Ask the Ruminerds; One Punch Bun?

 

Joel: You mean One Punch Ram?

Megumi: Maybe they are from a place where it's mistranslated...

Gus: it'd be hard not to notice the main character has ram horns and wool...

Megumi: *Shrugs* Don't look at me, I'm not a mammanga translator...

Gus: I watched some of the Animalme, but kinda fell off...

Vernon: I haven't picked up any new Animalme since...*shakes head* Prolly since Paige was born? Maybe sooner...Edi's gotten into some...but we haven't really watched any together yet...

Broomie: I'm more of a western comic guy...seems like a cool series though.

Joel: I started reading the Mammanga a few issues in. Stayed with it for a while but kinda dropped off reading it for new Mammanga...Then I had a brief return to it when the Animalme adaptation came out. But I kinda fell off again waiting for new seasons.

Megumi: I tend not to watch a lot of Mammanga adaptations, if only because the story is the same in the books, and by the time the Animalme comes out I'm several arcs ahead...I did watch One Punch Ram for a while though, as like My Hero Alpacadamia, the heavy action element is lent to Animalme...fight scenes are a visual treat.

Joel: That said, it's a good series...I plan to get back into it eventually...

Megumi: Same. I've even weaned myself off the Mammanga so by the time I get back to the show, I'm hoping it will be past the point I've read...

Joel: So that'll be about 20 years from now for the both of us, if we're lucky. *Chuckles*

Found Ask; Marcus and Aiko the Duelet-ists

 

Megumi: If you please, I wish to...say something, but I worry it might...upset some of you? Is it okay? 

Zach: *Looks to Vanna uneasily* W-Well...

Lucero: You are among company that doesn't balk at much Miss Gomipa, I doubt you will offend anyone present. 

Joel: You haven't heard her when she's mad...*Chuckles* She swears like a sailor.

Megumi: *Huffs* I'm not cursing Baka! I just mean that my Animanglish isn't the best, and well, I do not want to make uncomfortable Marcus' parents.

Vanna: *Winces slightly* I'm sure it's fine Megumi...please...

Megumi: Well...my family has always been very...passionate? Is that the right word? 

Joel: *Nods*

Megumi: Emotional too. Rageful energy is sort of...directly intertwined with love, and it mani- mani-...Manifestos?

Joel: Manifests. Spree killers write manifestos.

Megumi: Ah, right...my point is, we Gomipa's are prone to passionate displays, and getting worked up in regards to competing with those we care deeply for...It is like a flirt...

Zach: *Winces* So yer sayin' that...

Megumi: Aiko must really have a strong crush on your son to show him such a raw, passionate side of herself...it was the same with me and Joel, and it was the same with my parents who met at a trading card dueling tournament. When we have a crush...that crush can draw the fire out of us so strongly it's amazing we don't simply burn away...

Lucero: *Chuckles softly* That's probably one of the most adorable things I've ever heard...

Pascha: It really is cute. *Cooes in delight*

Megumi: The fact that she can bring that out of him too...the way they perform with one another...it's just, it is evident to everyone. 

Joel: Even if they aren't aware of it...

Megumi: *Swoons slightly* Just like a classic Animalme...Cubhood friends growing up together, growing closer, all without realizing just what those building feelings are despite everyone around them being so aware...ahh...Kawaii...

Zach: *whines* Alright, I don't think I wanna hear anymore! *turns to leave*.

Vanna: *Places a paw on Zach's shoulder to stop him.* Zach...Please...

Zach: What, I don't have to listen to this! *huffs, crosses his arms* Why can't they just be friends, huh!? Why is everyone so determined to fix 'em up?!

Pascha: Zach, dear, you know that not a one of us intends to try and force something that isn't there...but...

Zach: But what!? *huffs* 

Lucero: If you can't see it, you are being willfully blind my son. Whether it means they will go on to date, or agree to remain friends, there are clear feelings there that they need to address...

Zach: B-But-!

Megumi: Excuse me, but you do not have a problem with your son dating beyond his species, yes?

Zach: Pff-Wha?! O' course not, that's rid-!

Megumi: Red Pandas then? Perhaps you do not like them?

Zach: I AIN'T SPECIEST!

Megumi: Then what is the problem?

Zach: I jus-! I-! *Zach's ears sag as the wolf lets out a defeated whine* I...I've barely gotten a chance to be Marcus' Pa...and he's growin' up so quick...and I...

Vanna: Goofball? 

Zach: *Whines* Zach datin' is the start of him...really growin' up...and movin' on and out of our lives...*Sniffles* A'for long he ain't gonna have any use fer his 'ol 'mam...I'll just be gettin' in the way... *Zach leans into Vanna's side, whining*

Vanna: *kneels, wrapping Zach in her arms and nuzzling gently against his head fur.* Zach....is that what this is all about?

Zach: *The wolf whimpers* I-I mean I stand by what I said about not...forcin' stuff...what'll happen between them two will happen...but...fer the most part...I just...*sobs* I've just barely gotten to know my son, he's just finally gettin' comfortable bein' a Hunter and now...iffin' he starts datin' it's just...the beginnin' of us all driftin' apart...

Lucero: *Walks over, placing a paw on Zach's shoulder and drawing the wolf's attention* Zach, just because Marcus is growing up, doesn't mean he'll love you any less...

Pascha: *Joins her mate, wrapping an arm around Lucero's waist.* And he'll certainly want and need you in his life just as much, if not more as he grows...and if our family, as well as the Hunter pack is any indication, he will always be close with you, Vanna, and the rest of us.

Megumi: First love is a very hard part of life...he will need your advice now more than ever Zach. Even I, as an adult, still go to my parents when need advice on my relationship with Joel.

Joel: And I'd do the same if I knew my actual parents...still my aunt makes a pretty good surrogate. She will always be the mother that raised me, and I will always be tight with her...womb to the tomb mam'...

Zach: *Offers a weak smile, pawing at his eyes...* Y-y'all think so?

Vanna: *Grasps Zach's Muzzle and draws it to face her, looking into Zach's eyes and flashing him an affectionate smile* I know so...

Zach: *Sniffles harshly before giving Vanna a kiss* O-okay....I-I ain't over it...but...th-that helps...th-thanks Kitten...

Vanna: You're welcome Goofball...and you know I'll be by your side to listen, and help you get through this...

Zach: *Hugs Vanna tightly* A-And I'll be by yer side too Darlin'...we're in this together...

Megumi: All this said...have you had that...talk with Zach yet? 

Zach: *Pales slightly* Well I-...

Lucero: Considering how close they got during their last 'Duelet', it might be best to cover that sooner rather than later...

Joel: The chance for hybridism between them is probably super low, which is even more of an incentive to have lots of unprotect-.

Zach: OKAY! *Zach stands up again, and begins to bolt* NOW I'M REALLY DONE WITH THIS CONVERSATION! *The wolf takes off, bolting out the front door of the ranch.

Vanna: *Stands up, and begins chasing after her mate.* ZACH, WAIT! *Stops at the screen door and glares back at the others.* Thanks for that by the way, he was actually calm for a few seconds there before you put the fear back into him...*Shakes head and leaves*

*Lucero and Pascha flash Joel a soft, but judgemental glare*

Joel: *Rolls his eyes* Oh come on, he's a teenager! We all know how teenagers think!

Found Ask; Kartakkan Aristocracy Voice

 

Zach: Well...it doesn't happen too often...but...it does happen...sorta like a switch goes off in the boy's brain without him even realizin'...sorta like to opposite of Xavier's fancy legal voice...

Xavier: What about my legal voice?

Zach: Well, it ain't exactly a secret that y'all have gone well and far out of yer way to beat back that North Meadowland's drawl.

Xavier: This is true, but it's a proven fact that having a 'drawl' sort of paints an expectation of you...

Malcolm: That yer a country dullard?

Xavier: *Sweats slightly* I-I mean, I know it's not true, but you know how mammals tend to be...and with being a wolf it can be hard to get mammals to take you seriously as is. 

Malcolm: No need to get flustered Fluffybuns...I know that drawl discrimination all too well...I'm just glad I wasn't aimin' fer a job that required soundin' smart or I'd be tryin' to paddle up the river o' life without an oar like 'ol Vernon was with architecture. *Chuckles*

Zach: Yer also real book smart, you were since y'all were a pup. And that's only gotten...well more pronounced with yer career choice when it comes to how you talk...

Xavier: Right...

Zach: But every so often, when y'all get flustered er' upset, that Meadowland's drawl just comes right outta left field, like a sucker punch. 

Malcolm: *Snickers* It's true! It's the cutest thang! One minute it's all "I'm certain I'll be able to handle a task as simple as mixing together a bowl of fresh oatmeal and fruit." *Malcolm puffs his chest, doing his best 'Xavier impression'*. Then a few minutes later he's all like "I can't do nothin' right! It's dang oatmeal!! Sweet Sawgrass! Why can't a cook worth a damn!?" *Laughs*

Xavier: *Adjusts his spectacles, looking rather uncomfortable* Well...I-I'm not proud of it, but I won't deny it I suppose. As I've said before, you can take the wolf out of the North Meadowlands, but you never quite can get the North Meadowlands out of the wolf...*Sighs* No matter how hard you try. *Shakes head*

Malcolm: *Kisses the side of Xavier's muzzle* Aww, no need to get pouty Darlin'...like I said, it's real cute...but so's yer fancy talk...

Xavier: Thanks dear...still, where was this going Zach?

Zach: Well, the whole reason I mentioned it, is 'cause Marcus has the opposite problem...slowly but surely the boy's been leanin' into the drawl more and more...but iffin' he gets worked up...usually when dealin' with bullies er' what not, the fancy talk and insults come out. *Chuckles*

Xavier: My, my, really?

Zach: *nods*, Not that he tries to tamp it down in those situations I think...it's more that he seems to go into a...sorta 'negotiator' er...' mediator' mode. Like it's second nature fer him to try and...talk folks into a peace agreement when things get sketchy...

Xavier: Well, sounds like your son could be looking at a very prosperous career as a police negotiator...*Chuckles* At least, I'm sure that's how our father feels about it...

Zach: *Laughs* Oh don't let Pa here y'all or he'll start all over again...Don't get me wrong, he ain't pressurin' Marcus, but he will absolutely talk my ear off about that 'potential'. *Shakes Head* I'm always like 'Pa, just let the boy enjoy his lil' band fer a few more years before he starts considerin' what he really wants to do...' We're still tryin' to train him outta doin' constant chores outta habit.

Xavier: *Chuckles* Old habits die hard I suppose...

Vanna: *Pulls up in squad car with her parents in tow.* Hello everyone...did we miss anything?

Zach: Ah, Kitten! *Zach leans up to kiss Vanna's cheek.* Y'all arrived just in time, we was anserin' one of them questions Dawn sends 'er way from time to time...lotta stuff about Marcus.

Vanna: Oh? Nothing too personal I hope? You do know some of his friends listen to Dawn and Vernon's couples podcast...even if they are probably a bit too young for it...Aiko I'm almost positive is an avid listener.

Zach: *Gives Vanna a serious stare* Darlin', y'all know I would never embarrass my boy in public!

Vanna: *Crosses her arms* That's he's aware of *Mutters quietly*

Zach: *Chuckles* Anyway, yeah Ma's method o' healin'....either when it comes to herself, er' the rest of us, involves serious hug therapy...

Vanna: *Reads Question* It wasn't quite two hours...but near enough *Vanna Smirks* Not that my own parents are much better...

Lucero: And what's wrong with showing our grand kitten affection? The Felidea family is a passionate pack, we wear our hearts on our sleeves! *Laughs boisterously.*

Vanna: *Grimaces slightly* 

Pascha: *Gives her daughter a gentle hug* You can still have a big heart without being the best at expressing it sweetie, you know that...

Vanna: *Tries to hide a soft smirk.* I-I know Mom...

Lucero: That said, learning of what Marcus went through, I mean, we certainly went through the motions in a similar fashion to the Hunters...I know I certainly gave the boy a long, tight hug...

Pascha: And nearly broke his ribs in the process! *Pascha Scolds* 

Lucero: S-sorry my Love...I just...I was very emotionally moved at the time...

Pascha: *Chuckles* I know, I know...just try to be mindful that most of our immediate family is not equipped to handle the full strength of a tiger, especially one as virile as you are...lest I remind you of Zach's pelvic fracture?

Vanna: M-MOM! *Vanna looks to Zach in horror, blushing intensely*

Zach: *Eyes wide in shock and horror.* KITTEN!, Y'all TOLD HER!?

Xavier: *Chuckles* Well, well...and here I was led to believe pelvic fractures were purely Wade's territory...This is almost as delightful as when we found out about those bite wounds and rope burns Yuri needed to have treated.

Vanna: *Flustered* I 'confided' in my mother! I-I'm sorry Goofball! I was just...I was terrified I really hurt you, a-and I couldn't talk to Mother Hunter about it...

Zach: *Whines* Great, now the whole world will know!

Vanna: *Trying to calm her mate* W-we can ask Dawn to redact that part...it's not like it's live...

Lucero: Relax Zach, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Loving a tiger is an intense sort of love, even between tigers...*Chuckles Knowingly* You aren't the only one who's sprained a hip during heat season...I should know, I'm a veteran.

Pascha: *Swats at Lucero Playfully* Oh Hush now! Don't you start bragging...

Lucero: And why not!? I wear those injuries with pride, a show of my love for my mate! *Chuckles* Which brings me around to my point about Marcus.

Zach: This!? How does this conversation lead y'all to our boy?

Lucero: Marcus' own scars...although I suppose calling for him to take pride in them might be...I'm not sure how tactful one could consider it. But those marks, they were caused by him standing up to his father, standing up for his people. From such a small boy, his courage would make even my father stand back in awe... This is why I say Marcus is a true tiger, he is one that has earned his stripes. And I suppose in that way it has changed how we interact with him...or how I do...because I don't just see my grandkitten, I see a mammal who is truly capable of doing great things. Beyond my grandfather's bias, he is truly a remarkable boy, and he will grow into a remarkable young tiger...er...human...

Pascha: *Sidles up to her husband, placing an affection paw on his chest* I could not have said it better myself my Love...and we are proud to be Marcus' grandparents.

Vanna: *Wraps an arm around Zach, the two exchanging warm smiles*

Zach: T-thanks you too...I'm sure Marcus would love to hear that...

Vanna: We're proud of him too....every day...*Chuffs warmly*

Malcolm: *Looks to Xavier, ears sagging slightly, his eyes puppy dog wide* Xaaavey....

Xavier: Wha-? Oh no...*Xavier's expression flattens* Let me guess...

Malcolm: I WAAANT ONE! *Whines, gripping Xavier's now crossed arms*

Xavier: *Sighs* Well, here's a discussion I wasn't looking to have today...*chuckles*

Ask Judy and Jenny; Year of the Rabbit!

 

Judy: Well, as I've mentioned before, the Hopps clan has Pandese roots. So naturally Pandese New Year has always had a place in our family to have a relatively modest celebration.

Jenny: Two New Year's parties for the price of one!  Wooo!

Judy: That said, this year's Celebration being a 'rabbit' year, not only had a massive turnout in regards to the various members of the Hopps clan coming home for the holiday, but Bunny Burrow did their own big celebration for it...well, I mean bigger than normal.

Jenny: It was as big as your average Carrot Days or Yule thing, with fireworks and all sorts of crap like that...Any other year and it'd be a ghost town...

Judy: That's understandable, most of the families in town are pure native North Mammalian rabbits, there's even less incentive to celebrate years that aren't 'rabbit-centric'.

Jenny: On a rabbit year, every rabbit has Pandese ancestry. *Laughs*

Judy: In regards to making the most of the rest of the year of the rabbit, I'm not planning anything too wild...aside from maybe using it as an excuse to *ahem* "persuade" Nick to pick up more of my paperwork or housework. *Snickers*

Jenny: Don't tell me you forgot about the discounts Judy! I've got more live shows set up for me and Gregg to check out this year than I could have ever afforded without the bunny discount!

Judy: *Laughs* Oh, right! Yeah, a lot of companies and shops and such tend to celebrate Pandese New Year by offering discounts and price cuts to whoever's species year it is. Admittedly, it's a little...I mean a lawyer could argue it's-.

Jenny: Discriminatory? 

Judy: Yeah...but it's sort of an old tradition, and not done with malice or an attempt to marginalize others, so the public doesn't really give it much thought...

Jenny: The discounts are generally pretty small, unless you're dealing with bunny-specific vendors...

Judy: Ah, which raises a point I forgot to mention. Those of you who aren't bunnies are probably thinking 'how does any store with bunny discounts manage not to go under during rabbit years considering the swelling rabbit population'? Well, most bunny businesses are created specifically to support the bunny population. 

Jenny: Essentially for every hundred dozen bunnies born, another several farms, clothing boutiques, etc crop up in response. 

Judy: We're very good at making sure supplies always meet demand. It's our second greatest talent...next to multiplying.

Judy and Jenny: *Snicker*

Ask the Blog; Happy New Year Wishes~!

 

Nick: Well this one got here pretty late huh? Tell me puff-and-stuff, you got any Yule well wishes letters hiding back there?

Dawn: *Winces* I'm sorry, really...we've been kind of...well...

Vernon: We've been havin' trouble keepin' up as o' late what with Paige and the pups...

Dawn: And the book tours, and the speaking engagements, and the podcast...

Nick: *Chuckles* Hey, hey, relax you two...I was kidding. 

Judy: We know you have a lot on your plate, and hey...sometimes stuff just slips through the cracks, right?

Dawn: I...suppose....*Adjusts glasses* Still, I wish we had a better grasp of keeping up with these more 'time-sensitive' submissions...

Vernon: Maybe we need to hire y'all an assistant?

Dawn: *Winces* Based on personal...experience, I think I'd prefer to avoid hiring on an 'assistant' thank you very much...

Ask Zach and Vanna; Bindian Religions Again?

 

Vanna: I'm not sure what more there is to tell between what my parents and I have already discussed for Dawn and Vernon's forum...aside from maybe the wedding ceremony?

Zach: Y'all mean the Leogna? Didn't we talk about that?

Vanna: Maybe? I mean if we did, we probably just talked about our wedding, which didn't use every aspect of your or my traditions in order to fit them together more smoothly, so it's not...a comprehensive take on a full Leogna.

Zach: Well...might as well tell 'em. Between deities, basic fundamental beliefs, and some of the holidays, I don't think we got anythin' else to lay out that ain't gettin' into a college course on the subject. *Chuckles*

Vanna: Well generally the traditions of a Bindu wedding vary from region to region, at least a lot of the surrounding celebrations do. But at its core, there are three fundamental stages. The Kanidyadanam, which was the act of my father giving me away to Zach and approving of our marriage.

Zach: That fit in real easy, as we already do somethin' similar with Norwulffish tithes and pack head approval. 

Vanna: The groom then ideally accepts the maidens paw, which Zach did. This is called the Pantheragrahana.

Zach: Then we did the steps around the fire and the knot thang right? Although the knot ain't a knot...

Vanna: Correct, the Mewgalasutra is referred to as a sacred knot, though it's really sort of a necklace the groom places on the bride to signify her status as betrothed. After that, we take seven steps around a fire, with each step uttering specific traditional promises to one another, and on the seventh step, we are considered irrevocably married.

Zach: That one was a bit awkward to mix together with the tithin' rite, as we kinda wanted both parts to conclude neatly in order to make us married er' tithed in the eye of both our belief systems and families in the same moment...but in the end we had to lean toward doin' the Pantheragrahana before the whole blood rite and final vows.

Vanna: *chuffing softly* Still it was a wonderful night...

Zach: *Clasps Vanna's paws in his* It really was my beautiful lil' Kitten...Y'all looked ...*Gets flustered* Ya'll were just stunnin' when y'all turned up in yer Lahenga...the lil' jewels glittered just as brightly as the stars in the sky...Although they still paled to y'all Darlin'...you was glowin'...

Vanna: *Blushes softly and looks away from her mate.* And you were so...handsome in your Sherwani...

Zach: I love you Kitten... *Zach kisses Vanna's paw sweetly* 

Vanna: I-I love you too goofball...

*Both Vanna and Zach appear momentarily lost in each other's eyes for a moment before snapping out of it*

Vanna: Oh! Right..*Blushes intensely as she draws back from Zach* I forgot to mention the outside ceremonies my family specifically held.

Zach: *Chuckles, sorting a blush of his own as he rubs the back of his head awkwardly.* Y-yeah, we nearly fergot...I was...I was thinkin' bout other thangs...*the wolf lets out a low, throaty laugh.*

Vanna: *Swats a playful paw at Zach as she tries to cover her beet-red muzzle with her other paw* Z-Zach, professionalism, please...

Zach: *Snickers* Alright, alright Darlin'....I'll be a good pup....fer the moment...*The wolf smirks mischievously.*

Vanna: *Holds a paw in his direction, apparently using it to block him out* My parents came out about a week before our tithe, and Ma and Pa Hunter had them stay in the guest rooms. While the rest of the Hunters didn't arrive until the weekend. During that lead-up, we made up for the traditional engagement ceremony they weren't present for, and there were many days of feasting.

Zach: They also dressed up our trailer to the nines with bright powder paints and flowers and lights...but that was after the weddin'...er' durin' I guess...somehow they pulled that off after we left fer the Ranch to prepare for the whole ceremony.

Vanna: That's our way of blessing the new family, as well as their home...speaking of, we're overdue to have my Mother and Father give our townhouse the same treatment...

Zach: *Chuckles* I'm glad they're willin' to do that...I still wish our house was done when we was tithed so they didn't have to go decoratin' that tin can of a trailer of ours...well Myra's now...

Vanna: *Cringes* Don't remind me...please...Not while I'm reminiscing Goofball...

Zach: Thankfully she was able to be fairly reigned in when she was at our weddin'...I think Pascha and Lucero were keepin' her on a tight leash...She did come on purty strong when she met Vern though...Vernon told me she was feelin' him up durin' the reception...

Vanna: *Groans, slapping a paw over her face* Not just Vernon...Trenton too...and Wade....even Ully...Thankfully she left Dorian and Yuri alone...probably because Dorian was tithed and Yuri had Ada with him then.

Zach: At least she's got standards... well...sometimes...*Chuckles*

Ask the Hunters; Religious Beliefs

 

Dorian: I think most of my pups largely take after us in terms of our religious beliefs...

Vernon: Yeah, we're probably all passive Volkinists...Norwulffish, whatever ya'll choose to call it.

Zach: 'Cept fer maybe Yuri...no offense little brother, but I mean, y'all spend a lot o' time crackin' off Native Wolf stuff.

Yuri: *Shakes Head* Just cause I like to throw around words like 'Ome-'.

Audrey: Ah! Ah! Ah! What did I say about usin' the 'O' word in this house?

Yuri: Aw c'mon now Ma! Ain't like I'm callin' any of these sorry sacks o' wolves around me an O-*Stops himself* Look, my point is, I use that stuff cause it gets under folks pelts, not cause I give it any real credence, okay!?

Trenton: That sounds about right. *Chuckles*

Dorian: Anyway, what they mean by 'passive volkinism' is that we follow rites fer big family events and uphold certain traditions. But it ain't like we're holdin' er' attendin' any services on full moon nights er' nothin'.

Wade: And a lot of us don't exactly pray all that often...to the Norwulffish gods I mean.

Yuri: I think the only one of us that breaks form is Ulric...I'd...honestly, I don't even know what to call that mutt...*Chuckles* I wanted to say he's one o' them atheists...but...*Rolls his eyes as if he's mulling things over.*

Xavier: His belief system tends to be in flux based on his current fixation...

Ulric: How many times do I have to say I am a 'TRUTH SEEKER', I seek "TRUTH', and when I find a newr, more compelling argument, I must pursue it!

Yuri: *Rolls his eyes* Here we go...

Zach: He does tend to gravitate back to that one really....weird obscure one though...that one that sound's like it's right out of a Loveclop novel?

Xavier: The space, tentacle thing? The one with the big eye?

Ulric: If you guys would just actually LISTEN to me for once, you would see that that 'things' filthy tendrils have left prints on every culture, in nearly every age of Zootopian history! It's merely modern historians who are trying to bury the lead as-!

Audrey: Honey, have you taken your medication today?

Ulric: I TOOK MY MEDICATION! GEEZE! Listen, he's-!

Vernon: I was gonna say, he tends to start talking about that thing when he's been off his meds for a while...

Ulric: YOU GUYS BROUGHT IT UP! Besides, that's when he....when I see him! That's why I know he's planning to try and set events in motion that will cause his avatar, a son, to be born on Animalia!

Honey: Ully, did you replace-? Uhg, yeah, he replaced the meds in his bottle with M&Ms again...*Clasp Ully's wrists with her strong badger paws, restraining him.* I've got backups in my bag, I'm going to take him to our room give him a dose.

Ulric: NO! NOOOO! I have to TELL THE WORLD! H-HONEY! *Honey starts dragging the wolf toward the stairs.* HOOOONEY STOOOOoooOOOP!*

Honey: OH, and before I duck out, I'm agnostic for the record. I believe there's something...just not sure what. *Is now easily dragging the struggling wolf away.*

Ulric: NOOOoooOOOO! *Voice and whining fades as he is dragged up the stairs and out of sight.*

Vernon: *Coughs* Anywho, yeah....uh...let's just pick it up from Honey's answer and move on to the gals...

Dawn: Well, I'm a passive Capridist I suppose. I do about the same amount of worship and prayer that the rest of the Hunters do when it comes to Volkinism, and upholding the traditional ceremonies. I do...believe in the Elysian fields, or heaven as a sort of basic catch-all, but I don't think I truly believe in any of my pantheon's specific gods...I just feel traditions are important and a nice thing to pass on to your lambs.

Vanna: I agree with Dawn, to some extent. Traditions are nice, and Binduist beliefs have a great many traditions I look forward to sharing with our...kittens *Blushes softly as she grips Zach's paw.* when we adopt. *Smirks* But the tenets of Binduism and the concept of Karma and Dharma are a great sort of...moral framework to live by, and pass on to your kittens.

Zach: *Smiles at his mate* I think so too, although the same could prolly' be said fer Volkinism, and Capridism...

Dawn: Yes, it's good to have a moral framework to live by, and instill in your lambs...

Trenton: *Leans in to inspect Zach and Vanna and smirks* Y'all too got awfully smiley when talkin' 'bout adoptin'....you two fixin' to finally...?

Vanna: *Retracts slightly, covering her muzzle to hide her growing blush* Well...I-I mean....

Zach: We've been talkin' about it a lot lately...and well...we're gonna start touchin' base with agencies next month...

Vernon: *Flashes the couple a wide, toothy smile* Well I'll be dipped! *Chuckles* No way! Yer fixin' to take up rearin' some pup's finally?

Vanna: *Still blushing* W-We've-We feel that we're finally ready to t-take that step.

Zach: Already talked to Pa privately about addin' the new pup's bedroom to the house...we're puttin' some foundation down next week.

Ada, Dawn, Qali, Malcolm and Audrey: *Various excited and girlish squealing*

Dawn: OOOH! I'm so happy for you guys! *Hugs Vanna's leg* If there is anything Vernon and I can do to help, letters of recommendation, anything, you don't even have to ask!

Vernon: I imagine a letter from us could make thangs real nice and smooth fer the whole process all things considered. *Chuckles*

Vanna: *Leans down and hugs Dawn, slowly the other Hunter gals and Malcolm pile on the hug, Vanna's blush only deepens as she tears up. *T-Thank you all...

Audrey: *Audrey turns to Dorian while hugging Vanna* And when was you fixin' to tell me this was happenin'!?

Dorian:*Holds up his paws defensively* I was sworn to secrecy! I swear! They had time constraints, so they had to tell me, but they wanted to tell y'all as a group when the time was right...

*The hug breaks up, and Auddey returns to Dorian's side, giving the older wolf a hug*

Audrey: Alright, I forgive ya Darlin'...*Audrey giggles, planting a kiss on Dorian's muzzle* Next time, y'all might not be as lucky...*Laughs*

*Dorian looks relieved, letting out and audible *phew* As he grips Audrey to his side.*

Vernon: Now 'er pups will finally have some cousins to play with. *Chuckles*

Ada: Dat's so great! I'm so happy for yas too! *Smirks at Yuri* Aldough it's gettin' me tinkin' I might be wantin' my own pups soon...

Yuri: *huffs and crosses his arms*  We got tithed last year fer cryin' out loud! We ain't doin' this now!

Ada: So later den? *Chuckles*

Yuri: *Growls* UGGGH!

Xavier: I think it would be better to give in now Yuri, Ada does seem to always win these sorts of discussions between you.

Malcolm: *Snickers* Best to stop strugglin' and ride the current out...

Yuri: Let's just get back on track already! *Snorts* Ada, tell them about your kooky religion...

Ada: *Rolls her eyes* Hey, don't take potshots at Zoodoo just cause youse know gonna lose dat pup fight.

Dawn: You practice Zoodoo? I thought the Sam Hain Costume your was last year was...well...

Ada: *Chuckles* A gag? Eh...a little from column A, a little from column B. My parents was passive Simboligsts, but me's, I couldn' jives with a religion dat frames all hyenas as evil...considerin' I was one...*Chuckles* 'Specially when I becames a moody teen...

Qali: So what is Zoodoo exactly?

 Ada: Eh...I ain't gonna bog ya downs wit da details. Clops notes voision is da Hyenas fleein' from South Afrikat to escape da treatment dere settled in Suddern Mammalia and da islands and sorta reinvented Simbology usin' a lot of 'non-canonical' texts and meshin' it with old Hyenyan Predganist religions. 

Dawn: Non-canonical...you mean...like Kovu?

Ada: Yeah, and reframin' da hyenas who was vilified unda Scar and puttin' dem' back into da whole 'cicle o' life' where day belong...aldough, we did put a hyena at da top of da pole. Dat would be Jasiri, da den mudder of us modern hyenas, and da goddess of death...

Giselle: She's a goddess of death...you don't see many that many religions with a death goddess at the top...

Ada: Wells, Hyenas as a species are verys intune wit death, I means, are ancestors was da undatakers of da wild...*Snickers*. Besides, she was balanced out by her mate Kion, God of life, and a lion a dat...a forbidden tryst...*Snickers*

Dawn: So do you still...I mean are you still-?

Ada: Eh...I'm passive about it now...more into it when I was a teen...back den I did spell rituals and stuff...no chicken sacrifices dough...wasn't willin' to go dat far...

Vanna: I was about to ask...

Trenton: As for Qali here, she's also a Volkinist...

Qali: My family bloodline trace back to Northern Roarope, and the way things were with foxes of all pelts at the time meant the Norwulves were going to be the only mammals who accepted us as equals...Naturally, my family's patron saint is Vulki! But we don't practice too deeply...

Trenton: It made things much easier durin' our own tithe...we didn't have to worry about meshin' anythin' into the frame work....no offense you guys...*Gestures to Dawn, Vern, Vanna and Zach*

Zach: Eh, we got along just fine...wasn't to hard...

Vernon: Same here, y'all and Gus did a great job mergin' two types o' ceremonies on such short notice. 

Xavier: We're in the same boat, Malcolm is also a passive Volkinist.

Malcolm: So we won't have any trouble at all durin' our tithe this Fall! *Laughs*

Vernon: Cheers to that! We're lookin' forward to it!

Wade: What about you Darlin' yer a Simbologist, right?

Giselle: Yes, my family was from Afrikat originally, and our species never really got a chance to have an organized religion of its own before the Pridelands took over. But like the rest of you I'm a passive worshipper, as are my parents...

Wade: Good thing too, 'er else we might run into some hiccups iffin' we ever got tithed... Simboligists are very anti-cross species tithin's and all...

Audrey: Iffin' yer ever gonna ask that gal, that is! *Laughs*

Wade: Aww MA! Don't start!

Ask the Ruminerds PLUS; Weirdopolis or Fictionpunk?

Vernon: Phew, that's a purty weird, wide net to be castin' in terms of who yer askin'...I mean, I'd expect a question like this fer me and the other Ruminerds...but Gazelle? And Finnick? I don't really even know that fella...

Dawn: I do know about Finnick quite well...but only by virtue of writing his and Gazelle's stories for my sequel book; "The Crosser Diaries". But other than that, I can't say I really...know him in a sense that was...well, I wouldn't say we're on "Nick and Judy" terms. Finnick seems like a very private mammal who doesn't like being bothered...and as for Gazelle, I'd feel weird to be bothering her with a question like this...no offense.

Nick: Afraid it's too small a question for her, or afraid she's gonna steal this guy's ideas and take them to some big movie studio? *Chuckles*

Judy: Nick, don't joke like that! Gazelle would never steal from someone!

Nick: The chapter on Gazelle's faun-hood in Dawn's book would beg to differ Carrots. And that's straight from the antelope's muzzle.

Judy: *Huffs and crosses her arms* Well that...um...I mean...look she doesn't now! And she did that to survive!

Gus: Adding to Dawn's 'no offense' remark, even if Gazelle wanted to steal an idea like that, I don't think she'd know who to take it to in order to sell it. Now me stealing one of these settings for a BnB campaign, that's far more likely. *Snickers*

Melly: *Raises and skeptical brow* Really? C'mon Gussie...You're better than that...

Gus: What!? It's not like I'd be selling it or something, it'd just be a space to play in for our group. If it wasn't for this little conversation with Dawn acting as a stenographer to post it on her and Vernon's 'dear tabby' blog, this hyena guy would never know I intended to use it.

Broomie: What makes you think he's a hyena?

Gus: 'Laugh'lin...with a surname like that, how can he not be?

Melly: *Lets out a snorting laugh* *Shakes her head* Gus, that was terrible...

Gus: *Smirks* It was worth it...

Megumi: Didn't he say his name was pronounced 'lawf'lin...?Why would that...uh...? I am sorry, I'm confused...

Joel: *Whispers in Megumi's ear.*

Megumi: *Eyes widen as realization washes over her.* *The little red panda begins laughing hysterically* Oh-HO-HO! HA-! LAUGH! Because H-hYena's laugh...you said his n-naHAHAme wrong on purpose as part of the joke! *Continues cackling*

Gus: *Flashes Joel a half-lidded gaze.* She really didn't get that?

Joel: *Smirks* She's very good when it comes to Zootopian and Animalian culture and humor in general...but every once and a while something doesn't get through the internal translator just right, and stuff like this happens....*Laughs* I do so love these little 'lost in translation' moments...

*Megumi's laugh trails off as the little panda wipes a tear from her eye.*

Megumi: *Phew*...I need to catch my breath...that caressed my ribs...

Gus: *Quirks eyebrow* Uh...what?

Joel: Tickled babe, the expression is 'tickled my ribs".

Dawn: We're getting way off track. Dustin wanted to know which of these if novelized, we'd rather read.

Gus: Allow me to reframe it for the group if you would Dawn? Guys, which of these settings would you rather play in?

Joel: Fiction Punk...

Megumi: Because you want to rub shoulders with your anime heroes...*Snickers* Or 'super simian Joel'...

Joel: *Places a hoof finger up to his muzzle and hushes Megumi loudly* You promised you'd keep that a secret! *Joel whispers to his mate*

Gus: Oh please, we all know about super simian Joel...we've seen your secret commission harvesting art page...

Joel: *Looks flustered* M-Megumi! You to-!?

Broomie: She didn't do anything, you left yourself logged into Gus BnB computer in the office and forgot to log out. And well...*snickers* There was no way I was gonna keep gold like that to myself.

Joel: *Huffs* I t-thought it was one of those...logs out from the guest systems on idle deals! *Snorts in irritation* CHIKUSHOU!

Gus: I'm voting Weirdopolis.

Vernon: Same...I feel y'all got more creative freedom with that one...with the fiction one y'all gotta...pull from cartoons and books and movies and such...I dunno if I'm keen in playin' in a world like that Ready Player One movie...and as a book...well, I mean I feel that Fiction Punk thang is better served by bein' in a visual medium.

Dawn: It's a difficult call with Fiction Punk...as much as I like it...if you lean heavily on established characters across media interacting you tend to end up leaning toward fan service, and it may hurt the concept...at the same time, a world of original characters, such as fake cartoon and book characters...well not only would you have trouble getting an audience if you didn't have one already...but you'd have to really work out exactly what makes different fictives stand apart from one another...like toony cartoons or superheroes, or...whatever else. Sort of like species traits...

Vernon: So...Weirdopolis?

Dawn: I'd vote Weirdopolis yes.

Melanie: I'd agree with the rest of you...the whole cryptids element really kinda hooks me in from the jump as I'm a bit of a 'conspiracy, urban legends, and cryptid' nerd.

Vernon: *Snickers* Don't let Ully hear you say that...

Melanie: *Laughs* I won't, believe me! I've heard their podcast...and seen their live streams... Ulric would give Alex Roams a run for his money.

Megumi: I do like the creepy and strange concept more...it seems very intriguing.

Joel: Oh sure! Everyone just vote me down! *laughs*

Vernon: What about y'all...I mean...I wager yer probably not interested in this kinda stuff...but...

Judy: As far as books go...I'd lean Weirdopolis...

Nick: As far as your little backroom fantasy games go, we'd go neither. *Chuckles* Though I'd say Fiction Punk would make for a good film...although...I'm not sure what you'd have to do to distance yourself from ol' Roger Rabbit...

Dawn: That's another fair point I guess...Not to discourage you, Dustin, please don't take any of this that way...they're both fun ideas! But if I'm forced to choose...

Nick: He asked for an answer, if he didn't like it, he shouldn't have pitched it to us in the first place.

Judy: Nick, be nice!

Nick: *Rolls eyes* Fine Carrots, fine...

Dawn: Perhaps I can get Gazelle's opinion sometime in the future, but for now I hope that is enough feedback for you Dustin. Good luck in your writing endeavors!

*The group falls silent for a moment*

Megumi: So...is he actually a hyena, or...?

Ask Padaprascha and Lucero; Bindu Gods

 

Padaprascha: Binsuims has many deities. So many that it even I would probably need to spend time researching to name and explain all of them.

Lucero: As we've mentioned before, Bindu's origin was a sort of an amalgam of local religions, beliefs, and deities. And the nature of Bunduisim, with its openness to adapting and absorbing portions of outside religions into itself, its theology has only been added to for millennia after it was initially founded.

Padaprascha: So for brevities sake, I'll just mention some of the key gods and goddesses my family kept me familiar with. First there's our primary god of creation Brahman, who is...unironically worshipped the least among Bindu practitioners. His consort, Simmrawati is the goddess of learning and creative endeavors, essentially arts and poetry and such...

Lucero: Next ones I can recall are Ursidnu, god of preservation, and the most involved of the gods with us mortals on Animalias. He's also the god that has the strongest connection to the concept of Dharma, and has interceded directly many times through incarnating on Animalia in order to maintain cosmic order.

Padaprascha: Good job my love. You recalled quite a bit more about Usidnu than I thought you would.

Lucero: *Chuckles* Well, it helps he's one of the 'biggest gods' in Binduism. Otherwise, I assuredly would only recall Tigra and Purravati.

Padaprascha: *Snickering* Of course you'd be best versed in the gods most commonly associated with our species. But before we get there, let me mention Lakshmaw, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty. She's also a bear.

Lucero: Moving right along we have Tigra, the god of destruction, which...should make his role in the grand scheme of things very apparent. His consort is Purravati, the godess of power, courage, and a little addendum there that she also represents fertility and beauty. 

Padaprascha: As a tiger, she has to steal a bit of the other god's thunder by representing some similar aspects of life.

Lucero: *Chuckles* As a tiger, she can do it better. As can Tigra. God of destruction and the goddess of power and courage...a true power couple if ever there was one. *Snickers*.

Padaprascha: By now you may have noticed a theme among the gods, each of the primary gods representing the birth, preservation, and death of the universe, and the stages of life to an extent. With their consorts representing an extension of those aspects. Though there are a few other gods that are sort of... ancillary?  if that is the right word?

Lucero: Essentially gods outside of the main set that holds a high prominence, that is what you were trying to say, right my dearest?

Padaprascha: Yes, exactly my love. And I have three deities on my mind that would be worthy of noting I think.

Lucero: If they are the gods I'm thinking of, they are certainly relevant, but considering their parentage, I can't help that I've always had some questions. *Snickers*

Padaprascha: A god of great importance that most outsiders know of, aside from Ursidnu and Tigra, would be Gompesha, the elephant god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles in one's life. He's quite commonly worshipped among Bindians. He's also the son of Tigra and Purrvati...

Lucero: Two tigers give birth to an elephant...that must have cause quite a stir. *Laughs*

Padaprascha: Well, apparently Ursidnu sired a camel who would be the god of love, so there's another species peculiarity.

Lucero: I suppose it's reasons like this why one must not take scripture as pure gospel...then again with the birth of Vanna's sister-in-law's hybrid kitten...perhaps Binduism was telling us ahead of time that the barriers that separate species were not as thick as we assumed they were. 

Padaprascha: or you could just go with the standard excuse for religious inconsistency. It's the work of the gods, they can bend reality and therefore do anything! *Snickers*

Lucero: But that's the easy route...*Chuckles* I prefer encouraging letting one's mind wander rather than stifling it with a vague, unsatisfyingly cryptic answer. It's more fun that way.

House Arrest (no, not really) April Update!

 Hey everyone, let me start off by first saying I'm doing much better. My headache is pretty much gone even if it took longer to go away than projected. Should have expected that with my immune system. So yeah, hopefully, your fears are laid to rest if you had any. Anywho...moving on to the thank yous!

 PARISHIONERS

Unformed

KarakuriCentral

Warwolf416

JustCallMeFaux

Dr.Portal 455

Ver min

AmanCalledDominik

Sypher597

Luposong

JustCallMeFaux

FluffyWolf117

Vulpinator

BovineMage

_YFC_

BatDuskyLycanroc3blr

Vulpinator

Alexander Eckhart

FOLLOWER

Martin Nilsson

Eric Johnson

Let's front-load this with the health information. So I had to go to the ER twice last week, once by ambulance because I had such a blinding headache I couldn't drive myself. As sick as I often am, I'm generally not the type to jump to 'I'm dying today' unless I feel absolutely at death's door, which I can say that thanks to last week, has now happened twice in my life. The pain was so intense it felt like my head was hatching open like one of those eggs from alien. I was thinking stroke, or spinal meningitis...mostly because I had my friend Ceebs death, as well as my late uncle's death via spinal meningitis long before I was born hovering in the front of my mind during the pulsing bursts of pain.

All that suffering, all that pain medicine that couldn't actually reach the pressurized pain in my brain...all because of some nitroglycerin ointment. Which I've actually had before...pre-POTS, with no severe side effects. But this time, apparently it decided to cause blinding, mind-deadening headaches. Between that, and the spinal tap required before they figured that out, it took me a solid week to recover to this point. Thankfully that seems to have been the cause, and all that was needed to get over it was a long rest...which if you know anything about me, is very hard to do. That said, my Mom has put me on house arrest more or less, in an effort to keep me from undercutting my recovery...hence the journal-title. She's rarely ever adamant about such things...but last week was pretty scary for all involved...and admittedly I always try to jump back into things prematurely...to mixed results. Probably best to listen to family and friends for once.

Naturally, everything got put on hold for the bulk of the week. Asks, commissions, everything. So we're gonna just pick up the pieces and push through. Don't look back, only forward.

So, asks this week? No. I'm going to be working on writing, which first requires a little review and penning down stuff I wrote in former stories not penned in my little series bible. I've said before about half of my writing is off the cuff, and the other half is planned. Needless to say, considering my average story length, little anecdotes, and inconsistencies are bound to slip through the cracks with time and lore expansion, so I want to do some due diligence before tucking into the next chapter, which is heavy on the dialogue between Dawn and her Mom, and contains some bits I have to cross-check with previous writings.

Also going to be doing commissions sporadically as I'm still paying down that stair lift I purchased for my mom. Between commissions and help from friends, I've already killed a third of the debt, so fingers crossed at this rate I can have that cleared by fall, and in between that stuff you'll have sketches and merch releases and the like to keep things chugging along.

I'm also aiming to start producing acrylic stuff around the summer. Keychains, standees, etc. Seems like a fun type of craft and it's a good way to expand my store and merch stuff. Once we get closer to that possibility, I'll start pitching ideas to you guys for some starting acrylics. I'm already thinking the Dawn head sticker is going to get the keychain treatment, but that's all I've considered at present.

And I think I'll leave it at that for now. A shorter than usual update for me, since I tend to ramble. As always, for those who see this an aren't Patreons, I've linked my Patreon and other pages below. And thanks again to my backers! Love you guys!

-Wasty

My Etsy Shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WastedTimesArtShoppe?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

My Gumroad Store

https://wastedtimeee.gumroad.com/

My Patreon.

https://www.patreon.com/wastedtimeee