It's great to have this back. I just knew we were going to get more of Monty, but I never expected that sort of backstory for the ring. Also it's shocking how shocking seeing Ardelian write the obvious in plain words is, it lets this chapter represent a massive leap forward even as it's mostly spent as a flashback.
Interesting that with other stuff finally being said 'out loud' it's not directly stated what happened to Monty, though to me the obvious/most likely conclusion is that a cave in killed him at the Mithraeum.
Just did some quick looking into Mithras and I'm already seeing some notes of significance for What Manner of Man, like the Mithraic Mysteries being described as an early and persecuted 'rival' of Christianity. And a ring from a mystery cult does fit how secretive Ardelian ultimately is, and how even this text itself is framed as a hidden secret brought to light.
Hurray! Victor is back and he Has Grown! I love how meticulous the process of working through the denial and repressed feelings is. This is so nice to have some more backstory with Monty too! I'd love more anecdotes of their time together.
Oof. What a satisfying return, to finally learn about the ring and the events that Victor has been alluding to this whole time. The seawall breaking is a solid (lol) metaphor for how this outpouring feels, it's so exciting but also heartbreaking.
(I couldn't help but smile at the literal Intricate RitualsTM)
"after all, who is likely to ever care to read such a thing as my unsent letters?"
this line pierced my heart. something about the way that the story ends up being told in the end, the way people *do* care to read it, and Victor will never know. i know im blurring the lines here between watsonian explanation and real-life framing device, but...how many queer narratives have been lost to the ages, in sealed letters and private journal entries? this line reminded me of them, and of the gift each uncovered (and created!) queer story is.
It's great to have this back. I just knew we were going to get more of Monty, but I never expected that sort of backstory for the ring. Also it's shocking how shocking seeing Ardelian write the obvious in plain words is, it lets this chapter represent a massive leap forward even as it's mostly spent as a flashback.
Interesting that with other stuff finally being said 'out loud' it's not directly stated what happened to Monty, though to me the obvious/most likely conclusion is that a cave in killed him at the Mithraeum.
Just did some quick looking into Mithras and I'm already seeing some notes of significance for What Manner of Man, like the Mithraic Mysteries being described as an early and persecuted 'rival' of Christianity. And a ring from a mystery cult does fit how secretive Ardelian ultimately is, and how even this text itself is framed as a hidden secret brought to light.
It’s amazing how exciting it is to hear him say it out loud after all that build up!
As always I can’t say a word about any of the other stuff 🤫
victor baby I'm so proud of you
Hurray! Victor is back and he Has Grown! I love how meticulous the process of working through the denial and repressed feelings is. This is so nice to have some more backstory with Monty too! I'd love more anecdotes of their time together.
He’s REALLY earned that character growth 💪
Oof. What a satisfying return, to finally learn about the ring and the events that Victor has been alluding to this whole time. The seawall breaking is a solid (lol) metaphor for how this outpouring feels, it's so exciting but also heartbreaking.
(I couldn't help but smile at the literal Intricate RitualsTM)
The rituals, they are so intricate (thank you!)
"after all, who is likely to ever care to read such a thing as my unsent letters?"
this line pierced my heart. something about the way that the story ends up being told in the end, the way people *do* care to read it, and Victor will never know. i know im blurring the lines here between watsonian explanation and real-life framing device, but...how many queer narratives have been lost to the ages, in sealed letters and private journal entries? this line reminded me of them, and of the gift each uncovered (and created!) queer story is.