Three Twisted Knots

From Gwyneth:

It’s funny. I don’t seem to be able to write much about my time in Callisto as it is. And it’s not that stuff isn’t happening: It’s wonderful to spend so much concentrated time with Nathaniel when we’ve both been so busy for so long, and I’ve met many interesting folks and even reconnected with some already known to me in one capacity or another. I don’t think I can qualify that without explaining a lot, so I won’t.

I have been having a series of dreams where somehow it’s just me and Kvit. If I haven’t talked about Kvit here before, that’s because I wasn’t sure how long he was going to stay; ravens have great memories, and they also are fairly picky as to the folk they will spend time with.

So, when Kvit kind of latched on to me just before we left the Faire, months ago now, I thought maybe he was just looking for an easy trip to Faerie, because that’s how we get a lot of our animals and birds. Not all animals are Realm walkers. Cats are, naturally, and my understanding was that of all birds, ravens were most likely to be good at this, but of course we occasionally meet cats who cannot move between Realms. I thought maybe the same was true for ravens, but it’s been nearly half a year and Kvit shows no sign of leaving, so that’s probably where these dreams and stories are coming from. It may be that he just finds the Callisto folk particularly interesting. They do seem to appeal to his more, hm. Let’s call it his more coarse nature. Maybe he’ll stay here when Nathaniel and I leave for home; who knows?

Of course, there are legends all over about folk of myriad backgrounds being somehow bound with animals, but for me, aside from some experiences with Cait-Sidhe and an early experimentation with shape-changing, I have mostly relied upon the humanoid, bipedal sorts of beings for bonding and friendship. I’m a nature follower, I suppose, but I am less of nature than lots of my fae brothers and sisters. I’m sure there are many who’d attribute this to my having been raised as a human, some who would then prefer not to associate with me or mine at all, but those folk make their choices.

Kvit, it would seem, has chosen me—at least for now.

But yes, the dreams. They’re nearly every night now, diverting and immersive, not frustrating or scary—if I could have dreams like these all the time, I’d make that choice and give up prophecy and anxiety for good.

Last night, we lived in a dingy harbour town, and we were out at night when I’m sure we should not have been. The whole town was quiet, and the only lights to be seen were from the windows of other folks’ houses. I don’t know why we were out in the middle of the night; it might have had something to do with Kvit’s ongoing quest for carrion of a certain age.

Yes, darling. Why a town like this has a street sweeper I don’t know either. You’d think they could afford a lick of paint if they can get someone to clear the streets. Why don’t we try in that open cellar there? You might find something good to eat there, and I haven’t seen any cats around, either. Of course, I’ll wait for you here. You just go and find yourself something nice and ripe.

Well, but I suppose a few entrails are better than nothing, aren’t they, my love? Don’t worry: we’ll find you something perfect to eat before long.

What sharp eyes you have, beloved! Did you see a wee dead rat from all the way up here? How graceful you are when you dive!

False alarm was it, my darling? I know you’re raging, but don’t worry: now that we’re up a little higher we should be able to see more.

Here; latch on to my sleeve, and don’t make holes in the velvet; there’s a dear little god messenger. Maybe we’ll find something on the roof? Well, I suppose, but if you consider the phenomenon of gravity, I think you’ll end up going in the other direction, my love. Of course, of course. We’ll just try everywhere, shall we?

Aw, who’s a lovely ickle corpse-eater? That’s right! You are! Now, do swallow that eyeball; I get vexed when I have to clean up too much vitreous humour from my royal bosom, my sweetness.

And now that you’re all fed, let’s go back inside and tuck up into our narrow little bed, shall we?

Yes, I’m glad we’re friends, too. No; you cannot have my earring. I have other shinies for you, inside. No; this is not the one special mummy earring of your soul. And no; I will not be taking the jewellery chest key from around my neck, not tonight.

I love you too, Kvit.

Notes & Credits:

Lovely Sponsored Items:

• Gwyneth’s Startlingly Colourful (considering the environment) Gown: Senzafine, Melisentia Gown. Available at Nightshade.
• Gwyneth’s Perfectly Blended Eyeshadow: Hexumbra, Jubilee Eye Makeup. Available at Abstrakt.
• Gwyneth’s Too Berry For You Lipstick: Hexumbra, Ruthann Lipstick. Available at the Hexumbra Main Store.
• Gwyneth’s Flawless Skin: Moth & Moon, Yvaine, in T1. Available at the Moth & Moon Main Store.

Other Fancy Stuff:

• Kvit, the Kvitravn: CKit Falconry, Animesh White Raven Shoulder Pet. Check out amazing birds (and wolves) at the CKit Falconry Main Store.
• Gwyneth’s Hair: Wings, ES0901
• Gwyneth’s Circlet: Abbadon Arts, Tiara
• Gwyneth’s Wings: Evolved Creatures, Fae Wings
• Gwyneth’s Nails: Petrichor, Vaera Nails
• Gwyneth’s Necklace: Sigma, Leaf Necklace
• Gwyneth’s Earrings: e.marie, Aneesha Earrings
• Gwyneth’s Eyelashes: Void, Flutter Lashes
• Gwyneth’s Eyes: Musa! Dian Eyes (group gift)
• Backdrop: K&S, Last Hope Harbor Backdrop
• Gwyneth is styled on a Maitreya Petite mesh body and a Lelutka EvoX Gaia mesh head.