Ep 6 Brimstone: Chapters 37-45

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls, Ep 6 Brimstone: Chapters 37–45

Podcast Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Nicole and Lexi

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Main Theme & Purpose

In this deep-dive episode, sisters Nicole and Lexi continue their chapter-by-chapter analysis of Brimstone (book 2 of Callie Hart’s Fae and Alchemy series, covering chapters 37–45). With passion, humor, and sharp insight, they break down the dramatic dismantling of the Blood Court, character arcs, pivotal lore, and looming questions that set up the series’ high-stakes climax. Spoilers abound for Brimstone, Quicksilver, and bonus chapters.

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1. Chapter Summaries: Lorreth’s Ballad (08:21)

Nicole recaps events poetically, including:

• The Evenlight Ball’s festivities, including Seiris’ fraught appearance and her public disavowment from Talladeus.
• Political machinations for the new Lord of Midnight; Foley’s surprising rise.
• Massive, dangerous spellwork that poisons the vampires, forcing a choice between a painful death or a return to their Fae forms.
• Chaos unleashed by Ishabel’s hidden agenda, as the rot approaches ever-faster.
• Characters evacuating Kalish and entering a disastrous battle in Inishtar.
• Emotional fallout, character growth, and setup for the next story arc.

Notable Ballad Moment:
“Chapter 45: While the inner circle has made it out alive, not everyone else was lucky to survive. Sylvina didn’t make it through the fight. Now Tal is struggling with his emotional hindsight…” (12:24)

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2. Stepping Through the Quicksilver: Deep Dive & Analysis

A. The Evenlight Ball: Stakes & Symbolism

- Lexi: The Ball is a “necessary evil,” a display of power but also rife with decadence and disturbing traditions like blood-laced wine and public shaming.
- Nicole: Seris, sewn into a velvet, murderously black gown, feels the pressure and hypocrisy of ruling a court so resistant to redemption:
“It’s nights like tonight that really highlight how far they are from that redeemability. Especially when one of their own questions for the queen before the ball was asking if she wants to drink the blood of newborn babes for that to be filled in their cups tonight. Not a good look, Blood Court.” (15:57)

B. Seris & Kingfisher – Intimacy, Ownership, and Power

• Fisher calms Seris' nerves in a possessive (but hot) way, leaving his scent on her as proof of their bond.
• Lexi gleefully wins the ongoing “sex bet” about number of scenes in Brimstone, meaning Nicole’s about to get a new hair color. (17:11)

C. The Disavowment Ceremony

• Tal publicly severs his bond to Seris, protecting her by making her immune to what's about to happen to the vampires. The spectacle is both political and deeply personal—simultaneously shaming and saving her. “Tal is actually shaming the queen in front of the entire court, showing that she is not worthy to be among them. Which naturally makes Fisher go, what the fuck is Tal doing?” —Lexi (21:11) “If she is disavowed, that means she will not be affected by the blood cure poisoning, Blood curse. What is going to happen to all of these vampires? …But I'll admit I'm a little confused.” —Nicole (21:33)

D. Anatomy of the Blood Court: Rings, Power, and Foreshadowing

• Each Lord of Midnight wears a ring with magical and symbolic properties (29:08):
  • Citrine (Tal), Amethyst (Zavina), Ruby (Hasrax), Amber (Aerith/Foley).
  • Hosts theorize the rings’ magic isn’t about the wearer but completing a powerful set.

E. The Ceremony to Select the New Lord of Midnight

• Candidates include Cavan Dawlish (reluctantly, a tragic former Fae warrior), Ibanwe (vampiric alchemist), others for finance/truth/antiquities. None are chosen.
• Seris instead elevates Foley—formerly shunned—to Lord of Midnight, upending tradition, underlining the theme of redemption and transformation.

F. The Evenlight Phenomenon

• As a brilliant green aurora fills the sky, the Ball’s magic and traditions reach their apex.
• Nicole and Lexi speculate if the Evenlight event is magically significant in both realms, possibly connected to Zilvarin’s city-wide spellwork and Madra’s power.

Notable Quote:
“Many press their index finger and middle finger to their forehead in between their brows in reverence to the gods… I wonder if this connects to Evenlight in Zilvarin.” —Lexi (44:34)

G. THE CATALYST: Poisoning and Dismantling of the Court

• The vampires are suddenly overtaken with the effects of poison in their drinks: chaos, agony, and a forced choice—death or the cure.
• Talladeus orchestrated the plan, Ishabel supplied the witch-blood, and together they’ve ended the Blood Court’s reign. “Talladega has been slowly poisoning the entire blood court all evening. The blood laced wine the high bloods have been drinking all night has been the catalyst to a dark spell.” —Nicole (51:09)
• Fisher and Seris are appalled, but Tal’s act is seen as tragic, heroic, and self-sacrificial.

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3. Character Arcs & Emotional Highs/Lows

A. Talladeus: Tragic Antihero

• His thousand-year struggle with self-loathing as a vampire ends in monumental sacrifice, orchestrating the Blood Court’s undoing but losing everything, including his toxic love for Zavina.
• After Zavina’s death, Tal realizes his love may have been magically compelled—a heady moment of freedom and sorrow. “Now he is free of his old master and can finally make his own choices.” —Lexi (53:04) “He’s been waiting to feel something. …And he doesn’t feel anything. To the point where Tal wonders how she kept him so in love with her. Was it magic?” —Lexi (126:53)

B. Seris: Leadership, Identity, and the (Un)Wanted Throne

• Torn between her roles—queen, mate, savior—Seris faces decisions about her nature (Fae, vampire, human?) and leadership.
• Fisher supports her potential transformation, but the stakes (and her fate) are still unclear.

C. Foley: Acceptance & New Purpose

• Once shunned, Foley now steps into his destiny—becoming Lord of Midnight and finding new loyalty and purpose.

D. Ishabel: Line-Crosser, Secret Keeper, Witchcraft

• Her development of the blood curse cure and willingness to use dark magic marked her as both hero and outcast—with consequences looming. “She does feel bad for lying to Tal, but from her perspective, it was the only way to carry out the plan…” —Lexi (79:54)

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4. World-building, Lore, and Big Reveals

A. Witch Magic, Blood Curse, and the Origin of Vampires (147:31)

• Witches’ blood and spellwork are at the heart of the vampiric curse and its cure.
• Witchmarks—“borrowed dark magic”—can open fatal gateways to the demon realm, connecting to a larger cosmology of evil/darkness.

B. Madra & The Zelvarin Sigil

• The city’s layout—a magical circle—acts as a battery, powering Madra’s inter-realm magic.
  “Zelvarin is the biggest piece of spellwork ever created that our characters know of. And a crazed immortal queen, member of the Triumvirate, reigns over the city and has possession of this much power.” —Lexi (119:31)
• This magic is weaponized to send legions of feeders through special portals, threatening Inishtar and the protagonists.

C. Hasrax: Gifts & Mysterious Motives

• The enigmatic Hasrax bestows Seris with a magical rune of “undoing” and its Lord of Midnight ring, hinting at larger, unseen stakes: “The Hasrax granted her this rune as simply the magic within the rune and only the rune. …it will now act as a grounding rod for Ceres’ other powers so her runes won’t flame up again.” —Lexi (88:04)
• The Hasrax admits its plans have been “ruined” by the witches’ gambit, suggesting its own secret schemes.

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5. Crucial Plot Questions & Theories

A. What Happens to the Blood Court Vampires?

• Only a small fraction (1 in 10) chooses to return to life as Fae and face their memories; the rest die. Consequences for the realm, and the future role (if any) of a Blood Court, are unclear.

B. Madra’s Next Move and the Spread of the Rot

• With magic stolen from Zelvarin and new portals, Madra’s threat is greater than ever.
• The hosts theorize that Madra set up the feeder attack knowing the crew’s plans, possibly with Belacan’s help.

C. Redemption & Leadership

• Will Seris get her true queen moment? Will Carrion step into his role as king? How does Fisher’s mysterious parentage and destiny as Zara’s champion impact the brewing war?
• The fate of the rot, the witches’ alliances, and all-out war loom for Book 3.

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6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I’m going to quote our girl, Bryce Quinlan, for one second: This is pure alpha hole behavior.” —Nicole (16:09)
• “Talladeus is still protecting the woman he loves. Loved. Loves. One of the two. … You, Savina, you do not deserve Talladeus.” —Nicole (62:44)
• “I love this fairy Carrion moment. … I really like your horn.” —Lexi (131:47)
• Tal’s post-Zavina realization: “He’s been looking at her corpse and being like, I need to feel… Waiting for his grief to hit him. Any emotion… And he doesn’t feel anything.” —Lexi (126:53)
• “With so many other priorities in this book … I guess I can’t help but wonder, does any of it with the Blood Court even matter anymore?” —Lexi (71:33)

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7. Timestamps for Key Segments

• [08:21] – Lorreth’s Ballad: Chapter Summaries
• [14:02] – Ball scene & fashion watch
• [17:11] – Sex bet payoff and Kingfisher/Seris moment
• [19:11] – Public disavowment explained
• [28:26] – Lords of Midnight rings & Gem Watch
• [41:41] – Foley becomes Lord of Midnight
• [44:00] – The Evenlight’s meaning
• [50:17] – The poisoning and collapse of the Blood Court
• [62:01] – Ishabel’s deception & witchmark magic
• [70:10] – Fallout: What is left of the Blood Court?
• [81:55] – Tal’s attempted death & the Hasrax’s crucial rune
• [93:14] – Seris’ dilemma: To “cure” or not to “cure”
• [98:45] – Carrion’s plant magic and royal destiny
• [102:05] – The rot’s terrifying acceleration and mortality toll
• [109:38] – Battle at Inishtar; missing Adina’s guidance
• [119:31] – Lore: Madra, Zelvarin, the Circle Sigil, and inter-realm threats
• [131:47] – Carrion’s acceptance and becoming “the Forgotten King”
• [147:31] – Owlgot’s Library: Witch magic and the Blood Curse

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8. Fan-Favorite Moments (152:16)

• “My goat watch returns!” —Nicole
• Fisher’s banter and gesture (“our rooms” not “my rooms”) with Seris.
• Carrion’s unexpectedly messy, plant-filled room and comic relief.
• Dania’s hyper competence amid crisis, despite her stubbornness.

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9. Closing Theories & Foreshadowing (137:30+)

• Is the Hasrax a god, or tied to the blood curse or rot directly?
• What’s the long game for Madra and the Triumvirate?
• Will Seris learn her full power and change her fate? Can Carrion save the realm? What consequences will finally arrive for the dismantling of the Blood Court?

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10. Final Thoughts

Nicole and Lexi agree the dismantling of the Blood Court is a bold narrative move, but with potentially unfinished business—consequences for characters and the realm remain to be explored. The episode ends with anticipation for the last chapters, a promise of more “Daddy Watch,” and a heartfelt invitation to join the Fantasy Fangirls community for speculation, laughter, and lore.

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To Listeners:
This episode delivers essential analysis on Brimstone’s pivotal turning point, examining choices, sacrifice, and the messy aftermath of upending power. With a blend of wit and careful textual sleuthing, Fantasy Fangirls prime you for the epic events to come.

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Next week:
Final deep dive of the Fae and Alchemy series—“Daxis: The Official Daddy Watch” (Ch. 46–52). Don’t miss it!

Transcript

[Lexi]

Okay, I have to tell you, I was just looking on ebay, where I go for all kinds of things I love. And there it was.

[Nicole]

That hologram trading card.

[Lexi]

One of the rarest. The last one I needed for my set.

[Nicole]

Shiny like the designer handbag of my dreams. One of a kind. Ebay had it.

[Lexi]

And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you get your windshield wipers?

[Nicole]

Ebay has all the parts that fit my car.

[Lexi]

No more annoying, just beautiful.

[Nicole]

No Millions of fines, each with a story. EBay, things people love.

[Lexi]

Hi, I'm Darina, co founder of Quo.

[Nicole]

You might know us as OpenPhone.

[Lexi]

My dad is a business owner, and growing up, he always kept his ringtone super loud so he'd never miss a customer call. That stuck with me. When we started Quo, our mission was.

[Nicole]

To help businesses not just stay in.

[Lexi]

Touch, but make every customer feel valued, no matter when they might call. Quo gives your team business phone numbers to call and text on your phone or computer. Your calls, messages, and contacts live in one workspace so your team can stay.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

And with our AI agent answering 24. Seven, you'll really never miss a customer. Over 90,000 businesses use quo. Get 20% [e-mail] business. That's quo.com business. And we can port your existing numbers over for free. Quo. No missed calls, no missed customers.

[Nicole]

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. The new year is a time for resolutions and new goals. But what if one of your goals could be just a less burdened you to let go of expectations and just be yourself? Therapy can help you achieve these kinds of goals. That's what I'm working on in therapy.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

So I had therapy yesterday, which honestly was so wonderful and so needed because it was one of those therapy days where we got to sit down and really talk about where I've come over the last two years, because two years ago, I would not have been able to say, I'm feeling really stimulated, probably because I've been working so many hours and I haven't been taking care of myself. I would have instead just white knuckled life and pretended like everything's fine. But yesterday, I said, you know what? I'm not feeling super great. I'm going to take the rest of the day off. And you know what time I stopped working yesterday? Lexi 4pm 3pm and I texted my therapist Taylor and she was so proud.

[Lexi]

BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% [e-mail] FFG that's betterhelp.com FFG this episode is brought.

[Nicole]

To you by Royal Match, the free to play mobile game played by millions of people around the world, including yours truly. The holiday season is crazy great, but also stressful and something I've started to enjoy when I need to blow off steam is a quick break with a game on my phone. That is where Royal Match comes in.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

Download Royal Match for free on the App Store or Google Play today.

[Nicole]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into to 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 is episode six of Brimstone by Callie Hart where we are covering chapters 37 through 45. This might be our second to last episode, but you know we've got to do our spoiler warning so spoiler spoiler spoilers for all of Brimstone. Yes, that includes the end we we may also reference any of the bonus chapters from Quicksilver or Brimstone.

[Nicole]

Taladeus has been up to some sneaky shit. Isha Ball has been up to some sneaky yar shit. If you don't know what I'm talking about then please go finish the book. We will be here when you're done.

[Lexi]

Next, we at Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.

[Nicole]

Rated R. Kingfisher can do a lot of things, a lot of things in three minutes. So please be mindful of those little listening ears.

[Lexi]

A few extra exciting announcements for you all today.

[Nicole]

This week on Instagram, you, our incredible audience, are voting for what we cover after our upcoming four part Fantasy Fan Guide series on Throne of Glass. You can find the link to vote in our social media bio or you can also find it on our website fantasyfangirls.com we cannot wait to to see what you all choose.

[Lexi]

Our fate is literally in your hands. We're not panicking at all. Don't worry about it. And friends, drum roll please. We are thrilled to share that on Sunday, April 19th we are doing a live show at Neptune Theater in Seattle.

[Nicole]

Who's ready to deep dive how to train your dragon? Be it's my favorite movie ever. I'm so excited. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 16th.

[Lexi]

We are also so excited to see you at other upcoming live events like on March 6th through 8th in Dallas, Texas, Nicole and I will be podcast partners at Dreamers and Readers festival.

[Nicole]

Then on April 8th we are partnering with the Denver Nuggets and Rebecca Yarros for a fourth Wing themed basketball game at Ball Arena. That's a lot. So check out our website or the links below for more information to all of these events including a promo code for Dreamers and readers. And in case you missed it, welcome, welcome, welcome Fantasy Fan fellas to the Fantasy Fangirls Media Network.

[Lexi]

Our very own executive producer Hayden and Booktok star Steven Walker just wrapped up season one of Fantasy fanfellas where they dive deep into Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn. Each episode only includes spoilers up to the chapters covered.

[Nicole]

The whole first season is available on the Fantasy Fanfellas feed. Link is in the show.

[Lexi]

Notes. Last thing before we jump Into Brimstone Episode 6. If you love Fantasy Fangirls and want more events, more content, more community and so much more, please check out Fantasy Fan Club.

[Nicole]

We have three membership tiers that you can join. Number one is the Hive Mind which includes access to our Boppin Discord live Q&As from Lexi and I, a book club often featuring the authors themselves for live Q&As, community events, promo codes for live events plus 20% off and access to exclusive merch. That is for $6 a month. Or you can join the Spice Watchers which includes everything from the Hive Mind level plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month. And last but not least, 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. We are also currently running a special where if you choose to get an annual membership, you get three months for free. Thank you so much for supporting us as we've turned this podcast into a literal dream come true. We appreciate you with all of our hearts and Happy New Year everybody.

[Nicole]

And now it is time to dismantle the Blood Court. Dun dun dun.

[Lexi]

To start off every episode, Nicole does us the honor of summarizing this stretch of chapters. So so gather round as we sing lors ballad to discuss what happens in chapters 37 through 45 of Brimstone. Whew. Nicole, there's a lot that happens in these chapters.

[Nicole]

No kidding. Chapter 37 it's almost time for the even Light Ball. But first, a small detour before they enter the hall while facing the mirror. They only have three minutes. Fisher knows he can get it done within the time limit. Chapter 38 the hall of Tears has completed completely transformed. But it doesn't take long for Serious to be scorned. First things first. Serious must be disavowed. Just a few words from Tal and she's throwing up in front of the crowd. Now it's time to pick a new Lord of Midnight. But none of these five options feel quite right. Seiris has another option in mind. Foley walks down to the dais and the crowd is not kind. Chapter 39 Adina of the Seven Spires has a trick up her sleeve. But the other Lords of Midnight Seriously can't believe Seira's chose Foley instead of one of their own. That wolf is not welcome here. On and on they drone down on his knees. Foley shocks the court by swearing his fealty to Sarris, where Malcolm fell short. But now it is time for the even light show. Serious can't help but look at the sky and go whoa. That's not the only sight they see as the vampires are dropping down to their knees. 1. 2. 3. Shit no. 4. All of the High Bloods are falling to the floor. They only have one last choice to make. Either take the cure or. Or a new curse will overtake chapter 40. Well, Tal wanted to go out with a bang, but he's lucky Cerys doesn't rip out his fangs dragging his ass back to the Kalish estate. Taladeus and Ishabel Better get their stories straight. Between her and Tal, the plan was made. She'd use her blood to kickstart the crusade. There's one part of the plan that went awry. Taladeus was meant to drink her blood and die. The room. The room. The room is on fire. There's about to be an open gate to hell. The witch Marquis wore was meant to die with Tal. With the room moon's glowing bright. Saber steps into the room. She dismantles the spell before the gateway goes boom. Chapter 40 Ishabel's been lying to the group for a while. She was never looking for Ren, but trying to kill the vampires in style. The tension is building. Everyone's about to explode. Sabers distracts Kingfisher with her hip bones. Garyon Swift swears he's going crazy every time he talks. The plants bloom like daisies. But tucked into the corner of his private corner. Orders. Carrion's been researching what it takes to give orders. Off in the distance, the ground starts to shake. Thousands of Fae warriors have made it to the estate. Chapter 42 Dania and Lorath give Fisher the rundown. The rot has spread further with no slowdown. But now's the perfect time for some advice. Sabers cracks open the journal without thinking twice. Adina says go to the White Cliffs. But that means abandoning the front. That's the pits. What they need is brimstone. And Lorath's got an idea. Indeed. But Fisher is unwilling. Instead, they will evacuate. Evacuate Kalish, full speed. Out in the rain stands Hayden in a rut. And finally it seems that he's gotten his head out of his butt. Life here is different than in the Silver City. He won't go back, nor will he take pity. The Hasrax is here to shine some light. The new rune on her hand was a gift, all right. Chapter 43 Ishabel lied straight to their faces. And Lorath is ready to put her through the paces. Sarah stops Kingfisher gearing up for torture. But they cannot be like the bad guys. No, sir. The rot has made its way to the estate state. It's finally time to abandon ship with haste. With the valuables in hand, they gotta leave. Through the gate they go. Maybe they can finally breathe. Chapter 44 through the Shadow Gate they go, but everything's a mess. There's Feeder's galore and where they came from is anyone's guess. Cerys protects Hayden with her dual God swords. But if it wasn't for Foley, she'd be lost to the Horde. Something's not right. Kingfisher is missing. They need his God sword and the magic he's dishing. Even down two wolves. They get through the fight, but a page in the journal is missing. Insight. The real question right now is how the feeders got here. There's no rum portal in town. Their appearance is unclear. Chapter 45 While the inner circle has made it out alive, not everyone else was lucky to survive. Sylvina didn't make it through the fight. Now Tal is struggling with his emotional hindsight. To help him make peace, Cerus picks up his sword. And with a little alchemy, she presents it to the lord. Pounding down the streets. The satyrs demand that the forgotten king present himself to the clan. But they don't want to harm him. That's not the plan here. They're thunderous voices are welcoming him with cheer. But then. Oh dear. It dawns on Savus. She knows where the journal paper has gone amiss.

[Lexi]

All right. It is time to dawn our relics and step through the quicksilver to explore key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and so much more. Who is ready for the even Light Ball? Me. Remember, this is not an event that serious can skip no matter how badly she wants to. The ruler of the Blood Court presides over the festivities. Drinking, dancing, sex. And according to Tao, the party cannot begin without her official say so. So if Serris doesn't show up, she will openly neglect her position as queen and rub it in everybody's faces what she really thinks of Sanus wrath and the Blood Court. And it is even more important that she attends, since the Evenlight Ball has two other important things on the agenda. Tonight is also the selection evening for picking a new Lord of Midnight. There must always be five. And Tal needs to publicly disavow Seras so no one will believe he is pulling the Queen's strings. At least that is the reason he gives. But way more on that later.

[Nicole]

It's a party, so we gotta have a fit watch. Cyrus is wearing a black gown that she literally had to be stitched into. This reminds me of those wedding dresses. You have to have a special crochet hook to get them on and off. And God forbid you lose it and don't have it on your wedding night. You wouldn't know anything about that, Lexus, right?

[Lexi]

Getting that damn wedding dress off was.

[Nicole]

Like the hardest thing ever. I still don't understand how you all did it. Don't worry about it. This dress Seris is wearing is black as sin and murder and it's trimmed with. Do you know what, Lexi?

[Lexi]

Velvet. Velvet.

[Nicole]

You've ruined the velvet Kingfisher. Don't worry, he does love Tamar. A pretty thing. Seris has on long silk gloves matching her dress, which is a cinched corset top that dips devastatingly low, then billows into a poofy ball fashionable traditional gown. To be honest, I'm not a dress person, but make this a jumpsuit and this is everything I've ever wanted to wear, ever. But staring into the mirror, it's clear that it's not serious. She looks stunning. But she views this kind of decolletage as unnecessary and way too much. And it's only adding to the nerves that she's already exactly experiencing. This is going to be only the second time she has sat before her own court. And it's going to be when she's publicly disavowed and she has to pick a new member of the Lord of Midnight and also watch the members of her court drink blood and fuck all evening. Remember, Sarys wants to believe in the people of the Blood Court and that they can be redeemed. It's one of the reasons she vetoed the very popular idea to lay waste to the Blood Court upon her reign. It's nights like tonight that I think really highlight how far they are from that redeemability. Especially when one of their own questions for the queen before the ball was asking if she wants to drink the blood of newborn babes for that to be filled in their cups tonight. Not a good look.

[Lexi]

Blood Court.

[Nicole]

So Kingfisher, loving mate that he is, has an idea, loosens serious up a little bit and it also selfishly checks off a box for him as well. He can see sense her nerves and does not want her going into the pall of tears all stressed out and you know, feeling all tense. But also with him wringing a finger bang orgasm out of her, she's gonna smell all like Kingfisher. Thus making sure they all know, and I mean really, really know, in case they hadn't figured it out yet, that she is his. I am going to quote our girl, Bryce Quindlen for one second. This is pure alpha hole behavior. And you know what it I'm not mad about it.

[Lexi]

And here Seris gets another tattoo during that orgasm quote. Don't say I never give you flowers, Osha. It is a beautiful bouquet of roses covering the tops of her thighs. Just hot, Fisher, hot, hot.

[Nicole]

A little peek behind the scenes. If you did not know, in our lead up to the Coverage of Brimstone. Lexi and I had a bet that we at Fantasy Fangirls are well known for. And that is the sex bet. The bet was how many sex scenes would there be in Brimstone? And the winner would get to choose the other sister's shade of color for our next hair Vivid appointment. I said two or less sex scenes. And before you're like Nicole.

[Lexi]

What?

[Nicole]

You're the romantic. I was not expecting cottage dream sex to be on the table while they were apart. I'm sorry. Lexi said four or more and our hairstylist said three on the dot. Up until this point there have only been three sex scenes. And I was all too happy to let Whitley have the win. She did great with my hair after Onyx Storm. And then this scene came out and the entire time I was like, don't come, don't come, don't come, don't come.

[Lexi]

I was cheering them on, like, come on, serious.

[Nicole]

Go, go, go. Talladeus interrupted them and I was like, yes. And then it didn't stop. These two. So Lexi, congratu fucking lations. By the time this episode comes out, I will have the new hair that you have picked for me. But at the time of recording this, our hair appointment is like three days away. So this is the before picture. Be kind as you pick out my birthday hair, please, and congratulations or whatever. Kingfisher and Seyrus for a three minute orgasm.

[Lexi]

The hall of Tears has been completely transformed. The benches are gone and replaced with long tables off to the sides with the center of the hall open for dancing. The scent of blood in the air is so strong because when every glass of wine is poured, the enthralled fae pouring it drips a few drops of blood into that wine as well. By the end of the night, these high bloods with these laced drinks will be so drunk from the wine and feral from the blood. And with the long evening ahead, it's time to jump right into the agenda. Starting with the disavowment. Before you know, everyone is too drunk to remember that it happened.

[Nicole]

Let's get on with the proceedings, shall we? Taladeus takes the stage. A natural born player, if you will. I love these parallels between him and his dramatics here and Zovina and her affinity to make everything just a level 10, if not 10. But unlike Zovina, Tal hates this kind of spotlight. This is more of a necessary evil, if you will. He grabs hold of a silver ice bucket and hands it off to Sarris. How a vampire can hold silver and be Totally fine. Not important. Xarith, what are you doing? My guy. And Taladeus proclamation commences. The disavowment or rescinding of the blood is fairly straightforward. You speak it into existence, call back your blood, revoke your lineage and patronage, and then clap your hands together. Upon the clap, there is a thunderwave type shock. And then the person you just disavowed vomits up all the blood they've drank from their maker. And luckily Cerus has not drinking that much from Taladeus, so her vomiting was pretty minimal. Thank God.

[Lexi]

But there's important context here that Tal did not tell Ceres.

[Nicole]

Shocking.

[Lexi]

Malcolm set the precedent that disavowment is public shaming. The only times this disavowment ceremony has been performed before was when Malcolm's vampires displeased him. And disavowing them was the worst thing that could be done to his children, quote unquote. It made them an outcast and it warned others who watched that if they stepped out of line, they'd be next. Often these disavowed vampires were officially shunned too. Like fully. Now remember, there is a difference between disavowment, which is the breaking of the bond between the vampire and its maker, and then there is shunning a vampire which is taking their fangs out and literally forcing them to leave Atreus. So while it makes absolute sense for Tal to do this for the political strategy of Sarah's not possibly being controlled by him and therefore the rest of the Lords of Midnight being pissed off about it, it certainly does not make sense in any other way because of Malcolm conditioned everyone to believe about a disavowed vampire. About the ceremony here Tao is actually shaming the queen in front of the entire court, showing that she is not worthy to be among them. Which naturally makes Fisher go, what the fuck is Tal doing? This is so unlike Tal that Fisher did not think he would actually make Seras go through with this.

[Nicole]

But here is what the fuck Tal is doing. As we know, in a relationship with your maker, you can sense them. Tal is about to go bat shit off the walls a little bit. And he doesn't want serious knowing what he's up to, nor does he want her to fall to the same fate. This is the most important part. If she is disavowed, that means she will not be affected by the blood cure poisoning, Blood curse. What is going to happen to all of these vampires? We will see many other thralls who are going to be walking around the cogs, their Vampire decided to take the cure and go back to being Fae. Slash will also see some of them dead on the streets if their maker decided to not take the cure. So based off of this, I'm taking that any thrallment. Their fate is dependent on what their maker chooses. But I'll admit I'm a little confused.

[Lexi]

The New Year is here and we're all talking New Year's resolutions. But one that's particularly high on our family's list is making sure that our kids are healthy. And that means taking their vitamins. That is where Haya comes in.

[Nicole]

Some children's vitamins on the market today contain up to 7 grams of sugar per serving and are stuffed with artificial additives and petroleum based dyes. Haya took the opposite approach. Zero sugar, zero gummy junk. Just clean nutrition. And the crazy thing, kids actually love them. The taste, the experience. All of it.

[Lexi]

Yes, my kids absolutely love Haya. In fact, this morning they had a smoothie with the kids Daily Greens and Superfoods powder in it. Every single morning. They ask for their vitamins. They both love their probiotics as well as their multivitamins. And our family just really loves Haya. It's so good for the kids. And my husband and I are happy because our kids are actually taking their vitamins.

[Nicole]

And here's something every parent needs to hear. If getting your kids to eat vegetables feels like an impossible daily battle, Haya's New Kids Daily Greens and Superfoods is a total game changer. It's literally what Lexi was just talking about. It's basically chocolate milk, but it's also stuffed with with veggies. It's a greens powder that's packed with 55 plus whole food sourced ingredients. Just mix one scoop with milk or any non dairy beverage and watch them enjoy something that's secretly fueling their growing bodies.

[Lexi]

We've worked out a special deal with Haya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50 off. Yes. That's 5,0% off on your first order to claim this deal you must go to Hiyahealth.com FFG this deal is not available on their regular website. Go to H I Y A H E a l t h.com ffg and get your kids the full body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.

[Nicole]

Valentine's Day is on the way and Meundies has cracked the code for the perfect gift. Chocolates. Old news.

[Lexi]

Flowers.

[Nicole]

Blech. Matching underwear. Now that's the perfect Valentine's gift.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

Okay, so over the holidays, I got Brett a pair of the narwhal underwear. And if you have been listening to the show, you know how obsessed I am with my narwhal underwear. And now I am matching with my husband and it's my favorite thing. I cannot wait for my Valentine's day underwear to come in from me undies and for my husband and I to just feel that little extra love.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

Mom, I saw Dylan's dad make dinner, like actually cook. And it was straight fire. He said it was Blue apron assemble and bake. All the ingredients showed up pre chopped and he just laid it out on a baking sheet and no cap. Dinner was on the table in life like 25 minutes. Apparently it's chef design and it has.

[Lexi]

Like over 40 grams of protein.

[Nicole]

That's a lot, right? So maybe we try it.

[Lexi]

Just saying.

[Nicole]

You can be the next Dylan's dad.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

I'm confused too with how exactly it works for all the thralled after their makers either turn fay or die. But I think the main takeaway here, the main reason that this is so urgent for Tal to do now, why Fisher's noticing. He's anxious about getting this over with as soon as possible, before all the poison kicks in that everybody's drinking, is to literally sever his bond with Sarris ahead of what he's going to do to keep her protected, to keep her from the same fate that he has accepted for himself, which he ever so slightly hints at with his speech. May she be the last monarch this court sees. And then he also goes. May she usher in a new era and a new beginning for the people of Stannis Roth. Yes, yes indeed, that is about to happen.

[Nicole]

Beginning is quite the choice of words there. It's ending for most of them. Let's move on to the choosing of the fifth Lord of Midnight. After Fisher offed Aerith at Cerus's coronation, there's been a vacancy in the Lords of Midnight and there must always be five. And the five gemmed rings must always be worn at the same time by each individual Lord of Midnight.

[Lexi]

There's got to be more with the power of these five rings, right? There's way too much foreshadowing with how Malcolm imbued power in each of these rings and how there must always be five Lords of Midnight. Five Lords to wear these five rings. It feels very all parts to a whole and that they each contribute power to make it complete. Especially with all the Hazrax foreshadowing too, that we'll get to later.

[Nicole]

Ah, I'll be really curious because with Zovina dead, that means that there's another vacancy, if even that technically still matters.

[Lexi]

With Savina's ring, I wonder if Tal is holding on to it. So I think that all of these rings are still around and all five of them will come into play, but it doesn't necessarily matter who is wearing them. It's just like the power needs to be used.

[Nicole]

All of this to say the Lords of Midnight and their roles and what they are. The Keeper of is chosen during this ceremony. So currently we have Zavina, who is the Keeper of Missives, unless you're reading halfway through the book and then she's Keeper of something else. But we're keeping with the Keeper of Missives. The Hasrax is the Keeper of Silence, Algat is the Keeper of Records, and Taladeus is the Keeper of the Secrets. As far as we can glean from these petitions we're about to go through, the Keeper of Blank is chosen based off whatever the monarch believes is needed in Sanis Wrath. But friends, I am very sorry. I am going to plead your forgiveness here because I have failed. As my role of Keeper of the Gem watches on this podcast, you all are DMs, so directify my error on episode one. Allow me to go through all the rings of the Lords of Midnight and their meanings, starting with Taladeus, who has a warm citrine stone. The citrine stone symbolizes joy, abundance and personal power. Feels very appropriate for Taladeus, especially the personal power, given how much he's kept his own mind. Next is Zavina, with a thick gold band and a purple stone, which I'm assuming is Amethyst, which is the Stone of Royalty. Absolutely checks for Savina, who is always trying to get that crown. Algat's ring we have not actually seen yet, so I'm very curious what that means. Hasrax, however, wears a gold band with a large blood red ruby. Rubies are the strongest representation of human blood. Quite ironic considering that the Hasrax is the only Lord of Midnight who is not a vampire. But rubies also represent intense passion and protection, which protection definitely sounds like the Hasbrox, considering how it watches over Seiris. And lastly, the unoccupied ring, or Aeriths, soon to be Foleys, is a large amber jewel which symbolizes warmth, healing and good luck. But I am assuming for Aerith it was more to represent that rich orange hue of brimstone. And then, of course, warmth and healing really feels apt for Foley. And that, friends, is Gem Watch. A very belated gem watch. So let the presentation commence.

[Lexi]

First up is Kevin Dawlish, a massive male standing over seven and a half feet tall. Kevin proposes to be the Keeper of Warfare, which would be a good fit for him. Ah, because you see, when he was alive, before becoming vampire, he had been a brave, courageous and funny, fey warrior. He was trained By Kingfisher himself. They were friends. He was part of Kingfisher's army. But fuck. This is the moment that Fisher realizes how horribly wrong he has been about previous battles with Malcolm. Because all these centuries, Fisher has thought and found relief in the fact that the dead on the battlefields passed peacefully into the Beyond. Except it turns out that Malcolm scavenged the battlefields and forced the best fighters to become vampires. He turned them against their will to be part of his vampire horde. Including Cavan here. After being turned by Malcolm, Cavan used the skills that he was taught as a Fae warrior to train Malcolm's captains in the art of siege warfare against the Fae he once fought with and swore to protect. He has also commanded several battalions of Feeders in successful campaigns against the Fae. Oof. What a blow. All the while, as Cavin is listing his vampire achievements, he is staring Fisher down. Fisher left him to this Fae. What did he expect Malcolm to do? Poor Fisher and this realization. It's the last thing he would ever have wanted for his warriors. And he feels really blindsided by underestimating Malcolm to literally turn his own warriors against him. I don't think we find out what happens to Cavan after the aftermath of taking down the Blood Court. I could see him taking the cure and coming back to the good guy's side. Hopefully we see this with other vampires who had been Fae warriors as well. Or I could see him accepting his death as a vampire unable to go back to being Fae after what he's been forced to do against his people. Unfortunately, I think that's probably the more likely scenario.

[Nicole]

Oh, I hope it's option one. Because I just feel like. You know how Talladeus later says I finally get to side with the good side or I finally get to fight for the good side. I just feel like Cavin could really do some healing from that. Sounds really nice.

[Lexi]

I think there is a reason that so few people went to Kalash after this. And that included Zavina. If they brought Zavina on their crew, I would imagine that they would take Cavan as well as a. Sorry buddy, you can hang out with us now.

[Nicole]

Oh God. Next up behind door number two is someone who we definitely don't think turned back into a Fae. And that is Ebanwe. Ibanwe is a well known member of the Blood Court and and in life was an alchemist. The remnants of which still mark her skin centuries later. Her runes and shield now are an Ash gray. She has been here since the very beginning when the vampires first spilled righteous Blood in service to Malcolm. Now pause. We know that Malcolm had a female alchemist on his side when he first rose to power. And we know that Ibanwe is old, as Fisher calls out. The fact that the name Ibanwe is. Is so old and out of style, it most likely hasn't been spoken in centuries. Now, the way that Malcolm talked last book, it did sound like his alchemist was dead. But technically, a Bonwe is a vampire. So technically, she is dead. Or at least it sounds like her alchemist powers are dormant within her. So could she technically be his alchemist?

[Lexi]

I think that would be interesting. I am confused about how in life she was an alchemist, because if you turn fully vampire, I am guessing you lose those powers. But then the fae don't lose their powers when they become vampire. At least that we've seen with Tal. It becomes dark and twisted magic. Like it doesn't come from the same living life magic, if that makes any sense.

[Nicole]

Yes, I could see. Maybe alchemist power needs to thrive on the living, like it needs life magic within itself. I don't know. That feels like a pretty popular fantasy ism.

[Lexi]

Yes. So Ibonwe is definitely not still an alchemist. And I don't know, the way that Malcolm said that the alchemist was disappointing, my bones are telling me there's a different story there.

[Nicole]

Okay, I can get behind that. Do you think that we're going to get her different story, or do you think it's just like, all right, Bonwe, you got a backstory, but I don't think we're meant to know it.

[Lexi]

I think she is dead and we're not going to get any more backstory.

[Nicole]

I think you are extremely right. All of this to say Ebonwe is not only the architect behind Amon Treeth, but also she engineered the the siege machines and sewer systems and all of the infrastructure and planning that was required into the cogs.

[Lexi]

So I have a crack theory. Maybe she contracted with Madra too, to design the wards in Zelvarin. We know from Karion's bonus chapter that it was about 300 years ago that Madra segregated Zelvarin. And it was going to be quite the engineering task getting these walls up.

[Nicole]

I love your brain. I think that's so interesting.

[Lexi]

Sure.

[Nicole]

Honestly, all of this to say go a bon way, because this sounds very difficult. And Malcolm was very much pleased with the weapons that she designed that were built of iron and designed to inflict unimaginable pain among the Fae. This is where she does not get a gold Star. Which all of this brings us to why she's standing in front of Sarris now. Obonwe wishes to be the keeper of pain, wanting to renew her efforts in designing equipment and weapons to torture the Fae. She believes that the Blood Court's most glorious purpose is to have complete domination over the other courts and total supremacy over the Fae. Including mandatory blood tithes, livestock breeding farms as well as feeding farms. A Banwe. Know your fucking audience, girl. I love serious reaction to this, which is to be silent for so long to just staring down the vampire wannabe lord that finally Ibanwe starts to cower. As someone who stresses over pauses in conversation, I applaud this courage and sheer will that that took serious. Well done.

[Lexi]

Ebonwe is not deterred though. If Seras does not agree with this vampire mission, maybe she doesn't have the stomach to rule it. Okay, maybe that was not the best thing to say because as Seras just keeps staring at her, Iban was like, I didn't mean to offend you. And that is when Sarris is like, yeah, that mission. Malcolm was waging a war he could not win and depleting Stannis Ross resources. They need to focus on rebuilding this court and it sure as hell will not be with any feeding farms where.

[Nicole]

There is drama, even a lick of it. There is always Savina, who is livid at the prospect that their queen didn't think about who they would be drinking from to stop sustain their vampirey selves. To be honest, I think this is a fair point. I'm not agreeing with Savina. I'm just saying a realm has to eat and I don't blame her for being worried about it, even if it is just for show.

[Lexi]

I'm right there with okay, this is an unfortunate fact about vampires that Seras seems to be ignoring because it is unpleasant and absolutely we are right there. This is very unpleasant. This is not a very good thing whatsoever. But it doesn't seem like Saris has an alternative solution. As Avina will point out being like, yeah, that's literally what I just said. We do need to feed.

[Nicole]

And yes, this is literally like someone in warfare. Like we've commended Game of Thrones for being very on it when it comes to resources and the politics around resources when it to comes comes to warfare. And this is like being in Game of Thrones and them being like ah, the sheep, it doesn't matter. For the dragons, it doesn't matter. That would matter. It matters. And Savina is hopping on this only because she has an Opportunity to showcase Saris's incompetence and perhaps her own competence. Like I said, she has an amethyst stone that's not just for show. I mean, she's not subtle. She's literally wearing a laurel reef crown on her head. Homegirl is looking at this as an opportunity to vie for the throne.

[Lexi]

Too bad it didn't work, because Cirrus shuts Vena down in epic fashion, using the magical control she has over Zevena to put her in her place. There are three more petitions that Seras hears, all of which she receives from the would be keepers while she rests her feet on Zavina's back back. As a necessary show of power. The three petitions include for a Keeper of Monies, Keeper of Truths and Keeper of Antiquities. Personally, I would have chosen Keeper of Monies, since Saris wants to rebuild this court with the goal of safety, security, legitimacy and food, while keeping the moral high ground. Sounds like money would be good for all of that. But that's just my two cents. Two cents.

[Nicole]

Keeper of Monies. Get it? Okay, okay, okay. Sarus, it is time for you to choose. Which of these fabulous choices do you want at your side? None of them. Dun dun dun of hush falls upon the crowd. All right, let's back up a little. In her post orgasm haze, before Seris left her rooms, she stopped to read Idina's journal, which had one line of script on it. For the next stage in Idina's game of life, consider a sixth. Only the gold tooth one can't be trusted. Immediately putting two and two together and determined to follow her mother in law's words, Seras pulled aside a low blood at the beginning of the party pre disavowment and whispered in his ear, asking him to go get Foley. Remember, Foley is shiiiiiiii. No one believes he's worthy of breathing the same air as this court, let alone being a High Lord of Midnight. But here is Seirin, calling for a rather confused Foley to come forward.

[Lexi]

Foley Briarstone is looking all the warrior here to be of service to his queen. Like Nicole said, Foley is a shunned vampire. Suggesting him and then naming him Lord of Midnight is the biggest insult to the Blood Court who thrives on tradition and status. He's not even supposed to be in this hall now.

[Nicole]

You might be asking Sarris. Didn't he try to kill you when you first met? Why? Why is he the right choice? It is not a coincidence that in the day's previous events, Foley has started to see a different path for himself. Foley Briarstone was raised to be Hand of the King, a role I definitely think he will still fulfill. But with Carrion, maybe it was both Carrion and serious. Who knows? Then Belacan took over years ago and he turned into a vampire. And his life and his goals all lost meaning. But when Saera started looking to him as a. A reluctant mentor, we saw quite a shift in Foley. And then Fisher reminded him just last episode that he is a wolf and he is made for so much more than just living in libraries. This moment right here with Sarus is a further embedment of that shift. It's her calling him forward to fight at her side. And this is my favorite part. Should he wish it? Should he deem that now is his time to step out of the shadows.

[Lexi]

And he most certainly does. He refused to swear fealty to Malcolm because he did not believe in Malcolm's Sanusroth. But he does believe in Cerys. She has proved that while, yes, she might be half vampire, she is on the good guy's side. Not only is she mated to Foley's leader and brother from another mother, she has proven herself, in his eyes, to be worthy of following. She shows strength, but also mercy, empathy for those who deserve it, and power that she wants to use for the good of the realm. Instead of twisting it for her own dark gain, she has helped him come out of his own shadows and find purpose and belonging again. Of course, he will be honored to swear himself to Serious Fane. And Serious keeps him safe from the angry High Bloods by declaring him friend to the Crown. And there is still her edict where no one can harm a friend of the Crown. Looking ahead a little bit, because all of the High Bloods do immediately cease, you know, throwing things at him and all of that, that means that her power is still working over them. So the poison that they are drinking right now, it has not taken effect yet, and they could potentially attack her.

[Nicole]

It's here. It's here. The even light has arrived. A brilliant green, glittering wave of light rolls across the night sky from the west at tremendous speed. This light is known as the Spirit of the Gods, which I want to know what that means. Many press their index finger and middle finger to their forehead in between their brows in reverence to the gods. This is what.

[Lexi]

That's probably a stretch, but I wonder if any of the feeders we've been with, with runes on their foreheads had been religious figures in life, where a tattoo on their forehead somehow symbolizes something with The Spirit of the Gods. However, Aerith had been Keeper of Even Light and as a religious leader for the Under Gods. Does that mean that Even Light ties back to Daxes? Though that would not make sense with how people here, including Foley, are saying the Spirit of the Gods are with us. Foley doesn't worship the Under Gods, so I'm assuming that this reference to Spirit of the Gods is General Gods, not necessarily the Under Gods.

[Nicole]

I'm agreeing with you on that front. Absolutely. I also wonder if the Keeper of Even Light and Aerith being a religious zealot for the Under Gods are two separate buckets that he lived in. I love the idea of them crossing over. Somehow I don't think they did, just because I'm not seeing any through line. As that Even Light fills up the sky, the Even Light torches in the hall flare brighter, the fires that burn strengthen and roar violently in the hearths, and all throughout the Black palace, the sources of Even Light are being powered up in the arrival of the Even Light across the sky. Thank God that shit can't burn or.

[Lexi]

Else they'd all be like, I'm melting. You know, we can't bring up the Even Light Holiday without wondering how this connects to Zelvarin, because we know with certainty that the same brilliant green light does not move across the sky in Sylvarian. According to Fisher, Even Light is not even supposed to be in Sylvarin. Except he spots it while he's there. That is when he's like, what is this doing here? Obviously Madra still celebrates with her big speech in Sylvarians sad excuse for a festival. I am 1000% convinced that Madra uses the Even Light Holiday to help siphon more power and more magic magic, considering she has ensured the Gods are forgotten in Zilvarin. If this light they're witnessing in Yvelia is indeed the Gods spirits showing themselves, for lack of a better word. However, to kind of counter that, I will say I don't see how the gods could be illuminating magic or bringing more magic about in Zelvarin for Madra to siphon. But then with how the Even Light's presence makes the existing Even Light power up more, I wonder if Madra is using Even Light in Zelvarin as the would it be like a conduit? Even Light bolsters magic, draws magic to it. And then there's a secondary element with all of Zelvarin being a big circular sigil that powers magic.

[Nicole]

Well, going back to it feels like a long time ago theory that Madra is Nichinai goddess of masks. Oh, so she is an element of a God. I'm slowly but surely backing out of that theory. But if it is still on the table, that could also be part of it. If it is the spirit of the gods. She could literally be siphoning down any element of the gods as a God in herself, or even as a demigod or a half God or. I'm throwing shit up the wall.

[Lexi]

Now, what I'm saying is I do think that the Evenlight festival is celebrated in Zelvarin for her to have more access to magic, because there is something about that holiday that bolsters up the magic. And I do think that the reason that even Light exists in Zelvarin is to serve as some kind of conduit for that.

[Nicole]

I love it. I love it a lot. With the spirit of the gods surrounding the hall of Tears, dancing commences and we get a short but very sweet conversation between Serious and Fisher. Since book one, Fisher has been leaving out dresses for Serious for her to wear, and all of them have gone ignored. Not as a slight to Fisher, at least not anymore as a slight to Fisher, but instead because they leave a sour taste in Seirys mouth. She grew up surrounded by one goal, survive and ideally, keep Hayden alive as well. Wearing pretty things was not on the survival to do list, and thus she's been relying on pants and tunics as a matter of literally life and death. She always saw dresses as domestication, slowing down, sitting there and looking pretty because you can't do much else in something floofy. And she finally brings this point of contention to Fisher, telling him that when he leaves out dresses, it makes her feel like she's supposed to just sit there, look pretty, and let him take care of business. Which this admission causes Fisher to literally halt in the middle of the dance floor because that couldn't be further from what he wants for her. He knows serious is not meant to be stifled or domesticated, and he would never want that for his love. Instead, the dresses are options and an opportunity to put away the teeth she bears at the world and instead soften. Not because she should, but because she doesn't have to lose her strength when she softens, when she allows herself to be many different things. I want to swap out dresses for another softening that I don't know about you all, but I know for myself it can feel foreign to reach for. Believe it or not, I am not an overly emotional, wear your hearts on your sleeves or the silhouette of your dresses kind of a person. I've relied on hardening to the outside world. And that can result in being harder for me to feel things, because when I do, it feels so deep and that softness feels like a weakness. And as a result, I never wanted other people to see that. It hasn't even been until recent years that I've put away those figurative barred teeth to the world and opened up parts of myself to. To others. Because like Fisher says, I know they've got me. But more so because I know it doesn't make me any less strong to feel deeply. So this is our reminder as a collective. We don't have to be one thing. We are capable of many. But that doesn't make one version of us less than. We are allowed to be all ourselves softened and all.

[Lexi]

Well, I feel really bad with doing this transition. But with that beautiful moment over, a cry for help pierces the air. High bloods are around the hall, are suddenly throwing up thick streams of black blood. Blood also runs from their eyes, their noses, their ears.

[Nicole]

Oh no.

[Lexi]

Vecna got them. Just kidding. Vampires are collapsing on the floor, convulsing, eyes rolling back into their heads. Are we sure this is not Vecna? Everybody crying for help? What started as an evening of celebration has turned into pure chaos. And it is not Fisher this time. He's been on his best behavior for these vents festivities. This is so much fun to read for the first time. I was just on the edge of my seat freaking out, especially when Tal is standing over everybody here being like, your judgment has come for you at last. And I'm just like, what the is going on?

[Nicole]

I remember being like, oh my God, Talladeus is evil. I win. I didn't. But having taken matters into his own hands, Talladega has been slowly poisoning the entire blood court all evening. The blood laced wine the high bloods have been drinking all night has been the catalyst to a dark spell. More on this in a moment. But throughout the evening, it's also been noted that the thralls who've been giving blood have been filling their cups with a smaller amount than usual. Because this poisoning had to happen deep into the night, when everyone was way too far into their own cups to know up from down and try to to stop Taladeus. Which is why when Tal takes his dose in a few minutes, it takes effect immediately, because he had more of the poisoned blood in his glass than the others walking around the room. The thralls have vials that if taken, will stop this painful death, but it will cause a transformation to be painful. Instead, this transformation will cause the vampires to be reborn back into their fae bodies or whatever race they were before they turned, but it will be at the cost of facing the horrors of what they've become and allowed themselves to become over the last years.

[Lexi]

Tal has lived among these vampires for more than a thousand years and sincerely does not believe that the vampires are going to change or find their moral compass as Serious has been hoping happens. He wasn't going to put this responsibility of destroying the Blood Court on Fisher and Serris's shoulders. They are too good. They have the morality that the vampires lack. They still have their souls. Literally. Tal, on the other hand, believes he's too far gone. We talked a lot about this in early episodes with his struggles about being a vampire, and a powerful, highly regarded one at that. Though he deeply hates himself and feels ashamed of what he's become, taking down the Blood Court is a worthy final act for him. He can save his friends from doing this terrible deed that they already chose not to do. While he already feels himself too far gone for any kind of of redemption. He doesn't believe that he even deserves a redemption and he'll use that to his advantage once and for all. Aww Tal, I do love how much of his character we get in Brimstone. You and I both had hoped that he would be a bigger player in the sequel, Nicole. And yes, he is. Also, I love seeing his and Foley's two parallel but very different journeys of being vampires. Foley rises up from being shunned and shying away from being a vampire to stay a vampire and rise up as the warrior for good that he vowed to be part of as the Lupo Pro Alia. Meanwhile, Tal outwardly was a highly respected and feared vampire. He was Malcolm's second, though he hated himself so much and has always inwardly struggled with his identity as a vampire. Now he can take down the whole Blood Court with him once and for all as a final act of doing something good. And what's more, by his own choice. For a thousand years, Tal was controlled by Malcolm. Now he is free of his old master and he can finally make his own choices.

[Nicole]

Side note, I love the line much earlier in the night about how Tal is wearing a pale gray suit which holds a distinctly Fae air. This foreshadowing is delicious, knowing that he is literally about to turn them all back into Fae should they wish it. Oh it's so good.

[Lexi]

There was also a moment earlier when Tal was zoned in on the wall hanging and Seras was like huh? That's odd. That wall hanging is really not that interesting. I don't think anything suspicious was hanging on the wall that he would have been staring at. Or maybe it was him needing to avoid Savina's eye contact in the moment before what was about to go down. Like, what do you think?

[Nicole]

I could definitely see it just being foreshadowing for him. Being nervous might not be the right word, but anxious to get this moving along because he had to to wait a long time into the night. And I could imagine he is just on like high alert for sure. The magical spell that Ishabal cast was linked to turning anyone who had a connection to Malcolm's blood back into the Fae. Should they take the cure Vile or it would kill them. But Talladeus disavowed Seiris and Foley so the domino effect for the two of them would not take place since their connection to Tell, AKA their connection to Malcolm, was broken. Now we also know that Malcolm has disavowed other vampires who were outcasts in society. So technically there are still other vampires who would have been turned, I'm assuming probably killed because they'd be out, not.

[Lexi]

In the shunned area.

[Nicole]

In the shunned. So they're dead.

[Lexi]

That's my guess.

[Nicole]

That's probably best for plot. Let's talk about that spell that Ishabel cast because, oh boy, she's looking mighty guilty right about now.

[Lexi]

Ishabel has been very busy forming a plan. Remember how she said she'd stay in Kalash instead of go back to Nevercross for now? Well, it's so she can be close to Amitre for this Evenlight ball. Because you see, she had Tal bring the Fae thralls to the river earlier and marked them with sigils that made it so when they cut themselves, she Ishabel bled through their veins instead. Why is it notable for the vampires to actually drink this Balcadir witch's blood instead of the presumed Fae thrall blood? Because Ishabel's blood is a curse to all vampires, killing them unless they take the antidote that her clan created. However, there is a risk. When the High Bloods are affected by Isha Ball's blood, when they start not feeling so good, that also means they are no longer under Ser's his control. Without the Crown edict that no one is allowed to hurt her or her friends, these vampires could have attacked their new queen at any moment. In the window of time where the effects are starting, vampires aren't feeling so good, but they are still capable. Ishabel knew that Tal would never agree if he knew this risk that endangers Sarris and crew. So the witch kept this part of her blood's effects to herself. This will be the main reason Fisher is so furious with her. She knowingly put his mate in danger.

[Nicole]

So I have a quick theory question and it's back to my Ishbal is a possible Dianthus theory. We know that Dianthus blood killed Malcolm. That's what went down with Karion and Malcolm at the end of book one. So could this be foreshadowing that Ishabel's blood is Dianthus blood? Obviously there is still the blood transference spell and the anecdote that the Balqadir clan created that is all separate. But it is a mighty suspicious connection to Dianthus, especially given how similar her and Carrion look. There's another mention in the I really like your horn scene that Carrion's hair looks exactly like Isha balls. But in this scene it's noted how the blood is only killing vampires who have a connection to Malcolm. Not any vampire. It's only the ones with a connection to Malcolm. Which is why when Sarah's and Folly were disavowed, they do not get hurt because they do not have their that connection to Malcolm. So I'm actually wondering if this is more hints that Diantha's connection and because Ishabel never says it is the Balquir clan's blood that hurts the vampires, she only says that it's her blood. So I think she's keeping more secrets and I think that she's a Dianthus.

[Lexi]

Yeah, sorry, I'm processing all of that. I. Because I have been under the impression that it is the Balcadier witch clan blood because they're the ones who are instrumental in finding the cure. And there's a lot more about them and the blood curse originating and Malcolm being the OG and all of that kind of stuff then I think that we know about right now. So I guess I was just always in the impression that could have been any balcony or witch's blood. And obviously Ishmael was the only one willing to.

[Nicole]

Do that. Well, she went behind their back. Fox too.

[Lexi]

Exactly.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

So. Okay, I'll noodle on that. Okay. But there's more to Ishbal's plan that is very important. These sigils for the blood transfer spell on the fae thralls were not big or strong enough on their own. And since Ishabel could not risk the high Bloods sensing too much magic on these thralls or seeing larger marks on them that would make them suspicious. Something's up. She needed to create a larger conduit to change channel the blood transfer spell so that this conduit could redirect the energy to the thralls and therefore complete the spell of getting Ishbal's blood into the vampire's drinks. That's the new sigil placed on Tal. It's known as a witch mark. That is the new extensive tattoo on his chest that Fisher noticed earlier. With Tal's witch mark, he served as the conduit for the spell to work so the Faith Rawls could bleed Ishbal's blood instead and poison all the High blood. A witchmark is created using borrowed dark magic. It lends power to the one who binds it. If left unchecked, the witchmark steals power and eventually becomes an open gateway that cannot be closed. Where does this gateway lead, you ask? To the realm where all dark magic hails. The demon realm that Talana will not even speak the name of. More on all that soon. This deadly, extremely complicated witchmark on tale spell cannot be undone. Ishable and his plan was for him to die, and he would take the witch mark's activation with him in death so it would die out with him and not kill all of our characters. When Tao told Isha Ball that he was going to sacrifice himself and he absolutely did not intend on taking the blood curse cure, she was comfortable putting the witch mark on him. Because again, that meant the spell would have and should have died with him before it got too big and too big, powerful and killed everybody. Ishabel knew it would be impossible to convince the vampire nobles to voluntarily return to their natural born states, be that fey witch or something else. So she lied to the matriarchs of the Balcony clan, telling them that she would convince the vampires to voluntarily take the cure. Though how she managed to convince her clan is still very much a mystery. One that I want to know the answers to, because there's got to be more to the story. This is why she returned from Nevercross back to Kalash earlier as a Prioress. A promotion among witches where you aren't even considered for this high status position until you are hundreds and hundreds of years old. Anisha Bal is young. She's not even a century old. So becoming Prioress was already very suspicious. She was preemptively given this honor as she set out to convince the vampires to take the cure. But instead of trying to convince them she went against the laws of her people to use dark magic to destroy the Blood Court. And the witches are sticklers for the law. They're rulemakers, not rule breakers, as Owlga knows all too well. After being cast out for being a rule breaker, the witches would never, ever, ever, ever sanction this and sacrifice their ethics, their rules, their morals. Ho, ho, Ishabel, you in big, big, big trouble. Better hope they do not find out what she did.

[Nicole]

Did.

[Lexi]

Oh, I bet they're gonna find out. Yeah.

[Nicole]

I am giving Isha Ball an L for multiple reasons. One, for lying to everyone, including Talladeus. Two, for hurting precious Talena's feelings and making her feel like their entire friendship was a sham. And three, for dabbling into dark magic. Bad? No, ma', am, but I'm making it a lowercase L because seizing the whole opportunity thing and taking down the Blood Court while she could. I can't entirely blame her, given what it's represented for all of these years.

[Lexi]

And how once in a millennia of an opportunity this is.

[Nicole]

I'm still giving her an L for hurting Teletta's feelings.

[Lexi]

At the least, as long as it's.

[Nicole]

A lowercase, I'll even get her best. I'll go 8.8point font. Like I'm going even smaller than 9point, but it's still an L. Fair enough. Fine. We don't know the fate of many of the vampires and which paths they choose. We only know Zavina is a Fae. Not by choice. Taladeus cornered her earlier and poured the blood cure down her throat when she wasn't feeling too well. Talidaeus is still protecting the woman he loves. Loved. Loves one of the two. Wanting to make sure that she has a second chance of life. You, Savina, you do not deserve Taladeus. We also know, or at least Fisher strongly assumes, that Owlgat has taken the cure and has slithered off somewhere, which I cannot wait for her to come back into the story. Especially with Guru in tow.

[Lexi]

Ooh, I wonder if Owgot's gonna spill the beans on Ishbal.

[Nicole]

I love that.

[Lexi]

Because even though technically she's not supposed to know about Isha Ball, I definitely think that she does know. Remember, she was also late to coming to this hall and it was noticeable.

[Nicole]

What if she felt dark magic in the air and she was, like, trying to sneaky sneak around and be like, what the fuck is going on? This isn't me. Yes.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God, yes. Other than that, we don't know any of the other notable vampires fate. So we really only know the Lords of Midnight since the Hasrax was not a vampire to begin with. It's just no different. It's chilling. It's like watching this is his favorite TV show.

[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

What's great about Thrive is they do the investigating for you when it comes to ingredients in the food your children eat. Thrive Market does all the vetting with 1,000 plus restricted ingredients, vetted brands and trusted staples.

[Lexi]

Our household especially takes advantage of the healthy snacks that Thrive Market offers. I need to pack my kids snacks for school and Thrive Market makes it so easy for me to throw throw something in there. I know it's going to be healthy, I know they're going to eat it and yay. It's just makes it so much easier to send them off to school.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

One thing I absolutely love about Wayfair is the convenience. They have everything from room decor to furniture. I just got a new bookshelf and even storage for your space. Wayfair. Wayfair has you covered no matter your budget. So as you can imagine, books are overflowing in my office and it was way past time for me to get another bookshelf. I just got one obviously from Wayfair. It's a corner bookshelf and it's absolutely perfect. And now I have no more books all on the floor. It's wonderful.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

It'S believed that only 1 in 10 choosing to live and face the consequences of their years as a vampire. The High bloods down and the cogs are all dead because remember this blood, the spell impacts all of Malcolm's children and he created all of the high bloods There are disoriented Fae wandering the streets, not knowing what to do or where to go. These Fae had previously been ent, but now they're not. Because their makers are all dead. It's my understanding that only the High Bloods who were in attendance at the Evenlight Ball, which was a lot of vampires, had the option for the cure. Because the cure was being passed around the hall of Tears and you had to choose to take it before you died. With all of this, we're left with, well, a lot of questions. But the biggest one of all is what does this mean for the Blood Court? Or what used to be the Blood Court and friends? I really don't know. Over the next few chapters, Cerus will insist on coming back to Amitreith to figure out what to do next. Meanwhile, others around her remind her that there's not really a Court to rule over anymore. Not really an Amon Treith to go back to. But I think this is why this big plot twist feels like a loose end. Ceris is planning on coming back to see what this means for the Blood Court. Yet plenty more problems pop up and she does not find her way back to Amontreith, instead going to Inishtar, then the Wicker Wood, then Aja Gate, and finally Daxis.

[Nicole]

So I guess what this all comes down to is how is this going to come back into play? If the vampires, except for Sarris and Folly and anyone else who is disavowed, don't exist anymore, what side will the Fae who have been turned fight on? To be honest, I see them siding with Bellacon in revenge against Sarris and her Court. Talade is included.

[Lexi]

But hold on, because wouldn't the ones who would want more revenge choose not to take. Take the vial and go into death? And now the ones who are alive, they have to deal with themselves. Yeah, they had to go through their own therapy. And that's partly why they chose to take the vial, is that they are raising their hand to say, okay, I'm willing to see the light on the other side.

[Nicole]

Okay, okay. Maybe because I could also see them saying, like, I'm choosing to see the Light redemption. And them feeling remorse. There we go. Is too painful and difficult. And they see this Fae Belacon, who's like, hey, I want to fuck some people up. I want to fuck up the people who stole your true your life from you. The life you loved as a vampire. I could see that not looking so good. But like you're saying, this all could be the start of a Redemption arc that Serious was hoping for within the Blood Court. Both are very compelling. So I'm actually going to go safe. And I'm going to say a little of option A, a little of column B.

[Lexi]

There was a lot of setup in this book for Seras to indeed be queen of a rebuilt Blood Court. So I guess she will have the opportunity to help these vampires turn back to the living. Especially because the feeders still exist and they might be out of control, terrorizing the people who just transitioned back to Fae. Somebody needs to get to Amundreus and make sure that they're all okay. I guess I can't help but wonder, does any of it with the Blood Court even matter anymore? I realize that's a blunt question, but it also feels like a fair one. With so many other priorities in this book and other priorities that Seras has moving forward into the next book, she did not want to be queen here. Now there's no more vampires, so problem solved.

[Nicole]

I will say this. One of the things that I loved of this moment with the Blood Court and the dismantling was Talidaeus getting to do it. If it was Fisher or Serious, I felt like it would have been way too soon and came out of left field. I'm so glad it was Talidaeus. He finally got to take them all down. And what does this mean for our two main characters, primarily Serous? And I'm not gonna lie, all of my theories feel rather bare because I simply feel like so much of what's going to happen in the series is going to ride on book three. Saera's becoming Queen of Sanis Wrath was the major cliffhanger of book one. And to just have it all done without a whole lot of consequence having happened, it feels like the Blood Court just. It just doesn't feel right. I want to see Serious rise into her own power and take that journey towards becoming a badass queen. We love a reluctant leader trope. I feel like that really could have been here. And we saw glimpses of that in this book with how she acted towards Banwe, and at the very beginning, where she really commanded the room.

[Lexi]

And still saw hope.

[Nicole]

Yeah, and still saw hope. But then Tao came in and ended it. Don't get me wrong, I understand his reasoning. And like I said, I'm glad he was the one to do it, but it feels too open.

[Lexi]

But, yeah, going back to what I was saying, I feel like this is just kind of like a. Okay, now it's over. And now we're moving on to the Other things. And it's like, can we just get a little bit of closure?

[Nicole]

Yeah. And I feel like that's where I'm coming from with the. With the Book three comment. You've been saying this since episode one, that it's going to depend on what the vampires turned Fae do now with this freedom. Because if now they come back and fight on our character side, I could see that as a beautiful closure to this.

[Lexi]

Yes. I think that all of this going on with the Blood Court, one of two things will happen. One is that it's just kind of over and everybody's moving on and they're off to the other priorities. And it's. Oh, yeah, that did happen. And in that case, it would feel much more of a plot convenience to get them out of there and for it just to kind of have a nice little bow on it. Wrapping up. And now. Okay, now we're all back to this. And Saris will really lean into her Fae identity. And with the war braids and all of that, that.

[Nicole]

But then that goes back to what we were saying about Adina's journal with Zarath's chapter, last book. It feels like that whole pinnacle of quicksilver around, rather than Zarth around her becoming the Queen of Santa's Wrath. It was just for not in that case. And that. That makes me bummed. Yeah.

[Lexi]

I think it's like it served its purpose and now everybody's kind of moving on. And so what I hope is actually the case as we go into Book three, is that we will see the consequences of all of this dismantling of the Blood Court. Yes, of course, we'll already have the consequences of, you know, Tal being Fae now and Sarah's no longer being tied to being Queen of Sansroth and all of that. But I'm thinking about other big things that made that plot central to the story. And that is what I'm going to be holding out for as we head into book three.

[Nicole]

Like I was saying, like you've been saying since the beginning, a lot of my thoughts on this book about the journal and the Blood Court, they're really going to depend on how it plays out, specifically around consequences in book three. Because it feels like things are happening, but there's not a lot of consequences because of them. Yes, a lot of people died of the Blood Court. They were also vampires who were doing very, very, very bad things. And like you're saying, it was kind of like a convenience. Yeah. And so I'm looking forward to seeing how this is explored when it comes to consequences and making our characters have to rise up. And that is what I feel like was missing from this plot line. It's more like that autonomy is being taken away from Seywhurs again because everything's just happening around her, even though she's the queen.

[Lexi]

So going back to the consequences here, I think some of the fallout will have big consequences for the series plot. Like, I have to wonder about the Horde. There is a whole feeder army that is now nobody is controlling. What about the vampires? Turn back to Fae, like you were saying. Like, are they gonna go with our side or are they gonna go to Bellicon's side? Will Belcon or Madras seize this opportunity? I could absolutely see them, specifically Bellicon, taking advantage of this. However that might look like. Will it be a big catalyst for the witches involvement too, with Al getting out of there and now she'll be with the witches and especially with Isha Ball and all of that, so. So I'm very hopeful that we'll see a lot of those things play out that will answer the questions that we have about the consequences of this big dismantling of the Blood Court. Yes, well, with that bloodbath of an even light ball and the dismantling of the Blood Court and all the thousands of dead vampires, we gotta get the.

[Nicole]

Fudge out of here.

[Lexi]

To Kalish via the quicksilver pool. Heading to Kalash from Amitre. Tal, who is unconscious after fully forcing force the cure down his protesting throat. Our crew refuses to let him die, no matter how much he wants it. But the cure is not helping him like it has for the other dying vampires. Of course we have Fisher and Saris going through. Saris made sure to grab Adina's book before leaving. Foley, who is not affected at all because Tal told him not to drink the wine. But he thought it was just because Tal told him not to drink the wine. And Savina, who is now Faye, an absolute hot mess. The rest of our crew, including Carrion, Hayden and Lorath, and all of them are already at Kalish.

[Nicole]

Fisher, who's already figured out that Ishabel is the witchy mastermind behind it all, is pissed. The pissiest of pissed. Yes, from the beginning he's been team dismantled a Blood Court, but to have it all done behind his back, he's not a fan of being out of the loop.

[Lexi]

He was saying that they had a plan in place and now Tal has gone and done his own plan. And am I missing something though? What was their plan with the Blood Court?

[Nicole]

I was Actually flagging that same thing. Cause I was like, what plan? What plan?

[Lexi]

Because it was not the Brimstone Diaxis plan. He is not even considering that yet. Yeah, I think it was planned.

[Nicole]

Redemption. Was it technically.

[Lexi]

Justice League follow through with that?

[Nicole]

I'm just saying, if Fisher's mate was not Queen, he would be cheering Taladeus on right now. That's all I'm saying. I think this is a little hypocritical of Fisher, considering he is the sacrifice goblin we love and adore. But it's not just because he's out of the loop. He is furious because the way this plan was laid out, it meant that Serous was in a clear line of danger. After the High Bloods drank the wine and it started to affect them, Serious command over them vanished. Any of them could have attacked and killed her. And that's not okay, Ishabel. I will admit they're a little weakened and they're a little distracted by, you know, dying. So, Fisher, yes, it's a problem. But I also don't think it's as big of a problem as it is. It was worth the risk. I'm just gonna say it, considering that literally one of the reasons Fisher has been able to sleep at night is because Serious has that command over the people of Sanis wrath. He has been clinging to that last line of hope like it's nobody's business.

[Lexi]

Like, I will say that this. If Cirrus had said, I command you all to stop throwing things at Foley here, and they still could, that would have been a big problem because they were not all impacted by the wine that they were drinking yet. So, yes, that could have happened. And it was so, so early on in the evening that it didn't.

[Nicole]

It was literally only when they started screaming, help me. Oh, God, please help me. That is when her command over them starts. Started to vanish.

[Lexi]

Ishabel cannot be sorry for her actions, though. The witches have waited centuries, millennia for the opportunity to get inside Amitre, into the bowels of Amitre, and rid the vampires, turn them back into the people they're naturally supposed to be. She does feel bad for lying to Tal, but from her perspective, it was the only way to carry out the plan with him, since he never would have agreed to follow through if he knew he was putting his friends in danger with the High Priest Bloods being able to attack again. Luckily, they didn't. But it was a possibility. Ishabel understands there is a price to pay for all of this, and she's prepared to be Punished by Fisher, maybe even be killed for what she has done. And yet, even knowing all of that, it's a price she believes she is born to pay. Because she feels so strongly about taking down the Blood Court and seizing this once in a millennia opportunity. They've been trying to achieve this since they discovered the cure to the Blood Curse. So, so, so long ago.

[Nicole]

Skrrrrt. We're gonna need to put a pin in this conversation because remember that sigil that y marked on the thralls with? You know, the ones that weren't quite big or strong enough to hold all the magic she needed that other canvas, another conduit to channel the spell through. It ended up being a tattoo on our good friend Talidaeus. She wove that highly intricate sigil on Talidas Tallus chest. It's, as Ishabel puts it, borrowed dark magic that when left steals power and will eventually open a gateway that cannot be closed. Since the sigil was so powerful, Ishabel needed to ensure that it would die with whoever she marked it upon. Since Taladeus was planning on dying, the witch decided, hey, this works good, and would have it die dormant with him. But because his friends forced the cure down his throat and he lived. Darn. The sigil has been building and growing because of its power and it's ready to explode. Like everything in the room is already engulfed in flames kind of explode. So let's go save Tal, I guess.

[Lexi]

In the bedroom where they've put Tal, there are flames everywhere and his entire body is engulfed in fire, but his skin is not burning yet. This witchmark was not made to ever be undone. To untangle these hundreds of spells woven tightly together would take an entire clan a month. But Ishabel has to at least try to undo all these spells that make up the fatal witch mark.

[Nicole]

With the unweaving of the mark not going very well, and serous feeling, the demons on the other side of the soon to be gate, wanting to break through, serious is pulled unbidden towards Taladeus.

[Lexi]

Like Nicole said, she can feel the demon's hunger as they want to get through. As the witchmark causes the fire to continue consuming the room. Room hell is here. The gateway is almost open.

[Nicole]

Okay, I have a question. Do you think this is how the gateway in Azhen opened to Daxis?

[Lexi]

Do you mean in the first place, however many thousands of years ago that would have been?

[Nicole]

Yes. Like was it a borrowed magical mark that exploded and thus made a portal to, as Talana puts it, quote, the realm where all dark magic hails the demon realm. And of course you won't even speak its name. God damn it, Te Lenna. But I do wonder if this is another witch who dabbled in dark magic and they are responsible for opening that gate in Ajin. Especially given that Ajin is not too far away from the Balqadir clanlands.

[Lexi]

That would be a really good plot twist. Remphys will say that there has always been a city at Azhen Gate, because there's always been a gate, a portal between this world and another. That feels much more controlled than this kind of witchmark gate to the demon realm. Though, as we learn about the portal into Diaxis, the original alchemists could never control it like they can with quicksilver pools. Foul creatures would use it as a doorway into this realm and they would cause chaos and terror. Fun fact, the word demon is never actually used for Daxis in this book. I did a word search so I could actually. I could be missing something. But from my research, that is what I found. The words, you know, the descriptions of foul creatures, beasts, monsters, malevolent forces. That's all used to describe what is in Diaxis. Fisher even says that Dioxus does not have an official name here in Yvelia. He's just always called it Hell. So if Talina refuses to speak the name of this realm, is that her refusing to speak what the realm's inhabitants call it? Dyaxis? Or is it a realm name of Yvelia? And this gateway to the demon realm is a different realm than Dyaxis. I am not convinced that this gateway to the demon realm is a gateway to Dyaxis whatsoever. Because we still don't know where the ancient demons, the actual demons like Joshin, come from. Possibly Dyaxis, but that's not confirmed. That's just us speculating. Maybe this is that realm, the literal demon realm, where when it's open, the super bad demons come through.

[Nicole]

Okay, I can get behind that. I can definitely get behind that. Especially considering how popular demons are in the series. Yeah, I can. Not popular like, oh my God, demons.

[Lexi]

But popular like, exactly like. I would. I would imagine if the demons were truly coming from Daxis, there would have been a word choice, a description. Yeah, that would connect the two of them more so than it really has.

[Nicole]

Let's keep an eye out for this, but I think you're onto something here.

[Lexi]

Okay. Yeah.

[Nicole]

Okay. Now, standing next to the bed, Serous leans over Tal's body and presses her hands into his chest and her entire right arm lights up in a white blue light. And in a single heartbeat, the spell falls apart and the fire goes out. We know that this is when she gets the break rune from the Hasrax. And this is the first time she is using it right here.

[Lexi]

It's like she gets the rune and that's what really gravitates her toward Tao to help him. The Hazrax is literally seeing this all about to go down and he's like, oh man, you need to live through this. So here you go.

[Nicole]

I think you're exactly right. Yes, yes, yes.

[Lexi]

While we're on the topic, let's jump ahead here a little bit because luckily we have a fairy God, Hasrax, who will show up in the rain in college to explain a few things about this new rune Serris has. It is the first part of the Hasrax two part gift. The rune is the Hazrat's real name, which is blasphemy to record such a thing on paper. Oh my God. I am so obsessed and so intrigued with the Hazrat and what it truly is and how it'll come into play in the future. Okay, I'm so excited through this part here. The rune itself does not grant Sera's magic in the same way her quicksilver or brimstone etc runes do do instead of the rune channeling her inner magic. As I understand it, the Hasrax rune on her is simply the magic within the rune and only the rune. It's not a new ability that Serris herself has. Like how she's an alchemist. She has this power only because of the rune. Also, side note, serious, you are extremely rude to this all powerful repeatedly trying to help you when she's talking to the Hasrax. All of this that we're talking about right now will happen the next night before. And she's so angry at it. It's like, I don't even want your gift. And it's like this literally saved all of your lives last night. Yes, the Hasrax definitely has its own agenda that I am on high alert with heading into book three. But it also keeps throwing Sarah's very useful bones. And all she wants to do is make it go away, make it take its gifts back and I don't know. Come on, Sarah. You know what? I have half a mind to give you an L right now. Serious.

[Nicole]

Oh dear. Here's what I will say. The Hasbrox is like we need to do small talk in order for us to finally, talk, talk. And I'm not gonna lie, that would irk my nurkin a little too. But I agree with you that she's being very, very mean. She's a girl on the move and the Hasrax is like, I've been alive for so many years.

[Lexi]

Okay, so with that, without small talk. Yes, but she's just mean. Otherwise, I agree to the Hasrax with like, I don't want you anywhere near me. Go away. And it's like, I'm just trying to help you.

[Nicole]

Okay, that is fair. I will accept a lowercase 9 point font.

[Lexi]

Anyway, what is this magic of the Hazrax rune? It granted Ceres. That stopped Taos Witchmart from opening the gateway to the demon realm and killing them all when it was supposed to be impossible. The power to undo break. Ah, makes sense. The Hazrax granted her this rune and just in the nick of time. Seras used the rune's magic to break the witch mark's hundreds of tangled spells that are impossible to undo unless you have a very powerful undo rune. So Cirrus, unlike what anybody else would have ever been able to do, was able to break the spell of the witch mark and save everybody. Plus, this rune does not have to be sealed like her other ones. It's already sealed to her soul. Very interesting wording there, Hazrax. And it will now act as a grounding rod for Ceres other powers so her runes won't flame up again. In other words, the Hasrax just gave Seras very necessary time to figure out how to seal her brimstone rune before she implodes. And hey, rest of the book, she does not have any runes that flare up, right? It's because of this. Although it is definitely daunting with why the Hasrax gives this rune to Cerys. It calls this gift an apology for what's to come for Seras. She's got a tough road ahead. And the Hazrat says, quote, there are those who would consider me partially to blame for that. My mouth is hanging open. What does that mean? Is the Hasrax partly responsible for something that has already been set in motion or something to come? All I know is that Ceres is about to go through some shit in book three. For an all powerful ancient being to be like, I'm worried for you. Here's some help. A few other highlights from that exchange with the number one. It did not expect what transpired at the Evenlight Ball with Tao going rogue and dismantling the Blood Corner. Court. And it says that the Witch's Gambit has rather ruined things for me. What does that mean? What was your greater purpose? Hazrax? Why have you been watching Malcolm all these years? Why is it so important to watch the crown of the Blood Court? What has been ruined?

[Nicole]

The Hazrax is the ultimate good. I am sticking my fork in it.

[Lexi]

I believe.

[Nicole]

What? No, that's not the same. I am believing with my full chest that the Hazrat has been watching the Blood Court all these years as an opportunity to do this is where I keep going back to the fact that what if the Hazrax is a God? What if the Hazrax is a God walking around in not so human skin. But ah. This right here. I feel like the Hazrat always had ulterior motives for this reason.

[Lexi]

But what are they? That's a Blood Curse. Or is it some kind of like gigantic experiment? Oh my God. I really do think that he is tied to the Blood. Blood Curse.

[Nicole]

I want to also say Blood curse tie because that just makes sense as to why it would have gone to the Blood Court. What if it was to do with the rot?

[Lexi]

That too, because it could have been waiting for the rot for a very, very long time. But again, we have no idea how that would connect to the Blood Court specifically. Anyway, number two that we learned from the Hazrax is Saris is only the third person the Hasrax has broken its silence for in more than a thousand years. Years. Who do you think the other two are? Obviously Malcolm would be one Bellicon. A God.

[Nicole]

Definitely Malcolm. I don't think Bellicon. I'm. This is where I'm going.

[Lexi]

That's actually a good point. Yeah.

[Nicole]

I don't think it would be Bellicon. I could see a God.

[Lexi]

Just something I thought I threw out there. Yeah. And lastly, number three, the Hasrax also gives Saris its Lord of Midnight Ring. And it says to give it to fully because, quote, he will need it. Oh my gosh. Also, this is the second half of the Hazrax gift for Seras. It says that it has a two part gift for her. Part one was the rune with the magic to undo and break the. Part two is its Lord of Midnight Ring. What in the world is our crew going to be up against that makes it be like you really need this? I wonder if Foley is going to use the ring's power against Madra or if it is somehow tied to the Triumvirate for our character to then be able to use it against her. Or maybe it's specific to vampire magic. I have no idea. And actually, there is one more thing for me to bring up here too.

[Nicole]

Okay, I promise this is the last.

[Lexi]

One, because it's back to me pulling my hair out about what in the world the Hasrax is. It says it will not tell Sarris what it is because she is so close to piecing it together. She's almost figured it out. Has she? I am in Saris's POV and I have absolutely no idea. I do think that it is godlike, but it is not an actual God. Specifically one that we do not know. And moment of appreciation for how many people agree with me on that.

[Nicole]

Okay. With people finally taking a break from bursting into flames, vomiting blood and turning into Fae, and giving ominous gifts, it is finally time for a moment of reflection. Especially for Sarus and Fisher, because, amazing. There's a cure. An easily accessible cure to being a vampire now. And Seiris, who is half vampire, could easily take it. But it's not as simple as her being eradicated from vampireness and thus taking over as a full Fae. At least they don't think that for certain, since the curse seemed like most of the High Bloods were actually reverted back to their original form. And her original form is human.

[Lexi]

Well. Well, that is only serious fear. She doesn't know if she would revert back to being a human, but even the possibility that it could makes her nervous.

[Nicole]

Exactly.

[Lexi]

The question for you is, do you think that she would. Or would she turn Fae?

[Nicole]

I think that she would actually turn back to human. Which is one of the reasons why Idina was like, don't take it, because she has a different outcome. So if Seiris took the cure, she might be going back to having her human reflexes, her human scent, and more specifically, her human lifespan. Meaning she would grow old and die, all while Fisher stays young. But as he puts it, he would go all Romeo and Juliet on himself and leave when she leaves if she took the antidote. But thank goodness she does hold off. Because Idina, in her next passage, says, do not undo Sareth's work. You are as you are for a reason. Do not drink from the vial. Do not let your new Lord drink. The time will come. But not yet.

[Lexi]

As I read during this whole part, I was confused, because the point of Saris being protected from Zara's siblings and being severed from the tapestry of fate, that was the whole thing at the end of Quicksilver, is that she is something completely New half Fae, half vampire. She has to be this something completely new to stay protected with the whole setup that she has with Sareth. So yes, she is what she is for a reason. And I'm reading all this and it's like has Ceres forgotten all of that? The whole thing with Sareth? I assumed that was the much bigger reason she is the way that she is.

[Nicole]

I think it could have been very helpful to us as readers for the a one liner mention of that. Even if it was Sarah's remembering. Oh my God.

[Lexi]

That's right.

[Nicole]

This is the whole reason why I can't be seen by the other gods. And yeah I think one line of that. Because honestly I forgot until you just said that. Yeah, I'm a deep diver. That's not very good.

[Lexi]

I. I'm like. I'm trying to put myself in Sarah's shoes and it's like. I guess it would be the allure of not being a vampire. Is that great that she could have just forgotten that? Is my head cannon here.

[Nicole]

Sure. I. I can hop on that. Because like she'd also be. Be able to walk out in the sunlight again. She'd be able to sleep not.

[Lexi]

Yeah. Not be vampire. And she doesn't like it. Yeah.

[Nicole]

There's. There's a lot of pluses to that side of things. So I take this to mean that eventually we are going to find a way that will turn Savers into a full Fae. And that's when she's going to get the green light from Adina to take a substance. I don't even think it's going to be the same one. And then she'll be able to live a long life with her mate and both of them die when the time has come rather than them both dying like Fisher is inferring here. While I'm on that front about Fisher Romeo and Julietting themselves. This conversation feels very unfisher to me. He's been adamant that the half vampire side of her. It just is like he was talking to Foley about it. He's not really given any indication that he's open to her ridding herself from the vampire ness Ness. Especially if it means that they'd have less time together. And given how much emphasis there was on him being very selfish and being very self sacrificial. Him with no real putting up of a fight to just lose out on hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of years with his mate. It just doesn't sit right with the Fisher I know.

[Lexi]

I see what you're saying there. I initially Read it as him being a very supportive, supportive partner. If Sarah wants to take it, she has his full support, no matter what happens. But what you're saying here, and as I'm rereading, I agree that he is coercing the conversation for her to turn Faye, even prompting her with why does she not think that this is good news? I'm here being like you both have forgotten Zara's reasoning, but I. I agree with you there and I'm for myself or how much I love Fisherman. I'm going to lead toward the intention of him asking these questions to help her share her feelings. Who's ready for an exciting reveal with Carrion? After asking Seras to help him verify whether he's crazy or not, he brings her to his room.

[Nicole]

Quick side note about Carrion coming here to ask for her help. Serious recalls a time when in Zilvarin, he requested her to act as a distraction while he steals a bolt of fabric. Fabric? Well, in Carrion's bonus chapter before he and Tem interact, we see him in a business meeting over a bolt of fabric.

[Lexi]

And they are in the hub too, which is exactly where he and Saris went for their fabric. So I just thought that was such a fun little connection.

[Nicole]

Looks like he's always been in the fabric business back in Zolvarin.

[Lexi]

Wow. Carrion certainly has made this gigantic room his space. There are lots of places books in here. As Carrion notes, he is researching Evilian stuff. Court stuff. Aw, Carrion. He doesn't want anyone to know he's looking into all of this. He's still grappling with what being the ruler of Evelia would even look like. And he doesn't want to draw attention to his curiosity or make a big deal out of it, because, yeah, it is a big deal. He's just not ready for that attention and pressure, though. Okay, everybody? Okay. But more importantly, in Carrion's room, at least right there now, there is an extraordinary amount of potted plants. Ha. We knew that he liked plants from quicksilver with his potted plant during the battle, but this is a whole other level, with his room completely filled with plants.

[Nicole]

And as Carrion speaks, they begin to blossom with teeny, tiny little white flowers right before Cerus eyes. New shoots form branches from those shoots and then flowers on flowers on flowers. And the kicker? Yesterday, these plants were mere seeds. They're not seeds anymore. In fact, these plants are not even supposed to flip and flower. But every 10 years, these plants are supposed to release spores, not flowers. Time For a Plant Watch spore edition. A spore is a cell that certain fungi, plants like mosses and ferns and bacteria produce. Typically, it is a one celled reproductive unit that is capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fertilization. It would not be Carrion if the word sexual fertilization weren't used in this Plant Watch definition. So all in all, no, these tiny white flowers are not spores.

[Lexi]

Which leaves us with the question, what the fuck does this mean?

[Nicole]

I just told you what spores mean.

[Lexi]

That's not what I was meaning, Nicole. But thank you very much for your Plant watch.

[Nicole]

You're welcome.

[Lexi]

It's been actually very helpful for my book. I just highlight. I put like something like plant or dried herb or something and then I highlight and I'm like, nicole, help.

[Nicole]

Anyway, I love it.

[Lexi]

Are these blooming white flowers part of carrying's magic? These plants responding to his voice certainly make it seem that way. And back in college, during the feeder attack with Archer, when Karen Carian hit his head at a courtyard wall, the vine suddenly bloomed a thousand tiny white flowers. While I do absolutely believe this is an indication of Carian's magic manifesting, I can't help but wonder if this also has to do with the Yuvellian terrain life recognizing him as its rightful ruler. I looked into the meaning of tiny white flowers. And while I couldn't find anything specific for tiny white flowers, white flowers mean purity and new beginnings. Carrion is not exactly the symbol of innocence. However, I think do find this connection to new beginnings intriguing. But let's shift back to this plant magic being Carrion's magic. First of all, I want to point out that Fisher has mentioned he thinks Karion might have fire magic. Though I personally haven't seen anything that hints at that. So I'm gonna have to trust Fisher on his word, but also trust myself with what I am seeing as a reader before my very eyes here. We also know that the Dianthus Fae were particularly powerful. So it makes sense that Carrion has magical powers. Flowers we just haven't known about yet. So is carrying a plant wielder or an earth wielder? And this is his magic manifesting with these tiny white flowers blooming on plants that shouldn't bloom. Tiny white flowers. Fun fact. In the Empyrean series, this signet is called Aguarian. I could absolutely see the story unfold where Carrion can literally use his magic to help restore the terrain and plant life after the devastation of the rot spreading across his realm. That would be so Poetic and beautiful. So I'm sticking with that as my theory. I will also say, I think that this plant magic is only the beginning of what we will see with Karion coming into his own powers.

[Nicole]

And I just can't wait. Danya and 15,000 Fae warriors show up at Kalish with some very, very bad news. A couple of days ago, some warriors noticed that the Rot has spread to the northwestern side of the Omnimaron Mountains.

[Lexi]

The.

[Nicole]

The slope is now streaked with black veins and it's moving fast. Like, way faster than before. The Rot has formed channels in the snow, making its way down the mountain in a flippin day. Danya and the warriors tried to scorch the ground ahead of time to halt its progress, but it didn't work. And it made it to their makeshift camp. When Lorath showed up, they tried to come back through the Shadow Gate and tell others what's been happening, but the gate gate was closed. So all 15,000 warriors. I'm guessing the 10,000 from Erin, you know, minus the ones that died. And another X amount from elsewhere as they've been collecting people, you know, by going and warning everyone else throughout the land. Made a trek to Kalish to warn everyone within Kalish. And on the journey, they lost another 23 warriors to the Rot. With how fast this Rot is moving, it will reach college in 12 to 16 hours, max. So we also get some numbers updates. It's been a few days. Previous, the total known dead was 1976. Now it is 4,769, a difference of 2,793 in a matter of days. Total known infected is now unknown.

[Lexi]

So.

[Nicole]

So total unknown infected. Oh dear. That's bad. And the previous estimated infected land mass was 8162 hectares, which was a little smaller than San Francisco. Now it is 289 leagues. Oh dear. Remember, a hectare is 0.01 square kilometers or.004 square miles. A square league, which I'm assuming it's a square league, given that's how we've been logging. Mass is 12 square miles or 31 square kilometers. That's quite a jump. So 289 square leagues is 8,921 square kilometers, or 3,444.5 square miles. Previously, like I mentioned, the entire infected landmass was about the size of San Francisco. Now it is the size of Puerto Rico.

[Lexi]

As you can imagine, when people are in a pickle, tensions rise. Dania wants to kill all the Fire Sprites to use the Brimstone for The good of getting rid of the rot. Yes, Fisher, you are the dramatic one with that L L? Danya, be's bad with your ruthlessness. And you're the dramatic one. She doesn't think it's necessary to retreat when they literally have the cure to the rot below them in the fire sprite village. Fisher, on the other hand, is furious Danya is even willing to consider this and ain't too happy when she accuses him of not making sacrifices. Oh my God, Danya, do not make me give you another L for that statement when you know better. Though I understand it is a dire situation and no one is at their best right now. Except apparently Lorath, who is like, yeah, you both are right. Yeah. Yes, we need Brimstone, and yes, we don't have to sacrifice the fire sprites to make this happen. He proposes there's another way, but Fisher immediately is like fuck no and refuses. Dania outright laughs at Laura's other plan, saying that he's out of his mind. Okay, so we know that Lorath is proposing to go to Daxis to get access to the Brimstone they need, and that is where Cerys can seal her Brimstone rune, as Lorath will later show. Share the whole plan with Sarris, because she can technically follow through with this idea without Fisher, but Fisher cannot go through with this plan without Cerus. That is the only way Lorath later convinces Serris Fisher is not abandoning them for a self sacrificial mission and Serris will swear that she will not act on whatever Lorath tells her unless it is with Fisher's explicit knowledge and help. Who else thinks that blood oath will bite her in the ass? Like, what if he he is literally unable to give his permission and she's not able to experience his permission in a moment where she desperately needs to take action? I just see so many bad scenarios with that. But anyway, I have to assume that Seras cannot seal her Brimstone rune here in Yvelia, because the Brimstone is the fire sprite's blood and sealing it with their Brimstone would be fatal to them.

[Nicole]

I'm sorry, I'm going with Lorath on this one, Fisher. It's the end of the world, dude. Everyone's gonna die and everything is gonna die. It's time to do one of the now two options you have before you. Like L. I'm giving Fisher and the whole crew N L. Except Laura. Except for Laura. No, Lorath. I'm giving a gold star a praise be.

[Lexi]

Aha.

[Nicole]

I'm you have options. Do something. And they're like, no, we're just gonna run away. And I'm like, I understand needing them to run away so they can get further away from the rot, but run away. And then you and Sayerith go to Dyaxis right fucking now.

[Lexi]

I'm sorry. Daxes is known to have brimstone, but it is such an outrageous idea that Lorath is the only one even willing to voice it, to consider it. I guess all my. Ooh, maybe the ideas forming for Fisher moan moments that I've been having during this deep dive previously were not true whatsoever, because he does not like this idea and refuses to consider it. And then he'll actually push Saris to leave the room to have a moment. We don't know if Lorath knows the truth about Fisher's connection to Diaxis, so I'm not even gonna say that Styx is his father, because I'm not opening up that can of worms, but you all know what I mean.

[Nicole]

We do know.

[Lexi]

Later on, Fisher will admit to the outlines of a plan forming after this exchange here with Lorath, and that it's a long shot and very dangerous, but if it works, Cerus and the realm will be safe. Fisher will think about this plan, though with going to Daxis, the mess I would have to create would be catastrophic. Yes, because he would have to confirm his identity as a half God, have to propose some kind of trade that we still get to learn about and open all kinds of Pandora's boxes. Arriving in Daxes and getting a dragon. I still have so many questions about that, but I understand, that's the point.

[Nicole]

I understand that these are two very shitty options. Remember, dear friends, especially Seiris, we have the magical Adina's Game of Life pamphlet. What does the journal say? Flipping through the pages after the detail, for Seiris not to take the antidote she sees six. Read on. @ the White Cliffs. The what now? Adina. But. Aha, that description is quite familiar. For Fisher and Lorath, the White Cliffs of Anishtar, which are conveniently away from the rot. So the plan is evacuate Kalish, given how the rot is quickly approaching, and then take the newly arrived army to Anishtar, a village on the southern border of Golaria, where then it'll at least give them some time to figure out what the fuck to do.

[Lexi]

Next. Fisher creates the biggest Shadow Gate he's ever created. Everybody, including these 15,000 fey warriors who just showed up, evacuate through the Shadow Gate. They are all instructed to stay Away from the actual town of Ishtar. They are not expecting us. They don't like Fae. And we don't want them to get the wrong idea and cause a gigantic bloodbath. The Fae warriors bring the large trunks of family jewelry to be made into relics. And the silver from Zelvarin. They'll need to find a forge when they arrive and keep making these relics.

[Nicole]

Relics. Saris, that's.

[Lexi]

You. Our group also makes sure to bring the books from Kalish. Because knowledge is power and extremely important. Never forget that. Save the books. Preserve.

[Nicole]

History. With everyone going through the Shadow Gate, it is Fisher to bring up the rear. The nice posterior, if you will. And he'll close the Shadow Gate when he goes through it, along with Onyx. But just as he steps in, it's swirling. He's traveling. He's almost there. And then a voice calls out to him. A voice he cannot ignore due to the magic of the fear in stone. Hello, dog. Such a good chapter ender. Oh my God. We know that this is Bellicon calling. AKA commanding Fisher to him so he can trap the dog in an oubliette in the.

[Lexi]

Wickerwood. Okay, so I have a few theories for why Bella Khan was able to command Oathbound Fisher to him. Because it is a very fair question among fandom. We learned earlier in the book that Belacan can only wield this command of the Oathbound Fae if they are near him. And besides, Fisher's father's wards around Kalish prevent Belacan from being a threat in the first place. Prevent? Prevent Bell Khan from being a threat. So there are supposed to be two protections that prevent Belcon from being able to do this. For one, I wonder if Bellakon somehow siphoned power from yesterday's even light to be able to access Fisher in this not supposed to be possible way. Or well, maybe. And slash. Or the ROT is breaking Fisher's father's wards. And that is how Belacan can finally take Fisher as he steps through the Shadow Gate. Maybe Belacan is even able to direct the ROT and speed it up to reach Kalash. And put them all in a pickle in the first place. Knowing that they will take a Shadowgate to. To Inishtar somehow. I don't know. Stay with me here. So Belcon can then grab Fisher as he goes through the Shadow Gate. And Madra, who we know Belcon is working with very specifically, does have a horde waiting for the rest of the college crew in Ishtar that would be killing several birds with one stone. So they travel safely and get settled into the small town of Inishtar, Right? Wrong. But first, quick tldr about Inishtar.

[Nicole]

And its people, the.

[Lexi]

Satyrs. Inistar is a small town built into the sea's cliffside. The proud Satir people call in Ishtar home. And they are architects, engineers, mathematicians who love art and music. You'll recognize satyrs from the movie Hercules. Phil is a satyr. In Greek folklore, satyrs are part man and part beast. Usually a goat or a horse. Okay, now back to the action. We're through the Shadow Gate and. Fuck, this is bad. The scene our characters might walk into on the other side of the Shadow Gate is a straight up bloodbath. The air is thick with black smoke. A building at the bottom of the hill just exploded. Warriors and new fresh feeders are locked in battle. And when I say fresh feeders, I mean fresh. They used to be human. And some have not even fed for the first time, begging for the reprieve to feed. Help me. Ceres even watches the teeth fall out and get replaced by with fangs. These feeders are that fresh. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am under the impression these feeders are not infected with rot. There is no mention about them being infected like there usually is. It's mentioned later on at Orlys house that the infected are spreading like wildfire. And this attack is the first of many. But these feeders don't seem infected. In fact, everyone assumes they are from Malcolm's horde and escaped. But Cirrus can confirm without a doubt. Doubt that is not the case since they have no power over her authority. And again, these feeders are fresh from Zelvarin. They're dying way easier than the super feeders. Like they are dying by the thousands when people cut them and use their magic on them. And while this bloodbath is terrible, the town and the people battling don't have the usual fear about the contagious rot. Which makes me a little bit confused, because the first round of feeders from Zilvaren were the ones who brought the.

[Nicole]

Rot. You make a really good point. Because they had to like light them on fire. And even that didn't work. And they had to do a bunch of different.

[Lexi]

Things. And the godswords didn't work against them.

[Nicole]

Either. Yeah, but I don't see a scenario in this moment in which these aren't super feeders, given that they're from.

[Lexi]

Zilvarin. So what I think is that initially, when the first feeders from Zilvarin with the Rot came here, Their purpose was to bring the Rot to infect. This purpose is for the masses to attack this small town. Which again is why I think that Bellicon and Madra are working together to make Fisher open a Shadow Gate and to attack our people here from at.

[Nicole]

Istar. I can get behind that. I can definitely get behind that.

[Lexi]

Yes. On top of this chaotic scene, poor Hayden is passing out from going through the gate for the first time. And Fisher is nowhere to be found. Even with the Kalish warriors who just evacuated here, our crew is still outnumbered. That was 15,000 warriors who just came through. And they are still outnumbered all.

[Nicole]

Around. Seiris feeders are setting their sights on her. While she's trying to protect Hayden, she is attacked by a female feeder. Lifting her blades just in time, Seris plunges both tips through the feeder before she can land on Ceres. Light explanation explodes from Sairis right hand flowing down to Aramar and into the feeder, lighting her up like a nightlight before she bursts into flames. This is cool. While this is happening nearby, a massive feeder in golden armor is feeding from a Fae warrior that is unable to fight it off. With a moment to breathe, Serious and Hayden try to find anywhere for him to hide and not pass out anymore. But before they can figure out what the fuck is going on and where to go, Serious is slammed into from behind. The feeder has Seira's pinned to the ground and in trying to pull her leathers open so it can.

[Lexi]

Feed.

[Nicole]

Feed. I feed. Serious slams the hilt of one of her blades into the feeder's face. And that's when she noticed that this feeder is fresh out of the oven. Its skin is still pink and it's able to talk. It's begging for help. This feeder appears to be about 20 years old, male, and of course human. While wearing the guardian armor, Serious is cut off before we get a description of him. The feeder is way too heavy for Cirrus to throw it off her, so she raises her blades so they're crossed with each other and slices through the feeder's neck, decapitating it.

[Lexi]

Gross. There are feeders everywhere and Seras is in badass warrior mode right now. Her only goal is to find Hayden and he is nowhere to be found. As she looks for him, she is decapitating these feeders left and right. Honestly, she's not paying attention to what's going on outside of her fight. That's okay. You're very focused. She does see the magic go off from Laura's godsword, but she Is so distracted by finding Kingfisher and Hayden that everything else is basically background noise. Foley arrives on the scene, and while he's very helpful in this fight, especially being fully vampire and not a target of the feeders, he presents a big problem. Fisher is not at this battle, and no one in their inner circle knows where he is. He was right behind.

[Nicole]

Foley. Where could he be looking to Idina's Game of Life pamphlet for guidance. Serious. Flips to the page that reads read on at the White Cliffs. Okay, they're at the White Cliffs. Check. Flip to the next page. And nothing. It says to read on after the trade. Something is missing. Yes, a very important something indeed. Listen, this suspension and storytelling is exactly what I love from this journal. It has consequences. It has mystery. But without Idina's guidance, the crew is like, what do we do? What do we do? What does the trade mean? I would also like to know, friends. But until then, it is time for us to meet up again in Anishtar and figure out what to do, since Adina is not.

[Lexi]

Helping. Before they went through the Shadow Gate and into this unexpected battle, Talinna said that she had someone she trusted here in the small town of the White Cliffs. So Ceres, Foley, Hayden, Lorath and Carrion find themselves in this small house overlooking the cliff. Thanks to the power of following a smell. We learned that this is home to a satyr named Orlius who is friends with Talena. Yes, she and her mate Nier got Everlane here and Isha ball too. But there's no Tal or Zaveena here. Zaveena darted off into the crowd as soon as they began leaving the battlefield. And Tal went on a feeder blood boil, hack em all down killing spree. Finally fighting on the right side and expecting to die from this battle as he throws himself into the feeder. Fight more on him soon though.

[Nicole]

With the crew all together, it's time to figure out what the literal fuckity fuck. Zilvaran super feeders, not super feeders. We're fighting them here at Anishtar because there is no quicksilver pool anywhere nearby. This is a huge revelation. Out of the two closest quicksilver pools, one is across the sea, which the feeders would not be able to swim across. And the other is in northern Galaria, which would have taken these feeders days to travel that distance. And these feeders were.

[Lexi]

Fresh. Plus the attack on the infected feeders at the beginning of the book at the war camp, Erin. They were all also Zelvarin and did not come from a Quicksilver Pool. They just appeared on those banks. They clearly did not go through the Amitre or Kalash Quicksilver.

[Nicole]

Pools. So this can only mean one thing. Madra has found a way to travel between this realm and Zolvaren without a quick silver pool. Dun dun dun. We were wondering last book about how the heck Harren knew about the Obsidian Maze when he he lived in Zolvarin and the Quicksilver pools were dormant. This was before Ceres drew solace and opened the pools. I bet you anything this was what she was doing to glean information between Malcolm, Harren, Belacan and Madra. But I don't think Madra went because she needed to stay in Dalarin. But the only question remains, how the fuck is she doing.

[Lexi]

This? It's big plot reveal time. Inter realm travel without Quicksilver is unheard of. It would take an excessively insane amount of power to even consider opening a portal between.

[Nicole]

Realms. The level of power that would.

[Lexi]

Take a thousand years to steal and require a whole city to fuel enough. Oh my God. Madra's been stealing magic from the city of Zelvarin for the last thousand years. That is how she has had enough power stored up to do the unthinkable with this interrealm travel. But what does it mean for Zelvarn to be the source of magic? How is that even possible? I'll explain it as best as I understand it. I have a feeling though that we will learn a lot more about all this in book 3. As a main plot, the strongest magical symbol is the circle. It's the symbol of forever and carries magic on a loop continually, giving it strength. So take that concept and apply it to what we know about the city layout of Zavarin. It is fashioned after the shape of a wheel. The city is a circle. What's more, the walls with each in the city that divide the wards create a sigil. So the layout of Zelvarin is literally a circular rune, the most powerful symbol of magic. Plus, we know that magic cannot be eradicated from a city. Once it takes root, it never leaves, always finding a way to thrive. This means that Zelvarin is the biggest piece of spellwork ever created that our characters know of. And a crazed immortal queen, member of the Triumvirant, reigns over the city and has possession of this much power. Since we know from Karion's bonus chapter that it was only 300 plus years ago that Madra had the walls erected for the circular city. Does that mean she created a specific Sigil to siphon the power. We also know that before Zelvarin was ruled by a monarchy, it was led by a council of magic users, which leads me to believe there has always been magic in the circular city. I'm guessing Madra adjusted the the sigil from just like a circle to create the wards and all of that and the walls within it to create a more complex rune for that layout. And when she adjusted it, that is when she was then able to siphon the magic to her and steal it directly from its inhabitants. I'm going to say this again, and I'm sorry, I sound like a broken record. But, friends, what was the day before the feeder attack on Inishtar? The Even Late ball? I really do think Zilvaren's Even Light Festival was happening at the same time as the Even Light Ball in Amantra. And something about the Even Light amplifies the magic in Zelvarin even more, siphoning extra power that enabled Modra to transfer this many theaters to Evelia. Because remember, these theaters outnumbered 15,000 warriors. That's a lot of theaters. To move between realms, you need a shit ton of power. And again, I want to know, what was the point of sending this many feeders to this location? It clearly was not to be the big end all be all war. It was literally to a small backwater town, where again, I think that Belakan and Madra knew our crew was heading there. I admit I am definitely very confused about what this all means. For Madra to use the city itself to siphon the power of the inhabitants. It sounds like the sigil Zelvarin makes targets its inhabitants and takes their power, which is what the source of the city's power is. How exactly that would work and the nuances, I have no idea. But the important takeaway is basically that the city of Zulvarin is an extremely powerful source of magic that Madra has access.

[Nicole]

To. So this means that Madra could literally open up a portal anywhere and deposit more feeders whenever she likes. So this needs to be stopped like fucking now. But how? They would need to ward the entire realm of Evilia from, as Ishabel puts it. That kind of spell work would require an entire coven of witches and at least 10 very powerful Fae warriors to build a spell that monumental. I bet money that this is the overarching plot for book three. But that's not all. Because they also would need something that is precious to Madra. Not something she just touched once, but something she loved. Something personal. If they're Going to block their magic. But ohoho. Cause remember that golden clad Guardian feeder from earlier? Time for the Guardians to do something fucking useful for the first time in their lives. After convincing a Satyr to hand over one of these dead Guardian feeders because there were multiple Carrion and serous. Find it. The plague bag. We've known about plague bags since chapter one of book one. These bags are held by believers. People who think that by holding one of these plague bags, bags close to their person, it will ward off the completely non existent plague that's taken over the Third Ward. And in these play bags they have ashes from the magic users who Madra burned all of those years ago. And her hair, something she holds very dear to.

[Lexi]

Herself. In chapter seven of Quicksilver, Serris explains that Madra is the closest thing they have to a God in Zelvarin because they that's how she fashions herself. And believers carry strands of her hair in pouches on their belts. These plague bags, along with ash from the funeral pyres of the sacrificed. So I understand that is common knowledge with all of this about Madra's hair and where it could be found and all of that. It is only for the most honorable, the devout believers to carry precious godlike Queen Madra's hair with them. I have to point out again how much I love these kind of moments in series where a small, seemingly inconsequential detail from the first few chapters in Quicksilver comes back into play for the larger plot. It's these kind of details that make me go, ah. I love deep.

[Nicole]

Diving. Halfway up the cliff face, there's something that catches Cerys eye. Taladeus is standing in the distance. Alone, but not entirely alone. Zovina's body lays next to him, not dead by Tal's hand, despite how much he knew she was a terrible person. No. She was drained, stained dry by the feeders in the attack. So all of Tal's attempts to save her, to change her back to a face so she wouldn't die as a vampire, it was all.

[Lexi]

Futile. It hurts so much to hear how Tal describes how he felt about Savina. Like Sarah's loving fisher. But he wouldn't care about her and even takes pleasure in hurting her. Cirrus cannot even fathom that possibility. Tal recognizes how insane his love has been. He's always known Zaveena was a horrible person, but he still willingly became a vampire to follow her. And now, with her dead, Tal has been waiting to feel something. He's been looking at her Corpse and being like, I need to feel like. Waiting for his grief to hit him. Any emotion for the female he crazily loved despite it all. And he doesn't feel anything. To the point where Tal wonders how she kept him so in love with her. Was it magic? Was it something else? Because as soon as she died, he feels like he woke up. None of it was real. All of his life sacrifices, leaving his betrothed Everlane becoming a vampire, and everything terrible that has followed from that. It was all literally for nothing, for something that was not real. My heart aches, literally aches for this fictional character. I just want to reach through the pages and hug tall. I am convinced that this is exactly what Zavina did. I think she used magic or a spell to make Tal fall in love with her. And when she died, the magic died with her. Of course, there's also the possibility that when she died, he felt like he woke up where it was like, oh, my God, like, now that she's actually gone, I can breathe. I don't need that. But I think there was magic at play. I really.

[Nicole]

Do. I almost like it better if there wasn't. I almost like it better it's if just her presence was the magic that was const. Like, you know, an ex who. It's not until, like, one day you just fucking wake up and you're like, oh, no. It's like the goggles are off. And I wonder if it really took Sylvina dying to have those goggles come.

[Lexi]

Off. I guess so. I mean, like, he did make sure that she didn't die just a day.

[Nicole]

Ago. Yeah, that's fair. That's.

[Lexi]

Fair. But, yeah, I love how it is up for our interpretation, though. And no matter what, though, at least he is now free from Malcolm, from being a vampire, from Zavina. But with that freedom comes full clarity that Tal's entire existence has been a fucking.

[Nicole]

Joke. Tal was ready to die back in the hall of Tears. He then was pleading to go back to his homeland in Balon's End so he could die there by the rot or by something else. Then he arrives here, and even the feeders don't do him the honor of killing him. By Zavina's.

[Lexi]

Side. He was so sure that when he ran straight into the fight with the feeders, death would take him. But eventually, there were no more feeders and Tal was still standing. He didn't even mean to still be alive at.

[Nicole]

That. So in a final attempt, he dragged Savina up here to the cliffs to give Zavina to The sea. And then to jump in after her. I hope he took her Lord of Midnight ring off and pocketed it. Because I just realized if he throws her off and she still has it, that is. Yes. Oh, dear. But as he says, because that's not important right now. This is emotional. As he says, quote, once again, the fates have snatched back my peets. Oh, that's such a good.

[Lexi]

Line. Tal had been a vampire for 10, 60, 63 years. And during all that time, he had to stay in the dark, avoid the light all the time. And here he is, the dawn of the sun shining down on him. And for the first time in over a thousand years, Tal literally and metaphorically feels light on him. How can I consign myself to another endless dark when I've been given back the light? I love that line so much. And when we get a beautiful character arc like this, you know what that means. It's Tal's turn for a godsword. With ease. Now that she has her quicksilver rune sealed, Ceres makes a godsword for Tal. His blood is deemed worthy. The quicksilver is speaking to him. And its name is Tassaren, which means redemption. Aw. How fitting for Tal, who is finally able to live in the light and look forward, redeem himself for himself. From now on, you'll always fight on our side.

[Nicole]

Tal. I also love that redemption is the name of the chapter because that hammers in how important this arc is for Talladeus. God, I love his character. Ah. Marching down the street carrying a multitude of weapons, including pitchforks and brooms. The satyrs are headed straight to Seirus, and they don't look too happy. In fact, they are pretty fucking pissed. We know that this isn't the case and they're actually going to up to Carrion to welcome him. But that is not the vibe these pitchforks are giving off. As the satyrs march through the streets, they are demanding to know where the forgotten king is. They know Carrion is here. They've heard the news sweeping its way across the southlands. Rurik's boy has returned and he travels with the Bane. And they're here to swear fealty to their rightful king. Complete a beautiful, beautiful song that welcomes him into their hearts. From the beginning of this book, Carian's been not anti his birthright, but more so burying his head in the sand. And like we've discussed back when him and Fisher were in Zilvarin and looking at his drawings, we know Carrion's indifference is not from a Lack of caring. Instead, it was from him not feeling like he's good enough or prepared enough for this role. It wasn't until recently that was we learn he's starting to do more and more research about the Ailan Throne and what it means to be king. And here are his people, the ones who are asking for him specifically. At first he thinks they're going to plunge their horns into him and not in a fun way. And it's like Carrion. How long do you think he's been terrified of the potential outcome of him coming to Evilia and them all wanting to kill him, but the outcome, it's not what he's expecting. Instead, they bow to him. And it's understandably overwhelming because what the fuck could he possibly say to these satyrs to make them believe that he is worthy of them to bow to? Not to mention the pressure that anything he says will be taken as tantamount. He could very easily accidentally declare war against Belacan, even though they kind of already have. But like even more war. Bigger war. Big, big war. By confirming that he is the.

[Lexi]

Rightful heir, the forgotten king this Realm has waited 1,700 plus years for gathers his courage and his words. It is time for the moment of truth that historians will document for the ages to come. The last Dianthus, the rightful heir to the Evilian throne, addresses his people and declares. I really like your horn. I love this fairy Carrion moment. And as much of comic relief as this is, considering how much he had to dance around topics with big consequences with this big speech that he had to deliver, I think he did pretty darn good with this address. He didn't land on any landmines. At least. At least. Hopefully there's nothing weird with the horn situation. And I'm just so excited for Carrie and heading into book three. What a sweet, sweet scene to end his archon for this book. This is our last scene with Carrion before everything else hits the fan. Book two, ours of Lauren Smuggler has come such a long way and I think this is such a fantastic both ending to his book two realization that yeah, he, he's gonna have to step up here and people want him to step up too. And so much is in store for him for book three. I cannot.

[Nicole]

Wait. Now, this whole time they've been in Anishtar, something has been nagging at Seiris. It's like a memory that she can't seem to grasp until it finally dawns on her, to be honest. Shouts to her memory. Because I feel like I never would have remembered a small detail like this. Way earlier, when Serous was at the library in Sanis Wrath, she had her run in with one paper Stargazer. The one that felt fell out of the library. The magic leaving it behind as she and it left the barriers. And Serris puts that piece of paper into its little home in Kalash, a now abandoned and full of rot. Kalash. I love moments like this in a story where every. Like you were saying earlier, where everything comes back into play and Seiris knows exactly how to get to Kalish. And it doesn't require a Shadow.

[Lexi]

Gate. We need Danya to knock Seras out. Obviously, Seras is on a mission to become unconscious so she can go back to the dreamscape where she always reunites with Fisher. She's too hyped up to fall asleep. I would be too. So time for someone to knock her out. And who better than Danya, who would be most delighted and sincere in punching the shit out of Ceres? Honestly, I would go to Danya first too. At least you know that she'd really punch ya. But before Cirrus is mentally sent off to college, which will open with next episode, we get the smallest sliver of the beginning of a redemption arc for Danya. Like the tedious, tiniest sliver. Because you see, she is bitter and hateful toward Fisher. Not because she truly feels like he abandoned her and his warriors, but because she is ashamed that she chose the easy path of believing Bellacon's lies. When Fisher disappeared 110 years ago, she felt guilty for leaving Fisher in Gilthrai. And all this rage is actually a shield so she doesn't have to face her her own true emotions. That she left Fisher and then chose to believe their enemy's lies instead of face the painful truth of not being able to help Fisher. Which, yes, makes absolute sense. Danya is still ruthless and deserves her Ls, but serious. Laying this all out to Dania's face quite bluntly offers new insight into Dania's character that not even she can face herself. Before we jump into our foreshadowing section, let's take a moment to highlight highlight where things stand with most of our characters. Since this is the last episode, we're in the southern part of the realm with most of our party. The Fire Sprites decide to stay in college despite the rot's invasion. They believe their brimstone will protect them from the Rot and they need to be in their hot, hot, hot environment to survive. Carrion, Lorath, Hayden, Taelina, Mir, an unconscious Everlane now fatal. Still vampire fully. Danya and the Avelian Fae warriors are are still in Inishtar, settled in at the camp that they made outside the destroyed town here at these white cliffs. The Satyrs of Inishtar recognize Carrion as the forgotten King. I bet word is about to spread very fast about him around the realm, while the large trunks of family rings etc and silver from Zelvarn are here as well. Unfortunately, there is no quicksilver here for seras to make relics. And no seras to make the relics either. The Fae are helping the Seder people of Inishtar to rebuild their Destroyers destroyed town after the theater attack. I would like to point out that Inistar's Healing center and Town hall were very strategically targeted to hurt this community. And the cause of the explosions are still in mystery. That is literally stated on the page that they are still a mystery. Which we know means we need to keep that in mind for next book. I don't think the theaters are in right enough of a mind to purposefully locate these buildings and then cause the explosions. Or maybe they did as they were literally turning and that was part of why Macha sent them through before being fully turned into feeders. Or you know, maybe it was Heron jk. Mostly maybe. Anyway, I want him to be dead in the nicest way possible. Anyway, bottom line is I've got my eye on these targeted explosions. And who specifically targeted them. Ishabal is desperate to get back to Nevercross as soon as possible, but needs Fisher's Shadowgate in order to travel that far of a distance, so she's stuck in Inchtar until he shows up. While it's not confirmed, there is also an expectation for Ishabel to get her powerful clan to help our group ward and save the realm. The fae and witches will need to work together to have enough power to save Evelia, so Ishabel needs to convince the witches. In the meantime, Talenna and Ishabel have Madra's hair in their possession. One step closer to warding the Realm realm from her. And the last all these characters know of with Saris is that she's knocked out by Dania after she promises Lorath that she thinks she knows how to find Fisher and that she will come back to make the relics. I bet Lorath and Carian will figure out what she meant to do with finding Fisher, since they both know about the cabin sexcapades. Then she will physically disappear when the Hasrax transports her to the Wicker wood so they'll probably all be a little bit confused by her. Just, you know, poofing. I'm not quite sure how that's going to work, but they do know that they have to trust whatever Saris is up to. She has a plan clearly in place here. And I also believe that Lorath is trusting she and hopefully Fisher are on their way to take action with the plan to go to Daxis. So I'm thinking he knows what Saris and Fisher are up to with stealing her Brimstone rune. Okay everybody, let's tap into our Inner Oracle and turn our full attention to important foreshadowing moments for the rest of this book and speculations for book three and beyond. While Fisher is helping relieve Saris's stress before the event Late Ball we get more insight into his shadow magic and specifically how it comes from his father. Nicole is this technically part of Shadow? Daddy.

[Nicole]

Watch. This is absolutely daddy watch 100.

[Lexi]

In Kingfisher's POV we learn that quote, the gods had gifted my father with his shadows so that he might do good with them. My father had power pass them down to me for the same purpose. Okay, so I think I'm officially saying that Fisher's father, Finryn, who we've been hearing so much about these past two books, is not Styx. Finryn might be half God with his father as sticks and it was this God, not God's plural, that gifted this baby Finryn with shadow magic, to which he then passes that magic onto his son. I understand that this doesn't really line up up with what we know about Fisher needing to be half God to wield shadows, but I really do think that there is a missing piece of the puzzle that we the readers do not cannot know yet that makes these shadows a gift to Fisher's father and then to him versus a biological consequence of banging bang banging to create a half God. I think that there are more ways to create a half God than we mere mortal readers are capable of imagining. I also wonder if Fisher being Zara's champion has anything to do with why Fenrin passes shadow magic down to Fisher. Like, is this all part of a bigger plan to set the chess pieces for what's to come in book three that will require Fisher to need his shadows to save the.

[Nicole]

World. I think I am almost ready. Not quite, but almost ready to hop on the Finryn is not sticking Styx train so they are two separate people. I love this idea that Styx was Finryn's father or he was gifted the shadow magic by the gods like you were saying. To be honest, this is getting very confusing. The reason I'm not ready to fully put myself in that camp yet is because Fisher says that quote, my father had passed them the shadows down to me for the same purpose. And then he says my like, go get our father at the very end. And I think I will be ready to make an official proclamation next episode, but for right now, I'm holding on to just that one little My father passed him down to me for the same reason he know he got his shadow magic from Styx. Given what we learned next episode.

[Lexi]

I think that he gets it from Sticks, but him being Fisher's father is not the traditional sense of biological father. I want to highlight a cool bit of magic that Seris wields when Owl, despite the Queen's command, tries to rifle through Serris's mind but is blocked by her mental wall. Serris imagines knives pointing at that wall and then sends her wall down long enough to send the knives through and into Owlet's mind before securing her mental wall back up. This makes Algot's eyes roll into the back of her head and blood gush down her nose. What a crazy magic you have there, Saris. I have no idea what kind of magic it is, and I don't think it's associated with the alchemy, but very cool. This is definitely a flaccid magic system, Nicole. I'm sticking with.

[Nicole]

That. I concur. And if you don't know that joke, you should listen to fantasy.

[Lexi]

Fanfellas. We learn more about Widow's Bane, the herb that Seris took to dull her pain at the end of Quicksilver. Fisher explains explains that if you allow a little dew drop from the flower to come into contact with your skin, you die. And it's only safe to chew after the poison has been cleaned from its petals and the leaves have been steeped and dried for a few days. While I love Fisher channeling his inner plant watch. I do think that Widow's Bane and the poisonous effects of it are going to come back into the story. I worry that a character is going to fall ill to it. Its lethalness has been mentioned in in both books, and I just feel in my gut that something's gonna happen in book three with.

[Nicole]

It. Oh dear. Okay, I want to point out another tick in my Carrion is an oracle theory. When our crew returns to college, Hayden is the only one downstairs because he just happened to be downstairs, courtesy of Carrion telling him he needed to go fetch something. I think Carrion knew, or at least the. The Oracle in him knew, that all of the crew was coming back, and he sent Hayden down there to welcome them. Carrion mentioned Sarah is having a possible potential power of invisibility he's carrying, so I know he's joking, but I don't think that's out of the.

[Lexi]

Question. Right? I don't know. I don't know. There's a flaccid magic.

[Nicole]

System. Anything's.

[Lexi]

Possible. Actually, I don't think anything can be flaccid. Or Fisher to.

[Nicole]

Be.

[Lexi]

What? Okay, excuse me. Sarah says to Carrion, quote, imagine what would have happened if there had been someone of royal blood to stand up against Madra. The people would have. And then. She trails off. But is this foreshadowing? When they get rid of Madra, will there be someone of royal blood to claim Zvarin and help fix Madra's reign? Or will it go back to how it used to be, where it's ruled by a council of magical magic.

[Nicole]

Users? I'm hoping for the.

[Lexi]

Latter. Me.

[Nicole]

Too. Yeah. Hayden has a moment of rare clarity and empathy where he says that he realizes everything Serious did for him back in the third was for the betterment of his life, and he realizes he wants to be useful and not a burden. I want to believe him, I really do. But why do I feel like he's going to do something that is a burden and makes their life infinitely harder, thinking it would do the opposite? Like, he's like, I don't want to be a bad. And then he, like, runs into the hands of danger, and then suddenly they're like, well, you just made our lives infinitely.

[Lexi]

Harder. Okay. Meanwhile, here I am thinking the scene with him and Cerus in the rain is really moving, partly because this is his first time experiencing rain. We haven't been in Hayden's head this book, but we know how jarring this must be to be in Yvelia after the water scarcity of Zelvara. And he's like, I don't know how I belong here or who I'm supposed to be. And back in Sylvarin, he just expected his big sis to tell him he's very slowly beginning his redemption arc. I think he's gonna end up back in Sylvarin once when everything's.

[Nicole]

Fixed. I think he's dead. I think he's dead. Actually, I do think that he's gonna die.

[Lexi]

Too. But if he survives, he's going back to.

[Nicole]

Salvarn. I don't see a world in which he lives through this series, but. But you never know. You never know. We learn a really cool aspect of magic with Ishabel's powers. She has the ability to see into someone's soul and basically tell if they are good, bad, or kind of, you know, whatever. In a moment. I love this and I really hope we see more of this in book.

[Lexi]

3. We see Lorath use his powers too. What a fascinating bit of lore to learn that the fae who live in the wild northern tundra believe their magic is sacred and accidentally stolen from nature as they were being born. So to use their gifts is to flout that gift in front of the gods. Using magic is a sin worse than murder. And even though Lorath does not believe this about his magic, old habits die hard. And he almost never uses his innate magic where he can at least create bands of energy. I don't know what else it does, but energy magic stuff. This stretch of chapters has two mentions of mind, body and soul. Friends, remember what the Tria Prima represents? Quicksilver is the mind, Brimstone is the soul, and Salt is the body. This could be a coincidence, since it is a common description, or it could be a nod to the Tria.

[Nicole]

Prima Tal jokes that Fisher and Ceres will have figured out a way to stop the rot by tomorrow night. Well, tomorrow night they will be going to Dyaxis, so he's not wrong, but technically they have already figured out not one, but two ways to stop the rot. I'm just saying, I just want.

[Lexi]

To make sure we're on the same two.

[Nicole]

Ways.

[Lexi]

Right? Okay, so one is to go back to Zalvarin and kill Madra, Figure out how these infected feeders are coming from her realm. No, you're going with the other option of killing all the fire.

[Nicole]

Sprites. We actually have three ways to kill because this.

[Lexi]

Is. The other big plot that our characters still need to do is to defeat Madra in the first place. And then number two is obviously the Brimstone. One way is to get it from the fire sprites, but that's bad, so we're not even considering that as an option. And instead it is to get Serris's Brimstone rune sealed in Dioxis. And for Fisher to make this trade so he can get his dragon, which it seems they breathe not just fire, but also.

[Nicole]

Brimstone. So they have three ways they.

[Lexi]

Can. We're not counting the fire sprite way. Nicole. I'm.

[Nicole]

Sorry. It's an option. I'm counting it. It's not a option worth using because that's not great. But if we also have the option of, well, technically going back to Zalvarin and killing off Madra would not stop the.

[Lexi]

Rot. Correct. But it is still a necessary thing that should probably get.

[Nicole]

Done. I agree. I do think they have one that's a little more immediate than the.

[Lexi]

Other. At least they're on their way to get the.

[Nicole]

Brimstone. It is time to enter Enter Owlgot's library with Guru the Shadow Cat where every episode Lexi guides us through a world building topic to help us deepen our understanding of this world and its.

[Lexi]

Magic. Today's OWL gets Library topic is what we know about witches magic and how it relates to the Blood Curse Cure Quick Introduction to the Witches of this Realm the witches are a secretive group, keeping to themselves, especially since there is a lot of prejudice toward them. They have clan lands in Northern Galaria palace past the Shallow mountains. Their political seat is called Nevercross, a city that has stood for millennia and is protected from the outside world. This is also the location of their schools and where they heal their sick. Nevercross also has underground catacombs below the city that house their histories, but only guild witches are allowed to go down there. We know of two clan names, the Balcadir witches where Isabel is heir and that's the clan that discovered the cure to the Blood curse, and the Kinross clan, which kicked owl get out for using dark magic. Speaking of witch magic, here's what we know about what I will call regular witch magic. Witches have the ability to cast spells that the fae can't. This includes, but is certainly not limited to they are proficient in blood magics, creating and curing the vampires, creating magical items like Fisher's pendant, holding a body in stasis like Everlane. They're also very good at scrying as well. Yes, Ishbaugh is good at what she does. It's just really hard to find Remphus and Fisher with everything going on. Okay, as well as using a strand of hair, witches are able to accomplish many things. But we don't know exactly what this is. Besides building a gigantic wart around a realm with a bunch of other extra things that go into that. Witch magic cannot affect the dead. And there are some witches who have the ability to look into someone's soul, read the blueprint of who they are at their core. Ah, that's so cool. I'm sure I'm barely scraping the surface with witch magic, but you get the idea. Then there's the forbidden dark magic. Dun dun dun. The witches are sticklers for honor and tradition. They are rulemakers, not rule breakers. I love saying that. I'm gonna say that every opportunity I get. The High Council outlawed dark magic millennia ago. To use it is to throw out their ethics and morals. No witch would ever do that. Right. Isha Ball. One form of dark magic, at least among witches. I'm not talking about vampire. Dark magic is the witch. A witch mark is used, creating borrowed dark magic and lends power to the one who binds it. These are massive sources of magic, but if left unchecked, it steals power from everything around it, eventually becoming an open gateway to the demon realm that cannot be closed. Moving to the related topic of the Blood Curse. As we know, thousands of years ago, the fae were inflicted with a blood curse. Rumor is that the witches are the source of the Blood Curse, though at least the Balqadir clan denies any involvement and feels they proved their innocence when they helped find the cure. We know that the blood of King ruk Dianthus Carrion's father. His blood was used to create the Blood Curse. And that the curse has caused many to distrust all witches. Real quick. You can check out Our Quicksilver Episode 5 Rosarius Library for more about the Blood Curse and how it turned Fae into vampires. Malcolm was the very first to be affected by the curse. Thousands of years ago, when the cure was discovered, many of the Yvellian Fae took it because they were horrified by the monsters they'd become. But there were those, like Malcolm, who preferred being the monsters and chose to not take the cure and thus stay immortal with dark power. Over the centuries, Malcolm killed off others who kept the curse too, until he was the only OG vampire left and created the Blood Court. That is why all high bloods are tied to him. More than once, the witches have tried to confess, convince the vampires to reconsider taking the cure. The fake crowns tried to work. Dianthus, Royan of Galaria and Shara from Lycia. Chara. I've never heard your name before here, but yay, I see you now. I guess that you are the mother of the current queen. That's what we're going to go with. The vampires refused every single time anybody approached them about the cure. So let's talk about that cure now. Yvelian King RUK Dianthus charged five witch families with the task of finding the original cure to the curse. Of these five, the Balghadir clan was instrumental in finding the cure. They created the cure. And while we don't know any more about the Mechanics. We do know that the cure is a clear liquid and it is an antidote to the witch's blood that kills vampires. It's my understanding a vampire does not need to drink the witch's blood before taking the cure. Antidote. Ishabel and Tal, however, knew that no vampire would willingly take the cure. So they ensured the only way for them to live to see another day would be by taking the cure, hence poisoning them with Ishabel's blood. First die a vampire or live by taking the cure to the blood curse and transitioning back. If the cure is taken, then the vampire will undergo a painful transformation, resulting in them being reborn back to the living and back into their natural forms. And that is what we know. I feel like that's just so little, but that's what we know. Hello.

[Nicole]

Everybody. Let us close out this episode with prancing through the snow with Onyx to discuss our favorite moments from the stretch of chapters. My goat. Watch. It returns during the dance at the Evenlight Ball. Seiris looks up at the painting depicting a bacchanalia, which is a Roman festival. And in that painting, a man is doing something to a goat. Sir, stop that.

[Lexi]

Now. No. Bad.

[Nicole]

Aberforth. Bad Fisher talking about his mother and how there have been days where he's felt her presence so keenly. First, I love this description of grief and feeling like the person who's died is still with you. And I also wonder if he felt her presence extra because Idina's soul has been chilling in Avilia in this in between waiting to speak to.

[Lexi]

Sarus. I think that's exactly it. I think that's what he's confirming here. Fisher realizing that his mother had indeed been here with him all this time. Him feeling her presence wasn't just in his head. And that's a little bit more comfort for him to.

[Nicole]

Find. I love Serris's reaction to Zavina's dramatic outburst, which is manipulating the metal of a candelabra to pin Zavina down on the ground so she's on her hands and knees, pinned to the floor. And then Serious drags her chair over so she can kick her legs up onto her back. Iconic Guru rubbing his little body against Foley as he's petitioning to be the Lord of Midnight. You cannot come between a man and his cat. I'm sorry, Owlget. I hope that you brought Guru wherever you slithered off to, but I also don't because I want Foley to have his guru. The banter in the dance scene is so top tier from Fisher saying that dancing is a lot like fighting and fucking. And he's impaled quite a few people on the end of his sword. Oh, my God. Also, in that short scene, he corrects Seiris when she says his rooms back in college. And he says, our rooms. Ugh, melt. I melt for moments like this. Everything from Fisher telling Carrion to stay in the room as they're talking about, you know, what to do. With the Blood Court now dismantled and Carrion pokes at Fisher for missing him. And maybe Fisher did, but he's more so giving Carrion a chance and letting him be part of these big conversations as he views this as prep for the Avalon throne. Serious. Asks Fisher to hold her. And I just. I love, love, love, love moments like this because Seiris is a very harsh fmc. Like. Like Fisher was saying, she bears her teeth to the world. And I remember the first time I asked this of Brett. And only, and only after he cuddled me for like an hour, he was like, whoa, you've never said that.

[Lexi]

Before. That.

[Nicole]

Was. That was.

[Lexi]

Great. Crazy. I feel so seen by Carrion's room. Maybe not with the plants, because mine would not be alive, but he has two wardrobes, yet all of his clothes are scattered in piles across the room. I also have two wardrobes, two dressers, and also all of my clothes are thrown about the room, my closet and in my room, room and the bathroom and everywhere. It has always been that way. My room is always a clothing mess disaster. And. And I apologize to my parents first and now my husband for having to live with me like.

[Nicole]

That. I love that Sarah is wearing Fae attire and Fae wore braids as they head to Anishtar like this. That's just such beautiful.

[Lexi]

Symbolism. There was so much going on in this episode that we really didn't get a chance to shine the spotlight on how Seras is truly embracing her identity as Fisher's mate. Once she's no longer bound to the Blood Court, she gets to lean fully into the sense of connection and home with her mate. This feels big for Serris's character arc and how much she is stepping into who she wants to be. And in turn, Serris makes Fisher want to be better. The way that she embodies hope and perseverance, makes him believe. And he's been a grumpy, pessimistic motherfucker forever. And it's just so sweet when Carrion grumbles about how it's Sarris's fault he's so cold, she just had to fall in love with an outcast once warrior from a frozen wasteland instead of the tropical territory. And then I love how Ceres is like, that's your frozen wasteland. I see Karion somehow using his magic to make Evilia warmer. Assuming he eventually does become king. He does not like the cold. This should not be as funny as I find it, but maybe it's just a big sister thing. Right before they go through the Shadow Gate to Inchtar, Seras is so kind and patient as she prepares her brother for how shitty it's about to be on the other side. But it's okay. You're not gonna feel good. You'll probably pass out, but it's all okay. And then once when they're there and there's like literally a feeder attack going on, she has to change tactics real quick and start slapping hate and be like, now is not the time. Wake up. I love how Seras loves a ritual of asking someone what the name of their new godsword is. It's such a small but sweet detail into her character growth. And I really love that Danya might be frustrating most of the time, 99% of the time, but three cheers for this female who is fantastic at getting shit done and spearheading a bunch of logistics and putting everyone to work. I see you. I see that logistical mind you have there. Danya and I applaud it. And there we have it. Friends, that was a very long episode. Thank you so much for sticking with us through that. Thank you so much for listening. And we only have one more episode left. Oh, my.

[Nicole]

Goodness. Next Monday, we'll be on our final deep dive of the Fae and Alchemy series for now with episode seven covering chapters 46 through 52, Daxis the official daddy Watch, here we.

[Lexi]

Come. We would love to give the biggest warm welcome, welcome, welcome to our newest feral fans in the fan club. You all, thank you so much for being here. We appreciate.

[Nicole]

You. Thank you, thank you. Thank you so much for joining us. Katherine B. Alaire, Jessica Sheridan H. And Jamie K. Welcome, welcome, welcome.

[Lexi]

Yay. And if you're like, hey, I want my name, shower on the podcast and be showered with all this love too. Join our fan [e-mail] fan club. Link is also in the show.

[Nicole]

Notes. Thank you as always to our master librarian, AKA our content researcher, Brooke, and of course our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager and co host of the Fantasy fanfellas.

[Lexi]

Hayden. We are very active on social media with weekly trivia book guides. There is so much going on social media this week, friends. You should really check it out. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram and/ or TikTok at Fantasy Fangirls Pod. And if you're watching this on YouTube or want to watch on YouTube please. Oh please hit that subscribe button to keep following along. Same goes for Fantasy fan fellas to give them a follow @Fantasy Fanfellas.

[Nicole]

While you you're hitting buttons and hitting follows, do not forget to hit that five star rating and reviewing button. It is so helpful not just for this show but for any podcast you listen to, to rate it, to review it, to write a little love note especially. It's so nice and it's like a little warm hug. Thank you, thank you. Thank you to all of you who have already done it. And last but not least, share this episode with your fellow Brimstone friends. If you would plan to take down an entire court with someone and actually tell them what you're thinking, this is a great episode to send to that fellow schemer.

[Lexi]

Schemer. All right everybody, thank you all so much. We will see you next week for our final Brimstone episode. Bye.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

Make those rooms sing.

[Nicole]

Today. Style Tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, Every.