Under the Straw Hat #3: Light and Darkness in Celestia

While I believed it to be a stamp and anchor for a pleasant day, my visit to Thomas's residence turned out to spawn a new set of concerns.  Our conversation included some enlightenment for me in regards to his short-lived  invitation to the Pantheon and narrow miss on obtaining the habitants' blessings.  An extensive aura of disappointment was felt, but as usual, the man kept a phenomenal cool as he reminisced about seeing the Creators' without their masks.

What turned the tide of the moment was a piece of parchment arriving for Sir Lionblood from a "Ms. Drake," with the following image attached:

"This is no rumor," it noted.  

There was an exchange of grim expressions as we silently read about these anthropoids.  As I began to depart for my residence to discuss the news with the Team, a strong realization hit me out of nowhere:  the world of the mythical Celestia seems to be a conflict between light and darkness.

Crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, etc.) and insects are similar in structure and characteristics.  Both are comprised  of tough epidermis, called "exoskeleton," and their young generally start out as larvae.  Though used for different purposes, both have "jointed legs."  In addition, both sub-phylum are described to relate in terms of a melding between their "bodies" (known as "thoraxes") and heads.

A battle amongst cousins.  However, there seems an established difference between the two sides: one as a protagonist, Romanesque culture, and one of an arbitrary group bent on--supposedly--evil intentions.

But is this view self-prophetic?  Are the squeamish reactions I have toward the appearance of the giant insects  my main basis on how I predetermine their moral alignment?

I nudge to Platae to continue her pace on her own.  As the sunbeams blink as they reach under my hat, I couldn't help but wonder if this talk about finding and utilizing the "Spiral Key" is in fact a selfish action, justified by an intent to "aid" the Crustaceans.

The Marleybonians have already made their questionable stake on land, over at Krokotopia.  They even removed ancient artifacts, which pertain to the history and past cultures of those deserts, for their own capitalization...perhaps with the hope of increasing tourism.  In fact, I'm not so surprised that Alhazred, a key figure with association to the missing Krokonomicon, is taking shelter underground on an aerial terrain somewhat distant from The Oasis.  

Thus, is their discovery of Celestia actually an infringement and potential invasion on the submerged world?  

I took a mental note to remind myself that perhaps the motives of the "Shadow Weavers" may actually be the focus of preserving their seclusion from the land-based worlds.  There is always the chance that these "villains" are victims of distortion and propaganda.  I rode towards the horizon, contemplating about the author: is it an explorer with a drive to probe and prospect against the will of the anthropoids, or a true Spiralanthropist  passing on news of world-turning danger?

Under the Straw Hat #2: Petnome Contest Winners

I squeezed my knees together slightly, silently requesting that Platae continue charging ahead at her discretion.  Reviewing the list, I ensured that the Petnome Team had the numbers and names correct.  Miss Heather Emeraldflame certainly came out as the champion of the competition, with an impressive 300 entries.  I looked up, stared at the visual mush of pine trees as we zoomed by, and curiously pondered if it may be documented in history as one positive effect of having multiple persona.

Glancing back down, I looked at the next winner of the contest:  Heather Raven.  One of the team!  Astral bodies bless that girl, especially after all the entries she dumped in after the first few days of the project's grand opening.  It's been awhile since I've seen our enthusiastic researcher.

A grin-turned-smile formed on my face when I read "Sierra Starsong."  She was another heavy contributor during the beginning of the project's release, and truly deserves a new companion to take home. 

I folded up the parchment and slid it back into my satchel, and took up the reigns again, riding swiftly to Thomas's house.

Under the Straw Hat #1: Pre-XP Restriction Update

I headed back to my frozen residence with thoughts flooding my mind about the sudden curfew.  For some reason, the Creators decided to sanction off the universe, for a long, five hours.  Knowing their tendencies, that could be anywhere from a mere three hours...to a teeth-grinding seven hour wait.  Whatever they are planning, I know my eyes will not be fusing shut soon.

Perhaps there will be a new adventure waiting for students in the morning?  I removed my old, straw hat, and placed it on the dresser.  I gazed at it for a few seconds while I reminisced about my adventures in acquiring it.  Off next was my newest wardrobe: an eye-catching tunic adorned with a cloak of falling snow.  Finally, I kicked off my winter shoes.  While yawning, I couldn't help but notice a strategically-placed compass lying on the middle of my pillow.

A surprise shall be revealed by someone tomorrow...that's for sure.

My pet is "grinning" more than usual...perhaps a chance that its growth will no longer be so stunted and curved?  Miguel left some interesting thoughts...Perhaps pets at full potential are no longer "too wise" for their years...Hopefully Rusty, my favorite of the bunch, will lose all reasons for pestering me for snacks, and eventually pay for his own membership to the gym, should he ever continue to work out, after the Creators work their magic.

One can only hope, no?