Extended Progress Update: 15 November 2024
Added 2024-11-15 14:01:05 +0000 UTCHi Returning Visitors,
Key highlights of this update and reminders:
Rosie's section is essentially done, just a departure/transition scene is left!
JR-mancers will have a chance for a split scene based on something that happened at the Corvin family dinner. 👀 Will you be riding with J or R?
Marjorie is up next. I know many of you have been hoping to encounter her again, no matter what Mal said. This section likely features your RO(s) too.
Important: I'll be taking a hiatus in December! Billing will be paused at the end of this month, and then we'll chill together during December before it resumes in January alongside our usual TFS cotent. More details in the section with the GIF, so please read it! 😌 I'm nearing a milestone as well.
'Friendsgiving' is just around the corner before some of you will experience a different kind of feast in 'Bloodletting' (Part 3). Our content continues!
Book Two Snippet: A surprising choice for Mal-mancers.
I was happy to finally be writing those scenes that showcase R's bond with Rosie in addition to her past with Lois (Ms. Verner). What I have been working on is rather missable in the context of it being primarily for R-mancers, JR-mancers, and R besties. However, I still gave it my all with choice options, tailored glimpses of the past, romantic moments, the MC being rude to Rosie and getting a sassy clap back, Rosie showing R tough love after they say a certain thing, JR-mancers learning of a 'sexy' service worker calendar that may come up again much to a certain Detective's chagrin, solo R can essentially say they believe you're fated to be together in their own complicated way, etc. There are many different interactions that you'll maybe uncover. I say 'maybe' because of how I nested the scenes based on your past choices. (Mal + R-mancers, you're in for something that's rather subtly twisted.) Yay, it's done!
What I paused working on to write this update is too spoilery to tease. 👀
There is a reason why I gently urge those of you who have a JR route along with another route to play theirs after you go through the Corvin dinner with let's say B or J being romanced. You will be able to appreciate the tone shifts better, not just because R is actually there during JR's dinner, but because different things happen that might throw you for a loop after reading other versions. If you're only a ride or die JR-mancer, that's awesome too, just buckle up. (I know many of you play multiple routes. 💚) I should be finished with this choice set in a few days—R is worried you may regret something that happened, if not fault them.
Beyond that, my next section of Book Two's outline features exploration of the place Marjorie calls home. 🌻 I'm sure a few of your Returning Visitors are looking forward to interacting with her again more than others! (Let's be real: the scene with the candy in the Fernweh Diner was heartbreaking, if you triggered it.) Still, how you navigate that is up to you! There is a high chance your RO(s) will be coming along with you to this facility, which might influence what you learn, what she's actually willing to say, banter with Marjorie, and much more!
[Alternate Text: A GIF of a person inspecting a suspicious bread box because a fluffy tail is peeking out of it. When they open it, an orange tabby cat is revealed to be hiding inside. The cat seems to glare before closing the box with its paw.]
This^ energy isn't what is motivating my hiatus in December, but there isn't a GIF of a cat clasping a pipping bag of frosting and decorating gingerbread. 😌
I want to be unequivocally transparent about this hiatus being a time where I'll be taking things a little bit slower, yet I'll still be writing. TFS is my love and passion, but also my outlet that I work on each day, if not for many hours a day when I have time. Because of this work ethic paired with your support/kindness that motivates me further, I'm nearing a word count milestone that I hope to crush (devour) by the end of this year. (Adding in choices and hidden scenes helped me get there even more quickly.) My stringent writing pace is something I'm respectfully proud of that I hope you see reflected in what I'm able to share/tease each month alongside our alpha drops. This hiatus is to recharge after family health woes and because I have been ceaselessly carving away at Book Two's outline since the first book's release… Except I'm still going to be carving at it, just with a few breaks for once and possibly baking/gaming/ time with family.
Me 🤝Fernweh's Ouroboros
That's me, but let's get into how this impacts you!
I will be pausing billing at the end of the month. Once this pause is in effect, you won't be charged on your normal date in December, but you will remain a TFS patron. The Patreon is still up and running as usual, just no charges.
We'll essentially be chilling together in December without our usual Content Schedule of posts. (I'll likely have a few fun things to share though. 😎)
If you pay on a later date in the month, like the 27th of November, that's fine! Your payment then gives you access to the rest of November's content all the way through until January 27th. There is no missing out, just a wait that everyone is going to go through in December until I surprise you with something because I want to tease thrilling content and/or check-in.
If you have questions, here's a Patreon article meant to be read by creators about pausing billing, so it's comprehensive but from our perspective rather than a patron's. Again, I value transparency, but more importantly, I have respect for you as a reader offering support to me. 🥰
You can ask me about this too!
The main takeaway that outshines the billing aspect is: 'hiatus' doesn't equal 'bad'. I'm sometimes guilty of viewing breaks that way when lost really deep in writing. This announcement stoking any worry in you as a 'reader' of TFS is what stresses me more than 'patrons' dipping and then coming back later or not at all. So, please let me reassure you that Book Two will be worked on. The amount I've been able to accomplish thanks to your support, of course, but also thanks to your genuine care for Fernweh is truly staggering. I'm looking forward to conquering a milestone during this time, while taking it slower will feel weird, honestly. But I think it'll be good for me and for the series in the long-run. 💚
We have more content ahead, including 'Friendsgiving' which might make you smile and laugh at some of B's observations. (They're valid. 🥰) R's birthday is steadily approaching, although I'm personally eyeing 'Bloodletting'. 🩸
[Spoilers Ahead!]
Here's an excerpt from Book Two:
The Waiter
"It's my past, not yours."
Punctuating that statement by yanking your hand away would've made it more effective; instead, you barely displace Mal's fingers. He doesn't seem to actively notice your attempt, still watching you with a knowing sort of empathy that's irritating. Yes, he's so aware of everything! Good for him, but it's horrible for you while struggling in this town.
"…You're right."
Your eyebrows raise at Mal's quiet agreement that's paired with him releasing you. It's intentionally measured, letting you feel how his grip almost mechanically retracts. "I am," you spitefully agree. "How does it feel to be in the dark for once? It's unpleasant, right?"
"When it comes to you, I'm used to it."
The Waitress
"It's my past, not yours."
Punctuating that statement by yanking your hand away would've made it more effective; instead, you barely displace Mal's fingers. She doesn't seem to actively notice your attempt, still watching you with a knowing sort of empathy that's irritating. Yes, she's so aware of everything! Good for her, but it's horrible for you while struggling in this town.
"…You're right."
Your eyebrows raise at Mal's quiet agreement that's paired with her releasing you. It's intentionally measured, letting you feel how her grip almost mechanically retracts. "I am," you spitefully agree. "How does it feel to be in the dark for once? It's unpleasant, right?"
"When it comes to you, I'm used to it."
What's interesting is that this can happen while romancing them. 👀💔
Thank you for your support. Wishing you all a lovely and safe weekend! 🥰💚
Comments
I am back from my work trip, which means I have my recipes! Here is the Chocolate Gingerbread Cookie recipe (for anyone who wants to try them): Ingredients: - 2 1/4 C flour (all purpose -- if you have self-rising, exclude the baking soda) - 1 tsp baking soda - 2 tsp ginger - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1/4 tsp cloves - 1/4 tsp nutmeg - 1/2 tsp salt (if using salted butter, exclude this) - 1 Tbsp cocoa powder - 8 Tbsp (one stick) butter - 1/2 C brown sugar - 1/2 C molasses (NOT strap back molasses) - 1 C chocolate chips - *recommended but not required, 1/2 C candied ginger, diced Instructions: - Preheat your oven to 350F/175C - Mix those dry ingredients in a bowl -- whisk or fork, whatever floats your boat. It's gonna smell so good. - HIGHLY RECOMMEND a stand mixer to cream the butter with that sugar and then the sweet sassy mollasey. - Add the dry ingredients to the creamy ingredients; it's going to be not super soft. It is still gingerbread. - Gently mix or fold in your chocolate chips and recommended candied ginger - Make yourself some cookie shaped dough pieces - Bake those cookie shaped dough pieces for 10-12 minutes - Try not to eat them immediately
dasburnfrau
2024-11-22 14:45:26 +0000 UTCI keep seeing people mention the Mal snippet and I get it, but the Fear that went through me at having to choose who to ride with in the JR route?? What do you MEAN? Are my boys okay??? Lydia is too anxious for this she may combust on the spot. On the other end: I hope you enjoy your break! You've given us so much content and deserve a break from it all.
NekitaKickIt
2024-11-18 18:27:51 +0000 UTCHadn’t read this far in the comments yet. Well, at least Dean told Reese that he was scary hot & liked him being scary hot. American Psycho Reese will be fine. In fact, now I’m thinking about Reese re-enacting a certain scene from the movie involving wearing *only* shoes while wielding an axe. Running around the mansion instead of a penthouse. Any chance of a secret Reese-Mal poly route? They might work as murder husbands?
Stephanie
2024-11-17 04:19:23 +0000 UTCA forking in semi-self defense does demonstrate a certain viciousness that far exceeds throwing a punch, plus his attitude was kinda giving me American Psycho vibes just a wee bit. Like he’s on the very edge of crossing that line if he felt it needed to be crossed. Which is why I could see Mal being a trigger causing him to cross it. But on the flip side, there’s the Mal 🚩 lurking between the lines that feels like he’s making a choice, maybe even a concerted effort, to not reveal his inner demon(s) & darkest (dangerous) desires. When I read the descriptions of his eye color, I’m always reminded of 2 equally dangerous things: demons & Hannibal Lector & since Mal appears to disdain Reese as rude (at best), it makes the Lecter eye color comparison more alarming given how Hannibal Lector dealt with those he considered rude. I suppose you did say no “legit murder” which in my SPN angstified / X-Files trust no one mindset, that’s a helluva “very bad things shall befall your beloved(s)” loophole. 🪤🚩❤️🔥 I’m not saying I’m totally against the angst, but def need the hurt to come with a side of comfort cuz my feels are a little fried (ok a lot fried) & I’m gonna need Reese to stay put! lol ❤️🩹
Stephanie
2024-11-17 04:00:51 +0000 UTCMain takeaway: more James in his Clark Kent glasses = too hot, hot damn! 👓❤️🔥 Um ok new question. Since ‘Bloodletting’ is kinda AU-TFS & it seems like you just implied Reese is getting a b-day boy reprieve this month… I know it’s vampires & angst - but Bella didn’t end Edward in Twilight & sure there was a little attempted murder between Louis & Lestat, but… so no AU MC ending AU RO, right? 🪤⚰️🩸❤️🩹
Stephanie
2024-11-17 03:12:41 +0000 UTCAlways welcome! Breaks are essential. Taking breaks will help with creative endeavors and will support the healthy life-balance flow. And, yes, milestone is a big reason to get that sweet, sweet break and enjoy time for yourself. You've got that DA to go through to your heart's content and I hope you enjoy it to the fullest! (Pls take the time to ease off work pls T_T) The unique position of Mal in Fernweh makes me wonder what kind of role they have since you mentioned in previous posts how they've been 'forgotten' by MC because of 'trauma' (if I recall that post correctly, I believe it's on tumblr) and since they aren't really a part of the gang (which echoes in some of their writings with envy? jealousy? mockery?), their role must be a big one despite them being a 'server/waiter' at Fernweh Diner. I thankfully know that Zarina's not going to judge Mal because of the rules and supernatural aspects, instead being understanding albeit still tense because /she/ needs to find answers. On Mal route too? Oh, it's going to bother her solely because she can see Mal is giving her /some/ answers through those games, avoiding straightforward answers. IT'S GOING TO BE GOLD. Alex is so proud of it lol. Like SOOO proud of it, bless them for pushing thru and being like 'BUT THE POTENTIAL!!' Because damn they were right. THEY WERE RIGHT!! Mal was waiting for the amber-eyed Moon to finally make the [right choices] and put her trust in them. And when she does? It clicks so fast, Aelsa, I cannot explain how it snowballed and how they're matching. ALSO YOU WERE THINKING ABOUT THEM BEFORE?! OH MY GOD?! MalRina got approval of the Queen Aelsa. Zarina connects the dots based on the previous events and Mal continues to show their trustworthiness despite the knowing self. (She wants to know, she needs to know; they know too much and with ???'s terrorizing her dreams and then Narcissa/Doppel being in her dreams? She's diving in for Mal route in both Book 1 and Book 2 for this one. The run Mal waited patiently fr). The trust that comes in and the dot connection are so insane for them, I'm so excited where this route goes. Esp with them both being red flags and concentrating on each other (Rina's just got her gang to worry about too). I'm glad it made you laugh haha. She began with horny and ends up with softening for Mal and going surprise pikachu face at their softness. This new dynamic is going to shake me so hard and I cannot wait to go insane. So far, she got Mal's proud smile and got the 'flawless' victory in hangman. Absolute insanity. (ok im done i promise lol)
Renata G.
2024-11-16 22:23:07 +0000 UTCAbsolutely vibrating with excitement over here from all the tidbits in this comment. Confirmed more glasses J! Kind R!? More Bloodletting?!!!! But most importantly, Jane art, Jane art, Jane art! 🤩
galpal95
2024-11-16 20:03:30 +0000 UTCYou know Morgan so well but you also know me well enough to know imma go through all the choices too so I am prepared to hurt 😭 I want ice cream and hugs though. It is easier said than done, and it is definitely easier to tell people it's a good thing than to do it yourself so I am definitely with you lol. Fingers crossed for the milestone! You are so close. Yes ma'am 🫡 every option shall be tried out.
three of eight
2024-11-16 18:12:55 +0000 UTCThank you for your kind words! I'm also so grateful and happy that you've been impressed by my content output. 💚There is even more in store once we're back in the swing of things. Please have a lovely December too, Kimmy! 🥰
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:06:47 +0000 UTCThank you, Ren! 🥰 My nerves about announcing this and actually choosing to slow down a tiny bit were certainly soothed after reading your sweet comment. It will be a shift, but having the milestone still gives me focus and a drive to be able to come back and tell you all I crushed it (yes, while still taking breaks. I'll learn.) I love the Mal and MalRina buzz and theories. (For Alex swaying you into trying it: 🪻🪻🪻) The Mal talk influenced which snippet I shared, especially since this choice option is interesting while romancing Mal because it shows some conflict/tension that can come about due to Mal's unique position in Fernweh. You can also be understanding about it, of course, or go in a sweet direction. It is just one of many options to consider for your Returning Visitor. I do like that Zarina got Mal's proud smile though! :D Low-key I was thinking about the two of them together before seeing and understanding why Zarina would be more like *kill bill sirens* given her life, so it's interesting to see how/why she connects to them once deciding to be intrigued and try to learn more. (Also, 'I'm going to fuck that server' made me laugh. She's valid though before Mal's softness was like a surprised pikachu meme moment.) I hope you have fun with this new dynamic! 🥰💔
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:06:34 +0000 UTCThat's a good question! Your emoji usage is also on point Stephanie. 🤝😁I have a particular scene between them that's been living rent free in my mind due to its intensity, but to reassure you, there probably won't be any legit murder-murder. They're both intense personalities. We'll have to see what happens. Mal has a certain deceptive strength and knowing quality, yet R has been shown to hone in on weak spots and strike with a certain cruelty when needed. Interesting! ❤️🖤
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:06:19 +0000 UTCI would love your chocolate ginger cookie recipe if you have time to share it! 🍫No worries or pressure though. My grandmother was over yesterday for my mom's birthday, so I mentioned what you said and she was instantly like: 'Oooh, yum.' This time of year is packed with birthdays and holidays for us. My mom's birthday (15th), my birthday (24th), Thanksgiving, grandmother's birthday (12th December), etc. so that lends itself to small family gatherings. So far we have planned: 1. Chocolate seep cake (that was yesterday) 2. Something else? 3. Possibly chocolate trifle (the recipe for that is on here) 4. I personally might want to make a pumpkin pie while it's still sort of fall, but I tend to bake for others rather than myself. Pumpkin > sweet potato imo. 5. Chocolate torte (a pecan shortbread-like crust, chocolate pudding mousse layer, and then a cream cheese + whipped cream topper that's slightly tart and creamy.) 6. Chocolate di sognia (similar to the Carraba's dessert, but brownies, chocolate mousse, fresh whipped cream.) That's on the docket for now with thankfully all of these freezing well since there are four of us (five, if counting Midnight). My grandmother and mom are chocolate fanatics. Thank you for asking and offering to share! Hope you're staying warm.
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:06:06 +0000 UTCThe cupped, give hands for J's calendar are perfect! R's reaction is an interesting one that I'm eager for JR-mancers to take notice of because yes, 'too hot, hot damn' @ J but also R makes a kind offer that's worth a double-take. 👀There will be more J in glasses scenes in the series, especially after R's and/or the MC's reactions to them, lol. It pained me to write some of the harsher scenes with Rosie, though the fact that she can and will hold her own made it easier. She doesn't take anyone's shit, but is noticeably different around R and Lois due to their shared past. Your reasoning for being sweet to Rosie has me all: 🥰. Quite a few choice options will shed more light on her bond with R, so I hope she will be endeared to those who like R. Technically, I maybe didn't end 'Bloodletting' in this part even though the writing itself is lengthy with more revelations and angst that turns bittersweet. 😇 It's a treat because this is R's birth month, so I didn't want to go for the jugular yet. Thank you so much, galpal! 💚Your well wishes along with what you said about me being a beast at writing are more reassuring than you know. I hope you also have a lovely holiday season too. (I commissioned some epic Jane art that I'll probably be releasing during December, if not January, so please be on the lookout for that since I know she's your main wife. Her eye color in particular reminds me of this time of year, pine needle green.🌲)
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:05:45 +0000 UTCI would join you in staring out the window after Mal says this, especially the last line that's like: 'Oh... oh." Dw, I bet Morgan will select the soft option that will let you learn something else; with Mal, each option tends to tease at /something/. But Morgan's will be more like: 🥰🍦🥺🫂 unless they're too shaken by smthn. Thank you! I'm right there with you with it being easier said than done. Writing during it and having the milestone to work towards makes it a bit less nerve-wracking for me to switch gears. (I know you get me with this aspect too.) Please replay it. That section, my goodness, so much is in there from little shifts to massive ones! It's still in editing/play-testing at this point because of its size, but I can't wait for you all to dig into it. 🍝
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:05:18 +0000 UTCI'm so excited for you to read those JR scenes in particular because I have a feeling you'll be riding with J given what I know of Alex. 👀 (One of the choice options that predicate this scene was written with them in mind. I'll see if you pick it later!) I can almost hear how you said Rosie's name, and I'm living for it. Lmao, your ship has a chance to start sailing in this section based on what you say to Rosie that can illuminate her past bond with Lois. For Alex in particular, their retrocognition ability will let them get an extended scene of a phone call between Lois and Rosie that the other abilities won't unlock. Each one gets something different, of course, but yours will likely fuel your shipping ambitions for them. *Stares back at you being a R + Mal mancer before looking off into the distance at a variation Kay will get versus yours that's going to be a gut punch, but it's fair* (It's subtle angst that gets angstier the more you think about it!) We'll both remember you said that about R taking a life, not like that's going to come up or anything. 😏 I'm kidding, maybe? Either way, I love how you'll stand by them with their handkerchief at the ready. (A hot bath might do them more good even if they probably wouldn't get messy; it depends on the circumstances since sometimes R will go full out if at a certain point or if you trigger something.) It's a really unique choice because of what happens prior to it. I was wondering what I should select to share before recalling the Mal conversation and deciding to twist the knife and heighten the intrigue. There is a lot going on in that section; it will likely be dropping in January though with how editing/staggering is going! 💚 Thank you so much for your reassurance and kindness, Alex! 🥰💚
Aelsa Trevelyan
2024-11-16 18:04:56 +0000 UTCHave a good break! Ive been seriously so impressed with your content output you absolutely deserve a restful and a fully enjoyed December!
Kimbo jimbo
2024-11-15 21:06:13 +0000 UTCAelsa, I'm so glad you're taking a break. You've been working non stop on all the contents for SO LONG!! I hope that you'll have an incredible time resting and I cannot wait to see what you mean by hanging out and chilling. It'd be so fun, knowing you haha :3 (pls get that DA:V!! i hope you enjoy it!!) also I LOOOOVE how yesterday we went insane about Mal and MalRina in the Discord server(s) and BOOM!!! MAL SEGMENT THAT MAKES ME WANT TO EAT DRYWALL I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEM. It hurts me to think that Mal may not be CAPABLE of saying/answering some questions and it's just??? I get MC here too for sure. Also you say it can happen when ur romancing Mal, I am looking respectfully +_+ (I'm sorry u gotta deal with me now talking about Mal now too AND MalRina wow thanks Alex /affectionate).
Renata G.
2024-11-15 19:25:57 +0000 UTCMal & Reese won’t murder each other, right? Maybe light stabbing but no final death? Right? … 🚩❤️🔥 🪓☕️🍟🍴☠️🤞😅
Stephanie
2024-11-15 17:01:21 +0000 UTCWhat will you be baking? If you need a recipe for chocolate ginger cookies, hit me up!
dasburnfrau
2024-11-15 16:13:05 +0000 UTC‘Sexy’ calendar of my dearest??? 🤲 I’m sure R. is gonna act super normal about that lol. J. should wear their glasses just for R. (and MC, let’s be honest) 😌 Also, being rude to Rosie??? I could never! 😭 Especially because she’s so important to R. 🥺 Not ready for the end of Bloodletting tbh. I’m not prepared for something to happen to my beloved R. they don’t deserve it 🥺 Enjoy your hiatus, Aelsa! I hope the holiday season will be kind to you and you’re family. You’re an absolute beast when it comes to writing, but I’m glad you’re taking time for yourself. Also, congratulations on nearing your milestone! 🎉
galpal95
2024-11-15 14:45:05 +0000 UTC*me staring out the window, a far off look in her gaze, after reading that Mal snippet* December sounds positively chill. Always here for taking breaks and slowing things down and taking care of yourself as and when needed. (Though whether I do those things also is neither here nor there lmfao, but I get it easier said than done so respect for doing it). I'm so excited for the dinner lmao. I know I'll be replaying with multiple choices just to see differences.
three of eight
2024-11-15 14:32:42 +0000 UTCYESSSS im so excited for those JR scenes!! A calendar you say? 👀 also Rosiiiieeee!! Im so curious about her bond with R (and Ms V, i want my ship to sail 🤭) Also R thinks we're fated???????? Theres no limit for my love for them is there.... they cant keep getting away with this (Dont worry R, you and Alex are basically soulmates in every route, platonic or not 🥰) Stares as a R/Malmancer 🧍♂️ "R is worried you may regret something that happened, if not fault them." NOOOO BABYYYY I WOULD NEVER FAULT YOU FOR ANYTHINGGG. R could kill someone in front of me and i would hand them their handkerchief to clean up the blood (im just kidding) (they wouldnt be that sloppy) Stares at that Mal snippet too..... 👁👁 i dont want to pick it but knowing Alex... they definitely would say that ☠️☠️☠️ <- tired regret of the person who created them 🤣 Also enjoy your hiatus Aelsa!!! You deserve a break 🫡 you've been working so hard all year We're too snared in Fernweh to be stopped in one month 🤣 Take care!!! 💜💜💜
alex
2024-11-15 14:18:29 +0000 UTC
