Phoenix Penna Blog

Okay, before I get started I want, everyone, to take a big deep huge breath, and count to exactly twenty four because I have a love of that number, roll your eyes as many times at me as you want, and remind yourself for thirty seconds what it is that drew you to this website in the first place. I bet it isn’t because you’re dying to get yourself lost in drama and pick a fight, which somehow is what everyone seems to think everyone else wants to do. And I don’t see that. I really don’t.

But before I get into that as I said: BREATHE.
24.
23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16,15 (did you know it is really hard to type numbers backwards like this? I need a –okay off topic) — 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 (while you’re breathing, you’re getting ice cream right?)– 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 (and a teddy bear or something?) 2, 1.

All right.

There are I believe, several issues plaguing our site right now, and I’m going to address as many as I can, as briefly as I can. Yes, these are my own opinions, and I will say that right now. But you should be aware that guys, I’m as terrible as Abi–you’re all my family, to see you fighting like this, to hear the tension and the snide remarks–it just hurts. It all, just, hurts. It’s also pointless, because guys, what are we doing? We’re tearing ourselves apart! Does anyone want to get on here tomorrow and say good bye to another member and wonder guiltily if it was their fault because they went too far somewhere? I don’t think so. At least, I don’t. Maybe it’s because I *am* as bad as Abi, but when it comes to this, anytime a single member leaves the site–even Frella, guys–I have felt like I’ve failed somehow. Like I didn’t do the right thing, or I was unnecessarily snarky, and she might have actually grown as a member and a writer on here too and that I should just have tried harder to be a saint.

Now obviously, I’m not a saint. I’m not: I’ve been hurt and I’ve hurt others too and there’s no way in hell I would ever try and martyr myself and be like “And look at all the hell I go through too, but I put up with it all because I’m like Ghandi.” Ha. I’m so no Ghandi. Though I think we need one right now. Haha.

But my point is, we don’t want to do this to each other, right? We don’t want to drive each other off, we don’t want to hurt each other? Yet that’s what we keep doing. And honestly? I don’t see some conspiracy. I don’t see one member as being just an evil be-yotch and we’re all just putting up with her (ImeanwegotridofNessyright?Aheh>.<) -- and we're the one in the right, always. I, see a bunch of hurt, angry, ganged up on, attacked members and admins a lot with a lot of hurt feelings to share and instead of trying to talk about these feelings in a mature way (which NO ONE HUMAN, could do ALL the time, for the record), we're all fighting and snapping back at each other. It's reminded me of World War 1 for the last few hours. The black hand assassinated the guy. So now she said, so my friend was attacked so I'm on that side, so I attack *this* friend, so now her friend is attacking me and my *other* friend-- and before you know it, we're all on a side and of course we're all self-justified because we're all defending a friend and we're all hurt ourselves.

I call Détente already.

First, I ask you what you want to have happen from all of this drama and mess? I guarantee you it isn't leaving, a site-wide ban, a shutting down of the site. But that's where we're rapidly approaching--nuclear war honestly, and there's a reason the program is entitled "Mutually Assured Destruction" -- MAD. It's insane. It's not what we want. Right ? It's not what any of us want, even if you're sighing and saying to yourself "Actually I just don't care anymore". Because...well bluntly, I don't believe that. I believe everyone on here cares. I believe everyone on here cares *too much*--and that's why emotions are running so high. So what do you want to have happen?

I can tell you what I want to have happen: A renewed sense of respect and understanding for each and every fellow member and admin on here. Each. And every. one. Okay? I spent this morning trying to talk to both "sides" (for lack of a better word), reaching some kind of both-parties-apologized-and-the-blog-in-question-was-redacted, conclusion. I really tried to listen. I was honest, of course I was, but I think we all need to do a lot less shouting and self-justifying and explanation and a lot more breathing and listening.

Which honestly, brings me to what I believe is the number one problem on Phoenix Penna right now: Honesty in feelings.

I don't know when it started, I really don't. Honestly, probably a few years ago. When we all started on Phoenix Penna, we wrote everywhere all the time, whatever the hell popped into our mind at the time. It was a kind of writing and Roleplaying-- it *was*. But for the last year or so *definitely* -- and a little before that, we have begun slowly and surely moving towards honest to merlin good-writing and character development. I believe personally, that if a character gets into a committed ship, then both writers need to be as open and honest in their communication with each other as they need the ship members to be. Not that they will be always, of course, because drama is way more fun--but we do not want that drama translating to the writers! And that's what's been happening. I'm going to invent names here guys, bear with me.
SCENARIO #1:

Rowena is in a relationship with Godric( Okay FINE I was reading HP all day too)c. Godric is written by Salazar. Rowena is written by Helga. Now, at first Rowena/Godric is great and cute and adorable. So of course, Salazar and Helga are all, “LET’S PLOT DRAMA!” And before you know it there’s this guy, call him …I ran out of names… call him Art, played by Tiberius. Just go with it. Art meets Rowena at a bar and oh, they knew each other growing up. It doesn’t matter for a few hours that Rowena/Godric have daughter Helena (or that she’s got her own mess with this bloody noble baron guy), because they’ve only got eyes for each other. Now, Tiberius and Salazar have this whole random spur of the moment idea and they go for it, but Helga signs on that day to read that this ship she loves Rowena/Godric has just been cheated on. Hurt, Helga then goes and contacts her other friend Meg, and Meg creates this girl Gloria for Godric to have this one night stand with. Salazar signs on the next day and freaks out because now Gloria’s cheating on him and there’s gonna be a baby as a result of it and it was all just specifically to get back at him, because Helga was hurt she was never told.

Sound insane?

Well I can think of three times that’s happened this year alone off the top of my head. (I mean, not with the baby and names and whatever, I just.. the basics.) The problem with the above scenario is NOT the plot. It’s not! Of course if it makes sense for Rowena and Art to have a reunion and Godric’s a jealous boyfriend so he fights back–etcetc, that’s all in character! And it’s great drama! So where’s the problem?

Well, the problem is both Helga and Salazar are hurting (and trust me, is Tiberius guilty, while Meg tells Helga “No, you were totally right”, etc). Both sides are hurting, believe me, I am talking from personal experience and from what other friends have told me.

Now for Scenario #2:

All of the same from above, except that instead of never telling her, Helga is included in the plotting with Tiberius & Salazar. Now it’s a great plot, they’ve got a duel to the death scheduled and a love square going and the baby on the way and it’s epic and entertaining. But Helga still has to read in Rowena’s post how “boring” her life with Godric is. How she wants something more exciting, and how forbidden fruit is the sweetest–all that kind of self. Now Helga’s in a real pickle, because they asked her permission and she said yes, but it’s still hurting her. And why wouldn’t it be? If you found out your boyfriend was cheating on you, would you be more upset about the cheating–or the fact that he found you boring? Helga’s thinking her own character isn’t ever going to be enough for the guy, and that hurts whether or not, you gave permission, so Helga’s still guilting herself–etc.
The difference with this scenario is that permission was given. The only true defense against it, because honestly in it nobody has done anything wrong–yet there are still very hurt feelings–is if the writers are open and honest. Right? So long as the writers talk, all the time, and consistently are aware of where said plot is going and how invested each character is, then feelings are far likelier to be spared. It doesn’t mean Rowena/Godric will last–believe me, sometimes you can be as open and honest as you want and it still won’t last–but it will mean it’s a mutual and somewhat good-feeling split. One of those, “WEll this sucks and hurts but it’s for the best” — and yes they exist, I promise!

I guess in this area I just want to stress, that when cheating and love triangles and squares and hexagons and ships are involved in this manner– it is going to hurt somebody. You can do it well, you can do it right, and you can enjoy the hell out of it– but honestly, when it’s done well and right and enjoyable by the end so you’re screaming “THANK GOD THEY ARE OVER”? You’re still gonna be bitter and hurt somewhat. It’s just true. The truth is, also, you can’t define what’s going to hurt someone. They have a right to their feeling, and they have a right It is definitely, a time-tested RP and soap and writing and movie plot, yes. But I really stress not getting into a plot without complete communication channels open so that everyone’s aware where they stand, and you minimize the fallback. Ice cream and tissues are always great too. And sad songs!!

Now to move on. I just figured …that needed to be said because that was what the problem really was that was taken too far in the rebuttal.

Yes, guys, recently a blog post was put up that was — to say the least — unprofessional. I want to stress here again, that this wasn’t an admin conspiracy, it wasn’t admins sitting and being all “Let’s single some people out!”–it was a personal opinion, and it went too far. She has admitted that she was in the wrong and went too far in some places and apologized—similarly, those she was upset with apologized back, for what had hurt her/others in the first place. It was redacted. That should have been the end of it, because really, we’re all human. We all have opinions. And that’s what it was: a personal, member, opinion.

Was it an abuse of power? Personally, I don’t think so. Anyone can have a blog. There were disclaimers all over the place. And we’ve already stated lots of times we have no problem posting blogs for you if you want to–or linking to yours for columns, etc. This isn’t meant to *be* an admin blog dudes! This is meant to be a place of commentary and summary on the weeks RPs, lines, scenes, plots–oh, and some technical updates too. That’s it. An abuse of power would have been things like hiding the RP, deleting it, suspending members–etc, etc.

I understand it was harsh and inappropriately stated. I really do. I would have hated to read anything of that sort about myself–it’s why it was taken down. But the fact is–one of those attacked, took it and calmly approached myself and asked why it was that as an admin posting that was “a-okay”. She expressed her hurt feelings and personal opinions calmly, if a bit direct, and by the end everyone was apologizing and fine. The drama some how started up after this. When everyone started weighing in with their own rants and shouts, defenses were raised and everyone’s suddenly mad at somebody, and yet none of us are wrong.

What bothered me the most, was that everyone’s saying it was someone else. Firstly. Everytime I read, “this used to be a place we all could come to relax, now we all fight”-esque comments, I cringe. It hurts me! I’ve been here since the beginning; it was me and Lynx given by Adieus Lumiens that started it, blahblahblah, and seriously? It makes me feel like I failed. I’ve personally failed the member that feels that way. When seriously? Absolutely no-one can make you feel something besides yourself. You have a right to your reactions and I actually don’t disagree with the assessment that we do a hell of a lot of fighting now–but why is it true? When you make that statement, what are you doing but absolving your own part in this reality and making it someone elses fault? “Well, everybody else just wants to fight with me so it’s their fault not mine and I’m right and you’re wro–” I mean, seriously, are we ten years old?

If you feel that ‘all we’re doing is fighting’ and PP is no longer fun for you– I am so sorry. I cannot correctly express how much that hurts me. But seriously? It’s not my fault–it’s not anyone elses fault, but your own. You are in charge of your attitude. You are in charge of how you take something, you choose how you react. Do you know, half of my videos on YT have given me people avidly reading the website and i’m emailing them the stories and they want to join–what kind of world do we want to welcome them to? One where we all blame each other and take none of the responsibility? Or one where we all understand that all we’re doing is hurting each other, mutually speaking, and we fall down and we grow as a site as a result of it?

I need to pause here to add something, because the other part of this is that somehow–everyone kept being like, “you’re an admin” and “you have responsibilities”, etc. I think people have forgotten what it is the admins are responsible for, or at least I have become very concerned over the fact that people have lost trust or respect for us. That, might just hurt me most of all. I don’t mean, to martyr us here, but seriously? Seriously, I spent four hours yesterday night when I… you know, so should have been sleeping because I had to work today or you know, shouldn’t have been on the computer because my hands are in braces and i’m in Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel, finishing off the Penny awards with the other admins. And you better believe it is boring as hell to sit there and copy over bold and italics tags with every one of our categories for that long, counting up the votes and awarding the winners–not to mention the linking, my god, the linking. But I’m not complaining. I’m really not. Because you know what? That’s part of my responsibility. We run the pennies. And we do it for you.

Character Sheets, however you feel about length of time it takes to respond sometimes, is how we insure we don’t have more Frella’s on our hands guys, or more Nessy’s. It’s *not* a light activity-every time we accept a character, more and more of which are falling into grey areas in our rules–we’re saying, We Trust You. We want you to have as many as you want–we’re always, trying to think of new ways to improve the site, which is why the 150 rule was redacted recently too. We update the roll call, we pay the 119$ server bill, we are responsible for inventing, running, insuring they work, and allowing you to do yours– MPs. We’re responsible for reading every single RP to insure they don’t break rules. We’re responsible for dealing with the bots and hacker attempts, and for when we have characters like Frella. We’re responsible for when the site crashes even when it’s that bastard Zeta’s fault. We’re responsible for the site, and we love and safeguard that with everything and it is not anything we take lightly at all. More than anything though, we are responsible for our members and really? No-one’s being honest with each other, everyone’s fighting, everyone’s getting clobbered—and then you go and say we’re not doing our job. Do you really think we don’t already feel that? As I’ve already said–I’ve felt like a failure for every single departed member. You don’t need to tell me characters are going to leave due to hurt feelings–I was here for Appo’s departure. The reminder is enough to make me reach or a tissue box. Or at the very least my dad has been sighing at me for two hours now as I write this, because I walked into his office and started writing on his board, responsibilities and then things I love about PP to remind myself. He’s aware I’m upset anyways.

At the very least, can we just start talking to each other again and keeping our true feelings known to each other about plots and ships, so we at least stop retaliating via RPs? Please guys. It’s…really immature, to react in an RP and be like “Well you hurt me so now I’m going to hurt you”. We’re all young adults here, we’re all growing up, and we’re all going through that messy hell of life out there that we hide some from so avidly in here.

None of us are perfect: I understand it’s scary to be completely honest with each other. You don’t want to hurt or disappoint them, you don’t want to let anyone down, you feel personally guilty, you don’t think you have the right, you’re already hurt. It’s hard and it hurts! I really do understand. But it’s so much better in the long run. If you say you’re going to be here, for instance, and then you aren’t that night–you’ve just let someone down. Why? Because your sister had a recital and you couldn’t have helped it? Well, why did you say you could make it then?? If it had been you waiting, wouldn’t you have rather heard “I’m sorry I just can’t be there that night” and planned something else instead of sitting around waiting for something that would never happen because they were afraid of hurting your feelings?

And finally…

The basic truth of the matter is: please don’t say that admins don’t care, and please don’t insinuate we don’t respect you. Yes, the recent event didn’t scream professionalism, but it was redacted. It was apologized for. It was the reaction of very real defensive and hurt feelings, just like your responses have been: and it was taken care of before any of this real drama started, it’s not a complete and total image of every admin, that admin’s opinions and beliefs on everything–it’s just, it’s not. We’re all hurting guys. All of us. And the admins have a very personal stake in every single fight or dramatic outburst that has ever happened on the website: all of the above that we do, the most important thing is we try to meet and always improve *your* experience. We’re not perfect and we’re nothing but human, obviously. But that doesn’t mean we don’t care and it doesn’t mean we don’t try. And everything, everything, would go a hell of a lot smoother and better all around, if instead of just pushing off, bitching and then blaming us– you worked with us. We want to work with you. I always, always try to, whatever my personal feelings–even if I make them known. There’s a lot of weight guys. All that I expressed us being in charge of? That’s not mentioning Anniversary Celebrations (the quizzes, the videos, the competitions, the littles last year, the voldemort take over, etc)–it’s not mentioning the meetings we’ve had or how often we’ve given so many people so many second, third, and fifth chances. I ask you now to please extend that courtesy to our memberadmin, who was attacked in multiple forms, for expressing her personal belief and opinion. We’re all human. Have you never been so upset you’ve ranted and bitched and then realized you’ve gone a little far? Some support here would be nice, guys. Not to mention that underhanded rants and biting back and attacking back–well it just compounds the problem, it makes everyone in the wrong, and the last thing it does is fix anything.

Forgiveness is a blessing more precious than.. you know, anything, but it’s also the like, so utterly necessary right now. Apologizing is one thing–but forgiveness? We all need to forgive each other. I forgive you all. I forgive you for ships that ended without my knowledge, or character rants about my beloved ones, or for not being around to write due to real life circumstances, or for attacking me for my own beliefs on AIM or PM. I forgive you all for calling us out a few times this year, I forgive you for expressing your rants and own personal opinions at me and insinuating thusly it was my fault, some how. I forgive you. Can you guys open your hearts to forgiveness too?

So I ask again: Who started this war, what are we really fighting about, and aren’t we all in part at fault? What do you want to happen? The blame isn’t the point: we’re doing this to ourselves. We need to move on and we need to start healing, guys. These rifts are deep wounds and honestly? We’ve lived through so much worse. So, so much worse. I believe we can get through this too. If you want to react in anger and defend your actions vigorously, well, then I guess that’s your prerogative, and I guess I’m sorry. But…

I’ll love you anyways.

Have ice cream!

Abi.

Hey guys! It’s Dea again. I slacked off on the blog posting. Yeah, totally bad. Yet I decided I need some extra writing in my life (and a bit extra schedule), so here’s what I decided to do: Every Sunday I will take and blog about the posts from that one week (monday-sunday). One week will keep them fairly short so I can actually write them (instead of taking three totally bored days to) and not totally kill me every time I try. I’m going to name this little weekly series “It’s 1am Somewhere!” which…if you know me semi-well you will completely understand. For those who don’t… you will find out. I’m sure.

Also, I wanted to know how the format for the last blog post I did went. I’ve played around with a few (alphabetical by character, in forum separations…) what did you guys think? Would you rather have it as just a random “and speaking of…” paragraph format, or organized in some way? Let me know!

I’ll start collecting whatever is being rped as of today and on Sunday there will be the very first of Dea’s Weekly Blogs. Comment or IM for suggestions!

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth

xoxo,

Dea

So I kind of love doing these XD I’ve got another one for you, PP members: April 17th-now (and a few things I missed in the last one worth noting) I’m going to try a new format this time, so bear with me

Also, a quick disclaimer? I’m writing all of this off of my own opinions and views and such, and by no means do I mean anything as a personal attack.

–

Diagon Alley!

– First notable thing is the rp between Emily Snow and Gabriel Severio. I know, I know. I’m mentioning them *again*. I’m just…incredibly intrigued at this plot line. I think this actually happened *before* the previously mentioned rp, but there’s a short little bit where Emily is frantically looking for something to save Faustus Severio. That’s one thing that’s been incredibly consistent of her: no matter how badly Faustus treats her, how much he leads her on, and no matter how much he uses her, she’s always incredibly loyal to him. It’s almost dog-like. Man’s best friend to order around and always have follow. I’m not sure if this is a reflection of how he thinks his relationship should be with the girls written by other writers or what, but it’s interesting. Anyways, Gabriel did not tell Emily who he was, despite in other rps (and his char sheet) it sounds like he loves her (as a step-mom) just as much as Emily loves Faustus. Or is infatuated, whatever the word to be used. We’ll just have to keep watching, huh?

– Moving on to knew characters Eamonn Winters and Gemma Barnes. I’m not going to lie…they’re really cute. It starts with Eamonn bumping into Gemma’s table and spilling her tea on her lap. Gemma’s clearly a little nervous, ‘babbling’, but then they moved onto playing twenty questions. I do have to say that playing that game is the *best* way to get to know someone new, for all the little details. Gemma? I love dolphins too <3 Do we have a new ship on the horizons, or has Eamonn played protector for too long to realize what may be right in front of him?"

-- At La Tua Cantante, an rp just ended between our very own, very loved Jayden Bentley and new character Amanda Hart. I believe they actually started rping at the Valentine’s Ball (correct me if I’m wrong XD). The rp’s been going on for a while, but it looks like Spring struck for these two as well, with the promise of teaching Amanda how to play Quidditch and a surprise date set up for another time. At the end of this rp Amanda gets flustered, asking him over to her place for coffee. Seeing her bashful is adorable, and, I’m biased. I love Jay <3 and if she makes him happy, I'm alll for this ship. Can't wait to see that date you two!

-- In Eateries we also have an rp between Kiera Kingoreshi and Amber-Lynn Lavita (I love her name…it’s so pretty to say) talking about drinking, and intimate relations, boys, and really? I find it awesome that we just have two girls, gossiping, eating ice cream and discussing normal day things. This friendship is just that – a friendship. There’s no talk about ships and couples and all that, and the focus spent on the two just to catch up is something that most of us don’t make time for on PP, given that we’d usually much rather develop our couples. At the same time though, it’s refreshing to be able to *see* just two friends talking, as opposed to knowing that the chars in your head are friends with whomever. Good job girls <3

-- I clicked on the Clubs/Bars thread and ... whoa. All three of them were being posted in! Haha so, I'll do it in alphabetical order. Club Mystique. I'm so excited! It's a huge group rp!!!!! Now...okay. I just have to mention this realllly quickly. Previously? It was just Lynx writing the whole concept of same-sex attraction, with a few characters claiming to be bisexual. In this rp, we have an equally tasteful mix of more than just her. There's Alexis Millerand Amber-Lynn dancing while discussing the idea of proving something and not feeling like messing with ONS and such. Then we have our beloved Hunter Cameron and Brad Davenport mix, but they’re not dancing with the other. Hunter’s dancing with Aaron Austen, and Brad is dancing with Kiera . Both are talking about how, though in a relationship with the other, there’s a playful aspect of jealousy and possessiveness. Enough for fun, not enough to actually be playing manipulative games, of course. We also, briefly see Selena Decimus and Logan Grey at the club, but they weren’t responded to. I think the dancing couples had already separated out into dancing, which makes it less of a group rp and more of a gazillion people just posting in the same thread, but there’s always next time.

– Next club! We haveeee Dragon’s Den Bar. We actually have *twooo* rps in this thread. Moni’s attempt to cut into an rp with Tina and another man or not, they make it work. Oops I gave that a bit away. Okay…here we go. It’s with *great* glee that I can announce that Tina Arlette has… okay okay okay I have to quote here. Because it’s just, amazing.

“Tina was more than happy to actually have a normal evening. Well, as normal as she could possibly get, which wasn’t very normal to begin with. But after countless days of just going to work and coming back to the manor to spend time with Gabriel while awaiting the return of a man who was viciously searching for immortality and constantly feeling the need to cheat on her with any random whore that dropped her pants or lifted her skirt for him.”

You *go* girl. Seriously. Joining her is the gorrrgeous new character Clay Myers, known lady’s man. They danced <3 xD And, Clay was being practically stalked by a desperate girl, so Tina suggested they get out of there. Give into my peer pressure and just say yes Clay! Except for... I was just told that this was in response to my dare. So she's not breaking the cycle of controlling abuse. Seriously girl, how much are you going to put up with?

-- Also in the DDB is an rp between Cassie Davis and Leon Goodwill. I just… hmm. Cassie’s…imploding. A “slow path of destruction” I think it said. She’s letting go of herself, and being a whore, but it’s extremely obvious that she’s having a problem because of Jake’s demise. Enter…Jake’s bestie. He’s being really insensitive and over-bearing, honestly. He doesn’t *control* her and yet he’s acting like he does. Like she, an independent woman who…albeit grieving in an entirely unhealthy manner, needs him to rule her life. With that said, however, we can see some vulnerability in him when he mentions his promise to take care of her. Then, the entire thing changes. Then he’s just being there for her. It’s a switch that probably would give anyone whiplash, but it was gratifying to see that he was just angry because she ran. Cassie lashing out showed true emotion as well, and I think she does need to let it out. Let all the built up emotion go. He yelled at her though, and then she withdrew once again, and they made a deal to stop talking about Cassie’s late fiancée Jake. Hmm. I’m not sure what to think about Leon, honestly. On one hand, he seems to be slightly too dominating and my way or the highway. On the other hand, he was taking care of her. So, we’ll just have to see how that goes.

– Last club, MagiK, is just an update. Miguel and Mateo Cisinerros and Carlie Reyburne are still doing well dancing together, getting a little more adventurous in touch. There is a mention of Carlie acting out when she was overwhelmed, and it’ll be curious just how far they can go before something happens. We’ll keep an eye on her then, won’t we?

– Now on to flats. We have three interesting rps going on, and again, I’ll just do alphabetical. In Amanda and Sophie’s flat, we have a little family get together going on. Rat Kiley and brother, Nitro Kiley show up to meet Amanda. It looks like there was a lot of nerves going around for everyone, especially new bride Sophie Kiley. (I really do apologize for that you guys… XD and I’m so glad you guys liked the idea and took it to an awesome level). The discussion was an incredibly realistic conversation on whether or not Sophie and Rat should stay married. Amanda really hits the dime and as the responsible sister, she’s touching base on all the things that aren’t covered by the romantic; finances, living conditions, etc. They decided to stay married with the marriage ceremony done at Hogwarts (and it’s shaky legality), and live their lives as normal, but starting as they would if they were just starting to date. Rat actually took the plunge and asked Sophie on a date as soon as that was decided. You know, I actually really like them. I think we all are waiting on that date you two <3

-- Then we have Kelly's flat. Although Declan Clemens was mentioned in the last blog, his rp wasn’t; more his mental state. Currently, he and pregnant girlfriend Kelly Daniels are making space for him in her – now their – flat. Since Kelly already is extremely worried about being a mother, and then internally flipped out about having twins, she asked Declan to move in with her so she would have him there to help her when he wasn’t working. It was actually a pretty big deal, because Kelly is borderline obsessive-compulsive. She likes her things organized, neat, and clean. Still, she went through her flat and made room for him, and he just brought all his boxes in. They’d started to go through them (and, have no clue what’s in each one) when Declan brought up the feelings and memories previously mentioned in the last blog post. However then, it took another twist. The boxes and furniture have been shoved against the wall and a tarp put down for an engorgio’d…chocolate fountain. With champagne, the chocolate fountain, and fruit to celebrate him moving in, it looks like the couple will be having some fun before their lives become dictated by two in the morning feedings. Or four. Or six. You know, whatever.

– Lastly in the flat category we have an rp between Faustus and Patricia Arlette. I’m uhm…confused. Patricia and Faustus slept together, I think, this past February. (Which is total no-no. Going for your girlfriend’s mom Faustus? Lowwww.) Then…Faustus starts talking about something that was ‘stolen’ from him. Patricia is begging ignorance on whatever Faustus is talking about…but then Faustus just cuts to the chase. He elaborates that he doesn’t care about Tina, (aw come onnn girl, whyyy are you *with* this mannn?) but that he wants his son. And by son I mean his baby son not his…from the future…one. And he’s threatening them. I guess on some level Patricia is trying to…protect Tina, but at the same time she’s just giving up her grandson. She’s actually telling Faustus that in order to get Gabriel, he would have to make the Unbreakable Vow not to go see Tina. I find something incredibly wrong here. Babies shouldn’t be separated from their mothers and does Faustus know a *thing* about kids? Tina’s apparently been under something like Imperius not to…idk. It kept her away from Faustus. There’s one thing he says that, as the writer of a char violated by him that way I found slightly offensive and wrong, and as a person *really* wrong. Keep in mind, PPers, that in real life? You don’t want to be anywhere near a man like that. *any*where. I don’t care how cute he is or how dependent you may be, that comment was complete and utter warning bells. And yet, it looks like this rp is leading into a reunion between Tina and Faustus.

And that’s just one forum!

Ministry of Magic!

– Here’s another update: Troy Mulligan and Will Jameson are continuing their conversation. Since I’m being so totally opinionated today in writing these (my apologies), I want to note that I find it awesome that, while we have two girls being friends rping, we also have two men talked about…work. They’re actually working, and this is another thing we usually just tend to pass in writing. I’m just curious; is anyone else wondering who they might be thinking of using to take a trip past the veil?

Elsewhere!

– At the Ancient Circle we have one Jonathan Arlette post retrieving a book for Remington D’Grey. Intense magic work, knowledge of runes, and blood was used to do so. Hope Rem rewards him accordingly. I thought this was incredibly well written and interesting, and it makes me wonder what else Jonathan can do…

– Carolina Bradbury seems to be taking a page out of Jason Varey‘s book at the Sacred Grove, using the gun he gave her for Christmas to protect her against Viola (not that it helped all that much) to rip into the surroundings. She was taking out emotions on the fact that in the alt!world, Lina killed the alt!Julie. It’s a little dangerous though, she’s extremely lost in thought and not focused as she’s shooting her little purse gun. Not a good idea, doll. Don’t want you to get hurt.

– We also have an extension of the role play between Rebecca Cowen and Dorian Faye. Ohmymerlin I love his pb. *end of momentary fan-girl squee* Okay. This rp is Dorian’s introduction. It’s been very slow, very careful, but at the same time it’s a little heartwarming. We have Rebecca, who *saw* Dorian in one of her dreams, and Dorian, exhausted and resisting well…eating her. She’s not exactly helping him with her touch but it’s needed so that she can apparate him away. <3 Feel better Dorian!

-- At the Tatton Park Garden, Rose and Phin Hawks tied the knot and *finally* got married. All the kids are running around (and merlin, there are a lot of them) and everyone’s in a great mood. It was a really cute, touching ceremony that even ex Amaris Tudor showed up for. Ella and Bradley Cox discuss their own wedding, and I don’t know about you guys but I was basically thinking that Brad was going to be a romantic and have a vow renewing or something. Ella, though okay with being married, apparently didn’t want anything to do with a ceremony though. Hmmmmm. Even separated Harmony and Dante Morvanna are getting along, with the idea of starting over and not keeping anymore secrets. And typically, as tigers don’t change their stripes, Tiger Faye is flirt back to Alejandro Cisinerros after being approached. Tsk. Happy rp? I think soo <3

-- Prior Park has a conversation with Anastasia Zytsev and Remington, an unlikely set of friends. She owes him big time for helping her become, and experience the supernatural side of vampires, but somewhere in between her becoming a vampire the first and second sets of two weeks, they became friends. He brought her to Italy so she could experience the ruins with him, and he went through FYE with her. At the Park they talk, and he reveals what he’s been working on, while she shares when she decided to be, and why she became a writer, and also that she was going to attempt to have a baby. They both were simply taking a break from their busy lives though, and so it was a relatively short conversation.

– Lastly in Elsewhere we have the rp from Christmas with Jana Rivers and Caleb Silverhawk. I’m going to quote a little “They had to look like a Christmas card.” After everything else, a happy rp is probably needed. Caleb watched his first movie. Then it gets typically romantic and Jana is baring her emotions to Caleb, and they have a conversation about her growth, their growth. Always good for Christmas rps; those are usually a bit sappy. It’s that time of year. Jana’s giggling and red, and Caleb is flattered and clearly enjoying his time there examining new things. And not so new things, as words slow and a different kind of intimacy starts.

Establishments!

– At the Cascades Hotel and Spa – London, Anastasia is also visited by friend Parker Faye, greeting her with her new book. After Annie’s conversation and feel-better movie night with friend Jason Lambert, she left to go to her family in Russian, finished one of her books in progress, signed a paper to get rid of the necessity for the witness protection, and after a grueling editing, published it. Then she came back, but it seems like all the focus she used on writing was lost. Her flat is a mess, and she’s mentally scatterbrained. Hyper and experiencing heat flashes, but generally everywhere and nowhere all at once. They’re generally just catching up; she’s telling him about Russia, he’s filling her in that his parents, Sophia and Mike, finally got engaged. Jury’s out to see if the rp goes anywhere from her hyper rambles.

Flats, Manors, and Homes!

– At Eternite, Forest Monroe has been shipped to Tiger for an indefinite amount of time. He meets newly adopted Saoirse Amaya and Zakariya Salim (Sosie and Zak), and spends time with Emilie. She’s adapted to the whole mother thing a little too well, methinks, but if only you knew what was hidden in her closets…<3 Either way, it was a simple family rp with her non-biological son. I don't think they spend enough time together, so this rp is really sweet. He's vulnerable and worried about his dad, and this lead to other rps that will be mentioned in a bit.

-- As a continuation in a different place of the Faustus/Patricia rp....What's supposed to be a happy reunion is immediately turned upside down when Faustus -in an odd attempt to resolve the issue of Tina's meddling family members- tells her that they are now over, and he's going to make the Unbreakable Vow to stay away from her. Tina is already not taking this very well, but as soon as she finds out they're going to take her son away from her too? Heads will roll. -- Summarized by Ama XD

– In Vivant, Murphy and Radu Tyce are having the cutest rp ever. It’s Radu’s bday, and she made him a cake as well as she was able, and woke him up with presents of things that he clearly wanted. There was a sweet kiss shared in bed, and then Murphy ran to make sure her cake was doing fine, mentioning that his mom sent him an envelope. The couple are recently married, just out of Hogwarts, but they’ve been together for years. It’s a great tactic, to follow the saying. You know, if you want a great marriage…marry your best friend.

– Also really cute is the current Lucan Grey and Evelyn Fox. I’ve adored Lucan’s character ever since MI (do you blame me? XD) and this rp is just… amazing. As a couple, they are just sitting down with candy (good choices XD skittles! XD) and having a movie night together. I like that they’re a comfortable couple, just normal, sitting down and snacking and discussing if movies are good or not. I’d like to see more of them <3

Hogsmeade!

– Speaking of other people drowning out their sorrows in bad ways, Ali Praley -dumped by her cowardly and insecure boyfriend ten years her senior- drinks in a bar with none other than mass murder Faustus. His behavior shows us that leopards don’t change their spots, by manhandling and taking advantage of a poor and drunk Ali. Luckily, no-good boyfriend Joshua Rippner shows up and punches Faustus in the face. What does Ali do? Comments that she’s bored with the situation, and wishes the boys to stop having their testosterone filled fight. Sounds like a great comment to sweep out on, and make an excellent exit.

– Murphy is also in rp right now with one Jasmine Tudor, a friend who has convinced her to go to a place called The Rabbit Hole to get her first tattoo. Another rp between friends, I’m really impressed you guys! Murph has her tattoo picked out, and knows where she wants to put it, so now we just need to watch and see if she ends up going through with it.

Ireland!

– As promised, here’s the elaboration of another rp that the one between Forest and Tiger started: Tiger is now at Fidelio Monroe’s place. Forest’s fear that his father might be in something that could leave him dead worried her enough that she’s attempting to confront him, and ask him what’s going on, but just like before he’s being vague and distant. It’ll be interesting if his decision to keep it all to himself stands up to her stubborn persistence, or if she’ll get fed up and leave. I doubt it though; Tigs won’t go home until she has something that she can reassure Forest with. We’ll seeeee…

Lairs!

– Alice Winchester and Blair Dahn are continuing a conversation about their paste, and at this point in time, have moved on from that to reminiscing, to somehow…challenging the other. I think it’s too awesome for to summarize, honestly. You just need to go read it yourself. Go on, go read it. XD I get the feeling that right now…Alice has the upper ground. Blair seems very….confused. He seems very uncertain, while at the same time keeping his usual cocky attitude. Talent, right there <3

--

SO. Lots of crazy stuff, right? Awesome.

My quote of the post this time is:

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow

Ha.

Love, Dea