Let the Writing Commence!

 Let's get to the Patreon 'Thanks You's' first and foremost, because I've got a lot to go over and I'm not sure how long this is going to run on. I should probably do more bite-sized updates more often, but we'll see going forward.

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So let's talk. First I'll cover health stuff briefly because, quite frankly it's been a little better than usual. The less time I spend on that the less chance I'll jinx it. So let's move on.

Current workload as it stands looks like this; 8 commissions, and five Personal projects that are currently on my queue board. I've also got the next chapter of tFV and a Tales from the Bellhunterverse thing on the writing board. So I'll start with the writing and work backward.

I wanted to start work on the chapter about mid-April, but I took a detour thinking it would be best to re-read my previous stories and take notes on stuff introduced in them on the fly in order to better prevent accidental retconns in the future. As I've stated before, when I write a long story, half of it is pre-planned in an outline. This covers characterization, major plot arcs, key events, b-plot and little undercurrent background stories, and so on. But the other half is made up of stuff that just comes to me as I write it. Ada punching Ana in aLAW is a good example of a major hook that came to me out of nowhere, but there are also a lot of little characterization moments or allusions to life experiences that I don't have in my series bible. Thankfully my accidental contradictions haven't been so bad in Rehab or aLAW, but there's definite evidence of stuff put in that hadn't counted on a sequel or series.

One major one coming up in the next chapter I'm writing starts talking about Vernon, Dawn, Nick, and Judy's double date. And that's largely due to timeline conflicts. The double date is supposed to be late October or November, Dawn's book has come out but Gus doesn't have his new store yet. So essentially I'm going to move forward with what fits the story and correct the old fic in the future. Anyway, long story short, that note-taking took longer than I thought, and I probably took twice as many notes as needed, so it'll have to be cut back. Still, I did all of Rehab, and about a little over half of aLAW before I decided I should just jump in and keep taking notes as I go. What's important is I have the notes for Clover's back story, and more than enough of Dawn's to navigate the next chapter. So I'm gonna get writing asap!

Now, onto commissions. I'm about eight comms deep currently. Trying to work through about once a week, while intermittently injecting my own projects in. Commissions are still open, but that's the line size ahead of you. On top of that, I don't really take payments until someone's commission is next in the queue as I don't want folks to be stuck waiting long-term should something medical-related come up and throw a massive wrench in everything. So that handles commissions, let's press on to personal work.

Comparatively, there are not as many personal projects on the docket as there are commissions...but that hard docket is also subject entirely to the whims of inspiration. For instance, I was sketching Queen Orianna last week, and now I've got a nearly finished and colorized piece featuring her and my OC plowing. (Expect that eventually.) There's also a Dawn Daki Pillow design I want to work on over the summer that's for personal use. (Depending on interest, otherwise, I gotta find a company to partner with to make a public release happen.) And Dierdre's sheet is still on the docket, as well as perhaps one for my Moose Girl, Shaundi, who's only seen sketches at this point. If you want to keep tabs on the projects I have listed on the queues, I'll link them underneath.

Personal Art Plans

https://trello.com/b/6IgMcWPz

Story Progress

https://trello.com/b/wKNUeHQt

Commission Queue

https://trello.com/b/QRDyCOOZ

Last leg, let's move on to Merch! As shared previously, the next sticker set on the docket is Husian Typhlosion, Which is going to be a set featuring my Husian Typhlosion gals Ashe And Synder. One just Ashe, One Just Synder, and one featuring both. And some clean versions...so six variants minimum. However, the next set, well...I was looking at my etsy stats, and my top sellers are my OC gals, and Keenie and Deerie. So I'm planning to revisit Helluva series while it's hot. Initially, I was thinking it was time to Draw Millie or Loona, but then I remembered they'd both get summer pins and standees and shit at the Vizie store anyway. So I decided to shift my attention back to sinning Cherubs. This time around I'm giving Deerie the Summer Sticker, and when Fall rolls around I'll give Keenie a Fall sticker. A fun inversion of what I've already offered. But that still leaves about 2 months of summer unaccounted for, and a serious question I wanted to ask you all.

One of the ideas I had for summer was doing a Summer Collin sticker pin-up as well. One with him in a speedo and him...well...without. How would you guys feel about that? Would you guys be interested in some saucy male stickers to go along with the female ones moving forward in the future? Just leave comments, I can't be assed with a poll. If not, maybe I'll move on to another lady cherub like Rachel, or just Millie. Anyway, comment below.

But we aren't done yet! That's right! There's a second layer of merch to discuss. That's right, starting in June I'm going to be learning and acquiring the materials to make acrylic products. This will include standees and keychains, more than likely starting with keychains until I get more confident with the materials. The first real planned project I have is turning that Dawn Head sticker into a keychain line as well, but after that it's sort of wide open as I decide who's going to get standee pinups. Also, probably will start editing some of my old pics to offer as Glossy prints. So I'll set up a poll at some point regarding some older pieces that are fan favorites to be turned into prints. Of course, you're welcome to leave your suggestions below as well. I'll say this much. The motorcycle Val one has been long overdue for a print.

Jesus, writing all that out, it already seems daunting, and a bit of wishful thinking, so please look at this as a sort of...soft time frame. I'm always terrible at correctly predicting my timetables, even casting aside my fluctuations in health, I always take a bit longer on jobs than I anticipate. Always take more time at errands than I think I will, and so on. Probably because of a combo of being scatterbrained, and becoming fixated on adjusting minute details on stuff no one cares about. Case and point, the backdrop of that Legosi Family pic was supposed to be 'simple', but I got carried away and basically gave away extra work for free.

Anyway, that's all for the May Update! Thanks for reading, and again leave feedback below. And if you haven't already those outside of my Patreon, please check out my etsy store! It will not disappoint!

Thanks again to my backers! And thank you to my fans who've followed along on my weird art and fic journey thus far!

-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

Glitz and Chips AU; Gazelle

 

WT: I spent a lot of time pondering this one over, exploring the ideas for Gazelle you proposed when all of the sudden an idea hit me like a ton of bricks that felt so right, I had to go with it.

Basically, my idea is that "Gazelle" Would in fact be a sentient AI that was designed by Clawhauser to help run their whole 'underground shadow organization' that Nick and Judy are inducted into. This version of Gazelle is built to manage their base and operations and help them with missions and scanning and infiltrating surface channels. At first, this version of Gazelle is very...robotic...(Think the dancing app voice from the movie). She lacks Gazelle's general warmness and the smooth butteriness of her tone. However, she was designed by the genius Clawhauser to learn and grow, and as she does she develops a personality, that warm demeanor we all know and love, and develops a penchant for singing while she 'works'.

As she becomes more of a 'mammal' she becomes the 'face' of the underground, creating music videos and propaganda rallying against the corrupt companies and ZPD that have a stranglehold over the innocent citizens' lives. By the time Nick and Judy join they are floored when they discover that Gazelle is a machine, as by that point she's so convincingly mammalian she had the entire ZPD and companies with a vested interest in putting down any counter-narratives marking her as the ring leader of the rebellion.

By this point, Clawhauser has developed a bit of a crush on his own creation, but with Gazelle's own growing personality, independence, and increasing fascination with 'actual flesh and blood' mammals, she finds herself growing increasingly chummy with Finnick, the resident mechanic, implant and bionics expert. This would cause a sort of love triangle thing to crop up, which in turn leads to a mission requiring both Finn and Clawhauser to go completely sideways, and nearly compromise and erase who Gazelle is in the process. After the close shave, Clawhauser elects to stand back and allow Gazelle and Finn to pursue a relationship, and the close call, essentially a near-death experience for Gazelle, pushes Clawhauser to invest heavily in back-ups and safeguards to ensure her consciousness is protected, eventually going so far as to line up a job that gets his claws on a top of the line synth mold, which with a little work between him and Finnick, is able to provide Gazelle with a physical form at last.

So here's "Glitz and Chips' Gazelle, AI turned Synth. The machine with a heart of gold, and a voice to match.

Ask Bogo: A Doe Wife?

 

Bogo: *Presses a hoof to his forehead* FINE! Fine...yes, my mate is a doe...

Joyce: You make it sound like you're embarrassed to introduce me...

Bogo: *Huffs* I want to protect you, you and our calfs...

Joyce: *Glares at her mate* Oh? And I can't handle myself?

Bogo: *Slightly flustered* I-well...*Coughs* I just...I'm not embarrassed my Forest Lily...I just... This is a very public forum these mammals are asking from and...I wanted to protect our family's right to privacy.

Joyce: Relax Boogie...I understand. I'm not upset *Lisa wraps an arm around her mate's waist and hugs him from the side* But you can be a little overprotective sometimes,  you know that?

Bogo: *Huffs* I have made a number of enemies in my time at the ZPD...it's not an unrealistic fear that they may try to hurt you or the calf's to get to me.

Joyce: Well it's not like I'll be reading off my address, workplace and hours, and social security number. *Giggles*

Bogo: *Sighs* I suppose...

Joyce: *Ribs Bogo playfully.* So are you going to introduce me or what, big guy?

Bogo: *Blushes slightly* *Cough* Right, *Ahem* I'd like to introduce you to Joyce Bogo my mate. 

Joyce: *Smirks* A pleasure to meet Dawn and Vernon's audience...As my mate said, I'm Joyce Bogo. I'm a Doe, a mother to three wonderful adopted children, *Flashes Bogo a sly smirk* And one very protective mate.

Bogo: *Coughs* Yes...well...

Joyce: I'm also a soccer coach, or football coach if you prefer. I started doing it for our calfs, but really enjoyed it, so I still do it part-time. But my primary job is 'self-defense' instructor.

Bogo: So between the two of us...I'd think twice about trying anything...

Joyce: We also have life firearms in the house...so, keep that in mind as well...

Bogo: She's better with a pistol than I am. *Chuckles*

Joyce: I still can't best Clawhauser though, his shooting is immaculate *Giggles*

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!