#thekitchenphilosopheress

[certain-death-awaits]

Ages ago you made a post discussing whether Warren was irresponsible and I had disagreed. You had said you were busy, but you'd respond to my response later, but you never did, which I totally get! Life is crazy, I'm terrible at responding to things myself, so I'm not salty or anything at all! But I am still curious what your thoughts are. Are you up for having that discussion? No pressure whatsoever, to be clear, I realize this is old. I'd be happy to try to find the original post if you'd like

[the 2 year old post in question, for context]

You're right! I had the post in drafts, but by the time I had the time to answer it, I thought it would be too late to post. I'm happy to talk about it now. Keep in mind that I love Warren as a character, at least in the original series (I feel Dragonwatch wasn't true to a lot of original characterisations). For the sake of fairness, I'll only be talking about the original series. Using Dragonwatch to defend my position would be low-hanging fruit.

✧ We hear from Ruth Sorenson about how Warren goes behind Stan's back to give Newel and Doren a TV and batteries for it. They tell Seth he also got them high-quality tennis equipment, which must've been a trade.

"Graphite, light and strong", Newel said. "Warren got us our equipment. Back before he went all Boo Radley on us."

They also try to get Seth to trade for wine, which they sell as something impossible for him to get normally because of his age. Maybe they got used to doing this with Warren when he was young. Either way, is trading with the satyrs for anything (especially gold, given the means they use to get it) responsible?

✧ The reason Warren became albino in the first place was because he was carrying out a covert mission for the Knights of the Dawn. This is why he told nobody where he was going when he ventured into the valley of the four hills. He was supposed to remove and transfer the artifact to a secure location all on his own. Even though it was a secret mission, this is a ridiculous thing to do. Removing the artifact without the knowledge and consent of the caretaker is just theft. It makes sense to tell Stan at the very least; the only reason he retired from the Knights was because caretakers aren't allowed to be Knights. It's irresponsible to go in somewhere even a small modicum as dangerous without telling anyone else where you're going and when you'll return.

✧ During the battle with the guardian of the Sands of Sanctity, Warren gets severely injured. He's already been stabbed in the gut, and is feverish; this is an extremely serious injury. He's lost enough blood, it's surprising he's conscious. (To be fair, I don't think Mull understands how fragile humans are. He seems to think getting gored by antlers is easily survivable.) And then he gets bit by one of the guardian's snakes, and hot acidic sludge is sprayed across his chest and legs. Vanessa says he's dying, and offers him a gaseous potion to extend his life. He refuses this, and uses the spear to attack the guardian, using the rod to fall full speed at it for the last 30 feet. Here's a description of the state he's in by the time Kendra gets to him to save him.

Warren was a wreck, facedown, unconscious, breathing shallowly. Heaving with both hands, Kendra rolled him over, wincing as something inside of him crunched. His mouth was open. Tilting his head up, she tried to ignore the snapping sound his neck made, and dumped the potion into his mouth. His Adam's apple bobbed, and much of the fluid leaked out the sides of his mouth.

Clearly, this was not a wise move; had it not been for the Sands, I believe he would've died. Heroic, certainly. But it left Kendra alone with Vanessa. When Tanu arrives, he says Warren must be nearly gone, or he'd be able to move around freely. It doesn't guarantee the guardian will be killed, only that he will be, and the guardian still has another life that Vanessa would have to deal with.

✧ Warren's decision to confront Stingbulb! Kendra in the middle of the night seemed to me a terrible lapse in judgement. It's true he didn't know she was a stingbulb, but he suspects something of that magnitude. When Seth asks if mind control is likely, he shrugs and says nothing would surprise him. Any way it could've gone might have been disastrous. If it was mind control, there's the suicide tactic. If not that, then she could just make a scene, wake up her parents with screams of "there's a strange man in my house!", and neither Warren nor Seth would be able to give a reasonable explanation. He must've believed she was aligned with the enemy, because if he went in thinking it really was all her, and she sincerely believed in leaking these secrets, they'd have to have a long and involved conversation with her grandparents present. This outcome doesn't necessitate confronting her in the middle of the night.

✧ Peeking at Chalize on the Lost Mesa mission. You already know this one, but I am including it for others who might be reading. From Warren's perspective (not knowing Gavarog's true identity), Gavin warned everyone not to look at the dragon, staking his deal with her on the promise his companions were not to gaze upon her. This was dangerous, and there was no good reason for it.

✧ Warren basically convinces Seth to join the Knights on the Wyrmroost mission in SotDS. Seth fully intended to just sulk about it. Warren certainly didn't coerce him, but he more than encouraged him, and Seth wouldn't have been able to act alone. It should be obvious why this is irresponsible. You can read an excerpt from the book of the part where Warren collaborates with Seth to bring him on the mission here. I've put it in a pastebin, as it's a bit long to include here.

✧ I'm going to double down and say having Raxtus drop Warren so he could attack the harpy was still reckless behaviour. He had all the facts, yes, but none of the facts justify dropping Warren only to dive and catch him again moments later. The initial reason Warren had for wanting to be dropped was so Raxtus could make a speedier escape with Bracken and Kendra. The plunging attack manoeuvre doesn't facilitate that. Its sole purpose would be taking the chance that Warren is able to attack a harpy while falling. The risk is Warren falling to his death, or Raxtus botching the catch- imagine grabbing an arm or a leg and having it dislocate; or the harpy grab Warren and attempt to carry him off.

Now that I'm through with examples of Warren being irresponsible, let's move onto your point on there being a difference in thought process. I don't think there is much of a difference between Warren and Seth when it comes to their decision-making process. Here's an excerpt from right after Seth returns after stealing the unicorn horn.

 "I'm with your grandfather on this," Grandma said. "We love you and we're proud of you. The risks you took worked out this time. But how can we reward such behavior? Because we love you, we must teach you caution, or your boldness will destroy you. "

  "I weighed my options and made smart choices," Seth responded. "I didn't set out to borrow the horn. I only decided to try for the horn after Graulas showed how my skills as a shadow charmer gave me a realistic chance at success. It was me or nobody. What would Patton have done?"

  Warren chuckled. "He would have shaved the centaurs, dipped them in honey, covered them with feathers, and hung them up like a bunch of piñatas. " Kendra, Seth, and Tanu laughed. "I'm just saying. " ...

"Yeah, well, I'll give this stupid horn back to the centaurs before I get left out of the trip to Wyrmroost," Seth threatened. "Good luck taking it from me!"

  "It isn't going to be a vacation," Coulter said.

  "And it isn't about seeing cool dragons," Grandpa growled, clearly losing his temper.

  "Although they will be cool," Warren murmured, earning an elbow from Tanu.

 Tears brimmed in Seth's eyes. His mouth opened as if he wanted to say more; then he turned and stormed out of the room.

  "What are we going to do with that boy?" Grandma sighed.

  "I don't know," Grandpa said. "If he hadn't decided to go after the horn, we'd still be treading water. Maybe he's the only one of us seeing this clearly. "

  Grandma shook her head. "Don't kid yourself. His main interest is still the adventure. Saving the world is a happy side effect. This is all still a game to him. "

  "Patton was the same way," Warren mentioned. "He did a lot of good, partly because he relished the thrill. "

  "I think Seth cares," Kendra spoke up. "It isn't only about the fun anymore. I think he's learning. "

I think this part speaks for itself. And I get the feeling Warren's counting himself among the "like Patton" crowd. Warren and Seth do things for the right reasons, most of the time. I think that their most egregious risks come in situations with seemingly no way out, where their idea presents as an outlandish "so crazy it just might work" option. You bring up the time Seth went into Graulas' cave for the first time in GotSP. He goes in not knowing much at all, which is rash. He doesn't know Graulas will radiate fear, and he doesn't know he's immune to said fear. But he doesn't make this decision out of nowhere. Shadow! Tanu has assured his safety to him. Here's an excerpt from the book, which comes after paragraphs of Seth contemplating whether the risk is wise.

Was sneaking out of the house to follow the shadowy manifestations of Coulter and Tanu into the woods going to be dangerous? Absolutely. The question was whether the risk was justified.

Earlier that afternoon, Tanu had completed his transformation into a shadowman just outside the window. He had waited in the shade on the deck until sundown, when he had ventured off into the woods. A few hours later, with evening deepening, the silent shadows of Tanu and Coulter had returned. Visible only to Seth, they had stood halfway across the yard from the house, allowing Grandpa to address them from the deck. Tanu had indicated that all was well with two thumbs up, and they had gestured for Seth to follow them, inviting Grandpa to come along as well. Through pantomime, Coulter had expressed that he would scout ahead as they traveled in order to prevent encounters with dangerous creatures.

But Grandpa had declined the invitation. He had stated that if Tanu and Coulter could devise a way for him to follow them without Seth, he would consent to accompany them. As he told them this, Seth stood behind him making subtle gestures, stealthily pointing at Grandpa and shaking his head, then pointing at himself, then pointing at them, then winking. None but Seth could see Tanu salute that he had received the message.

The house had been still for some time. If he was going to follow through on the message he had mimed to Tanu and Coulter, the moment had arrived. But he hesitated. Was he actually going to disregard a direct order from Grandpa and entrust his life to the shadowy versions of Tanu and Coulter? If Tanu and Coulter had his best interests in mind, would they be willing to let him sneak away with them against Grandpa's wishes? Hopefully they were certain he would be safe and confident that Grandpa would thank them all later.

What were the possibilities? They might lead him into a trap. He might die or be transformed into a shadow himself. Then again, he might solve the mystery of the plague, restore Tanu and Coulter, and save Fablehaven.

Seth scooted out from under his covers, pulled on his shoes, and started tying the laces. The bottom line was that Grandpa would have been willing to risk his life on the gamble that the shadows of Tanu and Coulter meant to offer meaningful assistance. He would have followed them if he could have done so alone. He simply was not willing to risk Seth's life. To Seth, this proved that the risk was worth taking. If Grandpa loved him too much to let him take a worthwhile risk, then he would bypass Grandpa.

It speak for itself. This is the option that presents itself to him, as the gang seems backed into a corner. They don't know what to do about the plague. Stan seems defeated; he questions if he's fit for his role as caretaker. They contemplate ditching the preserve before the plague claims them as victims, but stand by because they're worried the Sphinx would become caretaker in their absence.

In conclusion, I'd like to go back to the point of my original post. People like to joke about Seth being an idiot, someone who doesn't think things through, while seeing Warren as slightly devil-may-care but ultimately smooth and capable. I'm saying that there's no difference between the two in that respect, but Warren being an attractive adult makes us perceive him as more responsible.

#fablehaven #seth sorenson #warren burgess #original #answered #asks #thekitchenphilosopheress #-- #you know one weird thing about this is how well warren seems to know patton #despite only knowing him for the time travel escapade in GotSP #my headcanon is that they had some secret time travel adventures in between the books

[ioannemos]

Lemon!

aww, thanks! 💛

#thank you #thekitchenphilosopheress #let's talk #ask #asked and answered #personal #abbie needs a twitter #why do i use so many TAGS

[a-really-big-cat]

Pass the happy! 💖 when you get this, reply with 5 things that make you happy and send this to the last 10 people in your notifications 💖

thunderstorms

fog

wind

moss

mushrooms

@backintheattic @missgraciemae @thekitchenphilosopheress @i-fear-neither-death-nor-pain @the-tea-and-book-nook @atlantic-riona @lady-larklight @pyrochrome-tumbles @ineffablelights @calmyourstorms

[talesofsorrowandofruin]

Ten Songs, Ten People Tag

Thanks for tagging me, @saltysupercomputer! :D

Rules: put your library on shuffle and post the first ten songs. Then tag 10 people. I haven’t got a library, so these are just ten songs/musical pieces I’ve listened to recently (mostly on Classic FM):

1. Greensleeves by Vaughan Williams 2. Pas de deux from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky 3. The Magnificent Seven Theme by Bernstein 4. Karelia Suite Overture by Sibelius 5. Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky 6. The Impossible Dream from The Man of La Mancha OST 7. The Breaking of the Fellowship from The Lord of the Rings OST 8. Red and Black from Les Misérables OST 9. Jazz Suite No. 1 by Shostakovich 10. The Battle from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe OST

Tagging @lacependragon, @thekitchenphilosopheress, @copper-dragon-in-disguise, @euphoniouspandemonium, @on-noon, @theimperiumchronicles, @kyofsonder, and anyone else who wants to do this! :D

#tag game #music

[incorrect-kotor-quotes]

Why doesn't Canderous wear armor in KOTOR?

To give himself a challenge.

#thekitchenphilosopheress #kotor #canderous ordo

[itsallwearecalledtodo]

☕️+pockets

One of my goals is to learn how to sew pockets into every skirt and dress I own. I need to be able to fit a small loaf of bread into my pockets 18th century style.

#asks #thekitchenphilosopheress

[0yakal]

What are you most hoping will happen in book 5?

Ooh thanks for the ask! (Sorry it took like way forever, kinda lame-o...)

Hmmmmm I really want some cute Kendra and Seth sibling togetherness (ESPECIALLY AFTER THOSE LAST FEW PAGES OF COTTG!!! Seth needs hugs, I demand it).

I’d also like the people still stuck at Wyrmroost to, you know, like have some legit part in the series. Like super awesome scene or something where they like I dunno break out or take part in the grand plan (“We can take them. You guys go on.” *epicness*) I mean Stan is the captain of the knights of the dawn (Maybe they gather up all the knights of something and it’s this big epic showdown). Ruth is a burgess (and has wicked crossbow skills and all that jazz) Hank and Gloria kinda sorta infiltrated Living Mirage/the Evening Star. They gotta be able to do something cool.

Also hope for more big stuff for Knox and Tess too.

Ooh I’m super excited now. Brandon mull and the last book in a series, heck yes. He’s so great 😄

#fablehaven #dragonwatch #ask #thekitchenphilosopheress #Thank you!

[dangerously-human]

14, 20, 21, 25, and 26 please! Sorry if this is too many!

Psh, don’t be silly, I love talking about myself! Sorry it took me so long to get to it, and thanks for asking!

I did already answer a couple of these (they were some good ones!), but for the others…

21. What is your favorite family tradition? Or a tradition with any group of people you are involved with if you don’t have any family traditions.

Ooh, it’s hard to choose a favorite, we have so many! Well, we don’t do this anymore, since we don’t all live together, but when I was a kid, I’d wake up on the morning of my birthday to see my bed all decked out in streamers and balloons, with a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!! sign taped up. It was really cute, and probably plays into why I’m such a birthday person now! My freshman year of college, I was really bummed about not only not getting to participate in that tradition, but also not seeing my parents for my birthday - since it was the first day of classes - so my roommates did it themselves, with paper towels and printer paper and whatever else we had chilling in our dorm room. That nearly made me cry, it was so thoughtful!

25. Who is a person that has changed your life for the better?

My best friend IRL - I usually refer to her as (former) work bff on here, since I met her in my last job - has showed me again and again what fierce, supportive love looks like, and it blows me away every time. We lift each other up and gently call each other out and help each other to do things like calling the doctor or having hard conversations with other friends (whether that means setting a calendar reminder to prompt over text or showing up and holding a hand to get through a tough task). People often comment on how nice I am to her through the rough seasons or whatever, since I think that’s more obvious from the outside looking in, but really, she’s gone above and beyond for me a million times, and I know she would drop everything to be there for me in any capacity I need her at a moment’s notice. From her, I’ve learned so much about friendship that goes as deep as sisterhood, and she always encourages me to be an ever-better version of myself while also giving me the grace I struggle to give myself when I need it. My life is much, much more full for having her in it, and I’m thankful God saw fit to nudge us together!

26. Has anyone ever given you a compliment that was so meaningful to you and you will never forget? What was it?

One of my mentors in my last job commented VERY early on, like maybe the second or third time we ever talked, on my data aptitude. That wasn’t something I’d ever really seen in myself, although it was something I certainly enjoyed and wanted to learn more about, but it always seemed so far out of reach, like my weaknesses far outweighed my strengths. But she saw something in me, and as we developed greater rapport and became friends too, she went to bat for me time and time again to give me opportunities I never could’ve dreamed of, space to explore and grow and generally poke my nose in places it did not belong. She said from the beginning that I’d do well as a data scientist (probably an overestimation, especially at the time, though flattering), and also told me, “You’re destined to become a psychologist - you know that, right?” And that combo is definitely right up the alley of what I’m aiming for. Her unending faith in me is a huge part of how I got into my career now (although that comes with the downside of now I really miss working with her!). It was not just what she said or the potential she saw in me, but the willingness to be a part of making that happen, that really touched me.

#personal #thekitchenphilosopheress

[study-van]

(non mutual version) ❤️💚 💙

❤️ Scary mutual, intimidating.

💚 Cool mutual, don’t know very well.

💙 Popular mutual, has a lot of friends.

Awww I am not imtimidating, really. You can always come and talk with me!!

tell me what mutual i am to you!

(we don’t really have to be mutuals, just tell me what vibes u get from me, i’m really curious!)

#thekitchenphilosopheress #asks

[certain-death-awaits]

Wait I don't know your thoughts on Garreth x Kendra can you explain please?

My thoughts are that Garreth seems more Kendra’s age. He’s like her in that he’s an actual teen growing up in the magical world, but when he gets older he’ll stay young, just like Kendra (if she became an Eternal). Kendra, of course, has much more magical power than him, but he also has magic powers of his own. It’s possible Kendra could learn about her powers and how to develop them from the Fair Folk. 

I also thought their interactions were, well, cute. He thought she was honourable, and appreciated her attempts at diplomacy to his father. He was understanding when it came to the way Seth handled diplomacy. Garreth has a streak of rebellion similar to Kendra- not as strong and wild as Eve or Seth, but showing integrity of principles. His joking around and friendly personality made Kendra feel safer and happier than we usually see her in Dragonwatch. 

It’s a shame- based on my personal interactions with Brandon Mull, I don’t think he’s going to make a major comeback. But we can hope. 

#garreth dalgorel #Kendra Sorenson #original #asks #answered #thekitchenphilosopheress

[ioannemos]

10. Ice in drinks or no ice? and 20. Spicy food or non-spicy? please!

thanks :)

Ice in drinks or no ice?

i don't object to ice but less is more amirite

Spicy food or non-spicy?

oh, non-spicy. i can do a few slices of salami and that's about it

#thank you #thekitchenphilosopheress #let's talk #ask #asked and answered #personal #abbie needs a twitter

[talesofsorrowandofruin]

Nine People Tag

Thanks for tagging me, @mrbexwrites! :D

Last song: “How do you Solve a Problem like Maria” from The Sound of Music

Last movie: The Sound of Music

Currently watching: The Cabin in the Woods

Currently reading: Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier

Currently craving: Nothing right now

Last thing searched (for writing): How long does it take to drown

Tagging @marigoldispeculiar, @thekitchenphilosopheress, @flowersandstarlight, @randomstupidchaos, @lordkingsmith, and anyone else who wants to do this! :D

#tag game

[a-ffection]

Tagged by @saintedgf to make a Moodboard of my blog, thank youu🥰

Tagging @banchoaniki @valiantlydecadentsuit @indie-animal @bogey-chan @boopednose @krool-gwooptsoov @playviola @redemptiionss @belle-ofthe-brawl @alteanroyals @thekitchenphilosopheress @saint-14-inches @ anyone else who wants to 😁

#tagged #tag game

[itsallwearecalledtodo]

13. What’s one slang term you refuse to use? Please!

girl THANK YOU for including the actual questions in the ask u have my whole heart

They’re more phrases than terms, but I HATE the phrases “shat the bed” and “shit hit the fan.” They’re icky and I won’t use them

#thank u!!! #thekitchenphilosopheress #asks

[purranormal-catvity]

i don't know why i've never fully looked at your icon before but i just did and i am now in tears over it, it's absolutely amazing

Thank you the amazing @a-cowboy-needs-a-hat gave me the idea and the wonderful @thekitchenphilosopheress photoshopped it so its thank to them that this masterpiece came to life

#asks #mutuals

[dangerously-human]

Quite a while back (whoops), @thekitchenphilosopheress tagged me to reply to one of those “2020 was rough, but what’s something good that happened for you this year?” posts. Thank you, kind friend! I think the two best things of 2020 for me would be my parents moving back from California - so I get to see them much more regularly - and starting my dream job as a research data analyst in pediatric autism research. Oh, and I’ve been helping as a leader for the new 5th and 6th grade ministry my church started, which has been awesome! I try to remind myself of those things when I face the temptation to consider 2020 a “wasted” year.

#personal #research rambling