Oof. And I'd always thought the curse came from being dropped in the ocean. Then what did this to him? Or is the better question, what did he do to 'earn' it.

Kids are smart, even as donkeys. My guess is they managed to outmaneuver him and get him to fall into the cursed water. Once he was soaked, it was a matter of getting away before the changes set in. I'm guessing he knew they were going to be fast.

Acrathia: Here I could have sworn that Moth said she transformed him once he started getting too emotionally attached. Hopefully I am not remembering that correctly. I enjoy a good transformation as much as the next girl, but to make him a whale so far from ocean? Even I have to admit that's cold.

Depending on her mood, it is possible. But that would require her to clear it up herself for what happened. That, or ask Mangiofuoco directly, I suppose.

And he's not likely to tell. Not while he still has the vaguest bit of hope.

We know that prolonged exposure to salt water was what weakened the curse and allowed him to walk on land again, though his reputation preceded that.

true, it did. And yes, Mangi is not likely to talk about it. That's one wound that I wouldn't want to open myself either.

*discretely pulls out a bag of popcorn to watch the hypothesizing with interest* ^^

But really, you all have a piece of the puzzle of what happened that day from a few different sources and perspectives. The truth is somewhere in there. ;)

I suppose one of the key questions is, *which* day was it.

A summer day in 1892. Nothing too particular about it, really, apart from something Mangiafuoco had planned for a while.

...He planned to elope with Moth / Caroline, and she turned him down. Hard.

Precisely. And her method was appropriately ironic, as always

'Ironic', how? Did he *really* make a mistake and try to force himself on Moth, refuse to take 'no' for an answer - and she made a literal 'monster' of him?

No, no, nothing like that. But he had made a monster of himself in his contributions to the donkey trade and getting her involved in it, and he knew it.

Acrathia: I cannot help but wonder... was Moth unaware of how her magic was being used? If she were horrified by the Fate of the boys, it might explain why she would make this potentially lethal transformation to the man.

A good question milady, and I think one better answered by—

Moth: *shoves author aside* Shut up and stop telling everyone about my dirty laundry! Monstro got too close to some old wounds and convinced me to use a wicked magic that I couldn’t take back. I hated him for both of those things and punished him accordingly.

Acrathia: Ah, that makes more sense, both for the potential lethality of the transformation, and the fate of they boys. I know you are not a guardian of children as I am, but you never seemed the type to want to subjugate them to a cruel fate like that.

Moth: *softening* No. Never. My thought was to make the Wild Magick's mischief last longer, not to make it permanent like he suggested... but he rationalized, and gave me all of these convincing reasons, and his plan started to make sense after a while. I had such little understanding of magic and mortals at the time that I trusted his judgement. That, and I loved him. I was stupid on both counts.

You were still desperate for something to fill the void left behind by Costa, and Fate has cursed you never to truly have it after the Vile One seized upon your grief to tear apart the tapestry apart. It isn't that you don't understand or respect about love... Your punishment was that they took that understanding away from you.

Moth: *shrugs* That might be true. Honestly, I don’t give a damn if it is. My whole life has seemed like I was never going to be allowed happiness that lasted. I’ve resigned myself to that idea. So I’ll just have to take what happiness I can wrest from Fate, or the Magicks, or whatever the hell else wants to get in my way. *glares pointedly at her author*

I think we just had a bit of an epiphany moment. Look at the 'romantic' entanglements you've had since. Every single one of them has either wanted something else from you, or needed something else that you couldn't give them. Taking advantage of you in some way, including Henry.

How many centuries of that have you had to put up with?

Acrathia: *Clearly disgusted by Moth's would be suitors* Far too many, to be sure. Honestly the lack of respect is appalling, both to her and the Magicks.

Not to mention the 'complications' that creates later down the line that SOME OF US have to get tasked with clearing up.

Moth: It isn’t just lovers, darling. Friends, family, the Court… I have always been a means to someone else’s end, and I do mean always. It was only recently that I made any true friends. *glances to Acrathia and back to you* If it is Fate, as you’ve said, maybe it has lost interest in keeping me entirely alone.

It hasn't, you know. But not in the way that you mean, and your recent carelessness elsewhere has been putting that at risk.

Moth: *raises an eyebrow* Chide my carelessness if you like, but I’m done caring. I’m done caring, and running, and hiding, and getting passed over for something better. *she runs her fingers through her hair in aggravation* I am going to have a happy ending, dammit, if it means a permanent ending!

You're also full of it. Just stop and think about what you're doing for a moment - using blackmail to cover your tracks and hide your 'evidence', but with innocents who have never HEARD the Judicator's name before or any means or reason to get her involved. Only now you've presented them with a link. The HELL are you playing at?

Yes, I know ALL about that business with the Tuscany toyshop. Did you honestly think the ripple effect would get back to somebody like myself? Are you TRYING to catch her attention, or are you spitefully working to undo everything she's ever achieved, which is basically the same thing? We have a truce going, you and I, but meddling in this fashion where it's utterly counterproductive and none of your business in the first place, this is not going to stand.

And you needn't try pulling any such leverage on me, because the Judicator is the LAST person I want getting wind of it. That's why I'm working hard to fix this, and keeping Nico and Nella under my personal watch. Meanwhile my protective jurisdiction over the tapestry of Fate insists that you two maniacs are being kept apart, come hell or high water. You still have my sympathies for the past, but other than Acrathia nobody else in the know over the state of the balance gives a damn for your or her personal issues. And I'm sorry if that sounds COLD.

Before you respond, let me also give you the best piece of advice you'll probably hear in eons. Advice, not a 'threat'. Pack up shop and camp out in the Greylands for a while. A LONG while. I'm sure they'll take you in, ask for asylum if you really need to. You'll still have as much 'freedom', possibly more, and it'll make your life and mine a lot easier. Just keep your head DOWN.

Moth: My intentions are my own business, darling. I am quite aware of what I am doing.

As for the Greylands… are you kidding? I’m Stricken! I’m not welcome anywhere in the Sidhe after what happened. Why do you think I’m hiding out where I am? Because I like the scenery?

Hrm. That is quite the industrial-sized spanner in the works...

But t's in making your intentions everyone's business that the danger lies. There are wheels within wheels, and chains of cause and effect that the boys upstairs are having a tug of war over. If you're resentful now over being a pawn in the center of bigger plans, you haven't seen ANYTHING yet.

Moth: My intentions are Henry’s business and perhaps Charlotte’s. I didn’t go shouting it from the mountaintops, I just made sure his lies weren’t invisible anymore. And you want to talk pawns? I have some of my own. Many of which you have deemed it necessary to interfere with. I didn’t invite you to complicate things, just as I haven’t invited your mistress. You sought me out when so many others were warded off by the threat of the dragon-fae-witch. If she comes as well, so be it. We’ll finally end our game of cat and mouse. I’m tired of playing it.

And what use could Nico and Nella be as 'pawns' to you? No, don't tell me - distractions. Well you certainly achieved that.

But they beith not thy distractions.

Of course not. The unseen Fingers that are pulling at your strings, Moth, are having you help place their own pieces in the place and time that they want. Including me. No, you didn't invite me to 'interfere', any more than I invited myself. As long as you and I are set in our ways and beliefs... as are hers... the pattern is destined never to change.

And those of others whom further perch upon the threads day upon day.

Mm. Consequences are spiralling out of control Moth, ones you have yet to see. The number of powerful figures that have of late been revealed to me. Geases and safeguards that are breaking down. And one simple mistake is all it would take. Maybe you'll make it. Maybe I will. Maybe I already have. But I appeal to you, stop playing these games with 'new' mortal folk, and getting others involved; it isn't worth the risk. Be the 'better' person, and change the pattern. With what I'm witnessing, I don't have that luxury.

Moth: Be the better person? Why in all the realms should I be? What reason do I have to care for the fate of the Seelie Court or the Mortal Realm, or whether they both fall apart? Both have deemed me a villain and I’ve already tried to prove I’m not, so I see no reason not to lean into the role instead. I’m backed into a twelve-century old corner and I’m ready to let the chips fall. If Fate put everything on me, they bet poorly and it’s their own damn fault when they have the advantage of seeing all of the outcomes.

That's the point, Moth. 'Fate' isn't just one entity, it's multiple perspectives engaged in a silent cold war for dominance. One such 'perspective' is what forced you into this to begin with. If it wasn't for the perspective of chance determined to force history into repeating itself, or what the temperament of my so-called mistress could unleash for the benefit of another, then said in the most positive way your feud and your stature as a villain would be wonderfully insignificant.

*frustated, to self* I can't get her to see. She's too closed off.

As are we, an admit of thine on words.

*to Acrathia* And you can't tell her either, not as a friend and confidante, without an almighty bollocking from the in-laws.

There beith one way to break the pattern.

No! Even the Regency couldn't bear the nuclear option. It's not going to land on my withers!

*deep breaths with eyes firmly closed...*

Perspective. Perspective. Remember who you were... still are. Think less like a unicorn. Change the perspective.

*exhale*

Moth... what would it take to make you 'happy'? Not the power-fantasy or fleeting satisfaction of revenge. I mean true happiness - the human 'heart magic' variety. Love would be the obvious... but I believe it's more than that.

Moth: *sighs deeply and actually meets your eyes* Isn’t it obvious, darling? Not all loves are the same.

Then tell me. Even if the answer is impossible... it's all part of the equation. Talk about it.

Moth: *idly toying with the bell* All I want —all I have ever wanted— is Costa back. I accidentally killed my one hope for making that happen, so I have to make do with the closest thing I can find. *she drops the bell*

Henry reminds me so much of him. He’s the closest I’ve come in over a millennium.

*bemused*

That's a twist I wasn't expecting. I had it figured that Costa was the one person who truly respected you for who you are, not for what you could do, and without any strings or agenda attached. Henry isn't anything like that, to you at least. Then what quality is it about him?

Moth: He was. That’s why I still love him after so long. With Henry… it’s hard to put into words. I just felt it when we were together. Not heart magic… something else without a name.

Then why is it you treat him the way you do? As a plaything, the constant under-your-thumb humiliation?

....Which of you made the first advance that night? Or did you ensure to be in the right place and time, aware there was something he felt he 'needed'?

Acrathia: *gives a light bow* And know dearest that my friendship with you is entirely unconditional. I may at times ask if you would like to lend your magic in a project of mine, but always feel secure in saying no to me. I will never demand anything of you that you are not comfortable giving.

Moth: Darling, I know you well enough not to worry about any of that. I trust you implicitly.

Did someone say alone? I do believe someone needs a hug. *Proceeds to give one to Moth*

Moth: *takes a moment to let the icy defensiveness fade and returns it genuinely*

*smiles* There we go, darling. Now isn't that a little better?

Almost there. Almost there!

Reeeeach!