Paladin

Sometimes I think you do the strangest things.

I understand that chalkboards are a thing of the past and doubt any Gen Z or Gen Alpha would have experienced that teeth curdling sound.

Pleased to hear that this will be posted here.

And Brian? LOL

I have had family visiting over new year and the mornings have included the shrill excitement of a pre-school aged young girl. Alarm clocks optional!

What can I say @Topher Lydon? I've enjoyed seeing Brian shed cameo and take on a life of his own. And, dare I say, occasionally stick his Ninja Giraffe neck out.

Beautifully written. Thank you @Topher Lydon. Tabby sets off on this annual journey of renewal, something that is a community ritual, but this time with more reason in his heart to return. This time he misses more than his garden and pond. Alvin now understands the cycle of the seasons. He will be lonely over winter, but the doily dungeon won't be depressing. It will be filled with hope. A winter of love, loneliness, understanding and hope.

Things could have been worse for (Randy by name, randy by nature) Randy when the syndicate guys caught him. I hope there will be some "make up" activity with Jaysen after the payback time.

Tabby is afraid of becoming domesticated. He believes that will destroy their relationship, their love. He believes he has to go If I go... I stay me. I come back, and I'm fresh. I'm new. Like a tuber lying dormant underground in winter that sprouts anew in the warmth of spring. Alvin is afraid that Tabby won't return, so wants Tabby to carry part of him on the journey, so Tabby will remember him. Alvin is only now glimpsing Tabby's idea of renewal. Neither will forget the other! Of course next year Alvin will have satisfied the requirement in Granny's will to stay for a year in the house, so they could go South together. Granny's initial note mentioned cash that could go to the kitty shelter, and we heard she went to Florida for winter. She may have been richer than we realise. I can see a future with two young guys wintering in Florida.

Have family visiting. Quiet night. They took their kids out to look at local Christmas lights and 9.00 pm fireworks. Watched Sydney midnight fireworks on TV and went to bed. Summer here. Nice warm weather. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Thanks for your comments @Summerabbacat. Staying power and consistency. I can live with that. 😸

Just like they needed each other to build the winning certrepiece they need each other to build a winning relationship around the doily house and garden. One step in that direction is for each of them to realise that what they did before doesn't cut it anymore and to take those shared moments of tenderness and joy one step further.

Corcoran escaped again. Rick is getting closer to him, but it also means that Corcoran is getting closer to Rick. Keeping Nick safe is now a priority. Mardi Gras parade is soon along with big crowds. Sounds like trouble.

I'm enjoying Alex's contribution to the story and the group. Loved his insistence that they needed to be back at the castle without disclosing it was because he wanted to watch football.

When reading a story that includes languages I don't understand, I've been comfortable with both the suggestions from @chris191070 and @drpaladin. In this chapter there were enough contextual clues to save me heading to Google Translate.

Yes Madison is out of the picture. Josh and Daniel have both benefited from therapy and are overcoming their past. Thy are very good for each other.

Tabby might feel at home in Granny's garden, but he is still a stray, and stray cats wander. Alvin's role is to domesticate Tabby without removing his independence. However Alvin isn't yet equipped to do that. He is barely domestically capable himself. Alvin can't leave the cottage because under the will he would lose it, and more importantly his connection to Tabby. So, he has to learn how to survive in this doily cottage and make it a home that Tabby will want to settle in. Permanently. Tabby has to overcome his rejection of society and his belief that he can "go it alone" and accept his need for Alvin and the cottage. Then they can seal it all with some loud catawauling sex.

I am looking forward to seeing how this tetrarch will play out especially as Sarah's feelings for Billy are different from her feelings for Scott and Greg. Is their bed big and strong enough? Just asking for a friend. Greg's group of supporters continues to grow. I love that Chris is rapidly growing into his role and challenging Greg's ideas. Bacon makes things better

Happy New year @Ticklishboy30 and a ticklish 2026. Yes that scene showed the concern they all show for each other as well as flipping keeping each other informed onto Jordan and Cameron.

Yes @Daddydavek the boys are doing well both with therapy and their new family.

Yes @Davide the boys knew what Madison is like so were not surprised. Remember part of the therapy the boys have been receiving has been around their concerns about having sex. The weekend could be very good for all for young ones.

OK @Flip-Flop, @Summerabbacat and @Calvin your comments are correct. Usually I try to find some redeeming feature in my villains, but it was not possible with Madison. Certainly not after she refused to believe Joshua not only the first time but subsequently as well. Her interest in herself and her money was clear when she, as Joshua said "So for the second time she's buggered off without any concern for us." The best thing that can be said about her is that she is now out of their lives.

Yes Nick is that teenager. Stupidly reckless with a belief in his own immortality. It's a good thing Rick decided to return to Sydney early

Which should be intoxicating enough to eradicate the complicated miscommunication they initially experienced.

Categorically yes!