Dear Mun . . .

I would not fret too much over the notice of rejection that crossed your message box this afternoon. You are nothing if not prolific, and I applaud that. And do not fret that you lack the time to engage in these "games". Places such as this and those things you call "memes" seem the pace you need in order to keep your brain and fancy limber in between new tales. Though given the prolific nature of that brain and fancy, it amazes me that you have a moment even to think of us who 'lurk' in the 'creative centers of [your] brain'.

And what is this about a tale of my youth and the young lady you assigned as my 'sweetheart'? Are there not other tales you could write that do not involve something so personal? You have said there are enough lacunae in my work (or rather, the work of history's version of me) to keep you busy for a lifetime. What of exploring those notions?

Dear Landlady,

Firstly, I would start by expressing my appreciation at having a home within this space for nearly a year now: the time spent here has been well spent, in particular, I might mention the visit to the hallowed streets and halls of Providence, though I must add, you travel with a lively coterie. Also, I am honoured, even humbled, that you, like so many other writers in your day and age, have found a wellspring of inspiration in my scribblings and jottings. I doubt that an afterlife as you believe in one awaits me, and yet, it would seem that I will live on, albeit in an incorporate, even aethereal form, through these tales. I cannot think of a better heaven, nor better if metaphoric descendants.

However, I must add that while the accommodations here in your 'headspace' are quite comfortable, some of the company is uncannily familiar. Even uncomfortably so; I never cared much for that particular one's 'canon', as you call it, and having him about does present an irritant. Not as great a one, however, as some of the other guests and their rude comments comparing him to my offspring; the vague family resemblance seems to fuel their comments, which only encourages him to address me as 'dad' in the rudest of tones. Please stop encouraging the jests from some of the more mischievous visitors to 'headspace'? It seems only to provide fuel for his jabs at me.

Aside from that, and my need to be out more, which burden I lay only at my own feet, it has been and continues to be an enjoyable sojourn with you and the mixed company here.

I hope soon to sally forth on another journey, but only when the wheel of the year turns again and you have a respite after the Saturnalia of the Winter Holidays.

Yours,

Aitch Pi El.

P.S. And please refrain from lifting ideas from my commonplace book. Much as I appreciate the attention, it is rather to your benefit if you wrote more of the ideas which you have jotted in your own notebook?

(x-posted from dear_player

This has, in your own words, not been an easy run of days for you. While you have had numerous 'hope spots', you have also, by your own admission, had more than your share of shadows closing in from the corners. Is it wise to make such decisions when those shadows press in so? I can wait out the last months of my time in my present place of dwelling, as much as it may not fit my nature; you need not seek for another 'setting' for me. You know my sentiments on these... involuntary journeys; I would rather that you returned me to my rightful place in Providence, but you clearly have other ideas for me - you remind me of Sonia, when you make plans like this; I'm not certain if I know what to think of that.

Give yourself space enough to breathe and only then, when the shadows have withdrawn, return to this quandary with a clearer mind. You did just receive that book which you ordered: Lord Dunsany's 'The King of Elfland's Daughter', an eloquent choice, if I might venture. I think a re-reading is in order, to give you a respite and to feed your spirit.