raven1

I don't bow to you, you're too short for me to get that low. Optional top? No thanks.

A happy Tuesday to you, Green Man! You're right! It's time to take down the dictator of the Shire and Empire of Texas.

Hi Albert! Happy Tuesday morning to you and Steve.

But, but..,butt! you said we could call you a virgin or a bottom! I made my choice so deal with it BottomBoy!

Great new chapter! Gideon and Kavan are working together as they did before, but still have that rejection keeping them apart. Conte's probably the source of the blood Kavan drinks, but will it be enough to help Kavan? Like Centex, I also feel the necklace is important, but not sure how. Since the would-be assassin mentioned this: and the Perditaj said this: Maybe a visit with Raban Ko’lk will shed some light on the importance of the necklace.

Very well put, @Rkench. Both @Aditus and @Valkyrie are very talented and their work on this and other stories has created many great stories here. Gaps are inevitable even when posting a completed story as life can send stumbling blocks to anyone at any time. These stories are definitely worth the wait.

Yep! That's our author. Gary had me jumping down the rabbit hole in almost every chapter of Malaise. That includes the messages in even the chapter titles. BTW Jubal also means Ram's Horn. It was the ram's horn that was blown during the Hebrew celebration of Passover, their escape from Egypt. It is from that meaning we derived the word jubilee. Let's hope the end of the story we'll all be celebrating a Jubalee.

I agree with both Chris and Paul. There are many great stories on the list that I have read and a few I have added to my must-read list. Thanks again, Myr for providing this great resource for readers.

Watch out, Gary! When you tempt Drew with a spanking, he's going to volunteer to come north and play nursemaid again.

Only a slight objection Froggy. I would never call Drew a virgin, because that would be a Drewth (aka lie). That means I have permission from Drew to call him a bottom anytime I want.

Don't tell the boss lady I said anything here, but your Kyan picture was also picture-perfect!

The word made me think of an old Sinatra recording of "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads". I guess I'm just showing my age. 😁

@kbois would be wise to add a task to your current Krew assignments. Great choice!

Again?!!!

There is more than one comment with good pictures, but I'll take any of the three @FanLit is suggesting. Hot, hotter and an OMG hot that reminded me of a certain shadow shifter.

Interesting events that had me fascinated and gave me a few naughty chuckles. The chuckles came from the tail problem as I wondered if it happened again when Devin and Mac were alone. Would Devin tell Mac he had a tail after transitioning back or watch Mac's behind as the tail swished back and forth? I have had a few encounters with both urban and wild raccoons, but the one encounter I remember best is when camping and discovering a mother and two kits up a tree no more than 5 or 6 feet away. Mac may be wary of becoming a raccoon that low on the food chain, but these cute critters are not defenseless and can be very aggressive when necessary. I heeded the mother's warning and stayed away. They may be small, but they can do severe damage to larger animals.

It was a great moment when Charles and Pierre were adopted. They are really closely bonded as brothers now. Have we seen the last of the peanuts until next year? Pierre and Charles are wise to secret their own stash, but the kids at the Home may experience peanut withdrawal symptoms, especially at Christmas. At least they have fishing and paella to look forward to as a distraction for at least a few days. Pat is obviously in love with her new apartment at the Home. Hopefully, Dr. Hamlin will have a ton of sponsors after the corporate heads' visit.

Beautiful comment @Mancunian. I appreciate the insights you share telling us about your father and Benson.

I kind of think you are right on this one @FanLit. I won't count Coy out yet, because Lucas likes wildlings. Coy is the wildling that Boone has the ability to gentle. Well...except when Coy decides to matchmake.

This tells me all I need to know about why Lucas went to Larkspur. I just don't know if it was for Boone or Coy. Lucas knows a colt can't be ridden. Looks to me like Lucas is subtly nudging Jubal to stay for at least two years. The colt won't be ready to be ridden for about that long. He's at least two years from becoming the stallion that Jubal wants to ride. I can't see Jubal taking off to wander with a colt in tow. Personally, I have no doubt about Lucas' intentions for Jubal. Lucas knows just how to tame a wildling. He's slowly gaining Jubal's trust as he gently leads him into Lucas's personal corral. Lucas is using his observations and empathy to make sure he doesn't cause his personal wildling to up and bolt. Great chapter with the challenge of a little mystery to solve. The comments were also great and are going to help me when I see how much information I can get about the mystery. I also love the opportunity it gives me to visit Larkspur again. Thanks Gary! PS. Several sites for meaning of names show that one of the meanings of Jubal is "He who runs", and "That which glides away".

Great analysis @drpaladin! I definitely agree that Jubal should buy the land. Whether they are partners or become lovers, Lucas and Jubal will be together for as long as they live. With these two next Spring will become every Spring.

Congratulations @CincyKris! You're not the only weirdo here. I've been going back for about 30 minutes, and I am now inspired to research further. If I don't find the info before the next chapter posts, I may send you a message. I can only stand so much frustration before I fold. I know Gary has left a lot of clues to follow, I just need to put in enough effort to solve this mystery.

Sorry to hear about your muse. Did it cooperate long enough for you to create an entry in the anthology?

Hi Bucket! I had a quiet day. Friday night was fun visiting and gossiping with friends, recovered Saturday, and today caught up on all my reading.

Thanks Nick, it's only less than two hours left so I'll carry over your wish to Monday.