Ep 2 Quicksilver: Chapter 8-14

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls – Ep 2 Quicksilver: Chapters 8–14

Date: October 9, 2025
Hosts: Nicole & Lexi

---

Episode Overview

In this episode, sisters Nicole and Lexi continue their deep dive into Quicksilver by Callie Hart, focusing on chapters 8 through 14. As always, spoilers abound, with detailed discussion of character motivations, lore, theory-crafting, and worldbuilding. The episode features the beloved "Lorreth’s Ballad" (a chapter-by-chapter rhymed recap), dives into crucial insights, explores the mechanics of alchemy and quicksilver, and highlights unforgettable banter and steamy moments between main characters.

---

Lorreth’s Ballad – Chapter Summaries

(Timestamp: 07:47)

Nicole delivers playful poetic recaps for each chapter. Standout moments include: Cerus diving into the Winter Palace’s awe-inspiring library, awkward-yet-flirtatious banter with Kingfisher, hands-on (and steamy) alchemy experiments, the introduction of Onyx the fox, and a high-stakes bargain that brings a surprise twist—Carrion, not Hayden, is pulled from the Quicksilver pool.

---

Key Discussion Points and Analysis

The Winter Palace Library & Worldbuilding

• Description and Impact (13:12)
  Lexi giddily describes the grandeur of the Winter Palace’s library—soaring ceilings, stained glass, endless tomes—a treasure trove that highlights the importance of knowledge in Fae society.

  • “The amount of information in this room is a treasure beyond even Madra's hoard of gold... Knowledge is power. That's right, girl.” – Lexi (13:00)

• Rosarius the Librarian
  Introduced as portly, blue-robed, kindly, and old (though nobody knows just how old Fae really are). He’s brought back only because an alchemist—Cerus—was found.

• Backstory on Zolvarin’s Library
  A sharp contrast: damp, dangerous, but highly coveted. Nicole speculates Cerus’s mother may have been more important than Cerus realizes—perhaps even a rebel spy. The “coincidence” of her library job and the subsequent quarantine of the Third are called into question.

Alchemy – Forgotten Magic & Cerus’s Powers

(Timestamps: 18:28, 53:23, 109:32)

• Lore Recap:

  • Alchemy is a rare, ancient form of magic tied strictly to Fae blood. Current knowledge is almost lost—Cerus is one of the last known alchemists (or so everyone believes).

• Cerus’s Abilities:
  Can manipulate quicksilver and detect even minuscule traces in metal—indicative of a uniquely powerful alchemist, perhaps even more than "just a drop" Fae by blood.

  • “Thanks to our handy dandy percentage question... Callie confirmed we've hardly seen at 10% of Seiris's powers.” – Lexi (18:28)

• Branches of Alchemy:

  1. Immortality Seekers: e.g., Madra or her court.
  2. Transmuters: Turn metals and ores into gold/silver—Cerus’s type.
  3. Healers: Theorized to exist elsewhere, possibly with the rebels.

Kingfisher: Character Deep Dive

(Timestamps: 29:52, 34:51, 35:35, 38:19)

• Post-Torture State:
  Kingfisher’s black-and-white thinking, emotional withdrawal, survivor’s guilt, and his struggles with constant mental overstimulation caused by the Quicksilver inside him.

  • “Remfest will later describe Kingfisher as black and white... All this research and studying is... in the gray. And he's like, no, it's either you got this or you don't.” – Lexi (29:52)

• Relationship Web:
  Kingfisher and Everlane (his half-sister) share a tragic family history involving usurpation, forced marriage, and trauma. Kingfisher and Renfus, his childhood friend, have a deep, loyal bond further amplified by shared adversity.

• Kingfisher’s Magic:
  Inherited magic and shadow abilities, complex lineage (audiobook vs. ebook inconsistencies), and speculation about illusion magic. His “asshole” behavior is both a trauma response and a deliberate attempt to push Cerus away.

Quicksilver: Mechanics & Risks

(Timestamps: 53:23, 57:09, 116:13)

• Quicksilver 101:
  A semi-sentient magical substance crucial for inter-realm travel, but dangerous and madness-inducing for non-alchemists or unprotected travelers. Only alchemists can manipulate or awaken the pools; everyone else needs a “relic” for safe passage.

• Relics:
  Personally significant metal objects (necklace/ring) required for safe travel. Kingfisher’s pendant was a maternal gift; without it, he became bonded to Quicksilver, accelerating his unraveling.

Relationships & Tension

• Cerus and Kingfisher – Enemies to Lovers?
  Their banter alternates between sharp, funny, and deeply vulnerable. Kingfisher’s attempts to keep Cerus at arm’s length are undermined by his compulsion to help and protect her.

Notable Exchange:

• Cerus: “Tell me the truth about the size of your penis.”

• Kingfisher: “It's big enough to make you scream and then some.” (70:34)

• Nicole: “Kingfisher A is telling the truth and you will learn this very soon.”

• Mating Bond Clues:
  Heartbeat metaphors, heightened senses, magnetic energy (“The closer she gets to him, the energy stands on end... Hello. Mating bond. Clue. Ah, I love this.” – Nicole, 81:21)

High-Stakes Bargain and Shocking Twist

(Timestamps: 91:07, 94:54, 96:50, 97:01)

• The Bargain:
  In a moment of desperation, Cerus strikes a blood-bound deal with Kingfisher: he’ll return to Zolvarin and bring back her brother Hayden, while she agrees to do “whatever he deems fit”—unknowingly binding herself for life.
• The Twist:
  Kingfisher returns not with Hayden but Carrion Swift, the infamous heir—an error with major plot implications due to a confusion of bloodlines and scent trails.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He is calling Sarah's most sacred. But that's not what King Fisher actually says here. He says … an o' Shea Lith is a type of butterfly, OSHA for short. They hatch, live, and die all in one day. The cold kills them very fast.” – Nicole (45:21)

  • Fandom context: the “Osha” nickname is both a veiled insult and a term of endearment.

• “It's big enough to make you scream and then some.” – Kingfisher (70:34)

• “There are a lot of ways to say no, little Osha. But saying that she's a hungry little bitch in heat is not okay, Elsa.” – Nicole (71:06)

• “I think that this is his way of reminding himself that what he did was unforgivable. And he's really just like we’re talking to himself. He's weak. He's the one who messed up...” – Lexi (71:40)

• “The quicksilver is just like, woo. Come here, come here, come here. Come find us.” – Lexi (86:25)

• “Fisher explains that they can travel to the realms that orbit the stars and it shows how vast this universe is. I just like to call that out because yeah, this universe is very vast.” – Lexi (109:04)

---

Lore Deep Dives

Rosarius’s Library Segment: Alchemy

(Timestamp: 109:32)

• Definition:
  All alchemists must have a drop of Fae blood; their powers are secretive, poorly documented, and compartmentalized into three major branches.

• Elemental Manipulation:
  Strongest alchemists control multiple elements—Cerus’s runes show affinity for Light, Dark, Silver, Steel, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Salt, Brimstone, and quicksilver.

• Quicksilver Pool Travel:
  An alchemist travels by focusing intentions; all pools activate together, but if a pool is locked (e.g., by a sword like Solace), all become inaccessible.

---

Theorycrafting & Foreshadowing

• Cerus’s Heritage:
  Lexi and Nicole suggest Cerus may be linked by blood to the Dianthus line—possibly explaining why Carrion, not Hayden, was summoned in Kingfisher’s search.

• Everlane’s Loyalty:
  Nicole theorizes Everlane may be working for Belacan under duress. Is she a spy, or merely caught in court machinations?

• Madra’s Army:
  Discussion about whether Madra is conscripting soldiers points to major events likely to unfold in Brimstone (Book 2).

---

Favorite/Comic Moments

(Timestamp: 116:13, 120:13)

• Rosarius stabbing a courtier in the buttock for waking him.
• Kingfisher’s extra armor as a sarcastic response to a punch.
• Allusions to the scent of Cerus’s arousal, leading to banter about “swallowing” and “swallow scenes.”
• Onyx the fox biting Cerus and being called a “furry bracelet.”
• The faux-volleyball team of elegant Fae ladies ("Evilian volleyball team is training").
• The recurring “L game,” where Kingfisher earns “Ls” (losses) for asshole comments—tallying six this episode.

---

Important Timestamps

• 08:00 – Lorreth’s Ballad poetic summary.
• 13:12 – Description of the Winter Palace library.
• 18:28, 53:23, 109:32 – Alchemy and Quicksilver lore deep-dives.
• 29:52 – Kingfisher’s post-torture psychology.
• 34:51–35:35 – Kingfisher and his relationships.
• 70:34, 71:06 – Notable banter and spicy lines.
• 81:21 – Mating bond hints.
• 91:07–97:01 – The bargain and twist reveal with Carrion.
• 116:13 – “Prancing through the Snow with Onyx” (favorite moments).
• 120:13 – "Is it Hot and Flirty or L Worthy" game.

---

Tone & Style

The hosts are witty, irreverent, passionate, and deeply invested in the fantasy genre. They blend analysis, theory, and personal reactions, always keeping things spicy (and often laugh-out-loud funny), with a casual, friendly dynamic that invites the listener into their sisterly banter.

---

Next Episode Teaser

Chapters 15–25 – With a promise of the sex scene, theory advancements, and further worldbuilding, episode three is hyped as their fastest deep dive into dangerous (and delightful) territory yet.

---

Closing

Follow Fantasy Fangirls on socials @fantasyfangirlspod, join the fan club for extra goodies, and don’t forget to subscribe on your app of choice to keep up with the Quicksilver analysis!

---

“Sex scene. Sex scene on episode three of a deep—I think that's the fastest that's ever happened.” – Nicole (125:56)

Transcript

[Lexi]

You open the fridge, there's nothing there. So what's it gonna be?

[Nicole]

Greasy pizza?

[Ad Read Host]

Sad drive thru burgers? Dish by Blue Apron is for nights like that.

[Nicole]

These are the pre made meals of your dreams.

[Ad Read Host]

At least 20 grams of protein. No artificial flavors or colors. No chopping, no cleanup. No guilt.

[Lexi]

Keep the flavor. Ditch the subscription.

[Ad Read Host]

Get 20% off your first two orders with code APRON20. Terms and conditions apply. Visit blueapron.com terms for more did I talk too much?

[Lexi]

Can't I just let it go? Thank you so much.

[Ad Read Host]

Take a breath. You're not alone. Let's talk about what's going on. Counseling helps you sort through the noise with qualified professionals and online therapy makes it convenient. See if it's for you. Visit betterhelp.com randompodcast for 10% off your first month of online therapy and and let life feel better.

[Nicole]

A new era.

[Lexi]

Of power has arrived with the Alienware Area 51 gaming laptops, intentionally engineered to push more power to the CPU and GPU for maximum performance. Combined with Intel Core Ultra 9 processors merging CPU, NPU and integrated GPU into one AI optimized chip, it delivers fast, smart and seamless performance across everything you do. And with the new Cryo chamber design, Airflow is focused exactly where it's needed most. Fused with Alienware's enhanced thermal solutions, it creates a higher power output without raising noise levels, allowing you to play with confidence even during the most demanding marathon gaming sessions. So no matter what you are playing, Alienware ensures every game runs precisely as its developers intended. A new era of power is here. All you have to do is take it. Discover Area51 today at www.alienware.com area-51 laptops.

[Nicole]

As small business owners, we wear so many hats. So many hats. And that can really be intimidating. Goodness. Isn't that an understatement? But luckily we do not feel like we need to have it that way with our merch because Shopify was just the business partner we needed to get started.

[Lexi]

Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brand Just getting started. You can get started with your own design studio. With hundreds of ready to use templates, Shopify helps you build a beautiful online store to match your brand's style.

[Nicole]

Shopify is also so helpful when it comes to marketing your products. Get the word out like you have a marketing team behind you. Huzzah. You can easily create email and social media campaigns wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling.

[Lexi]

Turn your big business idea into Ka Ching with With Spotify on your side. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com FFG go to shopify.com FFG one more time. That is shopify.com FFG.

[Nicole]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive de into beloved Fantasy lore, character theme series and more.

[Lexi]

I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.

[Nicole]

And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.

[Lexi]

And today we're continuing our deep Dive of Quicksilver by Callie hart with episode two where we are covering chapters eight through 14. But as always, before we get started, please listen closely to our spoiler warning. Every episode has spoilers for all of Quicksilver. Yes, that includes the end and may reference any of the bonus chapters. We go into a lot more detail about how our spoiler warnings work in our intro episode from last last week. We highly recommend listening to that before starting the deep dive.

[Nicole]

So if you don't know who Kingfisher brings out of the Quicksilver from Zavarin, then please go finish the book. We will be here when you're done.

[Lexi]

Next, we Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is definitely rated R. Kiss scene.

[Nicole]

You know the one I'm talking about. So so please, please be mindful of those little listening ears.

[Lexi]

Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events. We will be at Romantic Bookcon in Orlando, Florida, October 23rd through 25th, where we are interviewing Rebecca Yarris again at Disney World.

[Nicole]

Then we are thrilled to be hosting a midnight release party for Brimstone with Tattered Cover and Book and gather on November 17th in Denver, Colorado and on.

[Lexi]

March 6th through 8th in Dallas, Texas. We will be podcast partners at Dreamers and Readers Festival.

[Nicole]

Check out our website or the links below. More information to all of these events, including a promo code for dreamers and readers. And in case you missed it, our.

[Lexi]

Very own executive producer Hayden and none other than Steven Walker are launching a new podcast, the very first under the Fantasy Fangirls Media Network.

[Nicole]

Welcome, welcome, welcome the Fantasy Fan fellas, where each week they're going to dive deep into Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn. But here is the twist. As many of you know, Hayden is absolutely feral for all things Sanderson and has already read the Mistborn series, but Steven has not.

[Lexi]

Yay for chaos. So every week listeners will tune in as Hayden takes Steven through his first time reading Mistborn.

[Nicole]

That means that unlike fantasy fangirls, each episode of the Fantasy Fanfellas will only have spoilers for the chapters up to what's being discussed that week. There will be character breakdowns, magic explainers, and even some wacky predictions provided by Steven for what's next.

[Lexi]

Be sure to follow the Fantasy Fan Fellas on social media, Antasy Fanfellas on Instagram and TikTok for all the news on the upcoming show.

[Nicole]

First episodes, yes, that's plural. Air Wednesday, November 5th last thing before.

[Lexi]

We jump into our episode two of Quicksilver. If you love Fantasy Fan Girls and want more events, more content, more community and so more, please check out Fantasy Fan Club.

[Nicole]

We have three membership tiers that you can join. Number one, the Hive Mind, which includes access to our Boppin Discord live Q&As from Lexi and I Book Club, exclusive author interviews like ones with Cali Hart, community events, promo codes for live events plus 20% off and access to exclusive merch. That is all for $6 a month. Or or you can join the Spice Watchers which includes everything from the Hive Mind plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month. And lastly, we have the Feral Fans which includes everything from the previous two tiers plus more behind the scenes content, a welcome gift, giveaways, private Discord channel, and your name shouted out on the podcast. That is for $25 a month.

[Lexi]

Join the party at fantasyfangirls.com fan club. The link is also in the show notes. And really and truly, thank you so much for supporting us as we've turned this podcast into a dream come true, into a media network. It is literally all because of you.

[Nicole]

And now it is time to find.

[Lexi]

An onyx to start off every episode. Nicole does us the honor of summarizing this stretch of chapters, so gather round as we sing Laura's ballad to discuss what happens in chapters 8 through 14 of Quicksilver.

[Nicole]

Chapter 8 through enormous black doors, the library awaits. I hope you don't plan to eat more than cornflakes. There's so much knowledge here on this floor. Why can't we just use it to knock down Madra's door? Hayden is out there. He's probably dead. And that thought brings serious so much dread. But hold your horses. Don't make a mistake, because we need an alchemist to give us a break. And by we, I mean him. Kingfisher, that is. We're off to the Forge to give Serous A pop quiz. Chapter nine Away from society has made him an ass. I think it's Kingfisher who needs etiquette class. What kind of forge is covered in rust? This mission is starting out as a bust. Why clean with magic when you can do it by hand? Let's get this place looking spick and span all while they clean. Why not a story? Kingfisher tells of his relics full glory. Remember how Kingfisher's being an ass? He could have used magic to clean up the glass. He wanted to test how hard she would work. But now he looks just like mortal of a jerk. Chapter 10 it's back at the library. Kingfisher is here with a plate full of food that fills Rosarius with fear. Now that he's gone, it's time to study. This alchemy lesson is making our heads muddy Cerus can read the words on a page Madrid looks good given her age the secrets she learns were guarded so close but she locked the quicksilver saying adios Back at the forge Serus flirts with ease can one of them please get down on their knees? Kingfisher has plans for serious alright. But when she screams it's not in delight Light and a rathmore. She yells out in pain. I don't think Kingfisher is using his brain. He claims it was only just a small test. But maybe, just maybe, he's onto something here. As Seiris now controls the Liquid Sphere. He might have been hoping for a quick thank you kiss. But look out, Kingfisher. You got serious fist. Chapter 11 lain catches saeris up to speed on all of the family drama she needs from their mother so dear to Finran's poor plight. Lane tells the story of Bellicon's spite. Kingfisher joins Sarris with breakfast to follow. And what's that smell? As Kingfisher says swallow. The banter is hot. I'm a puddle on the floor so help me God when Lain walks through that door again in the library more lectures to explore But Seiris would rather have a map of the floor the lessons prove helpful for Saverus to leave it's oh so simple With a plan up her sleeve. Chapter 12 Seyrus just stands there. I fucking fish her. Yes, please. But we know that he just loves her Tease. Bring on the banter. I can't get enough. Hold on, Saeris, it's about to get rough Kingfisher's hungover But what's that over there? It could be a hat with lots of White hair. Seiris stops his attack. The fox means no harm. Be careful, he says. Watch out for your arm. Three hours later and no progress made. Maybe it's time for them to get laid. Kingfisher agrees. So he teases her some, tapping her heartbeat like it's a drum. Kingfisher looks at her dead in the eyes while she kisses him thoroughly and climbs onto his thighs. Oh gods. Oh no, she didn't. She did. Fisher, get out before she flips her fake lid. Chapter 13. Down and down and down she goes. Where is she going to know? With a fox in her bag and some food for the trip. Dodging the guard, she's ready to jump ship. She only kind of knows where to go. But the quicksilver calls and guides her below, trusting her gut. Saerus arrives to the quicksilver pool. But oh, there's a surprise. Fisher is here. But it doesn't end there. He wants to bargain, knowing she's not aware, spinning the deal to end in his favor. Cerus will wish that she carefully read that waiver into Zolvara. And Kingfisher will go and hopefully bring Hayden in tow. Something somewhere made things go adrift and the person brought back was carrion fucking swift. Chapter 14. Kingfisher did what he said he would do. He tried to find Hayden, but instead found this. Cuckoo. It's time to leave before we're taking spreads or Bella Khan will have Kingfisher's head. Outside of the palace, everything changes. From stars to sky in the tall mountain ranges. This world so different from what Sarus knows. Who would have thought water falls down as snow? So many questions, so little time. But they have to go to Kalish before it's daytime.

[Lexi]

I don't think it'll ever get old that you do it like that again.

[Nicole]

I have to give the biggest props to Brooke for diving so head first in this with me. It's so fun. Oh my gosh.

[Lexi]

Well, speaking of diving head first, it is time to dawn our pendants and step through the quicksilver to explore key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and oh, so much more. It's a new day in Evelia and time for Sarah's to begin the work she's been involuntarily assigned and learn the ways of the Space Society. And what better place to start than the library? That's exactly where I would start. No, actually, I would probably go down and frolic in the mountain villages and.

[Nicole]

Just like you would be happy, Ballard. So quick you would just stay there?

[Lexi]

I would Be so happy. Anyway, please excuse me as I give the library a moment in the spotlight. Because holy moly. It's incredible. The Winter Palace's library is at the top of an endless flight of stairs behind a set of enormous black engraved doors. The library itself is a huge open space with cathedral ceilings and 20 foot high stained glass windows. And on the ceiling is a glass domed skylight. This is Elroy's dream right here. This library contains endless stacks of perfectly bound hardback books. Sarris notes that the amount of information in this room is a treasure beyond even Madra's hoard of gold. And more precious than rubies and diamonds. Knowledge is power. That's right, girl. Here in this library, we readers and Ceres are introduced to Rosarius. Rosarius is the head librarian and he's responsible for teaching Ceres what she needs to know about Fae etiquette and politics and what it means to be an alchemist. Including history and alchemy theory. Or at least whatever there is on it. They also speculate that Ceres will be traveling outside of Yvelia at some point. I assume through the Quicksilver pools. And Everlane and Rosarius want to ensure she has knowledge of the Courts and and Faye before potentially becoming an ambassador of sorts. Apparently Rosarius has been away from Court for a while and he was brought back here, ordered to return to work now that Sarris, an alchemist, has been discovered. That's so sad. To think that essentially the Librarian was not needed until somebody new came along.

[Nicole]

Yeah, Rosarius.

[Lexi]

He's described as a portly male in a blue robe with gray hair and warm dark brown skin. He also does have the slightest lips limp. It's noted that he's old, but we're never told how old he is here. If Kingfisher is getting close to 2000 years old and only looks 30, I can only imagine how old this elderly fey male is. I just adore this Librarian. And so does Everlane. He radiates curiosity and he is positively a delight whenever he's on the pages.

[Nicole]

What's interesting is that Seris herself is not a stranger to libraries. I mean, definitely this one is much nicer than the one that she's been to before. But back in the Third, Serious mother worked in the Third's library for a while as a clerk, which was located in the underground tunnels and hollowed out caves. And it smelled worse than death. Yikes. Where the tiny number of books were eaten by mold and mildew. Double yikes. But despite its rather dank smell, it was a highly coveted place to be. Knowledge is power, after all. But residents of the Third had to petition for a visit. They needed both a token, which we don't really know anything else other than token.

[Ad Read Host 2]

Just.

[Nicole]

It was a token. And a recommendation from their employer. Pause. How the fuck did Sarah's mom get such a highly coveted position? Was this a job for her? Like we're supposed to just believe?

[Lexi]

I guess so. But that's a very good question. How did a prostitute from the Third Ward work in a library that was restricted? If it wasn't restricted as much as it is, then I would think nothing really of. It'll be another odd job. Yeah, but the fact that it is.

[Nicole]

What? So I was wondering. I was like, we know she was working with the rebels, but was she like. I'll call it a spy, for lack of a better term. Was she a spy for the rebels in the library and like reading stuff? Was she here basically doing something for the rebel cause?

[Lexi]

That doesn't answer the question though about how she got that position.

[Nicole]

Sneaky.

[Lexi]

Knowing someone, like somebody on the inside helped her.

[Nicole]

Yeah, like someone on the inside recommended her for a job or whatever. Like some.

[Lexi]

I believe it.

[Ad Read Host 2]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

I. I feel like that would make sense. I would. If that was on the page, I'd be like, yeah, sure, absolutely. Yes. Now this does lead me to believe though, because if she was working for the rebels a little closer than we believed and she was instead now spying and getting information from the library. What if her death had way more to do than just with her carrying a few 3 inch knives in tower? All I'm saying is that between the stories that Iris told Saris about the Fae and then this random library antidote, something is fishy about this. Ms. Iris Fane.

[Lexi]

I absolutely agree with you. Something is not adding up with this straightforward narrative that Serris believes about her mother growing up. I also do think that it is no coincidence that after her mother was killed, they quarantined the entire Third. They knew that there were rebels around and so they were having to contain things a little bit more without an all out slaughter of the ward. So yeah, that's my theory.

[Nicole]

I. I think that is right on it. And I think we're going to learn so much more about that next book when Kingfisher and Carrion are in Zilvarin. Because I'm assuming they're going to somehow some way get involved with the rebels or start to meet them, something or other. I'm still so hung up on that one woman who gasped in chapter one. And I've convinced she's she's in this episode at least once.

[Lexi]

I think tw I could also see Hayden now starting to get involved with the rebels. And so once when they do see him again, then he's going to be with the rebels.

[Nicole]

But poor Hayden's making it out of book two alive. If he's involved with the rebels. I do not think so.

[Lexi]

I think I could see him coming out of book two. There's five books total. So true.

[Nicole]

Maybe book three.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Needs to see her brother again. Yes.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

In the Thirds Library. Serious Pored over the library's information on metalwork rather than the books on glass work, like Ellroy expected her to do. Little did she know just how much that metal work would come in handy. Because back then she did not have metal. Or at least that much metal to do experiments or to practice on.

[Lexi]

Exactly. Because Madra confiscated as much metal as absolutely possible because she was so terrified of traces of quicksilver being on them and alchemists getting their hands on metal. It seems notable that nothing that Sarah's found in the Zolvarian Library relates to any anything about alchemy, even though she was reading up on metalwork. We know over a thousand years ago, alchemy was absolutely a known and practiced magic. So I am assuming Madra ensured books on alchemy in particular were destroyed upon learning that Ceres woke up the quicksilver and traveled here from Zolvarin. Rosarius, first of all, is very excited, and he comes to the conclusion that she must be an alchemist. Ceres may be a human, the first human in this realm in centuries, it would seem, but if she is an alchemist, she must have at least a drop of Fae blood. Though we have fun theorizing that she is more than a drop. Because all alchemists were Fae. Note the past tense there. As far as we know, there are not any other alchemists around anymore. I do think that as we start traveling to different realms, that'll be a very different story. But for now, she is the only known alchemist. So we have to ask the question, what exactly does it mean that Ceres is an alchemist, While Rosarius Library topic today is on alchemy. Tldr is that alchemy is a form of forgotten old magic, though thanks to our handy dandy percentage question we asked Callie during book club, she confirmed we've hardly seen at 10% of Saris's powers. So we've basically just scraped the surface of what Serris is capable of and what it truly means for her to be an alchemist. So bottom line is, we don't know a whole lot right now. Of course, we at Fantasy Fangirls don't accept that answer, so we're gonna pull out every little bit that we know. Basically, the fact that Seras can control and work with quicksilver means that she's an alchemist. What's more, Seras can channel metal's energy, like what we learned about in the early chapters of the book book what she calls parlor tricks with being able to make metal move, or how it hums, or how the metal's vibrations made the grains of quartz dance, or how she melted Heron's dagger. Those are all traits of an alchemist. And as we'll learn, she's a very powerful one because traces of quicksilver exists in metals and alchemists were known to control these metals if there was more than 5% quicksilver within that metal. Ceres, on the other hand, is a whole other level. She can detect even the faint, faintest hint of quicksilver in any metal.

[Ad Read Host]

Discover your secret weapon for younger looking skin from Medikaite, a clinically proven British skincare brand known for age defying results. Collagen is key to visibly firmer, smoother and younger looking skin. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and the existing collagen we do have breaks down. Here's where Medicaite's new Advanced Pro Collagen plus Peptide Cream comes in. Formulated with advanced actives that help stimulate the skin's natural collagen production, Medicaite's Advanced Pro Collagen plus Peptide Cream is an anti wrinkle moisturizer clinically proven to visibly improve skin firmness, elasticity and reduce the appearance of deep set wrinkles. Visit Medikai US. That's Medik and the number eight US to discover more, use code podcast20 to save 20% off your order.

[Ad Read Host 2]

A lot of supplement brands chase trends, but if you're serious about your health, we know research backed science is what actually moves the needle. Momentous works with the best brains in human science to create every formula and every batch is made of pure ingredients tested for safety and does not contain fillers so you get the best long term results possible. Creatine isn't just for muscle gains. It's essential daily fuel for your brain, body and long term performance. Momentous Creapure Creatine is backed by leading performance experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Stacey Sims. Sourced exclusively in Germany. Creature sets the gold standard for creatine, delivering the purest form, creatine monohydrate that's rigorously washed and never cut with fillers. With over 2,000 five star reviews, over 112,000 customers have seen the results firsthand with Momentous. The fundamentals are done right. Right now Momentous is offering our listeners up to 35% off your first subscription order with promo code Acast. Go to livemomentous.com and use promo code Acast for up to 35% off your first Subscription Order. That's livemomentous.com promo code Acast. You've worked hard to build your business. Simplisafe helps you protect it with SimpliSafe for Business, AI powered cameras watch over your entry points and instantly alert live monitoring agents. They can deter intruders before they get inside. It's protection built for growing companies 24. 7 monitoring, no contracts and a 60 day money back guarantee. To get 50% off your new system, go to SimpliSafe.com podcast that's SimpliSafe.com podcast for 50% off. There's no safe like SimpliSafe.

[Nicole]

Lexi yes, you know what I've learned about calendars?

[Lexi]

Tell me.

[Nicole]

I feel like they never get less full. Seriously. On my phone I have my personal calendar, my work calendar, Urania's work calendar, Brett's calendar than another personal calendar for reasons sometimes it's just calendar overload. But that's where Skylight comes in you all.

[Lexi]

I cannot emphasize enough how much my family loves Skylight, but I'm going to try right here. It has literally been a game changer for our entire household with our synced digital calendars. Like Nicole's saying our calendars look like that too to do lists, meal planning and grocery lists. You can even add recipes right there in your calendar countdowns. It has everything we need for managing the house all on one easy to use screen. Jake and I are obsessed. Our parents love it too. They're getting one. I am so serious when I say all of us busy families need a Skylight.

[Nicole]

Skylight calendar was designed to connect the digital and non digital worlds while bringing families together. It's WI fi connected digital display that showcases your family's schedule with clarity, color and brilliance in either a 10 or 15 inch HD touchscreen. This all in one smart calendar seems syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook and more giving you customizable views for daily, weekly and monthly planning.

[Lexi]

Right now Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to my skylight.com fantasy go to myskylight.com fantasy for $30 off your 15 inch calendar that is M Y S K-Y-L-I G H T.com fantasy I love.

[Nicole]

Getting my nails done. It just does so much for me and my confidence as I go throughout my day. But man it is expensive and we're busy bees over here at Fantasy Fangirls. Much like you listeners, finding the time to squeeze in a nail appointment is not always easy. That's why I love doing mine at home. And no one helps me bring the salon quality experience home with me than Olive and June.

[Lexi]

Olive and June gives you everything you need in just one box. You get salon grade tools designed just for you and your DIY Mani Pedi dreams. And best of all this polish. It doesn't chip like those cheap polishes and it lasts up to 10 days. It provides a plump gel like finish and there's no lamp needed. Huzzah. And with Olive and June's affordable prices it breaks down to just two dollars a manicure.

[Nicole]

About two and a half years ago my sister in law gave me an awesome gift card to Olive and June and I used it to get both a mani and a petty nail system. And and it has been my saving grace for the last two and a half years. That has been how long I've been an Olive and June user. It is the only nail polish I buy. It doesn't chip. The nail polish remover is my favorite nail polish remover I've ever used and they even have nail strengthener polish which for me who used to bite my nails a lot. Yep, that is super helpful.

[Lexi]

Visit oliveandjune.com fantasyfangirls for 20% off your first system. That's O L I V E A N--J-U-N-E.com F A N T A S Y F A N G I R L s for 20 off your first.

[Nicole]

System this episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Now Lexi, did you know that October 10th is World Mental Health Day? Well in celebration this year we are saying the biggest thank you, thank you, thank you to therapists. Huzzah.

[Lexi]

If you've been looking to connect with a therapist, BetterHelp is an essential resource. Better Help Therapists Therapists have helped over 5 million people worldwide on their mental health journeys. Therapy can be the safe space a person needs to have the conversations and realizations that can help you completely shift your perspective. With more than 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform and it really works with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for a live session based on over 1.7 million client reviews.

[Nicole]

So I had therapy yesterday and it was like one of those really good therapy days where like, like things are clicking, you're making money moves. It feels really, really good. So I was in my therapy session with Taylor. I was sitting right there in that chair and we were talking about how like, I wasn't feeling very well. I was really wanting to rest. I was tired from Dragon Gauntlet and feeling so happy and fulfilled. But I was like, I feel like I need to keep going. And we just had this long conversation and you know what I did?

[Lexi]

You rested.

[Nicole]

I rested.

[Lexi]

I knew you were in an extra good mood today.

[Nicole]

Thank you, therapy. You have quite literally changed my life.

[Lexi]

This World Mental Health Day, we're celebrating the therapists who have helped millions of people take a step forward. If you're ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Our listeners get 10% off their first [e-mail] FFG that's better. H E L P.com FFG since being.

[Nicole]

Thrust into this new world, Savris someone who is definitely used to being in the know or even the most knowledgeable in the room, she is not putting it plainly. People are talking at her much more than talking to her. Or they seem to be talking in circles, showing her books that have nothing to do with alchemy just because instead she'll need them for court knowledge. This is such an interesting moment of FAE timelines versus human timelines. FAEs have all the time in the world to start with politics and eventually move towards the theory, then alchemy. But humans and especially Saber does not have that kind of patience. And Kingfisher sees that and decides that he will give her answers. He also does not have patience. Let me be very clear. He's got a timeline he's trying to hit, but he does give her answers that are not quite fun to hear. Before we get into what he tells her, I do want to explore why he, the guy who was trying to make this human hate him, decides that he will be the one to give her answers. For one, he knows the sooner and the faster that she learns turns, the quicker he can use her to win the war. Point blank. And yeah, if he also has the human Alchemist on his side, that would be awesome. Versus her being on Belacons, which does mean giving her Answers that I don't think Lane would tell her. But most importantly, or at least in my opinion, Kingfisher is not someone to beat around the bush. And he sees keeping information from Seirus and teaching her courtly politics and whatever as wasting taking all of their time. After all, there are no written accounts of the Alchemist's process, so why wouldn't they dive headfirst into testing versus trying to go into courtly politics? More on the testing later though, because boy, oh boy, does he dive deep into it.

[Lexi]

Remfest will later describe Kingfisher as black and white. And that's kind of on display here. You either figure it out or you don't. All this research and studying is. I'll call it in the gray. And he's like, no, it's either you got this or you don't. Let's go make sure you got this, this.

[Nicole]

Exactly. And I also think Kingfisher sees that Saras is someone who does crave information, and it probably takes one to know one. And he does decide to give it to her, but in the most dickhead way possible, in the hopes that she won't fall in love with him. If I'm just gonna put a blanket statement over it. I mean, telling her about how much danger she's in by descriptively telling her that the Fae used to drink the blood of humans by the millions is.

[Lexi]

A choice I can't wait to talk more about, like the evolution and all of that. But it's not for right now. As far as Serris has been told so far, all of her loved ones must be dead in Sylvarian, since that is indeed what Madra threatened. But like we were saying last episode, Cerys is determined to go back home so she can know for certain. If her loved ones are dead, then she wants to do them the honor of burying them. It's the least she can do after what she brought down on them. But Kingfisher has a different theory. According to his reasoning, Madra knows there could be a war on her doorstep at any moment. Moment she has closed the quicksilver pathways to prevent the Fae from coming to her realm. And in doing so, she cut off important trade routes, broke her oath to the Yuvellian king. I still don't know if that was Karion's father as the king or if it was Belakan by that time. Bottom line, Madra made herself plenty of enemies, including Bellakon, where it's believed that she lied to him and tricked him. Now that the godsword has been returned to her supposed enemies. And there is an alchemist who can activate the Quicksilver pathways. It's only a matter of time before consequences catch up to Madrid. Not to mention, and this is very important quote, there are still rumors floating around that the Dianthus heir is in Salvaryn somewhere. The king will want a war, and a bloody one at that. He'll use it as an excuse to make sure there are none in the Silver City who might challenge him for the throne. Ding, ding, ding. He is talking about Carrion Swift right here. Boom. Foreshadowing. I love it. I love this Easter egg so much. Though, of course, Kingfisher does not know it yet. I'm guessing it is rumored that his father escaped to Zilvarin with the heir of the Dianthus line. And he's like, I really do think that he's still out there.

[Nicole]

We know from Everlane that Finran did go to Zolvarin, but it was rumored that he went to Zilvarin to plunge the Quicksilver Plunge Solace into the Quicksilver pool. And he's to blame. But I think you're right. I also want to point out that one of my favorite things from book club was learning that Callie planted these seeds, wanting the reader to believe the heir was actually serious. And she loved getting to do that major twist at the end.

[Lexi]

Yeah. Oh, it's the best twist ever. Considering Madra might have 2,000 soldiers total in her army. Because she simply doesn't need one. She hasn't for centuries. That's not a whole lot of people there. She's about to need to build one really quickly. So killing off 10% of her people just to prove a point to Ceres? It wouldn't be smart. Kingfisher believes Madra is much more likely to conscript the people of the Third so she can train up a larger army to fight against the one that could come through the Quicksilver at any time. I mean, I do agree. I know Carrion will say life is continuing on as normal, but Madra is way too paranoid to. Oh, I don't know, Nicole. Forget about Sarris and what she's activated.

[Nicole]

Okay, so then that brings me to a question. Do you think that can. I'm just gonna blow over that sassy. Do you think that she is either conscripting or going to be conscripting soldiers? And we will learn about it in Brimstone? Because I could absolutely see after Malcolm's death, Madrinos, she's gonna be gone after next. We know that in order for the Triumvirate, the three of them to die, all three of them must die. Even for one of them to die, all three of them must be taken out.

[Lexi]

Which I have questions about with the whole Malcolm thing, but we're not gonna.

[Nicole]

Go into that right now. I think Malcolm is definitely either going to come back or the major reason behind the travel to Zilvarin for Kingfisher and Carrion is to get rid of Madra so that they get another one off the board. But I wonder if because of that paranoia she's going to have. That is when she started her conscripting of people. But just because Kingfisher is giving Saera some answers, this does not mean that homeboy is being nice. It is time to talk about the ass that is Kingfisher. Not Kingfisher's ass. Sadly. Not only is he being an ass to serious though, but also to his half sister and best friend. Which brings the us to the question, why, oh why Kingfisher are you being so goddamn difficult? Well, I'm assuming there's a lot of reasons, but let's go through the top one. He's been in literal hell for 110 years, going utterly mad trying to get through a maze and then counting coins endless times. I love that peak behind how counting was going in the maze Bonus chapter. And then he comes back here to Evelia and they just expect him to be normal. What even is normal after a lonesome 110 years? Well.

[Lexi]

And he can't share anything about where he's been or what he's been through.

[Nicole]

Yeah. Then there's the second reason. It's also really hard for us to remember that during any moment of every single day, Kingfisher is hearing thousands of voices in his head via Quicksilver. He is going mad. Talk about overstimulation. Gods. Side note though, I love this part of the audiobook of Kingfisher's bonus POV chapters. There's a moment in his inner monologue. He's like going through the motions of a battle and then at the same time it's layering over Stella Bloom's voice talking as the quicksilver. It's fucking genius and so disorienting, but it's so good for that immersive experience. God, I love this audiobook. It's my favorite.

[Lexi]

Me too. I know I mentioned this a little bit earlier, but it's really worth repeating here later in the book when Remphes explains Kingfisher often has to think in black and White. He goes on to say that Kingfisher has to keep things straight in his head and has to have a one track mind or the lines get blurry because of all this disorientation that he's always going through. I can't even imagine.

[Nicole]

Oh God, I can't either. Number three, Kingfisher also seemingly has no autonomy over his own life right now. Someone has to be watching him at all times in court. Gosh, he's being babysat after spending 110 years away in literal hell. He has nowhere to eat, nowhere to sleep or nowhere to go in this palace. I'm sorry, that would piss anyone off. I would be livid if that was the case. And last but not least, number four, he is also just trying to put on the front of being a total ass to Saera so that she hates him. And he's doing that a little bit too. With Everlane and Renfys, Kingfisher feels like he has utterly failed his people back in Kalash. He's technically the Lord there and he left him to die and become part of the Sanisrothian army and or flee because he wasn't there to help them. The last war he fought was guilt rye and 300 people paid the price. He does not feel worthy of things going back to normal because why would normal exist? Why would people want a leader who has failed them? Oh, Kingfisher.

[Lexi]

This harder and colder Kingfisher is very difficult for Everlane and Remphus to navigate. Remphes is afraid that Kingfisher's black and white thinking has only gotten worse while while he's been away. Remfest is trying to reason with Fisher and appeal to his soul, offer him grace because he knows that he needs it. Despite Fisher clearly pulling himself away from his loved ones. Grimfus is so sweet in how he is holding out hope for his best friend. He's refusing to give up on him because he can only imagine what Fisher has been going through every moment of every day. And Ren chooses to be supportive and be there for Fisher at these worst times because he understands Fisher needs it most right now. He has to believe they'll find a cure to get this quicksilver out of his best friend and that Fisher will be saved. But for Lain, after all those years of not knowing if her brother was dead or alive, she is so hurt seeing how the hell that he's gone through affects her brother as serious. Ironically asks her in comparison to what serious is going through with Hayden before you know, she knows that Lane and Fisher are siblings. Everlane doesn't know what to make of this asshole in front of her, and she's hurting more and more from her brother, who. Who, while it's no excuse, has been in hell, like Nicole was saying, partially because of her father, Bella Khan, and has emotionally detached himself from those he cares about most for his own sanity and survival. Like we were saying last episode, she is struggling to comprehend this, though. She's missed her brother and it doesn't feel like the person she knows is back.

[Nicole]

Let's talk about some backstories for this trio real quick so we can get an appreciation for their bonds. Kingfisher and Everlane are half siblings. They share the same mother who's first married to Finryn Fisher's father, a Fae Lord in Kalish, after Finryn disappeared on a mission when Fisher was 10 years old. This is the mission that was supposedly sent by Belacan, but we will find out that it was actually Finryn wanting to deliver Carrion Dianthus to Zavarin to get him out so that Belacan didn't kill him. But while he was on that mission, the portals closed and Bellakon declared Finran a traitor, blaming him for the closing of the Quicksilver portal. Mortals.

[Lexi]

Okay, so I do have to point out that this timeline doesn't add up. If Fisher was 10 years old when his father disappeared on his mission to Zavarin with baby Carrion, which that is what he has said how old he was, that would have to be 1723 years ago. But Carrion will say that he was 1086 years old when he met Saris nine years ago, making Carrion now 1095 years old. Because Carion was brought to Zelvarin when he was an infant, that means that There is a 628 year discrepancy between when Kingfisher's father left to Zalvaran and with how old Carrion and Fisher are now. So I will say this. What if Kingfisher's father did go and that was not the same trip as Carrion? I don't know how that would work with being 600 plus years later, but I don't know.

[Nicole]

I don't know. But that's a good point out. Anyway, Everlane's mother was then forced to marry Belacan to prove her loyalty. Remember, Fenryn was blamed for the closing of the Quicksilver portals and because they were a wealthy family and she was an oracle, which both of those are definitely reasons Bella Khan would want her. She then married him and gave birth to Everlane, but sadly she died in childbirth.

[Lexi]

It is so sad that Lane carries the guilt of causing her mother's death death, especially now that we know Bellakon slit her mother's throat after Lane was born, but he lied, said that she died in childbirth and blamed Fisher and Lane. You suck Bellacon so so much.

[Nicole]

Bellicon sucks. Kingfisher and Everlane have a close, though sometimes tense sibling relationship and Everlane worries deeply about Kingfisher's well being, knowing that the madness of the Quicksilver will eventually take him. Yet she is so very very frustrated by his self destructive behavior. But despite all that, she remains loyal and protective of her big bro. Moving on to Kingfisher and Renfus. Those two grew up together and have a long standing deep deep friendship. Ren is one of Fisher's closest friends and allies and serves as the voice of reason for Kingfisher, often counterbalancing Kingfisher's impulsiveness. During the century Kingfisher spent in exile, Wren never gave up hope for his friend's return and is continuing to support his him even after Kingfisher has come back since the ordeal. Their relationship is built on loyalty, mutual trust, and Ren's steady belief in Fisher's ability to recover and do good even when Fisher doubts himself. I love those two so much.

[Lexi]

Yvelia has been at war with Stannis Wrath for a long time. Stannis Wrath is killing members of their court every single day. In particular, the Yvellian Fae need to hold strong at the border so Sanisra doesn't break their forces and gain access to the rest of the realm. But these warriors defending the border, they need resources like food, supplies and weaponry. Belakan used to use the pathways for supplies. Quick pause because the timeline is a little bit confusing about when Belacan did become king. Maybe he usurped Caron's father and then later on is when Carion was sent through the Quicksilver to Zelvarin, which led to Madra stealing the pathways with Fenryn's sword. So yes, he was the king at that time because he had recently usurped Carrion's family.

[Nicole]

So I definitely think it was a very quick usurping because if Carrion was a baby, we know from Ballard that Fae children actually have a very expedited timeline because Fae children are vulnerable and they want to get them to adulthood as quickly as possible. So the age of a child, like for instance a baby, while a 30 year old might look almost almost 2000 years old, a baby would actually be growing very, very fast. So that they could get to that. More like adulthood. So my guess is that Bellicon usurped the Dianthus family. He took over the throne. I'm going to say maybe one year later. That is when Finren went through the quicksilver to Zilvarin with Carrion and Toe. Yes, that does not make sense with the timeline. But that's the only way it would make sense with what we know about Fae aging.

[Lexi]

But in that bonus chapter where she sees the baby come through the quicksilver, she makes a note that it seems like the baby's only a few days old.

[Nicole]

So Bellicon waited a few days before the Fed run went through the quicksilver.

[Lexi]

Anyway, the quicksilver pathways were the only way to trade in many magical items. So with all the pools unusable, trade has been cut off for the past thousand years. Now, with an alchemist who can awaken awaken the quicksilver, they have a chance to trade and get resources to supply the war again. Now we know in hindsight, Belacon has ulterior motives, but we're focusing on the known situation for now. Kingfisher claims he used Saris, this invaluable alchemist, as a bargaining chip for his freedom. My guess is Belcon would have been all too happy to send him back to Malcolm. But Kingfisher bringing the alchemist here kind of changes things. And Fisher knows it. At least that is the reason he's telling Sarah's. We know there's a lot more layers to this. Remphus has been begging Kingfisher to forget about killing Madra and go back to this war his friends have been fighting for in his absence. Remphas needs his friends help in Kalash, which is the land that Kingfisher rules over as his father's heir. Which by the way, Belkhan himself cannot enter. Kalish, Fisher's father, warded it from him and his supporters a long time ago. No wonder Remphus is desperate to get Fisher there back as the leader of his people that he's supposed to be, and out of Belcon's grand grasp.

[Nicole]

Enough politics and timelines because it's time for a little romance.

[Lexi]

Please.

[Nicole]

As Fisher storms to the forge, a furious Renfis and hurt Everlane on his heels. And also a practically sprinting human, Sairrus, running after all of them, we get a new name for the human o'. Shelif. Oh, swoon. In this moment, o' Shelith Osha for short. Sounds a lot like a fucking insult, but that's because she doesn't even know what it means yet. Yet for those of us who have read the whole book, especially the Oracle chapter, which should be all of us right listeners, we know the true meaning. The o' Shealoth butterfly hatch only once in a Fae's lifetime. And because it's so cold where they do hatch, Fae go and shield the fragile butterflies with their bodies so that they can live and dance and sing as long as they can. It is considered one of the highest, most sacred moments and rights for a Fae to do in their lifetime time. So Fisher right here is calling her the most beautiful thing that most people would give anything, including their lives, to see. He is calling Sarah's most sacred. But that's not what King Fisher actually says here. He says, quote, an o' Shea Lith is a type of butterfly, OSHA for short. They hatch, live and die all in one day. The cold kills them very fast. Well, he's not technically wrong. The implication is that. That she's a human who is breakable and who will die in the blink of an eye. Side note though, because I love that Renfus is here during this conversation and he scowls at his friend in this moment. He knows the sacredness behind the o' Shealith butterfly. He would know that Kingfisher is not calling serious that name for a short lifespan. What I would give to be in Renfus's head right now. Oh my God. I know, right?

[Lexi]

I also remember when I was first reading Quicksilver, it was starting to really pick up steam on social media and I kept saying this little OSHA line again and again and it's like, oh my gosh, like this is really mean of why he's calling her this. It's like, but the fandom loves it, so I'm gonna keep on reading. And then at the end it's like, oh, I get it now. Sacred.

[Nicole]

Oh, now this is not the first time technically, that Kingfisher has called Saris o' Shelef in his bonus chapter the Maze Found at the back of the new hardcovers and in the updated ebook looks, he calls her o' Shelith as he takes her through the Quicksilver pool. Because as she's dying on the floor and he's wondering if he should leave her there, I swear it gets good. He recognizes that the pull that he felt back in the maze, this internal tug, it wasn't telling him where to go towards solace. Instead, it was a faint gentle pulse, as light and delicate as an OSHA lift's wings fluttering Inside his chest test that pole was Seiris, pulling him towards her side. And through the quicksilver. We also learn that the reason he's calling her Osha is because in the Fey world, everyone has a true name. That often only the name Holder and the mother knows. But Serious only has one name. And Kingfisher is too scared to say it out loud. He's scared of what it will do to him when he finally says her name, Seyris Fane. So. So instead he calls her Osha. And yes, we still don't know Kingfisher's true name. And yes, it keeps me up at night. But we know from Mirelle in the gate part 2 bonus chapter that he has to guard that name, his true name, with his life. Ah, if we don't find out his true name.

[Lexi]

In book two, Kelly Kingfisher ignites Cerys interest with the word forge. She's practically grown up in a forge Hell. Yes, if she's familiar with that, they feel like home to her. So, fuck yeah, this alchemist wants to go to the forge, as Kingfisher suggests. She wants answers. And unlike the others, Kingfisher at least doesn't sugarcoat things.

[Nicole]

That's right.

[Lexi]

And he gives her straight facts, which is all Ceres wants right now, in this unknown place where she's completely out of her element. Even if the person who is giving her these answers is the biggest asshole who she hates. Major air quotes there. She doesn't know how she woke up the quicksilver. No one knows how she did it, and her goal now is to figure out how to awaken it. From her perspective, it's not necessarily to help Belakan as she's been told to do. No, no, no. It means that she'll be able to escape by portaling herself back to Zelvarin. In order to get back home, she has to wake up the quicksilver again. So that's motivation enough for her to figure this out. Yes, Avril Lane here is saying that they need to study the theory of quicksilver first, even if there's not much information on it. But Kingfisher is more of a let's try and see person. How can one study something when there's hardly any information on it, when they have the alchemist right here and they can just go test theories in the Forge and actually do something that can lead to real progress?

[Nicole]

Okay, I have a quick question for you about this here forge. We know that a male named Clements, the Royal Archivist, has received quite the handsome stipend for the past 200 years for using the forge to figure out how to activate the quicksilver and open the portals. But as Kingfisher assumes, Clemence has pissed all the money away. But here's my question. Did he? Because as serious notes, the fort looks like someone had flown into a rage and destroyed the place. Is Clemons okay? Which brings me to a crack theory. What if Clemence somehow ingested Quicksilver and went mad as a result and destroyed the forge? Or was he taken and then the destroyed Forge as a result of him putting up a fight? Where is Clemens?

[Lexi]

You know, maybe he's just got the Fey version of direct deposit. Or maybe Bell Khan punished him for not succeeding. Or Bell Khan lent him to Malcolm. In any case, Fisher's been gone for over 100 years. He is probably working off of old information. I'm making a note for myself to ask Callie if we should be worried for Clemens or if we should be like suspicious of him.

[Nicole]

Possible missing Fae aside, as Kingfisher and Seiris enter the disaster of a forge, we see Seiris start to roll up her sleeves and get to cleaning. A theme we love to see in any Fae and human interacting books is how much living with or without magic affects the day to day's decisions for our characters. Saeris just automatically assumes that, yeah, they're gonna have to clean this all by hand. Whereas Kingfisher, who is magic, is like, what are you doing? Because it's a good thing. Kingfisher totally puts her out of her cleaning spiral and tells her he can just magic this all away. Right?

[Lexi]

Right.

[Nicole]

No, because this is Fisher after all. So after saying that fey magic is not some cheap trick, it's used for righteous purposes. It is sacred Serous Fane. Seiris doesn't know any better. She's in an environment where she's out of her element. She doesn't know shit about fuck, and of course she's going to believe Fisher. But it turns out that this is a complete Kingfisher asshole moment. Because as friend Fist comes in asking why the hell they haven't even started yet. Fisher's shadow magic is conjured and surprise, it's flawless. This is so funny.

[Lexi]

Like, I know he's being an asshole, but yeah, this is hilarious. This is my in law family's kind of dark humor. And I love it. I mean, I would be so mad if I was serious, but I would probably fuck around at least for like an hour. So if I was Fisher, till.

[Nicole]

I'm very curious what this kind of magic is. Because as we know from reading the Fox, the Boots, the Dress, the bonus chapter of Kingfisher that is available both on Callie's website for free and also on audio book Kingfisher's Small magics he inherited from his Mother. We don't really know what small magics mean though. His shadows, though he inherited from his father. But pause because the online bonus chapters. I just pulled that from the audiobook. The online bonus chapters actually flip this around. The magic is from his father and the shadows from his mother. But given the fact that the audiobook is the most recent version, I'm going to go with that one until we have a confirmation from Kalli again. I worked on this part of the outline way too much late to do a Callie, I'm sorry. But he also goes on to say that he has the gift of illusion magic, which is a deeper well within his power. We don't know where he got the illusions from. I don't know if it is shadows or something else entirely.

[Lexi]

I would assume it has something to do with his dad, because it's probably his dad who cast the illusions on Carry On.

[Nicole]

Oh my God. I think you're totally right. All of this to say. Do you know how badly I wish I could just conjure a bunch of shadows and clean my office right now? It's so good you all can't see the other side of this camera. It's terrifying.

[Lexi]

Overall, I'm really curious to learn more about Kingfisher's magic and this concept that he is magic. Is that how all Fae describe themselves? Is he just that much extra, more powerful? How does it work with different Fae having different magical powers and how that is also different from the alchemists? I have so many questions and I just keep reminding myself, book one. It's just Book One. And we have so much more to learn.

[Nicole]

A question that keeps nagging at me though, is why didn't Kingfisher, who is a keen get down to business kind of guy, why didn't he just go ahead and clean the room? I do have a few theories. Mainly, I think he wanted to give sailors time to ask questions. Because if they're doing a mundane task like cleaning, she's not having to use like alchemy level knowledge in that moment or like, you know, train her brain. It's a monotonous motion, right? And so giving her a whole bunch of time to ask him whatever, while also being a total ass. It kind of kills two birds with one stone. But all in all, I will say I don't think this lie is necessarily worth an L. Instead, it's more like your. Your humor is sick, but I also kind of love it. But I would be as furious as Saris if he pulled this shit on me.

[Lexi]

It's moments like this where I'm like, yeah, Kingfisher knows that they're mates and he's purposefully pushing her away. But it feels like more of this True enemies to lovers, which is one of my personal favorite tropes. They really don't like each other, or at least he is pretending not to like her. And they are not nice to each other. They try to fuck with each other and not in the kind of. All the different ways. The books we read don't usually go this far. And I appreciate how this banter, you know, it dials it up. How the MMC really is very morally gray. I love it. I think that it's a little bit of a breath of fresh air. And I think that's why so many of the US do really love Kingfisher, even though he's an at this point of the deep dive, I think now is a good moment to pause and have a quicksilver 101 lesson like pink Fisher is giving Saris. You know, we just got to make sure that we're all on the same page here. Quicksilver is a volatile magical substance that has both solid and liquid states. It's the only metal that can be used to create magical swords, and alchemists used to forge quicksilver into weaponry for Fae warriors. The foreshadowing Quicksilver itself is a semi sentient entity. It's able to communicate with alchemists in particular, to an extent. Very importantly, quicksilver pools are pathways that connect different realms. We've been talking a lot about this. The only people who can manipulate Quicksilver are alchemists. But anyone, regardless of whether they are an alchemist or not, can be affected by the quicksilver if they touch it, or worse, pass through the portal without a relic to protect them. If someone does get quicksilver on them and it absorbs into their skin, it acts as a poison that can cause madness. Much like in real life when someone gets quicksilver poisoning or mercury poisoning and starts showing signs of erratic behavior. This is where the phrase Mad Hatter or Mad as a Hatter comes from. Just a fun little fact there. But in this universe, if someone wants to go through the quicksilver pool, they need something called a relic. That's what Kingfisher's pendant is, and why he gave it to Sarris to go through the quicksilver from Zelvarn to the Winter Pass palace so that she would be able to survive the transportation. This does make me realize that I suppose alchemists, while they are able to work with quicksilver more, they are still not able to pass through it without getting hurt. But I don't think that that might actually be the case. Sarah has not experimented with that yet, so I think we're gonna see that in action. And it's not going to have the same effects as everybody thinks. But anyway, to anyone's knowledge, Kingfisher did have to give her the pendant to be able to safely pass through the quicksilver. However, that didn't get mean that he traveled without his relic and paid the consequences of more quicksilver getting into him and him seeming mad. A relic can be a necklace or a ring. I'm assuming it can really be anything made out of metal and is sentimental to the owner, as long as it's, you know, able to be worn. For centuries, the Fae have tried to understand how relics allow them to travel through the quicksilver. And there have been many theories. But because the quicksilver has been sleeping for the past thousand years, no experimentation or testing has been able to be done. Until now. So that's another thing that they're going to to be looking for in Rosarius Library any and all information on quicksilver. But spoiler alert. Like we've been saying, there's hardly anything documented about it.

[Nicole]

So when King Fisher was 11, his mother gave him his own pendant relic, knowing that he would be of need of it. Hello, Oracle. Foreshadowing. I love it. But after Kingfisher came of age and joined Belacan's army, he was then called to travel upon the quicksilver between Evelia and other realms. So since his pendant was one of the most powerful. But sadly, one time he was forced to travel through the quicksilver pathway without his pendant. And he was forced by Belacan. The quicksilver seeped into him. But despite a healer being able to draw out most of it, which is terrifying to think about how much there was. To begin with, the quicksilver already bonded with Kingfisher, becoming one entity within him. So while most Fae only have to wear their relics to protect themselves while trapping traveling through the quicksilver, only while traveling through the quicksilver, Kingfisher has to wear his at all times to keep the quicksilver that is constantly in his head. Hushed and sadly, this Quicksilver being within Kingfisher is slowly making him mad. And while he knows eventually he is going to be taking his own life before he succumbs to that insanity, not wanting to live a life where his mind is not his own and when he's a burden to his friends.

[Lexi]

Well, so I do think that at the very end, that's what we'll see happen with heart. Because he is completely taken over by the Quicksilver. His eyes are like completely silver. And so I think there is something with all of that.

[Nicole]

I think you're so right. Oh God, I hate that. But again, I want to highlight this because this is the reason that he is pushing serious away. He does not want them to fall in love with each other because it will end in tragedy. So after breakfast of some foreign delicacies, AKA some fresh fruit and yogurt, Saeris is back in the library. We will go more into depth in today's Rosarius Library about Quicksilver. But to sum up what she learns. Here we go. Alchemy is a form of very, very old magic. And it can only be performed by the Fae. While alchemists are Fae or have Fey blood like Serous. Not all. All Fae are alchemists. So hear that again. All alchemists are Fae or have Fae blood, but not all Fae are alchemists. It is such a rare magic that has not been seen in at least a thousand years.

[Lexi]

That's my understanding.

[Nicole]

So there are three different branches of alchemy. First, those who want to discover the path to immortality. Madra, Is that you? Or is it someone in Madra's own core?

[Lexi]

That's what it would seem. Especially when Everlane admits no one knows how Module closed all the pathways with the God Sword if she was not an alchemist. Because only an alchemist should have been able to use it for that purpose. But then there is of course that caveat where she should have died centuries ago as a human.

[Nicole]

Then there are those alchemists who create and invent by transmuting metals and ores. AKA this is our girl Sarah.

[Lexi]

And it said that only the original alchemists could actually control the quicksilver. First transform them like the second type of alchemist could do with metals.

[Nicole]

Yes, so it was said that these kinds of alchemists could transform anything into like silver or gold. Which is why they were so coveted. Because royals like to use them to get lots and lots of money. And lastly, there are those alchemists who want to cure disease and illness. I am going to go out on a and I'm gonna say that I think that there is an alchemist, one of these types of healer alchemists living in Zilvaren, and they are going to be recruited or are currently working with the rebels there.

[Lexi]

Ooh. So this does make me curious. What's the difference between a skilled Fae healer like we see here in the story and this kind of alchemist? Also? Also, ooh. What if this kind of alchemist is how Kingfisher will eventually be healed? I know the witches are working on him by the end of this book, but what if the witches have that kind of alchemist magic or like, like.

[Nicole]

Their descendants or some kind of like amalgamation of that thing?

[Lexi]

Like.

[Nicole]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Lexi]

I'm I think for a fact we.

[Nicole]

Are going to see all three types.

[Lexi]

Of these and I'm sure that we have seen at least a few of them already.

[Nicole]

Yes, yes yes, yes.

[Ad Read Host]

Discover your secret weapon for younger looking skin from Medicaid, a clinically proven British skincare brand known for age def results. Collagen is key to visibly firmer, smoother and younger looking skin. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and the existing collagen we do have breaks down. Here's where Medicaite's new Advanced Pro Collagen plus Peptide Cream comes in. Formulated with advanced actives that help stimulate the skin's natural collagen production, Medicaite's Advanced Pro Collagen plus Peptide Cream is an anti wrinkle moisturizer clinically proven to visibly improve skin firmness, elasticity and reduce the appearance of deep set wrinkles. Visit Medikaite US. That's M E D I K and the number 8 US to discover more, use code podcast20 to save 20% off your order.

[Lexi]

Did I talk too much? Can I just let it go? Thank you so much. Take a breath.

[Ad Read Host]

You're not alone.

[Lexi]

Counseling helps you sort through the noise with qualified professionals.

[Nicole]

Get matched with a therapist online based.

[Ad Read Host]

On your unique needs and get help.

[Lexi]

With everyday struggles like anxiety or managing tough emotions.

[Ad Read Host]

Visit betterhelp.com randompodcast for 10% off your first month of online therapy and let life feel better.

[Ad Read Host 2]

You've worked hard to build your business. Simplisafe helps you protect it with SimpliSafe for Business AI powered cameras watch over your entry points and instantly alert live monitoring agents. They can deter intruders before they get inside. It's protection built for growing companies. 247 monitoring, no contracts and a 60 day money back guarantee to get 50% off your new system. Go to simplisafe.com podcast. That's simplisafe.com podcast for 50% off. There's no safe like Simplisafe.

[Nicole]

This episode is sponsored by Liquid iv. Just because summer is gone, it's still so important to to stay hydrated. I mean, for me, with fall, that means I'm going into a lot more workout classes. So it can be easy for me to forget how much hydration my body needs despite the cooler weather. But Liquid IV's new energy multiplier, sugar free hydrating energy, is just the thing I need to get back in the groove of my routine.

[Lexi]

My favorite time of day to drink Liquid IV is early afternoon where I can feel myself, you know, starting to fade a little bit and I just need a gentle push for the second half of my day. Liquid IV makes me feel rejuvenated and hydrated and I just love it so much. For today's recording, I have my new favorite Liquid IV flavor, which is guava. It's so delicious. It makes me feel like summer's, you know, continuing on even when the fall, even when the air gets crisp.

[Nicole]

Just one stick and 16 ounces of water hydrates better than water alone. Liquid Ivy is scientifically formulated to support physical energy, hydration, focus, mood and social stamina. With three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. And Liquid IV helps you get up to eight essential vitamins and nutrients. It is always non gmo, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and soy free.

[Lexi]

Ditch the glitch with zero sugar and zero crash from Liquid IV tear pour live more. Go to liquidiv.com and get 20 off your first order with code FANGIRL at checkout. That's 20 off your first order with code code [e-mail] One thing I did not realize before I became a mom was just how big a roll snacks would play in everyday life. I always want to make sure that my kids have the fuel they need. Which is why our family loves Little Belly's brand new organic soft corn. Perfect for toddlers 12 months and up, these puffed corn snacks are made with organic ingredients, making them ideal for growing little tots.

[Nicole]

Honestly, I'm really jealous because there are two delicious flavors. They're sweet and salty and and cinnamon bun. Yum, yum, yum. Not only are these soft corn tasty, but they're also made with natural ingredients that are certified organic and non gmo. Plus they are baked, not fried and have no artificial colors or flavors. Huzzah.

[Lexi]

That's always good for us parents. Ready to add some new adventure to your toddler's snack routine? Look for Yellow Belly's new Organic Sweet and Salty Soft Corn and Organic Cinnamon Bun Soft Corn in stores. Find out more about these, these exciting new additions and the Full Little bellies [e-mail] this podcast is sponsored by Wild, a refillable deodorant brand powered by nature, who's on a mission to remove single use plastic from your bathroom. It is so important to me, and I know Nicole too, that we are comfortable throughout the day and the deodorant we wear is absolutely a factor in that we want to feel fresh and confident as we go about our days. And now Wild Deodorant is helping us do just that.

[Nicole]

Wild Deodorant is made from 98% natural ingredients including tapioca starch to absorb sweat, shea butter to moist the skin, and bicarbonate of soda baking soda to reduce odor. Plus, wild deodorant is scientifically proven to provide 24 hours of protection and has been tried and tested by millions.

[Lexi]

Like I mentioned, Wild Deodorant is refillable and single use plastic free. Every time you refill, you're saving 30 grams of plastic from going to a landfill. Huzzah. And Wild Deodorant is also vegan and cruelty free.

[Nicole]

We love Wild deodorant and think you will too. And we've worked out a special deal for our list listeners. Use code fantasy20 for 20 off of all Wild products at www.we are wild.com thousands of years ago, alchemists used their gifts to alter and transform different kinds of compounds into precious metals. But there is no written record of any of their process helpful. So no one knows what compounds they used or what they did to them in order to transmute them. They just know that they were able to create vast amounts of gold and silver like I mentioned earlier. And somewhere along the way, quicksilver was discovered along the pathways that connected all the realms. It is known that when one quicksilver pool is activated, all the quicksilver pools are activated, joining the realms by some kind of ribbon of energy, so to speak. But right now, for instance, the quicksilver pool in Evelia is active. But here's the big kicker, it's not awake. That is why why Sairis is here. She has to learn how to wake up the active pool so that it can actually be used. And when an alchemer and object like Solace, the sword is inserted into a Pool. It locks them all so they cannot be opened on any of the realms. But back to the forge for another quicksilver lesson. And friends, things are heating up like their mouths. But no, we are not to the kisses yet. Soon grasshoppers, soon. Right now they are warming up their banter. One of the reasons this book is top fucking tier is because these two and their quips back and forth. As Sarris notes today, her plan is to make Kingfisher as annoyed as she's been around him, she's felt like he's always had the upper hand. He's calling her OSHA and whatnot. Well screw him. Him not yet, but soon she's going to come out on top. Not yet, but soon. Remember, Saeris is used to being that big fish in a little pond back in Sylvarin. If she was not feared then she was at least respected and she feels that with this insulting OSHA name and just the all over ways Kingfisher treats her, she is not respected and she is most definitely not feared. I also want to point out that Continuously Serious is going to be thinking the way worst in Fisher. To be fair, he has not exactly given her anything to think better or otherwise of him. But this is going to be very important as we go through their love story and she constantly wonders what his motives are, believing the worst in them. For example, during the swallow scene he leaves after Lane comes in and there's the smell of sex everywhere and he says that he went to a brothel last night. Saeris immediately thinks actually that he's leaving so that that it will make it clear to Everlane that the smell was coming from her being aroused, not him and his escapades the night before. Which by the way he did not do. In reality though it was him taking the fall for her so she wouldn't be embarrassed with Everlane. But back to this forged scene because it's time to get that playing field adjusted again. Cerus tries to throw him off his game by asking him to tell her the truth about the size of his penis. One because she knows every man will lie about this and number two because she knows that if she's making him admit either a lie or even truth about little Fisher then he's gonna be knocked down a peg. It's just men talking about their manlihoods but Serious. So sorry that does not happen. You see, as an oath bound Fae Kingfisher must tell the truth at all times or at least be really fucking good at lying so that at least doesn't sound like they're lying. And Kingfisher answers this question with quote, it's big enough to make you scream and then some. Not much room for ambiguity there. But serious believes she's one. Ha ha. He's lying. He's been knocked down a peg having to lie about the size of his penis. Muahaha. Sorry.

[Lexi]

Serious.

[Nicole]

Kingfisher A is telling the truth and you will learn this very soon. And B, he does gain back that upper asshole hand when he says says quote. Maybe the issue is that you asked me a question about my like a hungry little bitch in heat and didn't ask me something that mattered. All right, it's the first official I believe L for our guy Fisher. There are a lot of ways to say no, little Osha. But saying that she's a hungry little bitch in heat is not okay, Elsa.

[Lexi]

Yeah, not okay, buddy. Bad, bad Fae.

[Nicole]

Bad fish. Bad fish.

[Lexi]

Bad fish.

[Nicole]

Especially then when he follows it up with telling her that she does not deserve to know what happened with Gilthry, because that's what she does end up asking a quote, question that mattered. She does not deserve to know what happened with that battle because, quote, you're a human and humans are weak. I know he's trying to be an asshole right now so that she hates him. It's working. Don't say that. So your second L is given to you, my guy.

[Lexi]

I like to think that this is his way of reminding himself that what he did was unforgivable. And he's really just like we're talking to himself. He's weak. He's the one who messed up and all of that kind of stuff. And that he's so horrible he should not be understood. He carries so much guilt for what happened. As much as he tried try to save people. And this is how it is coming out.

[Nicole]

I'm going to quote this again. You are a human and humans are weak. But nice try. I do think you're right. I do think you're right. And I don't think he's making it very clear that he's talking about himself.

[Lexi]

Well, since they are here to experiment with quicksilver, might as well get started. Let's test to see how saris reactions reacts to quicksilver directly coming into contact with her skin. This is Fisher just, you know, throwing her into the deep end to check if she really can manipulate the quicksilver. If she can, then yes, she is an alchemist and exactly who they need. And if she can't, then it's my understanding The Quicksilver could do some serious damage to her.

[Nicole]

And I think, no, no, it won't. Because he's gripping her and he has the pendant on. So through whatever force that is is the pendants or the relics, magical properties are being extended to her.

[Lexi]

This is him throwing her into the deep end to see if she really can, I'll say, connect with the Quicksilver. If she can, then yes, she is an alchemist and exactly who they need. If she can't, then it's my understanding the Quicksilver could do some serious damage to her. I think ultimately Kingfisher knows what Saris is capable of. And this is him forcing it to be time for her to figure out what she's capable. Capable of. And for her to see what she can do with Quicksilver for herself. According to Bella Khan's deal, if Seras cannot figure out how to awaken the Quicksilver in the next week, while Fisher stays here to help, it'll be Fisher who pays the price. And Seras will probably be punished too. Bella Khan wants this expedited.

[Nicole]

To put it simply, when Serious holds out her hand, Fisher puts raw quicksilver into it. And at first nothing really happens. But then it starts to sting. And then it starts to burn. The burning sensation that she feels is. Isn't hot, but cold. So cold, Seiris notes that it feels like ice has crawled inside of her, leeching into her bones. The pain in her hand travels up her arm, turning into, quote, a rope of fire. Seirys feels like she is being burned alive by this cold. She wants his feeling to stop. For Kingfisher to do anything. Make it stop. Make it stop. But he tells her that if she wants it to stop, then she has to make stop it stop. He tells her to listen.

[Lexi]

Wanting this pain to be over. Seris takes a breath and attempts to calm down. And in that second of clarity, she hears a voice. But not just one voice. She hears a million voices. And they're all saying the same thing. Anorath Mor. Anorath Mor. Anorath. More. The sound of these voices is deafening, causing Seras to try to get these voices to stop. But quote, it blazed through every part of my mind, consuming me, eradicating every memory, every thought, every feeling. Seras will later describe it as the quicksilver pushing these words into her mind. And when Seras herself screams, anearth More. Suddenly the pain is gone. The light returns to the room and the voices are all silent, though their echo will remain long after this Kingfisher is just standing there, frozen. She notes that this cold arrogance he always wears is nowhere to be found. And he. He's looking at her with wide eyes. Clearly this phrase Anorath mor means something to him, and it's nothing good. But as we know, Kingfisher cannot speak about it. He literally can't, because this information falls under what he cannot say due to his bargain with Belakan and Malcolm. As we'll learn, Anrath Mor is what the hundreds of thousands of people chant who surround the maze that Kingfisher has been trapped in for the past 110 years. It translates to to release us. And all these people are begging to be released. With Kingfisher, the one impossibly tasked to do it, they've been chanting this phrase at him for over a century. Just oh my goodness. I would be so triggered by this phrase too. While I was confused about why the quicksilver is saying Anorath More, our content researcher Brooke had a really interesting theory on this. In the God space that we go to in chapter 44, when the leaves, aka the realms, get pruned off the tree, they fall into the quicksilver. So these voices in the quicksilver could be considered the lost souls of the dead. I find that so interesting, and it's kind of hard to wrap my head around, so I'm gonna keep that theory in mind.

[Nicole]

After a morning in the Library, it's time to go back to the forge. But this time, Seiris is having a hard time keeping her eyes on her own work and off a very certain sweaty fey mail. And said female isn't just enjoying pushing his little OSHA's buttons. We got a taste of their banter back, especially in the first day of the Library when we have the whole conversation slash double entendre, meaning when Serious is staring at Kingfisher's hardware, AKA Nimarel, not his manhood. And then Serious tells him it looks like an unimpressive toothpick, a hundred percent making a dig on his penis. Then Kingfisher defensively says this sword has slain thousands, and Ceres tells him that he should probably get that looked at. Like this banter is so perfect. But now we're several days later and the banter has turned much more sexual. Hooray. Teasing her for liking his sweaty femaleness. And I fucking him before she even says hello. Getting all up in her own personal space, but not in the fun way Kingfisher Fisher is trying to push all of her buttons. Like we said, there's this constant back and Forth who can come out on top. Yes, I meant that in a sexual way. And when he succeeds and she snaps at him, he comments, asking if humans need afternoon naps because she's grumpier than him and he's the hungover one.

[Lexi]

Oh my goodness. Not gonna lie. Kingfisher hungover is hilarious with his rules. But also, also we're seeing how he is just kinda in his own way, trying with her. He's like, you know, coming into her room to eat because he has nowhere else to go, and he brings her food. Yes, he's coming off as an asshole, but, like, in hindsight, it's the tiniest bit.

[Nicole]

Sweet. Before Lexi gets all in a tizzy. Goal to rile Sarah's up.

[Lexi]

Totally works.

[Nicole]

Lexi, calm down, woman. She's so completely distracted. Sayris, not Lexi. That she attempts to poke her finger into a red hot crucible that just came out of a furnace. Serious? I know he's hot, but not your brightest moment. I do have a question though, going back to Kingfisher's hungoverness. What do you think his motivation was to get Kablasta fucked the night before? Because I think that there's more behind it than just him and his best friend going to the bar and drinking it dry. This was right after saying punched him and shut up the Quicksilver after saying anorath more. So this could be because the woman he's really trying hard not to fall for just punched him. And if we know anything about Kingfisher, he's a fan of aggressive foreplay and. Or she just said anorath more to him, which clearly spooked Kingfisher. She should not have known what those words meant, given that they are only in his mind. So he's like, I need a fucking drink for what the fuck I just experienced. I think it's a mix of the two.

[Lexi]

It's today at the forge that Kingfisher shares his ulterior motive with Ceres, the alchemist. Separate from Belacan's mission of getting Sarris to awaken the quicksilver for the Portal Axis, Kingfisher wants Sarris to figure out how relics that travel through quicksilver are made. There's been theories over the years, but that's all they are. Theories Again. There has been no way to experiment because the Quicksilver has been asleep for over a thousand years. What's more, Fisher wants Sam Sarah's to bind the quicksilver to relics so his army will be able to travel through the quicksilver. So while they're deep in this conversation, suddenly Sarah spots movement in the forge. Oh, the two of them are not alone. Sarah's gets ready to fight the intruder. And Kingfisher is right there with her. Moving so fast he becomes a blur of black smoke. But then Sarah sees that it's an animal. Crouched is a small white fox bearing his teeth in hiss. Seeing this tiny creature as a nuisance, Kingfisher goes to kill it. But serious goes no. And how does little onyx repay Saris for saving his life? He bites her. Welcome, welcome, welcome, adorable little onyx to the podcast. Our beloved animal companion. Who is this phantom's favorite?

[Nicole]

With our furry new friend not being turned into a hat, it's time to turn our attention back to the dilemma as at hand. How to make a relic. Which gives Saris an idea. She might just need to look at Fisher's relic to see how to recreate it. But also, this helps her with her little sneaky plan of thieving his ring, getting so close to Fisher that she can steal it off him. But there's also a huge risk that if she does do that, she will piss Fisher off to no end. But Fisher, he can't simply give the relic to her. No, no, no. That would mean him taking it off, something Fisher literally cannot do without going mad. So. Oh, no. Oh, darn. Cirrus is going to have to get close to him to look at it. So Fisher perches himself on a stool so he's closer ish to her level as she steps between his open legs to look at the pendant. Oh. Slick with Kingfisher sweat.

[Lexi]

But.

[Nicole]

But it's more than just her being wildly attractive to this male. There's an energy that radiates off of Fisher, and it's like the closer she gets to him, the energy stands on end and lights a fire in the hollow of her stomach. Hello. Mating bond. Clue. Ah, I love this.

[Lexi]

We get the signature exchange about heartbeats, where Fisher tells Ceres how fast he can hear her heart beating. Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. That gives her away. I love how this will continue coming up throughout the book, as they're little signs to each other about how the other one is feeling. I just love the heartbeat stuff so much. And while, yes, part of this is Fisher taunting Sarah's, he keeps reminding her in the situation that she initiated this and she's the one showing every sign of being attracted to him. He's also enjoying this banter with his mate. I do believe he knows things can't escalate with her, but I'm sure he loves how turned on she is by him and he wants to see, you know, just how far she's willing to go. At the same time, there is an important moment that I want to call out. Fisher lets Sarah go the moment she asks him to. As much as he's taunting and bad boy flirting with her and toeing the line, he ultimately respects her boundaries. And that is very important for us to call out for this deep dive.

[Nicole]

Well, these little moments, especially in darker romances, are necessary. Yes.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

There is some extra roughness in these spicy scenes that, my God, I'm excited to talk about. But what Callie is masterfully doing here is that she's saying, yes, they're rougher with each other especially, but there's also such a respect between the two of them that if one says stop or does not like it, the other immediately stops, which is so important. Maybe temporary insanity or maybe some loss of common sense.

[Lexi]

Sense.

[Nicole]

Or just because she's really fucking aroused right now. Seris lunges up and kisses Kingfisher. And while he honors this bargain of restraining himself and not moving, only white knuckling his thighs, that does not mean he doesn't kiss her back. The two mouths collide and Serous hands begin to explore through his hair, gripping it roughly and to his hand. While it is not on the page, we know that during this moment it is when Seiris's light little fingers are getting his ring off. Which she believes because Kingfisher is clearly distracted. Fisher has no idea she's doing this, but he totally knows. And maybe, just maybe, while she and him get lost in the kiss, she then climbs onto his lap and starts grinding herself up again against him. Well, that was not part of this plan.

[Lexi]

After their sexy, steamy kiss, Eris realizes just how into it she was.

[Nicole]

Yeah, she was.

[Lexi]

Yeah, she was. The kiss was not supposed to be the best kiss she ever had that she got lost in, but this is her mate, even if she doesn't know it yet. I love how the only times she's like, oh, like they actually turned me on.

[Ad Read Host]

God damn it.

[Lexi]

It's with they. Fisher calls out how she skirted the line of just a kiss where he does not put his hands on her. Remember how Sarah's acted with swagger and confidence where no one but Carrie and Swift has ever truly made her scream in bed? She's cold, she's hard. She's dry.

[Nicole]

No, she's not.

[Lexi]

And this sexy Fae is turning her upside down. Not metaphorically upside down. And it's embarrassing. For her to be be this off her game.

[Nicole]

Also, I think it goes back to this game of who can have the upper hand that these two are playing by her. In her opinion, getting way too carried away. She gave him the power back in this moment and she really fucking wanted to have it herself. And she's so mad and also embarrassed that suddenly he's like, you just grinding yourself on my lap like this clearly meant a lot to you. While simultaneously, Kingfisher in his own mind is like, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. But in this embarrassment, she tells Kingfisher to get the fuck out of here and her plan can continue. With Fisher's ring in hand, Seiris promises to wait for him to fetch Ren to walk her back to her room from the forge. She doesn't want Fisher to do it, but Seiris has another plan in mind. Find the Quicksilver Pool and go home. With her bag in hand, food, a good amount of water, some clothing items, and her new fluffy friends stuffed inside, Seiris books it down the hallway. But there's one problem. She doesn't actually know where the Quicksilver Pool is. Just a general, brief idea. So, with that in mind, Seiris goes down every flight of stairs she comes across and hoping that some somehow she'll stumble across it. I guess after all, Rosaria said, all tunnels eventually lead to the Quicksilver. Helpful. Also helpful. As Seiris gets closer to the Quicksilver, she starts hearing it call to her. This way. Yes. Go in. Come this way. Yes. Saver's fane. And instinctively, she knows where to go.

[Lexi]

This is very important. How Seras can sense where the Quicksilver is and how she can follow it. It is excited that she's around, that she. She can wake it. The Quicksilver is just like, woo. Come here, come here, come here. Come find us.

[Nicole]

Well, and it's also great foreshadowing for later in the maze, when she will be able to find the Quicksilver Pool despite literally being in a maze. When she finally reaches the Pool of Quicksilver, Seiris finds herself standing in a high ceilinged cavern decorated with statues of ancient Fae and other strange creatures, each one at least 20ft tall, surrounding the enormous pool of Quicksilver. Whoa, we need a pause. Are these the Alchemists?

[Lexi]

That's what I think. I think that if they were supposed to be the gods, then there would be some kind of reference like.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

But I will also say she assumed in the Zolvarin Quicksilver Room, the Hall of mirrors that it was the forgotten gods. But I wonder if it was actually alchemists there too. Maybe. Or maybe it was the forgotten gods. I don't know. But I definitely think that it's. It is not the gods in the situation. It is famous old alchemists.

[Nicole]

I do think in the hall of mirrors it was the gods because she recognized Baliamin. So I do think those were the gods. But here I definitely don't think it is. Because of that same reasoning, she's now seen the gods multiple times. She would have made some kind of reference to, oh, there's those gods that Everlane introduced me to. These are absolutely something different. The thing that's throwing me off is the other creatures Comet, because our alchemists able to be things other than Fae. Anyway, more on that hopefully someday as Onyx books it out of here, supposedly back to the outside world. Don't worry, our furry friend will be back. The pull that Seiris experiences with the quicksilver grows more hypnotizing, as if it was pulling her to step into the pool. Placing her hand on the sleeping quicksilver, Seiris barely thinks the words wake up. And almost, almost instantly, the once hard cold metal is now a shimmering pool of liquid silver. Oh, I can see this so vividly. I wonder if one of the reasons it woke up so quickly is because she is so, I'll say connected to it mentally in this moment. But that connection doesn't sever with the pool waking. If anything, that hypnotic connection grows. It clouds her vision. She wouldn't enter the pool, but where did she want to go again? She would go back to.

[Lexi]

Yes, I love the way that she goes into a trance at the base of the pool and it's luring her. It feels so notable. And I just know that there is so much more to the quicksilver than we know from just book one. But anyway, as she's about to go, go, go into the quicksilver slam, Kingfisher stops her from certain death. And surprise. He is really pissed off about having to work so hard to keep her alive. Once again, Fisher makes Saris feel stupid. She just hurt herself on Nimrel, which anyone should have known not to touch. I do want to mention real fast that she is able to touch Solace, which is a God sword, but she cannot touch Nimmerel, so which is an active God sword.

[Nicole]

And she realizes that later at the fight on the Darn, which is hugely notable that we have no information on. Yes, yes, yes.

[Lexi]

Moving on. Though he knew that she stole his ring while she climbed up on him and kissed him. And the ring is not enough to keep her safe if she travels through the quicksilver. Even though everything she has deduced from listening and piecing things together concludes that the ring relic should have been able to help her. Listen, Kingfisher, I get that you're hungover, but. Lowercase L for making Sarris cry.

[Nicole]

You sure you want to keep that?

[Lexi]

Yeah. He does not know what she does not know. He is so not used to somebody literally having no idea how their entire world works. So he just assumes that she knows things.

[Nicole]

We're still gonna count that as an L. Sounds good. Yeah. This episode alone, I'm keeping count. Yes. Thank you. When Kingfisher finally sees that Sailors is telling the truth, she would rather die by going through the quicksilver on the small hope that it would help her family. Kingfisher proposes a bargain. Oh, boy. He will go to Zelvarin. He will try to get one person back for Sarus, not two. Even though she tries to negotiate also for Elroy. Because she sees how badly Kingfisher needs someone here, especially an alchemist in the forge. But no. He will only get one person. Sorry, human. Kingfisher can't go through the silver more than once a day. If he goes through twice, he will die. It will be bad, bad, bad. So reluctantly, she. So reluctantly, reluctantly. Ish.

[Lexi]

I'd be reluctant, too.

[Nicole]

Fuck you. Oh, you mean for Hayden? Elroy is a lot more useful than Haven. If you were in our situation and you had to pick between me and someone else.

[Lexi]

No, I would choose you.

[Nicole]

Thank you. I mean, that was the correct answer. The other person is.

[Lexi]

But yes.

[Nicole]

What did you just say?

[Lexi]

Nothing. Nothing.

[Nicole]

I didn't say anything. Wow. Reluctantly, she picks her own blood. Her brother, her family. Kingfisher will try to bring Hayden back to this realm, and when he gets back serious, will quit, end this madness. Meaning she will stop trying to escape.

[Lexi]

And since Seras does not have anything of her brothers on her, Silly her for not grabbing something on her way out in cuffs to the palace. Fisher will have to rely on sniffing out her brother's blood, since it'll be the same as hers.

[Nicole]

In exchange, Seiris has to agree to do whatever Kingfisher asks of her and help him forge new relics and any other instruments. Instruments he deems fit. But the official bargain ends up being, quote, I go and I try to get your brother. You help me and assist me in any way I ask you to, and do as you're told you. Agree to this pact and agree to these terms she does, a deal will be sealed in blood.

[Lexi]

Well friends, we all read enough romanasy to know this is bad news Barrel. Little does Sarris truly understand what she's agreeing to, even though technically Kingfisher does warn her, reiterating several times, this is a blood oath and she will be bound to it till death. What he does not warn her is the specifics of the language of the bargain. But in her hurry to make this deal she didn't think would be possible, Serious disregards anything Kingfisher has told her. I mean let's be honest, even if he did plainly say something, she would not have listened to him on principle because she is so stuck in her head head that he is bad and he's always trying to trick her and make her feel small which is not entirely imagined I think we can all agree. So there is a valid question among the fandom and that is why would Kingfisher make this bargain in the first place where he is able to literally control Ceres? I keep thinking about how Remphs later describes him and how Kingfisher can have a one track mind and be a little extreme. He is on a mission to help the war efforts and no matter what, this woman is their key to helping the war efforts. Mate or not. Fisher has a goal in mind and Cerys is clearly determined to get back to Zelvarin or at least ensure her loved ones are safe. She wants to do whatever the opposite is that Kingfisher says, so this can be his way of getting her to cooperate willingly with her brother here and it's also his way of securing that he'll get what he needs out of the this very very risky mission. But probably more importantly, I think this is a twofold regarding his mate with making this particular bargain. Fisher does not want his mate to do anything stupid where her life will be put at further risk, so he wants to help her. A very stubborn person who does not like him in his own way. I like to think he also sees her hurting and genuinely wants to help at the same time. He is still set on making sure that she does not like him and he wants to push her away. What better way to to help her while also pushing her away and so she'll hate him while he can still.

[Nicole]

Look out for her. But once when she activates the quicksilver, Fisher is through it and she waits.

[Lexi]

For him to return upon their agreement she automatically starts thinking the worst of him. Shock of shocks and that he'll probably kill her brother and Elroy just to eliminate them as a problem that Sarah wants to return to. Like we've been saying, Sarris is conditioned to think the worst in people. That is her immediate reaction to anyone, especially anyone doing something something for her.

[Nicole]

Using her fingers to estimate approximately an hour, Sabers goes back to the quicksilver pool and starts to awaken it. But she can only transform about half before Kingfisher bursts through it. In one hand, he has Nimarel dripping in shadowed blood, and tucked up underneath his other arm is a person. Hooray. Hayden is back. Yay. Yay. It turns out that when Fisher went through the portal, 55. 0 guardians with a unit of archers with iron tipped arrows were waiting at the pool. In this world, Fae are susceptible to iron, and if it touches a Fae's skin, it is such bad news bears like Renfus was grazed by an iron tipped arrow once and it should have meant death for him. But Renfus was strong and he survived. After almost losing his mind, best friend Kingfisher begun training his body little at a time to withstand the mettle. And while he's definitely not impervious to it, he's better off than most. But a unit of iron tipped arrows is a lot even for someone like him. Then he got stabbed seven times in various parts of his body. Not only did Kingfisher have to fight his way out of the palace to find Hayden, then he also had to cross the desert, find Hayden, go back across the city, back to the palace, palace and back through the quicksilver, all in under an hour. No wonder Kingfisher is like, yeah, fucking never again. But hey, at least Hayden is back here, right?

[Ad Read Host]

Right.

[Nicole]

Wrong.

[Lexi]

After Seras gets a pendant off the human and back onto Fisher for his sanity, and she recloses the gate so no one else can go through while it and all the other portals are open, she turns to her beloved, beloved brother. So relieved that he's here. Fisher did it and retrieved him. Only it's Carrie Swift.

[Nicole]

Oh no.

[Lexi]

Why? Why does Fisher have Carrie and Swift here instead of Hayden for?

[Nicole]

Fantastic plot, that's why. Just kidding.

[Lexi]

Not really, but sort of. Fisher explains that he tracked her bloodline down and it brought him to Carrion. Then Fisher asked Carrion if he was Hayden Fane and Carrion lied and said said yes, he was Hayden. So little did Fisher know this was not her brother. Every sign pointed to it being her brother, literally even carrying said it was him. As it seems. Emphasis on as it seems. Instead of tracking down her brother by blood. Fisher tracked down a guy she slept with a few months ago, accidentally hunting down her pheromones instead of her blood. I love when a little detail comes full circle like this in a story. Since Sarah's and carrying slept together a few months ago, he still smells like her. And therefore that's what Kingfisher cracked down.

[Nicole]

I have been waiting to talk about this since the second time I read this book over a year ago. Because I don't think the reason Fisher got Carrion instead of Hayden was because of this pheromones nonsense. With the amount of emphasis this book has on blood. And Kingfisher repeatedly saying how he questioned, quote, tracked your bloodline and it led me to him, meaning Carrion. Then later quote, this prick said he was Hayden. His blood said he was Hayden. I 1000% believe that Sarus is part of Carrion's bloodline. Yes, the Dianthus bloodline. And that's why Fisher believes Sarah's and Carrion had related blood. Because then when you add Sarah's having dark hair, a sign of Royal Evilian Fae, AKA Dianthus Fae. I am so convinced. Let's call out the elephant in the room. Though I don't think they would be closely related. We know Carrion gets around. It would not be out of the question if years and years and years and years ago he had a child that he didn't know about and it's just been walking around. Then generations later, it led to Sarris. Now that would ask the question of of which one of her parents would be the Dianthus descendant. And here's where I'm going. Back to that gasping woman back in the Hub from chapter one, who Seirys did not turn around to look at. Because I am so convinced that if she had turned around, that woman would have looked just like Serous. So yeah, I'm kind of saying I think that's serious, Mom. Because King Face Fisher says to Serous as he's preparing to go get Hayden, quote, is he your full brother? Do you have the same parents? Which got me thinking. What if they don't? And what if this woman gave serious to the mom she grew up with because the gasping woman didn't want her child to get discovered with powers or for some other reason? Now where would Hayden fall into all of this? As someone who is described as tall, which we have equated to being Fae? Yes, that is a hole in my theory. And I don't know. Seiris being adopted and then Hayden being Fae from a different Fae line. It's not impossible, but it's highly improbable. But I definitely don't think they're full siblings. I am still so convinced that Seris is a hundred percent Dianthus.

[Lexi]

So, with the wrong person back from Zelvarin, and it is 100% confirmed that Seras can open the quicksilver portals, Kingfisher knows it is time to leave before Bellakon catches on to his plans. Fisher wants to leave right now for a couple of different reasons. Number one, he hates the Winter palace and Bellicon specifically. Number two, and more importantly, Kingfisher really does want to end the war. And having an alchemist to help him create relics and other alchemy and objects will literally turn the tide in their people's favor with this war. So he needs to get serious out of the palace and to a location that Bella Khan cannot enter. Because remember, Bellicon is not actually on their side. Plus, Fisher needs to get Seras out of here and keep her safe with him, which he knows he can't trust that she will be safe in Bellicon's palace, even if Kingfisher is pushing her away. Of course, he ultimately wants her to be safe and with him. Now that he's gotten another human for her and she's awoken the quicksilver again, they are in danger. And they need to get to a safer location where Fisher can see out his own mission.

[Nicole]

For an alchemist to say that Serious is unhappy with what's occurring is such an understatement. Not only does she she not have her brother in tow, the severity of this blood oath she just committed herself to is really dawning on her. This is not a. Ah, shit, I fucked up. But at least I can fix the mistake. No, this is like a for life, there's no going back bargain. Serious was frantic. She just wanted to go home. She wanted her brother, damn it. So no, she was not thinking about all the details and the exact wording. She knew what she meant and assumed Kingfisher did too. He did. But now, should Kingfisher tell her to do something, she has no choice but to do it. Oh, Fisher. For a thief and a rebel in Zilvarin who does not like to do things by the rules. This is a fucking nightmare. I really do feel for Sarus here. While we readers who have finished the book for now, we know that King Fisher will not use this oath for selfish or evil reasons. Reasons. But Sabris, right here, she doesn't know that Kingfisher is unhinged, rude and she tells herself that she hates him. So it is kind of fucking scary to think that she now has to do what she's told by this evil Fae.

[Lexi]

Is it silly to think that when they made the bargain, Kingfisher was not trying to manipulate her?

[Nicole]

Yes, that is silly.

[Lexi]

Like, I think maybe it's him more being exasperated because Serious is fighting him on everything and the fate of the realm is at stake and he's like, please just be useful and actually help. And here he takes the opportunity she agreed to to overall help his people and ensure she doesn't have as high a chance at getting killed or be in Belkin's grasp.

[Nicole]

Yeah, I think that probably went through his mind to justify this way of going about controlling his mate. Yeah, I think so. Totally. I'm trying to help you, Fisher. I'm trying to. I don't think he's gonna be helped. Don't worry. We'll give him a few few L's and a few W's in a moment. But as the back of the book and the great Taylor Swift herself states, quote, the devil's in the details.

[Lexi]

Let's tap into our Inner Oracle and turn our full attention to other important foreshadowing moments for the rest of this book and speculations for book two. Brimstone.

[Nicole]

I have another moment I want to add to my Everlane might be working for Bellicon and she's evil theory. Now I want to be clear. I'm the more I'm marinating on this. I don't think she's fully evil. I do think she's reluctantly working with or under Bella Kun's grasp. When looking at Kingfisher for the first time in the library the following day, Everlane says that Bellicon's assassins could be anywhere. And quote, sounds to me like you're the one I should be watching out for, darling Lane. Could she be looking out for her brother?

[Lexi]

Yes, of course.

[Nicole]

Could she also be trying to warn Kingfisher about something Belacan has planned and she knows about it because she's working with him? Yes. Yes, she could. We also get so much foreshadowing for Kingfisher wanting to kill Madra, I will be shocked if this is not a huge plot point for book 2.

[Lexi]

I agree along these same lines of Fisher talking about the Silver City after he says he would raise Zolvar into the ground. Sarris thinks, quote, he'd snuff out a million lives in the blink of an eye, just like that. I could see it now. He wouldn't feel a thing at all. Major foreshadowing for what he did do to Gilthrite. But of course serious is thinking the worst about him. Because the truth is he cared very much about what he did and he spent the next 110 years trying to make it right and living in that shame and guilt.

[Nicole]

Do you find it interesting that the colors of the flower dotting the vines in the flower forge, this is before they cleaned it. They're pale blue, pink and purple. What are the o' Shealeth's colors? Blue, pink and silver. So close enough to make me go, hmm, Are these Callie's favorite colors or is this on purpose?

[Lexi]

I think there's just some flower colors.

[Nicole]

I think it's on purpose.

[Lexi]

Fisher flips off the gods as he passes them. And knowing what we know about the gods at end, the end, I will be very curious to see how his feelings for them either evolve or have consequences as we keep going in the series.

[Nicole]

Well, as we know from the Gate part one, he's been to the gods and he's been chatting with them. He chatted with Belia and Min. He also saw Xerath talking to Sarus in a completely different timeline.

[Lexi]

That's right. So he's probably brain forgot about that because that just breaks my brain.

[Nicole]

I love that fact. I love that chapter. Oh my God.

[Lexi]

Well then, speaking of the gods, Lane explains that the gods set off on a pilgrimage thousands of years ago. This goes back to what you asked last episode, Nicole, about whether the gods will come back here. There is so much Gods are real and the Corcoran is coming back. Foreshadowing that.

[Nicole]

I can't wait to learn more about another Finryn. Fisher's father is still alive. Bit of foreshadowing. Everleen tells Savers that, yes, when the quicksilver stilled, other fae who were in different realms were stuck there and could still be alive. And it is likely that old age itself did not kill the fae, because that was a thousand years ago.

[Lexi]

Since witches will play a bigger role later in this book, I want to pull out a moment that Kingfisher mentions. Kingfisher explains that he does not do spells. That's what witches do. So here we get a little insight into witch magic versus fey magic. And I have to admit, poor Ceres, who has been thrown into a completely different magical world and she obviously does not know any of this. Kingfisher is not making it any easier to learn. He's like, obviously that's the truth. So the way would I have known.

[Nicole]

The way I look at it is. Witches say spells in order to create magic. Fae are just magic, and they're able to conjure it. Alchemists speak to objects like iron, silver, gold, and they. They are sentient, and they work with that element. That's how I'm looking. So they have to speak to something which is say something, and they. Magic just be something. That.

[Lexi]

That sounds right. Yeah.

[Nicole]

That makes a lot of sense. I'm actually pretty proud of that. We're gonna go with that for now.

[Lexi]

Yeah. Yeah, I like that.

[Nicole]

We learn about some of the other quicksilver pools. There's one in Golarion, which is an amazing mountain to the east. And they keep their pool high, perched on a mountaintop. That is so cool. Then there's another that belongs to the Lycians. We talked about them last episodes with Everlane calling Saris Lys.

[Lexi]

And it's Queen making herself immortal with potions and elixirs.

[Nicole]

Yes. They reside on an island to the south, and it is suspected that their quicksilver pool is deep within a sea cave, and it is their most sacred place of worship. God, I want to go here so bad. Do you think it is notable that horses don't, like, say, risk?

[Lexi]

I don't know. But I do admit that I hold it a little bit against her because.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God. I think it's notable, like, somehow, some way, she has some kind of, like, aura magic about her that horses don't like and don't trust.

[Lexi]

I think she should like horses more. Wow.

[Nicole]

Okay. Horse. Horse girl. Super Nicole Fisher put her on a horse with a long, narrow bundle attached to it. We will later learn that this is solace. And he tells her not to touch it. I'm assuming he's telling her not to touch it because if someone touches an active alchemy and sword who it does not belong to, it burns their hand like we saw with Nimarel and Sarrus. But Seiris has already touched and wielded Solace. But it is active because we learn at the darn that it is very much active. She feels it coming alive in her hand.

[Lexi]

She uses it.

[Ad Read Host]

Yeah, she.

[Nicole]

Well, uses it.

[Lexi]

Becomes like, fluid and all of that, and, like, it's lost in the dance.

[Nicole]

But she. She feels magic within it. And she's like, I'm not gonna think about this right now. I'm just gonna keep killing vampires. Yeah. So that never comes up again.

[Lexi]

It's a good thing we got more books.

[Nicole]

It's a good thing we got more books.

[Lexi]

Whenever the there is a book With a lot of God emphasis I have to call out when there is focus on the stars. Fisher explains that they can travel to the realms that orbit the stars and it shows how vast this universe is. I just like to call that out because yeah, this universe is very vast.

[Nicole]

It is time to enter the Rosarius Library with our crackers where each episode Lexi guides us through a world building topic to help us deepen our understanding of this world and its map magic. Buckle up buttercups.

[Lexi]

Today's Rosarius Library topic is alchemy. I know we've already talked a lot about alchemy today, but when it comes to these more important and complex subjects of a series, it needs to have its own library topic. And I feel like it's necessary to say this is only the beginning of our expansive discussion on alchemy for the series. Alright, so let's start it off with what is alchemy? Alchemy is a forgotten, long dead old form of magic. All alchemists are Fae, but not all Fae are alchemists. Alchemists. For someone like Ceres to be an alchemist, they need to have fey blood, even if it's just the smallest drop. Thousands of years ago, alchemists used their magical gifts to alter the state of compounds and transform them into precious metals. There is no record of which compounds were used or what was done to them, but the alchemists were successful. They found a way to transform elements into vast amounts of gold and silver, which was reportedly used to fill the royal coffin offers. At some point the quicksilver was discovered along with other realms and the pathways that connect them. And all manner of chaos ensued afterward. It is also not common knowledge on how the alchemists power work. For the most part, alchemists worked in secrecy and they did not document or write down their processes or how their magic worked. Which is just peachy for me as the deep diver that I am. It's fine, because we have five books to explore alchemy. Notably, we can assume that alchemists existed across Rangers realms. There were thousands in Salvarin before Madra murdered them all. And we'll learn from the God Zarith that Serris is not the only alchemist in the universe and that there are millions like her out there. Even in your realm, even in the city you once called your home, there are hundreds of elemental magic wielders who can command the quicksilver. Oh my goodness.

[Nicole]

You were right there, Nicole.

[Lexi]

I did not remember that. But as far as the Evilian Fae have been concerned, for a Thousand years, the alchemist are extinct, and they have no idea what it's like to have an alchemist on their side of the war. Meaning they don't fully understand how it can change the tide of this war. One more time, let's go through the three branches or types of alchemists. Number one, those who want to discover the path to immortality. Number two, those who want to create and invent by transmuting various metals and ores. And number three, those who want to cure illness and disease. We don't know much about the two alchemy branches regarding any immortality and cures, but we do know some about the transmutation alchemists. For one, they lived very short lives because they often went mad and killed themselves, I assume from contact with the quicksilver. And that's basically what's happening to Kingfisher right now.

[Nicole]

That would be my assumption too.

[Lexi]

Yeah, yeah. And so alchemists are not impervious to the quicksilver. I still a little bit confused about that. I'm sorry. These alchemists are who forge quicksilver into weaponry for Feywar warriors. They are the only people who can manipulate the quicksilver. Oh, I wonder if they literally go insane from talking to the quicksilver so much, where it's not actually touching the quicksilver, because Sarah's will be able to stop it from hurting her. Although I don't know how that works with Kingfisher's relic. But I do wonder if it's not so much like the actual contact with the quicksilver, but it's literally like the mental. Maybe craziness, maybe the strongest of these alchemists are able to show shatter metal that has quicksilver in it, like we see Ceres do later in this book. And they are also able to melt metal with quicksilver in it, like Seras already did with Heron's blade. As for how they're able to do this, it's actually pretty easy. The alchemist just needs to ask the quicksilver to do what they want. Now, while the asking part is easy, it's not a guarantee that the quicksilver will just do whatever the alchemist wants it to do. We see that the quicksilver will sometimes ask for things in exchange. Something from as small as a dirty joke to a beautiful song to blood, to all sorts of other possible favors. Historical records show that most alchemists can only command objects if the item in question is at least 5% quicksilver. And even then, it is typical that they can only transmute the quicksilver from its solid to liquid state so that it can be forged. These alchemists are able to create relics alchemy on objects like godswords and conduits that can channel vast qualities of magic. With this ability, I do want to note, quick, that it's not crystal clear if all alchemists, that means across all three branches, can awaken quicksilver pools, or if it's only the ones who can transmute metals and ores. I'm leaning toward only the metal kind because of context clues. But anyway, it's been hotly debated whether or not alchemists control the quicksilver with their magic or not. Aside from these different branches Branches of alchemy, let's make it a little bit more complicated here. Alchemists are able to work with a specific element or elements. From my understanding, the more elements an alchemist can manipulate, the stronger they are. So while we have not seen manipulation of all of these elements on the page, we do know, thanks to Kingfisher and Malcolm, a few of the different categories an alchemist can manipulate include, but are absolutely not limited to, light, Dark, Silver, Steel, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Salt, Brimstone, quicksilver. Coincidentally, these are all the elements that Seras can manipulate according to her runes that will appear on her. I can guarantee we will learn more about all of this part of alchemy later in the series.

[Nicole]

Remember that whole 10%? I think we found the other 90 right here. I know.

[Lexi]

Okay, now let's shift our attention to Quicksilver pools. Without getting too much into quicksilver, I think it's important to touch on how alchemists can use use the Quicksilver pools. This is actually one of the few things about alchemy that is common knowledge. Yay. Using Quicksilver pools is rather simple. All an alchemist has to do is fix their intentions on the place they want to go. This applies to new places they want to explore as well. Take, for example, they want to discover a place rich in iron. All they need to do is think about iron ore and let the quicksilver pull them to a place that has an abundance of iron. Now, while it is specified that an alchemist does this with their intentions, I also understand that this is how anybody who is traveling through the quicksilver gets from point A to point B. But while it is a simple system, it is also flawed. It is well known that there's a chance when exploring any place that an alchemist will never come back. Because they cannot guarantee what will be on the other side of that quicksilver pool. Alchemy and objects created by an alchemist can also lock quicksilver pools. And if one is locked, all of them are locked, as how we saw with solid Solace, which is a God sword with quicksilver in it, was able to lock all of the quicksilver pools when it was thrust into it. How this works is that all the quicksilver is connected by some kind of energy, so when something like Solace is inserted into the quicksilver, it severs the energy in a way that paralyzes it. So until that object is removed, every entrance to the pathway becomes frozen, leaving anyone who went through a quicksilver pool and into another realm trapped on the other side, with no way to return home. And that is everything we know, at least for now, about alchemy.

[Nicole]

It is time to close out this episode with Prancing through the Snow with Onyx to discuss our favorite many moments from this stretch of chapters.

[Lexi]

Can we all just imagine for a moment how insane it would be to live in sand dunes where it is literally always hot and sunny and water is a precious resource, and then you're suddenly plopped into another world where snow is everywhere, it gets dark and there are mountains and trees and adorable mountain villages. I would never stop looking out the window. No, you know what? I just run out there and I frolic in the snow and I go into those adorable little mountain taverns and I would just be the happiest girl ever. I want to live in Yvelia and it's such a beautiful winter wonderland.

[Nicole]

One of my other favorite moments is Rosarius stabbing one of his assailants. Violence in the buttock for waking him up and calling him back to court. I just love that. One of my favorite written lines in this entire book is quote literally nothing about this male screams bait me and see what happens. I just love her inner monologue. Also, Rosarius eating only dry crackers in the library is such a funny tidbit about his character and I just never knew I needed it so badly. I also think in my head can't canon that Cali saw the trope about the whole like 500 year old Fae with the 24 year old girl and she decided to say hold my beer because 1733 is of considerable age. Saras punching Fisher and then him throwing her over his shoulder and then into her room saying bad human. Fun fact. When Kelly signed my copy of Quicksilver, she wrote bad human in it. Everything about the swallow scene, the banter Kingfisher showing up in extra armor as a slight to serious for punching him the day before him admitting that he has an extra good sense of smell after a cut on his lip opens up, she gets a flash of Kingfisher's sharp teeth and then gets turned on by it. And of course only after Kingfisher smells what it's doing to her does he decide that you know what, I don't think I want to get this cut healed anyways.

[Lexi]

Okay. But really, I would be mortified if every time I was turned on it had quite the smell. Especially if I was a 24 year old human suddenly in a Fae world with sexy fey men carrying Then the best part is when Lane blames Fisher for it smelling like brothel. It just makes me laugh out loud every time I read that.

[Nicole]

Then Saera's getting all choked up on a piece of gluey cheese and Kingfisher leaning forward and saying swallow it is just everything about that scene is brilliant writing. Speaking of brilliant writing, everything about the Onyx introduction, including the furry little creature biting Serious and then looking up at her and being like help. And then Kingfisher calling it a furry bracelet pivoting slightly I I really love Sentient magic. I just find that one of my favorite types of magical tropes I'll call it. And Saver's describing the Quicksilver, yes, as sentient, but then as mocking her. God I love it. It's so good. Okay, so next I actually have to give this to our friend Khan from between pages and friends for pointing this out. As Serious is running down the halls towards the Quicksilver pool. She passes by a games court where eight or more long limbed Fae females were gracefully volleying a ball back and forth to one another across a net. Evilian volleyball team is training. Now this should not be as funny as it is, but Saera's feeling like she needs to check in her bag because it should have Onyx in it. But just in case, Kingfisher replaced the fox with a large rock or something. But don't worry, Onyx popped its head out with its pink tongue lolling off to the side. God, I see Onyx so vividly. The way Carrion is strapped to Kingfisher's horse is so haphazard and knowing that he will be incredibly sore when he wakes up the next day again. Another thing I can see so clearly.

[Lexi]

Lexi.

[Nicole]

I've been waiting all episode to say this. It is time to play. Is it hot and flirty or is it L Worthy? I am going to say some of Kingfisher's lines from this stretch of chapters and you're going to tell me if it's hot and sexy or if he gets another L. He is currently at three Ls and we're gonna see where he's at by the end of this game. Are you ready?

[Lexi]

I'm ready.

[Nicole]

Okay. First, when discussing that Sares blood must have a drop of Fae blood. He says. Says, quote, enough blood to stop solace from burning off her hands, but not enough to matter.

[Lexi]

I think that is him being defensive for himself.

[Nicole]

Are you? No, he's saying, like, she doesn't have enough Fae blood to matter.

[Lexi]

I know, but he's. I think he's telling himself that more than anything. Because that means if she's not a Fae, then they don't have their life together. And he does not get his happily ever after because his master is a human.

[Nicole]

Next, when Kingfisher bursts down the door to the forge saying, knock, knock, and then follows up Sarus's, you know, worry about being magic and all that kind of stuff, he goes, oh, no, not magic. With this, like, googly, googly fingers. I think that's hot and flirty.

[Lexi]

I do too. I don't even know if I would say hot and flirty. I just think that's fucking hilarious.

[Nicole]

I think that's hot and flirty. It's so funny that I'm like, I am so attracted to you when you say things like that. Next. Kingfisher calling Sarus human.

[Lexi]

We already gave him an L for this, so he doesn't get another one.

[Nicole]

Okay, then I'm going to say the next part of this quote. It isn't practical learning the names of humans. You come and go so quickly. I only bother to learn the names of creatures who live longer than a heartbeat. L. L?

[Lexi]

Yeah. That's not good.

[Nicole]

No, it's not. Next. Sarah's telling Fisher to call her by her name or nothing at all. And then King Fisher says, quote, nothing at all. I like the sound of that. Come here and look at this. Nothing at all. Hot and flirty.

[Lexi]

I think that's funny. Yeah, like she even admits to herself. She's like, I walked into that one.

[Nicole]

I think that was so funny. When he states that onyx biting saris is a learning experience and that there are consequences to our actions, so she should wear this furry bracelet with pride.

[Lexi]

I think that's just funny. I don't think any of these are hot and flirty. I just think it's absolutely hilarious.

[Nicole]

Okay.

[Lexi]

Hot and funny.

[Nicole]

How's that?

[Lexi]

Hot and funny. There we go. Hot and funny. I like it. Yes.

[Nicole]

Wait, no, that's. That doesn't rhyme. Funny and flirty or elworthy.

[Lexi]

There. There we go. Funny and flirty.

[Nicole]

Okay, that's funny and flirty. I agree. Kingfisher making fun of the poofy skirts Serious is being forced to wear. And when she tells him that she just wants her pants and shirt back like the one she was wearing back in Zilvarin, Kingfisher reminds her that she was wearing actually a whole lot of blood. Then, quote, wait, I seem to recall that your intestines might have been part of your ensemble. Funny, flirty and flirty. Funny and flirty.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

God damn it. I agree with you. Okay.

[Lexi]

Yeah, that's fair. He is making an observation.

[Nicole]

Sure. In that same exchange, Fisher guesses that in order to get the boots she was wearing back in Sylvarin, it cost her her virginity. And when Seiris claps back with an oh, fuck you, Fisher, he says, quote, sure, but I'm afraid I don't have any boots to drain you for your time. I think this is funny and elworthy.

[Lexi]

Yes, this is. Can we. Can we laugh while we're giving him an like? Is it a good comeback? Yes, it's really funny. Appropriate.

[Nicole]

No. Next quote. I don't hate your kind. I'm just disappointed by how breakable you are. If I held you down and fucked you the way I'm imagining fucking you right now, I doubt you survive it. I don't want to give him an L for this.

[Lexi]

I don't think we can't give him an L so hot.

[Nicole]

Okay, second to last. Kingfisher telling her about his mind. Quote, I'm stronger than you, idiot. I've spent hundreds of years forging barriers and wards around my mind that you couldn't even begin to comprehend. My mind is an impenetrable vault, and I still paid a heavy price for my transgression. Your mind is as shallow as a fucking teacup. It would have splintered, turn into a thousand pieces if you stepped into that pool. It just keeps going.

[Lexi]

The moment he says idiot, it's an.

[Nicole]

L. Yeah, I almost want to Give him two Ls for the idiot and then the shallow as a teacup. But I think it's one L worthy.

[Lexi]

Just one L there, but a capital.

[Nicole]

L, not a lowercase one.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

Okay. It does make me want to theorize things, but that's not the purpose of this. So, yeah, idiots.

[Nicole]

Not great. And we already gave him an L for the bitchin heat. So don't. That's the reason this is not on this list. That deserved to be in the deep dive section.

[Lexi]

Oh yeah, that was a capital L.

[Nicole]

That was definitely capital. And lastly, quote, and yet you're coming with me to end a war, aren't you? What more noble cause could there be? Congratulations on achieving fucking sainthood. I think that's just funny.

[Lexi]

I think that's funny. And flirting with 30.

[Nicole]

Yep, I agree. All right, only three, so. Oh well, I guess three plus three. So six. He got six. Ls this episode. Given that we're at chapter 14, I thought we'd have more.

[Lexi]

Ha. Friends, thank you so much for listening to episode two of our Quicksilver deep dive.

[Nicole]

We will see you again where we are back with our weekly episodes dropping with episode three covering chapters 15 through 25.

[Lexi]

Sex scene.

[Nicole]

Sex scene. Sex scene on episode three of a deep. I think that's the fastest that's ever happened. I think it might be.

[Lexi]

We would love to give the biggest warm welcome welcome, welcome to our newest feral fans. Thank you so much for being here.

[Nicole]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Laura. You get your episode to yourself, Laura.

[Lexi]

And if you're like, hey, I want my name shouted out on the podcast, I'm gonna shower with all this love to join our fan [e-mail] fanclub. The link is also in the show notes.

[Nicole]

Thank you as always to our master librarian, AKA our content researcher, Brooke, and our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager, Hayden.

[Lexi]

We are very active on social media with weekly trivia, book guides and so much more. So please be sure to follow us on Instagram and slash or TikTok, antasyfangirlspod. And if you're watching this on YouTube, pretty please hit that subscribe button to keep following along.

[Nicole]

And while you're hitting buttons, please don't forget to hit that five star rating and reviewing button. And if you're feeling a little extra generous, write a little love note in that review section. It's so helpful, not just for this podcast, but for any podcasts that you listen to. And last but not least, share this episode with your fellow Quicksilver friends. If you immediately texted your friend when K, Carrie and Swift came back into the story, this is a perfect episode to send to them.

[Lexi]

All right, friends, thank you again so much. We will see you on Monday. Bye Bye. But how would it have been? I don't know. Lexi. This hurts my head.

[Nicole]

I don't want to talk about this anymore. Any anorasimore Every day there's a new challenge to face. So meet Trimble, the technology company that connects your physical and digital worlds, allowing you to make decisions and take intelligent action to get the hard work done. And the best part? You can do it all faster than you've ever thought possible. Check them [e-mail] you ready to turn data points into decision points? Or turn deadlines into finish lines? How about turning possibilities into profits? Then turn to Trimble Acast Powers the World's Best Podcast Here's a show that.

[Lexi]

We recommend.

[Nicole]

Welcome to Creative Commerce. I'm Rachel Tippograph, the founder and CEO of Micmac. And I'm Sarah Hofstadter, chairwoman of Profitero plus. And this is a show that talks about what's relevant in commerce for the world's biggest brand. Every week, we talk with C Suite executives from the brand shaping our world. Unilever, PepsiCo, Colgate. So many. We get into the strategies behind their most impactful moves, from digital transformations to new product launches. And of course, we always end with our famous last question. What's the bravest thing you've ever done? Each conversation is real, insightful, and always surprising. So if you want unfiltered lessons on leadership and growth, plus a laugh or two along the way, hit subscribe and join us on Brave Commerce.

[Ad Read Host 2]

Acast helps creators launch, grow, grow, and.

[Lexi]

Monetize their podcasts everywhere.

[Nicole]

Acast. Com.