Running with scissors

48 | Female | WCIF Friendly

[taanoir]

Pinned Post - Links and Info

Welcome to my page. Posts are related to the Sims 4 game, game play, and more recently storytelling using the Sims 4. I am in the process of trying to clean up the place but the dust bunnies have gone feral. For now, please pardon the mess.

I've gotten a couple posts flagged as mature so I thought it was advisable to put up a warning/ advisory

A Fool's Journey: This is a fantasy based story I've been working on for the better part of a year. It will follow the journey of the heroes as they set off on a quest to end a plague, save the realm and learn a bit about themselves along the way.

This will have adult themes and imagery. There will be blood, fighting, alcohol, injuries, illness, death, grief, depression, anger, prejudices, bigotry, and probably some other things I may not identify as needing a tag. I will tag these with "XX TW" (subject first, I've read this is the most helpful format).

The "bad guys" are bad, they are not slightly flawed heroes, they do bad things to good people. There will be blood, sometimes lots of it. That said, this is not a horror story, I will not be showing torture or gore. There will be no flashing/ blinking posts.

This is a story that is about love but it is not a love story, there will be no spice. Still not a lot of spice, very minimal and will be clearly marked with cuts and a full warning.

Links: Beginning / Ch 1 / Ch2 / Ch3/ Ch4/ Ch5/ Ch6/ Ch7

The Children of Callisto: This was my first successful attempt at the Sims 4 History Challenge written by Snowie. The posts span the course of 10 generations and just shy of three real years. When I started there was no story, I have slowly been trying to become a better fiction writer. The challenge posts were my outlet for that, some are good some are trash but I leave them as they are.

The story is loosely historically based, there is some violence, death, prejudices, drugs, alcohol, grief, depression, sexuality and minimal spice. Posts are tagged accordingly "XX TW".

Links: Beginning , Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3 , Gen 4, Gen 5, Gen 6, Gen 7. Gen 8, Gen 9, Gen 10

(A kind thank you to @mrsracooney for helping me with the generation links <3 May both sides of your pillow always be cold)

WCIF: I am WCIF friendly, please send me an ask so I can respond.

Other Blogs:

Taanoirfindshare : I have a finds blog for Sims 4 content

Refractionjunction : Art, food, Sims art, music, writing resources ... things that make the serotonin go brrrrrrr.

If you have any questions, please send me an ask.

[antiquatedsimmer]

Hot take, if the way the time period isn't portrayed isn't exactly perfect. That's fine. It's literally just pixels, and not all of us are history professionals/ experienced writers.

It ain't a dick sucking contest of who's more historically accurate.

[simblr-lets-get-talking]

Simblr, Let's Get Talking! 28th Apr '26 - #5 - Favourite Simblrs

List up to 5 favourite Simblrs, one individual for each of these categories if you can: - Favourite gameplay Simblr - Favourite edit/render-making Simblr - Favourite CC creating Simblr - Favourite storytelling Simblr - Simblr who makes the best Sims

[freezerbnuuy]

No Freezerbnuuy rule applies, but not to me being the one to dish out the compliments.

• Favourite gameplay Simblrs are @vampwan and @akitasimblr, I love Vampwan's gameplay and cosy screenshots and editing and I absolutely loved the Le Chat gameplay with Akitasimblr and the Harper antics!

• Admittedly I don't necessarily follow all of these people, but my favourite Simblrs in terms of all of these things are @ink-sims, flovoid, elderwisp, nefarrilou, and @misspepeshi

• Favourite CC creating Simblrs are @anachrosims, @notsooldmadcatlady, @crazy-hazy-sims. I love when clothes fit my fat Sims, so thank you all three of you, also Anachrosims's BuildBuy stuff more or less entirely made Divided's interiors possible.

• Favourite storytelling Simblrs are @wolkentage @thebramblewood @simscognito @taanoir , but right now I do not have time to catch up with all of these stories.

• Simblrs who make the best sims: @bigraaga, @astravires, @marzipaneavocado

Some people on this list cross over into some of the other favourite categories as well, haha.

[taanoir]

Aaawe Bnuuy, you are too kind, thank you 💜.

I do want to mention, I have stepped away from the game (which means no screenshots), but I do post my story on AO3. It's been rewritten with more depth and to relinquish reliance on pictures. The format gives me room to explore some things I can't do here, which means it is also 18+ (read the tags).

For anyone interested:

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[taanoir]

"me core" / pinterest tag

thanks for the tag @morrigan-simsl !

rules: go to pinterest, type in "me core" and share 9 images that come up as results

Accurate LOL

I'm not tagging anyone, but if you want to play consider yourself tagged.

[werewolf-transgenderism]

a world without trans people has never existed and never will

prints

[taanoir]

Beautifully done illuminated manuscript style, and correct <3

[taanoir]

Tag Game: 10(?) People We'd Like to Get To Know Better!

Thank you to @xandezsims for the tag - I've been very quiet for awhile but I still look for posts from you guys.

Last Song(s):

Nathan Evans: Heather on the Hill ... saw him in concert with the SAINT PNX band a few weeks ago, still in heavy rotation.

My Darkest Days - Casual Sex

Cage the Elephant - Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

Favorite Color(s):

Purple, shocking I know

Currently Watching:

Aside from the news and reels my sister sends me not much. I'm not actually big on TV, never have been. I did take my other half to see the new Dracula movie, it was different but I liked it.

Currently Reading:

Right now mainly fanfics - if you haven't checked them out @morrigan-sims has some fantastic stories.

Current Obsession:

I'm in a lull at the moment and feel a bit unmoored. I lost the passion for the thing I've obsessed on since 2012. Trying some new and old things to see what sticks.

Last Google Search:

Fermenty ..... If you're curious X (also it was spelled wrong in what I was reading).

Currently Working On:

Rewriting my story and posting elsewhere without pictures. A lot of it leaned on visual aids and was geared towards this specific platform. I still want to tell the story, just differently.

No tagging on this one - I've been lurking since November and feel some kinda way about tagging others. <3

[surely-sims]

Please don’t let any corporate entity convince you that exposure is a valid currency.

[taanoir]

100% agreement. Exposure is not payment. "It will look good in your portfolio" is not payment. This goes for bands, artists (no matter the media), stylists, or game asset creators. I have seen this used so many times during the course of my life, and the artist never comes out ahead.

Your skill that you spent time, effort and money to grow has value. Remember that. <3

[simmattically]

If you're a creator publishing free CC, you can submit your work to be featured in the new Community tab of my Refreshed Main Menu mod!

It isn't anything overly complex: it displays the CC, some info about it, and a link. But it highlights free community content for PC/Mac players. The content updates automatically, so it changes frequently and new CC can show up often.

Not a creator? You can still help by engaging with this post to spread the word! :)

Learn more & apply here ➡️ https://forms.gle/wnsv2nHzHW65mM4X8

[jayveesim]

I love this community

[taanoir]

Great idea

[taanoir]

Chapter 7, Doors of Opportunity, Part 2

With Ryn and Albrund concentrating on the Library, Iggy offered his assistance to the Mooncasters, who were kind enough to let the trio stay in their village. They were given the use of a small cottage with a root cellar. It wasn’t as fancy as Oakenward but it was home for now.

Idata initially was hesitant to open the village to the strangers. Their very presence put the pack at risk. Merwyn was more willing to help, he took the matter to the Council of Elders, including his mother. “If things are really as dire as the Bloodcaster says, this will come to our doorstep regardless. We would be smarter to know what’s coming than have it take us by surprise.” Idata rarely found herself in full disagreement with her son "If what he's saying is true then it's all the more reason they need to go! Let the Spellcasters squabble amongst themselves, you have a duty to protect the pack, not shelter enemies of the crown." Merwyn raised his eyebrow, "and what about when we find ourselves on the other side of the crown's grace? Who will stand with us?" The Elder Wolf prickled "No one, we always protect our own." Merwyn crossed his arms and let out a small growl. His tone was harsher than he meant it to be "Look around Mother. Our pack dwindles more and more, we don't have the numbers we once had. It's been five winters since the last Mooncaster joined us from Umbra. At this rate our pack will fade out from age before sickness or battle." Idata turned and left the chamber in a huff.

The Elders eventually came around, while they had enjoyed relative safety over the years, there were obviously things afoot that were even outside the gaze of Emberwood.

Despite her initial reluctance, Idata focused on helping Iggy learn how to use the rune stones. The mystic in Umbra had explained that they were for reading the past, present and future, unfortunately, the skill of reading them had been lost to time. The Elder Wolf however had time on her side, she had picked up a few tricks over her years. "As a teen I spent a summer traveling with a band of Human mystics traveling along the Llamavista down into Umbra and Heonevia. They taught me a bit about human divination". Iggy grumbled "So I'm just supposed to sit here and talk to rocks?". Idata chuckled "No, you still have a lot to learn. You're not just asking a bag of rocks questions, there is more to it, you have to ask with your heart" she tapped his chest "magic Dunerell or Human comes from intent" Iggy let out a frustrated sigh "That all sounds very familiar. Are you sure Ryn can't read these, he seems to have gotten that whole intent thing down." Idata clicked her tongue "These are Human tools, they won't work for a Dunerell. Well, they will but not as strongly or accurately." Iggy struggled, he couldn't beat them into submission or kill them with a sword. Instead he would have to sit and try to connect with rocks that were as stubborn as he was.

The arrangement wasn't one sided, in return for the lessons Iggy helped train the villagers about archery, armed combat and tactics. If trouble did arrive on their doorstep, they would not go down without a fight. The wolves had most other groups beat hands down in terms of strength and hand to hand combat but could be out maneuvered in open combat as they had been during their first meeting with Ryn, Albrund and Iggy.

Merwyn and Iggy became close friends. The human and the wolf traded stories and techniques. Merwyn taught Iggy more about grappling and ground combat. Most of Iggy's training had been focused on distance or personal protection. Merwyn showed him pressure points, and how to shift his leverage more effectively. Iggy taught Merwyn how to stop an opponent using stealth. He also shared some of the techniques he had learned from Voshi. Their sparing sessions became legendary, drawing crowds from all over the village to watch. They even drew in the the elders who placed bets on the outcomes.

Iggy felt he was part of a community for the first time in his life. He had friends, responsibility and support. Idata was stern but kind to him, much like she was with Ayas. He did his best to give back not just by training the pups but by helping with hunting, cooking and cleaning up. Merwyn introduced him to the other member of the Caerloyr guard, Ember. Iggy was accepted and included in a way he’d never known, they shared food, drinks and stories. They didn’t talk down to him or treat him like he was intruding. He felt a sense of belonging he had yearned for in his youth.

He and Albrund had taken over the root cellar of the cottage, leaving Ryn to the main floor. Merwyn, Ayas, Greelee, and Iggy had moved some spare furniture down there to make it a little more accommodating. Being isolated on the island meant Albrund didn't have access to plasmafruit or nuit blanche. He stuck to the basement during the day. Ryn would open the wicket in the cellar which made the overall situation more bearable. Feeding was a little different situation, Albrund had to hunt for live food. They did find one upside to the change in diet, it warmed Albrund's body. Iggy initially thought he was ill, that he had some kind of fever. Albrund chuckled, he found his concern endearing but assured Iggy he was fine.

With everything going on Iggy and Albrund had very little time together, they found themselves two ships passing in the night. Iggy would collapse into the bed exhausted and sore from training or mentally spent from working with Idata. Albrund, who rarely ever needed sleep found himself strangely exhausted from pouring over books and working through translations. He would curl up with Iggy just to close his eyes and give them a break from the burning. They were happy for the little time they managed to scrape together for themselves. Sometimes it was a drink at the tavern after a long day or an extended walk back after giving updates to Merwyn and Idata to catch up between themselves.

Ryn was a different matter, Iggy was still mad after the way he showed his ass. He’d protect that kid with his life but sometimes he wanted to strangle him. It was getting better though, Ryn kept his word. He asked more questions, and was more willing to listen. Iggy suspected that having something to focus on helped, it was something he had lacked at Oakenward. There was also the more obvious reason, Ryn's actions had almost cost him his life. Iggy wasn't blind to the effects of a near death experience, he just wished it hadn't taken one. Iggy wasn't quite ready to trust him again but he no longer felt that it was off the table.

For as bad as the larger situation was, Iggy was content, he was finally in a place he felt he truly belonged. Albrund had told him there was something else out there for him, this was the first time he actually believed him.

Poses: Thank you to @mdrayvvv (Emotions Sad), @herecirmsims (Whispers, peace), @elen-shine (Tipsy Friend),

Beginning / Previous / Next

[taanoir]

Chapter 7, Doors of Opportunity

Over the next several days, Ryn slowly got back to normal. Albrund and Iggy stayed close by. The Spellcatster would fall into deep sleep sporadically, but they were there to catch him. The sleeping draught from the Traveler was taking its time working through Ryn's system. Iggy was familiar with the potion from his time with the Travelers. He didn't share Idata's optimism, that this was a mistake. His concerns were bigger than Ryn's condition.

Ten days after his poisoning, Ryn still had some slight dizziness when he stood up too fast but he had regained his normal strength. As promised, Idata led them to the ruins for a personal tour. Merwyn and Ayas escorted them to the castle and stayed close by in case there were any problems. The presence of the Traveler meant someone knew the Spellcaster was here.

A carefully plotted route led them towards the library. They checked a ballroom on the way through. The paneling, which at one time would have been breathtaking, was eaten with rot and mold. The hand painted tile floors were cracked and faded. Albrund thought to himself how glorious the room must have been in its prime. How many galas and parties had been here when it was glowing with life. Idata interrupted his daydreaming to move them along. There was still lots to see. She pointed out parlors, offices, the main hall, which Ryn had checked before, the sanctuary with its hidden lab, which was no longer hidden. She walked them through the cloisters, or what was left of them. On the second floor, they saw the remains of bedrooms that looked like the occupants simply picked up their bag and walked away, leaving the suite to the hands of time.

Time had not been kind to Caerloyr. Mold and must enshrined what was once opulence. An entire colony of assorted bugs and critters happily munched away on the remains of intricately carved furniture that would cost a years wages. Deserted drapes and fabrics left to rot, they were now merely the burial shrouds of what was once the jewel of Oerties. Their desired location, the library, provided no clues. Ryn searched for any potential doors, the keys safely tucked in his pocket. The day was proving to be a bust. The doors that were still standing lacked an important feature, keyholes.

The Elder Wolf sat on a stone bench in what was once a garden, her knees couldn't take the climbing like they used to. Merwyn and Ayas stayed close to Idata, her protection was their priority. Albrund, Iggy and Ryn continued to scour the remnants of the castle. The Spellcaster returned to the library, he felt like he was missing something, his eyes pleaded for a break. It was devoid of books, scrolls, tomes or any other potentially helpful items. His eyes turned to the intricate carvings, the paint and gilt long gone, it was now only a testament to the Mooncaster craftsmanship that painstakingly carved each swirl and leaf. He followed the pattern as it shifted and danced, it continued onto the shelves, "how beautiful this must have been", he thought. His eye landed on a change in the motif, amongst the leaves and flowers was a key.

The Spellcaster's hands shook as he fumbled through his pocket for the keys. The smallest of the keys was an exact match for the tiny carving. Ryn felt like an ass, which was really becoming a habit at this point. He was looking for a physical door, where every bit of this mission told him that's not Lucjan's style. He firmly gripped the small key and directed it towards the carving, mumbling instructions to the key.

With a WOOSH an wicket opening appeared! It was much different than any he had seen. Tree roots sprung from the marble encircling a stone ring with glowing markings.

Ryn froze, his eyes widening in awe, what had he found? This was extraordinary!

Tentatively he stepped inside the wicket, he still wasn't entirely comfortable in them. What he found left him dumbfounded, it was an enormous library. The shelves were full of books that looked like they had been placed there yesterday. He gingerly removed one of the books placing it carefully on a book stand, not that it was in poor condition but in his mind he knew how old and precious it may be. Unfortunately, this was far too old for him to read, he didn't recognize the language at all.

Ryn closed the door and ran to tell Albrund, he and Iggy had decided to focus their efforts on the Sanctuary. The Spellcaster bounced in through the chapel door and vibrated with excitement as he told Albrund what he had found. The Bloodcaster's eyes widened as he listened, Ryn thought to himself that it was the most excited he'd ever seen him.

Ryn learned a little bit of a new trick, this wicket wasn't tied to the room but to the key. There in the space of the Sanctuary he popped open the wicket holding an expansive library, that seemed to go on forever. Albrund was truly shocked, Ryn's description didn't begin to really convey what he was seeing. Iggy still wasn't thrilled about his last experience in a wicket, he volunteered to stand watch at the door.

Ryn and Albrund entered the library. Once Albrund was able to absorb what was before him, he picked up several books and folios paging through them. The parchment was still crisp and the ink as perfect as the day it was laid on the page. There were notes penned by King Lucjan tucked into the pages. Ideas he had, or things he wanted to come back to. Albrund's eyes poured over the pages in wonder. A box of letters and correspondences sat on a table waiting for their owner to return. Notes from the High Spellcaster warning the King of increased deaths from the illness in the low country and an outbreak amongst the Greencasters. He urged the King to utilize the solution before it spread further. There was concern about it spreading rapidly through the Mooncasters. Albrund couldn't believe what he was reading. He shuffled through some more papers, reports on crop yields, taxes collected for Umbra, heads of cattle in the Kings pasture, not really anything that would help them.

Albrund sat at the expertly carved desk, it looked as though it's owner had just stepped away. Ink, parchment, quills, blotters, wax, all the implements of a writer carefully placed so that they would be ready the next time he sat. Albrund sat down to see if there was something helpful tucked into it's drawers. A beautifully crafted dagger sat at the front of the top drawer, behind it was a velvet lined, slotted tray, a formal home for the implements left on the table. The next drawer down was locked. Albrund waved Ryn, who was admiring some books on elemental magic, over to see if one of his keys worked on the desk. Sure enough, one of the keys fit the desk, the lock let out an authoritative 'click' releasing the drawer for inspection.

The drawer held a stash of personal letters and correspondences. A letter from Eminence Seneca requesting a higher trade value on kelp, another letter from Seneca discussing engagement of the royal Princess Quintenya to Lucjan's youngest son Prince Sidel. Albrund though over it for a moment, Prince Sidel was Icia’s father, these are the correspondences arranging the marriage. The Prince would give up all claims to the Spellcaster throne as his intended was the next in line for the Watercaster throne. He would become the Consort of the Eminence. There was also discussion that the marriage was a love match, not a political arrangement. Once Gonesic was removed Albrund felt these letters should go to Icia.

Further digging produced a letter from the King's Sorcerer, he had found a way to prevent the illness from spreading but had the unfortunate side effect of making all treated Dunerell human, Albrund had found the source document for the scroll at least in part. Over the next several weeks he and Ryn spent their time combing through the King's private study. They reviewed mountains of paper with snippets of helpful information or clarity on other things. Albrund had begun compiling what he thought was the most useful information into a dossier. He was gradually collecting documents that tracked the movement of the Agony. Where the cases flared, what made the difference between a case or an outbreak. He was still searching for the research notes, there had to be studies....

Poses: Thank you to @elen-shine (Hopelessness), @greensoulsims (Walking Together), @cazmari (Wand-erlust), @samssims (Fear reaction), @grownasssimmer (Bro Talk), @nagallz (DK pose 03), @greensoulsims (Happy standing), Wasset (Shocked Expression), @natalia-auditore (Letter Reading 3), @herecirmsims (looking up down), @elen-shine (Letter poses),

A very special thank you to @theroyalthornoliachronicles who was super kind and converted the key into a pose accessory, I appreciate it greatly. <3

Beginning / Previous / Next

[taanoir]

Chapter 7, Consequences

Ryn's tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth, it felt like he had been licking rocks. Pain filled his head as he tried to lift it from the pillow, a groan escaped from chapped lips as he gave up on movement. A warm hand slipped beneath his head urging him to sit up, there was a voice attached but not one he could place. Once in an upright seated position a cup was slipped into his hand and the warm hands were now urging him to drink. The water burned as it invaded the desert that was his mouth, he could feel the water traveling down his throat. The water reminded him that he was supposed to be somewhere. The gears of his mind started spinning

How long had he slept? Had morning passed? Had he missed his boat? Oh, no Albrund would have his head! He dropped back on to the pillow, his head was splitting.

Foggy memories began to appear. Where was the Greencaster, Onid? Was she the warm hands?

Wait, they were attacked. He hadn't been able to defend them.... did the hands belong to the marauders?

Oh no ... Albrund was right, Fuuuuuuck he was going to be livid!

Tears started rolling down his cheeks from still closed eyes.

A kind but steady voice surrounded him as a cool cloth blotted his face "Don't cry, you're still here and alive. The Traveler has been dispatched and very lucky for you, I was trained by a Master Herbalist and able to treat you." She sighed softly, gently patting his arm, "The Traveler gave you a sleeping drought. It was enough to put down a horse, untreated it could have killed you. I don't believe that was the purpose just sloppy on the Traveler's part. Usually it's given diluted in tea, just a few drops. Instead you've been out for the past four days"

Ryn processed what she said, panic hit is stomach. He uttered a croaking squeak with such urgency that hurt his host's ear's "Thank you but I have to get back to the mainland, my friend is going to kill me. I was only supposed to be gone for several hours. He was already going to be mad but now..."

The voice cut him off "Ryn, calm down. Your friends are already here, we sent Merwyn to collect them."

Ryn's eye's popped open, it took a moment for them to focus but as they did he found an elderly woman at his bed side. Her face was kind, framed by long silver hair that fell in braids around her shoulders. She wiped his face again and in a low rumble she reassured him that he was safe. She gently redirected his face and looked into his eyes, he had the look of a snared fox that would sooner gnaw it's own leg off than admit to being caught. "Hmmmm, little fox, you need to calm down. I can't let your friends in with you like this. Let's breathe, in... and out, good. Again in....hold it...and out, alright." As she spoke she wrapped her hand under Ryn's shoulder guiding him to a sitting position "I realize I haven't introduced myself, I'm Idata, an Elder Wolf and the healer of this Pack. You've already met my son, Merwyn. I believe you've met Grelee and Ayas as well last time you visited."

He nodded, his voice tumbled out raw and gravely "I was looking forward to seeing Ayas while I was here, or at least hoping to."

She smirked "That can be arranged but I believe you have more urgent company." She rose from her seat and made her way through the door. Ryn watched the door close behind her, his whole body buzzed with nervous anticipation.

Iggy was first through the door his brow knitted and more somber than Ryn had ever seen him, followed by a visibly angry Albrund. Ryn suddenly wished he was still unconscious, he struggled to swallow the bolder lodged in his throat. Albrund took the seat next to Ryn's bed that had been previously occupied by Idata. He cleared his throat and tried to smooth his tone "It was foolish for you to come alone, you should have waited like we talked about."

Ryn dropped his eyes and his head, "I'm sorry, I just felt like I wasn't don't anything, like I wasn't helping."

A vein raised up on the Bloodcaster's forehead he growled "Well, this certainly didn't help!" he shifted in the chair trying to stop his own shaking, whether from fear or anger was irrelevant at the moment. "We're here worrying about you instead of working on how to stop Gonesic, or figuring out what the box means!" concern flooded through the shell of his anger, his voice shattered "You could have died! The only thing that saved you was Ayas, he saw you veer off the path and sounded the alarm to the rest of the Pack. Putting yourself in danger helps no one, I was clear, SAFETY ISSUE! YOU DON'T LISTEN, YOU ARE AN ADULT FOR ROVUNI'S SAKE ACT LIKE ONE!" He rubbed his temples and grasped at his composure "You ignored everything I said and you still left. I am furious at you and also very thankful you are alive."

Ryn pulled his knees up and rested his forehead on them. He let out a long sigh, tears dripped down his thighs, his voice was low and heavy "I'll have to thank him when I see him, Idata didn't tell me." Ryn turned his head and looked over at Albrund and Iggy "I am truly sorry. I'm sorry for everything. Sorry for what I said and sorry for not listening when you were trying to help. I just feel like an idiot, you did say safety was your concern, wait for Iggy. I get it now. I figured it would be like last time, come over, search the ruins, hopefully find something, go back. I was wrong, incredibly wrong." his voice began to crack and squeak again but the apology continued to tumble from his lips in a flood "Iggy, I'm so sorry for what I said, you didn't deserve it. You're right, I'm no better than the rest of them. I regret what I said. You've done nothing but help me from the moment we met. I feel like a horses ass for acting like I did. All I can do is promise to do better."

The line between Iggy's eyes deepened "I accept your apology, I know you mean it but where we stand is going to depend on what decisions you make going forward. I care about you, but I also care about me, I won't put up with someone that treats me like shit then thinks an apology fixes it. You're sorry, show me, don't tell me. Right now all your sorrys are sounding very hollow."

Ryn nodded slowly "Fair enough..... thank you. I will do better." Even though Iggy's response had been harsh, it was still kinder than anything Ryn had imagined.

Albrund took the apology with a grain of salt as well, not that he didn't mean it but he seemed to have a knack for doing exactly the wrong thing "In your absence, we do have some information..."

Iggy moved forward and cut the Bloodcaster off "I spoke with the mystic in Umbra. She was familiar with the stones as a legend but was actually shocked to see them in person. They are rune stones and according to the tales, Kessian the Elder gifted them to King Lucjan to aid in healing the realms after the end of the Great Caster War. Kessian thought the stones would be able to help the King see a clear path to ending the illness. The mystic was able to tell me they were a divination tool used by ancient mystics. They have the ability to reveal the past, interpret the present and predict the future. Unfortunately, you have to know how to read them. They fell out of use, it's been generations since anyone has even seen a set let alone been able to read them."

Ryn was transfixed on Iggy's words, "That's fantastic Iggy, that's more progress than any of us has made."

Albrund cleared his throat, shooting a small glare at Iggy "Not to interrupt, but like I was telling you before you decided to be an idiot, that isn't the only mystery solved. Each of the trinkets came from one of the realms of Oerties. Based on their age and the information I could find on their owners, they are tied to the Caster War treaty. The pearl is from the Watercasters, I told you I was able to decipher Casteana's name. Initially, I found a short edition of her story, that she built the Shimmering Sands and was said to control the tides. However, after some deeper digging, I found she was the first Eminence of the Watercasters and still a bit of a legendary figure. She built the Shimmering Sands by blowing on the coral which listened to her command and built the castle at the heart of the tides. She enchanted the magic kelp, which she grew in the gardens surrounding the castle. The kelp of course is a staple of the Watercaster diet and if eaten by a human, they will become a Watercaster. The Jewel of Casteana was the center stone of the Eminence's diadem, last seen worn by Eminence Seneca. Seneca was the ruler of the Merfolk at the time of the Caster Wars and one of the signers. I was also able to translate the Mooncaster engravings on the tooth, again a legendary item, The Tooth of Magnus. He was the first Mooncaster Alpha after the Splinter Rising. In legend it's said that it holds "essence of Mooncaster power" metaphorically and symbolically "the root". There's more about it but I was interrupted by something more important." He raised an eyebrow at Ryn.

Albrund continued, "Taking into account the Pearl, the Bloodcaster amulet and Lucjan's Medal of Honor, with the realization each realm is represented. The trinket box is not just a box of tokens, they are important items, even if we don't fully grasp their meaning."

Ryn was in awe at how much they had accomplished while he was out, a new wave of embarrassment rushed over him when he realized how much his stunt had really cost. "That's fantastic Albrund, it sounds like you two pretty much got everything figured out. Did you figure out why the box and rune stones were kept with the Tome?"

Over Albund's face swept a look of frustration "No... that remains a mystery. I haven't found any mentions of the items in relation to the treaty, only two of the items show up in records to begin with. I don't really expect to find anything mentioning the tome, no one aside from King Lucjan and his highest council would have laid eyes on it. Though based on Gonesic's blabbing, I'd say the High Spellcasters have some knowledge of what's in it."

Idata poked her head back into the room. She made her way to the end of the bed. "I have to ask, what prompted you to travel all the way out here alone little fox?"

Ryn was a bit embarrassed, "I came back here looking for more clues or areas we haven't looked at in the ruins."

She raised an eyebrow, "What areas are you looking for? I've been in every inch of that castle and know it better than any of these pups."

"I want to take a closer look at the library and maybe other areas for some hidden locked doors." He was hopeful that it triggered some memory she might have.

Idata shared a bit of what she knew, "Well, the library is still there but empty, as you know. The Spellcasters took all the books when they moved to the new castle. I don't think I've seen any doors in the library. There are some doors in other areas but most lead to empty rooms and broken remnants of things that were once important. None are locked, well, anymore."

The light in Ryn's eyes faded a bit.

"Once you are on the mend and able to travel, I'll take you to the ruins myself. I'll even give you a guided tour.

A small smile crept across his lips, "Really? That would be wonderful."

"Absolutely, and we can take your friends who have sat so patiently waiting for you to wake up. That said" She looked at Iggy and Albrund, "He needs rest, you can catch up some more tomorrow."

Albrund and Iggy made their way out, but first they paused to tell Ryn they were happy he was awake.

Poses: Thank you to @snarkywitch (Peaceful Goodbye), @herecirmsims (Sleeping Ugly, Seated Emotion Negative), LOVE (Quiet Reach), @lady-moriel (Throne Poses, Model pose), @greensoulsims (Neutral Emotion sitting/standing, Sad Sitting, Angry Sitting), @nefaricussims (Bed Conversation), @samssims (Emotions Anger standing, Neutral standing), @rebouks (Bed Bumperpack), RJ (Standing Talking), @fenrir77 (Emotions Thoughtful),

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[taanoir]

Upcoming Posts

This week has been incredibly bad for me mentally and emotionally. The next post is drafted but it's a really heavy post and I feel it needs some more fine tuning. I'm not in the head space to do it at the moment. I hope to, post it this coming weekend. <3

[taanoir]

Post is set up for tomorrow morning. I'm still not 100% happy with it but it's better, I've reached the point that if I keep poking at it I'll make it worse. As mentioned it's a heavy post. It's also the first look at new character who was one of my favorites to write.

[taanoir]

Upcoming Posts

This week has been incredibly bad for me mentally and emotionally. The next post is drafted but it's a really heavy post and I feel it needs some more fine tuning. I'm not in the head space to do it at the moment. I hope to, post it this coming weekend. <3

[taanoir]

Chapter 7, Not Helpful, Part 2

Note: This post contains the death of a minor character. That said, it happens off camera, no blood or gore and if you would prefer, send me a message I'll give you the high level facts.

By first light the Spellcaster had packed a bag and creeped out of the house towards Lethemyna. He didn't have Albrund to arrange for a boat or to borrow one so it took him awhile to find someone willing take him across to the island.

Heavy snow had rolled in from the North by the time he found a captain. Much of the lake was frozen but not solid enough to walk across, the center was a scattering of ice islands left by the cutting ships that tried to keep the shipping lanes open. The boatman assured him he'd be able to take him but it would be closer to sundown, with the ice it wasn't a quick journey.

The quiet trip gave him an overabundance of time to think. He reflected back on the last morning he saw his mother and his sister before he reported to the castle. His mother's skin had been almost grey, her breaths were hitched, and the rattle had been unsettling. He missed Hestia's face, she had looked so tired that morning, a fourteen year old with the eyes of someone three times her years. Hopefully she is finding some reprieve.

His mind's eye focused on Gonesic's bloated face in the candlelight lying to him, Lady Madlyn trying her best to help. He thought about his time on the Llamavista, about the travelers attacking when he left the trail. The memory flooded back of Iggy coming to his aid, then walking away from whatever his life was to help, he owed Iggy his life. The memories of Iggy were a punch to the gut, he had no idea if that relationship was even repairable.

He thought about the day they met Albrund, the grumpy Bloodcaster, that wanted nothing to do with any of this, who ended up saving them all in multiple ways. He was going to be pissed, hopefully he found something useful to make up for sneaking out. Iggy had been the one that convinced Albrund to help, without him, Albrund would have tossed him out on his ass. It was also helpful that Albrund immediately took a shine to Iggy, that had been more and more apparent as the days ticked by. Ryn sighed, he had complicated things for more than just himself.

Ryn knew Albrund was right about most things, but he wasn't a kid, he was capable of more than they realized. He'd healed Iggy, helped rescue a Mermaid, battled with Mooncasters and hid them in a wicket for days on end. The though of the wicket brought another flood of Gonesic's face to eat at his mind, all that hate and conceit but to what end? Ryn's concentration was broken by the boat scraping up on the shore. He had paid the boatman for the trip over and to come retrieve him in the morning, they chatted shortly about the return time and Ryn set off for Caerloyr.

He made his way up the sand and rock towards the top of the isle, at least the snow storm had stopped and the sun was piercing through the clouds. Ryn watched for the wolves but instead he heard a shrill cry from the tree line, he didn't see what could be causing the noise. In a panic he ran towards the sound thinking one of the wolves was in some kind of danger but he found a plant sim caught in a snare. The young Spellcaster worked quickly to free her and she slid out of the bind.

Once she was down and safe she introduced herself a Onid, she was the last Greencasters on the isle. "Thank you so much for your assistance stranger. I don't know why the wolves put their snares this far out."

Shocked at the site of a Plant Sim, he stuck his hand out "You're very welcome, anything I can do to help. I'm Ryn"

The Plant Sim cautiously took his hand, but her tone was warm and welcoming. "Come back to the house, I have plenty of food and a comfortable spot to rest before you continue on your trip."

Ryn thanked her but declined the offer, he was on a time constraint and needed to get to the ruins.

"Well Ryn, at least let me repay the favor with some sort of hospitality, my home is just down the path. I have some provisions you can take for your trip, it's the least I can do."

Ryn thought about it for a moment, he really needed to get to the castle or he'd loose the light. Then again, provisions from a Plant Sim would be incredibly helpful. "Thank you Onid, I appreciate the offer. I can't stay long though."

They walked down the path towards her house, as they walked Onid told him about the plants that grew on the isle. Kingsfoil for healing, Valerian for sleep but also useful for some elixirs. She gave him a small vial that should help him stay awake for the castle search, he drank it and thanked her.

"it's not much further, just around the bend" she smiled as she led him deeper into the trees towards her house.

"How long have you lived on the isle?" he asked

"Oh, it's been a long while." Onid chirped, she began telling him about the uses of Mandrake, shifting the discussion off of herself. The house was finally visible tucked into the foliage. A small structure that was more hut than cottage. It was made of twisted vines and foliage.

A low growl seemed to surround them coming from everywhere and nowhere. A raspy voice barked a command to "stand clear".

Ryn's world began to blur, his mind flooded with confusion, everything sounded so far away, his skin felt thick, the air was distant and impossible to reach. Onid clasped his arm trying to steer him towards the house. Ryn's legs were useless like strips of gelatin, he couldn't keep his feet. He felt the cool soil on his warm cheek, he was struggling to stay awake.

I am adding the cut here - minor character death below.

The noise converged and a grey Mooncaster lunged at the Greencaster, who dodged the assault narrowly avoiding the attack. Onid tried picking up the spellcaster who had become a lump of dead weight, she was thwarted by a second Mooncaster coming from the other flank.

The wolf latched onto the Plant Sim who howled in pain. The shock of the pain broke her illusion and she transitioned into a Traveler. The wolves continued battling her back to the hut there was yelling, loud crashes and then silence.

The Spellcaster began crying for Iggy in his altered state, the Grey Wolf scooped him up off the path, the light faded and disappeared.

Note: Sorry for the abysmal edit on that last frame. I don't use Blender or anything, these are all just in game screenshots that get some small color adjustments. The program I use does not have a great vignette overlay.

Poses: Thank you to @samssims (React over shoulder, React Look Up), UNI (male poses), @natalia-auditore (Falling), @herecirmsims (greeting), @greensoulsims (Walking Together, Emotion Anger), @lady-moriel (Hit by an arrow), @simmerianne93 (Fantasy 9V2, Action 08V2), Raygun (Injured), @elen-shine (I'm Alive).

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[taanoir]

Chapter 7, Not Helpful, Part 1

Lethemyna's market was tiny compared to the sprawling markets of Avequa but they had the basic items needed at the house. After restocking the basics they made their way to to Gileney’s shop.

Albrund's book hadn't arrived yet, he was starting to get irritated about the shipping delays. They also made a stop by the alchemist to pick up more Nuit Blanche, all the trips had about depleted the Bloodcaster’s supply.

As they navigated the winding streets of Lethmyna, Albrund pointed out the various businesses giving Ryn a rundown on the shopkeepers and the community. “Gileney runs the post office and stationary shop. All the paper, ink, pen knives and sealing wax comes from him. Over here with have Berta, she’s the fish monger. Her family has been here for generations, they used to run one of the largest fishing companies in Oerties. Mallard is the Alchemist, he’s human but is from a long line of Mystics, potion makers and herbalists. He makes potions, medications, salves and healing teas for the community both Dunerell and humans. There are a couple taverns, The Rusty Lantern, which tends to have more human clientele and the Dunerell Tavern, The Toasted Barrel. The funny part is that the owners are siblings. They both learned their craft in Umbra but came here to open their businesses. Umbra has more taverns than horses but here they are the only ones.” After a busy day in town they headed back towards Oakenward.

Ryn made some bread once they were back at the house, it wasn't great, the loaf was dense and a bit dry but with the amount of stew he was eating it would be fine. He missed Iggy's cooking, his jokes and even his barbs.

Albrund had made some headway with the box, the carvings on the pearl represented the four currents and the symbol for "Casteana". Eminence Casteana was the Merfolk ruler that built Shimmering Sands and legends say she controlled the tides. There were no mentions of the pearl in the books, but this was a little head way. Logic told Albrund that the trinkets were from each of the realms but there were no clues as to their significance. The blood amulet should be an easy win, the symbols were all protection sigils, it was obviously a Bloodcaster item. He had connections in Obsidian Ridge, but his stomach turned just contemplating reaching out.

Still dwelling on what he wasn't doing, Ryn presented his idea about the keys. "I can travel to Caerloyr and try any locks or doors, it will take me two days at most with travel and I'll be back before Iggy get's back." Albrund had some reasonable concerns "Going to the island to test the keys is a great idea once Iggy was back. I'm honestly a bit worried about what could be locked up, finding another Mermaid in a locked room might go horribly or it could be something much worse they left locked up when they abandoned the castle". Ryn was frustrated, he knew he could do it himself. The Bloodcaster was sure he could too but it was a matter of safety.

He was determined, this was easily something he could do himself. This was an opportunity to prove he could contribute, he didn't need them to babysit him. Ryn decided he was going with or without Albrund's blessing.

Poses: Thank you to @greensoulsims (Friends Walk, Emotions Annoyed), @elen-shine (Female Sit 1 neutral, Male Emotion #4), @mdrayvvv (Emotion Angry)

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[oddarette]

I am but a humble shrimp ghost

[taanoir]

LOL, too cute <3

[cavernsofdarkness]

𝕸𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖓. 𝕸𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗. 𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖊.

~ The Lady of Murkwood Bog ~

Deep in the real of Autumn lies the swampy expanse of the Murkwood Bog. Amongst the turbid waters and decaying matter, the Lady of the land suffuses magics unknown. All hail — The Hag Mother. The Witch Queen.

[taanoir]

Love these <3