Seraph28

Robert Burns' 'The best laid schemes of mice and men..' came to mind when was reading this chapter.In fact I dare to say that those words have been true from the moment Luka and Devin stepped into Mezenga's villa. I know it's probably not your intention @CasualWanderer82 but every once in a while I come across a piece of writing that reminds me of something that resonated with me from else where say a different book or movie and all .Take for instance when was reading the tail end of this chapter ,I remembered Gandalf's speech from the Lord of the Rings ..You know the one where he says it's the small every day deeds of ordinary folks that keep darkness at bay..Small acts of love and kindness . I couldn't help drawing parallels between Luka/Devin and the hobbits because if one looks at it..these two lads are just that ordinary when compared to Mezenga/Giancarlo and Mr.D. I hasten to add however that am not saying this is a battle of good vs evil..Our esteemed Scribe doesn't roll like that😂. That being said, without knowing and doing anything other than loving each other ,Luka/Devin have thrown a wrench in a scheme that has been going on for a long time thus creating a clusterfuck of 'divine' proportions.. Thank you...please never tire for hearing that @CasualWanderer82😂😜

Eh.😂

No words ever sounded so true...It's no wonder Mr.D says something along the same trajectory to Giancarlo.Only he says it in pity.

Oh my!..am bereft of words @CasualWanderer82..On some level I knew when I started reading this story two days ago who Mr.D is. Reading this chapter didn't prepare me for what on offer and you have mastered the art of offering really heavy truths. Those parting words to Giancarlo were just so damning yet delivered in such a way that is pitiful.. You are such a marvel🫡😂 Thank you!

Well like Dean said....almost everyone had a motive.. so it could be any of them...I even harbour a feeling Arthur might be doing performative grief like Sophia ..

I agree with @Cane23...there is so much going on with these lads .eh..Like none of them seem be to what they are projecting ..Even Lawrence himself...😂

Abelard, I reckon, wouldn't be missed much .haha

Do you also get the Picture of Dorian Gray vibes or is it only me?hihi

Late to the party this time..That being said I have given up thinking you cannot surprise me anymore🫡. Only you would come up with something so macabre and yet beautiful.hihi.. Thank you!

Okay..now this is becoming 'unbearable'...you cannot disappear again after such an epic chapter @vanalas.. That being said...can we start theorising who the killer is...hihi

Oh my!.I never thought a day would come when would feel pity for Renn Tauganei And yet here we are..Being neutered is the worst misfortune that can befall someone as vain as Renn. That it happens to him makes me feel somewhat sorry for him even though he is among the worst in this series . Thank you!

This ending was well earned in my opinion...it leaves optimism for a positive future .. Aiden now armed with resolve sets off to look for Cianan.. Thank you!

That de-escalated...fast.😂.For all its bluster, the wisdom tree turned out to be a light weight after all..or so it seems.

Reading this chapter reminded me of the recent Knives out movie...All characters seem 'sketchy' so it's hard to know if any of them are who they appear to be .I am so on board with this whodunit @Laura S. Fox.

Quite a sad yet beautiful chapter about acceptance and grief!.

I don't even know where to begin ..there are really some despicable people out there...even though this is fiction.. That was a low blow from the Bresnahans.. Reminds of the history I read concerning the squabbles between Clan Campbell and Clan McDonald in Scotland . This story sort of has parallels to it . Thank you!

That was gut wrenching!...He is just a small child but I guess during that time period, or the time period adjacent of book, nothing was off limits during power struggles.. That being said...am glad Azula's heart is the on the way to getting thawed.. I like that the boy will survive

I nearly screamed because of that bloody cliff hanger😂 That being said ..I like how slowly with each chapter we get to see a different facet of the boys...like each boy seems to have a unique gift that just seems to be waiting to be unveiled...I was pleasantly surprised with Franz having might.

Cian is a deity....those are beyond mortal emotions and expressions😂😂 I agree...he must be giggling or whatever it is deities do when their plans come to fruition

I thought it was a bit confusing ..am sure it will be amended..

Our Elusive esteemed author makes an appearance after 'eons', drops a bomb on us and I wager will disappear again..hihi That being said ...whatever Robert found out from the previous chapter must have been so profound for it to affect him the way he is ...

Is it possible to be equal parts sad and overjoyed?..Because this is what happened to me when was reading this chapter.. Everything fit well ..what I find most satisfactory is the way you end it...We readers are given agency to imagine that eventually Arcum will be alright. That everything will revert to how it was before...That makes this more profound...You give the characters hope and in turn we readers are left hopeful that in time the light will always shine.. Thank you...can't express that sufficiently enough though..🫡

In your defence...it's alright...You are writing a story that is medieval society adjacent...and if memory serves me right sex between males was going on albeit discreetly..It was just a no go between members of different sexes...because you know the church was ape crazy about morals and all😂.. I guess am saying in this story...you have leeway..you get some bit of slack.

If I had to name this chapter...I would aptly call it Ataraxia...With this chapter Aiden, young as he is, achieves what folks older than him struggle to achieve...Emotional tranquility ..At least for me I see as if he has gained a bit of it .. That being said ..this was really beautiful...these two lads have such an understanding of each other it's almost embarrassing and scary. Thank you!

I don't think it exists in Arcum....I mean Ember is 13 and he and Trillion go at it without any worries..haha