They've Met the Porcupine, Now Otters Meet the Branch Manager
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 10:11 am![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
daily_otter_feedWho seems a little uninterested, tbh. Not the otters, though, otters are always curious.
Porcupine meeting; videos via Oregon Zoo
2026/035: Cuckoo Song — Frances Hardinge
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 09:37 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tamaranth2026/035: Cuckoo Song — Frances Hardinge
Trying to cling to the past, to the way things were, pretending nothing has changed. Everything changes and breaks and stops fitting – and we know that, even with our stopped clock. The world is breaking, and changing, and dancing. Always on the move. That’s how it is. That’s how it has to be. [p. 409]
Reread for book club: first read in 2014. I remembered very little except Triss' true nature and the scissors. That said, I find that my Kindle highlights match quotes from that earlier review... And I'm not sure I have much more to say about it, other than ( Read more... )
More than anything, I'll shelter and adore you more than anything.
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 04:42 ambeansideWe survived Monday! It actually wasn't that bad! It went relatively quickly, I got a few people in for appointments. Had one really obnoxious one who asked me like five times if I'd done it correctly. I flipped off the screen a lot with them, and took a little five minute break when I hung up. That's pretty rare, but she was on my last nerve.
I also got some more news about the promotion. So A. had said that she had never got the application, so she went back to HR and was like, wtf? And it turned out that the job I applied for initally had me shortlisted for the job, and it paused my application. So they figured that out, and A got the application, and has sent it over to Talent to write up my offer letter. I teased her about not needing an interview, and she said "1. Who has time for that. 2. Why would I bother? The job was literally created for you." So that made me feel good.
I did have a blip in the morning, where Jess was a little sad about all the games that were ending and that I'm only doing a game a day on the weekend from here on out because of school. I felt like they were giving me pushback, and was a little bit upset about it. And in retrospect, it wasn't even about Jess. One of my players took it upon themselves to nudge to schedule some of the games that are in limbo. But they did it with somewhat passive agressive-feeling sad faces in a bunch of my campaigns. And at the time, I was like Okay, lets schedule. But it really bothered me. I'm not a fucking D&D vending machine. This shit takes actual time and effort to prep, and there's only so much time. This isn't like a Goshapan machine. You put in an emoji, and the D&D falls out. So I could have responded better to Jess. We settled down and talked it out during lunch and we're all good. I'm just going to need to be better about laying down boundaries while I'm in school. Or alternately, just boundaries, full stop.
Sadly when my sister got home, she brought news that they're firing her employee, effective on the 27th. They don't feel like she needs an extra person, since they took the records away and sent it to NY. My sister is devastated. She adores the employee, and she feels like her company is being a bunch of liars. They had assured everyone that the shakeup was done, and then two weeks later, shut down more sites, and now they laid off her employee.
She's started applying to other companies, but probably won't start until after our cruise in May. She's looking at fully remote and hybrid jobs, or jobs that are much closer to home, since she currently has a 45min-60min commute on the shitty Baltimore Beltway. Work from home could be a challenge for all of us, but we'll figure it out.
Today will surely be another busy day. Hopefully we'll get some cancellations, so I can get in more patients, but we'll see what the day brings. It would be nice if it brought an offer letter. I don't know how long that normally takes. I know when I got this job, I applied and got an offer letter the very next day, so I have hopes for soon. I also have hopes for a decent pay bump. Ideally in the $3-$4 range. I don't know how Hopkins works promotions. I know at IKEA, your pay bump was limited a percentage of your salary, and it wasn't much, like ten percent every level you jumped.
Had I gotten any of the team lead jobs I applied for, it would have been a double jump, so I probably would have gotten a decent bump, but otherwise, it was like $2.
It's not like I even need it to live off of. It just would be nice. Though if my sister takes a lower paying job, it would be helpful. I mean, she'll have less gas money and less frequent oil changes, which will save some money, but still. It's not like the company paid that well anyway. I make more managing only myself than she makes managing a multiple sites, and like 8 people, which is fucked up.
Tonight, I shall make some pork tenderloin and try out this hawaiian sea salt blend I got. It's got 3 kinds of salt--one of which is smoked--and some mild chili. It tasted really good when I sampled it, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it tastes on meat.
As per my usual, I'm sitting here with a shortbread, nibbling on that. I may have to order again from them. There were a bunch of other flavors that looked really tasty. And I'll probably get more of the white chocolate coconut macadamia. Or the butter macadamia. That is also really tasty and excellent with coffee.
The macademia nuts are slowly being eaten. I need to get Jess another bag of the chilli, so they won't feel bad about eating the rest of the bag. They really liked them.
I'm mostly a fan of the plain sea salt ones. Though the lilikoi ones as well. It's a sweet and tart Hawaiian flavor from the yellow passionfruit. They're really quite tasty.
Okay, time to do some more orientation. I'm hoping to have it done by the weekend. Hopefully, today or tomorrow, I get my offer letter to sign, and it'll be good. Everyone have a terrific Tuesday!!
I also got some more news about the promotion. So A. had said that she had never got the application, so she went back to HR and was like, wtf? And it turned out that the job I applied for initally had me shortlisted for the job, and it paused my application. So they figured that out, and A got the application, and has sent it over to Talent to write up my offer letter. I teased her about not needing an interview, and she said "1. Who has time for that. 2. Why would I bother? The job was literally created for you." So that made me feel good.
I did have a blip in the morning, where Jess was a little sad about all the games that were ending and that I'm only doing a game a day on the weekend from here on out because of school. I felt like they were giving me pushback, and was a little bit upset about it. And in retrospect, it wasn't even about Jess. One of my players took it upon themselves to nudge to schedule some of the games that are in limbo. But they did it with somewhat passive agressive-feeling sad faces in a bunch of my campaigns. And at the time, I was like Okay, lets schedule. But it really bothered me. I'm not a fucking D&D vending machine. This shit takes actual time and effort to prep, and there's only so much time. This isn't like a Goshapan machine. You put in an emoji, and the D&D falls out. So I could have responded better to Jess. We settled down and talked it out during lunch and we're all good. I'm just going to need to be better about laying down boundaries while I'm in school. Or alternately, just boundaries, full stop.
Sadly when my sister got home, she brought news that they're firing her employee, effective on the 27th. They don't feel like she needs an extra person, since they took the records away and sent it to NY. My sister is devastated. She adores the employee, and she feels like her company is being a bunch of liars. They had assured everyone that the shakeup was done, and then two weeks later, shut down more sites, and now they laid off her employee.
She's started applying to other companies, but probably won't start until after our cruise in May. She's looking at fully remote and hybrid jobs, or jobs that are much closer to home, since she currently has a 45min-60min commute on the shitty Baltimore Beltway. Work from home could be a challenge for all of us, but we'll figure it out.
Today will surely be another busy day. Hopefully we'll get some cancellations, so I can get in more patients, but we'll see what the day brings. It would be nice if it brought an offer letter. I don't know how long that normally takes. I know when I got this job, I applied and got an offer letter the very next day, so I have hopes for soon. I also have hopes for a decent pay bump. Ideally in the $3-$4 range. I don't know how Hopkins works promotions. I know at IKEA, your pay bump was limited a percentage of your salary, and it wasn't much, like ten percent every level you jumped.
Had I gotten any of the team lead jobs I applied for, it would have been a double jump, so I probably would have gotten a decent bump, but otherwise, it was like $2.
It's not like I even need it to live off of. It just would be nice. Though if my sister takes a lower paying job, it would be helpful. I mean, she'll have less gas money and less frequent oil changes, which will save some money, but still. It's not like the company paid that well anyway. I make more managing only myself than she makes managing a multiple sites, and like 8 people, which is fucked up.
Tonight, I shall make some pork tenderloin and try out this hawaiian sea salt blend I got. It's got 3 kinds of salt--one of which is smoked--and some mild chili. It tasted really good when I sampled it, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it tastes on meat.
As per my usual, I'm sitting here with a shortbread, nibbling on that. I may have to order again from them. There were a bunch of other flavors that looked really tasty. And I'll probably get more of the white chocolate coconut macadamia. Or the butter macadamia. That is also really tasty and excellent with coffee.
The macademia nuts are slowly being eaten. I need to get Jess another bag of the chilli, so they won't feel bad about eating the rest of the bag. They really liked them.
I'm mostly a fan of the plain sea salt ones. Though the lilikoi ones as well. It's a sweet and tart Hawaiian flavor from the yellow passionfruit. They're really quite tasty.
Okay, time to do some more orientation. I'm hoping to have it done by the weekend. Hopefully, today or tomorrow, I get my offer letter to sign, and it'll be good. Everyone have a terrific Tuesday!!
Alan Bennett At 90
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 09:10 ampoliphilo Alan Bennett has been an old man for ever so long- and now, at ninety, he has released the latest installment of his diaries. In spite of cataract and a failing memory for words (especially names) he still writes beautifully. And still has interesting things to write about- and meets as many celebrities in a day as I have briefly encountered in a lifetime. Writers, actors, politicians- he knows and has known them all. He sits outside his London home and they saunter by, exchange an observation or two and provoke memories. The tone is ruminative, humorous, melancholy- mildly but never deeply philosophical- and if he has demons he keeps them well tucked in under his skirts. When his birthday comes round they ring the church bells in the Yorkshire village where he has his other home. Few writers get to be so well loved.....
If you want the book in hardback it'll cost you £25.00. That's too much. I shall wait and source my copy from a charity shop.....
If you want the book in hardback it'll cost you £25.00. That's too much. I shall wait and source my copy from a charity shop.....
New World Order
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 07:41 ampoliphilo Paul said we should listen to the speech Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gave to the Australian Parliament. It had given him hope he said.
It was a very smooth speech of course, unruffled, a statesman's speech- but under the glistening, icy surface you could sense the land masses shifting. He was saying that "middle powers" like Australia and Canada should build their strength through co-operation- and move out of the shadow of "the hegemons"- by which he mainly meant the United States. The old order was collapsing and the smarter smaller nations should set about building the new. He didn't mention the sick old man in the White House but the message to him was clear. "We don't trust you any more. We don't need you any more...."
It was a very smooth speech of course, unruffled, a statesman's speech- but under the glistening, icy surface you could sense the land masses shifting. He was saying that "middle powers" like Australia and Canada should build their strength through co-operation- and move out of the shadow of "the hegemons"- by which he mainly meant the United States. The old order was collapsing and the smarter smaller nations should set about building the new. He didn't mention the sick old man in the White House but the message to him was clear. "We don't trust you any more. We don't need you any more...."
Resident Evil Requiem [2026]
Monday, March 9th, 2026 09:47 pmmyrmidon posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
fandom_icons[ leon s. kennedy ]
[ here @
axisandallies ]Asking for some help
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 12:17 ammickeymHey, y'all. I'm posting this to the platforms I use: Facebook, LiveJournal, and Dreamwidth, so my apologies if you see it more than once.
Matthew and I need some help getting caught up before it gets completely out of control. We need about $600 to get my checking account out of the negative, and to cover new meds for Matthew, from his new doctor.
I have Paypal: paypal.me/kimandmattg6794. If CashApp works better, Matthew has one; just let me know by DM or email, and I'll get the handle or whatever they call it.
If anyone can help us out, I would be so grateful. I thought we had it better under control, but then we had a couple unexpected expenses.
Thank you from both me, and Matthew.
X-posted to Dreamwidth and LiveJournal; read/comment wherever you prefer.
Matthew and I need some help getting caught up before it gets completely out of control. We need about $600 to get my checking account out of the negative, and to cover new meds for Matthew, from his new doctor.
I have Paypal: paypal.me/kimandmattg6794. If CashApp works better, Matthew has one; just let me know by DM or email, and I'll get the handle or whatever they call it.
If anyone can help us out, I would be so grateful. I thought we had it better under control, but then we had a couple unexpected expenses.
Thank you from both me, and Matthew.
X-posted to Dreamwidth and LiveJournal; read/comment wherever you prefer.
I posted fic!
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 02:41 pmalasse_irenaOver at fan_flashworks I posted a little fic! It will go on AO3 later, but for now you can read it there.
The round's theme is anticipation. I think there's probably half a day left to post in this round if you are suddenly keen.
Title: waiting for someone else
Fandom: Ponies (TV 2026)
Rating: Mature
Length: 1031
Content notes: n/a
Author notes: I guess this is loosely about anticipating, in that it is about waiting? Anyway, my first fan_flashworks entry! And also the only fic I have ever written for this fandom. Is it the only fic I ever will write? Unclear
Summary: Ivanna and Twila understand each other, but they both know Twila would rather be with someone else. A specific someone else.
Read it at the community!
fan_flashworks I posted a little fic! It will go on AO3 later, but for now you can read it there.The round's theme is anticipation. I think there's probably half a day left to post in this round if you are suddenly keen.
Title: waiting for someone else
Fandom: Ponies (TV 2026)
Rating: Mature
Length: 1031
Content notes: n/a
Author notes: I guess this is loosely about anticipating, in that it is about waiting? Anyway, my first fan_flashworks entry! And also the only fic I have ever written for this fandom. Is it the only fic I ever will write? Unclear
Summary: Ivanna and Twila understand each other, but they both know Twila would rather be with someone else. A specific someone else.
Read it at the community!
Pursued by Bear?
Monday, March 9th, 2026 04:50 pmagoodwinsmithStarfleet Academy - Season One; Episode 9 - 300th Night
SPOILER
.
.
.
.
Well, this is a two-parter season finaleeee, so on it's own it is unsatisfying because unresolved. And we also know that even though a second season has already finished filming, the show-runners are going to leave us dangling over the void at the end of Episode 10.
AND - just before I get into episode 9, I want to comment on the name of the final episode: Rubicon. Erm. I know Star Trek has a hard on for Rome, but um. There was a prophecy that Rome would be safe until the Rubicon (a strategic river) was crossed. All Roman armies returning to Rome stopped on the appropriate side of the Rubicon. Caesar brought his legions across the Rubicon, and the republic fell and became an empire (with an emperor in charge). Who, at the Academy is Caesar (I would vote for Lura Thok but this metaphor means she gets stabbed by her buds - although that means that Jett Reno is the grieving widow, and that I would like to see)? What is the sacred river in this context? Was the Federation a republic, and who will become emperor? And so on. I may regret this paragraph but this wouldn't be the first time that a cool name gets co-opted for a screamingly unrelated concept. There. I feel better.
So.. Once a fangirl has accepted Warp Drive and Transporters and Magic Snackie-Snack Windows[1], a fangirl has to just cover her ears and say "lah lah lah" every time whacko-banana technology is used. And besides which, I have excusium for how a lethal net of mines was so quickly cast around Federation space.[2]
So. I'm onboard for the idea of emotional overflow at the end of the school year, whether that is bonding rituals (Jay-Den), or efforts to start anew (SAM). I'm not up for unsupported character twists. Yes, SAM has probably had a change of heart since, for her, it has been 17 years since she last saw Genesis, but certainly she could recall that Genesis welcomed her openly. I am not happy that SAM might be turning into a type of person that does harsh things and glides by on their quirky charm.[3]
Also, I have mentioned that I was worried that Genesis was becoming the "mother" of the group because she welcomes, and accepts, and helps every time we see her. She welcomed SAM. She assisted and saved Derem while he did his heroic walk outside. She did not rat on Caleb when she found him accessing a forbidden comm panel. She watched over SAM in the pub. She helps Tarima through her drunken off-rail excursion. And blah de blah de blah. We watch her skills blossom on the bridge, and she saves her team's face in the games competition, and then admits Derem back into the team's scheme for revenge pranking. Huh. And now I am supposed to believe that the other cadets find her selfish and fearful? Guys, guys - do you even read what you write?
Mostly I am dissatisfied because episode 9 was mostly setting the stage for episode 10. Anyhoo.
[1] - I have always been disappointed that the Magic Snackie-Snack Window wasn't envisaged as the Magic Snackie-Snack Table Cloth as per my favourite fairytales. It would have been emotionally satisfying. :)
[2] - (a) replicator technology means that fully functionally super boomy mines can be made rapidly; (b) transporter technology means that such mines can be placed by ships travelling at warp; since we saw Caleb and team leave a warp travelling ship without becoming Khionian glitter barf, then it's possible; (c) the mine-bombs are so hugely destructive that they only need to be close enough that the expanding explosive corona reaches other mines.
[3] - I have a friend that I and others have forgiven and forgiven for over 50 years, and we will do it again because he/she has charm/charisma that we cannot explain or resist. Yes, we talk about it; yes, we still love him/her.
SPOILER
.
.
.
.
Well, this is a two-parter season finaleeee, so on it's own it is unsatisfying because unresolved. And we also know that even though a second season has already finished filming, the show-runners are going to leave us dangling over the void at the end of Episode 10.
AND - just before I get into episode 9, I want to comment on the name of the final episode: Rubicon. Erm. I know Star Trek has a hard on for Rome, but um. There was a prophecy that Rome would be safe until the Rubicon (a strategic river) was crossed. All Roman armies returning to Rome stopped on the appropriate side of the Rubicon. Caesar brought his legions across the Rubicon, and the republic fell and became an empire (with an emperor in charge). Who, at the Academy is Caesar (I would vote for Lura Thok but this metaphor means she gets stabbed by her buds - although that means that Jett Reno is the grieving widow, and that I would like to see)? What is the sacred river in this context? Was the Federation a republic, and who will become emperor? And so on. I may regret this paragraph but this wouldn't be the first time that a cool name gets co-opted for a screamingly unrelated concept. There. I feel better.
So.. Once a fangirl has accepted Warp Drive and Transporters and Magic Snackie-Snack Windows[1], a fangirl has to just cover her ears and say "lah lah lah" every time whacko-banana technology is used. And besides which, I have excusium for how a lethal net of mines was so quickly cast around Federation space.[2]
So. I'm onboard for the idea of emotional overflow at the end of the school year, whether that is bonding rituals (Jay-Den), or efforts to start anew (SAM). I'm not up for unsupported character twists. Yes, SAM has probably had a change of heart since, for her, it has been 17 years since she last saw Genesis, but certainly she could recall that Genesis welcomed her openly. I am not happy that SAM might be turning into a type of person that does harsh things and glides by on their quirky charm.[3]
Also, I have mentioned that I was worried that Genesis was becoming the "mother" of the group because she welcomes, and accepts, and helps every time we see her. She welcomed SAM. She assisted and saved Derem while he did his heroic walk outside. She did not rat on Caleb when she found him accessing a forbidden comm panel. She watched over SAM in the pub. She helps Tarima through her drunken off-rail excursion. And blah de blah de blah. We watch her skills blossom on the bridge, and she saves her team's face in the games competition, and then admits Derem back into the team's scheme for revenge pranking. Huh. And now I am supposed to believe that the other cadets find her selfish and fearful? Guys, guys - do you even read what you write?
Mostly I am dissatisfied because episode 9 was mostly setting the stage for episode 10. Anyhoo.
[1] - I have always been disappointed that the Magic Snackie-Snack Window wasn't envisaged as the Magic Snackie-Snack Table Cloth as per my favourite fairytales. It would have been emotionally satisfying. :)
[2] - (a) replicator technology means that fully functionally super boomy mines can be made rapidly; (b) transporter technology means that such mines can be placed by ships travelling at warp; since we saw Caleb and team leave a warp travelling ship without becoming Khionian glitter barf, then it's possible; (c) the mine-bombs are so hugely destructive that they only need to be close enough that the expanding explosive corona reaches other mines.
[3] - I have a friend that I and others have forgiven and forgiven for over 50 years, and we will do it again because he/she has charm/charisma that we cannot explain or resist. Yes, we talk about it; yes, we still love him/her.
everything I know about The Pitt, I don't actually know about The Pitt
Monday, March 9th, 2026 08:26 pmlannamichaelsI guess I cannot do the necessary suspension of disbelief/price of admission be in Workplace Fandoms anymore because what I've osmosised of The Pitt Season 2 is a lot of "should characters X, Y, and Z forgive Character A who was abusive and also stole patient medications and -- this part I'm unclear on but it sounds likely -- also practiced medicine in an ER while under the influence? It's very important question on if his apologies were good enough or if people should forgive him or be his friend again" and I'm like "that person should be fired from the hospital, this is not a buddy sitcom where they're all over at each other's apartments and dating each other and their warm opinions of each other matter, this is an emergency room, they are coworkers in a high-pressure high-stakes environment, not friends, he should be fired and they should never see him again and get to decide if they want to invite him to their bookclubs or poker nights or whatever, but the question of 'should they forgive him, has he done enough' is irrelevant because he should lose his medical license."
2026 Canada Roles Awards
Monday, March 9th, 2026 08:29 pmjames_davis_nicoll
Canada Roles Awards seeks to celebrate the games and art created by the Canadian tabletop Roleplaying Game Industry.
2026 Canada Roles Awards
Divining Destiny: Chapters 4 and 5
Monday, March 9th, 2026 07:28 pmsenmutAO3 Link | Divining Destiny (11814 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 5/5
Fandom: Forgotten Realms, The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Characters: Vierna Do'Urden, Zaknafein Do'Urden, Drizzt Do'Urden, Ensemble
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Typical Violence, Fratricide, Murder, flashfic, Cross-Posted from Archive Of Our Own (AO3), Time Travel
Summary:
Eilistraee rested in the meadow, laying on Her back, listening to the night and Her sparring partner as he got his own breathing back under control. She almost wished to keep him here, to have his company where it was safer for Her to exist, but he was mortal, and deserved a chance to truly live free.
"Father manipulated time in setting you back to save the Lore Keeper," She admitted, once She was cooler and he seemed calm.
"I decided that had to have happened given His surety in the circumstances. I know it is one avenue of magic, considered among the riskiest."
"It's only a few decades, but time has to resettle… and I mean to offer you a chance to be part of that resettling, Drizzt." Eilistraee let Her fingertips touch his. "Like it or not, when She touched your life string at birth, with My Brother touching your sister's so young, it has put you closer to Destiny than many mortals can bear.
"Would you like to use that to protect other drow like you, to be there for My Chosen as a protector?"
Drizzt considered, letting the night sounds take over around them, and then turned his head to look at Her. "I would be with ones like me, to keep learning, and helping them survive in a world that fears and hates us?
"I can do this, as it will let me continue forming as who I wish to be in something closer to safety rather than wandering with only Guen."
"And possibly Szann from time to time," She said, eyes dancing with the mirth of how besotted the cath sidhe was with Her young friend. He did not pray to her; he prayed to none, so far. But She continued to hope that in time he would be willing to ask boons of Her, to further his ability to help others.
"I think I can handle having visits from a fey cat," he agreed to that, smiling brightly. "Yes, Eilistraee. Choose the point for me, and let me go be of aid to others. I have seen enough here to believe that You do truly mean nothing but aid to those like me."
Despite that most of Her fellow deities would be stung by the continued doubting and measuring against a mortal's — a child at best! — ideas of right and wrong, Eilistraee was touched by being allowed that much belief from him.
"I have those calling to Me," She said as She reluctantly stood. "But I will see to it soon, Drizzt. Enjoy the night."
"I shall."
The small group of drow that traveled at present with Qilué Veladorn were some of her most adept, fiercest priestesses and fighters. An impression of being watched ghosted over their senses for several nights, but in a world that would rather see them dead, that was not so unusual.
What was, just after the sun had cleared the horizon and they were considering rest, was the appearance of a lone drow male.
Inside their sentry line.
That he was not close enough to harm a single person was the only saving grace in their eyes, as a full alert went through all of them.
"Peace," the lone male said, using the variant of that word they had made for themselves in their language that knew it not at all. "I seek the First Sister, to offer my arms and service for a time."
"What makes you think you have the right?"
"I claim no right," he said back to the one who had spoken, one of the priestesses. "But I have skills I am willing to offer… and showed by evading your sentries. I have a willingness to learn more, as I have only learned the elven language, and I am told there is one called 'Common' I should know.
"Most of all, I wish to learn the surface as it calls to me in my heart, as the Dark Maiden calls to you."
"Is he touched by madness?" one of the fighters asked then, before the First Sister rose from her pallet, towering over all of those with her, and came forward.
"No. He is touched by our Lady Herself… and another?" As she spoke, she approached the male with no fear.
He inclined his head slightly to her. "A deal was made to remove me from the Underdark, between She and Her Twin. In divining why neither of Them could truly perceive me, She invited Her Father to look into matters.
"So I no doubt bear at least some of His touch, given my armor, pack, and weapons were gifts from Him to perform a task with."
"Truth," the first cleric said, both grudgingly and with some trepidation. Even though the First Sister regularly dealt with Eilistraee, and some human goddess, none of them knew of one who had been touched by an elven god not their Lady.
"So I know," the First Sister said, smiling as she came close enough to offer her hands in greeting. "You have given my Lady joy; welcome, cousin."
"Drizzt Do'Urden." He gave her his hands, squeezing hers without fear.
"Qilué Veladorn. I look forward to seeing your dance, and my hunters will aid you in learning the surface as it is here in the Material Plane."
"I am glad to be able to give aid for a good cause," he assured her, before walking with her into the camp to meet those present in this band.
Elkantar cheered young Rylla on from where he was sprawled on the ground. The half-human was possibly the only one of the fighters that would, someday, match their new fighter in any way. He rolled to his butt, keeping eyes on this grand melee… and the one that had become the center of it all.
Drizzt Do'Urden was an enigma. He'd spent an unknown amount of time in the Dark Maiden's realm, personally handled a quest for Corellon, been shrouded by Lolth Herself at his birth, and been raised by a priestess of Vhaeraun.
None of those deities held the fighter's heart, and Elkantar had been surprised to learn his escape from the Underdark had come before he even turned thirty-one years of age, making his skill simply impossible. That he embraced these free-for-all skill contests, or the one-on-one spars with a true smile of joy never stopped pulling Elkantar's heart strings.
Every other fighter in their band had already lost their weapons or been tripped out of the designated area. Elkantar slowly recognized that Drizzt had worked to insure Rylla was the last fighter, handling the few fighters — like Elkantar himself — that had the experience and skill needed to put her out of it.
"Too much anger," he heard Drizzt say, when the double scimitars trapped the short sword, pulling it out of Rylla's grasp. She refocused her stance a moment, then took the step back, and saluted with her dagger across her chest to surrender.
"How can I not be angry?" she retorted.
"By remembering that holding your anger at the people behind you? Still gives them power."
Those calm, quiet words held empathy and knowing alike… and were just what Rylla needed to hear, to help move one more step forward on her own path of healing.
"Make me better," Rylla said, half a demand, half a plea.
"I will give you every bit of training my father gave me… though maybe with fewer unexpected naps."
Corellon considered the actions of His Daughter, and ultimately decided He was amused. He had, after all, opened the door with His own manipulation. Giving the Chosen a man who had the technique, if not the experience, to increase her people's ability to carve out a space for themselves even earlier could only be a good foil against the drow of both Lolth and Vhaeraun.
He tried to see ahead, to make out the possibilities more clearly… and found the mists of time past the point when Drizzt had originally been taken from the Underdark still opaque.
"At least none of Us should be bored for a time," He mused, going back to listen to His own followers for a time. His Lore Keeper was being a force of nature in his own way, keeping new ideas fresh alongside the ancient ways. It might prove interesting, when the drow struck out on his own, to see about a meeting for them…
Dinin had proven to have a good hand for how to keep their outpost incognito, on top of the politics of the moment, and out of strife with either Vhaeraunite faction. It helped that both of those groups wanted to end each other's influence, but were constrained by some strange religious tenet from just killing one another.
At least openly, as Dinin learned when a priest was murdered in the night market, supposedly by ruffians.
What he did not appreciate was having to be schooled by Jarlaxle's people on a third drow vector, a bunch of idiots that thought peace and living in harmony was the better way of life. He decided they could be ignored as they only came once a quarter to trade —
— until he heard that a band of six drow from the mercantile company faction had been sent running with minor injuries… and none of their weapons.
"I thought they weren't a threat," Dinin muttered.
Karolz shook his head, a much older fighter, one that had been recruited in this city long before. He hated leading, didn't have a head for it, but had accepted Dinin in that role.
"Those Dancers usually avoid a fight. But once every hand of years or so, some braggart decides to test either their Sword Mistress, or Purple Eyes. And this time, it's Purple Eyes with the caravan."
Purple Eyes. Dinin made a gesture against ill-luck, still remembering the one time he'd seen his younger brother in a true temper. He had no idea what had happened to Drizzt, only that whatever it had been had not broken the peace between Zaknafein and Vierna. Dinin knew that meant Drizzt had not been killed; he wasn't as stupid as some people thought he was, and Zak had been odd about the boy.
"Make sure none of ours pick a fight, or cross paths with the mercantiles, hmm? They're going to be more apt to rise to the bait for this."
That got a chuckle and nod… before Karolz watched Dinin secure his cloak over his armor and head out to see for himself.
Dinin found the Dancers easily enough, and decided they looked very tame. He didn't see anyone that really looked like they could give him trouble in a fight, but he also didn't see anyone with purple eyes. Maybe Karolz was wrong and one of the women wearing a sword was this so-called Sword Mistress.
He decided it had been a waste of time to come down and see, turned down a different path to begin his way back —
— and then he did see purple, a moment before he saw all of his brother. The small signs of maturity were settled in around the eyes and ears, while Drizzt stood straight with those curved swords of his still in their scabbards. Fine mithral chain glinted under the over tunic, and a metal face-guard held the mane of hair back, in the same fashion Zaknafein wore his.
"Hello, brother," Drizzt said, actually quirking a half-smile on his lips. "I never expected to see you this far from the city."
"Umm, you… Abyss, I never thought to see you again at all!" Dinin said. "I don't want a fight; I came to see if the rumor of Purple Eyes had anything to do with you, yes, but… I really am just evaluating the threats to my own situation."
Drizzt laughed. "You must be the new one watching Bregan D'Aerthe, then. I'd heard there were several new people since my last visit here." He must have read the confusion in Dinin's face, because he shrugged. "I got caught up in time magic. I've lived in the area above for a few decades now.
"Will you tell me of our sister, and the Weapon Master?"
Dinin nodded. "Trust me enough to come back to the warehouse we keep? Or should we take a meal at the Dimmed Lantern?"
"I won't go so far as to say trust," Drizzt said slyly, "but I prefer to be out of the public eye to discuss this, and I am well known at the Dimmed Lantern."
"Does everyone call you Purple Eyes?"
"Mostly," Drizzt agreed. He fell in step with Dinin, and Dinin noted his brother already knew the path. What had his experiences been that Drizzt actually seemed cognizant of power structures? Did he really want to know?
Ultimately, Dinin decided he did not.
Drizzt relaxed in the deep tub across from the one Laeral Silverhand was in. As the Silverhand that most paid attention to the treacheries in Skullport, Drizzt had come to her to talk about what he had learned this time. Their friendship went back almost to the beginning of his time above with Qilué, as the sisters were very close.
"So my elder brother manages the in-theory Lolthite faction over there. Honestly, the mercenary company he belongs to worships chaos, money, and power, I believe, from what I have seen of them in the past. Through him, I know that our House in Menzoberranzan fell within the last few years.
"But, through his own sources, he knows that my father and sister have established themselves in a a place called Rilauven."
"As best I can remember, that is a minor city somewhere under the Neverwinter," Laeral offered, lounging as nonchalantly as her friend. Dual tubs were almost as good as a large bathing pool.
"I planned to see what the Marauders could tell me of it," Drizzt said, his voice having that note of seeking adventure.
"Planning to go see for yourself? I remind you that your nature is antithetical in all ways to what you would find."
Drizzt chuckled. "I can charm a lizard or a bat to carry a note inside, if I choose to go that way. And your amulet very nicely masks me, when I choose to wear it."
Laeral looked over. "You miss your father, even your sister, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then I will just say, 'be careful', and I will definitely reach out and knock on your skull in half a year, to be sure you are breathing. If not, the Marauders will be hired to find your body so Qi can bring you back to us."
He shook his head at her, but he had no intention of dying. He just needed to know if his sister was as aware as he was, of the threads of destiny they had unknowingly wrapped themselves in.
Vierna was not unaccustomed to bats bringing her messages. What she was unaccustomed to, was not feeling the touch of her Lord's spellwork on them, instead brushing something unknown when she tried to determine who the sender had been. She also did not see any message to take from it. When she focused fully on it, the bat fluttered just out of reach and roosted.
"If you or father would come, I am awaiting outside the gate your people use to go Above for trade."
The bat, having spoken with her brother's voice, did a small shake of itself and fluttered back out of Vierna's very surprised presence.
Needing to have time to wrap her head around that, the ability to blank her emotions, she sent her messenger spider to her father. The pirate spiders she had brought with her were thriving, especially as they killed any other spiders that dared cross the wards, protecting them from Lolthite spies.
Several minutes later, Zak strode in, an eyebrow raised. "Sometimes I worry your spiders fetching me could be omens, daughter."
She laughed, a little bit more brittle than she meant to. "Something odd, but not… bad? Maybe?
"A bat came and delivered a spoken message in Drizzt's voice, saying he was outside the trade gate to the Surface, asking if one of us would come meet with him. The magic on the bat was unlike any I have felt, and the accent was correct."
Zak frowned, then considered a long moment. "Are you still unable — yes, you are. Of course you already tried to reach him that way." He hitched a shoulder. "I suppose I am taking a walk. Put the undead into defensive positions, just in case."
"Of course, Father. If it is… and he will come… please bring him in. I can explain it as an intelligence seeking."
That got a laugh, but Zak nodded. "If that boy knows anything of use, I will be shocked."
Zak moved out of the gate uncontested, as he was known to sometimes forage for his daughter's wild needs. In the years since arriving here, they had made a solid reputation as fair but powerful. The only true trouble they'd had was from Lolthites seeking to undo the Masked Traitor's prominence, but Vierna remained high in the favor of her Lord.
Once he cleared the perimeter of the city's awareness, he knew he was not alone, and had to look sharply… before his son melted out of a shadow.
"Hello, Father," Drizzt called, breaking into a genuine smile. Even as jaded as Zak was, everything matched… except the age. This man was too mature to his eyes, and he remained poised, ready to engage the trap so his daughter stayed safe.
"Hmm, not so certain of that."
Drizzt threw his head back and laughed, before spreading his hands wide from his body. "Blame your daughter, then, as she put me in the hands of a goddess and set me on a strange path that had time magic in it."
Zak let an eyebrow rise at those words.
"Would a fetch know you nearly killed me rather than let me go become a drow in all truth? Or that you broke my jaw to keep me from exposing both of us to the Matron? Or that I almost caused your death the very night Vierna became Matron?"
"It might… but I think I might believe you." Zak beckoned. "Your sister wishes to see you as well, peacefully. The city is not a closed one, and if you're still so strange, she'll shove it off as getting what you know of other places."
"Oh, I am strange, even to those that agree with my views on life," Drizzt said, still smiling so openly, and Zak reached out as he came close, gripping his shoulders.
"I am glad you stayed strange, and alive!"
Drizzt leaned in, resting his forehead on his father's. "Vierna saved me by doing as she did, and now I wish to repay that, with a warning and words of my life."
"Then let us go into the city, my son, and hear what you have to say."
Vierna hugged her little brother fiercely, taking in all the changes as Zak had done. He was dressed sensibly in a piwafwi of fair construction, had adamantine blades in plain scabbards, and everything had the right feel of the Underdark.
"You cannot possibly have been in the Underdark since I set you in safety!" she pointed out.
"No, but we keep such things for movement below the faerzress," Drizzt said. "As I do aid sometimes, I had everything I needed in one of our caches.
"When Dinin told me where you two had gone, I retrieved them for my journey. One that is formerly of House Vaer here aided me in swift travel," he added.
"Dinin's in Skullport, last I knew," Zak said.
"He is, and thriving," Drizzt agreed. "We have an understanding, as I have no wish to be involved heavily in drow things."
"You mentioned a warning," Zak prodded, once they were all comfortable.
Drizzt sobered up and looked at Vierna. "Do you have any idea how tangled in divine events we now are, sister? The choice you made, to save me, prodded the Twins toward aid for one another, when He was attacked. I have been given quests by Her and by others of the pantheon in my time-tossed decades."
She slowly frowned, but his words rang true against some of the dreams that had come since she settled here.
"I can see the shape of that now that you say it," she admitted. "Your thoughts?"
"Something lies ahead. Neither of my patron deities know what, but more and more, I am drawn to larger threats, sharpening all of my skills and the magic I touch as a kind of divine-touched fighter."
Vierna had to rake her eyes over him at that claim, but… she did not know all things of the surface yet.
"Both of my children using divine magic now. There's a strangeness," Zak said in a slow drawl.
That made them all laugh.
"I suppose, little brother, I am going to ask you to stay long enough to get sending stones for you and father to carry, and work out a timing for us to keep in touch," Vierna said. "So we can at least warn one another of things that come to pass."
"I am already looking forward to the spars," Drizzt said, agreeing easily. "Just tell me how to not make trouble here, and I will be a good guest.
"I've kept an open mind toward your god, even if I question some of His idiot followers' ways."
"Well, some of them are idiots, but I think that is true of all religions," Vierna agreed, pleased.
Vhaeraun smiled in His own realm. Allies, when the coming storm arrived, were not to be dismissed out of hand. And, if the siblings forged a bond across alignment, then perhaps…
… well, He knew He was still deeply fond of His own Twin. Perhaps in time, He might yet convince Her to see His way of thinking.
He would keep His defenses up, and all of His craft tuned to the danger ahead for all of the gods.
Chapters: 5/5
Fandom: Forgotten Realms, The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Characters: Vierna Do'Urden, Zaknafein Do'Urden, Drizzt Do'Urden, Ensemble
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Typical Violence, Fratricide, Murder, flashfic, Cross-Posted from Archive Of Our Own (AO3), Time Travel
Summary:
Thwarted in escaping with the two males she cares for at Graduation, Vierna sets her goals differently.
Only, Drizzt sets things in motion the wrong way.
Chapter 4: Drizzt's Chosen Path
Eilistraee rested in the meadow, laying on Her back, listening to the night and Her sparring partner as he got his own breathing back under control. She almost wished to keep him here, to have his company where it was safer for Her to exist, but he was mortal, and deserved a chance to truly live free.
"Father manipulated time in setting you back to save the Lore Keeper," She admitted, once She was cooler and he seemed calm.
"I decided that had to have happened given His surety in the circumstances. I know it is one avenue of magic, considered among the riskiest."
"It's only a few decades, but time has to resettle… and I mean to offer you a chance to be part of that resettling, Drizzt." Eilistraee let Her fingertips touch his. "Like it or not, when She touched your life string at birth, with My Brother touching your sister's so young, it has put you closer to Destiny than many mortals can bear.
"Would you like to use that to protect other drow like you, to be there for My Chosen as a protector?"
Drizzt considered, letting the night sounds take over around them, and then turned his head to look at Her. "I would be with ones like me, to keep learning, and helping them survive in a world that fears and hates us?
"I can do this, as it will let me continue forming as who I wish to be in something closer to safety rather than wandering with only Guen."
"And possibly Szann from time to time," She said, eyes dancing with the mirth of how besotted the cath sidhe was with Her young friend. He did not pray to her; he prayed to none, so far. But She continued to hope that in time he would be willing to ask boons of Her, to further his ability to help others.
"I think I can handle having visits from a fey cat," he agreed to that, smiling brightly. "Yes, Eilistraee. Choose the point for me, and let me go be of aid to others. I have seen enough here to believe that You do truly mean nothing but aid to those like me."
Despite that most of Her fellow deities would be stung by the continued doubting and measuring against a mortal's — a child at best! — ideas of right and wrong, Eilistraee was touched by being allowed that much belief from him.
"I have those calling to Me," She said as She reluctantly stood. "But I will see to it soon, Drizzt. Enjoy the night."
"I shall."
The small group of drow that traveled at present with Qilué Veladorn were some of her most adept, fiercest priestesses and fighters. An impression of being watched ghosted over their senses for several nights, but in a world that would rather see them dead, that was not so unusual.
What was, just after the sun had cleared the horizon and they were considering rest, was the appearance of a lone drow male.
Inside their sentry line.
That he was not close enough to harm a single person was the only saving grace in their eyes, as a full alert went through all of them.
"Peace," the lone male said, using the variant of that word they had made for themselves in their language that knew it not at all. "I seek the First Sister, to offer my arms and service for a time."
"What makes you think you have the right?"
"I claim no right," he said back to the one who had spoken, one of the priestesses. "But I have skills I am willing to offer… and showed by evading your sentries. I have a willingness to learn more, as I have only learned the elven language, and I am told there is one called 'Common' I should know.
"Most of all, I wish to learn the surface as it calls to me in my heart, as the Dark Maiden calls to you."
"Is he touched by madness?" one of the fighters asked then, before the First Sister rose from her pallet, towering over all of those with her, and came forward.
"No. He is touched by our Lady Herself… and another?" As she spoke, she approached the male with no fear.
He inclined his head slightly to her. "A deal was made to remove me from the Underdark, between She and Her Twin. In divining why neither of Them could truly perceive me, She invited Her Father to look into matters.
"So I no doubt bear at least some of His touch, given my armor, pack, and weapons were gifts from Him to perform a task with."
"Truth," the first cleric said, both grudgingly and with some trepidation. Even though the First Sister regularly dealt with Eilistraee, and some human goddess, none of them knew of one who had been touched by an elven god not their Lady.
"So I know," the First Sister said, smiling as she came close enough to offer her hands in greeting. "You have given my Lady joy; welcome, cousin."
"Drizzt Do'Urden." He gave her his hands, squeezing hers without fear.
"Qilué Veladorn. I look forward to seeing your dance, and my hunters will aid you in learning the surface as it is here in the Material Plane."
"I am glad to be able to give aid for a good cause," he assured her, before walking with her into the camp to meet those present in this band.
Elkantar cheered young Rylla on from where he was sprawled on the ground. The half-human was possibly the only one of the fighters that would, someday, match their new fighter in any way. He rolled to his butt, keeping eyes on this grand melee… and the one that had become the center of it all.
Drizzt Do'Urden was an enigma. He'd spent an unknown amount of time in the Dark Maiden's realm, personally handled a quest for Corellon, been shrouded by Lolth Herself at his birth, and been raised by a priestess of Vhaeraun.
None of those deities held the fighter's heart, and Elkantar had been surprised to learn his escape from the Underdark had come before he even turned thirty-one years of age, making his skill simply impossible. That he embraced these free-for-all skill contests, or the one-on-one spars with a true smile of joy never stopped pulling Elkantar's heart strings.
Every other fighter in their band had already lost their weapons or been tripped out of the designated area. Elkantar slowly recognized that Drizzt had worked to insure Rylla was the last fighter, handling the few fighters — like Elkantar himself — that had the experience and skill needed to put her out of it.
"Too much anger," he heard Drizzt say, when the double scimitars trapped the short sword, pulling it out of Rylla's grasp. She refocused her stance a moment, then took the step back, and saluted with her dagger across her chest to surrender.
"How can I not be angry?" she retorted.
"By remembering that holding your anger at the people behind you? Still gives them power."
Those calm, quiet words held empathy and knowing alike… and were just what Rylla needed to hear, to help move one more step forward on her own path of healing.
"Make me better," Rylla said, half a demand, half a plea.
"I will give you every bit of training my father gave me… though maybe with fewer unexpected naps."
Corellon considered the actions of His Daughter, and ultimately decided He was amused. He had, after all, opened the door with His own manipulation. Giving the Chosen a man who had the technique, if not the experience, to increase her people's ability to carve out a space for themselves even earlier could only be a good foil against the drow of both Lolth and Vhaeraun.
He tried to see ahead, to make out the possibilities more clearly… and found the mists of time past the point when Drizzt had originally been taken from the Underdark still opaque.
"At least none of Us should be bored for a time," He mused, going back to listen to His own followers for a time. His Lore Keeper was being a force of nature in his own way, keeping new ideas fresh alongside the ancient ways. It might prove interesting, when the drow struck out on his own, to see about a meeting for them…
Chapter 5: Family Reunion
Dinin had proven to have a good hand for how to keep their outpost incognito, on top of the politics of the moment, and out of strife with either Vhaeraunite faction. It helped that both of those groups wanted to end each other's influence, but were constrained by some strange religious tenet from just killing one another.
At least openly, as Dinin learned when a priest was murdered in the night market, supposedly by ruffians.
What he did not appreciate was having to be schooled by Jarlaxle's people on a third drow vector, a bunch of idiots that thought peace and living in harmony was the better way of life. He decided they could be ignored as they only came once a quarter to trade —
— until he heard that a band of six drow from the mercantile company faction had been sent running with minor injuries… and none of their weapons.
"I thought they weren't a threat," Dinin muttered.
Karolz shook his head, a much older fighter, one that had been recruited in this city long before. He hated leading, didn't have a head for it, but had accepted Dinin in that role.
"Those Dancers usually avoid a fight. But once every hand of years or so, some braggart decides to test either their Sword Mistress, or Purple Eyes. And this time, it's Purple Eyes with the caravan."
Purple Eyes. Dinin made a gesture against ill-luck, still remembering the one time he'd seen his younger brother in a true temper. He had no idea what had happened to Drizzt, only that whatever it had been had not broken the peace between Zaknafein and Vierna. Dinin knew that meant Drizzt had not been killed; he wasn't as stupid as some people thought he was, and Zak had been odd about the boy.
"Make sure none of ours pick a fight, or cross paths with the mercantiles, hmm? They're going to be more apt to rise to the bait for this."
That got a chuckle and nod… before Karolz watched Dinin secure his cloak over his armor and head out to see for himself.
Dinin found the Dancers easily enough, and decided they looked very tame. He didn't see anyone that really looked like they could give him trouble in a fight, but he also didn't see anyone with purple eyes. Maybe Karolz was wrong and one of the women wearing a sword was this so-called Sword Mistress.
He decided it had been a waste of time to come down and see, turned down a different path to begin his way back —
— and then he did see purple, a moment before he saw all of his brother. The small signs of maturity were settled in around the eyes and ears, while Drizzt stood straight with those curved swords of his still in their scabbards. Fine mithral chain glinted under the over tunic, and a metal face-guard held the mane of hair back, in the same fashion Zaknafein wore his.
"Hello, brother," Drizzt said, actually quirking a half-smile on his lips. "I never expected to see you this far from the city."
"Umm, you… Abyss, I never thought to see you again at all!" Dinin said. "I don't want a fight; I came to see if the rumor of Purple Eyes had anything to do with you, yes, but… I really am just evaluating the threats to my own situation."
Drizzt laughed. "You must be the new one watching Bregan D'Aerthe, then. I'd heard there were several new people since my last visit here." He must have read the confusion in Dinin's face, because he shrugged. "I got caught up in time magic. I've lived in the area above for a few decades now.
"Will you tell me of our sister, and the Weapon Master?"
Dinin nodded. "Trust me enough to come back to the warehouse we keep? Or should we take a meal at the Dimmed Lantern?"
"I won't go so far as to say trust," Drizzt said slyly, "but I prefer to be out of the public eye to discuss this, and I am well known at the Dimmed Lantern."
"Does everyone call you Purple Eyes?"
"Mostly," Drizzt agreed. He fell in step with Dinin, and Dinin noted his brother already knew the path. What had his experiences been that Drizzt actually seemed cognizant of power structures? Did he really want to know?
Ultimately, Dinin decided he did not.
Drizzt relaxed in the deep tub across from the one Laeral Silverhand was in. As the Silverhand that most paid attention to the treacheries in Skullport, Drizzt had come to her to talk about what he had learned this time. Their friendship went back almost to the beginning of his time above with Qilué, as the sisters were very close.
"So my elder brother manages the in-theory Lolthite faction over there. Honestly, the mercenary company he belongs to worships chaos, money, and power, I believe, from what I have seen of them in the past. Through him, I know that our House in Menzoberranzan fell within the last few years.
"But, through his own sources, he knows that my father and sister have established themselves in a a place called Rilauven."
"As best I can remember, that is a minor city somewhere under the Neverwinter," Laeral offered, lounging as nonchalantly as her friend. Dual tubs were almost as good as a large bathing pool.
"I planned to see what the Marauders could tell me of it," Drizzt said, his voice having that note of seeking adventure.
"Planning to go see for yourself? I remind you that your nature is antithetical in all ways to what you would find."
Drizzt chuckled. "I can charm a lizard or a bat to carry a note inside, if I choose to go that way. And your amulet very nicely masks me, when I choose to wear it."
Laeral looked over. "You miss your father, even your sister, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then I will just say, 'be careful', and I will definitely reach out and knock on your skull in half a year, to be sure you are breathing. If not, the Marauders will be hired to find your body so Qi can bring you back to us."
He shook his head at her, but he had no intention of dying. He just needed to know if his sister was as aware as he was, of the threads of destiny they had unknowingly wrapped themselves in.
Vierna was not unaccustomed to bats bringing her messages. What she was unaccustomed to, was not feeling the touch of her Lord's spellwork on them, instead brushing something unknown when she tried to determine who the sender had been. She also did not see any message to take from it. When she focused fully on it, the bat fluttered just out of reach and roosted.
"If you or father would come, I am awaiting outside the gate your people use to go Above for trade."
The bat, having spoken with her brother's voice, did a small shake of itself and fluttered back out of Vierna's very surprised presence.
Needing to have time to wrap her head around that, the ability to blank her emotions, she sent her messenger spider to her father. The pirate spiders she had brought with her were thriving, especially as they killed any other spiders that dared cross the wards, protecting them from Lolthite spies.
Several minutes later, Zak strode in, an eyebrow raised. "Sometimes I worry your spiders fetching me could be omens, daughter."
She laughed, a little bit more brittle than she meant to. "Something odd, but not… bad? Maybe?
"A bat came and delivered a spoken message in Drizzt's voice, saying he was outside the trade gate to the Surface, asking if one of us would come meet with him. The magic on the bat was unlike any I have felt, and the accent was correct."
Zak frowned, then considered a long moment. "Are you still unable — yes, you are. Of course you already tried to reach him that way." He hitched a shoulder. "I suppose I am taking a walk. Put the undead into defensive positions, just in case."
"Of course, Father. If it is… and he will come… please bring him in. I can explain it as an intelligence seeking."
That got a laugh, but Zak nodded. "If that boy knows anything of use, I will be shocked."
Zak moved out of the gate uncontested, as he was known to sometimes forage for his daughter's wild needs. In the years since arriving here, they had made a solid reputation as fair but powerful. The only true trouble they'd had was from Lolthites seeking to undo the Masked Traitor's prominence, but Vierna remained high in the favor of her Lord.
Once he cleared the perimeter of the city's awareness, he knew he was not alone, and had to look sharply… before his son melted out of a shadow.
"Hello, Father," Drizzt called, breaking into a genuine smile. Even as jaded as Zak was, everything matched… except the age. This man was too mature to his eyes, and he remained poised, ready to engage the trap so his daughter stayed safe.
"Hmm, not so certain of that."
Drizzt threw his head back and laughed, before spreading his hands wide from his body. "Blame your daughter, then, as she put me in the hands of a goddess and set me on a strange path that had time magic in it."
Zak let an eyebrow rise at those words.
"Would a fetch know you nearly killed me rather than let me go become a drow in all truth? Or that you broke my jaw to keep me from exposing both of us to the Matron? Or that I almost caused your death the very night Vierna became Matron?"
"It might… but I think I might believe you." Zak beckoned. "Your sister wishes to see you as well, peacefully. The city is not a closed one, and if you're still so strange, she'll shove it off as getting what you know of other places."
"Oh, I am strange, even to those that agree with my views on life," Drizzt said, still smiling so openly, and Zak reached out as he came close, gripping his shoulders.
"I am glad you stayed strange, and alive!"
Drizzt leaned in, resting his forehead on his father's. "Vierna saved me by doing as she did, and now I wish to repay that, with a warning and words of my life."
"Then let us go into the city, my son, and hear what you have to say."
Vierna hugged her little brother fiercely, taking in all the changes as Zak had done. He was dressed sensibly in a piwafwi of fair construction, had adamantine blades in plain scabbards, and everything had the right feel of the Underdark.
"You cannot possibly have been in the Underdark since I set you in safety!" she pointed out.
"No, but we keep such things for movement below the faerzress," Drizzt said. "As I do aid sometimes, I had everything I needed in one of our caches.
"When Dinin told me where you two had gone, I retrieved them for my journey. One that is formerly of House Vaer here aided me in swift travel," he added.
"Dinin's in Skullport, last I knew," Zak said.
"He is, and thriving," Drizzt agreed. "We have an understanding, as I have no wish to be involved heavily in drow things."
"You mentioned a warning," Zak prodded, once they were all comfortable.
Drizzt sobered up and looked at Vierna. "Do you have any idea how tangled in divine events we now are, sister? The choice you made, to save me, prodded the Twins toward aid for one another, when He was attacked. I have been given quests by Her and by others of the pantheon in my time-tossed decades."
She slowly frowned, but his words rang true against some of the dreams that had come since she settled here.
"I can see the shape of that now that you say it," she admitted. "Your thoughts?"
"Something lies ahead. Neither of my patron deities know what, but more and more, I am drawn to larger threats, sharpening all of my skills and the magic I touch as a kind of divine-touched fighter."
Vierna had to rake her eyes over him at that claim, but… she did not know all things of the surface yet.
"Both of my children using divine magic now. There's a strangeness," Zak said in a slow drawl.
That made them all laugh.
"I suppose, little brother, I am going to ask you to stay long enough to get sending stones for you and father to carry, and work out a timing for us to keep in touch," Vierna said. "So we can at least warn one another of things that come to pass."
"I am already looking forward to the spars," Drizzt said, agreeing easily. "Just tell me how to not make trouble here, and I will be a good guest.
"I've kept an open mind toward your god, even if I question some of His idiot followers' ways."
"Well, some of them are idiots, but I think that is true of all religions," Vierna agreed, pleased.
Vhaeraun smiled in His own realm. Allies, when the coming storm arrived, were not to be dismissed out of hand. And, if the siblings forged a bond across alignment, then perhaps…
… well, He knew He was still deeply fond of His own Twin. Perhaps in time, He might yet convince Her to see His way of thinking.
He would keep His defenses up, and all of His craft tuned to the danger ahead for all of the gods.
Roughly One Week Until Deadline
Monday, March 9th, 2026 08:15 pmhighadrenalinemod posting in highadrenalineexchangeHello hello! It is roughly one week until assignments are due. (Countdown Here)
How we are doing? Feeling good and totally fine? Somewhat heading into high adrenaline mode? Trying to keep the pony out of the espresso machine? Any issues or questions? Email highadrenalinemod@gmail.com!
For anyone searching for MORE adrenaline, check out our currently available pinch hits here.
How we are doing? Feeling good and totally fine? Somewhat heading into high adrenaline mode? Trying to keep the pony out of the espresso machine? Any issues or questions? Email highadrenalinemod@gmail.com!
For anyone searching for MORE adrenaline, check out our currently available pinch hits here.
Book retrieval
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 12:01 ambeccaelizabethFrom a certain point of view, since my last entry, I have triumphed over the forces of gravity and geometry and slightly wonky shelving.
From another point of view I am a muppet who knocked a book down behind the book case and, after several not great ideas did not pan out, finally had to empty the shelves and try and lift the whole case out.
Which did not actually work.
So I have retrieved the book by tipping it as far out and forwards as it would deign to go and using the grabby stick.
I think the cover will even go flat again once I leave it under a bunch of other books for a while, which by this point is a best case scenario.
... it's fiiiiine, just believe it is a perfectly ordinary book that you wouldn't personally miss if it did that...
After a quick google, as it turns out, I could get a brand new copy right now for a maximum of £11
which next time I may try to search Before all the shenanigans.
... I think possibly I did the thing where I can see the next step to try and lose sight of if I personally at quarter to midnight need to try it.
*sigh*
Is okay, is all done now, bar the refilling...
From another point of view I am a muppet who knocked a book down behind the book case and, after several not great ideas did not pan out, finally had to empty the shelves and try and lift the whole case out.
Which did not actually work.
So I have retrieved the book by tipping it as far out and forwards as it would deign to go and using the grabby stick.
I think the cover will even go flat again once I leave it under a bunch of other books for a while, which by this point is a best case scenario.
... it's fiiiiine, just believe it is a perfectly ordinary book that you wouldn't personally miss if it did that...
After a quick google, as it turns out, I could get a brand new copy right now for a maximum of £11
which next time I may try to search Before all the shenanigans.
... I think possibly I did the thing where I can see the next step to try and lose sight of if I personally at quarter to midnight need to try it.
*sigh*
Is okay, is all done now, bar the refilling...
Write every day! - March 2026 - Day 9
Monday, March 9th, 2026 11:45 pmzwei_hexen
"No need to force yourself to do something the "right way" if it’s not your right way. Your job is to honor your process." (Andi Cumbo)
The quote was chosen by
sylvanwitch.Tally:
Welcome post
Day 1::
badly_knitted, brithistorian, chanter1944, china_shop, cornerofmadness, garonne, glinda, luzula, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 2:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, chanter1944, china_shop, cornerofmadness, garonne, glinda, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 3:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, chanter1944, china_shop, cornerofmadness, glinda, goddess47, luzula, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 4:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, chanter1944, china_shop, cornerofmadness, glinda, goddess47, luzula, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 5:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, chanter1944, china_shop, cornerofmadness, glinda, goddess47, luzula, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 6:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, china_shop, cornerofmadness, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 7:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, china_shop, cornerofmadness, goddess47, luzula, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeDay 8:
badly_knitted, brithistorian, carenejeans, china_shop, cornerofmadness, goddess47, luzula, sanguinity, sylvanwitch, the_siobhan, trobadora, ysilmeLet us know if we missed you or if you didn't check in for a while, so we can add you. Of course joining the fun is possible at any point.
~ ~ ~
ysilme here: 1211 words, new draft for the drawer fic plus some character details and background info for another WIP.
[ SECRET POST #7003 ]
Monday, March 9th, 2026 06:38 pmcase posting in fandomsecrets⌈ Secret Post #7003 ⌋
Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.
01.
( More! )
Notes:
Secrets Left to Post: 01 pages, 21 secrets from Secret Submission Post #1000.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.
(no subject)
Monday, March 9th, 2026 09:24 pmbeccaelizabethOnly one load of laundry today, but I also refilled the dishwasher chemistry, ran it with the cleaner bottle, and the loaded it ready to wash when it gets full. Also did regular Cleaner Day.
And made myself feel spinny bad trying to get stuff from the cupboard under the sink. I remember why I gave up on the low cupboards but I keep thinking I'll Just Be A Minute and then I have to have a sit down in the middle of whatever task required Sink Things.
It is a mystery under there. I don't know the half of what is stashed. I mean today I found half a dozen empty plastic bags from laundry tabs and I have no idea when I last was buying that sort.
Still, threw out several things and sorted out others, so, progress was made.
Other than that I didn't read listen watch stuff today. Listen seemed Loud and reading seemed like I wanted to read A Book But Not That One. And I didn't want to write the one I wanted either. So that isn't entirely helpful. But I do have Several book so I shall find A Book eventually.
My laundry is down to only filling the smaller basket, which is grand, but is still filling what I would until recently have considered The Laundry. There's at least two more loads in there, possibly three. This was Maximum Laundry.
I think it's because of all the drill and screw noises lately. It's nice that they've fixed stuff but it's not nice that this is week four of making a bunch of random interval noises about it. Still much quieter than the first two weeks but. I miss quiet quiet.
Quiet quiet theoretically gets more done.
But logically they have to complete the work eventually so.
Not a fascinating day really.
I shall go stare at bookshelves again.
And made myself feel spinny bad trying to get stuff from the cupboard under the sink. I remember why I gave up on the low cupboards but I keep thinking I'll Just Be A Minute and then I have to have a sit down in the middle of whatever task required Sink Things.
It is a mystery under there. I don't know the half of what is stashed. I mean today I found half a dozen empty plastic bags from laundry tabs and I have no idea when I last was buying that sort.
Still, threw out several things and sorted out others, so, progress was made.
Other than that I didn't read listen watch stuff today. Listen seemed Loud and reading seemed like I wanted to read A Book But Not That One. And I didn't want to write the one I wanted either. So that isn't entirely helpful. But I do have Several book so I shall find A Book eventually.
My laundry is down to only filling the smaller basket, which is grand, but is still filling what I would until recently have considered The Laundry. There's at least two more loads in there, possibly three. This was Maximum Laundry.
I think it's because of all the drill and screw noises lately. It's nice that they've fixed stuff but it's not nice that this is week four of making a bunch of random interval noises about it. Still much quieter than the first two weeks but. I miss quiet quiet.
Quiet quiet theoretically gets more done.
But logically they have to complete the work eventually so.
Not a fascinating day really.
I shall go stare at bookshelves again.
Spring and gardening
Monday, March 9th, 2026 02:11 pmlabelleizzyOut my front window I can see:
* White flowers from the potato vine in the backyard
* Dark pink of the flowering crabapple
* Fresh pale green growth on the podocarpus
* Several fruit in different stages of ripening on the limequat tree
* Fresh growth and some flowers on the redcurrants bushes
* Fresh growth on the rosebush and fig tree
* Fresh growth on the dwarf pomegranate that we've decided is coming out this year. 😢
Of the plants that we're going to remove I'm saddest about the pomegranate.
We're also going to take out two Chinese Fringe bushes because they're crowding the citrus trees, and two shrubs at the end of the patio that aren't thriving at all.
My plan is to cut down the foliage and ask Sergio to take out the stumps, and maybe dig them out a little bit so we could try and plant something else in their spots.
* White flowers from the potato vine in the backyard
* Dark pink of the flowering crabapple
* Fresh pale green growth on the podocarpus
* Several fruit in different stages of ripening on the limequat tree
* Fresh growth and some flowers on the redcurrants bushes
* Fresh growth on the rosebush and fig tree
* Fresh growth on the dwarf pomegranate that we've decided is coming out this year. 😢
Of the plants that we're going to remove I'm saddest about the pomegranate.
We're also going to take out two Chinese Fringe bushes because they're crowding the citrus trees, and two shrubs at the end of the patio that aren't thriving at all.
My plan is to cut down the foliage and ask Sergio to take out the stumps, and maybe dig them out a little bit so we could try and plant something else in their spots.
[BD] Des éclats de diamant
Monday, March 9th, 2026 09:29 pmmaluretteTitre :
Auteure : Nuria Tamarit
Langue : traduction française de l'espagnol ?
Type : roman graphique
Genre : coming of age
1ère parution :
Édition :
Format : 40 pages
(lu à la médiathèque)
Mar (la même que dans Toubab ? une autre ?) est une ado renfermée, avide de lecture. Et puis un jour elle se retrouve inscrite de force au club de basket par sa mère, histoire de sociabiliser un peu...
...et ça marche. Çaa lui fait du bien, elle se fait des amies, et potentiellement un petit copain.
Sauf que c'est un sale con ; heureusement elle a ses nouvelles amies !
Heh. Pas mauvais mais pas le plus intéressant de cette auteure.
Auteure : Nuria Tamarit
Langue : traduction française de l'espagnol ?
Type : roman graphique
Genre : coming of age
1ère parution :
Édition :
Format : 40 pages
(lu à la médiathèque)
Mar (la même que dans Toubab ? une autre ?) est une ado renfermée, avide de lecture. Et puis un jour elle se retrouve inscrite de force au club de basket par sa mère, histoire de sociabiliser un peu...
...et ça marche. Çaa lui fait du bien, elle se fait des amies, et potentiellement un petit copain.
Sauf que c'est un sale con ; heureusement elle a ses nouvelles amies !
Heh. Pas mauvais mais pas le plus intéressant de cette auteure.
Freezing in the office
Monday, March 9th, 2026 07:49 pmqueen_ypolitaLast week, there was an announcement that the office heating and cooling system was being temperamental, that it needed a new part, and the new part was expected to arrive by Thursday this week. The way it was phrased, it sounded like the problem was excess warmth, not cold.
Coming in this morning, there was this wave of chill air the moment you opened a door into our office space. I was wearing a relatively warm jumper as an extra layer in the morning in order to be warm on the way, not intending to wear it in the office at all, but in the end it stayed on well into the afternoon. The heating is off or on a lower setting at the weekend, and had apparently failed to come on at all this morning. Monday mornings are often cooler anyway until the heating gets properly underway, but this was really colder than usual.
So it sounds like arctic layers are not needed for tomorrow, but it's probably best to be ready for all scenarios: that it's cold, that it's OK, or that it's warm.
Coming in this morning, there was this wave of chill air the moment you opened a door into our office space. I was wearing a relatively warm jumper as an extra layer in the morning in order to be warm on the way, not intending to wear it in the office at all, but in the end it stayed on well into the afternoon. The heating is off or on a lower setting at the weekend, and had apparently failed to come on at all this morning. Monday mornings are often cooler anyway until the heating gets properly underway, but this was really colder than usual.
So it sounds like arctic layers are not needed for tomorrow, but it's probably best to be ready for all scenarios: that it's cold, that it's OK, or that it's warm.
Crafting hangout
Monday, March 9th, 2026 03:24 pmunicorndukeHey all, if you'd like to join the crafting hangout, it is tonight from 6-8pm ET!
Video encouraged but not required!
Topic: Crafting Hangout
Time: Mondays 6:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 973 2674 2763