vallo

Hello.

I was wondering if there would be any interest in a monthly book club, as I've come to develop a fondness for human literature (thank you to Darlington, who suggested that I read 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula'. I enjoyed both). I've not the first clue as to what's widely popular or of historical importance; perhaps we might chose our reads by voting on suggestions.

Books do not function as amiably where I'm from; they have spirits of their own, and are alive, in a manner of speaking. It's quite strange to see so few flying, or spitting ink when upset - but admittedly it does make the reading go much faster.

I understand there have been happenings this week, but I ask forgiveness as I talk about myself as today marks the end of my first week as a teacher of music, a sentence that I would have never imagined saying at almost any point in my life. As unexpected a change of pace, though, it's a real good one. It was a rewarding week and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes moving forward.

Though, for the record: if any of your young ones come home with songs that might easily get stuck in your head, I apologize in advance.

It has been a while since I first brought this up, so please forgive me for the tardiness, however: the first meeting of Queer Magic Women has been scheduled. If you fall under that header one way or another and would like to spend some time with us to talk, discuss magic, and maybe show off some of the previous, we will be meeting at Freya's Sanctuary on this upcoming Sunday the 21st at 4PM. Wine and snacks will be provided, but don't hesitate to bring your own or something to share.

Should this take off, we'll look into making it a monthly or so occurrence, depending on what schedules look like.

I'm looking forward to getting to meet some more of you! And of course, I would be remiss not to say once more, thank you to Freya for offering your space!

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After some initial coaching, I think I'm doing this right. Clever device, this. I'll take it over a Sending any day of the week.

Having been told that Tav and Astarion are here is good news as well. Sorry Astarion, I hear you only work nights or we would have already seen you.

I say we because Shadowheart is here with me, we're both marveling over Electri City. I'm also finding myself very fond of the lack of chamber pot smells.

Ah oh, yes, hello, Wyll Ravengard, formerly the Blade of Frontiers and more recently the Blade of Avernus. Perhaps you've heard a few stories?

I can't pretend to understand the mechanics of what brought me to Vallo, but your holiday traditions were diverting, at least. From what I understand, the point now is to get through the winter until the thaw. Are there any more upcoming holidays that I should be aware of?

[ Filtered to residents of Blackthorn Manor ]

Did any of you see fit to make resolutions, if I might be so curious?

And secondly, when would you wish the holiday decorations to make their departure?

After taking some Tylenol (I cannot handle an extra glass of wine like I used to, not because re-lived my college years somewhere out in the city) to nurse this stereotypical New Year's headache, I realized that this month marks my sixth month here. I keep thinking this place is going to kick me out like it has the first two times. It's definitely the longest I've been here, and while I miss the two main males of my life, I'm grateful to still be around.

But this sense of staying around long-term has made me realize that I need stable employment to spoil people with. Please see this shameless photo of who I am in need of spoiling. It's both of them.

Background: Military, NASA, Engineer, Astronaut, space-traveled, crash-landed on another planet a galaxy away from Earth, married the prince, became queen, did a lot of politics and sword battle. I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I also enjoy wearing jeans again versus the royal garb.

Would anyone have any leads on some kind of mechanical work? I'm a bit rusty, but I've retained a lot over the years, and if I can successfully figure out the kinks of a one-thousand-year-old spaceship that needed oil changing, I can most likely translate that into smaller vessels.

I'm fond of the holiday desserts I've discovered here so far. Maybe a little too fond. Luffy, come eat the rest of this chocolate pecan pie before I make myself sick.

A question for the rest of you, if you're bored and want to help a man out. What dessert would you recommend I try if you only had one pick? I have a soft spot for chocolate and citrus, but I'm willing to try anything once.

[FILTERED TO ZORO]

How long are you going to keep this up? Just give me an estimate.

Hi?

Hello?

Hi hi hi hi???

HELLO!

Does this work? They said it work, how do you know when it works?

[...]

OH LOOK! There the words are! It works!

These guys here and Not-Zoro said I should introduce myself. They also said the food does not always try to eat you back and I really hope they are right. Food should not try to eat you. You eat food. That's the way it goes.

Hi, I'm Monkey D. Luffy, Captain of the Straw Hat Crew and FUTURE KING OF THE PIRATES. Perhaps you've heard of me.

Does anyone have any toddler-friendly ideas for Christmas or Solstice celebrations? We've only been able to do things at home or with Julian and Emma in the past few years, because we've had to keep a low profile, but that isn't as much of a problem here and I'd like to take the opportunity for us to go a little overboard this year as a family.

Also any tips to get a "cool" teenager to wear a matching "decidedly uncool" family sweater.

FILTERED AWAY FROM TSC:

Has anyone experienced having ah- two spouses, here, from two separate times?

To explain a little further; Will and Jem were connected and shadowhunter partners before I met them. I had a connection with both of them, and ultimately became engaged to Jem. Circumstances out of our control separated us, but with his blessing, I later married Will. This was a hundred and fifty years ago. We had a full and happy and wonderful marriage with him, until he passed.

I'm immortal, so I continued on as I am now, but grieving. It took decades, but Jem was healed and we were able to be together again, we married a few years ago and now we have Mina.

They are both here, and I am very lucky, make no mistake, to be lucky enough to have them. Will is from the early days of our marriage, and Jem is from our current time - they're both very happy to be with each other again, as we've always loved all of each other, bonded as family. But it is becoming a little awkward and I haven't figured out how to breach the "who am I married to" topic in terms of intimacy with them.

I know this place is strange so if anyone has any advice, I welcome it.

I have been here a few days despite not introducing myself here, but I don't think I can be blamed. My daughter has been the best distraction and I've been trying to make up for a month away in the few days I've had. The jury is still out if I've succeeded, but I'm perfectly content to continue trying either way.

I'm James Carstairs, though everyone calls me Jem. My family has all been here, some for a while and one for a while, and I'm sure they're all acquainted with some of you already, so hello and thank you for being kind and welcoming to Tessa, Mina, and Kit. And Will, of course, though I know we're both guilty of being recent arrivals.

That said, I'm sure that I have plenty of time to go before I can call myself settled, but I'm wondering: for those who have been here a long while--or those who haven't, I'm not picky--what would you personally say are some of the first things you should do or see here? I'm lucky to have had several from home who could point me in some directions, but I'm curious about opinions beyond my people.

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I have overused the indoor plumbing options in this flat, learned how to use the elevator by myself, and located where to make the letters capitals on this little phone thing. A feat, truly.

Tessa has shown me what a Kindle is but I have to admit I appreciate the physical heft of books. She has also given me her list of bodice rippers and I do trust her taste in reading material. Does anyone else have any recommendations? Bodices being ripped is not a necessary requirement, but I will judge you accordingly on a scale that is predetermined by me, and unbeknownst to you.

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While I am wholly uninterested in Christmas's religious significance, I understand that it is considered aesthetically pleasing. My cursory research indicated no unifying vision for the holiday so much as sub-genres with its own zealots: from natural winter greenery (pleasing, but messy) to something unseemly referred to as 'kitsch' (horrifying).

So. I have less than three weeks to decorate a very large home. I would appreciate your leaving holiday themes, motifs, relevant figures of importance, and suggestions for what makes decorations "feel like" the season to you. I anticipate some of you to have very little taste. I also have learned about the bane of man colloquially referred to as 'glitter', and am aware of its neverending curse. Do not try me.

I am leaning toward sage green and burnished silver as colors. Elegant yet understated, cozy but refined. Thank you for your assistance.

[ Filtered to Blackthorn Manor Frequent Visitors & Guests ]

And, of course, if you have any particular requests, I will happily receive them.

Hello, if you're someone who explores Vallo a lot, if you find anything out of the ordinary near the following three locations, would you let me know? I'm continuing research on the portals from last month. Thank you.

[ATTACHED MAP BUT PRETEND IT'S VALLO & THE THREE X'S ARE COORDINATES OF WHERE THE THREE PORTALS WERE LOCATED]

TSC FILTER:

Jules, I think I found Blackthorn Hall? I haven't gone inside but it's on the very edge of the forest near the city, and it looks like when we explored it the first time? It's not as nice as when you and Emma made it so I wasn't sure and I didn't want to go inside without you.

I understand that there is a group that meets here for queer women that use various styles of weaponry. I love this for all of you and fully support the continued existence of such a place to hang out and have camaraderie.

However, I am useless with a weapon. I stabbed at an intellect devourer once and I think that I might have hurt myself more in the effort and only succeeded in tickling it, so I've since given up and rely entirely on my magic. Best for everyone, though apologies if you turn into cats again or, I don't know, summon a cambion. (Do cambions exist in this world? Perhaps we'll get lucky.)

Anyway, all of that to say that I'd like to suggest or create a sister group, if there isn't one already, for queer women that wield magic. I have no doubt that there will be crossover as I have to assume that there are others more skilled than myself that juggle both, but I am still fairly new here and I thought this may be a nice way to meet others and also just have some conversation, possible demonstration, and drinks, if you partake.

If there is interest, please let me know here and I'll organize a time and place and we can discuss the food and drink aspect to go with.

Good morning.

I have asked the Department of Outlander Affairs to provide me with a suitable sorcerer of the demon-slaying profession to consider acting as head of a mutually beneficial infernal contract, and they are in the process of fulfilling this request.

If I might ask one thing further: mortals among you amenable to providing years off of your life in exchange for demonic service, so that one person need not shoulder the load, please leave a note here. I've extensive experience in housekeeping, artifact cataloging, assassinations, nannying, general schooling up to the age of 12, footman duties, torture, ballroom dancing, and basic supportive charmwork.

Regretfully my references were left at home, but I will be happy to discuss my abilities of the above subjects with any interested party.

Cordially,

Silas

Aside from the trouble at the beginning (I take it from the reactions that that sort of thing doesn't often happen here), I had a grand time last night at Fight Club. I am sure no one would have allowed me to enter such a thing back in Buckkeep. Though, given my performance, perhaps that's for the best. I'd never be able to look Blade in the eye again if he saw what a poor showing I made, and I'm sure I wouldn't hear the end of it from Valiant for at least a month (teenage boys are cruel, aren't they?)

Thank you, Ashton, for not going easy on me, even if I suspect I'll be feeling this lip for some days to come.