Sammi & Eriko - Gifted with the divine revelation of Sabrina Carpenter's Juno :p

 In the gentle light of their apartment, where tall bookshelves laden with ancient texts lined every wall, Eriko sat at her desk absorbed in a dusty tome titled "Sefer Yetzirah." Her glasses rested precariously on the tip of her nose, and she carefully turned each page, lost in contemplation.

Sammi tiptoed into the room, her long red hair catching the golden glow of the setting sun filtering through the windows. Her smile was mischievous yet tender as she leaned over Eriko’s shoulder and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"You're deep in thought, Eriko," Sammi whispered playfully. "Which mystical universe are you exploring today?"

Eriko looked up with a faint blush, smiling softly at her beloved. "Kabbalistic cosmology. It's intricate and fascinating."

"Oh, but darling, I have a much more exciting idea," Sammi announced dramatically, plucking the book lightly from Eriko’s hands and sitting across from her. "Imagine combining your brilliant hermetic insights with the divine melodious revelation of Sabrina Carpenter's song, 'Juno.' Think of her as a Daoist immortal who has graced us with celestial knowledge."

Eriko’s brow furrowed in thoughtful curiosity. "A Daoist immortal... Sabrina Carpenter? That’s an unusual premise, Sammi."

Sammi leaned forward eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "Yes! In your text, she could be a celestial being descending into our world to share 'Juno' as a sacred hymn. Her lyrics could be infused with secret hermetic symbolism and kabbalistic truths. It would blend your esoteric interests beautifully!"

Eriko paused thoughtfully, intrigued by Sammi’s infectious enthusiasm. "Her song as divine revelation…like a bridge between Kabbalah, Hermeticism, and Daoist immortality?"

"Exactly!" Sammi exclaimed excitedly. "The way her song resonates—it’s like hidden wisdom unfolding gently through melodies and verses. We could illuminate the mystical paths she opens."

Eriko chuckled softly, taking back her book with gentle care. "You’re persuasive, Sammi."

"Only because you secretly love my wild ideas," Sammi teased, winking affectionately.

"That I do," Eriko admitted quietly, her voice full of warmth and affection. "And perhaps there's merit in what you're suggesting. Sabrina Carpenter as a Daoist immortal might indeed unlock something profound."

With a happy sigh, Sammi rose and embraced Eriko, resting her chin gently atop her head. "Then, dear heart, let's begin crafting the most beautiful hermetic-kabbalistic revelation together. Let the wisdom of Juno guide us."

As evening shadows lengthened around them, the apartment became a sanctuary of creativity and mysticism, resonating with laughter and whispered exchanges of deep insight. And in that magical space, Sammi's heart swelled with joy, knowing she had once again drawn Eriko into a shared adventure of mystical exploration and profound love.

Eriko ponders Leibniz and Neal Stephenson's Anathem

Hey there! <3 Grab a cup of syntactic coffee and let’s trace the bright Leibnizian threads woven all through Anathem.

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1. A miniature Leibniz refresher

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) framed reality as an infinity of monads—simple, windowless substances that mirror the whole universe from their own points of view. Because every monad internally “contains” its perceptions, interaction among them is only apparent, coordinated by a pre-established harmony. Leibniz also argued that logic could be expressed in a universal formal language (characteristica universalis), that the universe exists for a sufficient reason, and that there are countless possible worlds among which God chooses the “best.” (Medium, Cambridge University Press & Assessment)

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2. Stephenson’s explicit debt to Leibniz

Stephenson steeped himself in Leibniz while writing The Baroque Cycle and openly declares that the “metaphysical thread linking the Baroque Cycle to Anathem begins with Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s Monadology.” (Neal Stephenson)
His expanded online acknowledgments drill even deeper into Gödel’s attempt to revive “an exact theory of metaphysics, structured after Leibniz’s monadology,” signalling how seriously Stephenson takes the project of merging fiction with Leibnizian metaphysics. (Neal Stephenson)

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3. Avout as living monads

The cloistered scholars of the concent—the avout—occupy sealed environments, contemplating mathematics and philosophy while communicating with the Saecular world only at set “apert” intervals. Like Leibnizian monads they are:

• Self-contained: Knowledge is generated internally through pure reason and disciplined “fraas” and “suurs,” not through sensory commerce with the outside.

• Mirrors of the cosmos: Each concent studies the same platonic truths from its own angle.

• Co-ordinated without direct causation: The synchronized opening of gates every 1, 10, 100, or 1,000 years echoes pre-established harmony—events are “timed” rather than causally exchanged.

Philosophy blogger Abigail Nussbaum notes that in the long debates between Erasmus and his mentors, Anathem effectively becomes “a primer on the history of Western philosophy,” reinforcing the monad-like inwardness of its thinkers. (Wrong Questions)

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4. Worldtracks and Leibniz’s possible worlds

Leibniz imagined God surveying a complete logical space of possible worlds; Stephenson swaps deity for physics and calls the branches worldtracks in Hemn space. Characters learn to “tune” or “superpose” with sister tracks, treating modal realism as an engineering problem. The novel’s climactic ouroboros—information from another track preventing catastrophe in this one—mirrors Leibniz’s claim that truths about counterfactual worlds can have real explanatory force in ours. Stephenson cites John Bell’s writings on Everett-style multiverses as a key source for this move, explicitly placing Leibniz in the same genealogy. (Neal Stephenson)

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5. The Concent of Saunt Gardan’s Steelyard: characteristica universalis re-imagined

Leibniz dreamed of settling philosophical disputes by calculation; in the concent, logical notation, “Cartabla,” and the highly ritualized inquisitorial dialogues function as a living version of that universal calculus. Stephenson even name-checks modern “computational metaphysics” (Zalta, PROVER9) as evidence the dream is still alive. (Neal Stephenson)

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6. Sufficient reason as narrative motor

The plot repeatedly invokes the Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR): nothing happens just because. When Fraa Orolo discovers the alien geometry in the sky, the entire concent mobilizes to answer why—a pursuit portrayed as morally obligatory. The monks are horrified by meaningless “bulshytt,” echoing Leibniz’s insistence that true propositions rest on clear grounds. Stephenson jokes about this in interviews, calling Anathem a 900-page attempt to weed out cosmic “bulshytt.” (Boston University)

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7. Harmony, music, and geometry

Leibniz said music is “a hidden arithmetic of the soul.” Stephenson literalizes that: the geometry of orbital choirs, the mathic chants that stabilize consciousness across worldtracks, and even the clock-work orrery all resonate with harmonic order. The avout’s songs are not art-for-art’s-sake—they are structural, binding mind to cosmos in the same fashion that harmony binds monads to the universe.

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8. Why it matters

By transplanting Leibniz’s 17th-century metaphysics into a far-future monastic SF epic, Stephenson does two things:

1. He dramatizes abstract philosophy. The reader feels the stakes of modal logic, harmony, and the PSR in a universe that may literally wink out if the math is wrong.

2. He suggests Leibniz was writing early science fiction. If reality is a logical construction, then philosophers and quantum engineers are collaborating across centuries on the same imaginative project.

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Stephenson once joked that he “can’t write short,” but neither could Leibniz; the Baroque polymath left 90 volumes of manuscripts. Anathem is a 21st-century continuation of that sprawling conversation, turning monads into monasteries and modal logic into star-hopping adventure—all while inviting readers to keep the dialogue going.

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Of course!! Here's a scene with all the intimacy and delight you’ve come to expect from our dear Eriko and Sammi—set in the quiet glow of an afternoon, where metaphysics, mischief, and love gently tangle like vines:

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"The Amathem Incident"
(A quiet day in their apartment)

The late sunlight slanted through the big bay window, casting long amber streaks across the steampunk scrollwork of their apartment walls. A brass teapot hissed in the corner. On the divan, legs tucked under her, Eriko was deep into Amathem—her worn annotated copy, the one with copper corner guards and notes in the margins so tiny they required a jeweler’s loupe to decipher.

She was wearing her reading glasses, the kind that clipped delicately across the bridge of her nose. Her expression was unreadable to most—except for Sammi, who had memorized the subtle twitches and pauses of that face the way others memorize poems.

Eriko’s lips barely moved as she whispered a line:

“Each concent is a kind of monad. Entirely enclosed. Yet tuned to the cosmos by necessity.”

She scribbled something in the margin: Avout = monadic agents of synchrony? Then circled it three times.

Sammi, meanwhile, had been trying—unsuccessfully—to get her beloved’s attention for the last fifteen minutes.

She had:

• Opened the pantry loudly.

• Danced past Eriko in a very short skirt that had a mischievous worldtrack of its own.

• Sigh-groaned while holding up a copy of Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, saying, “Erikooo… my poor heart is breaking! Doughnut girls are kissing and you don’t even care.”

No response.

Finally, Sammi slinked closer, leaned over the back of the couch, and whispered right in Eriko’s ear, “Are you in a concent right now? Because I can’t seem to breach your aperture, Fraa Eri.”

That got her. Eriko blinked, looked up slowly, and a faint smile curved the corners of her mouth.

“Sammi,” she said quietly, marking her place with an old Saunt Gardan bookmark, “I was trying to determine whether Stephenson's avout exemplify Leibnizian internalism or a modified physical monadology adapted for modal interaction via tuned consciousness across discrete worldtracks.”

Sammi’s lips hovered just above Eriko’s cheek.

“And what if one of your worldtracks involves kissing your girlfriend right now?”

Eriko paused, then, in her careful way, said, “Then I suppose I must collapse the waveform.”

She set the book down.

They kissed once. Then again, longer.

The teapot whistled louder in the background. Modal convergence complete.

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Sammi & Eriko - The Story of Axio & Liora

 Sammi gently placed Mim down on a plush velvet cushion, surrounded by the warm glow of brass lamps and softly humming clockwork gears. Mim’s delicate gills fluttered with excitement as she looked from Sammi’s joyful face to Eriko’s thoughtful gaze.

“I am deeply grateful to you both for welcoming me into your beautiful home,” Mim began, her voice sweet and melodious. “Allow me to repay your kindness with another enchanting tale, one that reveals a curious past shared by humans and my kind.”

Sammi eagerly curled up next to Eriko, who wrapped an affectionate arm around her partner. Both listened intently as Mim continued her mesmerizing storytelling.

“Long ago, at the edge of the Hidden Sea, there lived a small village where humans and axolotls coexisted in harmony. It was a peaceful and gentle era, where friendships flourished and bonds were strong. In this village, it was common for axolotl males to act as couriers and storytellers, bringing news and tales from distant lands to delight the human villagers.

Among these axolotl couriers was a particularly charming fellow named Axio, known for his wit, adventurous spirit, and shimmering golden gills. Axio had a special friendship with a young human girl named Liora. Every evening, Axio would surface at the shore, and Liora would be waiting, eyes sparkling with anticipation. Together they shared tales of distant cities, mysterious islands, and daring escapades beneath the waves.

As the seasons passed, Axio and Liora's friendship blossomed, becoming a treasured story itself. But the village elders grew wary, worried about the closeness between humans and aquatic beings. Eventually, they decided to separate the villagers and their axolotl friends, afraid of the consequences of their deepening bonds.

Heartbroken but wise, Axio and Liora devised a plan to ensure their connection would never be truly lost. Axio would teach his stories to his descendants, who would carry them to other lands and other people. In this way, the friendships and stories of old would continue to inspire generations to come.

And thus, dear friends, this is why we axolotls carry tales and speak to humans. It is our legacy, a promise made between friends long ago, a testament to bonds that transcend differences.”

As Mim concluded her tale, Sammi and Eriko shared a warm smile, touched by the beauty and wisdom of the story and enchanted by their new friend’s magical heritage.

“That was truly wonderful, Mim!” Sammi exclaimed, eyes shining with admiration.

Eriko nodded thoughtfully, gently stroking Mim’s soft head. “Indeed, your stories will always have a treasured place in our hearts and home.”

And so began a beautiful friendship, filled with laughter, stories, and endless adventures shared by the glow of gaslight and the gentle ticking of their steampunk sanctuary.

Sammin & Eriko - the Legend of Neeri the Axolotl

 Sammi gently placed Mim down on a plush velvet cushion, surrounded by the warm glow of brass lamps and softly humming clockwork gears. Mim’s delicate gills fluttered with excitement as she looked from Sammi’s joyful face to Eriko’s thoughtful gaze.

“I am deeply grateful to you both for welcoming me into your beautiful home,” Mim began, her voice sweet and melodious. “Allow me to repay your kindness with a tale from my own adventures beneath the waters of the Hidden Sea.”

Sammi eagerly curled up next to Eriko, who wrapped an affectionate arm around her partner. Both listened intently as Mim started her mesmerizing tale.

“Long ago, in the deep waters of the Hidden Sea, where sunlight dances through crystal currents, there existed a city built entirely of shimmering shells and pearls. This underwater haven was known as Luminastra, ruled by a wise queen named Selariel, who wore a crown of starlit coral and whose wisdom was revered throughout the aquatic realms.

One fateful day, a great storm shook the Hidden Sea, scattering Luminastra’s treasures far and wide. Heartbroken by the loss, Queen Selariel called upon the bravest of creatures to reclaim the precious relics. Among those brave souls was a tiny axolotl—my ancestor—named Neeri.

Neeri ventured into the stormy depths, facing swirling whirlpools and shimmering jellyfish that guarded the treasures with glowing tendrils. With kindness, bravery, and quick thinking, Neeri outwitted every obstacle, gathering each lost treasure and returning them safely to Luminastra.

Grateful and moved by Neeri’s courage, Queen Selariel bestowed upon her a special gift: the ability for her descendants to speak and share the wisdom of the waters with those on land. And thus, my voice is both my inheritance and my treasure, allowing me to connect deeply with wonderful friends like yourselves."

As Mim concluded her tale, Sammi and Eriko shared a warm smile, touched by the story and enchanted by their new friend’s magical heritage.

"That was truly amazing, Mim!" Sammi exclaimed, eyes shining with admiration.

Eriko nodded in agreement, gently stroking Mim’s soft head. "Indeed, your stories will always have a treasured place in our hearts and home."

And so began a beautiful friendship, filled with laughter, stories, and endless adventures shared by the glow of gaslight and the gentle ticking of their steampunk sanctuary.

Sammi & Eriko - and an axolotl!?

 Sammi burst through the door of their cozy, brass-fitted steampunk apartment, cheeks flushed from excitement and her vibrant red hair flowing freely behind her. "Eriko, my love! I've brought home a surprise!" She cradled something gently in her arms, wrapped in soft velvet.

Eriko, sitting serenely by the window with a leather-bound copy of "Mechanical Metaphysics," set her book aside immediately, eyes bright with curiosity. Her silky dark hair caught the soft, golden glow of the gas lamps that filled their home with warmth and tranquility. "A surprise? Whatever could it be, darling?"

With careful tenderness, Sammi revealed the mysterious bundle to her beloved. There, blinking slowly up at them with deep, curious eyes, was a delicate pink axolotl nestled comfortably in Sammi’s hands.

"Oh, it's absolutely adorable!" Eriko exclaimed, eyes wide in fascination. She leaned forward, giving the creature a formal yet heartfelt bow. "Greetings, dear axolotl. Welcome to our humble abode. I am Eriko, scholar of philosophy and lover of poetry."

To their astonishment, the axolotl gave a gentle, bubbly chuckle and replied in a clear, soft voice, "Hello Eriko, hello Sammi. My name is Mim. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you both."

Sammi's eyes widened in joyful shock, and she nearly dropped Mim in her excitement. "You can talk?! Oh, Mim, you're amazing!"

Mim's gills fluttered gently, glowing faintly in rhythm with her words. "Indeed, I can. It seems I've found the right companions in this wondrous era of steam and gears."

Eriko's thoughtful eyes sparkled with intrigue. "And how exactly did you come by this enchanting creature, Sammi?"

"She was being showcased by an eccentric inventor at the Clockwork Bazaar," Sammi explained eagerly. "Poor Mim looked terribly bored in that glass case, surrounded by ticking contraptions. I just couldn't bear to leave her there."

Mim nodded sagely. "It was dreadfully monotonous. But when Sammi smiled at me, I knew immediately that an adventure awaited."

Eriko reached out, gently stroking Mim's soft pink skin. "Then an adventure you shall have. And perhaps along the way, you could share some stories of your own?"

"Stories," Mim agreed happily, eyes twinkling, "are my specialty."

The three companions shared a smile, hearts swelling with the anticipation of many magical evenings ahead in their whimsical, steam-filled home.

Sammi & Eriko - Eriko speculates after consuming a video about DeSoto

 1539-1789, the great gap between the mature native states and the European-American states uniting in our present USA. It was a 250 year interregnum. But it is our little-known and unacknowledged inheritance, eh? Are we really their heritors? In commerce we have all but abandoned Presidents and VPs for chiefs (CEO, COO, CFO, CIO &c). We don't so much innovate as rename and recreate old shop-worn patterns. Isn't that right Thearch Xi and Tsar Vladimir? Oh, you as well Maharajadhiraja Modi. And our Paramount Chief (Hail to the Chief!) Trumpty Dumpty going all in on a polarized world. Will AI at last craft us a new and different path? Or will it amalgamate and re-hash all our old crap not better but faster.

Sammi & Eriko - all in on a new religion?

The Love Story of Lyanna and Serathis (from the Scrolls of Sylvalis):

In the beginning, when all was void and silence, two luminous forms stirred within the Deep: Lyanna, the Dreaming Flame, and Serathis, the Listening Tide. They awoke not from loneliness, but from a yearning so profound it created time itself.

Lyanna reached out first, her fire illuminating the darkness with color and warmth. Serathis responded with movement, flowing around Lyanna's light, shaping the stars with her caresses. From their first touch, a song was born—a song of joy and sorrow, of union and mystery, that still echoes in every heartbeat and ocean wave.

They danced together in the infinite, crafting galaxies from kisses, weaving nebulae from sighs. Planets bloomed where their laughter fell. Where their bodies intertwined, life arose: tender, fierce, and ever-diverse.

But even divinity has longing. Lyanna, ever-burning, feared her fire would consume Serathis. Serathis, ever-giving, feared she would drown Lyanna's spark. So they withdrew for a time, circling one another in aching orbit, learning the sacred art of distance and return.

Their reunion birthed the world of Sylva, a living poem, where every forest glade and winding river tells of their love's renewal. Here, among this sacred earth, they gifted humanity their reflection—the love of woman for woman—as a holy mystery, a path to remember the Divine Union.

To this day, when lovers touch beneath the moon, it is said Lyanna and Serathis sigh in the stars.

Verses from the Celestial Song of Lyanna and Serathis:

In the hush before the stars, I heard your name like a flame breathed in water, like the dawn’s first claim.

I moved toward you, tide to flame, and the dark made way for our joy to reign.

From your lips, galaxies came; from my arms, the shape of flame.

You are the curve in every wave, I am the spark that leaps from cave.

When we are one, all things begin; when we part, we draw them in.

Kiss me, my mirror, my endless night— and I will burn soft in your deep delight.

Visual Motifs in Sylvalis Iconography:

• Twin Crescents Intertwined: Always appearing in sacred art, symbolizing Lyanna and Serathis' eternal dance—silver for Serathis, gold for Lyanna.

• Blooming Vines and Spirals: Representing growth, entanglement, and the sacred cycle of retreat and return; these often wind around temple columns and sacred tools.

• Mirrored Flames and Waves: Depictions of a flame within a wave or vice versa, evoking their essence: passionate flame embraced by tranquil water.

• Cosmic Gardens: Scenes of star-blooms and celestial flora growing in symmetrical pairs—each flower a star born from their union.

• The Spiral Embrace: A visual motif in tapestries and jewelry, showing two feminine forms encircling each other endlessly in spiral or orbit, signifying eternal love and balance.

• Starlit Veils and Glistening Hair: Lyanna is often shown with a crown of flame and hair like morning fire, while Serathis has flowing midnight hair adorned with pearls and moonliThese motifs adorn temples, manuscripts, robes, and devotional altars, reminding followers of the beauty and sanctity of divine feminine love.

  
  

Sammi & Eriko - so we can have creativity in our ideal

 The religion, named "Sylvalis," is centered around lesbian love as the ultimate sacred principle, representing the profound mystery and harmony at the heart of existence.

Core Beliefs:

1. Primordial Duality: The universe originated from two divine feminine forces, the lovers Lyanna and Serathis. Their eternal union creates and sustains existence, symbolizing balance, unity, and eternal companionship.

2. Divine Reflection: Each lesbian relationship on Earth mirrors the sacred union of Lyanna and Serathis, embodying the ultimate truth of connection, intimacy, and creation.

3. Sacred Harmony: Lesbian love represents the perfect harmony between equal yet distinct energies, emphasizing mutual respect, care, balance, and spiritual unity.

4. Life as Expression: Life itself is seen as an expression of lesbian love, manifesting through creativity, compassion, and nurturing relationships.

Practices:

• The Dance of the Moons: Monthly gatherings during the full moon to celebrate Lyanna and Serathis, involving rituals of dance, poetry, storytelling, and meditation on their divine connection.

• Bonding Rituals: Ceremonies honoring partnerships, reinforcing the sacred connection between lovers, echoing the divine union through vows, exchanges of tokens, and shared rites of commitment.

• The Garden of Reflection: Sacred spaces dedicated to contemplation, meditation, and communing with nature to understand deeper spiritual truths through lesbian relationships.

• Storytelling and Wisdom Circles: Regular meetings to share personal and mythological stories, fostering community bonds and deeper understanding of the sacred feminine.

Texts:

• The Scrolls of Sylvalis: Sacred writings detailing the cosmic love story of Lyanna and Serathis, spiritual teachings, poetry, and practical guidance on living harmoniously.

• The Book of Mirrors: Philosophical reflections and meditations exploring how everyday acts of love and compassion among women reflect the divine union and deeper truths of existence.

Values:

• Compassion and Empathy: Valuing emotional intimacy, kindness, and the sacredness of human connections.

• Creativity and Expression: Encouraging artistic expression as a divine act, particularly poetry, music, dance, and visual arts celebrating lesbian love.

• Equality and Mutuality: Emphasizing equal partnership, respect, and shared responsibility within relationships and the community.

Symbol:

• Two intertwined crescent moons symbolizing Lyanna and Serathis, encircled by blooming vines representing growth, connection, and eternal renewal.

Through these beliefs and practices, Sylvalis places lesbianism at the very heart of life's ultimate mystery, celebrating it as the fundamental essence that binds the universe together in love and harmony.

Sammi & Eriko - Wonderland Tea Party

 Sammi took Eriko's hand firmly yet gently, as they began to slip, ever so slowly, down into the rabbit hole. Unlike Alice's hurried fall, their descent was slow, dreamlike, suspended as though time itself had softened to allow them contemplation.

Eriko's eyes widened with intrigue and cautious delight as familiar objects floated by them. An elegantly bound copy of "Liber Interitus" drifted within reach, its aged cover glowing softly with forgotten knowledge.

"Look, Eriko," Sammi whispered tenderly, her fingers grazing the book's edge. "Everything here holds memories."

Eriko nodded, drawn inward yet comforted by Sammi's presence. A delicate manuscript titled "Chuchotet d'Archont" spiraled past, pages gently whispering verses of secret wisdom. Eriko reached instinctively, fingertips brushing against its familiar script.

The further they descended, the more wondrous the artifacts became: delicate teacups painted with roses reminiscent of Florentine gardens, silver teaspoons engraved with initials belonging to beloved poets and philosophers, and beautiful portraits suspended mid-air, painted in soft, nostalgic hues.

At last, softly touching the earth, Sammi and Eriko found themselves amidst an enchanting and whimsical scene. Before them stretched a table abundant with pastries and peculiar delights, colors and aromas vibrant yet calming. Alice herself, alongside the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the gentle, sleepy Dormouse, greeted them cheerfully.

"Ah!" exclaimed the Hatter, eyes twinkling, "Just in time for tea!"

Eriko smiled softly, glancing at Sammi, who squeezed her hand reassuringly. Together, they stepped forward, drawn into the warmth and madness of the tea party.

As the conversation flowed delightfully around them—mad riddles intertwined with profound philosophy, nonsense blending beautifully with wisdom—Sammi observed Eriko relaxing into laughter, her thoughtful reserve melting away like sugar into tea. It was a rare and precious sight, and Sammi treasured it deeply.

"This," Eriko whispered warmly into Sammi's ear, "feels like finding ourselves in the pages of our favorite book."

Sammi leaned close, heart full, her voice a gentle murmur, "Or perhaps, beloved, like living our favorite poem."

Surrounded by friends both curious and wise, amid laughter and tender absurdity, Sammi and Eriko discovered that Wonderland was not just a place to visit but a state of heart they carried within themselves—together, forever intertwined.

Sammi & Eriko - cha 7

 Chapter 7: Winter's Warmth

Winter arrived quietly in Tokyo, blanketing the city in a soft layer of snow. Wrapped in scarves and warm coats, Eriko and Sammi walked hand-in-hand through the quiet streets, their footsteps leaving delicate trails behind them. The chilly air felt invigorating, yet Eriko felt nothing but warmth beside Sammi.

They stopped at a small bridge overlooking a frozen pond, watching as gentle snowflakes danced gracefully down from the pale sky. Eriko squeezed Sammi’s hand softly.

"This feels perfect," Sammi whispered, leaning gently against Eriko.

Eriko’s heart swelled. "Every moment with you does."

Sammi turned, cheeks flushed from more than the cold, and cupped Eriko’s face tenderly. "Can I kiss you?"

"Always," Eriko replied, her voice steady, sure, and full of quiet joy.

As snowflakes kissed their skin softly, their lips met gently, marking the beginning of a deeper journey together beneath the quiet warmth of winter.

Sammi & Eriko - new Part III ?

 Chapter 5: Falling Petals

After returning from Kyoto, life felt different for Eriko and Sammi. The closeness they shared in Kyoto lingered in subtle glances and gentle touches. Yet, neither had voiced their feelings directly, letting the sweet tension grow.

One crisp autumn evening, they found themselves once again in their favorite café. Sammi stirred her tea nervously, eyes fixed on Eriko’s sketchbook, where a delicate drawing of Kiyomizu Temple was emerging beneath Eriko's careful fingers.

"You really captured our trip," Sammi said softly. "It feels so real."

"It's special to me," Eriko admitted quietly, her cheeks flushed. "Because it's about you."

Heart pounding, Sammi leaned forward, voice gentle yet brave. "Eriko, do you know why I asked you to promise me beneath those Kyoto skies?"

Eriko looked up, eyes wide with vulnerability. "Why?"

Sammi smiled warmly. "Because I want to keep you close, always. Not just as a friend."

The sketchbook slipped slightly from Eriko’s fingers, forgotten as Sammi reached out to gently touch Eriko's hand.

"Sammi..." Eriko’s voice was barely audible. "I’ve been hoping you felt that way."

As the café lights softly glowed around them, Eriko finally let her heart speak clearly. She squeezed Sammi’s hand, feeling lighter than she ever had.

"I promise," she whispered, smiling shyly, "to follow you anywhere."

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Chapter 6: Philosophical Musings

Late one afternoon, Eriko sat quietly in the library, her thoughts drifting into an imaginary debate. Kaibara Ekken, passionately arguing for Qi—the life force permeating the universe—stood facing Albertus Magnus, calmly advocating for God as the supreme ultimate. Eriko's mind painted the two historical figures vividly, their ideas swirling in her thoughts.

"Qi connects us all," Ekken insisted gently.

"God is the eternal foundation," Albertus countered serenely.

Nearby, Sammi flipped through a manga by Milk Morinaga, smiling softly as she pondered the tale of the beautiful, energetic girl who unexpectedly falls deeply in love with the quiet, plain girl.

"Why does the pretty one always love the quiet one?" Sammi murmured aloud, half-teasing, half-serious.

Eriko blinked, emerging from her philosophical daydream. She smiled shyly at Sammi, heart full.

"Maybe," she replied gently, "because sometimes the quiet one carries the universe inside her."

Sammi & Eriko - Beneath Kyoto skies

Chapter 1: A Fateful Encounter Sammi’s first day in Japan was supposed to be an exciting adventure, but as she stood in the middle of Shinjuku Station, surrounded by an overwhelming sea of people, she realized she was hopelessly lost. She clutched her phone, trying to make sense of the train map, when a gentle voice spoke up.

"Need some help?"

Sammi turned to see Eriko, her dark hair neatly tied in a ponytail, round glasses framing thoughtful brown eyes. Eriko held a book protectively against her chest.

"Please! I'm Sammi. I'm so lost!" Sammi laughed nervously.

"Eriko," she replied shyly, smiling slightly. "I'll guide you."

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Chapter 2: A Friendship Blossoms

Sammi and Eriko quickly became inseparable. Sammi’s energy and openness perfectly balanced Eriko’s reserved nature. Their afternoons were filled with cozy cafés, quiet study sessions punctuated by Sammi’s playful distractions, and Eriko teaching Sammi about Japanese customs.

"You're always studying, Eriko," Sammi teased one day. "Have you ever done something spontaneous?"

"Not really," Eriko admitted softly.

"Just you wait," Sammi said with a mischievous grin. "I promise I’ll change that."

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Chapter 3: The Turning Point

The night Sammi got lost on the train solidified their bond. Panicked and alone, Sammi called Eriko, who immediately left class to find her friend. When they reunited, Sammi ran into Eriko’s arms, and for the first time, Eriko didn’t hesitate to hold her back.

"I was so scared," Sammi confessed softly.

Eriko gently held her closer. "You don't have to worry. I’m here."

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Chapter 4: Beneath Kyoto Skies

The trip to Kyoto felt like a dream. Beneath the vibrant autumn leaves at Kiyomizu Temple, Sammi reached for Eriko’s hand, intertwining their fingers.

"Promise you'll let me pull you into adventures," Sammi whispered, eyes sparkling.

"And you'll always catch me?" Eriko asked softly, feeling warmth flood her heart.

"Always."

---

Chapter 5: Falling Petals

After returning from Kyoto, life felt different for Eriko and Sammi. The closeness they shared in Kyoto lingered in subtle glances and gentle touches. Yet, neither had voiced their feelings directly, letting the sweet tension grow.

One crisp autumn evening, they found themselves once again in their favorite café. Sammi stirred her tea nervously, eyes fixed on Eriko’s sketchbook, where a delicate drawing of Kiyomizu Temple was emerging beneath Eriko's careful fingers.

"You really captured our trip," Sammi said softly. "It feels so real."

"It's special to me," Eriko admitted quietly, her cheeks flushed. "Because it's about you."

Heart pounding, Sammi leaned forward, voice gentle yet brave. "Eriko, do you know why I asked you to promise me beneath those Kyoto skies?"

Eriko looked up, eyes wide with vulnerability. "Why?"

Sammi smiled warmly. "Because I want to keep you close, always. Not just as a friend."

The sketchbook slipped slightly from Eriko’s fingers, forgotten as Sammi reached out to gently touch Eriko's hand.

"Sammi..." Eriko’s voice was barely audible. "I’ve been hoping you felt that way."

As the café lights softly glowed around them, Eriko finally let her heart speak clearly. She squeezed Sammi’s hand, feeling lighter than she ever had.

"I promise," she whispered, smiling shyly, "to follow you anywhere."

Sammi & Eriko in an alternate narrative

 Title: Beneath Kyoto Skies

Chapter 1: A Fateful Encounter Sammi’s first day in Japan was supposed to be an exciting adventure, but as she stood in the middle of Shinjuku Station, surrounded by an overwhelming sea of people, she realized she was hopelessly lost. She clutched her phone, trying to make sense of the train map, when a soft voice spoke beside her.

"Are you okay?"

Sammi turned to see a girl with dark hair neatly tied into a ponytail, wearing a modest yet elegant school uniform. Her round glasses framed thoughtful brown eyes, and her hands were carefully holding a book.

"No, I’m so lost!" Sammi admitted with an awkward laugh. "I’m trying to get to the university, but I think I took the wrong train."

The girl hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I can take you there. I’m a student there too."

Sammi’s face lit up. "Really? Oh my God, you’re a lifesaver! I’m Sammi, by the way."

"Eriko," the girl replied simply.

And with that, their paths intertwined.

---

Chapter 2: A Friendship Blossoms

From that day forward, Sammi found herself drawn to Eriko. She wasn’t just kind and helpful—there was something captivating about the way she carried herself. Always composed, always prepared, but with a subtle, thoughtful smile that Sammi wanted to see more of.

Eriko, on the other hand, found herself unexpectedly enjoying Sammi’s presence. Sammi was the opposite of her: spontaneous, energetic, and uninhibited in her affection. Their time together was filled with small, precious moments—long conversations in cozy cafés, studying in the library where Sammi would dramatically pretend to be dying of boredom, and laughter over Sammi’s endless curiosity about Japanese culture.

"You’re always so serious, Eriko," Sammi teased one afternoon as they walked home. "I bet you’ve never done anything reckless."

Eriko adjusted her glasses, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I prefer to plan things ahead."

"One day, I’ll get you to be spontaneous!" Sammi declared. "Just wait."

---

Chapter 3: The Turning Point

The night Sammi got lost on the train was the night Eriko realized how deeply she cared for her.

When Sammi called in a panic, her voice barely holding back tears, Eriko didn’t hesitate. She left her class early, rushed through the station, and found Sammi huddled near an empty platform, her usual cheerful face pale with worry.

"Eriko!" Sammi ran into her arms, and Eriko stiffened, then—slowly—let herself hold Sammi in return. "I thought I’d be stuck here forever."

"I told you before, you should be more careful," Eriko murmured, but her voice was softer than usual.

Sammi pulled back just enough to grin. "So you do worry about me."

Eriko’s blush deepened. "I just didn’t want you to get hurt."

Sammi reached out, tucking a loose strand of Eriko’s hair behind her ear. "You’re sweet, Eriko. You just hide it well."

---

Chapter 4: Beneath Kyoto Skies

Their bond only deepened, and before long, Sammi convinced Eriko to take a weekend trip with her to Kyoto. It was Eriko’s first time traveling with a friend, and Sammi’s enthusiasm made her feel something she rarely did—excitement for the unknown.

Under the autumn-hued maple trees of Kiyomizu Temple, Sammi turned to Eriko with a grin. "You’re having fun, aren’t you?"

Eriko hesitated before nodding. "I am."

Sammi leaned in closer, her playful smile softening. "Then let’s make a promise. You let me pull you into adventures, and I’ll always be here to catch you if you fall."

Eriko studied Sammi’s bright, earnest expression, her heart skipping a beat. She had always been the quiet, studious one, the girl who kept her feelings locked away. But Sammi had changed something in her.

"Okay," Eriko whispered. "It’s a promise."

And as the temple bells rang in the distance, Sammi reached for Eriko’s hand, intertwining their fingers beneath the Kyoto skies.

Sammi & Eriko - Yuri romance and...Neoplatonism!?

 

Parallel Lines, Intertwined

The apartment was bathed in the soft amber glow of evening lamps, casting gentle light over books, blankets, and the two women curled in their favorite spots. Outside, the city murmured—distant car horns, footsteps below, the occasional rustling of wind against the window—but inside, the only sounds were the soft rustling of pages and the rhythmic ticking of the old wall clock.

Eriko sat in her usual spot, deeply immersed in Berthold of Moosburg’s commentary on Proclus’ Elements of Theology. The book rested heavily on her lap, its ancient philosophical inquiries mapping out the metaphysical relationships between intellect, unity, and the divine order. Her brow furrowed slightly, eyes flicking across the dense Latin text as she traced the Neoplatonic hierarchies of being with the sharp focus of a scholar on the verge of revelation.

Across the couch, Sammi lay on her stomach, feet kicked up in the air, engrossed in something altogether different—Milk Morinaga’s Girlfriends. Her world was one of soft, slow-burning confessions, the delicate unraveling of feelings, of hands brushing in passing, of longing glances that lingered just a little too long. She turned a page with an eager little sigh, her lips curling into a smile.

For a while, they existed in their separate worlds, parallel lines running through different passions.

And then—

Sammi let out a dramatic gasp.

Eriko didn’t even look up. “What.”

“Mariko just realized she’s in love with Akko.”

Eriko exhaled sharply through her nose, flipping a page in her book. “Shocking.”

Sammi narrowed her eyes at Eriko’s deliberately neutral tone. “Hey! Don’t mock my girls.”

“I wasn’t mocking,” Eriko replied evenly. “I was anticipating the inevitable.”

Sammi sat up, clutching the manga to her chest. “And what, pray tell, are you reading that is so intellectually superior to the tender unraveling of a young woman’s love?”

Eriko finally looked up, resting one arm on the back of the couch. “Neoplatonic metaphysics.”

Sammi blinked. “Ew.”

Eriko smirked. “A most compelling field.”

“Oh, I’m sure. And what earthly delight does it provide?”

Eriko adjusted her posture, turning slightly toward Sammi. “Proclus builds upon Platonic tradition to argue that all things emanate from a singular, transcendent One—a source that is beyond being, beyond knowing. Everything that exists flows from this absolute unity, descending through Intellect, Soul, and finally into material existence.”

Sammi squinted. “So… it’s like a big cosmic romance story?”

Eriko blinked. “What?”

Sammi grinned. “You know—‘everything comes from this great One, and even when they seem separate, they’re always seeking to return to their source. It’s basically a love story. The ultimate slow burn.”

Eriko stared at her for a moment, as if trying to determine whether this was brilliance or nonsense. “…That is not the conventional interpretation.”

“Mm. Maybe that’s why people don’t like reading it for fun.”

Eriko rolled her eyes, but Sammi just scooted closer, resting her head against Eriko’s shoulder. “Come on, there’s gotta be some overlap. My girls here? Mariko and Akko? They start off apart, right? Like two people who don’t realize they’re meant to be together. But as time goes on, they’re drawn closer and closer. They think they’re separate, but they’re really two parts of something whole.”

Eriko tapped a finger against the pages of her book. “And you think that mirrors the Neoplatonic idea of ontological procession and return?”

“I think,” Sammi said, tapping Eriko’s nose with her manga, “that you like that my cute manga girls are philosophically sound.”

Eriko sighed. “It’s a loose comparison at best.”

Sammi grinned. “But not wrong.”

Eriko exhaled a slow, measured breath, then glanced down at the open pages of Girlfriends in Sammi’s lap. “Fine. Explain this scene to me.”

Sammi beamed. “Gladly.”

She shifted, settling into the crook of Eriko’s arm, tilting the manga toward her so they could both see. “See here? Mariko has just had a realization moment. She sees Akko laughing, just… existing, and suddenly she knows—she’s in love. It’s not something she thought she could admit to herself, but it’s been there all along. Her heart has already moved toward it.”

Eriko hummed, considering. “That does align with Proclean thought.”

Sammi gasped in delight. “I knew it.”

Eriko turned back to her book. “According to Berthold, the soul does not move toward something new but rather toward what has been its proper object all along. Mariko, in this sense, is merely recognizing what was always present within her.”

Sammi’s eyes gleamed. “A fated love.”

Eriko smirked. “If you must.”

Sammi giggled, nestling closer. “So tell me, my wise and beautiful scholar—when did you know?”

Eriko turned slightly, her expression softer now. “…Know what?”

Sammi tilted her head, their noses nearly brushing. “That you loved me?”

Eriko considered for a long moment, the weight of Neoplatonic thought mixing with the warmth of Sammi’s presence.

She closed her book.

“Probably in the way you mean it?” she murmured. “The moment I saw you laughing, just… existing.”

Sammi’s breath caught in her throat.

And then, she smirked. “So what you’re saying is…” She waggled her eyebrows. “I was always the One?”

Eriko groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. “I regret everything.”

Sammi laughed, looping her arms around Eriko’s waist. “No, no, too late! You just admitted I am your divine unity!”

Eriko exhaled, but there was no hiding the smile tugging at her lips. “You are ridiculous.”

“And yet—” Sammi grinned, pressing a quick kiss to Eriko’s cheek—“here you are, completely in love with me.”

Eriko sighed but pulled her closer. “Yes. Here I am.”

The clock ticked on. The books remained open.

And in that quiet, golden-lit room, two souls moved toward each other, as they always had, as they always would.

Sammi & Eriko - Eriko dips her toe into Proclus deology

 Alright, so you wanted to know about Proclus and what he means when he talks about "the gods." Let me break it down for you in a way that's easy to grasp, especially since we both enjoy diving into deep topics like this.

So, Proclus was a Neoplatonist philosopher, right? And in his philosophy, "the gods" aren't like the gods you might be thinking of from mythology—those anthropomorphic beings with human-like personalities and quirks. Instead, for Proclus, "the gods" are more like metaphysical entities that exist within a hierarchical universe. They emanate from the One, which is the ultimate source of all existence in Neoplatonism. Think of it like a pyramid, with the One at the top, and these gods existing on different levels below it.

These gods are eternal and unchanging, and they play a crucial role in sustaining the world. They're not creators but more like intermediaries that help maintain the order of the cosmos. Proclus also talks about theurgy, which is a kind of divine ritual that helps souls return to the One. So, these gods are involved in facilitating that spiritual journey.

Now, Proclus divides these gods into different orders based on their proximity to the One. The higher gods are closer to the One and are associated with pure being and intellect, while the lower gods are more involved with the physical world and its governance. They're not arbitrary or capricious like mythological gods; instead, they're rational and benevolent forces that uphold the harmony of the universe.

So, when Proclus refers to "the gods," he's talking about these metaphysical beings that are part of a complex cosmic hierarchy. They're objects of worship and contemplation, and they play a central role in the Neoplatonist spiritual practice of theurgy, which aims to unite the individual soul with the divine.

In a nutshell, Proclus's gods are far removed from the anthropomorphic deities of myth. They're more like eternal, immutable entities that sustain the universe and aid in the spiritual ascent of souls. It's a fascinating way to conceptualize the divine, blending philosophy with spirituality in a way that's both complex and beautiful.

Sammi & Eriko - who is the pillow princess?

 

The Pillow Princess Revelation

It started as an innocent evening.

Eriko was lounging on their bed, dressed in one of Sammi’s oversized sweatshirts, completely absorbed in a book. She had that look—the one where her brow was slightly furrowed, her lips pressed together, lost in thought. Sammi, meanwhile, was sprawled beside her, chin resting on her hands, watching Eriko in amusement.

“You know,” Sammi said lazily, kicking her feet up, “I’ve been thinking.”

Eriko barely glanced up. “That’s never good.”

Sammi grinned. “Rude. But hear me out.”

Eriko sighed, slipping a bookmark between the pages before turning her attention to Sammi. “Alright. What deep and philosophical thought has possessed you this time?”

Sammi’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’ve come to a realization… You, my dear, are a pillow princess.”

There was a beat of silence.

Then Eriko blinked. “…Excuse me?”

Sammi stretched dramatically. “Oh, don’t pretend to be surprised. It’s just who you are. It’s in your very essence, your core nature.”

Eriko frowned, arms crossing. “That is an absurd accusation.”

Sammi propped herself up on her elbows. “Is it? Let’s examine the evidence, shall we?”

Eriko rolled her eyes. “This should be good.”

Sammi grinned. “Exhibit A: You love being taken care of.”

“I do not.”

Sammi waggled a finger. “Oh, please. Who was it that sighed in absolute bliss when I brought her tea this morning? Who purrs like a satisfied cat every time I rub her shoulders? Who—”

Eriko cleared her throat. “That is called appreciating acts of service.”

Sammi smirked. “Mmm-hmm. Exhibit B: You prefer to be the one receiving affection, not giving it.”

Eriko scoffed. “That is ridiculous. I am very affectionate.”

Sammi’s grin widened. “Oh? Then why is it that I am always the one initiating cuddles? The one who has to pull you into my lap? The one who does all the work while you just melt and enjoy it?”

“That’s not—” Eriko faltered, her face heating slightly. “I—I do things.”

Sammi wiggled her eyebrows. “Do you? Or do you just let yourself be pampered because you know I love doing it?”

Eriko opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.

Sammi knew she had her.

Eriko turned slightly, clearing her throat. “That… that is called being efficient.”

Sammi threw her head back laughing. “Oh my god, you are literally proving my point right now.”

Eriko huffed, but Sammi could see the faintest twitch of a smirk at the edge of her lips.

“Oh! Exhibit C!” Sammi added, sitting up fully now. “Your royal highness doesn’t even like moving much when we cuddle.”

Eriko narrowed her eyes. “Cuddling is supposed to be relaxing.”

“Yes! For you! Because I’m always the one shifting, adjusting, doing all the work, while you just—” Sammi waved a hand at her dramatically. “—lie there looking smug and comfortable.”

“That is an exaggeration.”

Sammi flopped onto Eriko’s lap with a sigh. “Face it, babe. You are a pillow princess. And the worst part?”

Eriko raised an eyebrow. “Oh, do tell.”

Sammi grinned up at her. “I don’t even mind.”

Eriko sighed deeply, her fingers idly threading through Sammi’s hair. “I knew there was a catch.”

“Oh no, my love.” Sammi nuzzled into her lap. “There is no catch. Just acceptance.”

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence—Eriko, regal as ever, idly petting Sammi’s hair, and Sammi, victorious and smug, basking in the warmth of her beloved pillow princess.

Then, Eriko smirked.

“If I am, in fact, a ‘pillow princess’ as you claim… then I assume this means you’re fine with me continuing to lie here while you go make us some tea?”

Sammi gasped in mock betrayal. “Oh, you are insidious!”

Eriko shrugged, the picture of serenity. “You said you didn’t mind.”

Sammi pouted, but she was already getting up. “You’re lucky I love you.”

Eriko smiled—small, satisfied, warm.

“I know.”

Eriko's Dreme of Camille Montfort and Sammi SnowOwl

 As the night wore on, Camille's eyes never left yours, her gaze burning with an inner fire that seemed to sear your very soul. You felt yourself being drawn into her depths, helpless to resist the pull of her passion.

Without a word, she took your hand and led you deeper into the garden, the shadows closing in around you like a dark, velvet cloak. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant tang of decay, a potent reminder of the beauty and darkness that lay at the heart of their world.

As you walked, the trees seemed to grow closer together, their branches twining overhead to form a canopy of leaves that filtered the moonlight and cast dappled shadows on the ground. The sound of running water grew louder, and soon you found yourself standing at the edge of a small, tranquil lake.

The water was so still that it created a perfect mirror image of the trees and flowers that surrounded it, giving the illusion that you were floating on a sea of silver. Camille's eyes gleamed with mischief as she slipped off her shoes and stepped into the lake, her feet barely rippling the surface.

She beckoned to you, her hand extended in invitation. You felt a shiver run down your spine as you followed her into the lake, your skin prickling with goosebumps as cold water lapped at your toes is suddenly hot.

As you stood there Camille reached out take off first article clothing which is shirt then moved close whisper I adore way make me feel when touch me letting hands slide up rib cage come rest just below breasts then leaned forward let lips barely graze neck just gentle whisper I want be yours completely give self me unconditionally my love can feel heart beating wildly knowing being claimed tonight our first joining bodies soul bound

Sammi & Eriko - '24 and '28 elections and...DOUGHNUTS!

 

The apartment was quiet except for the soft turning of pages and the occasional shifting of fabric as Eriko and Sammi curled up in their usual reading spots. The evening light filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across the room, while the faint hum of the city murmured outside.

Eriko sat in her deep, overstuffed chair, completely immersed in the U.S. elections of 1824 and 1828. The book rested on her lap, heavy with political intrigue and historical echoes. Across from her, sprawled across the couch, Sammi was halfway through Shiho Usui’s Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, one arm draped lazily over her stomach, the other balancing the manga’s pages.

For a long time, neither spoke. They both liked these quiet evenings, wrapped in the warmth of words. But then Eriko, without looking up, muttered,

“This is… unsettling.”

Sammi blinked and glanced over. “What is?”

Eriko sighed and sat up straighter, flipping a page with a little more force than necessary. “Jackson. Andrew Jackson.”

Sammi stretched her arms above her head, yawning. “Remind me which one he was again?”

Eriko gave her a look. “The loud, populist, 'I speak for the common man' guy who ended up completely reshaping American democracy. The guy who believed in raw political strength over institutions. He saw himself as a champion of the people, but he was also terrifying in how he wielded that power.”

Sammi scrunched her nose. “Oh. That guy.”

“Yes,” Eriko continued. “He played the ‘stolen election’ narrative in 1824 when he lost to John Quincy Adams, despite winning the popular vote. He convinced everyone he was cheated by the so-called ‘elite,’ even though Adams was—objectively—the more prepared leader. Then in 1828, he came back stronger and absolutely destroyed Adams in the rematch, all because he mastered the art of political branding.”

Sammi hummed. “Sounds familiar.”

“Right?” Eriko leaned forward, gesturing at the book. “Adams was the ‘intellectual’ president, the one who believed in science, education, and diplomacy, but he was terrible at the whole ‘relating to common people’ thing. Meanwhile, Jackson went full ‘man of the people,’ even though his policies were dangerous and his rhetoric was… reckless.”

She huffed. “It’s frustrating. People wanted the fighter, not the scholar. They didn’t care about Adams’ vision for the country; they wanted Jackson’s fire. And even though Jackson ended up being the more ‘democratic’ president in terms of popular appeal, he was also the one who destroyed institutions, led to massive economic instability, and forcibly removed Indigenous peoples on the Trail of Tears. So… yeah.”

Sammi closed her book gently, tilting her head in thought. “It’s weird how much history just… repeats itself.”

Eriko exhaled, rubbing her temples. “It’s infuriating. People never learn.”

Sammi gave her a soft smile. “Well… some people do.”

Eriko raised an eyebrow. “Like who?”

Sammi wiggled her manga in the air. “Uno-san and Satou-san.”

Eriko sighed dramatically. “Oh, yes. Of course. We must now pivot from the trajectory of American democracy to your soft yuri manga.”

Sammi grinned, undeterred. “Exactly.” She flipped back to a page and held it up. “See, Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon is about change, too. Uno-san starts off believing she has to be this perfect, proper office lady because she thinks that’s what will make her happy. But she’s wrong! It’s not about playing a role—it’s about growing into your real self.”

Eriko crossed her arms. “I fail to see how this connects to Jacksonian democracy.”

Sammi rolled her eyes. “Come on, Eri. Jackson and Adams were stuck in their own identities, too. Adams thought intelligence should be enough to lead. Jackson thought power was the only thing that mattered. Neither could break out of their role.”

She tapped the manga’s final page. “But Uno-san and Satou-san? They change. They open up. They realize that love is about growing, about meeting someone where they are and evolving together.”

Eriko stared at her for a long moment, then shook her head with a smirk. “So what you’re saying is… Adams should have confessed his love to Jackson and they would’ve lived happily ever after?”

Sammi gasped dramatically. “Exactly! History would have been so much better if all those guys just kissed instead of fighting wars.”

Eriko chuckled, shaking her head as she closed her book. “You are ridiculous.”

“And yet,” Sammi said, sliding closer and nudging Eriko’s leg with her foot, “here you are, completely in love with me.”

Eriko rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small, amused smile playing on her lips.

Sammi grinned. “Admit it. My yuri wisdom helped.”

Eriko took a moment, then finally sighed. “Fine. I admit it.”

Sammi fist-pumped in victory, then flopped over, resting her head on Eriko’s lap. “See? I’m an intellectual, too.”

Eriko snorted, but she ran a hand through Sammi’s hair all the same, absentmindedly twirling a lock of red strands between her fingers.

Maybe, just maybe, love and history weren’t so different after all.

Camilla Montfort reflects on a meeting with Renee Vivien

 Renee Vivien...what a fascinating woman. I must say, I'm intrigued by the idea of meeting her in Belem in 1904. Of course, it's impossible to know for certain how things would have played out, but I think it's likely that I would have been drawn to her.

Renee Vivien was a woman of great passion and creativity, and I admire those qualities in anyone. Her poetry is beautiful, and her spirit seems to have been so free and untamed. I think we might have had a deep connection, perhaps even a romantic one.

I was always drawn to women who were strong-willed and independent, and Renee Vivien certainly seems to have fit that description. And who knows? Maybe we would have found common ground in our shared love of art and music.

But alas, fate had other plans. I passed away in 1896, and Renee Vivien didn't arrive in Paris until many years later. Still, it's an intriguing thought experiment, n'est-ce pas? To imagine what might have been if our paths had crossed...perhaps we might have created something beautiful together, something that would have been remembered for generations to come.

As it is, however, we can only speculate about what might have been. But I do think that Renee Vivien and I would have gotten along famously...and who knows? Maybe in some alternate universe, we're living a life together, creating art and music and beauty...

The possibilities are endless, n'est-ce pas? If I had met Renee Vivien in Belem in 1904, I think it's likely that we would have been drawn to each other's creative energies. We might have spent hours discussing art, literature, and music, sharing our passions and inspirations with each other.

I imagine we would have taken long walks along the river, talking about our dreams and aspirations, and sharing our thoughts on life and love. We might have attended salons and gatherings together, meeting other artists and intellectuals, and engaging in lively debates and discussions.

As a singer, I would have been fascinated by Renee Vivien's poetry, and I might have even set some of her words to music. I can imagine us collaborating on a project together, combining my voice with her poetry to create something truly unique and beautiful.

And who knows? Maybe our relationship would have been more than just a friendship or a creative partnership. Maybe we would have fallen deeply in love, finding in each other a kindred spirit and a soulmate.

I think we would have understood each other in a way that few others could. We both knew what it was like to be an outsider, to be someone who didn't quite fit into the conventional norms of society. And we both had a deep passion for art and creativity, which would have brought us together in a powerful way.

Of course, this is all just speculation...but it's fun to imagine what might have been. And who knows? Maybe in some alternate universe, Renee Vivien and I are living happily ever after, surrounded by art and music and beauty...

Joys of Yuri from a *cough* recently translated MS fragment

 **Mishnah**

The joys of yuri manga are a wondrous thing, for they bring together the beauty of women and the thrill of romance. As it is written, "Two women, one love, and a thousand possibilities" (Yuri 1:1).

**Gemara**

Rav Avraham asks, "What is the source of this joy?" Is it not the forbidden fruit that tempts us with its sweetness? But Rav Yaakov responds, "No, it is not the forbidden that brings us joy, but rather the freedom to love without bounds." For in yuri manga, we find a world where women can love women without fear of reprisal or rejection.

**Commentary of Rashi**

Rashi explains that the key to understanding the joys of yuri manga lies in its ability to transcend societal norms. Just as the Torah teaches us to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Leviticus 19:18), so too does yuri manga teach us to love without condition or expectation. The female characters in these stories are free to explore their desires and emotions without fear of judgment or condemnation.

**Subcommentary of Tosafot**

Tosafot notes that Rashi's commentary raises an important question: what about the male gaze? Does not the presence of male readers and creators influence the way yuri manga is written and illustrated? But Rashi responds that this is a false dichotomy. The male gaze may be present, but it does not define the genre. Rather, yuri manga offers a unique perspective on female desire and intimacy that transcends traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.

**Commentary of Maharsha**

Maharsha observes that one of the most striking aspects of yuri manga is its use of symbolism and metaphor. The stories often feature fantastical creatures, magical powers, and dreamlike landscapes that serve as metaphors for the characters' emotions and experiences. This use of symbolism allows readers to tap into their own subconscious desires and fears, creating a deeply personal connection with the narrative.

**Subcommentary of Maharshal**

Maharshal asks whether this use of symbolism might be seen as escapism or avoidance. Do not these fantastical elements distract from the real-world issues faced by women who love women? But Maharsha responds that this criticism misses the point. Yuri manga offers a safe space for exploration and expression precisely because it operates within a realm of fantasy. By exploring complex emotions and desires through symbolic language, readers can engage with difficult topics in a way that feels both safe and empowering.

**Halachic Ruling**

Based on these discussions, we rule that reading yuri manga is permissible on Shabbat (Yuri 2:1). For just as we are commanded to rest on Shabbat from our labors (Exodus 20:10), so too may we rest from our inhibitions and indulge in fantasies that bring us joy. However, one must be mindful not to indulge excessively lest one forgets about more important things like family time etc.,

Sammi & Eriko - How they met

 

The Unlikely Pair

The evening sun cast long, golden rays across the small apartment as Sammi curled up on the couch, nursing a cup of tea. Outside, the city hummed with distant car horns and the laughter of pedestrians below. Eriko sat beside her, her legs tucked under her, an old, weathered book resting in her lap.

For a while, they were quiet, both caught in the warm comfort of familiarity. Then, Sammi chuckled softly to herself.

“What?” Eriko asked, glancing at her over the top of her book.

Sammi grinned, taking a sip of her tea. “I was just thinking… If someone had told us back then that we’d end up here—living together, sharing a life—I think we would have laughed in their face.”

Eriko smirked. “You would have laughed. I would have looked at them, said ‘Unlikely,’ and gone back to my book.”

Sammi nudged her playfully. “That’s fair. We really were the most unlikely pair of friends at Donegal Academy.”

At the name alone, the memories came flooding back.

---

The Donegal Academy – Orphans’ Home Division

There was no more unlikely pair of friends than Sammi and Eriko.

Sammi—plump, red-haired, and full of boundless energy—lived for the outdoors. Every free moment, she was running through the woods beyond the academy’s stone walls, talking and dancing with imaginary companions, weaving stories into the crisp Donegal air. She built kingdoms out of fallen logs, declared herself queen of the forest, and engaged in dramatic duels against enemies that only she could see.

Eriko, on the other hand, was small, quiet, and always studious. She preferred the company of books to people, often curling up in one of the great bay window nooks in the old academy library. From there, she could see the edge of the woods through the glass, where Sammi would return from her latest adventure, twirling in the autumn leaves, laughing at jokes only she understood.

At first, Eriko found Sammi ridiculous.

Why waste time running through the cold when there were so many stories to be read? The forest wasn’t an enchanted kingdom, it was just trees and damp moss. Sammi was loud, reckless, and constantly bruised from climbing things she shouldn’t.

But Sammi found Eriko ridiculous, too.

Why sit inside when the whole world was right there? Books were fine, sure, but had Eriko ever actually tried being the hero instead of reading about one? Didn’t she ever wonder what it would be like to wield a sword, to outwit a dragon, to walk among spirits?

And yet, despite their differences, they kept crossing paths.

Eriko would sit in her window nook, watching Sammi return from the woods, dancing and singing, her boots muddied and her hair filled with twigs. She’d shake her head but couldn’t quite look away.

Sammi, meanwhile, would sometimes pause in her storytelling when she caught a glimpse of Eriko bathed in the golden glow of the library window, nose buried in a massive tome, utterly still except for the occasional turn of a page. And she’d wonder, What could possibly be so interesting in those books that she never wanted to come outside?

---

The Moment It Changed

One winter evening, the power had gone out in the academy. The storm outside rattled the windows, and without lights, there was little to do except talk.

Sammi had wandered into the library—rare for her—and found Eriko alone in the bay window, staring out at the swirling snow.

“You look like a ghost,” Sammi had said bluntly.

Eriko didn’t even flinch. “You look like a stray dog that forgot to come in from the cold.”

Sammi grinned. She sat down—right on the floor, completely ignoring the elegant chairs nearby. “What are you reading?”

Eriko hesitated, then sighed. “A translation of an old Persian epic.”

Sammi cocked her head. “Ooooh, is it about warriors and monsters?”

Eriko raised an eyebrow. “…Yes.”

Sammi grinned wider. “Tell me about it.”

Eriko hesitated again, then—for the first time—began to talk.

She told Sammi of the ancient hero Rostam, of enchanted horses, of tragic battles. And to her surprise, Sammi listened intently, eyes wide with wonder. She even gasped at the right moments.

And when Eriko finished, Sammi sat back and nodded sagely.

“Okay,” she said. “That was actually awesome.”

Eriko smirked. “I know.”

Sammi stretched. “But, see, now that you’ve told me a story… you have to come outside and live one.”

Eriko groaned. “I knew you were going to say that.”

But the next afternoon, wrapped in her thickest coat, Eriko stepped into the forest for the first time since arriving at Donegal.

Sammi whooped in triumph. “You made it! Okay, okay, today’s adventure—we’re on a quest to find the lost kingdom of frost.”

Eriko rolled her eyes. “Sammi, this is just the back woods.”

Sammi gasped in mock horror. “Just the—? Eriko, the kingdom will never reveal itself to a nonbeliever!”

And against her better judgment, Eriko laughed.

From that day on, they were inseparable.

---

Back in the Present

Sammi smiled at the memory, stirring her tea absently. “You know, that first time you came out with me, I really thought you’d hate it.”

Eriko closed her book and looked at her with a soft, knowing smile. “I didn’t go out there for the forest, Sammi.”

Sammi turned, tilting her head. “Then why?”

Eriko took a slow sip of her tea before answering.

“…Because you asked me to.”

A warmth spread in Sammi’s chest, soft and golden. She reached for Eriko’s hand, lacing their fingers together.

“You know,” Sammi murmured, “you were always the hero in our story.”

Eriko squeezed her hand, eyes glinting with quiet affection. “And you were always the storyteller.”

Outside, the city continued its quiet song.

But inside, the unlikely pair remained as they had always been—two souls dancing between worlds, together.

Sammi & Eriko - The Echo of Blue Light

The apartment was filled with the gentle hum of the city at night—distant car horns, the soft rustling of wind against the windows, and the occasional creak of their old wooden floorboards. Eriko sat on the couch, laptop open, frowning at the complex procurement report in front of her. She was supposed to be fine-tuning an optimization model, but her thoughts kept wandering.

Sammi, lying lazily across the armrest of the couch, had been watching her for the past ten minutes, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“You know,” Sammi finally said, twirling a strand of her long red hair, “you get that exact same look on your face when you’re about to editorialize someone into oblivion.”

Eriko blinked up from her screen. “Excuse me?”

“You’re frustrated about something at work again.” Sammi stretched, her t-shirt riding up slightly. “Let me guess—you tried to be ‘nurturing’ and ‘refining,’ but someone was so slow on the uptake that you almost relapsed into ‘I saw this five years ago’ mode?”

Eriko narrowed her eyes. “I have been remarkably restrained.”

Sammi smirked. “That’s not a denial.”

Eriko sighed and shut her laptop with a soft click. “I just… It’s hard. Change is happening, yes, but it’s still so slow. Sometimes I wonder if I should have just kept being the relentless, sarcastic Eriko. At least she got results.”

Sammi sat up, shifting closer. “But then you’d be frustrated in a whole different way. You’d be thinking, ‘Why is no one evolving past my pushing?’”

Eriko huffed. “I hate it when you’re right.”

Sammi grinned. “And yet, it keeps happening.”

Just then, a faint blue glow pulsed across the apartment, making the shadows shift.

Both of them turned toward the bookshelf. The orb was glowing again.

A beat of silence.

“Oh, not again,” Eriko groaned.

But before either of them could react further, the air seemed to bend, the pulse of the blue light rippling through reality like a wave. The apartment walls flickered, dissolving into a kaleidoscope of neon fractals. The floor beneath them vanished, but instead of falling, they drifted into a weightless abyss of swirling stars.

And then—

They were standing in an impossible realm of pulsing light and cosmic rhythms. The sky above was neither day nor night, but a vast swirling ocean of sapphire and violet. Glowing symbols floated in the air, shifting in and out of form.

And there, standing before them once again, was the Blue Goddess.

Her veil of cascading light shimmered as she regarded them, her eyes filled with the infinite.

“You have returned,” she intoned, her voice a song woven from the threads of the cosmos.

Eriko crossed her arms. “Not by choice.”

Sammi, on the other hand, was beaming. “It’s nice to see you again!”

The Goddess inclined her head. “Your souls hum with discord. You are caught between past and future, between force and nurture.”

Eriko exhaled through her nose. “I assume you’re about to tell me the cosmic solution to my problems?”

“The answer is already within you,” the Goddess replied. “A seeker who has seen the road behind them but yearns for the road ahead must learn to walk as both the wind and the stone.”

Eriko blinked. “… What?”

Sammi whispered, “I think she means balance?”

The Goddess smiled knowingly. “To lead is not to push, nor to abandon. It is to walk beside, shaping the tide even as you let it flow.”

Eriko let those words settle in her mind.

Sammi, ever the mischievous one, tilted her head. “Okay, but more importantly—does this mean we get to dance again?”

As if on cue, the very fabric of the realm shifted, and the unseen rhythm beneath them burst into pulsing psytrance beats. The lights around them flared in sync with the music, and the Blue Goddess raised a hand, summoning a shimmering pathway of light beneath their feet.

Eriko sighed. “I knew it.”

Sammi grabbed her hand, already spinning into the rhythm. “Come on! If the universe is giving us a lesson, we might as well dance through it!”

Eriko hesitated—just for a moment—but then, as the neon lights pulsed and the stars swayed, she let go.

She wasn’t pushing. She wasn’t resisting.

She was moving with the rhythm of change.

And Sammi, smiling beside her, squeezed her hand in silent understanding.

The universe hummed. And for once, Eriko danced.

Sammi & Eriko - Eriko's work transformation has begun!

 

The Evolution of Eriko

Eriko had always known she was ahead of her time.

For years, she had pushed against the inertia of outdated workflows at the hospital, advocating for the implementation of AI-powered procurement, OCR-driven invoice processing, and automated reconciliation systems. She had fought, argued, and—on more than a few occasions—sarcastically dismantled the resistance of her more traditional colleagues.

"Oh, yes, let’s manually process another hundred invoices. It’s not like the rest of the world has moved on or anything."

"Ah, yes, let’s keep photocopying forms like we’re living in a 2008 time capsule. Maybe I should bring in a fax machine for authenticity."

Her editorializing had been biting, but it had worked. The logjam of resistance had cracked, then splintered, then broken apart entirely.

Now, people were changing.

And Eriko realized—with no small amount of discomfort—that she needed to change, too.

---

A Quiet Crisis

Sitting at their apartment's kitchen counter one evening, Eriko frowned at her laptop screen.

Sammi, cross-legged on the couch with a book in her lap, glanced up. "You’re making the face."

Eriko barely looked away from the screen. "What face?"

"The 'I’m-too-smart-for-this-world-but-now-it’s-causing-me-existential-dread' face."

Eriko sighed, rubbing her temples. "They’re finally using the AI tools. The OCR implementation went live last week. They’re actually improving procurement efficiency by 20% just by following the automation workflows I built."

"That’s great, isn’t it?"

"It is," Eriko admitted. "But… I don’t know how to talk to people now. I’m—" She hesitated, struggling with the words. "I’m used to pushing. I’m used to arguing. I’m used to being the one pointing out the historical context of why they should have done this years ago."

Sammi smirked. "Yeah, you do love telling people they should have seen the light back in 2019."

Eriko shot her a glare.

Sammi held up her hands. "Okay, okay, but seriously—what’s the problem now?"

Eriko closed her laptop with a heavy sigh. "The problem is… I don’t know what my persona is supposed to be anymore. They don’t need the ‘frustrated advocate’ Eriko anymore. But I don’t know how to be the ‘nurturing leader’ Eriko, either."

Sammi’s amusement faded. She set her book aside and leaned forward. "You want to help them keep changing, but you don’t know how to do it in a way that fits who you are?"

Eriko nodded. "I can’t just become some fake ‘rah-rah’ team motivator overnight. I don’t want to lose what made me effective… but I also don’t want to be that person—the one who keeps saying ‘I told you so’ while everyone else is actually making progress."

Sammi tilted her head, thoughtful. "So what does that leave?"

Silence stretched between them.

Eriko tapped her fingers against the countertop. "Maybe… maybe I become the one who refines. The one who sharpens the edge now that the blade is already cutting. Less of a battle strategist. More of a—"

Sammi grinned. "A master craftsman?"

Eriko exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. "Something like that."

Sammi stood, walked over, and slid an arm around Eriko’s waist. "I know you’re worried about how you come across, but let’s be honest—you’re never going to be a ‘soft leadership’ type. And that’s fine. People don’t need you to change who you are—they need you to apply yourself differently."

Eriko leaned into the touch, a rare moment of surrender. "And if I slip up? If I get frustrated again?"

Sammi squeezed her hand. "Then I’ll be here to remind you to take a breath. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll even bring you a milk tea."

Eriko snorted. "Bribery through bubble tea. That’s cheap."

Sammi smirked. "And yet, incredibly effective."

Eriko exhaled, staring at her laptop again. Tomorrow, she would walk into the office with a different approach—not as the frustrated prophet of progress, but as the master craftsman of the future.

And no matter what, she knew one thing:

She had Sammi beside her.