July Q&A! (in-character answers)

For Bastian, was it ‘like at first sight’ when you saw the Speaker?

“I'd say it was... 'intrigue at first sight.'” Sebastian smirks slightly as if amused by the question. “At first I thought they were full of shit. But once I realized they weren’t…” he chuckles quietly, but doesn’t say anything for a long moment, rubbing his palms together in thought. “Imagine being ten years old and being desperate to find the Holy Grail because you believe it will solve all your problems. And then twenty years later in a coffee shop halfway across the country, some beautiful stranger walks up to you and introduces themself as the Holy Grail. That’s what it was like.”

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Rory, did you know you’d follow the speaker anywhere they were going after meeting?

“Yes,” Rory answers immediately. “I think I already knew it before we met.”

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Liam, was it hard reconciling the Speaker who was your best friend as a child to the grown up within more secure in themselves?

Liam taps on his knee in thought, for such a long moment that you don’t think he’s going to answer. “No.” He rolls his eyes when he realizes you want him to elaborate. “No one’s the same person at twenty that they were when they were twelve. The fun part’s finding all the ways they stayed the same. Same laugh. Same weird dog. Same ability to attract trouble.”

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For Bastian and Li, I barked when I got to see their protective side I’m sorry😁

Li barks a laugh of their own. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” They nudge Sebastian’s shoulder; he raises an eyebrow at them but doesn’t otherwise react. “I’ve known Bas for a week and I can already tell you he’s ready and willing to jump on a grenade for Speaker.”

A slight smile crosses Sebastian’s face. “Worried you have competition?”

Li gives him a long look before smirking. “Nah. Knock yourself out. I’ll patch you up afterwards.”

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Questions for Anya! What's it like having such a large and magical family? You're maybe showing a talent for healing but are there particular powers you hope you'll have once you're older?

Anya scoots to the edge of the seat so she can dangle her legs over the edge, crossing them at the knee and trying to look grown up. “It’s loud. And busy. There’s always something going on, and there’s chickens on the breakfast table, and sometimes there’s explosions in the middle of the night. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, my family’s the best.”

“As for my magic…” she taps her chin, face scrunched up in thought, “I want to be like Audrey! She can teleport! But healing is good too. I like that I can help people.” She cups her hands around her mouth and whispers, “But it’s not as cool as teleporting.”

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Also, one question for our doggo! Who's a good boy?

He wags his tail, making the shadows in the room flicker and dance. In your head, you hear a raspy, excited voice. You are.

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for Angus: who is your least favorite Cowles? (we won't tell)

Angus lays on the back of Li’s chair, her fluffy belly in the air and her paws stretched out. She peeks one eye open and looks at you. In your head, you hear her voice. I don’t like Little Sister’s ferret. Bahamut. He steals my toys.

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This is a question based on Speaker having a crush on Lily since they were kids.

Lily, why do you hesitate so much with Speaker? If you knew they’ve been in love with you since you were kids, and that regardless of anyone else who’s come into their life since you left it, you’ve always been it for them; would that help alleviate your hesitation or make it worse?

Lily looks around as if to make sure Speaker isn’t around, then leans forward in her chair and lowers her voice. “Who told you that? That they’re in l--” she cuts herself off, unwilling to finish that word. “I don’t think your information is accurate, friend. They could do a lot better than someone like me.”

She sighs and sits back, her dark eyes sad. “I hesitate for a lot of reasons. Don’t want to ruin a good thing. I only just got my best friend back, I don’t want to run them off. I don’t… I can’t be sure that this is mutual, that they’re in lo--that they feel the same way I do, unless they say something.” She picks restlessly at her nailpolish as an excuse to look away. “But if what you’re saying is true… that changes things. Maybe I should talk to them…” The last is said quietly, as if talking to herself.