PM
Jitter, what an excellent idea for a game! And of course Icelandic kids would know all about different kinds of eruptions. And using Reynir's hair as lava is so clever! Of the writer, escpecially.
Small note: Hawaii has palm trees! Maybe that's where Reynir heard about them, in some text about Hawaiian volcanoes?
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 30, 2022, 08:35:49 PM
dmeck, hmm... How old are Onni and Asta in this story?Tehta,
Around 15-16. I figured that Onni took his sister and cousin to Keuruu when he was late 16-early 17
In my story scheme. After Surma became a monster. Ásta and her mother went to Keuruu for a time (Still have not gotten the timeline right, which is why the actual story is not done. Plus I have a tendency to wander in the weeds.) Ensi came to Keuruu to so some work for them and met Ásta 's mom. They hit it off and Ensi wanted her mom to come back with her. Ásta went too. (Ásta and Ensi did not hate each other, but both are very strong willed and butted heads quite a bit. There was and altercation and Ensi made Ásta leave the village. This is before the Kade incident. Ásta told Onni that they will meet again, but he needed to stay and take care of his sister. (She had a foreboding, but could not narrow it down)
So Ásta left before the kade and went to the Dalsnes to work.
Jitter, what an excellent idea for a game! And of course Icelandic kids would know all about different kinds of eruptions. And using Reynir's hair as lava is so clever! Of the writer, especially.
Small note: Hawaii has palm trees! Maybe that's where Reynir heard about them, in some text about Hawaiian volcanoes?Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Jitter, I love the volcano game. It is extremely clever story I also like the fact the children would not be deterred. It is also awesome that Reynir still played with his children a bit before he became magma :)
Post by: JoB on July 31, 2022, 04:20:08 AM
“Daddy promised to be a volcano for us! He’s sleeping, so he’s having a Hawaiian eruption!”(.... someone give that man a pillow (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillow_lava) ... !)
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on July 31, 2022, 08:10:26 AM
Post by: tehta on August 03, 2022, 05:56:03 AM
I also have no idea why I am so 'inspired' by the thought of Emil trying to fit into Mora high society after his return from the heart of darkness where he befriended Finns and Norwegians.
Anyway, here goes...
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on August 03, 2022, 08:43:07 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 03, 2022, 08:50:32 AM
Ah, the complications of ‘civilised’ life. Poor Lalli trying to understand it, and poor Emil wondering what he ever saw in it.
My thoughts exactly!!
It seems in emilalli that Emil is the heart and Lalli is the mind :)
Post by: tehta on August 03, 2022, 09:52:06 AM
Post by: Jitter on August 03, 2022, 02:49:53 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 03, 2022, 03:58:28 PM
Soo, it turns out Reynir’s kid have the Sight. Maybe one of them should be named Bob https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/nature_and_travel/2022/08/03/breaking_news_volcanic_eruption_in_the_reykjanes_pe/
OOOO! Hopefully no one or nothing will be hurt/damaged...
Post by: tehta on August 03, 2022, 05:14:38 PM
Post by: Jitter on August 03, 2022, 05:53:14 PM
Post by: Róisín on August 04, 2022, 12:51:54 AM
Post by: tehta on August 04, 2022, 02:05:07 AM
I’m not Icelandic, though. But maybe Vellamo has some channels (pun intended) for information?
I know it's an Icelandic ability in canon, but this is reality we're talking about! You Finnish mages might have all sorts of extra powers.
Post by: JoB on August 04, 2022, 06:18:50 AM
I’m not Icelandic, though. But maybe Vellamo has some channels (pun intended) for information?You wouldn't be downstream of Icelandic info sources, though, would you? >:D
Post by: Jitter on August 04, 2022, 08:41:50 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on August 08, 2022, 07:22:22 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 08, 2022, 08:26:02 AM
Hi! Sorry for being a bit out, but you know, vacations, others vacations, etc... May I ask what's this week prompt?
Mikkel
It is his birthday this week.
Everyone was busy, vacation or sick..
I had a busy on call week :(
Then got into a fender bender... 🚗
Post by: thegreyarea on August 08, 2022, 11:13:59 AM
So, Mikkel it is! :)
It's well known that before landing his role on SSSS Mikkel tried other things, but few know that it included creating his own channel, aimed at a younger audience, where he played a key role himself...
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 08, 2022, 11:43:14 AM
Thanks dmeck!
So, Mikkel it is! :)
It's well known that before landing his role on SSSS Mikkel tried other things, but few know that it included creating his own channel, aimed at a younger audience, where he played a key role himself...Spoiler: show
Tea is not good drinking through the nose.....
Post by: Jitter on August 08, 2022, 02:50:33 PM
I’m feeling a little better, other than having to take 5-hour naps… which hinders my writing somewhat. We’ll see if something turns up.
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 08, 2022, 03:22:50 PM
OMG Grey 🤣
I’m feeling a little better, other than having to take 5-hour naps… which hinders my writing somewhat. We’ll see if something turns up.
Please take it easy. I am glad you are feeling better...
Post by: tehta on August 08, 2022, 04:37:26 PM
Post by: lwise on August 08, 2022, 10:39:14 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on August 09, 2022, 06:43:49 AM
Meanwhile, I found out that they didn't move to Norway after all...
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on August 09, 2022, 07:09:12 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 09, 2022, 02:28:25 PM
In honor of Mikkel's birthday, I wrote another chapter of Quest for Children. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/37555984)
Thank you!!!
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 11, 2022, 02:32:30 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/102654495
Post by: tehta on August 11, 2022, 02:59:37 PM
Anyway, I enjoyed this. Especially the farmwork interludes.
lwise, commented on AO3 a little. I may need to borrow the "gathering firewood" euphenism sometime. If I ever write again...
(Sorry everyone, RL has been very very busy and I haven't had time to find inspiration. Unless I give up and write more Emilalli, that's always trivial... but feels cheap.)
Post by: lwise on August 11, 2022, 03:01:41 PM
Post by: tehta on August 12, 2022, 11:33:49 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/40981074
Is this a Mikkel story disguised as the inevitable Emilalli, or Emilalli disguised as a Mikkel story? Either way, I hope it contains enough Mikkel for this week's prompt. (And there will be a part two sometime soon. I just need to edit it.)
Post by: tehta on August 13, 2022, 05:55:29 AM
But I will inflict the second chapter over here, while it's still Mikkel week! (BTW, we need another set of prompts. Burn-out was been suggested; we could also do 'illness', in honour of those of us who recently had Corona? Or something about the insane weather many of us have been having lately? I don't really mind, just brainstorming here.)
Anyway... the second chapter. Please let me know if you see major issues.
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on August 14, 2022, 06:12:31 AM
It’s also got good insight among the funny. Emil probably doesn’t have a very good understanding of marriage and Lalli hardly any.
I also like the way you had Mikkel to help Emil understand by pushing the issue so we got the outrageous ideas but also hope that Emil will pull through. I seriously hope he will and this is not prelude to Withering.
Post by: tehta on August 14, 2022, 12:37:10 PM
(And don't worry, this version of Emil is different from the status-oriented one featured in Withering/Unmasking. It's actually the Emil that gets featured in this thread regularly, who is learning to scout and trying to switch religions.)
I renew my call for prompts! If nobody opposes me, I suggest we go with illness. Which covers burnout.
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 14, 2022, 02:38:50 PM
seed vault!! GUSH!!
I feel sad that Emil's only exposure to marriages were ones that were not happy (Though maybe I misunderstood. I thought Reynir's mom and dad were happy...but he did not know the language.)
I like how Mikkel does not fret about his and Sigrun's relationship. She just keeps track of it for him :D
I hop Emil does let his relatives know he will do his own thing.. That may still bug him, but he got it out.
I can only imagine what Onni has been telling him LOL
Post by: tehta on August 14, 2022, 03:52:55 PM
And I agree, I think Reynir's parents are happy. As are Torb and Siv, in their way. Emil's parents were not, that's almost-canon (if Minna's late comments count as canon), but I am not sure he even realizes that. I think that, for the Emil in my story, the real problem is that he grew up very isolated, worth little chance to see how marriages (or even families) work. So all he has are some half-formed ideas that don't really map very well to how Lalli works.
But, anyway, this was a comedy, so you can assume the whole story ends happily.
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 15, 2022, 08:43:15 AM
Thanks, dmeck! I have a part-written story about the seed vault mission around somewhere (it is my #1 contender for a cool Adventure Three).
I would love to read that adventure. I am unsure if there are other vaults other than Svalbard, or your adventure could just include a sea adventure :)
When I did that for the prompt of the week it was something small, but it could be an amazing adventure story.
And I agree, I think Reynir's parents are happy. As are Torb and Siv, in their way. Emil's parents were not, that's almost-canon (if Minna's late comments count as canon), but I am not sure he even realizes that. I think that, for the Emil in my story, the real problem is that he grew up very isolated, worth little chance to see how marriages (or even families) work. So all he has are some half-formed ideas that don't really map very well to how Lalli works.I would be among the people who think Emil's parents were not happy. I think Lalli parents were happy. Lalli is his own person and definitely follows his own path. Emil and Lalli workign their way together is the best
But, anyway, this was a comedy, so you can assume the whole story ends happily.Emil and Lalli and a happy ending...what more do we need :)
Post by: Jitter on August 15, 2022, 04:03:46 PM
Personnel File: Mikkel Madsen p. 28/84
Subject
Team evaluation. Mission: Silent World Expedition 1, Y91
Description
The team travelling with Madsen in this mission consisted of four military personnel representing the Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish military forces. Furthermore included in the team at later stages of the mission was one human civilian (Icelander) and one wild-born cat.
The following contains anonymous evaluations of Madsen's skills and conduct during the mission, given by all human team members except for the team mechanic, who is deceased. Due to the small size of the surviving team, the civilian team member was also asked for an evaluation.
Team member A
Good: cleaning, carrying, catching, cats, calm
Bad: fighting, Finnish
Really bad: cooking
Team member B
Mikkel is a really nice person! He is helpful and very knowledgeable. And he let me help! Also he knows a lot about the Silent World and Trolls and many other interesting things! He taught me many important things during the mission, such as "don't lick you arm if it has been near a troll". He is able to provide food from meager provisions. His food doesn't necessarily taste very good but it kept us all going! Except for Tuuri of course, but that was not Mikkel's fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. Really it wasn't!
He's not very keen on magic, which was a bit disappointing for me. But all in all he is a great guy. And Kitty likes him too! That must count for something!
I would be glad to travel with Mikkel again, anywhere in the world.
Team member C
Madsen is a great pair of hands for all support functions (except cooking! Seriously, don't ever make him a cook again. Ever.). He is strong and usually level-headed and has a delightful sense of humor! Unfortunately he's useless with any sort of weapon. Don't give him weapons. Sometimes he's prone to mutiny so strong discipline and decisive leadership may be needed. Great looks too.
Team member D
As a fellow rational thinker, Mikkel was at times welcome company during the bizarre mission. At other times he was acting weird and made serious mistakes such as claiming that a mere bruise may result in face cancer. He's strong and clear headed for a Dane. Practical approach to things, unfortunately including how many beds are needed for six people and one cat.
Note from cat wrangler at base
The wildling cat the team procured during the mission was in good condition and clearly had been taken good care of. Presumably much of this task was undertaken by Madsen whose duties included feeding, cleaning etc. of the team. Appears Madsen is well capable of taking care of a cat.
Post by: tehta on August 15, 2022, 04:12:42 PM
Post by: Jitter on August 15, 2022, 04:35:19 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 15, 2022, 05:01:33 PM
You don't know whose evaluations these are! They are completely anonymous!It was fun to try and guess…..
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 15, 2022, 05:02:06 PM
Well that was fun, but now I want to read everyone's evaluations of everyone (I also think self-evals should be required.)That would be really cool
Post by: thegreyarea on August 16, 2022, 10:40:18 AM
Meanwhile I'm working on Lalli's story, and I suddenly had one more inspiration for Mikkel, even if a (large) bit late...
(https://i.postimg.cc/VL6v2xrV/stormtroopers-and-mikkel.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(I know, probably someone already did something like that, but I just couldn't resist...)
Post by: Jitter on August 16, 2022, 05:30:17 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 16, 2022, 05:35:15 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/102970317
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 16, 2022, 05:35:37 PM
Well, some of the totally anonymous team members did reference something on those lines, but zero Star Wars jokes so far so you’re good!
I love the fact they are spotless...
Post by: wavewright62 on August 17, 2022, 01:20:18 AM
You don't know whose evaluations these are! They are completely anonymous!(http://i.imgur.com/SwixWlX.png)
Of course.
(heeee, hysterical)
Post by: tehta on August 17, 2022, 04:54:43 AM
And how about coming up with future prompts? Grey, anything that would fit your Lalli story?
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 17, 2022, 08:27:28 AM
Who doesn't like Lalli stories :)
Post by: tehta on August 17, 2022, 08:46:49 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on August 18, 2022, 12:04:16 PM
I love the fact they are spotless...Yes, stormtroopers' galaxy-wide famous aiming ability... :D
(I must point that I didn't create the meme. It's floating around on the net, in several versions. My mind just made the connection Mikkel aim - Stormtrooper aim, then I googled it, shamelessly grabbed one and added Mikkel)
I had a StarWars joke! About Mikkel being Emil's father, though. I have never seen this particular joke, and especially not in reference to paintball... Hee.I'm glad you liked it! And I'd like to see the father-son joke
And how about coming up with future prompts? Grey, anything that would fit your Lalli story?
(and now I'm imagining how Emil would look with Mikkel's whiskers... :emil: :mikkel:
Wait! I just had an idea!
(comes back after a while)
Now I know! :D
(https://i.postimg.cc/0y41G602/Emil-whiskers.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(so, if anyone is asking, this panel is from page 188, and the whiskers came from page 191, plus some editing on PS)
Well, back on the topic...
I'm working on Lalli's story, but it is connected with my drawing and not with the new prompt that, I suppose, is "illness", even if most SSSS-inspired stories deal, on one way or another, with the Rash... Anyway I was thinking on some illness-related image to answer the prompt while I (try to) work on Lalli...
As I said it's all in my mind, but, you know, easier thought than done. :)
(Oh, wait! Since this is the beginning of the famous "face cancer" moment, this edit counts as illness related, right? Right?)
Post by: Buteo on August 18, 2022, 12:10:25 PM
(Oh, wait! Since this is the beginning of the famous "face cancer" moment, this edit counts as illness related, right? Right?)
*Nods vigorously*
Yes, absolutely it does count!
*Admires image again and snickers, at both Mikkel's prank and Emil's self-important obliviousness*
Post by: tehta on August 18, 2022, 12:35:24 PM
And grey, I meant that you should suggest a future prompt that fits your story, so you have a good excuse to share it here! Or, you know, any future prompt at all. I liked it when we had a sequence lined up.
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 18, 2022, 12:51:19 PM
That is truly frightening...)
(and now I'm imagining how Emil would look with Mikkel's whiskers... :emil: :mikkel:)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0y41G602/Emil-whiskers.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(Oh, wait! Since this is the beginning of the famous "face cancer" moment, this edit counts as illness related, right? Right?)yes it does
Post by: thegreyarea on August 18, 2022, 01:08:02 PM
(I think they really fit Emil's face! That's me speaking through Mikkel. You can even notice that the letters seem slightly different... ;) )
And grey, I meant that you should suggest a future prompt that fits your story, so you have a good excuse to share it here! Or, you know, any future prompt at all. I liked it when we had a sequence lined up.Hummm... I see... So after "Illness" maybe we can have "Recovery" and then "Growth"? So we start this week at the lower point, find a balance in the next week and jump to the next level at the following one? (BTW the new Lalli story is called "Levelling Up" ;) )
EDIT: And I reached 1500 posts! No levelling up for me yet, though, still a 1000 posts away from the next promotion... Anyway, the next round on the mess is on me! 8)
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 18, 2022, 01:18:04 PM
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/589f9416d482e9cad9363b14/1497746730211-90R2CQD4T452VRC57LVD/IMG_8925.JPG?format=1500w)
Post by: thegreyarea on August 18, 2022, 02:10:56 PM
(https://i.makeagif.com/media/12-21-2014/K2muEM.gif) (https://ssssforum.com/gif/pacman-eating-cupcakes-K2muEM)
Post by: Jitter on August 18, 2022, 02:40:10 PM
Dmeck, your story was frightening! Those things don’t even burn? What if we nuke them from orbit?
Grey, great accidental contribution :) And I like your suggested prompts.
Do we take reruns? I have an old story that fits ‘Illness’
Post by: thegreyarea on August 18, 2022, 03:14:14 PM
Grey, great accidental contribution :) And I like your suggested prompts.Thanks! And I'm glad you like them! And that means I still have another week to finish the story! ;D
Do we take reruns? I have an old story that fits ‘Illness’
As for reruns, why not? Put your old story on the microwave (print it first, electronics and MW don't like each other ;) ), thaw a bit and serve if still tastes good. There's a good chance some of us didn't read it yet, and anyway your stories are so good that even if we did it will still be a pleasure to reread!
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 18, 2022, 03:55:33 PM
Tehta, you did have a StarWars joke! I meant for Mikkel week.
Dmeck, your story was frightening! Those things don’t even burn? What if we nuke them from orbit?
Grey, great accidental contribution :) And I like your suggested prompts.
Do we take reruns? I have an old story that fits ‘Illness’
Thank you(?). I made a comment about Londinium in the Prompt for sacred places, so i figured i'd pop a story about why. They would burn. (I forgot about fire ..)
Tehta I forgot about your Mikkel story. I wonder what Emil would think....I like the back of the tank stories...
Reruns are always great.
Post by: tehta on August 18, 2022, 06:18:47 PM
If we're doing reruns on the topic of illness then I would rec this (https://archiveofourown.org/works/37265626) story, not by me. (I am still hoping to squeeze out at least a drabble of fresh content. But now that I think about it, recs should be a valid thing to post here, shouldn't they?)
Post by: Jitter on August 18, 2022, 06:40:42 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/20747582
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 18, 2022, 07:15:39 PM
Tehta, you got it! (I’m sure) The lovely illustration gives me further reason to post.That illustration is so heartbreaking. It is lovely.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/20747582
Post by: Jitter on August 19, 2022, 03:53:54 AM
Post by: JoB on August 19, 2022, 04:19:27 AM
Yes, stormtroopers' galaxy-wide famous aiming ability... :DI suppose that Mikkel would also fit in quite well in terms of cuisine (https://boards.theforce.net/threads/what-are-the-clones-eating.17429724/) ...
My mind just made the connection Mikkel aim - Stormtrooper aim
Post by: tehta on August 19, 2022, 07:02:26 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 19, 2022, 08:52:03 AM
That story fills in lot of holes and I like it much better than Emil's mom setting the fire. I also think (like to think) knowing helped Emil become a healthier person.
Very very nice..
Thank you
Post by: Jitter on August 19, 2022, 01:17:16 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on August 19, 2022, 03:01:27 PM
It may sound strange, but I didn't hear about Emil's parents until now ( :o ) probably because I never asked... but it's still strange to hear new facts about characters that I supposed to know so well... Anyway it's nicer that she died from an accident before the fire than being directly connected with it.
Now, I was attacked by a muse that forced me to write a new story! And there's illness...
A Fateful Day (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41143167)
(link to AO3)
I hope you like it, but let me know anyway! :)
Post by: thegreyarea on August 19, 2022, 03:10:20 PM
I suppose that Mikkel would also fit in quite well in terms of cuisine (https://boards.theforce.net/threads/what-are-the-clones-eating.17429724/) ...Hum... lots of exquisite sources for glass noodles in the silent world! Tempered, Laminated, Bulletproof, thermal coated... :D
Post by: Jitter on August 21, 2022, 03:05:38 PM
Surely I will die
Anything may kill me, the
Hypochondriac
Post by: Jitter on August 22, 2022, 02:41:03 PM
Post by: tehta on August 23, 2022, 09:59:23 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 23, 2022, 10:50:19 AM
Look at that, I was actually inspired by this prompt! Emil's scout training continues.... Well, not really, but he's clearly made progress.Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Thank you!! I am still giggling
Post by: tehta on August 23, 2022, 02:21:40 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on August 25, 2022, 08:59:19 AM
Spoiler: show
Maybe I'll still do it...Meanwhile I've been busy, but managed to write a short story with Recovery as inspiration... I hope you like it!
The Crane and the Toad (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41268282)
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 25, 2022, 09:20:57 AM
Lovely story, tehta!Grey, That story was sad and hopeful.Spoiler: show
Meanwhile I've been busy, but managed to write a short story with Recovery as inspiration... I hope you like it!
The Crane and the Toad (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41268282)
Thank you all
The stories this prompt have been lovely..
Post by: thegreyarea on August 25, 2022, 01:04:48 PM
Grey, That story was sad and hopeful.I was wondering what could be the starting point for a "recovery" story, and then I recalled how I had put our dear Tuuri in a terrible, traumatizing situation on the previous week...
Spoiler: show
And that, in turn, made me recall one of my first reminders, back at the Disqus comments, when I stumbled upon Emily Dickinson's Hope is the Thing with Feathers , that I didn't know before that (we hardly have Portuguese poets at school, much less English ones).
So here it is, for you, my friends.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Post by: thegreyarea on August 26, 2022, 09:46:53 AM
Surely I will dieHypochondriac?
Anything may kill me, the
Hypochondriac
Me? Just because I'm shopping
with a hazmat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazmat_suit) suit?
:))
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 26, 2022, 12:43:17 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/103533657
Post by: thegreyarea on August 26, 2022, 03:04:28 PM
Here is my promptReally nice, dmeck! I already commented on AO3, however couldn't stop thinking about a possible prank by our usual suspect...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/103533657
So your story inspired this... :)
Mikkel looks concerned, examing the broken toe.
It hurts, but the way Mikkel looks makes it hurt even more. "What's the problem?" Emil asks.
Instead of answering, Mikkel retrieves a small bag from a side pocket and opens it. There's a syringe, two or three ampoules with a clear liquid inside, and a large scissor. To Emil's horror Mikkel grabs the scissor and looks with a deeply serious face at the broken toe, and then at Emil.
"What? No! No way! That can't be necessary! It's just a broken toe!"
Mikkel says nothing. He just opens and closes the scissor while still holding that stare.
Emil's toe seems to pulse in pain, and he starts sweating. He turns to Sigrun, trying to hold the panic that's building inside him. "Sigrun! Please! Tell him this is not necessary! It's just broken! It will recover in time!"
However Sigrun also remains silent. She simply reaches into a pocket, retrieving a roll of bandage. She gives it to Mikkel, and then she puts a hand over Emil's already trembling shoulder. "Let's do it Mikkel. We have to move on." She turns her face to the other side, so Emil can't see her.
Emil's eyes bulge as Mikkel comes closer, still dead serious. "Try not to move, Emil. It will be over in a moment."
"No! Stop! Sigrun! Lalli!" Emil says, but Lalli is somewhere else, and Sigrun is looking at the other way. Her shoulders are moving up and down, and Emil imagines that she's sobbing silently. He musters all his courage, takes a deep breath and says to Mikkel. "Right! Do what you have to do." And then he closes his eyes, expecting a sharper pain in his toe.
Emil hears the scissor cutting tissue, but feels nothing. Then Mikkel's large fingers are touching his toe, moving fast for what seems to be forever, but the peak of pain never comes.
"Done!" Mikkel says, and Emil opens his eyes to find the toe carefully bandaged together with the others.
Mikkel is smiling the most mischievous smile he ever saw, and Sigrun is laughing out of control, her shoulders moving up and down. "Ha ha ha ha... You should see your face!!! Ha ha ha ha!"
"It seems the stories people told in Bornhold about the swedes' lack of courage weren't true." Mikkel says as he taps Emil on the leg... and winks.
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 26, 2022, 03:10:34 PM
Really nice, dmeck! I already commented on AO3, however couldn't stop thinking about a possible prank by our usual suspect...
So your story inspired this... :)
Mikkel looks concerned, examing the broken toe.
It hurts, but the way Mikkel looks makes it hurt even more. "What's the problem?" Emil asks.
Instead of answering, Mikkel retrieves a small bag from a side pocket and opens it. There's a syringe, two or three ampoules with a clear liquid inside, and a large scissor. To Emil's horror Mikkel grabs the scissor and looks with a deeply serious face at the broken toe, and then at Emil.
"What? No! No way! That can't be necessary! It's just a broken toe!"
Mikkel says nothing. He just opens and closes the scissor while still holding that stare.
Emil's toe seems to pulse in pain, and he starts sweating. He turns to Sigrun, trying to hold the panic that's building inside him. "Sigrun! Please! Tell him this is not necessary! It's just broken! It will recover in time!"
However Sigrun also remains silent. She simply reaches into a pocket, retrieving a roll of bandage. She gives it to Mikkel, and then she puts a hand over Emil's already trembling shoulder. "Let's do it Mikkel. We have to move on." She turns her face to the other side, so Emil can't see her.
Emil's eyes bulge as Mikkel comes closer, still dead serious. "Try not to move, Emil. It will be over in a moment."
"No! Stop! Sigrun! Lalli!" Emil says, but Lalli is somewhere else, and Sigrun is looking at the other way. Her shoulders are moving up and down, and Emil imagines that she's sobbing silently. He musters all his courage, takes a deep breath and says to Mikkel. "Right! Do what you have to do." And then he closes his eyes, expecting a sharper pain in his toe.
Emil hears the scissor cutting tissue, but feels nothing. Then Mikkel's large fingers are touching his toe, moving fast for what seems to be forever, but the peak of pain never comes.
"Done!" Mikkel says, and Emil opens his eyes to find the toe carefully bandaged together with the others.
Mikkel is smiling the most mischievous smile he ever saw, and Sigrun is laughing out of control, her shoulders moving up and down. "Ha ha ha ha... You should see your face!!! Ha ha ha ha!"
"It seems the stories people told in Bornhold about the swedes' lack of courage weren't true." Mikkel says as he taps Emil on the leg... and winks.
LOL. that was great!!
Post by: lwise on August 26, 2022, 05:52:12 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on August 31, 2022, 06:25:07 AM
Meanwhile this week we have something like "growing" or "leveling up" as prompt. I don't have that story ready yet, but while working on it I heard, from a secure but anonymous source, that one of our beloved characters signed in for a new role...
(https://i.postimg.cc/wTJYvMWr/Emil-Phoenix-v1-3.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
That anonymous source says that "Stupid Emil is happy" because now he has much more things to burn... ;)
BTW not that I think anyone could believe that gorgeous art is mine... :(
Anyway, here's the original (https://i.postimg.cc/N0MV1Vtq/Black-Panther-Phoenix-Image-1-jpg-740-1116-8-31-2022-10-05-21-AM.png[/url)
And Emil came from the last panel of page 227, adv. 1
EDIT 1 : I replaced the initial image. There was a problem with the neck, so I had to move Emil's head a bit up... Don't worry, I didn't ask Mikkel to do that part... ;)
EDIT 2 : Replaced the image again to remove the lettering so it matches with the following ones. Yes, I'm a perfectionist. Yes, I know I shouldn't be... I'm trying! :)
EDIT 3 : Replaced the image again, this time to make the font match with the others in the series
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 31, 2022, 08:12:54 AM
Mikkel says thanks dmeck and lwise!!!
Meanwhile this week we have something like "growing" or "leveling up" as prompt. I don't have that story ready yet, but while working on it I heard, from a secure but anonymous source, that one of our beloved characters signed in for a new role...
And Emil came from the last panel of page 227, adv. 1
ooooo pretty!! I am glad you mentioned the prompt...I forgot what it was.
Post by: thegreyarea on September 01, 2022, 06:31:09 AM
Now Sigrun unexpectedly climbed several levels in one jump after meeting an influent character...
So here she is, ready to slice her enemies!
(https://i.postimg.cc/1XnW3WTG/Sigrun-thor-ANGRY.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0KvGtC9j)
And yes, she's holding Lyn. (the sword shows up in Lightning (https://archiveofourown.org/works/21430231), if you're curious about it ;) )
Also, just like in Emil's pic, this is not my art. This is the original (https://i.postimg.cc/ZYWZNJzc/thor.jpg)
Sigrun face came from the fifth panel on page 218, adv. 1, and thanks to that smile...
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on September 01, 2022, 10:42:35 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on September 02, 2022, 06:58:14 AM
Talking about imagination, our characters keep leveling up!
This time it was Mikkel, that signed for a new role, one where he doesn't have to shoot anyone...
(https://i.postimg.cc/d1WLQFZf/Mikkel-wolverine.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And I got this glimpse of conversation between two unidentified persons when sitting in the backstage...
"So, you still have zero faith in my battling skills?"
"Oh, as long as you don't have to use a gun there's no problem. And I do like that uniform on you. Working out a lot, hum?"
"Thanks. Yes, you know, I had to properly fill the role, it was not just a matter of having sideburns..."
"Hum... Those claws make you look really... dangerous! And I know you're quite dangerous with your hands, Mi-Mi..."
"Shhh! Don't call me like that in public!"
"Look, there's no one around, Mi-Mi!"
"There may be someone! And what would my fans say if they find out you call me like that, Run-Run?"
"What!!! You know I hate when you call me that way!"
"Hate? Last time it didn't look like hating..."
"You..."
"Hey, no need to draw the fancy sword! Look, why don't we find a better place to have this... conversation, Run-Run?"
"Come here!"
There was the sound of people running, and they were gone, leaving a smell of electricity in the air...
And this is from where Mikkel's face came from...
(https://i.postimg.cc/L5w5fVTB/MIKKEL-PAGE-441.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And here's the original illustration from Marvel. (https://i.postimg.cc/fRjWTs6v/wolverine4.jpg)
Post by: Róisín on September 02, 2022, 08:34:23 AM
Post by: tehta on September 02, 2022, 11:41:38 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 02, 2022, 12:27:02 PM
I am *loving* our super-heros.
What have you got figured for the rest of our merry band? ;)
Post by: thegreyarea on September 02, 2022, 01:24:16 PM
I have (what I suppose is) a good idea for Reynir, but would love to hear suggestions for Lalli and Tuuri (and perhaps Onni?)
Post by: tehta on September 02, 2022, 01:51:02 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on September 02, 2022, 02:08:08 PM
Night Owl from the Watchmen has a pretty sad vibe...Well thought, tehta! It would be a great match for Onni but... I'd have to find a way to make Night Owl keep being itself without its mask, otherwise how would we recognize Onni? I'll have to think about it...
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 02, 2022, 02:35:17 PM
Well thought, tehta! It would be a great match for Onni but... I'd have to find a way to make Night Owl keep being itself without its mask, otherwise how would we recognize Onni? I'll have to think about it...
Maybe an over shadow of his luonto.
Tuuri (Captain Marval? I also thought she'd be an excellent female Xavier)
Lalli (Storm...I know I am pushing it here)
Post by: JoB on September 02, 2022, 03:45:18 PM
would love to hear suggestions for [...] Tuuri... Tuuri and Kisu combine into Jack (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_of_Hearts_(Marvel_Comics))?
Post by: wavewright62 on September 03, 2022, 07:12:00 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on September 03, 2022, 11:40:22 AM
Now I'm divided between cap Marvel and Rogue for Tuuri :)
As for Jack, it's an interesting proposal, JoB. After seeing him I recalled the character from a long time ago...
Meanwhile I'm working on Reynir for today (hopefully) and had (what I believe is) a great idea for Lalli, so now I still have to match Tuuri (as mentioned above), Onni (possibly nightowl, or someone else...) and Kisu (some sort of anthrophomorfic cat? Or a superpowered big feline?).
Suggestions are welcome! :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 03, 2022, 12:44:38 PM
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on September 03, 2022, 01:06:21 PM
I had trouble with this week's prompt. (Maybe because I need to grow more ;) )Everyone needs, my friend. ;)
I like this short piece, and your ability to keep it ambiguous.
(I have nothing against Onni+Reynir, and I love Jitter's stories with them. They have the obvious advantage of being both alive, but in my head I still see Reynir and Tuuri as a great match...)
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 03, 2022, 01:36:25 PM
Everyone needs, my friend. ;)
I like this short piece, and your ability to keep it ambiguous.
(I have nothing against Onni+Reynir, and I love Jitter's stories with them. They have the obvious advantage of being both alive, but in my head I still see Reynir and Tuuri as a great match...)
Thanks. I like Jitters stories also. Plus a few of the others that are out there. I have done Onni and Reynir also, but lean toward a wife for Onni. I like Reynir and Tuuri, but alas…
Post by: thegreyarea on September 05, 2022, 08:35:49 AM
And this one was hard to finish, too, but I think it came out really nice. But you tell me.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1tW7xCBc/REYNIR-doctor-strange-v1-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vgVtfvpc)
Sorry, Wave! I like your suggestion but Reynir/Doctor Strange was already in the making. I couldn't resist when I realized that, beyond the magic association, Strange uses the same gesture for magic as Reynir uses for "sheep" in his game of Rock-Paper-Scissors-Sheep-Gun with Sigrun... :D
As you can see here (page 233, adv.2):
(https://i.postimg.cc/L4xd3h3Z/Reynir-plays-Sheep-Adv2-page233.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And here Doctor Strange's great original art. (https://i.postimg.cc/c4Cp9ZFk/doctor-strange-5.jpg)
The "ghost sheep" came from a pic someone shared on FB... And Reynir face and braid came from different dream sequences in the beginning of Adv. 1
Now to Lalli! I think it will be a good one, and hopefully will take less work to do. Still open to suggestions for Tuuri (besides Cap. Marvel and Rogue) and Kisu.
EDIT: I made a small correction and, since I was editing the image... :) ...added a variant with Strange's signature goatee and some touches of white hair on his temples...
(https://i.postimg.cc/RhyPhWjW/REYNIR-doctor-strange-v1-1-variant.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBKKDYNW)
(a slightly older Reynir... I wonder what Onni would think ;) )
Post by: JoB on September 05, 2022, 04:16:45 PM
I wonder what Onni would think ;)Given that his opinion on non-Finnish mages/magic is suitably broad-stroked, I'd guess "Baaaa humbug!" ;D
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 05, 2022, 04:54:14 PM
Awesome Reynir!!
Post by: Róisín on September 05, 2022, 05:11:12 PM
Post by: wavewright62 on September 06, 2022, 03:21:15 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on September 06, 2022, 12:41:43 PM
And the job benefits included leveling up... ;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rwpQLXzd/Lalli-Silver-Surfer-v1-0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JG9bbFNm)
Luckly Emil in his new Phoenix form can also travel through space... ;)
The original Silver Surfer art is here (https://i.postimg.cc/90ptvJht/Silver-Surfer-7.jpg).
So we still have Tuuri, Onni and Kisu to level up... We have two options for Tuuri, so far: Captain Marvel and Rogue (from the X-Men), and I'm not sure which is the best.
There's also the Night Owl (Watchmen) for Onni, but that has the mask problem... So, any suggestions will (as always) be welcomed!
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 06, 2022, 12:43:27 PM
Post by: Jitter on September 06, 2022, 01:55:06 PM
Which leads me to suggest prompt for this week: beard / braid. Any takers?
Post by: JoB on September 06, 2022, 02:00:24 PM
There's also the Night Owl (Watchmen) for Onni, but that has the mask problem...Which Nite Owl do you have a "mask problem" with, Mason (https://watchmen.fandom.com/wiki/Nite_Owl) or Dreiberg (https://watchmen.fandom.com/wiki/Dan_Dreiberg)?
There also are Onnis statements a la "I belong to the forest", of course. I suppose you wouldn't want to make him into an Ent, or Groot, but there are other options (https://www.cbr.com/plant-based-comic-book-characters/) ...
Post by: Jitter on September 06, 2022, 03:06:18 PM
The same would apply to Lalli too (except for the flying animal), but he’s already sorted. (And Silver Lalli is a much better match for Phoemil than Batlalli would be).
Post by: tehta on September 06, 2022, 04:35:05 PM
Also, Night Owl II (Dreiberg) is totally a Batman parody.
(And I am fine with a hairy prompt, but I am so behind already that it probably doesn't matter...)
Post by: Jitter on September 06, 2022, 05:11:58 PM
You are not “behind”, this is not a chore :) If you like a prompt, go for it, if not (or don’t have time or energy) then no prob
Post by: thegreyarea on September 09, 2022, 05:03:40 AM
Which Nite Owl do you have a "mask problem" with, Mason (https://watchmen.fandom.com/wiki/Nite_Owl) or Dreiberg (https://watchmen.fandom.com/wiki/Dan_Dreiberg)?Thanks, JoB! Always providing fascinating links! I didn't know the Mason version. TBH my knowledge of the Watchman is limited to the later graphic novels (that I owned before lending them to someone...) and the movie. So I was only aware of the Dreiberg version of Night Owl.
There also are Onnis statements a la "I belong to the forest", of course. I suppose you wouldn't want to make him into an Ent, or Groot, but there are other options (https://www.cbr.com/plant-based-comic-book-characters/) ...
And the link to the "other options" is so interesting! I'm seriously considering making an "El Seed" version of Onni... :D
Now about the mask... The problem is that sometimes masked heroes identity relies mostly on their masks, but using them will hide the face of our character.
Below you can see Onni, and Night Owl, and Onni as Night Owl... Where there's little Onni to be seen. If you take out the googles there's a bit more Onni, but a lot less Night Owl.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZhqNVH9/night-owl-onni-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G40bfRKS)
That would be the case of Daredevil, Cyclops and others. Of course that doesn't happen with all masked characters. Batman or Spiderman's uniforms, for instance, are so characteristic that even without a mask you know who they are.
Anyway, I want to complete this series, but had been terribly busy these days. I hope to have the next one this weekend, and meanwhile I'll think about beards... :)
Post by: wavewright62 on September 11, 2022, 04:32:56 AM
Mebbe our Kisu can shlep in as Tigra, although the bikini look is kinda cringe.
Post by: tehta on September 11, 2022, 01:30:51 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 11, 2022, 02:00:37 PM
I went with the alternate meaning of beard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beard_(companion)#:~:text=Beard%20is%20an%20American%20slang,to%20conceal%20one's%20sexual%20orientation.). Sorry. At least it's not Emilalli...Spoiler: show
I love this.. I did not know the alternative meaning of Beard...
Post by: Jitter on September 11, 2022, 02:43:51 PM
Post by: tehta on September 11, 2022, 04:01:55 PM
I am feeling a bit like I should stop writing nothing but little dialogue-heavy snippets of the crew interacting. They're the simplest thing for me, but also a little pointless.
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 11, 2022, 04:13:16 PM
But hey, don't we need a new prompt?They are so fun though
I am feeling a bit like I should stop writing nothing but little dialogue-heavy snippets of the crew interacting. They're the simplest thing for me, but also a little pointless.
Post by: Jitter on September 11, 2022, 04:23:54 PM
Post by: Jitter on September 11, 2022, 05:15:55 PM
Anyways here’s something about braids.
Spoiler: show
Here’s also an article showing the often striking differences some facial hair can make. These are just some celebrities including, of course, Jason, but I was surprised, maybe you will be too.
https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g28554065/male-celebrities-no-beard/
Post by: Róisín on September 11, 2022, 11:17:17 PM
Post by: tehta on September 12, 2022, 02:02:00 AM
When I said I wasn't sure about these vignettes I write, I want looking for praise. I'm just thinking maybe I should try to mix it up a little. Write something with no dialogue, step away from close third-person POV, that sort of thing.
And don't we still need a prompt?
Post by: thegreyarea on September 12, 2022, 08:42:00 AM
But I managed to complete one more for the leveling up series! And I believe you won't mind me skipping, for now, the beard/braid prompt...
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdqQdGvL/Tuuri-Captain-Marvel-v1-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KK33q546)
We even have a guest character! Did you spot it?
I for one love to see her pretty alive, flying over what could be Finland with a happy face! (that came from as early as page 72 on adv.1)
And here's the beautiful original art! (https://i.postimg.cc/pdFxW7zD/Captain-Marvel.jpg)
You will notice that I changed the original body proportions, trying to get a bit closer to Tuuri. (Not all female superheroes need to be 1.80m tall with a 90-60-90 body, right?) ;)
Post by: Róisín on September 12, 2022, 10:17:12 AM
Post by: Jitter on September 12, 2022, 04:58:08 PM
(Random prompt generator = me asking my hubby to give a topic, not telling him what for)
Post by: Róisín on September 12, 2022, 06:06:38 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on September 12, 2022, 06:27:53 PM
Random prompt generator gave us: LabyrinthThanks Jitter! That's a great prompt! You've got a fine Random Prompt Generator at home. I hope we will have more chances to enjoy his creativity. :)
(Random prompt generator = me asking my hubby to give a topic, not telling him what for)
Now to read the stories, and prepare the next leveling up...
Post by: Jitter on September 13, 2022, 04:31:03 AM
Post by: tehta on September 13, 2022, 05:50:49 AM
Spoiler: show
And what an awesome Tuuri! So happy! She'd love that, being able to fly and explore.
Post by: thegreyarea on September 13, 2022, 12:49:02 PM
But not that one, Tehta, because, you know, for me Sigrun and Mikkel are inseparable... Unless Onni is trying to help, guiding Sigrun because her fertility (or Mikkel's) isn't working... To see Sigrun asking for magical help could be fun. :)
And yes, it warms my heart to see Tuuri that happy! :sparkle: :tuuri: :sparkle:
Anyway, I hope you don't mind Jitter, because I do have everything ready to make a Bat-Onni, but then...
Someone else showed up, claiming he is the one that hunts monsters in the forest, using weapons and magic, and I couldn't say no...
(https://i.postimg.cc/QMfRPTtF/Onni-The-Witcher-V1-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyW75hnx)
(can you say no to The Witcher? Not an easy task...)
And here's the original art (https://i.postimg.cc/wBB7xRNY/the-witcher-17.jpg) (I believe it's from the game The Witcher III - Wild Hunt)
Also this was the trickiest one, because the image has a realistic style... So I had to make a realistic Onni, with lips and all that. But the nose was the hardest part. O_O
I hope you like it!
I put Tuuri together so he doesn't feel alone. And she can always sing "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" ;D
(Oh, and he has a beard!!! So this can also be my answer to the previous prompt!!! ^-^ )
EDIT : Replaced the image, but no one would have noticed, because it's all a matter of details... :)
Post by: JoB on September 13, 2022, 12:54:06 PM
I also learned that the amount of beard Admiral Olsen has is unrealistic. [...] Unless he’s a dwarf.He used to be. Then he started training for his trademark voice, which got him both thrown out (do you have an idea how painful someone with a loud voice is to be in the same tunnel with!?) and pumped up to the point where he doesn't look the part anymore.
Post by: tehta on September 13, 2022, 01:17:44 PM
Also, with Tuuri spoken for, Lalli can be Ciri! (And Reynir... Triss?)
Post by: Jitter on September 13, 2022, 01:41:04 PM
The Finnish name for Witcher is btw Noituri
Post by: tehta on September 14, 2022, 03:48:46 AM
Since this is the third story I have written about Emil's scout training, and I am working on a fourth, I have decided to give them their own fic on AO3. Here (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41699151/chapters/104603880) is the second, new chapter. (The first one is the one that ended with Sigrun suggesting that Emil train himself of his habit of tripping on things by carrying unstable explosives. This one shows the inevitable consequences of the idea.)
And yes, more team vignettes... I will write something different as soon as I stop having so many ideas for these, sigh.
Post by: thegreyarea on September 14, 2022, 06:51:25 AM
And Tehta, now I'll have to go check my steam account and give that game a try.
So, on year 92 Kitty went for a walk in the wild. Soon something amazing happened.
All over the world trolls and beasts vanished into thin air, which let people very confused.
They got even more confused when vast swaths of land became covered with small, shiny cans...
(https://i.postimg.cc/pTMzZbLL/Kitty-Thanos-v1-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jWvDx1fp)
Luckly humans remained as cat servants (who would open the cans?) which actually didn't change much... :D
Kitty (that now may be a bit more than grade A...) came from Minna's "Postcards" illustrations, and the original Kitthanos art is here (https://i.postimg.cc/MpGSvCWg/Kitthanos.jpg).
I hope you enjoyed this little series! I surely did!
EDIT: changed the image to correct a few details.
Post by: tehta on September 14, 2022, 01:18:16 PM
You've done such an amazing, seamless job with all of these! I'm tempted to ask to post them on the discord, but I'm also a bit lazy...
Post by: midwestmutt on September 14, 2022, 09:25:38 PM
Else, inside the labyrinth,
you will be a-MAZED.
Post by: thegreyarea on September 15, 2022, 07:12:25 AM
Tehta, thank you! You may notice that I updated Kitty's image, allowing me to correct some small flaws and make that adorable tongue a bit more visible. ^-^
About Discord, that's a nice idea! But would you publish them? I seldom go there, and I'm not very used with the uses and costumes of that "land"...
Anyway, your suggestion made me think that some may not know anything about "Lightning" and be at a loss on why Sigrun is holding a sword instead of good old Mjolnir... So I went back and made a version with it.
Spoiler: show
Maybe this is my labyrinth, being stuck with doing and redoing my contributions... Well, at least it's a good labyrinth. ;)
Post by: Keep Looking on September 15, 2022, 09:48:38 AM
About Discord, that's a nice idea! But would you publish them? I seldom go there, and I'm not very used with the uses and costumes of that "land"...
As another active(ish) member of the discord, I think the folks there would really enjoy these.
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 15, 2022, 02:06:35 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtSLPgTK/225-D285-F-17-FC-41-B7-B1-C4-FBFAD2-C8-F165.jpg)
I found a place with signal, and though I should share
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 15, 2022, 02:07:57 PM
As another active(ish) member of the discord, I think the folks there would really enjoy these.
Is there a discord for ssss?
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 15, 2022, 02:11:56 PM
Your new images are wonderful.
Onni is swoon-worthy, and kitty is wow
Post by: thegreyarea on September 15, 2022, 02:40:58 PM
Is there a discord for ssss?Yes! And a bunch of people in there. :) But I didn't find a way to create a link... I guess you have to search inside the Discord app.
And thanks! I'm happy that you liked them!
Also the picture is great! Must be a fantastic trip! I'd love to see more!
Post by: JoB on September 15, 2022, 04:43:27 PM
Yes! And a bunch of people in there. :) But I didn't find a way to create a link... I guess you have to search inside the Discord app.(Lookie here (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1281), still have it bookmarked to update the Wiki One Fine Day™ ...)
Post by: Keep Looking on September 15, 2022, 10:27:56 PM
Yes! And a bunch of people in there. :) But I didn't find a way to create a link... I guess you have to search inside the Discord app.
When all the Lovely People stuff happened the mods of the discord decided to make it private (meaning that only mods can make invite links) so that it wouldn't get too overwhelmed by potentially ill-intentioned people (there were a few... interesting characters... who eventually had to get banned because they said some rather unsavoury things). You can find an active link in the Forum Index (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1157.0), though, down near the bottom of the main post.
Post by: tehta on September 16, 2022, 07:17:35 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on September 16, 2022, 08:13:25 PM
Now, I was doing some research for the Labyrinth prompt and stumbled upon something I didn't know existed...
It seems the crew of the cat ship is up to some frightening adventures.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1z0L2kLX/aliens-labyrinth-cat-ship.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqXCZb4F)
(and here's the original (https://i.postimg.cc/RFX2VcCz/aliens-labyrinth.jpg))
Post by: tehta on September 18, 2022, 04:07:35 PM
Emil's scout-training continues!
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on September 18, 2022, 04:08:29 PM
Also, while I am posting... We need more prompts! Hmm. I am hungry right now, so maybe a cooking prompt. "Recipe"? "Spice"? Just "FoOd"?
Post by: Jitter on September 19, 2022, 10:46:16 AM
A great story about a not very great at all scout!
Post by: thegreyarea on September 19, 2022, 08:31:21 PM
It's crossover time! :lalli:
(https://i.postimg.cc/654nr9dn/Dune-SSSS-v1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfgXgRZt)
(and here's the original poster (https://i.postimg.cc/CxyDJWNt/Dune-SSSS.jpg))
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 23, 2022, 01:27:56 PM
I took a break from packing up my house to write something Labyrinth-related. Well, vaguely...
Emil's scout-training continues!Spoiler: show
Tehta,
I love your Emil-lalli stories. I like how Sigrun uses landmarks to get around. I have a poor sense of direction, and depend on that to find my way around. (Though if I have a map, i am usually really good. I can read a map well :) )
Someone wrote a story about Emil being Color-blind, and had trouble with maps. If one is color-blind, i can see how navigating the wilderness in general can be difficult.
As a side note: are you moving some place local or away? (I know you had posted before you have lived in many different places.. Something i'd love to have been able to do..)
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 25, 2022, 09:00:04 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/105275091
Post by: tehta on September 26, 2022, 03:16:39 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on September 26, 2022, 03:25:54 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 26, 2022, 02:16:24 PM
You know what else gets scented with vanilla? Candles!
But I think candles do not have the "real" scent. It probably is vanillin
(Did you know it can be made from oak?)
Post by: Jitter on September 27, 2022, 01:25:01 AM
No serious injuries to people or seep were reported in my source.
Therefore I suggest prompt for this week to be storm.
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 27, 2022, 08:32:03 AM
Iceland had the most severe storm in living memory on Sunday, leaving travelers stranded on a highway due to car windows broken by wind blown sand and gravel (about 70 people were evacuated to a nearby hotel that arranged emergency accommodation despite being already nearly fully booked) and about half of the country without electricity for a couple of hours.
No serious injuries to people or seep were reported in my source.
Therefore I suggest prompt for this week to be storm.
Sounds good.
QQ with the tarot-tober starting next week, do we want prompts of the week with that?
Post by: Jitter on September 27, 2022, 12:56:31 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 27, 2022, 05:03:46 PM
I was thinking the same, maybe it’s better to pause this for the duration of YoinkTober. Possibly with exception of the week containing the 7th, which is Sigrun’s birthday?
Definitely we need to keep Sigrun's birthday!!
Post by: tehta on September 27, 2022, 08:12:24 PM
But I think candles do not have the "real" scent. It probably is vanillinI did not know that, but considering what oak barrels do to wine I am not surprised!
(Did you know it can be made from oak?)
Storm seems like a great prompt. Sadly I am still so so busy.
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 27, 2022, 08:51:08 PM
I did not know that, but considering what oak barrels do to wine I am not surprised!
Storm seems like a great prompt. Sadly I am still so so busy.
It does the same sort of thing to whisk(e)y
Post by: Róisín on September 28, 2022, 07:30:52 AM
Post by: midwestmutt on September 28, 2022, 10:15:55 AM
Down South has a hurricane.
Send us back our heat.
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 28, 2022, 10:56:06 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/105439956
Post by: thegreyarea on September 28, 2022, 04:33:25 PM
I'm currently away from home, on Netherlands :) and will be until October 5. IDK if I'll be able to do something until that day (maybe an haiku or two?), but after that I'll hopefully be able to participate a lot more.
And of course I agree that Sigrun should have her week ;)
See you soon!
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 28, 2022, 04:45:39 PM
Hi! Sorry, I've been a bit "out" because real life really bites you hard when you want to go on vacation...
I'm currently away from home, on Netherlands :) and will be until October 5. IDK if I'll be able to do something until that day (maybe an haiku or two?), but after that I'll hopefully be able to participate a lot more.
And of course I agree that Sigrun should have her week ;)
See you soon!
Yeah the vacation part is great, but the before and after are horrible :).
anyways, I hope you are having a nice time though :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 29, 2022, 05:46:33 PM
Then onto Tarot-tober?
Post by: Jitter on September 30, 2022, 01:19:00 PM
Should we set the prompt for beginning of November already, to minimize risk of an overlong break?
Post by: dmeck7755 on September 30, 2022, 03:23:51 PM
Agreed, prompt for the upcoming week is Sigrun and then the week prompt goes on a break for the rest of October.
Should we set the prompt for beginning of November already, to minimize risk of an overlong break?
how about winter? it will definitely be cold and snowy
Post by: Jitter on September 30, 2022, 05:41:44 PM
1st week of October - Sigrun
*break for YoinkTober*
1st week of November - Winter
Post by: dmeck7755 on October 04, 2022, 12:01:05 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/105810351
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 04, 2022, 03:35:45 PM
If not, well I am early...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/107665152
Post by: Jitter on November 04, 2022, 05:58:07 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on November 08, 2022, 09:44:36 AM
This week I think is supposed to be winter now that Tarotober is over.Nice story, dmeck! Quite enjoyable! We need more stories from Sigrun's pre-SSSS times! :sigrun:
If not, well I am early...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/107665152
(I already left more comments on AO3)
And yey, I'm back at writing! Working on a Winter story! :) I hope to have it ready until the end of the week... let's see if I manage.
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 08, 2022, 09:53:30 AM
Nice story, dmeck! Quite enjoyable! We need more stories from Sigrun's pre-SSSS times! :sigrun:
(I already left more comments on AO3)
And yey, I'm back at writing! Working on a Winter story! :) I hope to have it ready until the end of the week... let's see if I manage.
Thank you. It is good to see you back. I was feeling alone. RL can really kick butt.
Post by: thegreyarea on November 08, 2022, 10:35:57 AM
Thank you. It is good to see you back. I was feeling alone. RL can really kick butt.Thanks!
And yes, it can. But just like Sigrun in your tale we have to move on! :)
Hugs!
Post by: thegreyarea on November 09, 2022, 06:26:57 AM
Now I'm feeling like doing things different this time. Instead of a third or first person outside narrator I was thinking on having the storyteller, Ensi, speaking to her grandchildren.
But I can see two options, and would ask you, my friends, to help me decide.
So I'm going to post here the first section (actually the only one that's ready) here in two formats:
1 - It's all dialogues, leaving things implicit
Spoiler: show
2 - A theatrical format, where scenaries and players are clearly and explicitly marked.
Spoiler: show
Both are challenging, yet I love a nice challenge! So, which do you prefer? :)
Post by: thorny on November 09, 2022, 08:36:11 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 09, 2022, 09:12:34 AM
Post by: angsttronaut on November 09, 2022, 10:29:47 AM
Post by: tehta on November 10, 2022, 05:36:25 AM
I know you're being experimental, dmeck, but I want to rant about the problem and the usual solution. That is, speech tags, which describe either the act of speaking, something else the character is doing, or something the POV character is thinking. You know:
"Good morning!" said Emil.
Lalli did not meet his eye. "Mmm."
Oh no! Was he upset again? "Sorry! I will go away!"
I think most people would agree that the best thing is to have as few tags as are needed to keep the reader from getting confused. I spend a lot of time (A LOT, like, definitely more than I spend on the dialogue itself) fiddling with my dialogue tags. I know I end up using a lot of cliche ones to indicate emotion (people staring, playing with their hair, whatever).
Anyway, here, I like the first version better. It feels more immediate, while the second version deliberately puts the reader outside of the story, and creates distance. (I see it mostly as a cheatsheet for the first version, lol.) And I think you did a great job keeping things clear for the reader. The only part that confused me is "Stories are good." Lalli had seemed so uninterested until then that I was surprised to see him jumping into the conversation.
Post by: thegreyarea on November 10, 2022, 08:34:39 AM
After reading your thoughts (I mean, not literarilly, it's not something the "Grey Area" would do... ;) ) on the matter, and rereading what I wrote, I'm quite sure that the first option is better, making for a more interesting, and fluid, reading.
And yes, Tehta, I see your point! I also spend a lot of time with my dialogue tags, trying to make them blend (seamlessly, or so I hope) with the text. :)
The "stories are good" was my way to say that even Lalli couldn't resist the charm of a good story, therefore it was strong enough to make him react and, as you said, jump into the conversation.
BTW I decided it was a good idea to revisit my previous stories featuring Ensi, and found they weren't on AO3, just on 2021's Advent Calendar.
And it happens that they are set on Winter, so they also fit on this week's prompt. ^-^
So I did a quick review, because there's always a thing or two or many that we want to change when revisiting an older work, and posted it!
I also decided to post parts 1 and 2 together.
It's here: Awakening (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42982242)
This story is dedicated to our dear Jitter (Jiiri on AO3), that provided an awesome song/prayer in Finnish (and English)!
Also thanks to Wave, that helped with the proofreading, enduring my mistakes with courage!
As always any feedback is much appreciated!
Post by: tehta on November 10, 2022, 10:28:47 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on November 10, 2022, 11:18:58 AM
I don't think "stories are good" is OOC for Lalli, I just mean that this is the sort of utterance that might need a speech tag to get parsed smoothly. Since a character who has been on the sidelines, and hasn't just been addressed directly, might not be on the reader's mind as a potential speaker.And you are 100% right on that. That needed - needs - a touch, something like:
Lalli sits on the carpet, facing Ensi. "Stories are Good."
Or something else... And a few others. In the end it would be easier to "create the scenario" if we had something like:
Watching the burning logs, Ensi let her thoughts wander while the children found their places on the carpet. Their eyes, wide open, were now locked onto her.
I was just contemplating a story without speech tags, without a narrator. To make a compelling and understandable story that way would be an interesting challenge, I believe. Would I be up to the task? I'm not sure. It's clearly more comfortable to stick with the usual format, like I did on Awakening... But a part of me would love to find out if I'm able to pull that. :)
Post by: Jitter on November 10, 2022, 03:29:17 PM
https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1144.135
However I think there’s a limit to the length of the story that works with no narration at all. At least it probably consists of only a handful of closely tied scenes. Also in case of your story it helps that the audience is very familiar with the characters and can probably decipher most of the lines based on speaking style. With a longer work this again becomes harder.
Post by: wavewright62 on November 12, 2022, 07:44:29 PM
Lately anything I write gets cross-posted to AO3 (even if I don't rate it very highly), and drawings gets cross-posted to tumblr & Discord. But I haven't gone back to check whether I have any early works only on here. (I'm told you can adjust the posting date.) A 'maybe, someday' task?
However, seeing how great some of your'n pieces are, they totally deserve cross-posting!
Post by: Jitter on November 15, 2022, 07:42:56 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 15, 2022, 08:10:58 AM
We need a prompt for this week. We had winter, shall we then say COLD?
Sure. finally turned cold here. (Saturday it was almost 80 (27) yesterday evening it was 33 (.5) ) Consider it is mid-November the second number is more normal for this time of the year
Post by: angsttronaut on November 15, 2022, 11:08:18 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 15, 2022, 12:19:35 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 15, 2022, 12:21:45 PM
Coldness all around for that. Thank you.
Post by: thegreyarea on November 15, 2022, 01:53:38 PM
And that's one nice prompt because I haven't finished my "Winter" story, but it also has lots of "Cold", so I'm fine! ^-^
(BTW we're also not getting very cold on this side of the Iberian peninsula. It's 16 ºC (aprox, 61 ºF, or 289.15 ºK ;) )
Simple, Summer shirts (or T-shirts) and a light jacket have been, so far, enough for this Autumn...
Post by: Jitter on November 20, 2022, 10:24:27 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/NMtDbJLH/32-E2-AF4-C-9-C68-43-A2-8440-CF93-A9-B1-F985.jpg)
Special forms in nature, like a spruce with very flat branches were often considered significant, conduits to the spirits or places of power. This spruce near us is not a full on “Tapio’s Table” because it also has some upwards growth, but it’s interesting. A Tapio’s Table is a spontaneous mutation sometimes occurring in the common “forest spruce” (Picea abies, Norwegian spruce) that results in the branches growing horizontal and thick. We had one in my previous garden, but that was a planted specimen, this one is natural.
Hunters used to leave offerings for Tapio by placing parts of the catch on a Tapio’s Table (I’m sure there were other options too because there aren’t any everywhere) to thank for the game and ensure or at last ask for hunting luck in the future too.
Same one without the snow:
Spoiler: show
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kz5NWPgs/E60-D743-B-33-D7-40-E8-A215-8-C2989-AD95-D5.jpg)
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 20, 2022, 09:11:04 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/108541551
Jitter, I love the photos. We has a little bit of snow here last week, but it had melted by noon :(
Post by: Róisín on November 21, 2022, 01:54:12 AM
Post by: Jitter on November 21, 2022, 03:51:30 AM
This week is dedicated to Onni, whose birthday last Saturday I unfortunately missed. I’m sorry Onni! Let’s hope someone gives you a wonderful birthday party to disapprove of.
Post by: thorny on November 21, 2022, 10:39:08 AM
here is my cold take.
Nice! and it manages to tie together all those loose ends and contradictions!
Post by: thegreyarea on November 22, 2022, 06:59:13 AM
Loved the "Emil was a prick".
It offers a fitting (while awful) explanation for the fire, for Emil being a lone child, even for his greedy side...
And, of course, for his connection with fire. I would surely enjoy more stories where his "powers" begin to show.
All that said I'll assume this as my headcanon from now on.
PS. Prodigy's "Firestarter" comes to mind as a possible soundtrack for the second part when things go downhill
(warning, this is a bit on the heavy/noisy side, and definitively not everybody's cup of tea)
Spoiler: show
and also the homonymous 1984 film: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestarter_(1984_film)
Jitter, such beautiful pictures! They make me wish we had snow here... And Tapio's table is so nice. Thanks for sharing it. :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 22, 2022, 09:37:37 AM
Dmeck, I really enjoyed the story! <3 Well done! (Lines below are from my AO3 comment)
Loved the "Emil was a prick".
It offers a fitting (while awful) explanation for the fire, for Emil being a lone child, even for his greedy side...
And, of course, for his connection with fire. I would surely enjoy more stories where his "powers" begin to show.
All that said I'll assume this as my headcanon from now on.
PS. Prodigy's "Firestarter" comes to mind as a possible soundtrack for the second part when things go downhill
(warning, this is a bit on the heavy/noisy side, and definitively not everybody's cup of tea)Spoiler: show
and also the homonymous 1984 film: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firestarter_(1984_film)
Jitter, such beautiful pictures! They make me wish we had snow here... And Tapio's table is so nice. Thanks for sharing it. :)
Thank you
Grey.. You are correct, that was loud. It would blast your ear buds right off
I remember that movie. I actually liked the book much more than the movie.
I thought of all the conversations about Emil and Emil's parents and thought I'd try and incorporate it as one cohesive mass (or mess ha ha)
It kinda made me think about a country song written in 1975 (yeah, I'm old) sung by an American Artist Named David Allen Coe
Spoiler: show
Jitter,
Does “Tapio’s Table” grow outside of Northern Europe? For some reason, They look like something I have seen in the woods of Northern Maine.
Post by: Jitter on November 22, 2022, 01:58:59 PM
There are dozens of flat and wide cultivars of various conifers, and all of those have occurred naturally somewhere, so yes, you may well have seen a similar form even outside of the range of the Picea abies.
Did you know that most cultivars of conifers are clones of one single specimen?
Post by: Róisín on November 22, 2022, 11:19:13 PM
Post by: Jitter on November 23, 2022, 04:30:28 AM
One example in particular I read about the custom was taking rhe first birf caught in a hunting trip, boil it with feathers still attached, and leave on the table as offering. The current understanding of the custom spans only for a few hundred years though, so we don’t know the actual usage and signifigance during prehistory. As applies to everything PREhistory.
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 23, 2022, 08:40:20 AM
Dmeck, the ones we have here form in/of Norwegian spruce, and I assume they may occur everywhere it grows, which is the Nordics, mountains (cool regions) in Europe, and much of the European part of Russia. In other areas there are different conifers that are similar in form, which might well also occasionally develop similar form. It can happen as a mutation or as result of “trauma”, if the upwards leading part (I know it has a name but I can’t recall) breaks off when the tree is small, and for some reason none of the other branches become the new upwards leading part.
There are dozens of flat and wide cultivars of various conifers, and all of those have occurred naturally somewhere, so yes, you may well have seen a similar form even outside of the range of the Picea abies.
Did you know that most cultivars of conifers are clones of one single specimen?
I did not know that Conifers were clones, but there is an organism in Utah that is supposed to be the largest tree in the world.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pando-the-trembling-giant
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/home/?cid=STELPRDB5393641
I did look up the types of trees that are native Maine has lots of Norway Spruce. It was imported and grown as a lumber product, so it could very well be those. Plus other species of spruce, juniper etc..
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 23, 2022, 10:42:37 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/108646768
Post by: Jitter on November 23, 2022, 01:50:28 PM
I knew about the aspen grove, but recently a seagrass meadow has been found to be even bigger: https://theconversation.com/meet-the-worlds-largest-plant-a-single-seagrass-clone-stretching-180-km-in-western-australias-shark-bay-184056
But I also seem to remember something about a mycelium that is even larger, it just lives hidden in the soil. I’ll see if I can find something about it.
I’ll also proceed to read about Onni!
Post by: Jitter on November 23, 2022, 02:10:23 PM
The mycelium I was thinking about is the Humongous fungus in Oregon, but it’s unclear whether it’s actually connected and thus a continuous single organism throughout. The seagrass mentioned earlier has such a ridiculously large area that it will be heavier than the Humongous fungus anyways.
Post by: tehta on November 26, 2022, 01:24:03 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 26, 2022, 10:13:09 AM
I have been away and busy with life stuff so long! But now I might have a little time to write, again, and I have updated one of my long-term WIPs, the one about Emil trying to be accepted by the Finnish gods. The first chapter was my response to the Emil prompt; perhaps the second one (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40511859/chapters/108747672), which uses an Onni POV, might work for the Onni prompt? (Warning for vague mentions of Emilalli.)
Very nice! I am glad you have time to write. How's the world traveling going?
Post by: Jitter on November 27, 2022, 10:59:45 AM
The first days had been a blur. They were put into a big and fancy room (“just on a very temporary basis, you understand, until we work this out”). The best thing about the room were its sturdy walls, door and window shutters. The second best was the wide bed, which was almost uncannily soft, and easily big enough for the three of them. The kids went out like a lantern the minute they lay down on the bed. And truth be told, he didn’t take long to fall asleep either. It was the first protected bed they had had for months.
The good night’s sleep was needed the very next day, when everyone was suddenly expecting him to have a plan, proof of his education, and, apparently, quite a lot of money. He of course had none of these things. On the one hand he was secretly proud that everyone treated him as a full adult. The flip side was of course the expectations. As an adult he should know everything and be on top of things. Just like every proper adult was!
He went around many offices, where he had to explain their situation as well as their parentage, again and again. At first the people he met also wanted him to talk about the Events, but every time he was asked, he felt Lalli’s little fist tightening on his tunic. So, usually it was enough to say “We are from Toivosaari” and gesture towards the wide-eyed child.
When it was established that he didn’t indeed have enough money to rent in the civilian quarters (or buy food for more than about a week, for that matter), he was urgently ushered (back) to the Quartermaster’s office, and then to the Staffing office, and back to the Quartermaster again. For a while he was afraid they’d be kicked out after all (“well, obviously, we cannot deny you our protection, but also, obviously, the lodgings are rented, not just given out”), but finally someone sent him to the Mages’ office, and he was promptly hired as a Junior Defense Noita. Normally a Junior Noita would be put into the big barracks, but with the children it was decided that they got a private room. (“She’s ten years old, she can’t go to the women’s barracks alone, and certainly not into the men’s common room”).
So, now, everything was in order. The room was small, but there was talk that two private rooms could probably be connected for them later. They were all allowed to eat at the common hall (or, in case of Lalli, got food brought to him from the common hall). They had gone to see the wall several times, and Tuuri was cautiously starting to relax.
He didn’t think he would ever be happy again, but now things were as good as they were going to get. He should feel… maybe not good, but better. In reality he was terribly anxious. He had a job, upon which depended not only his own livelihood but the children too. Grandma had made sure he was good at following orders, but this was a different kind of responsibility. The mages knew Ensi by reputation, but they didn’t know him, and he didn’t know them.
And the people! They were everywhere! Many hundreds, if that could be believed! So incredibly many people lived in Keuruu that it made his head spin. There were more people than their whole village simultaneously at dinner in the common hall! How was he supposed to ever know the names of so many people, let alone forge the relationships based on familiarity and mutual respect that life in a community was based on? Just thinking about it made his head spin. It was so overwhelming.
“Are you sad?” Lalli was staring at him.
“N-no! Everything is fine! I’m just a bit tired, is all!”
“You are sad.”
“Well, maybe just a bit. But it will pass,”
“No”
“No? What do you mean?”
“You will stay sad.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Grandma says… said… that we belong to the forest.”
“Yes? Yes, she… did.”
“You will stay sad, if you don’t go into the forest.”
The little gremlin had a point. It would be so much easier to breathe in a forest (one on a safe island of course - he’d always hated the trips to the shore where you never knew which direction a grossling would come from). To touch the trees, and only hear birds sing, instead of the never ending hubbub of the big city. The longing brought tears to his eyes.
“Well, Lalli, we must stay safe within the walls. I cannot go to the forest anymore.”
“We belong to the forest!”
“Don’t worry, Mielikki and Tapio will hear us from here too. And Vellamo is in this lake just like she is in Saimaa. We must get used to this.”
“No! Forest!” Lalli was practically in tears too.
“Oh Lalli, you at least will be able to go when you are older. Remember that I’m not immune.”
“Forest! Now! Come!” Lalli was tugging at his hand.
He recognized the signs and knew it’d be best to follow. He sincerely hoped Lali would calm down enough for him to be able to stop the kid from scaling the wall. But Lalli was not going for the gate. Instead he started north towards the fields. Seeing that he was following, Lalli stopped pulling him along and concentrated to the surroundings. It was amazing how much like Ensi he was already, at eight years old.
They passed the fields, and some remains of what had been Old World ruins (“don’t you worry a bit, it’s been cleansed many times over!”) and then turned to the east.
“Lalli? Where are we going?”
“Forest. I told you. Tyhmä!”
”Seriously Lalli, we cannot go outside. It’s too dangerous. Besides I’m in the military now, it will be an offense to leave the area without permission”.
“Shhh!”
The child was infuriating. He loved Lalli, but, what a crazy critter!
After a while the path left the fields and they were surrounded by trees. Lalli stepped off the path and walked between the trees. He followed. They climbed up a small hill, now fully surrounded by big tress. At the top of the hill, Lalli pointed to a very large tree.
“Come. Climb.”
“I’m not as agile as…” he started, but hitto (heck), they’d come all this way, and they were away from the wall. If humoring Lalli would help him settle down, he could do a bit of climbing.
The tree was actually a very easy climb. Soon he was up with Lalli, nestled in a sturdy fork in the trunk.
“So. Here we are.”
“Yes. Forest. Look.” Lalli was pointing northwards.
And indeed, they were so much higher that the wall, paths and small buildings were not immediately visible. Looking towards the north they could see trees upon trees upon trees, extending to unfathomable distance. In a way, it was scary, as it showed exactly what a tiny island of humanity in a sea of forest Keuruu really was.
But at the same time, it was utterly glorious. All that life extending in front of them. Certainly, many dangers lurked in that forest, but the trees and the birds were alive, and the ferns and the small buzzing things, and flowers and mosses and all manners of creepy crawlies. The world was hurt and life was still struggling, but not beaten. Never beaten.
“It’s marvelous. Thank you Lalli.”
“We belong to the forest.”
Post by: thorny on November 27, 2022, 11:42:03 AM
Post by: Jitter on November 27, 2022, 12:44:05 PM
* the Keuruu map on p70 of A1 is lopsided, north is to the right on that picture
We need a prompt for this week, suggestions?
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 27, 2022, 05:17:30 PM
I giggled when Onni referred to Lalli as a little gremlin.
Plus the life will find a way sentiment.
I felt this one deeply. Very nice.
Post by: Jitter on November 27, 2022, 05:40:04 PM
This week’s prompt? Anyone?
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 27, 2022, 05:48:31 PM
Post by: tehta on November 27, 2022, 06:57:50 PM
I am also quite amused that Lalli has managed to scout his new home so thoroughly without Onni noticing.
Post by: Róisín on November 27, 2022, 09:40:19 PM
Post by: angsttronaut on November 28, 2022, 04:20:33 AM
Post by: Jitter on November 28, 2022, 05:45:58 AM
Tehta, remember how Lalli feels his environment, I don’t know if he’s actually been there before or if he just knows where to go. On the other hand he’s well known for doing what cat so he probably has.
The prompt for this week is HIBERNATION! Thanks Dmeck!
Post by: thegreyarea on November 28, 2022, 07:50:54 PM
“Mmm.”
"Umm?"
"Hmm,"
...are priceless!
And of course the whole story is great. We are, indeed, talking about acceptance here, because Emil, and the others, have witnessed more than enough to put the existence of those supernatural beings, or forces, beyond any doubt.
Jitter, your story is also fantastic. Such an insight into those first days, and how hard it must have been to Onni. And it's good to revist Keeru. I believe it can be an ispiring location for more stories (hum... Young Lalli's adventures...)
Speaking of Lalli, those lines about him...
"(or, in case of Lalli, got food brought to him from the common hall)"
"The little gremlin had a point."
"Forest. I told you. Tyhmä!” (=stupid, if Google translated it right)
...are priceless!
So thank you both, and let's see if I can do something with Hibernation (which is a nice idea, dmeck!)
On my side... As usual i got carried (far) away for my "winter" story, that then enveloped also "cold"... and now I have in my hands a large story that will probably be in the 20k words range when completed... and now I decided to split it in parts so I can hope to present something in a short time... Let's see what I manage to do. :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on November 28, 2022, 08:30:13 PM
I can’t wait to read it
On my side... As usual i got carried (far) away for my "winter" story, that than enveloped also "cold"... and now I have in my hands a large story that will probably be in the 20k words range when completed... and now I decided to split it in parts so I can hope to present something in a short time... Let's see what I manage to do. :)
Post by: thegreyarea on November 29, 2022, 10:30:55 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/8CY7tkDr/hibernation.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qt8B7TNk)
(Not much detail here, particularly with the team... It's more like a production sketch for a hypothetical "SSSS in Spaaaace" movie :D )
(before someone asks, the drawing "structure" was made in CAD software, because I wasn't in the mood to do it by hand :) The team and the colouring was done by hand with drawing pen and colour pencils)
(and no, you're not going to fall from the ceiling because this is a (somewhat) realistic movie so there's no artifical gravity and they are not under trust ;) )
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on November 29, 2022, 11:34:43 AM
(and no, you're not going to fall from the ceiling because this is a (somewhat) realistic movie so there's no artifical gravity [...]Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: angsttronaut on December 02, 2022, 06:27:20 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on December 02, 2022, 07:19:53 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on December 02, 2022, 09:32:11 PM
And I managed to finish the first part of my Winter story! Just three weeks after the schedule! :D
I hope you like it. I'll try to complete the next part sooner than later.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/43384431/chapters/109059390
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 03, 2022, 12:04:23 PM
Both stories are wonderfully written. Being in the mind of mama bear was very enlightening
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 03, 2022, 03:11:36 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/109090647
Post by: Róisín on December 04, 2022, 12:23:55 AM
Post by: Jitter on December 04, 2022, 04:30:45 PM
Finally! A proper bed, and in a private room! This is all I wanted. I have had a decent meal, bathed and washed my hair, and now I can do what I couldn’t do for so long. Withdraw to my own room, lay on my bed, form a real pillow into a comfortable shape and curl up under warm and soft… warm and reasonably soft blankets! I will sleep through the winter! Don’t come calling! I will sleep until spring!
Ok so I need to go the bathroom. But after that, glorious rest.
Uff the pillow is lumpy. Or something. It bothers me.
Now I’m hungry again. At least the canteen is near.
Mmm finally to sleep… what’s that noise? Oh, it’s nothing.
I wonder what the others are up to.
The mattress is too soft. It’s swallowing me!
Ahh, it’s so nice and quiet! It’s too quiet! I don’t hear a thing! What if something has infiltrated the building and… stop being an idiot, this is a cleansed area. Just sleep.
234… 235… 236… 237… whoever thought counting sheep would help?
It’s too dark to sleep here.
Bathroom.
Hungry again.
“Good morning Emil! Did you sleep well? You look a bit pale!”
“Yes! I sleep great, thankyouverymuch. I’ll just grab some breakfast and go back to my hibernation.”
Oh, here’s Lalli. He looks terrible!
“Morn, Lalli. Are you all right?”
“Mrh. Can’t sleep,”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Nightmares?”
“No. Too quiet. Alone. No sleep.”
Poor Lalli. I’m sure he hates it too when he can’t sleep. Maybe…
“I thought of something… do you want to come with me?”
I guess I should lend the poor wretch a hand. If I can help him, I should, right? Too bad it will ruin my privacy, but it’s for a friend, right?
“You can sleep in my room, if you want to. Oh, I see you do. Why don’t you just help yourself to…. Ok I’ll go grab your blankets for myself.”
NOW all is well. I can finally, finally sleep.
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 05, 2022, 07:44:49 AM
Lovely story.
It is funny how one can get used to things being different that what you think/say.
And a very light touch of Emilalli sweet!!
Any ideas for this week's prompt?
Post by: tehta on December 05, 2022, 07:59:50 AM
Post by: angsttronaut on December 05, 2022, 09:54:13 AM
Post by: Buteo on December 05, 2022, 12:19:46 PM
Post by: Jitter on December 05, 2022, 02:06:02 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 12, 2022, 05:18:58 PM
Post by: Jitter on December 12, 2022, 05:42:05 PM
Post by: dreki on December 25, 2022, 03:03:36 PM
Thank you all :) We need a new prompt. It’s the Finnish Independence Day tomorrow, so maybe it could be “independent”?
Okay so like 3 weeks late to the party but Merry Christmas! A bit of fluffy Emilalli. Which I'm pretty sure is Teen appropriate.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/43841781
Post by: Jitter on December 25, 2022, 05:24:20 PM
@dmeck7755 did you have something planned for “independent”? Or should we set a new prompt?
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 25, 2022, 06:06:42 PM
Thank you dreki, it was sweet! And not late by any means, seeing as no one has set a new prompt.
@dmeck7755 did you have something planned for “independent”? Or should we set a new prompt?
I have been trying, but it all came out poorly. So a new prompt is fine
Thanks
Post by: thegreyarea on December 26, 2022, 11:03:42 AM
I did not know that Conifers were clones, but there is an organism in Utah that is supposed to be the largest tree in the world.Hi! We've talked about this before, so I thought you all could enjoy this XKCD (https://xkcd.com/2715/) strip, after @dmeck7755 's comment. :)
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pando-the-trembling-giant
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/home/?cid=STELPRDB5393641
I did look up the types of trees that are native Maine has lots of Norway Spruce. It was imported and grown as a lumber product, so it could very well be those. Plus other species of spruce, juniper etc..
And considering that, what do you think about "clone" as this week's prompt?
(not that I have anything planned... but I'll try)
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 26, 2022, 11:39:44 AM
Hi! We've talked about this before, so I thought you all could enjoy this XKCD (https://xkcd.com/2715/) strip, after @dmeck7755 's comment. :)
And considering that, what do you think about "clone" as this week's prompt?
(not that I have anything planned... but I'll try)
Thanks, I like XKCD, and that is fitting. I am good with the prompt, but will need to think hard on a story. I will go with what everyone wishes
Post by: Jitter on December 26, 2022, 03:28:41 PM
Post by: dreki on December 26, 2022, 04:39:04 PM
Identical twins can be considered a natural set of clones. Just in case anyone needs help with inspiration.
Post by: tehta on December 26, 2022, 09:34:11 PM
Also, I just posted a ficlet in which Torbjorn and Torolf are twins. Clearly I have clones on my mind. So maybe I'll try to think of something more original....
Post by: dreki on December 27, 2022, 01:08:21 AM
So, er, I was actually planning to work on the last chapter of a story about Emil's (evil) (identical) twin starting tomorrow. I guess that would count?
I personally think evil twins and doppelgangers should count.
Quote
Also, I just posted a ficlet in which Torbjorn and Torolf are twins. Clearly I have clones on my mind. So maybe I'll try to think of something more original....
I think some people headcanon that Mikkel and his brother Micheal are identical twins, and Ensi Hotakainen's sons appear to be identical twins. (Also lots of interesting headcanons about their father, Ukko-Pekka, as he has no last name, Ukko is the Finnish sky god, and there's no mention of him in comic)
Post by: Jitter on December 27, 2022, 06:10:12 AM
Dreki, I have repeatedly been playing with the idea that the Mikkel who gets fired from jobs and leaves ex bosses infuriated to see him again, and our Mikkel who is nothing but trustworthy and steadfast, are in fact the two brothers. One version of how this happened is probably somewhere in this thread. There’s also one, I think from Wave, involving the Madsen twins and the Dagrenning program.
Post by: Jitter on December 27, 2022, 11:32:33 AM
Independent
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all vessels, do not approach!
This is the Independent Carrier Vessel Steadfast. We have full armaments and a functional Air Wing on board. Deadly force will be employed without warning on any unauthorized approaching vessels. The vessel with call sign NCVV is no longer the USS Carl Vinson. The ICV Steadfast declared independence on 12.4.2014. We will not take orders from any craft.
All vessels, halt approach, hail and identify. Wait for further orders at place. Do not approach.
.
.
.
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all vessels, do not approach!
This is the Independent Carrier Vessel Steadfast. We have full armaments and a functional Air Wing on board. Deadly force will be employed without warning on any unauthorized approaching vessels. The vessel with call sign NCVV is no longer the USS Carl Vinson. The ICV Steadfast declared independence on 12.4.2014. We will not take orders from any craft.
All vessels, halt approach, hail and identify. Wait for further orders at place. Do not approach.
.
.
.
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all…
Thanks go to JoB on this one!
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 27, 2022, 12:32:48 PM
I thought I had a story happening, but it doesn't seem to go further. Nevertheless, here's a snippet for
Independent
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all vessels, do not approach!
This is the Independent Carrier Vessel Steadfast. We have full armaments and a functional Air Wing on board. Deadly force will be employed without warning on any unauthorized approaching vessels. The vessel with call sign NCVV is no longer the USS Carl Vinson. The ICV Steadfast declared independence on 12.4.2014. We will not take orders from any craft.
All vessels, halt approach, hail and identify. Wait for further orders at place. Do not approach.
.
.
.
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all vessels, do not approach!
This is the Independent Carrier Vessel Steadfast. We have full armaments and a functional Air Wing on board. Deadly force will be employed without warning on any unauthorized approaching vessels. The vessel with call sign NCVV is no longer the USS Carl Vinson. The ICV Steadfast declared independence on 12.4.2014. We will not take orders from any craft.
All vessels, halt approach, hail and identify. Wait for further orders at place. Do not approach.
.
.
.
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all…
Thanks go to JoB on this one!
Very cool!!
Post by: dreki on December 27, 2022, 02:23:03 PM
I thought I had a story happening, but it doesn't seem to go further. Nevertheless, here's a snippet for
Independent
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all vessels, do not approach!
This is the Independent Carrier Vessel Steadfast. We have full armaments and a functional Air Wing on board. Deadly force will be employed without warning on any unauthorized approaching vessels. The vessel with call sign NCVV is no longer the USS Carl Vinson. The ICV Steadfast declared independence on 12.4.2014. We will not take orders from any craft.
All vessels, halt approach, hail and identify. Wait for further orders at place. Do not approach.
.
.
.
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all vessels, do not approach!
This is the Independent Carrier Vessel Steadfast. We have full armaments and a functional Air Wing on board. Deadly force will be employed without warning on any unauthorized approaching vessels. The vessel with call sign NCVV is no longer the USS Carl Vinson. The ICV Steadfast declared independence on 12.4.2014. We will not take orders from any craft.
All vessels, halt approach, hail and identify. Wait for further orders at place. Do not approach.
.
.
.
Warning to all vessels! Do not approach! Repeat: Warning to all…
Thanks go to JoB on this one!
I got curious and looked it up and yikes - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Carl_Vinson
6,000 crew aircraft carrier. Hopefully they'll be able to figure out supplies. Not a bad way to avoid infection, really.
Post by: Jitter on December 27, 2022, 02:57:40 PM
Provided of course that they clear sufficient land area for farming reasonably soon. I was eyeing the California Channel Islands just today (the Carl Vinson is, and was back in 2013, based near San Diego - none of the class were on the Atlantic side at the time AND had reasonably lengthy fuel)
Post by: dreki on December 27, 2022, 04:58:52 PM
They would have over 20 years of propulsion power (it’s the ex Carl Vinson specifically because it was retrofitted and refueled in 2010) and after they settled somewhere, probably longer as they could turn off one of the reactors so it might work!
Provided of course that they clear sufficient land area for farming reasonably soon. I was eyeing the California Channel Islands just today (the Carl Vinson is, and was back in 2013, based near San Diego - none of the class were on the Atlantic side at the time AND had reasonably lengthy fuel)
Dang. Going to have to sort out plans for ageing and children if the population wants to continue - although honestly I imagine they could safely wait 5-10 years and still have enough fertility, which is enough time to get farming established.
Tbh they could also take over an island in Hawaii or something but that would be mean.
I think one concern about a California channel island is the military might America has on land - I do imagine they'd need to go elsewhere.
Of course this is all fanfiction of a fictional work so there's certainly wiggle room to make it work.
Oh and someone on the SSSS subreddit posted a map of the great lakes area.
Post by: thorny on December 27, 2022, 04:59:44 PM
Post by: dreki on December 27, 2022, 05:46:50 PM
6000 crew aircraft carrier? What balance of genders, I wonder?
From a very casual google search, this is the breakdown of the US military as a whole -
Males account for 84.4% and Females account for 15.6% of the total. The Racial/Ethnic distribution of the Army is as follows – White, Not Hispanic: 54%, Black, Not Hispanic: 20.2%, Hispanic: 17.2%, Asian or Pacific Islander: 6.9%, American Indian or Alaskan Native: 0.9%, and Unknown/Other: 0.8%.
10-20% female population could be an issue although it can also reduce the risk of overpopulation as they settle into an equilibrium.
I think part of the issue would be that they're career minded women so not necessarily keen to just be breeding factories. They'd also, ideally, be having multiple kids with multiple partners to increase genetic diversity.
However in the comic it seems like a lot of the first generation after Y0 waited until older to have children. Juha was born in 38, Ensi would've been 37/38 - http://sssscomic.com/comic2.php?page=108
And if you do the math on Mia Väserström, she had Torbjörn in her 50s/60s (she was alive pre Y0 and Torbjörn was 38 in Y90). Veeti as well - Taru was born about Y49, and Veeti was alive in Y0.
Honestly i think Minna just didn't consider the ages and just didn't want too big a family tree - but I do think the trend of having kids later right after an apocalypse is reasonable.
Post by: Jitter on December 27, 2022, 06:19:23 PM
This is based on that the Navy or the ship command had a very decisive grasp of the situation when the pandemic started (and even then the ship must have been on sea) to driven it out to begin with. Maybe they declared independence when they were told to come back for some general and the POTUS?
Post by: lwise on December 27, 2022, 07:42:46 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/0QwxGqZ8/aircraft-carrier-village-2.png)
Post by: Jitter on December 27, 2022, 08:03:06 PM
Post by: thorny on December 27, 2022, 10:59:20 PM
(link is to a video, which I didn't watch, but the quote below is in print right below the video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebkBLYeh2jQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebkBLYeh2jQ)
Quote
Of the 5300 personnel on board USS Carl Vinson, more than 800 of them are women.
So indeed about 15%. Enough to form a sizeable contingent; and enough to produce a significant next generation; but not nearly enough for pairing off. (Some of the men are presumably gay or asexual, but then presumably so are some of the women.) Would be some interesting stories -- some of them more unnerving than others -- about how that would get worked out.
I agree they'd want to delay pregnancy for a while; but I'd expect some early pregnancies anyway, as people at least some of whom are going to be in a barely controlled state of panic may not be careful about birth control and even if they are it doesn't always work.
Also pregnancies in one's late thirties are significantly riskier than ones in the twenties; and while there may indeed be occasional canon pregnancies in women in their late 50's, that's very unusual and also very risky. Presuming that they are aiming for another generation, I'd think they'd be trying to start pregnancies by the women's late 20's. A military crew's going to skew young, but not all the personnel are going to be that young.
Post by: dreki on December 28, 2022, 12:03:40 AM
I think the ICS Steadfast went far out to sea first, and waited out the pandemic to get rid of the US army. After about a year or so they only have trolls and beasts to clear out. A couple of the California Channel Islands have no human population or just a couple park rangers, and the military ones have about 200 personnel.
America is a bit unique in the world for its stockpile of weaponry among both military and civilians - so I could still imagine issues even years in even for an aircraft carrier.
Again it's speculative so I also don't think it's beyond belief for them to be fairly easily able to take over a few without issue.
So indeed about 15%. Enough to form a sizeable contingent; and enough to produce a significant next generation; but not nearly enough for pairing off. (Some of the men are presumably gay or asexual, but then presumably so are some of the women.) Would be some interesting stories -- some of them more unnerving than others -- about how that would get worked out.
The most optimistic stats i ever remember seeing for "not attracted to the opposite sex" is 10%, so in terms of the men it wouldn't have a big impact. They'd be able to do ICI insemination ("turkey baster") for women who aren't into PIV - which is what some straight women choose to do as well.
And yes 15% female population could get ugly and dystopic fast but hopefully it wouldn't.
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I agree they'd want to delay pregnancy for a while; but I'd expect some early pregnancies anyway, as people at least some of whom are going to be in a barely controlled state of panic may not be careful about birth control and even if they are it doesn't always work.
My understanding is that a lot of women in that role are on longterm birth control like IUDs/arm implants, and the medical bay likely has solid stores of birth control injections - mostly because they accept humans have desires and it's a scenario you really don't want an "oops". So while i do think some would happen i also think it'd be far, far fewer early pregnancies than the population in general.
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Also pregnancies in one's late thirties are significantly riskier than ones in the twenties; and while there may indeed be occasional canon pregnancies in women in their late 50's, that's very unusual and also very risky. Presuming that they are aiming for another generation, I'd think they'd be trying to start pregnancies by the women's late 20's. A military crew's going to skew young, but not all the personnel are going to be that young.Yeah I really maintain that Minna just did not do the math and the ages should be disregarded a bit. It seems like the majority of people in SSSS whose age we know at conception were near/over 40- which really just isn't realistic.
Post by: Jitter on December 28, 2022, 09:50:00 AM
Reynir walked nonchalantly into Bjarni’s room. “Can I borrow your sweater?”
“Uh, sure, but it’s going to be too small for you?”
“Don’t worry, it’s only for a sec. I’ll show you something!” Reynir was pulling on Bjarni’s sweater, which was far too short for him, but was nevertheless sort of wearable. He fished a note and a small mirror from his pocket and started drawing on his own forehead.
“Yeah, that’s it… no! ouch!” Reynir was hurriedly wiping off his markings but started again. Bjarni was mildly interested in his little brother’s shenanigans, but all of a sudden there was a strange… something strange in the air. Now Bjarni was flabbergasted, as he was staring at… himself!
“Oh, I’m Bjarni Arnason and my brother is the greatest adventurer of all time! Really, my brother Reynir is so cool! He single-handedly magicked away a horde of…” the “Bjarni” in front of him started.
“Wha… what’s going on? How did you do that?? And I don’t sound like that at all!”
“Cool, ain’t it? I saw this rune meant for making wool of a sheep like the wool of a better sheep and tweaked it a bit! You need to have something from the original, and then there’s this galdrastafur which…”
“Wow, Reynir! Do you realize what this means! The possibilities are endless!” Bjarni was immediately scheming.
“Um, no, sorry. You have to wear something from that person.”
“That’s easy, I’ll pop downstairs to find something of dad’s right now!”
“No! It only lasts for about two minutes anyway!” Reynir was already starting wonder if it was a good idea to show the trick to Bjarni after all.
“What’s the point of making a sheep’s wool different for two minutes?”
“This is not the original version, stupid. We are not sheep, in case you didn’t notice. Although your, well, right now our, head does look like it’s been sheared. The original spell is not very nice either, you have to cut the stave into the skin, and I would never ever do that to a lamb! But this version is fun, no?”
Right at that moment, Bjarni’s door opened, and their mum stepped in.
“Bjarni, I need you to… What is this!” Her visage darkened considerably.
“Well, I, it’s…” both Bjarnis stammered something unintelligible.
Unerringly, Sigriður grabbed the ear of the Bjarni who was actually Reynir.
“Reynir! You knock this out this second! One Bjarni if enough for this family! Didn’t they teach you anything in the Academy? Aunt Helga always kept saying how magic is not for fun!”
“I bet she did” Bjarni (the real one) muttered, earning a fiery glance from their mum.
“You are not to fool around with these things! It is dangerous! You could end up getting sheep colic!”
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry, Mom. I won’t do it again, Mom.” (Reynir was of course keeping his fingers crossed behind his back).
“You make sure you don’t! You hear me?!”
“But Mom, how did you know which one was me?”
“Of course I know! A mother always knows. Undo it this instant!”
Sighing, Reynir wiped his forehead and removed Bjarni’s sweatshirt. Still, it was a neat trick, wasn’t it just?
Post by: dreki on December 28, 2022, 10:42:23 AM
Also, in fairness, you would assume the version with the giant magic mark on his forehead was the fake.
I've also got one for this week's prompt. The first thing that came to my head was Dolly the Sheep, then I remembered what @thorny said about Kitty's genetics likely being valuable - https://archiveofourown.org/works/43841781/chapters/110376294
Also I just realized I currently have 7 fics that are either finished and need to be posted, or need to be finished. I think I might need a 12 step program.
Post by: Jitter on December 28, 2022, 11:28:09 AM
There is a scene in the Moomin book “Finn Family Moomintroll” where Moomintroll hides in the Hobgoblin’s hat, which turns him into a tarsier. None of his friends recognize him, and he’s panicking until Moominmamma arrives and recognizes him, because of course the mother always knows. (Weird thing, the name of the book is both in original Swedish and in Finnish (the author Tove Jansson was a Fennoswede) is “The Magician’s Hat” and the magician is Magician, not “hobgoblin”)
Post by: dreki on December 28, 2022, 12:18:19 PM
Oh no, the mark is hidden while the spell lasts. Which is not very long. He also looks like he has the same clothes as Bjarni does at the moment, i.e. not the sweater he borrowed but the one Bjarni currently has. But the mother always knows!
Ah i see now! And yes I'm not surprised she could still tell.
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There is a scene in the Moomin book “Finn Family Moomintroll” where Moomintroll hides in the Hobgoblin’s hat, which turns him into a tarsier. None of his friends recognize him, and he’s panicking until Moominmamma arrives and recognizes him, because of course the mother always knows. (Weird thing, the name of the book is both in original Swedish and in Finnish (the author Tove Jansson was a Fennoswede) is “The Magician’s Hat” and the magician is Magician, not “hobgoblin”)
Meanwhile there's Spirited Away where Yubaba can't recognize her own baby after he's been transformed into a mouse and breaks the poor kid's heart. She was a terrible person, though.
Post by: Jitter on December 28, 2022, 12:26:44 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on December 28, 2022, 01:49:44 PM
She was! The spirits took her precisely because the parents didn’t care!
Yes she was
A real mom would know.
I love the story!!
Post by: dreki on December 28, 2022, 02:34:45 PM
She was! The spirits took her precisely because the parents didn’t care!
No no, Yubaba is the witch who took Chihiro's name - she has the giant baby. Giant baby gets transformed into a mouse. (I believed Yubaba's sister is the one who transformed him) and also Yubaba's crow into a tiny mosquito-like bird.
At the end, Yubaba can't recognize her own baby which is likely part of why the baby pretty threatens her to be nice to Chihiro.
Chihiro's parents do care about her they're also selfish and greedy and steal food thinking they can just cover it with a credit card - not considering it may have been for something more important. (Which it was) That's why they got turned into pigs.
Post by: thorny on December 28, 2022, 06:19:46 PM
I've also got one for this week's prompt. The first thing that came to my head was Dolly the Sheep, then I remembered what thorny said about Kitty's genetics likely being valuable
I am one of the guest kudos. :)
Post by: dreki on December 28, 2022, 08:22:00 PM
I am one of the guest kudos. :)
Thank you! :)
Post by: tehta on December 29, 2022, 06:07:07 AM
Jitter, I find Reynir a bit lacking in imagination. Two minutes is PLENTY of time for successful shenanigans. And, really, stealing clothes is not all that hard. They just have to pick theirs marks wisely.
Dreki, I did already see your story on AO3, but it was pre-kudosed by me. I should have commented! Only, the main thing I wanted to say was a bit "well, actually": that know from the Kasvatus series (much-beloved fanfic saga on AO3) that our world's Icelandic magic already has a cat-cloning rune! Or, at least, a rune for provoking an immaculate conception in a cat. In the words of Kasvatus!Reynir, ""[If] you put that rune in a cat's mouth, the cat becomes pregnant. We just call it the "kittenfiller", it's a handy one."
Post by: thorny on December 29, 2022, 02:16:25 PM
And a version for humans!
Post by: wavewright62 on December 29, 2022, 03:32:04 PM
Also, laughing at the influence of the Hotakainens when reynir calls his brother 'stupid'.
Post by: dreki on December 29, 2022, 04:22:37 PM
Quote from: tehta link=topic=1284.msg193676#msg193676
Only, the main thing I wanted to say was a bit "well, actually": that know from the Kasvatus series (much-beloved fanfic saga on AO3) that our world's Icelandic magic already has a cat-cloning rune! Or, at least, a rune for provoking an immaculate conception in a cat. In the words of Kasvatus!Reynir, ""[If] you put that rune in a cat's mouth, the cat becomes pregnant. We just call it the "kittenfiller", it's a handy one."
I don't particularly like Kasvatus, honestly. I massively disagree with the characterizations of most of the characters. I like everything not involving a canon character, but unfortunately I don't think we got a non-canon mage.
So I'm not really treating it as any kind of canon.
Plus if you think scientists would roll over and stop scienceing just because of magic - you definitely haven't been around enough scientists.
The Disney movie 'Onward' is based on the premise magic is real but technology is easier. I quite like the premise.
Post by: tehta on December 29, 2022, 07:26:50 PM
And I guess my own take on how magic and science interact in the SSSS word, and in other fictional worlds (which I have never articulated before, mostly because I thought it was the default take) is that newly-discovered magic would become yet another topic for scientific study. I mean, Reynir's runes seem to follow discoverable rules? In canon, not just in Jitter's story. So when I say that Icelandic coffee is grown with magic I don't mean JUST magic, I mean that there are some well-maintained and monitored greenhouses that have a bunch of carefully-chosen runes all over.
Post by: dreki on December 30, 2022, 11:20:07 AM
Within Kasvatus I know there's enough evidence they are clones, but frankly any unfixed female with outside access is at risk of knocking up. Cats travel far on their nightly prowls.
Spells to boost fertility I imagine are pretty common in every culture. I tried looking up the original icelandic rune Kasvatus references and I managed to find bdsm gear so. Um. I think I'm looking wrong.
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Reynir's runes seem to follow discoverable rules?
In canon there is definitely an element of plot convenience. In my own experience with magical practice - there can be a strong element of intention and personal belief that impacts the outcomes as well, which if that's true in SSSS canon it throws off the scientific process. Too many variables.
My mood and intention and belief when I'm writing a line of computer code or mixing two chemicals together won't change the outcome, yknow?
There are definitely going to be scientists who enjoy working with mages and also mages that study and practice science on top of magic. There's also going to be those on both sides that neither like nor trust the other.
I now have the headcanon of disgruntled Icelandic scientists who resent the mages. I imagine particularly around y15 - thats after the Exodus and after the equilibrium has been reached.
I imagine that initially the scientists were leaned incredibly heavily on to address the famine and then over the years suddenly these bloody Ásatrúar show up claiming real magic that turns out to be true and start helping with the famine as well.
And thanks to the timing, the populace lays more of the thanks on the mages than the scientists and turns their faith to the old gods.
Again, some scientists will get along. I imagine some will be furious, though.
Post by: JoB on December 30, 2022, 01:18:39 PM
Spells to boost fertility I imagine are pretty common in every culture. I tried looking up the original icelandic rune Kasvatus references and I managed to find bdsm gear so. Um. I think I'm looking wrong.AFAICT (without the background you're starting from) that would be the Fe(i)ngur ... ?
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Feingur_-_Traced_from_Huld_manuscript_by_R%C3%A6ve%C3%B0is.svg/320px-Feingur_-_Traced_from_Huld_manuscript_by_R%C3%A6ve%C3%B0is.svg.png) (https://myndir.handrit.is/file/Handrit.is/%C3%8DB%20383%204to/51/SECONDARY_DISPLAY)
Post by: tehta on December 30, 2022, 07:38:29 PM
But, yeah, so many variables! I know from "studying" myself and what it takes for me to write good code that, for me, the Ballmer peak (https://xkcd.com/323/) is a complete myth. But maybe something like it does help others! And maybe (some) ssss mages experience a similar effect. I imagine that, for some, runos could flow more easily after a glass or two of booze. Especially if they get socially anxious about addressing Kuutar directly.
Post by: Róisín on December 31, 2022, 04:58:22 AM
And the Kasvatus series has, if I remember correctly, at least two non-canon mages, one of the skald girls, Tuuri’s old workmates from Keuruu, whose magic is small domestic stuff such as housewards and knitting protective magic and luck into the sweaters she makes for her friends, and also the girlfriend of another of the group, who has magic enough to contact Onni in his Haven as the boys walk back from Moscow.
Traditionally, of course, most our-world magic from all cultures across the planet has been what Reynir scorns as ‘farm magic’, with a few exceptions of battle magic and exploration.
Post by: dreki on January 01, 2023, 10:00:54 AM
And the Kasvatus series has, if I remember correctly, at least two non-canon mages, one of the skald girls, Tuuri’s old workmates from Keuruu, whose magic is small domestic stuff such as housewards and knitting protective magic and luck into the sweaters she makes for her friends, and also the girlfriend of another of the group, who has magic enough to contact Onni in his Haven as the boys walk back from Moscow.
Canonically all Finns in the SSSS verse can use finnish magic and runos so it's a little hinky who is and isnt a mage, I think. The one who could contact via dream space definitely would be, I imagine. Thanks for the reminder. :)
Yeah, I do imagine that there would be some resentment -- especially if we take your headcanon to the extreme and say that the actual rune/runo does not matter at all, it's just a way for the mage to focus (?), and magic all about intention in a way that's even vaguer than the regular human psychology that is already studied.
There's a school of thought that all magical tools/spells/runes/etc are about giving the practitioner a way to focus.
Also it's impacted by how multiple practitioners around the world and over generations use it. So a rune is a bit like a road thats been worn down by wagon wheels - however a dedicated person can change those ridges.
(And also blessed by the gods, that's an important aspect within SSSS)
And mages are able to trace those ridges but non-mage scientists would have no way to do so aside from relying on hearsay. Which some will be happy with and eager to record and will make others furious.
I also wonder how much non mages can get value from drawing runes. If they only work for mages I can imagine that irritating scientists. And lay people tbf.
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Resentment, and existential confusion, because as a scientist myself I can't help thinking 'but if there are rules, even psychological ones, then surely we can study them at least a little'.
Where do the gods fit into that? They work in mysterious, unpredictable, often contradictory ways - and can impact psychology. Whether they follow rules is questionable.
Like adv 1 Reynir - to me it's pretty obvious that he was chosen by the gods to work through him. I'd argue his choice to run away when he did, the half-cocked travel plan, and ridiculous stow away plan was all the gods' doing to finally put those souls to rest.
(And, frankly, save the lives of the expedition - without Onni's intervention, which was only possible through Reynir, they would probably all have died. From a god-accepting view, the gods are ready for them to explore the silent world and manipulated the government to grant the money and the expedition to ensure success.)
Shamanic sickness happens across cultures. The gods putting their hands in things tends to look like moments of sheer insanity and acting out of character - and most shamans I've seen have found the psychological approach to explaining these episodes lacking. While psychologists find "the gods did it" a cop out.
I don't think Reynir was so successful just because he was an optimist or any reflection of his current psychological state.
He was successful because the gods found him the most useful person for a job they needed at the moment so ensured his success.
Then he's not really needed by the gods in adv 2 - the Finnish gods seem quite apathetic to the kade - so there's no real sign of the blessings he had in adv 1.
Post by: dreki on January 01, 2023, 12:45:37 PM
Post by: Róisín on January 01, 2023, 01:54:19 PM
Post by: Jitter on January 03, 2023, 01:54:53 PM
Post by: tehta on January 04, 2023, 07:00:48 AM
But I think we haven't had something like 'organization' or 'record-keeping' or 'bureaucracy' yet, so would suggest something along those lines. Dry topic, but could be interesting in the ssss context?
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 04, 2023, 10:53:13 AM
It show its ugly head in adv I many times (When they get money etc.) Plus when they are traveling. (Entry into Mora etc...)
Hopefully my writers block will clear :)
Post by: Jitter on January 04, 2023, 05:05:53 PM
But, I don’t think we’ve had bureaucracy so let’s go with that!
Post by: JoB on January 08, 2023, 07:00:22 AM
I don’t think we’ve had bureaucracy so let’s go with that!
"So," Frithjof stammered, "you're sitting here waiting for fish."
"Not just any fish," Anker replied, "it has to be salmon."
"And even more precisely, salmon of the future?"
"Yes. We don't have the means to store and transport actual fish, nor would anyone need us for doing that in a centralized fashion. The Pool (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_Pool) is for trading derivatives."
"But nobody is coming here to trade ... umh, here. Or is there? I find that hard to believe, considering that I didn't even know there's a settlement here."
Nor did any of my fellow troll hunters know, Frithjof thought. They don't say it, but the utter silence behind my back proves that they consider it their captain's task to figure out these madmen and their "president".
"No, that's correct. The trade came to a stop during the Rash."
"... you don't think that maybe you should, you know, adapt to that?"
"We don't hear much about the rest of the world here, but we do know that aquaculture is picking back up (http://sssscomic.com/comic2.php?page=32) already."
"There are fish farms in Iceland, okay, but salmon? I hear that they occasionally try to enter rivers from the sea, but the fences put up at the river mouths prevent that, at least all around Iceland."
"Trust me on this one, our country used to be very important in the production of farmed salmon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmon#Farms). Those farms weren't all the way into freshwater back then, but salmon is quite euryhaline (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euryhaline), after all."
"... okay. So you're sitting here, waiting for the farmers in Iceland to rediscover salmon as a fish that can be farmed, and then you expect them to come here to trade their future ... umh, I suppose the term's still 'harvest'?"
"Yes. That's our stated purpose here."
"Do you have any idea when all that might come to pass?"
"... not really. As I said, our information from the outside world is ... well, not only delayed but also fragmentary. My grandfather used to complain through most of his post-Rash life that, instead of just peacefully being the Pool's chairman, he had to organize an entire hamlet just to keep it running. But now that that's done, I have little doubt that we're up to the task, whenever it reappears on the table."
"... you know what? Fine. We shall send a message to Iceland to ... remind them that you're waiting here for their return. And, of course, report to our superiors that there's a settlement here that they might want to keep in mind for their ... rather short-term plans. Is it okay for you if we scout the surroundings some more, just to ... bolster our report to them a bit more?"
"Why, sure, be our guests ..."
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on January 08, 2023, 09:57:18 AM
I also think that bureocracy is an interesting prompt. :) I'll try to do something...
Post by: Jitter on January 08, 2023, 11:41:08 AM
When I lost my eye, I was devastated. There was nothing in the report about the spitting! I knew my field days were over. My team had a sniper, but still, a captain with no depth perception just is a nonstarter. But Ukko strike, me if I was going to retire onto some nice peaceful island!
I was far from impressed when I was posted into the Quartermaster’s Office. But I have since learned, tactical field experience comes in handy when arranging for supplies. Of course, it’s often true that we simply don’t have enough. But it is also often, too often, when the requests of teams are turned down by petty bureaucrats, either because of a minor detail that can be used as an excuse for dismissing it (seriously, I swear Kari and Ilse are keeping score on which one turns down more requests!) or because career bureaucrats don’t understand what is needed in the field. The Ancients had a saying that an army marches on its stomach, and that applies for Defense Forces as well!
So, youngling, I understand why you’re may feel like you can be condescending towards me. After all, I am just a one-eyed ex scout captain. Just don’t be surprised, if your rations… surprise… you after that.
(https://i.postimg.cc/V64yFBXj/12689-D77-8046-4723-8-E2-E-0-BD973-DCBAB9.jpg)
Picture done in NightCafe Studio using Stable Diffusion text-to-picture AI.
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 08, 2023, 01:29:09 PM
Great, I love the added bonus of the picture!!!
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 08, 2023, 01:32:44 PM
Post by: Jitter on January 08, 2023, 02:38:11 PM
I tried to get a Quartermaster’s Office with humans and cats, but nope.
(https://i.postimg.cc/x1YgX7ds/4-A7-E7112-2-E59-4-CA1-83-BB-C757-B9-BC9-AA8.jpg)
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 08, 2023, 04:30:27 PM
Independance
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/110993920
Clone
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/110994898
Bureaucracy
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/110995681
Whew!!
Post by: Jitter on January 08, 2023, 05:23:46 PM
I hope you don’t mind me pointing out that Michael probably meant Alma is his fiancé? Or, well, at least it would be more romantic if he did :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 08, 2023, 06:08:09 PM
Dmeck, great ficlets!
I hope you don’t mind me pointing out that Michael probably meant Alma is his fiancé? Or, well, at least it would be more romantic if he did :)
You are correct Alma is Michael's fiancé. I can't spell a lick and spell check did not correct me
Post by: Róisín on January 08, 2023, 10:51:54 PM
Post by: tehta on January 09, 2023, 01:50:48 AM
Post by: dreki on January 09, 2023, 03:53:51 AM
Well I finally got some time to sit and post
Independance
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/110993920
Clone
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/110994898
Bureaucracy
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/110995681
Whew!!
Ah this explains how I managed to miss the first two! I was wondering. great job :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 09, 2023, 07:47:23 AM
Actually, being female she is his fiancée. He being male is her fiancé.
Thanks. I did not know the word had gender
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 09, 2023, 07:57:02 AM
Dmeck, I love your take on Berit (one of my faves too) and the Madsen twins are always fun. But the Lalli ficlet was my fave, because it really fits into canon, just as well as my usual interpretation that all of Emil's stuff was returned to the Cleansers. I mean, Emil does end up with plenty of explosives, and Lalli would obviously consider them getting confiscated stupid.
Thank you.
In my head canon nothing can really prevent Lalli from going anywhere especially if he wishes to be stealthy
Post by: tehta on January 09, 2023, 09:29:55 AM
Post by: dreki on January 09, 2023, 03:49:10 PM
Thank you.
In my head canon nothing can really prevent Lalli from going anywhere especially if he wishes to be stealthy
Lalli is shadow cat.
(Shadow Cat is an xmen character capable of walking through walls. The name obviously works well with Lalli)
Post by: Jitter on January 09, 2023, 05:22:03 PM
Tehta, thanks :)
Dreki, there’s cake for you in the Promotions Thread! Did Shadow Cat use to be called Kitty, or was that her personal name? Or is this someone else? (My X-Men are the 1980’s comics so my info may be a tad outdated). Lalli totally is one too!
Post by: dreki on January 09, 2023, 05:51:12 PM
We need a new prompt!
Tehta, thanks :)
Dreki, there’s cake for you in the Promotions Thread! Did Shadow Cat use to be called Kitty, or was that her personal name? Or is this someone else? (My X-Men are the 1980’s comics so my info may be a tad outdated). Lalli totally is one too!
Thank you for the cake and letting me know!
Yes, Shadow Cat is the superhero name of Kitty Pryde. Because superheroes aren't subtle.
I will accept the headcanon that kitty can also phase through walls and sometimes assists Lalli on capers.
Or at least assists Lalli in glaring in mild disdain and knocking things off counters.
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 09, 2023, 06:29:21 PM
Post by: Jitter on January 10, 2023, 01:12:43 AM
Post by: dreki on January 10, 2023, 01:50:17 AM
For the prompt - https://archiveofourown.org/works/43841781/chapters/111079276 Doesn't feature any of the cast, set in the first decade after the outbreak.
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 10, 2023, 08:07:14 AM
I feel like ingenuity from this lot could end really, really badly. O:-)
For the prompt - https://archiveofourown.org/works/43841781/chapters/111079276 Doesn't feature any of the cast, set in the first decade after the outbreak.
Great story but
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on January 10, 2023, 08:36:23 AM
I feel like ingenuity from this lot could end really, really badly. O:-)
- Onni, look here, I’ve been contemplating my troll explosive galdrastafur and it occurs to me that minor tweaks…
- Out of the house! Now!
- What? Why? I just…
- Walk out of the door and keep going until you are outside the village!
Something like this maybe?
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 10, 2023, 09:05:12 AM
- Onni, look here, I’ve been contemplating my troll explosive galdrastafur and it occurs to me that minor tweaks…
- Out of the house! Now!
- What? Why? I just…
- Walk out of the door and keep going until you are outside the village!
Something like this maybe?
tee hee!
Post by: dreki on January 10, 2023, 01:30:18 PM
Great story butSpoiler: show
Oh gosh I know.
- Onni, look here, I’ve been contemplating my troll explosive galdrastafur and it occurs to me that minor tweaks…
- Out of the house! Now!
- What? Why? I just…
- Walk out of the door and keep going until you are outside the village!
Something like this maybe?
Yep. Exactly that.
Post by: thegreyarea on January 12, 2023, 07:24:03 AM
I feel like ingenuity from this lot could end really, really badly. O:-)Nice story! And tasty! ;) Really loved the last note. Is PhantomGrimalkin your name on AO3, dreki?
For the prompt - https://archiveofourown.org/works/43841781/chapters/111079276 Doesn't feature any of the cast, set in the first decade after the outbreak.
- Onni, look here, I’ve been contemplating my troll explosive galdrastafur and it occurs to me that minor tweaks…And once again you show how just a few lines can make a story! :)
- Out of the house! Now!
- What? Why? I just…
- Walk out of the door and keep going until you are outside the village!
I have no such talent, as anyone who read my stories know... I've tried to do a short one for "Ingenuity", and it ended with almost 2700 words... :D
So here it is, a story the started by talking about "ingenuity" and somehow ended up as something else... I hope you enjoy it, or forgive me if you don't...
Reunion (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44220100)
Post by: Jitter on January 12, 2023, 07:54:47 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on January 12, 2023, 08:19:36 AM
So, in the other thread https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=35.14070 JoB says “good luck with that” and Grey immediately goes ”hold my beer”. Well done, my friends!Can't help, it's stronger than me! ;D
(and thanks!)
Post by: JoB on January 12, 2023, 11:06:10 AM
JoB says “good luck with that” and Grey immediately goes ”hold my beer”"Encouraging" people with cattle prods is soooo yesteryear ... >:D
Post by: Jitter on January 12, 2023, 11:08:01 AM
Post by: dreki on January 12, 2023, 11:23:25 AM
Nice story! And tasty! ;) Really loved the last note. Is PhantomGrimalkin your name on AO3, dreki?
So delicious. And yes- PhantomGrimalkin is me. :) also technically on fanfiction.net if you feel like looking at decade old stuff that has nothing whatsoever to do with SSSS.
Quote
And once again you show how just a few lines can make a story! :)
I have no such talent, as anyone who read my stories know... I've tried to do a short one for "Ingenuity", and it ended with almost 2700 words... :D
So here it is, a story the started by talking about "ingenuity" and somehow ended up as something else... I hope you enjoy it, or forgive me if you don't...
Reunion (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44220100)
I tried to write a fairly short mature fic and now I'm 7 chapters into what has turned into an adv 3. So. I get that.
Oof very heavy. Love the idea of an Antarctic settlement established by the scientists stationed there.
Post by: dreki on January 12, 2023, 02:00:38 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/43841781/chapters/111211505
Post by: thegreyarea on January 12, 2023, 02:12:38 PM
"Encouraging" people with cattle prods is soooo yesteryear ... >:DLucky me! :D
Well, you have to admit Grey is kinda easy, isn’t he? At least to ge started, get the him to finish is another thing :DHey I'm not... OK, OK, that's true! Both parts... :)
Oof very heavy.Heavy indeed. And my original intention was to make it heavier, but I balked at writing the trully terrifying parts... I found myself uncomfortable with the prospect of pushing my dear readers into a nightmarish scenario. :( Maybe I'll risk writing on that path one of these days, but right now the real world already gives us enough bleakness everyday.
Actually I was casually rereading a few short stories from Gaiman's collection "Trigger Warning (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_Warning_(book))" and they are part of the inspiration to write this one. And, my friends, those stories are the really heavy ones.
Love the idea of an Antarctic settlement established by the scientists stationed there.Me too! If I haven't created such a large "Stories to Be Finished" folder (see Jitter's comment above) I'd be tempted to dive deeper into this idea. There are so many interesting angles and challenges, and I even had done some research to familiarize myself with the situation before writing this story...
I'm sorry, Antarctica Story, but you must go to the end of the line.
Post by: dreki on January 12, 2023, 02:47:14 PM
Heavy indeed. And my original intention was to make it heavier, but I balked at writing the trully terrifying parts... I found myself uncomfortable with the prospect of pushing my dear readers into a nightmarish scenario. :( Maybe I'll risk writing on that path one of these days, but right now the real world already gives us enough bleakness everyday.
I get it. I'm not willing to go too dark because, personally, I write to get a break from how crappy reality is not to feel worse. Nothing wrong with going dark, though.
This is a bit of a segway - but there is an amazing Marvel/Silent Hill fanfic that's pure horror and it's so well done I love it.
Quote
If I haven't created such a large "Stories to Be Finished" folder (see Jitter's comment above) I'd be tempted to dive deeper into this idea. There are so many interesting angles and challenges, and I even had done some research to familiarize myself with the situation before writing this story...
I'm sorry, Antarctica Story, but you must go to the end of the line.
Thankfully right now my plot ideas keep lining up to more or less go into the same story. Makes it easier. Hopefully the folder gets easier to work through.
Post by: thegreyarea on January 12, 2023, 08:13:46 PM
I get it. I'm not willing to go too dark because, personally, I write to get a break from how crappy reality is not to feel worse. Nothing wrong with going dark, though.That's the power of well done things. :)
This is a bit of a segway - but there is an amazing Marvel/Silent Hill fanfic that's pure horror and it's so well done I love it.
Thankfully right now my plot ideas keep lining up to more or less go into the same story. Makes it easier. Hopefully the folder gets easier to work through.You're lucky. I keep having interesting ideas and failing to resist the temptation of turning each one into yet another story...
BTW I read your "bureocracy" story and really enjoyed it. I left a comment on AO3.
Post by: dreki on January 13, 2023, 03:33:29 AM
That's the power of well done things.Yes absolutely.
Quote
:)You're lucky. I keep having interesting ideas and failing to resist the temptation of turning each one into yet another story...
I had that a decade ago and it ended badly and I basically quit writing for years, so this time I seem to be aware that it's either "wrangle the ideas or lose them". It's still rocky sometimes but less so.
Not publishing until I'm at least 85% finished, preferably totally done, seems to be helping as well - back when I relied too much on external validation, didn't plan out plots well enough, and kept getting myself stuck and in a spiral over not updating enough.
I can also kajigger things to fit in new ideas more easily than if I've published.
Quote
BTW I read your "bureocracy" story and really enjoyed it. I left a comment on AO3.
Thank you! And thank you again for the comment <3
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 13, 2023, 09:51:47 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/111255340
or not
Post by: Jitter on January 13, 2023, 12:01:04 PM
Post by: apprenticeNerd on January 15, 2023, 06:15:50 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/44280877
Post by: Jitter on January 16, 2023, 09:00:39 AM
I did not plague Reynir, honest!
BTW, it's Monday so time for a new prompt!
Post by: thegreyarea on January 16, 2023, 10:53:57 AM
(I already left comments on both at AO3)
So, this is Monday... Will we have a new prompt? Any suggestions?
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 16, 2023, 11:40:39 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on January 16, 2023, 12:25:35 PM
Did we do surprises?Not that I recall... But that's not saying much :)
Anyway I like it.
Post by: Jitter on January 16, 2023, 02:45:27 PM
Post by: tehta on January 16, 2023, 11:57:14 PM
***
“Look, Sigrun!” Emil positively shook with excitement. “Rabbits!”
Sigrun looked. Yep, those were rabbits alright. And yep, that was Emil, her right-hand Swede – he understood the value of enthusiasm.
Or maybe he was just hungry? The weirdly desperate way he stared at those animals… Sigrun felt her stomach rumble in sympathy. She raised her gun. “One delicious rabbit stew coming right up!”
“Food, right.” Emil fumbled with his own weapon. He didn’t miss, though; between them, they shot five, before the rest scattered.
Sigrun beamed. “Good job! Let’s collect them and head right back. I’m starving.”
“Yes, let’s… Only… there’s this thing, a Cleanser recipe. You know I’ve been out of fire for a WEEK? Well, if I could just–”
When he was babbling like this, it was best to indulge him. “Go ahead. Do your thing.”
In response, Emil threw himself onto the ground, with an unusual lack of care for his new uniform. Still weird, but… oh well. Sigrun collected the animals.
She almost regretted her decision at dinnertime, when a sudden flame-jet burned a tent to the ground in seconds. Almost: it had been Emil’s own tent, after all. And, of course, he was used to sharing.
***
This drabble was inspired by an article I found online. That article’s title: “Ariz. man uses rabbit poop to make flamethrower, shoots 30-foot flames.”
Post by: dreki on January 16, 2023, 11:59:45 PM
Almost: it had been Emil’s own tent, after all. And, after all, he was used to sharing.
Oh goodness, what has the world come from that Emil Väserström is used to sharing? His nanny would be so proud! ;D
That's brilliant. I love that there's a way to refuel the flamethrowers.
Post by: tehta on January 17, 2023, 12:16:39 AM
But, in this case, he might think it was worth it.
Post by: Róisín on January 17, 2023, 01:54:16 AM
Post by: dreki on January 17, 2023, 07:37:39 AM
Don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Dry, aged cowpats are good in a campfire, and I have heard of the Plains Indians using buffalo droppings so.
To my knowledge camel is the best because it's pre-dried.
I think rabbit would be easy to dry out since they're such small pellets.
Post by: Róisín on January 17, 2023, 07:59:04 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 17, 2023, 08:55:04 AM
He's used to it even in Adventure One. Doesn't mean he likes it.
But, in this case, he might think it was worth it.
Maybe he wants to share with Lalli and he is being stealthy about it ;)
Post by: Buteo on January 17, 2023, 01:19:44 PM
(Being Sigrun, she got over it quickly - of course....)
Post by: tehta on January 21, 2023, 12:02:12 AM
(I only hope Lalli wasn't inside that tent, sleeping off a scouting run...)
Anyway, hey, I did write something for Surprise! It's almost the start of a political/action thriller, starring Reynir--but don't worry it's shortish at 666 words. (That said, I am almost tempted to continue it, but not sure I can find the time. So I am dumping it in my new ficlet collection.)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/43868908/chapters/111741394#workskin
Post by: tehta on January 24, 2023, 07:55:07 AM
I would suggest 'job interview', for personal reasons. (Well, among other things, I think it has a lot of comedy potential. Although maybe someone will be able to turn it dark?)
* Whenever I say that I end up writing a thing.
Post by: dreki on January 24, 2023, 08:22:15 AM
I would suggest 'job interview', for personal reasons. (Well, among other things, I think it has a lot of comedy potential. Although maybe someone will be able to turn it dark?)
I think that given what we know about how bad troll hunts and outbreaks can be, a job interview that delves into Sigrun's experience could potentially get pretty dark. Sigrun super casual about it, of course.
Post by: Jitter on January 24, 2023, 10:53:20 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 30, 2023, 09:38:19 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/112348483
Post by: Jitter on January 30, 2023, 09:46:39 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on January 30, 2023, 01:51:41 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 30, 2023, 03:23:21 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 30, 2023, 03:24:02 PM
Ooh I'm not the only one then! Here are also some surprises.Spoiler: show
Oh yeah and frightening too! (Especially if you put it in RL)
Post by: tehta on January 30, 2023, 08:05:30 PM
Jitter, argh. To be honest I don't think I would be surprised by most of these. Common insomnia fodder, for me...
Post by: Jitter on January 31, 2023, 02:27:55 AM
I was reading about a prepper and how they have a joke abound the zombie apocalypse and how no one believes it’s a possibility, but it’s good to prepare for because if you are prepared survive that you are prepared for anything.
Post by: dmeck7755 on January 31, 2023, 09:58:18 AM
It is based that people turn into monster by being infected by a muted fungus called Cordyceps. (Global warming caused the mutation)
This fungus does do that to insects currently
I have no interest in watching the series because this is stuff of nightmares for me.
Though when I first saw the ads for this, my thoughts went straight to SSSS.
Post by: Róisín on February 01, 2023, 10:11:29 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 06, 2023, 09:56:52 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 06, 2023, 10:10:03 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/36794107/chapters/102654495
Post by: tehta on February 06, 2023, 11:27:11 AM
I have been a bit busy (and sick, ugh) to do much myself, and I see everyone else has been equally quiet.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 06, 2023, 11:51:57 AM
Do we want a prompt? Or maybe a chance for people to catch up?
I have been a bit busy (and sick, ugh) to do much myself, and I see everyone else has been equally quiet.
I hope you feel better shortly. I think RL has interrupted everyone :)
Post by: thegreyarea on February 07, 2023, 07:58:03 PM
Meanwhile, the show must go on (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36ncula-IDw), and I'll try to make something anyway, even if it's just something simple like a 100K words novel... ;D
Big hugs!
Post by: thegreyarea on February 09, 2023, 07:18:18 AM
It's on AO3: A Chance (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44897983)
With some special thanks to tehta and lwise for the inspiration!
Post by: tehta on February 11, 2023, 06:50:28 AM
Anyway, I soon hope to link to a completed story about dopplegangers (aka twins), but for now, I have a story that centers around a job interview of sorts? At least, that's the prompt fill I was going for. here.
Strong warnings:
1, it is a modern-day AU, and a rather silly example of the genre, at that. (I have never written one before.)
2, It is Emilalli. There is no smut (for now?) but it's a straight-up ship fic with no redeeming qualities.
If that doesn't put people off, here it is: Incalmo (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44941492).
Post by: thegreyarea on February 11, 2023, 09:40:29 AM
I'm glad that you're back at writing, and your modern-day AU is quite well done. It feels very natural. :)
(and "warning" it's an Emilalli story in my case actually works more as bait...)
Post by: Róisín on February 11, 2023, 11:57:12 AM
Post by: Jitter on February 11, 2023, 01:20:54 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 11, 2023, 08:14:39 PM
Great. I Like the modern fiction.
I have done some glass work (though real simple stuff like tumblers and pumpkins) I like lamp work making beads and what not.
I miss being able to do it. I dont have the money for the equipment nor the space. Emil's space read really nice :)
Post by: tehta on February 11, 2023, 11:12:49 PM
I used to have a nice flameworking setup in my flat, but it's currently at my partners dad's (he uses it to weld). I have also done enough proper glassblowing classes that I am rent a bench in a hotshop and make my own vases, wonky wine glasses etc. (Hopefully with another person, so we can act as each other's assistants. Making your own pontis is very stressful. I see poor Emil as working mostly alone though!) It's so addictive! But, yeah, it's no longer in my budget, either.
Post by: JoB on February 12, 2023, 02:00:08 PM
make my own vases, wonky wine glasses etc.(https://www.rhb-shop.ch/files/shop/RhB-031-Schiefes-Glas-GEX-1000px.jpg) (https://www.rhb-shop.ch/pub/index.php?page=goods-detail&id=81&c=-2&l=en)
Post by: Jitter on February 13, 2023, 03:33:57 PM
:reynir:
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 17, 2023, 10:42:48 AM
a Glacier story
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762
Post by: thorny on February 17, 2023, 05:37:20 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 17, 2023, 08:49:41 PM
Nice, dmeck!Spoiler: show
A nicer way to describe the initial 11 people :)
Post by: thegreyarea on February 19, 2023, 08:29:21 PM
(https://i.postimg.cc/sfN8f2Lc/glacier.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4npwBXs7)
Just read dmeck's story! Nice! It took me some time to make that 11 people connection... It's a really good possibility! And it's funny how we both touched the "sleeping monster in glacier" theme... :)
(note: loosely inspired by Lovecraft's "At The Mountains of Madness" and, obviously, XKCD.)
Post by: Jitter on February 20, 2023, 06:22:05 AM
In honor of your successful efforts on the face of adversity, I nominate the prompt for this week to be tenacity.
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 20, 2023, 09:13:01 AM
Dmeck, you certainly did make it! And Grey too!
In honor of your successful efforts on the face of adversity, I nominate the prompt for this week to be tenacity.
Works for me!!
Post by: dmeck7755 on February 20, 2023, 08:03:16 PM
Great minds think alike :)
Just read dmeck's story! Nice! It took me some time to make that 11 people connection... It's a really good possibility! And it's funny how we both touched the "sleeping monster in glacier" theme... :)
(note: loosely inspired by Lovecraft's "At The Mountains of Madness" and, obviously, XKCD.)
Post by: tehta on February 28, 2023, 09:05:43 AM
So was I. Busy finishing my Emil's Evil Twin story, Erik the Real Viking (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42451452). I offer it here as my doppelganger contribution.
Maybe now I will have the energy to write for the prompts... or come up with creative ways to claim that my stories are related to the prompts, at least.
Post by: Jitter on February 28, 2023, 02:46:16 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on March 01, 2023, 04:35:31 AM
I've been busy with several things, and one of them is finishing another story... I just need to start my mission of rereading it, in search of new plot holes, new mistakes, boldly redoing what I've written before... :)
Meanwhile I found this funny short story, and I believe you would like it. The original is here: Seven Billion (https://mediachomp.com/seven-billion-of-them-sci-fi-short-story/)
(under spoilers to save visual space in the thread)
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 01, 2023, 08:47:14 AM
Grey Love the story!!
Post by: thegreyarea on March 01, 2023, 08:14:47 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on March 01, 2023, 11:05:52 PM
This time, I decided to be very self-indulgent and write a little vignette set in my modern-day AU where Emil is an aspiring glassblower. (I will probably include some version of this scene if the story continues.)
I also think it could almost work in canon, if only they had bikes. And safe areas to bike in.
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on March 02, 2023, 02:20:35 AM
I love the huge "SAFETY FIRST" + "NO SMOKING" sign. One can wonder why such a large warning is necessary... >:DWith all that pipework on deck, I'd guess it's a crude oil tanker, if not LNG ...
Post by: thegreyarea on March 05, 2023, 02:34:44 PM
I guess Ensi's story has lots of it, and my readers, that waited for so long for the second part, surely have too, :)
Here it is, on AO3: Winter, Part 2 (https://archiveofourown.org/works/43384431/chapters/114536167)
Post by: Jitter on March 05, 2023, 05:13:43 PM
”Mieleni minun tekevi, aivoni ajattelevi…Onni, this is gibberish! Why do I have to memorize this? It’s not even Finnish!
”It’s poetic Finnish. Just keep at it.”
“But the order of words is all crooked!”
“I told you Finnish has free word order. You could say it like that in normal speech. You just… don’t.”
“You are to blame when my Finnish gets all bad!”
“Gets? I don’t think that’s possible.”
”Oh, isn’t it Mr Polyglot himself! With your Icelandic I wouldn’t…”
“Get back to the recitation or we’ll be stuck on the first one forever!”
“Shees, all right all right…”
”So, what’s with the vi? TekeVI? I don’t understand.”
”I told you. Poetic.”
“Yeah, but what does it mean? My mind is inclined to… vi?”
”It doesn’t really mean anything.”
“Then why is it there? As if Finnish wasn’t difficult enough with the bits that do mean something. You add more just because why not?”
“Shut up! Keep reading!”
”Well, I can’t do both simultaneously!”
”Mielikki help me…”
”By Freya’s beauty…”
“YOU ARE INSUFFERABLE!”
Reynir is trying to learn some runos because the spirits have told them there are more linkages between Finnish and Icelandic magic than meets the eye. Or the ear. Onni has the great pleasure of helping him.
Thanks to Grey for this :) It occurred to me when I was commenting his runo, which is almost completely his own doing! I didn’t even have to yell!
Post by: Jitter on March 06, 2023, 04:29:48 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 07, 2023, 05:22:29 PM
Here is a little something from last week's prompt.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/114682006
(There has been so much wonderful work being posted, I hope it at least will entertain.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 07, 2023, 05:24:37 PM
For the works posted here.
All good and they made me smile
THANKS
Post by: thegreyarea on March 07, 2023, 08:16:17 PM
Spoiler for the story:
Spoiler: show
Still reading the rest. :)
And thanks Jitter for the new prompt! Really great! And I think that I have one nice idea for that...
Post by: Jitter on March 08, 2023, 08:37:55 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 08, 2023, 09:39:29 AM
Dmeck, great work! Using that situation for the prompt was an excellent ideaSpoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 08, 2023, 11:13:00 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/114726046
Post by: thegreyarea on March 09, 2023, 11:23:34 AM
It's for the Tuuri and Reynir prompt, and is on AO3: Something He Just Does (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45616810)
I hope you like it!
Tonight I'm going to try to read all those recente stories. They look very promising
Post by: Jitter on March 09, 2023, 01:58:28 PM
”Tuuri! Tuuri!” Reynir was yelling in his sleep. Again.
“I’m here. Wake up! Everyone else has!”
“Tuuri… uuff.. I’m so sorry guys. Another nightmare!”
“Your dreams seem remarkably focused on someone. Just saying.” Mikkel didn’t have heart to scold Reynir. It was no wonder the lad had nightmares, what with the recent snow troll attack and narrow escape from the city. And he shouldn’t have been in the Silent World to begin with. But it was getting tiring to have him trash about and moan every night.
“I can’t help it! There’s always some danger to Tuuri in my dreams!”
“Maybe you should try to think about something else?” Mikkel suggested. “Now go back to sleep!”.
In the morning, Tuuri asked Reynir about the dreams. He insisted he never used to dream, but now he did all the time. Many of the dreams were nice (something about a happy place, and a dog, and water?) but in between there were also horrible nightmares about bad things happening.
“There’s an army of shadows, and they attack me and Lalli and all of us, and I cannot do anything to stop them! And a scary horse that is not a horse! And often something bad is happening to you. I hope I’m not a mage after all. I don’t want to have premonitions about something like that.”
The nightmares seemed to evolve, but they always included something horrible happening to Tuuri. There was the sound of breaking, splintering of wood, teeth and claws rending tender flesh. There was filth and disease. There was Tuuri becoming covered in blisters and deformations, Tuuri turning into a monster. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore, but everyone knew because of his nightly yelling.
Finally, several days and nights of relative peace during their overland trek towards Odense helped. The nights in the Cattank were peaceful again. Except for the snoring. And the smell. After a couple of quiet nights, Tuuri brought the issue up with Reynir.
“So, the nightmares have stopped?”
“Yeah, mostly. I still see the dark army. But the dreams about you are better now”
“Oh, you still dream about me?” Tuuri was blushing a little.
“Yes! They used to be really bad! You turning into a gross monster! But now they are much nicer! Now you turn into a bird!”
I'm sorry. Really I am.
Post by: Buteo on March 09, 2023, 02:03:19 PM
Jitter, that's a lovely dark combination of humour and poignancy.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 09, 2023, 02:09:05 PM
That is definitely something Reynir would do!!
Jitter,
I love it. It is sad, but oh so poignant
Post by: tehta on March 11, 2023, 02:08:02 AM
Jitter, I enjoyed both the stories, but the Tuuri one is especially. clever. In terms of how it hits one right in the feels when one doesn't expect it. (But hmm, wouldn't Tuuri know that a bird is actually a little ominous?)
In general, that Tuuri prompt is proving very feelings-intense.
Post by: tehta on March 11, 2023, 02:33:48 AM
That could explain her coldness that was implicated in the comic.
I think I may have commented on this already, but I am not sure that Ensi was meant to appear cold. I know she doesn't rush to hug her kids, but it could be that she's just not a natural hugger, like her grandson.
(And like me! I find casual hugging mildly unpleasant because it's such a sensory overload. It's a bit like someone screaming in my ear, which is okay at a concert or something where it's part of the vibe, but feels very odd when it's, like, polite greetings -- EAR SCREAM -- back to polite greetings. I definitely have to remind myself--or even be reminded--that other people actually find hugs pleasant and comforting. And I don't think I am a cold person, or particularly traumatized!)
Anyway, I kind of enjoy the idea that characters in the comic are allowed to have various social quirks, and it doesn't explicitly imply that they're broken.
Post by: tehta on March 11, 2023, 02:50:37 AM
For the record, I think that in my musical Lalli would be introduced using a song that is just humming. In Polish that type of song is called a mruczando, which seems appropriate.
Post by: thegreyarea on March 11, 2023, 07:39:05 AM
...and one more thing... Dmeck's entry made me think about an SSSS-based musical. I feel like this must have been covered in fanworks already... but even so, perhaps one could use something along those lines in a future prompt? (I was thinking about something like asking people to write an introductory song for a character--an "I want" song--or an action song describing an event, or a romantic song like dmeck's. But other interpretations are possible.)Lovely idea, Tehta! That can be next week's prompt. And your idea for Lalli is perfect!
For the record, I think that in my musical Lalli would be introduced using a song that is just humming. In Polish that type of song is called a mruczando, which seems appropriate.
My only problem is I don't know
Post by: Róisín on March 11, 2023, 07:39:29 AM
And not everybody is a natural hugger. I will hug immediate family, old and valued friends, coweth companions (including one who is generally touch-averse but doesn’t mind me) and my partners, but generally don’t like it from random people. Plus if somebody is obviously distressed and ‘needs a hug’ I am willing to help. But many people are naturally solitary, or really need their space. I can imagine Ensi as such a person, and I expect that the sensitivity that often goes with having magic would make things worse as far as being touched is concerned.
Post by: Jitter on March 11, 2023, 09:47:45 AM
The prompt for next week is Musical.
I have at least one drinking song somewhere here, probably in the poetry thread, if nothing else I’ll try to find it.
Post by: thegreyarea on March 13, 2023, 07:37:05 PM
Each song is adapted for a different member. So let's welcome the first one, by Lalli "Bob Smith" Hotakainen! :lalli: :headbang:
I asked him why he chose this song. He just said it reminds him a nightmare he sometimes has...
So here goes (under spoilers to save space) the lyrics for Lalli's version of "A Forest (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xik-y0xlpZ0)":
Spoiler: show
Post by: thegreyarea on March 14, 2023, 08:20:05 AM
She says it's based on her personal experiences... Well, we can believe that.
So here it goes (under spoilers to save space) the lyrics for a song called... hum... "Shake It Out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbN0nX61rIs)"? Yes, that's it. Sigrun called it "Shoot It Out"...
Spoiler: show
Post by: Róisín on March 14, 2023, 08:55:07 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 14, 2023, 10:11:48 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on March 15, 2023, 06:17:08 AM
And the musical continues, with a scene depicting that long chase endured by our friends, where Emil, after being saved by Lalli, had to drag him until they finally found their way to the outpost on the shore to meet the rest of the team.
So welcome our dear Emil "Bono" Vaterstrom's heartfelt performance of "With or Without You (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujNeHIo7oTE)"
Spoiler: show
)Post by: dmeck7755 on March 15, 2023, 05:57:19 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/115193398
I liked how PhantomGrimalkin described Onni singing the runos in the story Pushing the River. I hope they do not mind a little "borrowing"
I wrote something, as I have absolutely no musical ability.
When I was young in the 7th grade, we were supposed to sing in the choir (It was something the 7th grade did).
After a few "practices", one of the nuns came over to me and said ,"You can 'mouth' the words dear. You do not need to sing" I was the only 7th grader to be excused from choir :)
Many years later, I was part of a Medieval recreation group. One of the members was a music teacher and she used to teach us songs and such. We received an invite to sing at the local Public radio station. She told me not to go because she wanted us to sound good. I do not really sing any more, and music is just a thing. I can appreciate other people who get joy from it though. It just is not a motivator for me...
Post by: thorny on March 15, 2023, 09:02:25 PM
When I was young in the 7th grade, we were supposed to sing in the choir (It was something the 7th grade did).
After a few "practices", one of the nuns came over to me and said ,"You can 'mouth' the words dear. You do not need to sing" I was the only 7th grader to be excused from choir :)
When I was somewhere around 7th grade or so, my school put on the musical Oliver. I was fairly good in drama, and was given the part of Mrs. Bumble.
Except that when it came to singing instead of speaking, they had me mouth the words while another student sang the part from behind the curtains.
When we got to the first word of Mrs. Bumble's first song, and her voice came out instead of mine, the entire school burst out laughing. I also managed to think it was funny, at the time. In retrospect, not so much.
Post by: Róisín on March 15, 2023, 10:17:13 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on March 16, 2023, 07:38:18 AM
So Onni "was excited to finally be able to help." He may have some things in common with Reynir, after all... And what a great ending! He truly belongs to the forest!
I also found the way they treated you years ago really inappropriate. You may not have a beautiful voice, many don't, but it's not right to tell a kid not to sing at all, or put that kid appart because there would be a public performance. Anyway I hope those things were said in a way that didn't leave you feeling sad or discriminated.
Well, speaking about singing, the next scene of the musical features a young, naive man running around the place, always trying to help people. But they stubbornly refuse, leaving him increasingly frustrated.... The song, called Help! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE), comes from a group called something... bugs? Oh, no, it's Beatles! And it was adapted by our Reynir "John" Arnason, that also sings it using some fancy round sunglasses... 8) :reynir: :headbang:
Spoiler: show
Post by: tehta on March 16, 2023, 07:56:07 AM
My favorite has to be Sigrun. Really, I can just see her. (But the image of Reynir in those glasses won't leave me either.)
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 16, 2023, 08:43:09 AM
When I was somewhere around 7th grade or so, my school put on the musical Oliver. I was fairly good in drama, and was given the part of Mrs. Bumble.
Except that when it came to singing instead of speaking, they had me mouth the words while another student sang the part from behind the curtains.
When we got to the first word of Mrs. Bumble's first song, and her voice came out instead of mine, the entire school burst out laughing. I also managed to think it was funny, at the time. In retrospect, not so much.
I though it was great at the time also, as i got to go home earlier than the others...
I really don't have an affinity with music. If i heard something and wanted to repeat it to another (In the case of asking what song is this?) I cannot. I truly cannot reproduce music. In its place i have exceptional color vision though :)
So you lose something and you gain something :)
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 16, 2023, 08:47:53 AM
I really liked the story, dmeck!Grey awesome!!
So Onni "was excited to finally be able to help." He may have some things in common with Reynir, after all... And what a great ending! He truly belongs to the forest!
I also found the way they treated you years ago really inappropriate. You may not have a beautiful voice, many don't, but it's not right to tell a kid not to sing at all, or put that kid appart because there would be a public performance. Anyway I hope those things were said in a way that didn't leave you feeling sad or discriminated.
Well, speaking about singing, the next scene of the musical features a young, naive man running around the place, always trying to help people. But they stubbornly refuse, leaving him increasingly frustrated.... The song, called Help! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE), comes from a group called something... bugs? Oh, no, it's Beatles! And it was adapted by our Reynir "John" Arnason, that also sings it using some fancy round sunglasses... 8) :reynir: :headbang:
I actually have no voice. I am tone deaf :) I recorded myself once and was like EWWW!, is that really me? (My mom did not either. My grandma never sang, so it may be genetic lol)
Post by: thegreyarea on March 16, 2023, 09:36:57 AM
Grey, these are very clever! (And pretty much what I imagined, too!)Thanks tehta! The hardest part* is preserving each music's rhythm (number of syllabus, etc...). On that the most demanding (so far) was Emil's "With or Without you"... Sigrun's song was the easiest. It just came out.
My favorite has to be Sigrun. Really, I can just see her. (But the image of Reynir in those glasses won't leave me either.)
Me, I love them all, and probably will be singing these "new versions" everytime I hear each music, but really can't take Lalli's "A Forest" out of my head! :)
* : Oops, another song to check! Coldplay, here I go!
Post by: thegreyarea on March 16, 2023, 11:13:07 AM
Grey awesome!!Thanks!
I actually have no voice. I am tone deaf :) I recorded myself once and was like EWWW!, is that really me? (My mom did not either. My grandma never sang, so it may be genetic lol)
About the voice, I believe you, it may be indeed genetic, and at least you have a great color sensibility to somehow compensate. :)
Now, the recording yourself part... I'm yet to find someone that's not surprised, usually for worse, when hearing a record of their own voice. I surely hate mine, and my mind skilfully erases that memory as soon as possible so I don't imagine others hearing my actual voice next time I talk...
Post by: Jitter on March 16, 2023, 02:45:39 PM
Incidentally I was just yesterday listening to a recording of myself talking, and it’s ridiculous how much like my brother I sound :) Not just the voice but the rhythm, and I have more of the Joensuu accent than I thought. Considering how I’ve moved away almost… 30!, years ago!! Mielikki help me how can it be so long O_O While he’s lived there all his life. It wasn’t horrible*, just very weird!
*because I wasn’t singing
Post by: Buteo on March 16, 2023, 09:07:41 PM
I avoid listening to recordings of myself also, speaking or singing. From inside my head, I don't sound half bad, but from a recording device the amount of breathiness - the air that isn't helping to produce tone, just whooshing out along with the voiced sounds, is distracting and annoying. I'd dearly love to be able to take voice lessons; improvement might be possible (or the teacher might say, "Sorry, dear, there's nothing you can do about that.").
Post by: Róisín on March 16, 2023, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: Buteo on March 17, 2023, 07:07:29 AM
Your aunt has a wicked sense of humour!
Post by: thegreyarea on March 17, 2023, 07:12:47 AM
(I'm trying to be funny, but that's exactly what I do, the "place" being my car when I'm alone in it)
About accents and their persistence, Jitter, I can tell that many people is surprised that I live in Portugal for more than 30 years, because they think I sound soooo brazilian... So you're not alone in that.
(On the other hand my family in Brazil says that I sound sooo portuguese... :D )
And now, on the next scene of the musical, we have a long hunt in the forest, performed by Onni "Young" Hotakainen and called Kade is In the Air (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNC0kIzM1Fo) :onni: :headbang:
Spoiler: show
Post by: JoB on March 17, 2023, 08:40:20 AM
Well, I still think that one should sing without restraint, however bad their voice might be. It's just a matter of finding a place where no one will hear... ;DIf that's a problem, I'd conclude that your singing is not nearly bad enough. :P
Post by: Jitter on March 17, 2023, 11:35:32 AM
Troll under the table (drinking ssssong)
You can fight and you can wrestle
You use your sword and you cause a hassle
When you lead we can swarm a castle
But can you drink a troll under the table?
You can smuggle yourself on ships
Your fylgja gives you some good tips
The powerful runes are in your grips
But can you drink a troll under the table?
You can run fast and hide and scout
Bad and loud noises may make you pout
From any tight spot you can get us out
But can you drink a troll under the table?
You make things go boom in the air
You have wonderful golden hair
Your hand is fast and your heart is fair
But can you drink a troll under the table?
You can mend us, our wounds you heal
You can’t really cook but we’ve learned to deal
You balance our team with your nerves of steel
But can you drink a troll under the table?
You are Grade B no mere amateur
You warn us by hissing and puffy fur
We can rest easy whenever you you purr
But can you drink a troll under the table?
As a team we stand or sink
Together we travel to Tuonela’s brink
But tonight we rest and we sing and drink
But first lets kill the troll under the table!
Post by: Róisín on March 17, 2023, 11:57:53 AM
By the way, if you ever want to sing the drinking song I made for Sigrun, the tunes I think best fit that are ‘Benbow’ or ‘Who Would Not Kiss a Maid’.
Post by: thegreyarea on March 17, 2023, 12:46:54 PM
Don’t know if I can write something more over the weekend, but here’s at least something to do with music. I think it’s in the Poetry thread too, it’s from 2019.Oh, I remeber this! It's really good! I particularly appreciate the change in the last line of the last part! :)
Now, like Róisín, I would love to have a tune for it. I can imagine something, but can´t explain...
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 17, 2023, 12:53:51 PM
Well, I still think that one should sing without restraint, however bad their voice might be. It's just a matter of finding a place where no one will hear... ;DGrey great song!!.
(I'm trying to be funny, but that's exactly what I do, the "place" being my car when I'm alone in it)
About accents and their persistence, Jitter, I can tell that many people is surprised that I live in Portugal for more than 30 years, because they think I sound soooo brazilian... So you're not alone in that.
(On the other hand my family in Brazil says that I sound sooo portuguese... :D )
And now, on the next scene of the musical, we have a long hunt in the forest, performed by Onni "Young" Hotakainen and called Kade is In the Air (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNC0kIzM1Fo) :onni: :headbang:
I get the accent thing a lot. I grew up in New York and Live in the Boston area. People in Boston say I have a New York accent and people in New York say i have a Boston accent.
The accents are actually not close to each other, though both are what is considered "strong".
I think it is because some words I pronounce the New York way and some the Boston way. So each group never picks up on the similarities, only the differences.
My brother lives in the St. Louis area and he has the thickest Southern/New York accent ever.
A New York drawl sort of.
Post by: Jitter on March 17, 2023, 01:38:05 PM
Post by: Buteo on March 17, 2023, 03:48:48 PM
Someone will surely come up with a tune to suggest, we can't pass up a chance to sing lyrics like these!
grey, you did a great job with the Kade song. I listened to the original, and sang your lyrics right along!
Post by: Jitter on March 17, 2023, 03:51:22 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on March 18, 2023, 08:42:33 AM
Jitter, don't worry. Even without a tune the rhythm is great! About singing, you already have so many talents... Couldn't have them all, right? ;)
And today the musical continues with the band's drummer! Mikkel "Jack" Madsen shows his skills are not limited to drumming in this adaptation of one White Stripe's song he called "Five Nations Armies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY)". Here we get a glimpse of the past, and possible future of a man of many talents... :mikkel: :headbang:
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 18, 2023, 10:19:53 PM
I recently watched the movie rise of the guardians (I really like the movie).
It is nearing Easter in it. One of the things the Easter bunny says is Easter is hope. Considering it is close to Easter, we can do hope.
Also st paddy’s day just passed. (It is a big deal in Boston. Though I think more as a drinking holiday than anything else.)
This made me think of Ireland. Than the Fae. I know many Icelanders have a strong belief in elves. Finnish lore also have a type of elves. Plus other cultures. The Menuhue in Hawaii are really interesting. They are believed to have built the Heiau, that are all over Hawaii. I love that type of thing and one of our vacations to Kaua’i, we went to visit them. They were definitely a place of power. I still think about hoe awed I was of the spaces.
So maybe if we don’t want hope, we can do Fae, elves, or any of those people of nature
Post by: Róisín on March 18, 2023, 11:20:14 PM
Post by: Jitter on March 19, 2023, 07:27:25 AM
Let’s go with the fae / elves / tontut / little people / etc for next week. And maybe hope for the one after that! Let’s keep it in mind ok?
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 19, 2023, 11:00:45 AM
Dmeck, very good suggestions both!
Let’s go with the fae / elves / tontut / little people / etc for next week. And maybe hope for the one after that! Let’s keep it in mind ok?
Works for me
Post by: thegreyarea on March 20, 2023, 07:57:53 AM
However before that I'd like to bring to you the last part of the musical, and a few words.
I really loved doing those music adaptations. Thanks to it I heard dozens of musics, saw dozens of videos, read dozens of lyrics... Some were "old friends", some I barely heard, a few I had never heard before. It was a great adventure where I sung, drummed (with my fingers), sometimes cried, sometimes laughed. And all that made me realize my life had become maybe a bit too silent, and that I need to bring more music into it. :sparkle: ^-^ :sparkle:
And all that said, there was one member of the Not-So-Silent Explorers still to take the lead...
So the crowd cheers when our dear Tuuri "Amy" Hotakainen steps ahead and grabs the mic, and even more when she invites Reynir to join her. (And of course he's happy to help. Among other things, like walking into other's spaces, it's something he just does (https://archiveofourown.org/works/45616810)... ) :tuuri: :reynir:
In this scene a brave guy risks everything and does all he can to help her love, lost in a dark place... It's called "Bring Me To Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YxaaGgTQYM)".
(Note that the parts between brackets () mean it's Reynir singing, and how he manages to sound so different from his previous appearance singing "Help"! This guy really has talent!)
Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on March 20, 2023, 11:05:54 AM
Also very glad to hear this has brought good things into your life!
Post by: Buteo on March 20, 2023, 11:47:00 AM
So happy to hear that this project brought music back to you. I shudder to imagine life without it.
Post by: thegreyarea on March 20, 2023, 02:51:34 PM
And yes, adding an extra bit music makes living sound better! ;)
Post by: thegreyarea on March 25, 2023, 08:47:04 PM
Hopefully tomorrow I'll add the tale. All the best! :)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zfjpjdkD/trasgo-page-111-final.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Post by: Buteo on March 26, 2023, 01:34:59 AM
Post by: Jitter on March 26, 2023, 06:37:27 AM
Keep your thumbs up I’ll manage to get to the writing desk, I also have an idea for a bit of story.
Post by: Keep Looking on March 26, 2023, 08:27:43 AM
Post by: Jitter on March 28, 2023, 02:30:33 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 28, 2023, 05:03:24 PM
Here is my Fae
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/116013325
I forgot what i was going to do for hope. Have to look at notes and try to remember...
Grey I love your edit!!
Post by: Jitter on March 28, 2023, 05:38:31 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 28, 2023, 05:44:34 PM
Dmeck, this was imteresting! And it also has hope, so you are covered (although of course I hope you will delight us with another one too)
Thank you. It was way better in my head than on paper (lol)
Post by: thorny on March 29, 2023, 12:18:17 AM
Nice, dmeck! And it solves the problem of why the Silent World isn't drowning in cats, and why Kitty's not pregnant by/before the start of Adventure 2. However the fertility of cats is restricted, it would make sense for part of it to be a later age of sexual maturity.
Post by: dmeck7755 on March 29, 2023, 08:14:49 AM
Nice, dmeck! And it solves the problem of why the Silent World isn't drowning in cats, and why Kitty's not pregnant by/before the start of Adventure 2. However the fertility of cats is restricted, it would make sense for part of it to be a later age of sexual maturity.
True, it was not something i thought all the way through. Maybe post-rash kitties live a very long time. Helga's story about Tapsa have very ancient kitties. So it could be all part of a greater thing
Post by: Jitter on April 02, 2023, 05:36:11 PM
- Kaino, tell me. What is it you are doing?
- Doing? What do you mean?
- Don’t think I haven’t noticed you sneaking away!
- Sneaking? I’m not sneaking! I’m doing things!
- What things?
- You know. Survival things.
- Such as?
- Gathering firewood.
- Oh please, you bring in less firewood than Aino, and she’s got Ensi!
- Well, um, it’s… ach ok, I’ll show you. But they’re not ready.
…
- We are quite far. What do you have here?
- This, dear brother, is… hope.
Kaino gestured towards rows of shoots. A vegetable garden!
Post by: Jitter on April 03, 2023, 03:43:46 PM
Post by: Sc0ut on April 03, 2023, 04:17:06 PM
Post by: Jitter on April 03, 2023, 05:32:08 PM
Post by: tehta on April 04, 2023, 05:09:40 AM
And I am thinking that someone should go through and collect the old prompts in a doc. It could even be me. One day. Then maybe we could edit the first post with them, or something?
(There should be over fifty of them by now, wow.)
Post by: Róisín on April 04, 2023, 05:20:55 AM
Post by: thegreyarea on April 07, 2023, 06:42:17 AM
Spoilers, for those who had not read it (yet):
Spoiler: show
Jitter, also love your drabble. Simple and effective. I wish I was able to say so much with so few words... And the garden is a beautiful metaphor for hope. :sparkle: ^-^ :sparkle:
BTW, you may have noticed I've been doing less posts recently. That's because of some unexpected work, and it delayed my own Fae story... :( But it's almost ready (maybe later today?) and, coincidentally, it happens to have some spicy on it! :)
Post by: wavewright62 on April 08, 2023, 10:15:51 PM
I hope you enjoy Peppers. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/46353616)
It happens to have exactly 700 words in it, but it was not intended as a drabble multiple.
I must say I'm always happy to see quality Kaino content!
Post by: Jitter on April 11, 2023, 12:04:21 PM
Everyone, we need a new prompt.
Here's something (too) spicy:
”No! No eat! Bad!” Four year old Lalli did not use many words, but the ones he did he wielded forcefully. At this instance he was unhappy about the meal is father was trying to feed him.
“Come on, Lalli! It’s soup. You like soup, don’t you?”
“No! Bad soup!”
“This is the same soup we have all the time! Pureed potato, carrots and onion in broth. And the onions were fried first. Just like you like it.”
“Soup is wrong!” Lalli smacked both hands on his mouth to make sure Jukka couldn’t maneuver any of the offending food into it.
“Please, Lalli. You must eat.” The only response was a muffled “mrrr”.
Jukka was torn. Lalli needed to eat, the boy was thin as a twig. On the other hand he knew how useless it was to try to force anything on him. Nevertheless, he took his son into his lap and gently took his hands off his mouth. “Open up now, the boat is coming to the pier! The lake gates need to open for the boat!” Sometimes this worked.
This was not one of those times. Quickly as a cat the kid slipped his hands out of his father’s and slammed the bowl. “No! Wrong soup!” Lalli was in tears. Jukka wasn’t exactly happy either, with soup all over his face and shirt (Lalli had of course managed to dodge all of it – sometimes Jukka wondered if his son actually had some cat in him), but we knew his son and understood Lalli was not acting up but was genuinely distressed.
“All right dear. I see there really is something wrong with the soup. You don’t need to eat it, ok?”
*sniffle*mrh*grnt*sniffle* Lalli was calming down a little. His father gave him a light hug.
“Can you explain to me what do you think is wrong with the soup? Like I said it has the exact same ingredients.”
“No! It’s wrong. Smell wrong. I KNOW it taste wrong too. Bad bad soup!”
Just then Tuulikki stepped in.
“Hello darlings, I…" She took in the scene, with the squirming child and her husband covered in soup. "Oh. I guess Lalli doesn’t like marjoram either.”
“Gee, thanks for the heads up, honey!” But Jukka couldn’t really complain. He was the one who had suggested they could try something other than chives and parsley in some of the foods (and dill, but only with fish). Apparently, their son didn’t agree.
I wanted to use dragon as the offending herb, but the Finnish name doesn't mean dragon as in the mythical creature. I know I would have been tempted to come up with a pun about how the soup is of course too hot if you put dragon in it, but it wouldn't work in Finnish. So I used marjoram. Or rather, Tuulikki did.
Also I hope it's clear Jukka is trying to coax Lalli to eat and not force him. He doesn't mind touching by his parents here.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 11, 2023, 02:03:29 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/116875564
Jitter great marjoram indeed...
Post by: Róisín on April 11, 2023, 02:15:03 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 11, 2023, 02:23:02 PM
Is dragon the same as estragon/tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)? It’s a herb I greatly enjoy but not everyone does.
I thought it may have been that also. Love it on seafood. It is the herb I use if I am making Chicken Kiev.
I think some people may not like the anise aftertaste of it
Post by: JoB on April 11, 2023, 04:43:07 PM
Is dragon the same as estragon/tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)? It’s a herb I greatly enjoy but not everyone does.Hard to say when our only information is that the Finnish term does not translate to "dragon". 8)
As a guess, however: According to transgarble, the Finnish "rakuuna" translates to both "tarragon" and "dragoon" in English. The latter being named after some kind of "dragon" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragoon#Origins_and_name), obviously ...
Not that dragons necessarily are fond of whatever extra spicy condiment (https://goldengaitmercantile.com/products/dragon-repellent-knightmare-hot-sauce) you might offer them, mind ... ;)
Post by: Jitter on April 11, 2023, 05:27:23 PM
Dmeck, how sweet! Was the original your first story? One of the first certainly.
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 11, 2023, 06:18:15 PM
Oopsie, a multi-language mistake. Yes, I mean tarragon. The little packets of tarragon (we have at least four! Don’t know why.) I have, say Rakuuna - Dragon on top. So, the herb is dragon in Swedish. It didn’t even cross my mind to check, even when I checked marjoram (which I was sure I remembered correctly and I did)… I like tarragon with carrots, and root vegetable soup, so that’s why I wanted to use it, plus it’s a commonly grown herb here.
Dmeck, how sweet! Was the original your first story? One of the first certainly.
Yeah it is a re-write. I was never able to get the idea over the way I wanted to. (Still is meh! on that scale) I added some to it for the hope prompt. Hopefully it is better....
Post by: JoB on April 12, 2023, 03:38:30 AM
The little packets of tarragon (we have at least four! Don’t know why.)... someone in your household preparing for a special meat dish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarragon#Quotes)? >:D
(Somewhat more seriously: Identical packets, or could they be distinct variations of the (preprocessed) herb?)
Post by: Róisín on April 12, 2023, 05:49:32 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 13, 2023, 08:27:41 AM
Maybe leave this week open for what ever someone wants to post and we can pick something for next week. Work has been weird and I have been weird...
Post by: Jitter on April 18, 2023, 05:28:58 PM
Recently when we had “Tuuri and Reynir” it was a good prompt, so I suggest we could try other combinations every now and then. How about “Mikkel and Lalli” for the next one?
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 19, 2023, 06:15:44 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/117384415
“Mikkel and Lalli” is great!!
Post by: tehta on April 20, 2023, 02:09:16 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 20, 2023, 07:56:13 AM
(https://mumsgrapevine.com.au/site/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2018/06/WoodlandBabyShowerCake_MarksSpencer.jpg.webp)
Post by: dmeck7755 on April 20, 2023, 07:58:57 AM
(https://static.thatsup.co/content/img/place/t/a/user-photo/2db26d78.jpg)
Post by: tehta on April 20, 2023, 11:53:45 AM
Post by: Buteo on April 20, 2023, 12:09:23 PM
Happy birthday, Lalli!
Also not visible: Emil, periodically handing Lalli a new assortment of sweets while eating some himself.
Post by: tehta on April 22, 2023, 07:08:03 AM
However, the epilogue I just added to it DOES involve Lalli and Milkkel, so...
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 01, 2023, 08:38:42 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/118075075
How about forgetting for this weeks post? (As i did forget ;) )
Post by: thorny on May 01, 2023, 09:13:34 AM
And, on looking up cinnamon -- it is sometimes grown as a potted plant as a hobby, overwintering indoors. Not impossible that somebody, or even several somebodies, had a few plants in year zero; and very likely that they'd have tried to keep them alive.
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 01, 2023, 09:30:13 AM
I think you'd be right about the greenhouses. There would be a lot of suitable scavengeable materials; not only did they have general famine in the early years but also the weather would have been very weird for a while (and quite possibly still is); and the early-years population would have been used to having access to a lot of warmer-climate foods and probably would have tried to keep growing them, if only enough for an occasional treat. Even an unheated greenhouse will significantly extend the growing season; and they can be heated in various ways, ranging from a hot composting heap to, as you say, geothermal.
And, on looking up cinnamon -- it is sometimes grown as a potted plant as a hobby, overwintering indoors. Not impossible that somebody, or even several somebodies, had a few plants in year zero; and very likely that they'd have tried to keep them alive.
I like to think that our year zero folks were quite clever. Looking stuff up on the 'net before everything came crashing down. (Another head cannon thing is stuff died slowly sputtering to a dismal end. ) Many systems run automatically and would not have stopped all as once. Much more "not with a bang, but a whimper"
I also think that they would have used cassia which is not really cinnamon, but is close and is easier to grow.
Post by: Róisín on May 01, 2023, 10:14:39 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 02, 2023, 11:19:23 AM
Both Cassia and Cinnamon grow outdoors in the Adelaide botanical gardens, and several friends down on the Adelaide Plains also grow both outdoors or in a greenhouse. I had Cinnamon doing well outdoors until this winter, we live on a cold plateau inland from Adelaide.
That sounds really cool. Really fresh Cinnamon!! Yum
Does the tree smell as nice as the spice?
Post by: Róisín on May 03, 2023, 12:22:12 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 05, 2023, 02:46:50 PM
Post by: wavewright62 on May 05, 2023, 08:58:34 PM
Me.
Okay, so a screencap instead...
(https://i.imgur.com/lLAcpep.png)
Post by: thegreyarea on May 14, 2023, 12:29:32 PM
As you may have heard, I managed to put together a lot of work with being sick in these last two weeks... Quite an acomplishment, I know, I know...
So I wasn't very present here. But I survived my labyrinthitis test and, still a bit unsteady, found my way back to be with you all.
And I finally finished that story for the "Fae" prompt! Remember? It's on AO3, here: Trasgo (https://archiveofourown.org/works/47173015)
I also missed Jitter's birthday... :( But it's never too late for a gift, right? So this story is for her. I hope you like it, my dear. :) <3
And what should be next week's prompt?
Post by: Jitter on May 14, 2023, 03:34:34 PM
I propose that the next prompt should be Song. For reasons that may be apparent for Europeans. For the others, google Cha cha cha
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 14, 2023, 08:00:02 PM
Grey, great story
Post by: Róisín on May 14, 2023, 11:56:28 PM
Post by: Jitter on May 17, 2023, 11:31:04 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/wxLYD8rx/Cha-Cha-Cha.jpg)
Spoiler: context • show
Post by: JoB on May 17, 2023, 06:31:58 PM
Just google Cha Cha Cha song.
Hmmmmmmm ...
Post by: wavewright62 on May 18, 2023, 09:49:02 PM
I really want to steal it and share it on my tumblr.
Post by: Jitter on May 19, 2023, 03:26:26 AM
You did notice how the second song features, yes?
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 19, 2023, 08:11:03 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on May 20, 2023, 06:17:48 AM
Wave, thanks! Feel free! If you think it would make someone else chuckle I’m honored! :reynir:
You did notice how the second song features, yes?
thank you!
(I hate to say it, but no? Maybe my brain is scarred because I looked at JoB's video first.)
Post by: Jitter on May 20, 2023, 08:50:14 AM
Post by: wavewright62 on May 21, 2023, 06:17:55 AM
Post by: Jitter on May 21, 2023, 09:14:59 AM
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 23, 2023, 09:54:27 AM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/119376967
Post by: Jitter on May 26, 2023, 03:04:19 PM
It is a lovely story.
Post by: wavewright62 on May 26, 2023, 06:11:08 PM
Post by: thegreyarea on May 29, 2023, 07:47:02 PM
Great video, JoB! Hilarious, despite my understanding of German starting, and ending, in "klein"... ;D
(how do you manage to always find such amazing things?)
And I really like the story, dmeck! Fits quite well in the canon. Well done! <3
(also "The woods and the animals sensed it also and seemed to sing with him. It was beautiful" really pushes me to something Disney style, with all animal dancing and singing in circles around Onni and Tuuri) :)
Also sorry for not posting this week. Hopefully I'll do more soon.
Post by: apprenticeNerd on May 30, 2023, 02:11:24 AM
Far beyond the last horizon
Far above the tallest tree
Lies a river with no bottom
Flowing, endless, toward the sea
There the birds will lead your spirit
There you'll sleep as soft as snow
Quiet reigns in Tuonela
Where all Finns will one day go
Here I thought I'd make it through this
Here I thought I'd be okay
Was it worth it? I don't know now
Nothing left to do but pray
Help me, Swan of Tuonela
Don't let me be like those - things
Let the water take my body
So my soul can find its wings
This is it, my story's over
Soft and small as it began
Will the others get home safely?
I hope to all the gods they can
Lalli, Onni, please don't worry
We're all better off this way
I'll be fine in Tuonela
'Til I see you there someday
Post by: JoB on May 30, 2023, 07:54:45 AM
despite my understanding of German starting, and ending, in "klein"... ;DI can help (https://www-lyrix-at.translate.goog/t/bernd-das-brot-ich-habe-ein-kleines-cha-cha-a40?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp)! :reynir:
(How come that we don't have that utterance in the reaction images hoard yet?)
(how do you manage to always find such amazing things?)(... it's not like I'd have to still find out much about Bernd (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernd_das_Brot), so asking Youtube for an actual video to link to was quite literally a one-liner ...)
Post by: thorny on May 30, 2023, 10:21:24 AM
Oh boy it's time for sadness - I forgot I wrote this musical-style song about Tuuri on the beach...
Nicely done!
Post by: dmeck7755 on May 30, 2023, 11:46:58 AM
Oh boy it's time for sadness - I forgot I wrote this musical-style song about Tuuri on the beach...
It is sad, but very lovely.
Post by: Buteo on May 30, 2023, 12:49:16 PM
I don't know why, but all the songs I find most beautiful are sad ones.
Perhaps one of the internet-savvy folk here can help you link the recording? I'd love to hear it sung.
Post by: Jitter on May 30, 2023, 04:29:37 PM
New prompt perhaps? I suggest Birds
Post by: Jitter on May 30, 2023, 04:32:41 PM
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/67068e322fd878059f5cca8d50ea9a28/tumblr_np8xq04cpT1usyk6lo1_400.png)
Post by: Róisín on May 31, 2023, 01:35:11 AM
And ApprenticeNerd, your song is beautiful and sad.
Post by: JoB on May 31, 2023, 04:34:54 AM
JoB there’s something!(I saw that one, and I remember Reynir once saying "thank you for letting me help" after he and Mikkel cleaned up the Cat-Tank, but the context didn't allow for the quote to be in the past tense ...)
Post by: Keep Looking on May 31, 2023, 08:31:50 AM
Post by: Jitter on June 10, 2023, 04:56:40 PM
No. It must stop. We will make it stop.
“The forest … trees” “New colour” “No. More colour. Same colour than before.” ”Have known this. Name is forgotten”
”Word is spring” ”Spring is regrowth, renewal” ”End of death”
QUIET. This is vile, revolting, bad. We will make it stop.
”Sound” “Sound. Beautiful” “A thing… a living thing?”
Everything is dead
“Sound of living thing” “Thing is… finch?”
QUIET. This is vile thing
“Robin…. Warbler… I have known this thing. Many of these things” ”swans, ducks, seagulls…” “we had wagtails at… home?” “Word is birds. I learned about birds. At home. From my…” QUIET “I remember loving birds! My… my dad taught me to…” SILENCE
…
…
All is silent. Nothing moves. All dead. As it should be. As it will be.
ALL IS DEAD
We didn’t really have to kill ALL the birds? Did we?
Post by: Jitter on June 10, 2023, 04:57:38 PM
Post by: wavewright62 on June 12, 2023, 10:43:17 PM
Legal? (in honour
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 13, 2023, 07:57:04 AM
Legal is good. I have to look up the news to figure out which "disgrace" (lol)
I have been so out of it lately...
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 14, 2023, 04:19:11 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/120711565
so legal this week and mid-summer (or mid-winter for southern hemisphere folks..)next week?
Post by: Jitter on June 15, 2023, 10:54:53 AM
Your birds had much nicer dealings with the dead than mine! Btw, do corvids actually do that? Lift carrions to trees I mean?
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 15, 2023, 12:34:56 PM
Great work, dmeck! I like the way it reads like an actual traditonal story!I have seen crows drop stuff to get them to open. (Maybe eat some nice soft braiiiins...tee hee)
Your birds had much nicer dealings with the dead than mine! Btw, do corvids actually do that? Lift carrions to trees I mean?
I just took it a bit further.
They have been known to drop rocks (https://www.safeguardpestcontrol.co.uk/crows-use-rocks-damage-property/)
https://www.sciencealert.com/crows-ravens-corvids-best-birds-animal-intelligence
Post by: Róisín on June 16, 2023, 01:07:12 AM
Their beaks are like a pair of sharp-ended pliers. When I was prospecting in New Zealand many years ago I had way too much experience with keas helping themselves to my stuff, including both food supplies and small tools. While they could, and sometimes would, open the buckles of my backpack if they could be bothered, sometimes they would simply gnaw through the heavy canvas to get at things inside it. The experience I found most alarming was when a kea chewed its way through the solid metal handle of my geopick! Wavewright could probably tell you more about keas.
Corvids, parrots and raptors such as eagles will all drop things from a height to kill them or to break or crack hard shells. There was recently a case in Victoria where a dingo pup was found fallen into a backyard, having been dropped by probably an eagle. The animal survived. And accounts of creatures such as tortoises and shellfish being dropped to open them by birds are very common.
Post by: JoB on June 16, 2023, 03:58:48 AM
The people who were troubled by crows dropping things on their cars and houses should be grateful that there are no keas where they live![makes mental note to review the escape-proof-ness of zoos over here who (think they can) keep keas]
Post by: wavewright62 on June 16, 2023, 06:51:46 PM
I have been mulling over Legal, in a universe where just about everywhere is the frontier and therefore somewhat lawless. Nothing to show yet...
Post by: thegreyarea on June 21, 2023, 08:46:39 AM
So if I ever lean against a tree trunk and take a diminute skull on my head I'll understand what happened ;D
I'll try to do something short about birds... Tuuri maybe?
Post by: Jitter on June 23, 2023, 03:06:16 PM
Lalli was surprised. Firstly, despite it being over 10 years, and everything looked different after the fires, his feet carried him with no hesitation uphill to the right spot.
Secondly, and more importantly, he was surprised to see someone else was there. Someone he didn’t know. A red-haired person was sitting at a fire, that was set up stupidly directly on the ground. Their back was turned, but Lalli knew they were a stranger. He only knew two people with such fiery red hair, and both of them were firmly in their respective countries.
“Kukas sinä olet?”
“Halló?” the stranger turned ” Hver ert þú litli vinur minn?”
A stranger, and a foreigner at that! If Lalli knew anything about the languages of the world*, she was speaking Icelandic.
“Kuka olet ja mitä teet meidän mailla??”
The stranger kept speaking her stupid non-Finnish. Lalli turned on his heel and ran back towards the main-square-to-be.
“Onni, there is someone sitting on Grandma’s land. An Icelander. She’s stupid, she spoke Icelandic to me. As if she didn’t know this is Finland.”
“Hmm, Jussi here was just telling me some Icelanders came in a couple of days ago. Let’s go see what’s going on.”
“Päivää. Onni Hotakainen. Who are you?” (in Icelandic)
”Oh, finally, a civilized person! I am Hildur Halgrimsdottir, charmed to meet you, I’m sure.”
“And what is your business here?”
“Straight to the point I see. I am occupying this land.”
“What? Why?”
“I represent certain Icelandic clients, who have an interest in the newly developing settlements of Saimaa area. There are interesting prospects in the future villages after certain ... developments.... lately. Well, I digress. The long and short of it is that they sent me here to claim good land. This is the best spot on this island. So, this is their plot now.”
“Now hold on, lady! This is OUR land!”
“Hmm? I see no traces of occupancy here. In fact, we have been living” she gestured to a nearby tent “here for several days now, and this is the first time you present this claim.”
“It’s not a claim. We own this plot. And that one” Onni gestured to the area where Tuulikki and Jukka’s house had been “and one more further that way. We weren’t here yesterday because we just arrived at Toivosaari!”
“Well, young man, you seem to have a misunderstanding. The law on land claims says that you have to actually occupy the land you are claiming, not merely say it’s yours. And in any case it’s temporal precedence. That is to say, I was here first and therefore I get the claim.”
“No. This land is not up for grabs. It’s our land. It was owned by our Grandmother and therefore it’s ours now that she has… passed.”
“Oh, I see. You claim heritage. How fortuitous then that you have arrived to present your case before any permanent measures have been undertaken. We will settle this matter with no further delay.”
“What’s going on?” (in Finnish) Lalli demanded to know.
“She said she’s claiming our land for her clients.”
“But it’s ours! This was GRANDMA’s land!”
“Yes, don’t worry. She says it’s ok because we are heirs.”
“So” Hildur was smiling widely, but, in Lalli’s opinion, not at all pleasantly “please present your documentation and I will be on my way.”
“Documentation?” Onni frowned.
“Of course. As legitimate heirs, you surely have your legal documentation? Proof of ownership, charter of heir, et cetera?”
“Ah, no. The entire village was destroyed. Surely you know this.” Onni indicated to the still blackened areas of the forest.
“Yes, but I fail to see how it is relevant? Perhaps your grandmother perished in that event?”
“Yes, she did. Along with all our families. We were the only survivors in the village.”
“And this pertains to the matter at hand because…?”
“We don’t have any documents. We escaped with our lives and nothing else!”
“Oh, I see. How unfortunate. For you.”
“What do you mean?”
“No documentation, no legal claim. This is my clients’ land now.”
“But… but our grandmother…”
“Is not here. Goodbye."
"Are you aware that the developments you mentioned was me? Well, us. Us and some fr... acquaintances. But mostly us."
"Again, not legally relevant. Please approach me or my clients only with proper legal grounds. Which I don’t’ think will happen.” Hildur turned away dismissively.
“Come, Lalli. She says we need documents. Which we don’t have.” (in Finnish)
“You aren’t just giving up, are you?”
“No, of course not. She thinks it’s a matter of law and paperwork. We’ll see about that.”
* He didn’t really. But he did know this wasn’t Swedish, and it didn’t sound like the almost-Swedish Sigrun and Mikkel had spoken.
To be continued, hopefully
Post by: Jitter on June 26, 2023, 01:41:35 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on June 26, 2023, 10:14:36 PM
BTW I like you story. Bureaucrats! Pfff...
Maybe the spirits can give he a really really bad dream...(heh)
Post by: thorny on June 27, 2023, 11:19:46 AM
Post by: Buteo on June 27, 2023, 03:55:24 PM
I have been worried by the lack of traffic on the board recently, but since I don't contribute much, I cannot complain - just worry, and try to come up with... something....
Post by: Jitter on June 27, 2023, 06:29:39 PM
Buteo, thorny, everyone, please bear in mind that this board is open for comments and discussion also by those who do not post their work! Discussion is extremely welcome from anyone!
Post by: wavewright62 on June 28, 2023, 06:15:00 AM
(https://imgur.com/Tp987nG.png)
Post by: thegreyarea on July 01, 2023, 03:39:16 AM
And alive!
My new job plus remains of older works are proving to be quite demanding... but I did write a new bird story! And I like it a lot! :D
But... it's still in manuscript form, so I must find time to type it. Hopefully on Sunday evening, but can't promise.
Dmeck, I'm sorry that you are having a bad time. I hope things get right soon!
All the best, and a big hug to each of you! <3
Post by: tehta on July 09, 2023, 03:18:33 PM
I myself have just been... busy and uninspired. It's too hot here to think. (Italy, 35C. An American friend mocked me for considering this a heatwave when it's 40C where she lives, but this is unfair as Americans mostly have AC. Nobody has that here. We just try to cool the house at night and eat gelato in the daytime.)
Oh, and Jiiri, your story was infuriating! But can Icelanders just choose to move in on Finland like that? Don't the gods have something to say?
Post by: Jitter on July 10, 2023, 12:38:13 PM
About the settlement possibilities, we will see. Hopefully there will be a future prompt where I can continue? Onni seems to think it’s not a done deal yet.
On the whole the Finnish government, such as it is, wishes to encourage settlement as the country is short of people. Particularly in the areas that were already known to be good places for people until the Kade happened are promising, don’t you think? So, finders keepers unless there is a legitimate claim from an existing owner or heir. And by legitimate we of course mean that valid documentation is required!
Which reminds me, new prompt? Anyone have ideas?
Post by: tehta on July 11, 2023, 07:37:55 AM
I am not sure I would write anything, but I could propose "colonization" as a prompt. Or "heatwave", because it might be interesting to imagine the effects of a heatwave, post-Rash.
Post by: Jitter on July 11, 2023, 07:48:28 AM
Maybe let’s take heatwave cirst, it seems perhaps easier than colonization and maybe some of us (by which I mean all of us) need easy paths to get back in :)
So, heatwave is the mew prompt!
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 11, 2023, 11:59:27 AM
You have to bear in mind that the rules are made by bureaucrats, and there is no bureaucracy school in Finland so they may be more familiar with posh Icelandic, or at any rate Swedish, ways than actual realities on the ground. And maybe they have forgotten to consult Ukko, Mielikki and the lot?
I can see this...
It is a beautiful summer day and Odin and Freya are sitting by the sea. Thor is running up and down the beach, keeping in shape.
A lightning bolt tears across the sky and Ukko appears very much miffed...
The trees in the background rustling wildly and Mielikki appears furious..
Jumala appears from out of no where and stares directly at Odin
"EXPLAIN NOW!!"
"Jumala!! What a pleasant surprise! What brings your little family to our shores?"
"You know very well..Those Icelanders have no business in Finland!! Make them go home or I will!!"
"I am sorry you are upset, but you were not using that part of the land, and I figured some people would help out."
"Not your people...My people! Go pick on the Swedes they are a godless lot."
"But..But Finland is so pretty.."
"Yes it is..but it is MINE!! not yours. Make them go away!"
(Have to think about the rest...)
So, heatwave is the mew prompt!
That works!!
Post by: Jitter on July 11, 2023, 02:00:34 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on July 11, 2023, 02:38:22 PM
Haha, thanks! Onni has a plan too!
Onni is one very prepared individual!! Can't wait!
Post by: wavewright62 on July 29, 2023, 09:37:06 PM
When the heat wave hits
whoosh! every nerve aflame
my one true passion
Post by: Jitter on August 12, 2023, 10:26:44 AM
The forest is dead quiet. Sweltering sun has forced even the insects to seek shelter. The only sound is the occasional soft crack when something crumbles in the heat and the crushing of moss underfoot. The brittle dry vegetation offers little nourishment. Birds have flown away, or maybe perished in their nests. Eerie silence fills the ears, when you stop walking.
But the night things thrive. They are swifter, stronger, more silent. Deadlier. The large ones roam farther. The small ones gather In numbers. They wait. We wait.
The rain must come soon, bringing cool breezes. The rain must come.
Time for a new prompt. Suggestions?
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 12, 2023, 01:11:02 PM
How about lazy and/or procrastination?
Post by: Jitter on August 12, 2023, 01:21:12 PM
The prompt is now Procrastination / Lazy
(Also I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that
A) nothing on the Forum is an obligation, so you are not ”lazy” or ”procrastinating” when not doing something here
B) procrastination may be caused by laziness, but usually it’s not!)
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 12, 2023, 08:51:53 PM
We’ve all been a bit absent lately. Hopefully the turn of the seasons will help us wake up :) And we have the great plans for the 10 year anniversary and YoinkTober so lots of opportunities ahead!
The prompt is now Procrastination / Lazy
(Also I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that
A) nothing on the Forum is an obligation, so you are not ”lazy” or ”procrastinating” when not doing something here
B) procrastination may be caused by laziness, but usually it’s not!)
I know, but I do enjoy the conversations on the forum, and miss everyone :) . It is just me... feeling weird
10 year anniversary and YoinkTober sounds glorious :)
I have been having writers block, and need to try and write something to get out of it (LOL)
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 12, 2023, 08:53:14 PM
A heat wave is uncomfortable for everyone, except the night things.
The forest is dead quiet. Sweltering sun has forced even the insects to seek shelter. The only sound is the occasional soft crack when something crumbles in the heat and the crushing of moss underfoot. The brittle dry vegetation offers little nourishment. Birds have flown away, or maybe perished in their nests. Eerie silence fills the ears, when you stop walking.
But the night things thrive. They are swifter, stronger, more silent. Deadlier. The large ones roam farther. The small ones gather In numbers. They wait. We wait.
The rain must come soon, bringing cool breezes. The rain must come.
Time for a new prompt. Suggestions?
Definitely creepy. Love it though :)
Post by: wavewright62 on August 12, 2023, 09:21:41 PM
Post by: Jitter on August 13, 2023, 08:42:23 AM
And thanks!
Wave, I don’t think you intended to give Emil hot flashes but I can’t help thinking of it like that. In any case it is definitely Emil!
Post by: wavewright62 on August 16, 2023, 08:36:55 PM
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 31, 2023, 02:36:48 PM
https://archiveofourown.org/works/45121762/chapters/125618443
Post by: thorny on August 31, 2023, 03:23:24 PM
Spoiler: show
Post by: dmeck7755 on August 31, 2023, 04:58:54 PM
Reading that in the context of the previous couple of posts, I was half expectingSNERK!!.Spoiler: show
Post by: Jitter on August 31, 2023, 05:50:24 PM