travlbug

Poor Phillip, Out of the frying pan and into the Mediterranean! (Interesting that his rescuers did not mention his [ancient] Egyptian attire.) Three Greek physicians--I can't wait to see them practice! I'm also looking forward to the trip to Rome itself, as the experience should be fascinating. Thalis plays Triangles just as badly as Phillip--so what do you think, Phillip? Is he playing badly because he likes you? And what do you think about the idea of pretending to be their slave? They already know that you are penniless and friendless, with no contacts in Rome: How hard could it be if they wanted to turn you into a slave for real?

If TC ever needs a second job, he could be a barber: He'll just have to refrain from telling people what cut to get! ("I will give you a crewcut, and you will like it! Now drop your pants for a nice shave!" 😂) Interesting that TC is actually uncomfortable when he's not dominant. Weirdly, their arrangement is working out better for David than for TC, at least at this stage: Despite their discussion of acceptable limits outside of a scene and outside the bedroom, TC can't help how he feels, and if he's going to blanch internally every time David does something "dominant" (like paying a bill), then there's going to be trouble in their relationship. One of the local restaurants here in Southern California has exactly the same breakfast as the "Super Breakfast Special," but it's called "The Pig Out!" 🐷 Delicious, yes, but definitely big enough for two. 🐽🐽

Never underestimate the Geritol set!

"David was surprised that he had actually enjoyed it when TC took charge." Ah ha! 😂 So, with a Top Cat and an Alleycat, David has decided against being a Fraidy cat! Kendra's mom has the right idea: Don't miss out on life because of fear. Since David is curious about being a sub--and can obtain the experience with someone he trusts--why not do it? TC is careful to know David's limits, and they have established a safe word. Now it's time to go play!

David is a talented fellow, with a "knack for flogging" and "dirty dancing," as well as for making butter pecan cheesecake bars and blowing up buildings! On the other hand, TC is excellent at listing words such as "ass scoot!" 😂 David and TC already appear to be a beautiful couple, and by the end of the chapter, they're sharing a bed (even if they're not doing anything...yet 😏). Fast work, guys!

🎵 Top Cat, the indisputable leader of the gang...🎶 I used to love that show! And now I find that Top Cat is a top for real! 😂 (The only Dom I've ever really known is Dom Deluise, but I love stories that expose me to other ways of life.) David needs to slow down a bit: His life is too hectic. At least, he can enjoy a sub when it's only a sandwich! (TC's wish to have a 24/7 master/slave relationship sounds pretty intense.) So, for David and TC to have a relationship, one of them would have to change fairly radically. That said, their friendship is rock solid, but where do they go from here?

I'm concerned that, outside the royal family and his own circle of friends, Chris's power level isolates him (he needs a magic ring to go out in public where his uncle does not) and promotes apprehension if not true fear: When word leaks out that he has defeated four different platinum elementals all at once, the people may hold him in greater awe but he will become even more unapproachable. (For example, Nomir has become Chris's bodyguard at least partially because "amongst all the other agents in the palace, he’s the one that’s least scared of you....”) A little PR wouldn't hurt--something to humanize (or "elvenize") Chris in the minds of the people, and I don't think he is being best served by attempts to guard his privacy.

I have read many a story involving Elves, but I've never read a story where their government was so thoroughly delineated/explored! Wonderful! I love the difference of opinion where Chris sees industrial espionage--the stealing of trade secrets--where Yal proudly sees copying and improving. (The Elves may not be as honest as they think they are. [Do they care? 😂])

I would dispute that power and/or longevity without knowledge is a good thing. There's a reason why the long lived vampires obtain multiple degrees. Why would someone with power and time want to live in ignorance?

Yes, Chris, your Ascension was only the beginning! (So which are you more afraid of--Demons or Retasa? 😂) Will Chris ever get to college, or does he already qualify for an Elven degree?

Sweet interlude. Taran comes calling just to be near Ronnie for a while (so cute!) Hmmm. One plate but two glasses of milk. Ronnie better remember to clean up after himself, or Dad will know that he's been entertaining. 😊

The aliens don't want to rule the world: They want to destroy it. Humanity is fighting for its very survival. (Somehow, I doubt that the Caati have made this clear to the collaborators....) At this point, who knows how many civilizations the Caati have destroyed. They're a parasitic race, and the universe would be better off without them. Alex et al need to save the planet, but eradicating the aliens completely would be a lofty secondary goal. (I do have to wonder why the Caati don't harvest the cores of non-inhabited planets, or do they find it sport to destroy an inhabited planet, with the harvesting of slaves and new technologies a secondary objective?) Sadly, with the stakes so high, Alex must set aside his own humanity to save humanity: He feels "physically sick" threatening to rape Kelly, but he does it anyway to let Parker know he means business. That said, the chapter ends with Bravo team in mortal peril. Alex must realize that, even if he were to let Kelly go, Parker is duplicitous and would never release his own people. He'll have to think of a different approach if he wants to save them, so I think he'll be going on at least one more mission! (I hate cliffies!!!!!)

A question about the ancient texts which mention that the first hybrid elf would have extraordinary power: Do they mention anything about a weakness?

Nine times! No, Chris, definitely not human! (So how long does the aphrodisiac effect of the Ascension last? 😁 In fact, if Chris doesn't age, can it ever wear off? 😂😂😂)

"...But Chris... you’ve been breaking records like it’s a walk in the park...we have to know more about what you are dealing with....” Patri, don't you mean that you have to know more about what you are dealing with? While Chris has earned his Elven ears, I'm sad for his father, as the Ascension is separating Chris from his Human heritage. At this point, Chris is being trained by Patri to take his "rightful" place in the government, and I'm beginning to wonder if the uncles might defer to Chris in terms of the line of succession. At some point, Chris will also have to interact with the Elven people as their Prince--think of the duties of the British royal family--and I'm looking forward to seeing how Chris reacts in such circumstances.

Sadly, Chris now has to use a magic ring to go out amongst his own people, and even Etalos prostrates himself before the great, the mighty--the scary--Elven Prince. Patri knew that this would happen, which is why he gives Chris the ring in the first place. I wonder if Chris will ever be able to create an easy rapport with his Elven brethren and how he'll go about doing so (maybe a one-on-one interview with Retasa on the channel 5 news! 🤗).

Of course the Ascension has made Chris horny. (Everything makes Chris horny! 😂) That said, he's done his "hot" family proud. (Yes, Chris, even Victor acknowledges that your family is hot!) Also, I wonder what "things" Patri has to discuss with him.... (I hate the suspense. Grrr.)

Once while at a beach, I saw a pigeon with a hypodermic needle/syringe stuck to its side. Several people, including myself, tried to catch the poor thing so we could help it, but it wouldn't let us get close enough. I still cry, sometimes, when I think of its likely fate. Picking up after oneself is a basic responsibility that every child is taught, and Leibe has learned that lesson well. Too bad that we are still surrounded by idiots who don't have the decency--who don't care enough--to pick up after themselves so that all living creatures can share a safe and beautiful environment. A lovely (and timely) story, Carlos. Thank you.

Sounds like Taran and his parents have had similar conversations in the past. At least, his mother tries to include him, while his father is just critical. For Taran, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is either insanity or family dinner. (Sigh.) A shame that Taran doesn't have time to confide in his mother. His relationship with his father is already broken, but he is aware that, to keep a good relationship with Mom, he'll need to tell the truth. (And you know that, at some point, he'll try again.)

Maya laughed and pulled off her necklace. "I'm psychic, mostly. I sometimes see the future, and can pretty easily pick up on emotions. With the two love birds right in front of her, Maya has to know about Taran and Ronnie, but I think she'll talk to Taran before she says anything to Ronnie about it. A force field which gives a sense of security: No one will want to escape it! I wonder if Ronnie will be able to manipulate other emotions!

An enthralling chapter! At this point, the Elven populace has to be completely overawed by Chris (but hopefully not afraid of him)! With the Ascension showing martial aspects, Chris compares to Archangel Michael in what he means to the Elves. (After that display, Chris may never be able to have the easy going relationship he wants with his people, but that won't stop him from trying.) By the way, did his faux pointy ears become permanent? 🤗

Creepy story! The ghost nuns and the hearse are a distinct touch. And as for Dr. Von Gebhardt: What would be the odds that a descendant of Karl's would wind up in Atlanta at a place called "Mercy?" 😬

I love that even the Elven military wears pastels. 😁 Chris, love the new uniform, but has anyone ever told you what happens to "Red Shirts?" 😂 Of course, Chris, dressing you in red is just to make it easier for you to blend in. I love how everyone pauses a second before they'll answer Chris's questions about the Ascension (he is sooo screwed! 😂🤣😜). Has anyone noticed that supernatural beings hug a lot? 😊 See, Victor, we knew that Patri would love you. (🎶 Here comes the sun... 🎵) Now that Sarad has vetted Chris's party for demon "taint," I feel much better about Reza's presence. That said, the "Setalus incident" still suggests that Demonic interference can invade the Realm, so I'm still concerned for what may happen at the Ascension.

The action is coming to a head: It's time for Chris's Ascension. It's also time for Chris to get a fourth tattoo and whatever power it bestows. It's time for non-Elves to penetrate into the Realm (with thoughts of good will, of course [What else? 🤗]). But is it also time for Demons to reveal themselves? I agree wholeheartedly that no one will ever be able to forget the Ascension ceremony. (Bwahaha....😂)

In a way, I'm concerned about a meeting between Reza and King ZoHal: Gustav was a trusted Vampire and turned out to be a plant: What if Reza is also a plant, as he is one of the few entities who comes from a time when Demons still inhabited the world? If that is the case, then ZoHal may be more of a target if he leaves the safety of the realm (to attend a meeting with Reza). On the other hand, if the meeting is held in the Realm, then ZoHal may inadvertently allow a Demon or Demon spawn to enter the Kingdom. Perhaps I'm still suspicious of Reza because of the way he introduced himself to Chris. That said, if I were ZoHal, I would stay away from any Vampires older than a certain age. The perfect candidate for Vampire liaison is Victor--young enough so that he cannot be a Demon plant, a known quantity as Chris has scanned him thoroughly, and biased towards the Elves through Chris but still brilliant in his own right. So, ZoHal, what have you decided...?