video; un: padlocks

[enblightened]

I have made my warning to a handful of you before, but there are many that I've yet to meet. And so, this is primarily to those who do not know me.

I am something to be wary of. 'Tis not meant as a threat, but a matter of what I am. Call it what you shall, be it a curse or condition, but the brand on my head is not for display only. Many would call me an abomination where I am from, and it is not far from the truth.

I fight back the instincts of a demon inside of me. I hold it back by whatever means I am able, with my will and the bonds I take with me. With years of practice, I am typically able to hold it back, but there can never be a promise of my willpower. If there comes a time in which this beast emerges and I transform, I do not expect mercy on my behalf.

I understand that there are some with a similar situation as myself, or that you have experienced enough horrors to be prepared for it. Making demands of a person is impossible, I know that, but I want to be clear that I am a thing to be careful with.

...Thank you for listening. Be well, friends and strangers alike.

Comments

[laminae]

[Fern brightens up. Good!! It's good Varian has met yet another science nerd, it'll be good for both him and Bigby.]

Ha ha, yeah. He's stubborn as heck, he's even worse than me. [He's saying that fondly.]

Thanks. I'm really happy he's here. Dunno what I'd do without him.

[enblightened]

[It's terribly endearing to him, that even in the face of darkness and despair, love has blossomed for people in this place. Good.]

Oh, I have noticed in the short time I have known him. But still, a good heart nonetheless in that one. As well as in yours.

It's fortunate you have found each other.

[laminae]

[Fern and Varian's love is like a weed managing to grow up through a crack in a sidewalk in the middle of winter: tiny, scraggly, and stubborn as hell.]

You don't know the half of it. Both of us are used to life just going sideways all the time, or messing us up. Something real good like this doesn't happen to either of us.

[Which sounds like an exaggeration, but it isn't, really. They've been through the wringer more than any kids should be.]

We're really, really lucky. Sometimes I think we're too lucky, and this is all some big cosmic joke that's gonna come crashing down on us at any second.

[enblightened]

Better to enjoy what you have, from day to day. To worry for the future will bring unnecessary despondence.

Embrace the love you have earned, Fern. That is my advice.

[laminae]

Yeah, you're right. It's really hard to, sometimes, but I'm trying my best.