u/Putrid-Owl-3362

Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPOwl) was working on a “musing” yesterday when she came across this entry…

Dec 23rd “Hawkes and I had, at this point, come to the door. I leaning against the left side of the door frame, Hawkes leaning against the right, arms crossed.”

And she thought … wait one moment.

Haven’t we seen the entry way to LLH physically claimed by another?

Jan 15th Aunt Eugenia “Charles reported you answered the door in your shirtsleeves. Rolled Up, I might add. Then leaned - LEANED - against the door jamb and profaned.” (Pierce of course, not Parian)

Two symbolic “claims” to LLH and, of course, Emma.

There are many symbolic moments where we get two clear “contenders” for the branches, not just this LLH moment.

UNPOwl thought, it’s time to start really putting our list together where we see these things with two of our alchemy men symbolically paired as our branch possibilities from colors, to behavioural … symbolically where two men are being marked as opposite branches.

She’ll throw one more out that is not LLH oriented to go with the LLH moment and then she’ll let the lionesses take over and begin editing the list:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

INDICATORS LIST:

Pierce and Hawkes:
Pierce and Hawkes: Jun. 10 “An important aside, Hawkes and Pierce are each acquainted with fire. It responds to them both.”

Pierce and Hawkes: Nov 6 and Dec 23 “Lean against the door jamb physically claiming the entryway to LLH”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pierce and Islington:

Share the green couch.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Islington and Hawkes:

Come on lionesses… let’s find all the treasure!

Jan. 4th - Agnes and I have been discussing the menu. Meaning I sit at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, attempting to mitigate my disinterest while Agnes asks for my opinions. I find I have very few. “You don’t need me for this Agne, truly.” I attempted. “I’m not finicky - never have been - and you’re well aware of our budgetary restraints. I trust your discernment entirely.” “All great ladies consult their cook on such matters.” “Quizzing out the particulars of your sentence allows for my exclusion from said activities,” I replied.

It’s obvious Agnes would love to see Emma as Cinderella to Islington’s Prince Charming.

Her inclusion in the Secret Servant’s Society “feels” driven by a group that recognized Emma has stepped on to the pathway to becoming the next Duchess of Islington, so having Agnes begin “coaching” her into the proper behaviors and protocols is beneficial.

Emma is OBVIOUSLY not interested in any duties dealing with being a duchess.

UNPOwl loves Islington and hounds (more dog than cat person) … and would love to plan a dinner with crystal and china and several courses. She would learn to ride horses and attempt to shoot arrows.

But our woman is fighting this …

Is this something Islington would be content with if Emma is his HEA, a duchess that has no interest in the duties of a duchess?

Or, is this another indicator that Emma is NOT his HEA?

UNPOwl has already compiled a list …

But I thought I’d drop this in for some consideration …

Will we see THIS scene with Hawkes in the future?

“Jack!” I hissed. “You brought me to lie to your dying mother!”

He lifted a finger to demand quiet. “Just play along. The old lady has hours at most.”

I brought to bear all the strength in my arm and slapped Jack soundly. My hand smarted and a pain short through my shoulder. I was ready for him to give as good as I gave. But he lifted a hand to his face instead and moved his jaw. “Are you finished?” He asked.

Good Thursday Morning to you Pirate Lionesses!

P.s. Yes. I do know that Hawkes does “move his jaw deliberately
and hiss” after the May Day boxing match. BUT … Emma was not the one the administered the blow.

Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPOwl) had the following thought on her morning walk.

Islington has experienced Alchemy with Hannah and Becca per Emma at Stonecrop.

“Alchemy. The Three of them. As if they had no need of anyone else in the world.” As she looked at the portrait.

Later Islington says to Marianna about Emma: “If Hannah and Becca were here, she could walk through the door of our friendship and hold down the last corner.”

Emma would have been the fourth in the group to create Alchemy, NOT HAWKES who was part of Islington’s life during that time.

So, is Emma a key to creating Alchemy since Hawkes was not part of the the original group?

Is Islington’s “mystic” gift … sensing the elements to bring together to create alchemy?

Or is this just senseless thinks?

Morning Pirate Lionesses!

Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPOwl) has fallen down another Hawkes rabbit hole. 🦉

And this one is bothering me.

The latest Gazette article, combined with what we’ve already been shown, makes it increasingly difficult to believe that Hawkes’ family and Emma’s family were simply acquaintances.

There was clearly a relationship.

Declan communicated with Hawkes.

But Declan also communicated with Hawkes’ mother AND father.

And Hawkes’ mother communicated with Emma’s mother.

Which brings me to the question I cannot get past:

WHY HAS HAWKES KEPT ALL OF THIS FROM EMMA?

Because think about Emma’s situation.

She’s an only child.

By the age of 17, she had lost both parents AND the love of her life.

She has essentially been left with no connection to her family except her memories.

And Hawkes knows this.

So why, of all people, would a spiritual leader who seems so deeply concerned with Emma’s wellbeing deliberately withhold information that could reconnect
her to her parents and their past?

The question isn’t just why did Hawkes distance himself?

It’s:
What does Hawkes know that he believes Emma should NOT know?
And why does he still believe that?

THEORY #1 — THE IRISH REVOLUTIONARY CONNECTION
Maybe the families were involved somehow in the Irish revolutionary movement, and keeping Emma ignorant was actually a form of protection.
If Emma doesn’t know, she can’t accidentally reveal anything.
UNPOwl is inclined to dismiss this one, though.
First, I choose to believe Hawkes when he tells Emma he is NOT an Irish revolutionary.
Second… Hawkes and Declan simply don’t feel like men who would choose violent or unpeaceful methods to achieve peace.

THEORY #2 — THE MEDICAL CONNECTION
Hawkes and his father were “medical.”
What if they were involved in treating Declan’s mysterious illness?
What if they couldn’t save him?
Could Hawkes have some kind of guilt surrounding Declan’s death?
And could that failure have contributed to Hawkes eventually walking away from medicine — despite being unusually gifted at it?
If Hawkes believes he failed Declan, perhaps Emma’s family isn’t simply a painful memory.
Perhaps it’s something he feels responsible for.
And maybe that’s why he doesn’t want Emma asking questions.

THEORY #3 — HAWKES KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT HIS OWN FATE
What if Hawkes has perceived some kind of spiritual or supernatural force around himself?
What if, through prophecy, visions, fortune telling, or whatever mechanism this story is using, Hawkes has come to believe that he is destined to be martyred?
And what if his distance from Emma is deliberate because he knows what attachment to him could cost her?
Emma has already lost everyone.
If he believes his death is inevitable, keeping Emma at arm’s length could be his way of protecting her from experiencing that loss yet again.
And THAT would potentially explain a whole lot about his behavior.

But here’s the thing that keeps bothering me:

If Hawkes is simply trying to protect Emma… why hide her parents from her?
Why not tell her, “I knew your father. Our families knew each other. Your mother knew mine.”
Why keep the entire connection buried?
What happened between these families that makes Hawkes believe Emma is better off not knowing?

UNPOwl has theories.

UNPOwl does not have answers.

So, fellow Pirate Lionesses….

What am I missing?

UNPOwl wants to know which of you geniuses has figured out the significance of the arrival time of the Julius Caesar ticket being “8:13.”

I could not find it on a search of the site.

The Owl KNOWS someone out there already knows so I do not have to dig.

It’s a lazy Labor Day here.

Feb. 3. Emma attends church and Hawkes “pins” her to the pew at the end of the sermon with a look.
The journal entry ends with:

“He then stood and, without looking at me, walked up the aisle to the chancel, played a run of three notes on the organ as he passed by -

one major sound, and two minor -

and disappeared behind a door.

I sat.

Wondering if he would return.

Which felt antithetical to the natural of Hawkes.

One does not wait for fish or foxes or most wild things to come back.”

Why are the chords played and what do they mean?

Thoughts?

(UPNOwl has about four pages of notes on this one entry trying to work through it, but I thought I’d throw it out to see what the lionesses think.)

“My head was fuzzy and my feet tired - despite not having danced. And so, while the conversation turned from sport to Vienna, of all places, I wandered across the street to the fountain of my weeping Medusa and arrogant Perseus. Wholly unacceptable on any other occasion, I took off my shoes and stockings and sat on the edge of the fountain, my feet in the water.

The men, in a distracted manner, followed me, standing no ten feet away from where I sat.

And there we stayed, puddled by the fountain, I listening to the back and forth fall of the male voices, my fingers weaving through the water. At some point, my feet sufficiently wet, I turned and sat facing them.”

** Emma leaves Trewartha’s party after spending most of the evening in the company of Pierce and Islington and a portion in company of the Reprobates Ten, including Hawkes who leaves immediately after diner.

** Emma makes a decision to head to the fountain

** Pierce and Islington instinctively follow and stand less than ten feet away

** She TAKES OFF HER STOCKINGS in front of the men (admitting it’s unacceptable) and puts her feet in the water.
>> Tybalt’s Curtain - current funniest and fun take

** She then dips her hand and weaves her fingers through the water as well.

** Once “sufficiently wet”, she turns back to Pierce and Islington to find them discussing the Revels.

This is where my brain decided to take me this morning on my walk.

UNPOwl was stuck on the activity and image ….

Any thoughts ….

Disclaimer: Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPOwl)’s crazy theory was requested by the lionesses and pirates.

She assumes it’s for amusement and finds that an acceptable reason to share.

Theory: The anticipated Lapis Lazuli House fire will be as a result of an explosion caused by Emma — as the Fire element — in the aftermath of an intense emotional encounter.

There is a probability that this could occur after the highly anticipated Julius Caesar production.

This theory is based on seeing elemental reactions play out throughout the books (which needs its own post.)

The interactions between the “elements” and how we see it effect the environment around them is interesting, and not JUST BECAUSE UNPOwl’s husband is a Meterologist.

UNPOwl is going to focus on one “reaction” specific to Lapis Lazuli House.

After the corridor incident, Islington (Earth) and Emma (Fire) are both “fuming” on their way back to LLH.

The atmosphere is set for an “eruption.”

Once they arrive and ill Islington is taken upstairs …

There is an “explosion” in the kitchen pantry.

Earth exposed to intense Fire in an unstable atmosphere = a volcanic reaction.

So when the intensity of that elemental reaction reaches LLH, we see the response manifested as an explosion in the kitchen.

And that makes me wonder about the next “unstable” moment involving Emma (Fire).

Because the next explosion may not be metaphorical.

It could potentially involve the chemicals Pierce uses to develop his photographs.

U/Ahh-Islington posted this wonderful “think”:

“Vintage photographic plates used cellulose nitrate which was extremely flammable. Flammability of cellulose nitrates…The historically available photographic chemicals for 1880s England have a very low ignition temperature (212 F / 100 C — same as boiling water at sea level).”

That gave UNPOwl that brain zaps.

We have all been waiting the Julius Caesar production in Volume 9.

And particularly what the response would be if Islington or Hawkes plays Brutus opposite Emma as Portia.

If emotions Emma and “Brutus” has previously been unable — or unwilling — to recognize suddenly surface, how “stable” would our fire element be in the
aftermath?

Because if Emma were to return to LLH from Julius Caesar with the same emotional intensity she had after the corridor incident …

Especially if another element is ALSO similarly “intense.”

Well.

The atmosphere would already be set for a pretty spectacular explosion.

And, as smart Ahhsling has pointed out to us, there just happens to be a photographer’s darkroom full of highly flammable materials.

Of course, this entirely SPECULATION.

But, what else do we have to do while waiting but make up crazy scenarios for our own entertainment.

Have it lovelies!

Add on … rip it up … or laugh …

Whatever makes your day a better one!

Love you all.

UNPOwl.

Last night Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPOwl) was pondering the Stonecrop bonfire.

There is much to dissect in that entry.

One particular line kept zapping my brain.

(You know Owl likes the zaps.)

“Pierce kicked out the fire, pouring an untouched canteen of water over the embers.

Because is it SO much fun to over analyze everything written as if it ALL has purpose…

UNPOwl wonders.. Could this mean

That Pierce, once he begins healing and overcomes alcoholism (hopefully)

He will realize that Hawkes has feelings for Emma

Evidenced by how he dragged Pierce around for 3 days “gift shopping,”

Gives her books that make her cry … Says “Emma is pretty”

And also realizes that Emma needs Hawkes

Finds comfort when she’s distressed by curling up in his “star chair”

Loves his poetry, sermons, Shakespeare …

And maybe … if they end up playing opposite each other in Julius Caesar he see “sparks”

And also the fact his decision to not have children “came with the firmness or established decision.” (Per Emma)

And will step back for Hawkes (water) and putting out the “embers” of his and Emma’s attachment.

Being specific about using water … means something….

This is a quick “purge” as UNPOwl awaits her Starbucks …

Could be confusing…

apologies.

But GO AT IT and rip it up or add on!

Let’s have fun Lionesses and Pirates!

“Lion,” he said as we stood in the hall, “I am going to tell you something which might be presumptuous.”
A presumptuous Islington.
I awaited with a measure of glee.
“When we are at Stonecrop, Hawkes will forget himself. Meaning, he will allow more familiarity.” Islington was watching my face intently. “The intense camaraderie you sense in him now will rise to the surface, and the book of Hawkes might open, if slightly.”
The Book of Hawkes.
“But why does it sound like you’re issuing a warning?”

And there’s the question.

Why does Islington feel the need to warn Emma?

Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPO) can already anticipate the content of Hawkian answers.

But, I am particularly interested in the Islings and Piercettes take on this warning.

Happy Sunday All!

BIRDCALLS. 🐦** 🐦** **🐦 🐦 🐦 **

Aug 15
“And I looked and behold a pale horse; and his name that sat on home was Death, and Hell followed him…”. I quoted, strange words to speak aloud. The weight of his person, so companionable before, felt like a force of another kind. For one irrational moment, I wondered what stood before me. But the a bird call came. A few young boys ran across the street. And the shade that stalked him - whatever it was - passed. I was simply standing with Niall Pierce.

Oct 23
“In the graveyard. Alone. Standing in the end of October, with birdcall and grey clouds, aware of a man leaning against the shaded wall of the church, shovel at his side, ready to bury Maxwell’s body as soon as the lonely young woman could bear to leave it forever.”

Mar 7th.
“It was when the predawn birdcall began that I realized I’d fallen asleep on Hawkes’ shoulder.”

Mar 27th.
“Sounds of a birdcall …”. “Someone has arrived in a carriage. What on earth are Lord and Lady Braithewaite and their spawn, Victoria, doing at Lapis Lazuli

June 15
“It was not long before I heard something lower than birdcall, and smoother than the rustling of leaves above a woodland streamlet. It was the sound of Islington’s cello.”

June 18
“A few polite questions from Pierce’s mother, responses in kind from Islington. But their words dropped away. All sound did. With sunshine, and birdcall, and June all about, green and fresh like a painting, I heard nothing. Sound was lost the moment I watched Pierce, his arm around this woman, this stranger, looking like he utterly belonged to her, and yet seemingly prepared to defend himself against any number of ghosts.”

June 19
“This is why you said you don’t want children.” Unexpected relief—to ask a question I hadn’t recognised had been waiting in the wings so near the stage. “One reason I don’t care for the idea,” he replied. “There are others.” Was it incongruent to the moment, for me to notice the birdcall in the garden? But I did. And it loosened that which had turned our words too tightly.”

Also June 19: Emma to Islington: “Sunshine and birdcall, Islington. Nature’s medicine.”

June 26
“When I woke, it was in the stiff, invigorating cold of pre-dawn. A silver sky. Birdcall. The surrounding green sleepy and wise. My neck was aching and I was alone on the tower, left to find my way out of the maze. It took me over an hour.”

🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔
BELLS

Nov 1
All Saints Day. “They’re sound nearly identical to those from Maxwell’s burial.
Their clanging rang inside my heart sore chest.”

Dec 1
Bell sounds. Chime carrying up the stairs sounding likes “stars.”
Treasure Island arrives with a sky blue ribbon, deep blue cover and a lion card.

Dec. 10th
Emma decides to defy Eugenia and stay at LLH for Christmas.
She hears small bells like sleigh bells laying in bed. “Like magic"

Jan 5th
"This Oberon drank everything in his goblet, lifted it up, and threw it on the floor - the sound of bells as the glass shattered."

Feb 14th
“I wouldn’t want it to get wet, in any case.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” I answered sleepily.
Then the realization. “Wait, what? What do you mean?”
The bells from the church rang across St. Crispians.

Apr 26
"Mary bandied her agreement in a beautiful, piratical smile. And then she sank my ship. “You do realise the fall is just as far if you and Mr. Pierce take a misstep?” The bells of the church rang.”

March 2:
The duel: “I was brought to the end of a line of Reprobates and given a bell.“You see anyone who looks like Scotland Yard—“
“Scotland Yard?”“—Ring three times and run for it.”

&gt;>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
This is the list Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPO) agreed to start a few days ago.

It is by no means complete

So, you know the tasks Lionesses and Pirates

Send me the sightings like we’re stalking the Roman and I’ll update for us.

Unfortunately Named Putrid Owl (UNPO) has been mulling several chunk pieces of information where she was feeling

Short on “insight.”

One was how specific the color selection was of Emma’s initial wardrobe.

Morning Dresses

Pink (Emma)

Blue (Hawkes)

Silver (Pierce)

UNPO thinks this is representative of the fortune with Emma and the two possible paths to love

Day Dresses

Red (Emma - Fire)

Blue (Hawkes - Ocean/Water)

Grey (Pierce - Air/Atmosphere)

Green (Islington - Earth)

UNPO believes this represents the Alchemy

Then, this where UNPO became confused

Ball Gowns

Wine/Red

Green

Blue

GOLD….

No Silver/Grey.

Why Gold?

UNPO considered it meaning Pierce makes a transformation of some sort and moves from silver to gold.

But, that does not work with the idea of Alchemy where the four elements together make gold … not one specific element turning to gold.

So, UNPO was still baffled.

Until today when her brain had a ZAP.

The gowns are for the “ballroom."

An area that Pierce does not inhabit.

We know that Islington inhabits the ballroom/society

And his “colors” are Green and Red.

The first two colors of the ball gowns represent Islington.

That leaves us with Blue and Gold ..

And WHO do we know whose colors are blue and gold ….

HAWKES.

Theory: Hawkes does have an aristocratic linage … and could be found in a ballroom as a result.

Quite possibly … the dissolute viscount.

And the reason we see Eloise looking around for someone and being disappointed ….

UNPO has always wondered why the Reprobates chose this “sing off” on January 26th for Hawkes after the bench dedication.

Here’s a wonderful version with Angela Lansbury and Kevin Kline ….

And any thinks you may have to toss up.

UNPO started thinking about this and how much Emma has not shared with Pierce… compared to Islington and Hawkes.

Here’s the starter list you Lioness Pirates… help me complete it.

Event Pierce Islington Hawkes
Jane Eyre (Jack) Islington Hawkes

Fountain Islington Hawkes

Guardianship Islington Hawkes

Cleopatra shot Hawkes

Port Pierce (Hawkes? Archibald)

Maxwell Death Pierce Islington Hawkes

Maxwell Funeral Pierce Hawkes per Agnes

Notes in wall Pierce Islington(maybe)

Dancing Girl Islington Hawkes

Gambling Hell Hawkes

Jack Tea Hawkes

Bench sleeping Hawkes

Vision Hawkes

Sweet Pea Funeral Islington Hawkes

Kiss Pierce

MSD Ball Hawkes

Hawkes room Hawkes

Duel Hawkes

E of A Crowning ceremony Hawkes

May Day Article. Hawkes
****
What Islington things does the other two not know:

What other Pierce things

You know the assignment ….

To prepare for Volume 9/Julius Caesar. I thought this take on the Brutus Portia scene was well done.

At least UNPO enjoyed it.

And wondered what fun if Islington or Hawkes ended up as Brutus.

UNPO found herself amused with Emma’s first remark to Hawkes after the May Day fight.

“Do you still have all your teeth?” I asked.

Not your typical girly response.

It’s the sort of thing that indicates a little blood sport doesn’t deter her from ….maybe…

Being a match for someone who lives a life that’s, say,

Dangerous?

So, I’ve made a list of moments I believe indicate Emma is undaunted obey things that look or feel dangerous.

As always … the assignment is … keep it going….

Pierce attacked at Cleopatra
*Emma opens the door when she hears the word blood.
*Goes with Hawkes to the kitchen and help prepare wound care
*Follows Hawkes instructions. Does not pass out when he resets Pierce’s nose.
*Reprimands the group, lays down the rules including telling Hawkes “no disappearing” and goes to make tea.
*Sternly instructs Pierce he will be drinking tea when he ask for something less pedestrian.

Reprobates duel
* Emma actually attends and participates
* Is down beside Nightwatchman before Hawkes with her hand on the wound
*Simply wipes her hands on the grass afterwards
*Has the awareness to keep the bell silent as Hawkes pulls her to hide from the authorities
*Discovers blood on her boots the next morning

Hawkes May Day Fight
*Does not leave, watches the entire fight to Islington’s discomfort
*Stays after everyone else leaves
*First question, “Do you have all your teeth.”
*Refuses to let him disappear by holding his book hostage - “Clean up and come back.”

Pierce Nettles breakdown. (Encounter with stepfather)
*Initially tries to order Niall to stop.
*Physically throw herself in between him and the stepfather knocking him back.
*Talks quietly to him to get him to reset.
*Allows him to pull her down the road until she feels they are far enough along then throws herself in front of him again to get him to focus.
*Turns it over to Hawkes when she sees the anger rebuilding and realizes it’s a problem she cannot solve.

Deal with Jack to protect friends
*Dancing Girl
*Gambling Hell

Saving the maid
*Discovers the General is going to force his poor maid to jump in the freezing water to collect monies for his drinking group;.
*Decides to jump in the water herself to save the maid
*Almost drowns, then is rescues by Hawkes.
*Gets irritated with Hawkes when he tried to “attend” to her after by insisting they go to Islington’s to get near a fire asap.

Catching fainting Islington
*She catches Islington twice to keep him from hitting the floor.
*Regrets it later and wishes she’s let him fall to the floor because she feels she lost her “freedom”