GO Fest 2021

Pokemon GO! From time to time, I mention here that I enjoy playing Pokemon. Since we’re nearing the annual extravaganza that is GO Fest, it seems a good time to bring up my ongoing offer. If you also play Pokemon GO, email me your friend code > always.forthright at gmail dot com. I play daily. I send gifts. I love raids. To quote Professor Willow, “Let’s GO!”

Bard & Barbarian

Narrated Edition. Bard and Barbarian has been posting slow and steady over on my Patreon account. Reading along is great, but supporters on some tiers can now listen along. Ch10, “Larking in Brindleby” just went live for those in qualifying tiers. AND Ch6, “Turn on the Charm” just unlocked for the Twinkle and Sparkle tiers.

Twinkle Press Presents | art by FoxOfTwilight

New narrated chapters will arrive every other Wednesday, which means … there’s always something more to look forward to! Learn more about my Patreon here >>

Okay, so … head canon

Vassal. Some of my reviewers are confused because Miroku believes he is returning to the Western Lady’s airborne castle. I mean, that was canon. I can picture the panels clearly. The lady. The stairs. The … oh. Oh, wait.

So. If something happened in Unspoiled, it’s still pretty much canon. Right? ::facepalm:: Do I fix it … or leave it?

“Who Stole the Cookie” | art by lila-me

Jacques All June

Lord Mettlebright’s Man. I hope you’ve been enjoying the (mostly) daily updates to LMM all month. As we’re nearing the last handful of days, I’ve decided to open up an offer for MOAR Jacques, this time in your mailbox. This is the sort of thing I send to patrons who support me over on my Patreon account. (Incentives abound!) However, I printed extras, and Jacques is generous. (Well, sort of.) So on this Fandom Foray day, when I’ll already be hanging out on my Ko-fi account, I invite you to buy Jacques a coffee. Your $4 will help cover printing & postage … and give you something nice in the mail.

forthright on Ko-fi >>

Splurge on a Ko-fi, then PM/DM me your address. Or email me the particulars: always.forthright at gmail.com

4th Saturday

Fandom Foray. I set aside today for a bit of fandom frittering. I’m dusting off Vassal after a 2-month lull, and I’ll have an update to Unexpected ready to crown the day. If you have time to drop by my Ko-fi account, be sure to add a few prompts to my options for drabbling. I love variety.

11am – 5pm (pacific)

forthright on Ko-fi >>

Every Word Matters

Piece it Together. I don’t always explain everything on the spot. Some readers like the hints and asides, since it allows them to put together all the little clues & reach a conclusion. Some of you probably want to throttle me. (Eheh.) In this case, I’m quite willing to explain a passing reference in yesterday’s chapter of Lord Mettlebright’s Man. Argent asks, “Shall I ask one of the sedge to assist you?”

Little by little in the Amaranthine Saga (and most especially in the Songs of the Amaranthine), readers are running up against more clans and their cultures. One of the most basic details I often include is the clan’s collective noun. In this case, sedge definitely refers to a group of cranes. Does this mean there are now cranes living at Stately House? I will point you to a few obscure (but highly pertinent) references. ::twinkle::

LMM, Ch89, “Creature Comforts”

I want… an espresso machine and a French chef to make breakfast pastries. Fine cheeses and a cellar filled with star wine. Access to an excellent tailor.” After a moment’s thought, he added, “And a place to hide.”

. . .

LMM, Ch199, “Little Boy Blues”

Ever wants those… denim trousers.”
“Jeans are practical, durable.” More to the point, “And Kyrie wears them whenever they play together.”
Breeches are practical. And durable.”
“You disapprove?”
“They’re not very… doggish.” Harmonious glanced apologetically in Argent’s direction.
“You’ll need a pair.” Jacques knew the way packs worked. “That way you’ll match your son.”
“Me?”
“Stature needn’t be prohibitive. Our tailor is excellent. Avian, you know.”

. . .

Mikoto and the Reaver Village, Ch41, “Bygones”

… a few dozen crossers, a partial herd of horses, a sedge of cranes, a nest of mice, one honeybee, two grumpy bear brothers, our French butler, and several members of the Amaranthine Council. Yay, verily, our Kith shelter runneth over, and we’re always expanding.”

. . .

You’ll be meeting the cranes eventually. (Why else would I bring them up?) I’m forever foreshadowing & backshadowing & alluding. If something doesn’t immediately make sense, you can 1) reread, 2) wait a bit, or 3) ask. Although more often than not, 4thy’s answer will (quite traditionally) be, “time will tell, for I shall not!”

Thank you for being patient with me!