rein’d

I see you responded to a post mentioning how writing gives you reprieve from your stress, and I just want to add it's also bringing (I don't want to say joy, because that fic is so sad) meaningful experiences to people. You do good work.

First, I just want to say that I'm so glad you liked Manor on Red. I feel like a broken record about this, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, so the fact that it hit some people that hard is more than I could ever ask for.

I knew while writing it that I was risking alienating a big part of the fanbase with the heavy themes and the ending itself, but it was always destined to end one way, and only one way. And I'm glad I stayed true to that. I know I wouldn't have been satisfied with it otherwise.

So like. Not to be overemotional on main, but I was so overwhelmed seeing this ask that I just didn't know how to respond it. The short of it is: work has been very stressful right now, and on top of that I've just been in a very fragile place anyway (I never do well with winter.)

From Manor on Red.

cello bruise ache liminal constellation

“Be patient for me.”

[Fic] Manor on Red Verso/(Writer) Gustave Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Read on AO3)

He dreams he is waking up in the manor to pitch black darkness. The sky is starless. As he rises and steps out into the hallway, a soft light is spilled in strange shapes over the house. Birds and stars. Things without form. And on every single surface, from the rafters to the floorboards, is the name ‘Gustave’.

Crossed out over and over, and over again.

—

In the year leading up to the fire, Verso and Gustave make a vow.