Eleventh Gate

[forsometimenow]

I'm feeling distinctly more human again. Thanks to everyone who came to check on me and help take care of me... as... difficult as it was to pretty much be a pet turtle.

Looks like I'm just in time for the expected Castle celebration, too.

[Phoebe]

Thanks for being so sweet about the whole thing. I suppose you're used to this kind of awkwardness by now, huh?

[/Phoebe]


[Lemony Snicket]

I really appreciate the prompt response. I'm not sure what I would have done if nobody had replied to me.

[/Lemony Snicket]


[Carson Beckett]

Sorry about that. Again. I guess I should have expected that to happen since my clothes fell off when I transformed, and I had no idea when I was actually going to change back, but, still, I'm sorry. Okay, I'm going to stop apologizing now, or else I'll keep doing it. I'll buy you a drink or... something to make it up to you for having to take care of me.

[/Carson Beckett]


[Maladict]

I wanted to give you special thanks for deciphering my attempt at turtle charades.

[/Maladict]


[Dave Strider]

Thanks for not laughing. ... much. And for coming to check on me.

[/Dave Strider]

Comments

Jennifer

[mal_addict]

Don't mention it. It was an...interesting challenge.

Maladict

[forsometimenow]

Tell me about it. My mind was intact, but I couldn't speak at all.

Jennifer

[mal_addict]

It's the sort of loss I'd prefer to avoid, for myself.

Maladict

[forsometimenow]

If there has to be a next time, maybe I'll be something fun. Like a cat or a dog, or a bird.

Jennifer

[mal_addict]

I'm not exactly sure how they count as 'fun'.

Maladict

[forsometimenow]

Point. They'd be at least slightly less frustrating than a turtle, though.

Jennifer

[mal_addict]

You'd be able to move a little faster, for a start.

Jennifer

[kungfuwitch]

[she laughs]

You could say that. And you're welcome. I'm glad I was able to help you.

Phoebe

[forsometimenow]

I'm hoping it never happens to you, but if it ever does, I'll be sure to return the favor.

Jennifer

[kungfuwitch]

Thank you. I appreciate that. I was a cat not too long ago and that wasn't so bad. At least I could move around easily.

Jennifer

[forsometimenow]

I would have preferred a cat, yes. Or a dog. Speaking of dogs, I hope Blue wasn't too much trouble.

Jennifer

[kungfuwitch]

Oh no he wasn't any trouble at all. I'm sure he'll be happy to get home, though.

[forsometimenow]

Definitely. Thanks for looking after him.

sorry I totally missed this!

[shenunigans]

no problemo sis
what the hell happened there

<3

[forsometimenow]

I gather that turning people into animals temporarily is something the castle just... does. I've seen others call it a temporary loss.

<3!!

[shenunigans]

oh right
i think i remember something like that happening to lalonde when i first got here
only she was a cat
i dunno if thats better or worse

for what its worth you were a pretty sick turtle

[forsometimenow]

At least a cat would be more mobile. And I have a feeling I'd get a lot of petting and scratching and feeding.

Well, that makes me feel a bit better about the whole thing. I probably was terribly cute.

[shenunigans]

oh shit yeah
people go ape shit for cats on and off the internet
i dont really get it tbh they seem kinda pissy

for a turtle yeah
all stumpy and hopeless and holed up in your shell

[forsometimenow]

Oh, I've seen enough of those cat pictures, believe me. The idea of having the world's knowledge at our fingertips online, and everyone looks at cats instead.

Don't forget the ink stains all over my feet.

Jennifer

[theabjectauthor]

Oh, but of course! I would expect that you would do the same, being a member of the medical profession, and all. ... Your friend Carson was quite prompt as well. I'm glad you have so many who care about you.

[forsometimenow]

Most definitely- it's what I swore an oath to do, after all.

... I do, don't I? I'm pretty lucky. I'm... well, I'm a little shy, so it's sometimes hard for me to make friends. Especially in, well, a place like this.

[theabjectauthor]

Shyness can be a virtue, though. [he smiles] The shy people often know the most, because they have the ability to stand by and quietly observe, while other people forget the value of hesitation.

[forsometimenow]

You know, I've never thought of it that way. Most of the time I just feel awkward, except when I'm doing my job or when I'm with people I know well.

[theabjectauthor]

I know that one does not often think of illustrators as traditional founts of wisdom, but a very talented one I'm fond of once said: "if you don't like something, change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it".

Naturally, this is not a quote that can be applied to every situation: changing the way you think about a voracious shark in dangerous waters will not change anything. But in the case of something like reticence, I think it serves quite well, don't you?

[forsometimenow]

I like that. Yeah, it definitely applies here. Sometimes I wish I was more sociable, but on the other hand... I am who I am, and I've managed pretty well so far.