iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

I find it intriguing to observe the different ways people see others *almost to themself, they add quietly* much more so when it is happening outside of my mind. *Not being sure how to interpret Laithrûn's (mst people's) expression, they hesitate* Is it incorrect, to be interested in this?

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Then I would be very happy for this to be so *words, more than ever, seem inadequate to express all they feel. So inadequate that, for the moment at least, they abandon the attempt to explain any further and instead turn to hug him again*

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

*Estel had but spoken the truth; nonetheless they are pleased that their friend has liked what they had to say* *Their eyes widen - another physical response that happened without them thinking of it* We can? That is, is this something we can do? It would be perfectly wonderful, if it was so.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Now I am wondering (*they first glance to make sure none nearby can hear*) what manner of things people here might say at such times - in comparison to what I have observed in other places. But you need not say more, if you do not wish to.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

I had thought so before - about seeing sides. I did not think of it applying to questions they ask me 🤔 *Estel nods as they mentally draw an equivalent from their own observations in another place and time*

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

*to Laithrûn's question, they offer their opinion* From what I have observed, it is because the majority of the peoples of this world have been indoctrinated into the idea that all that is good comes from what they call “the light” and that anything comes from the light must be “good”

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Mysterious I may be, whether I mean it or not *they respond to Adar* in this case, however, there is no mystery - I simply do not possess what you might call “a sense of direction” +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

You are very most welcome, my dear *Estel smiles at Laithrûn with a depth of warmth they themself are not entirely aware of showing in their voice* *Turning slightly when Squeak speaks, they remark* why not grow them at your cottage, and bring them to Minas Morgul when they are ready? +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Absolutely, and the more tired etc we are the easier it is to autopilot and not realise until later

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

💜 Tired brain switches to muscle memory in my experience (of typing the wrong pronouns multiple times because I was tired-writing something with several characters using neopronouns)

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

*Estel's gaze lingers on Laithrûn a moment or two longer, before they turn to answer Adar, with a fond chuckle* My dear, you ought to know better by now than to ask me "where?" anything is. I heard talk of orange sellers and, recalling I had seen such a place, I went there ^_^

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Or they think they are asking a simple question, not realising most questions have more sides than they realise ^ ^ *Estel nods* What sort of theoreticals do you enjoy? *with friendly curiosity*

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Very much so, just when I am thinking "this is how people do this", I am learning that others do not do this. *shrugs* It is expecially difficult when the rules do not seem logical to me. *Estel smiles warmly* I am also biased, then, because I believe Uruks are the very best people I know ^_^

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

They are indeed *answering Laithrûn with a smile* I thought, as I recalled where to get them, it would be a pleasant thing for us all to try them. I believe the traditional way of eating them is to either remove the outside or else cut it into pieces so the soft inside can be eaten from it.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

You may certainly try it, if you would like, though I am not sure you will. *The first hint of Estel's presence is their voice from among the resting horses. When one is able to glimpse them amongst the animals, it seems that 'it' is the contents of a basket they are carrying*

stock photo of a woven basket full of oranges https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-basket-oranges-image13841836

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I shall take your word on the eyes, as I have not been using them for very long *it occurs to Estel that, despite the truth of how brief an acquaintance they have had with each other, there are many things for which they would trust Laithrûn's word* What I am now seeing, myself, I am knowing still

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Exactly so. I have seen many different kinds of people and many of them communicate their way of living and thinking about things like this - by raising their offspring with the example of their own life. But those of us who come from outside the groups, can only observe from the outside.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I am always giving straight answers, when people are asking 'straight' questions *their eyes crinkle with amusement* Falling into the theoretical is a pitfall of my conversations *they smile* I have considered whether a, what is it called, a warning label? may be necessary 🤔

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Happy crunchy leaf season to all who celebrate 🧡

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

No one who knows me would suspect me of not wanting to talk, I am sure *chuckling* Just now though, I think I am more curious about dancing - do your people have dancing for occasions like this?

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I think I have made it sound as though I did not believe you are capable of such things? This was not my intention. I have been used to classify groups of people by what discoveries in *they smile* logic and engineering they have made. For many reasons, your world is difficult to pinpoint in this.

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Pusheen @pusheen.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

💗 🏕️ 🍫

Pusheen peeks out of a yellow camping tent. She is in a forest with wildflowers and trees.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

That is seeming like a sensible approach to me *Estel observes thoughtfully*At least if one is knowing how to see these signs - or make them, for that matter *nods* In the end, decisions are usually things we have to make for ourselves, but I do thank you very much for talking with me about things

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

*Estel nods understandingly* Yes, I am always thinking about things and they are being very complicated - especially things like this, which I am thinking most people are learning without knowing they are learning it, while they are young.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

*It fades as they take in the Moriondo's last words, and they nod slightly* It is something oen does seem to be able to see in others, when one has know it themself, does it not?

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I might further remark on the meaning of certain words - language being of great interest to me - but perhaps that might be boring? *with a slight smile playing around their lips.* +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

That is one of the most fascinating things about meeting people, and knowing them better. One does not learn it all at once, and one can never quite know all of them. *lightly curling their fingers around Laithrûn's as their friend finishes tending to the slight wound* +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

*Estel claps their hands in delight* It is most clever, indeed, my friend! Is this water you are heating yourself, or have you found a way to access the water that is already hot? I did not know people here had learned how to do either, except to use the hot waters that already lie above the ground

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Maemster 🐹 @lomionart.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

#MirielWeek Míriel and Nimloth; vaguely fitting the "Sea is always right" theme of today as it speaks to the Númenorean belief system and as part of the Faithful Míriel had a special connection to the tree

Miriel tends to Nimloth (tree with white petals)

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

A patch of ground covered in small pieces of crystal - each one reflecting a myriad of colours. Above it, here caught motionless, glides a shape whose closest analogues in Middle-earth would be something like a lizard with the membranous wings of a bat, stretched from forelimb to hindlimb.*

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

*they study the fire for a moment then reach forward and do something that looks like scooping some of the flame into their hands. With both hands, they make this into lines that form a picture - an outline at first, then light shades of colour, just enough to make the shapes distinguishable. +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

You are correct, my friend, these were not the Men of your world of whom I speak, nor are they of any world that might lie within what you call Eä. If only I could draw, I could show you what they look like... but perhaps there is a way that I can do this. +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

*Estel shakes their head, imperceptibly, when Adar mentions humans, but remains silent until their friends have finished speaking among themselves. As Laithrûn was the one to ask, Estel turns a little to face them* +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

I was making a joke 🫣 Not a very good one lol but it amused me ^^

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Maemster 🐹 @lomionart.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

#TolkienTuesday - The way of the wild Taur-im-Duinath, the dark and gloomy forest where the Eldar didn't dare wander, but the Moriquendi did Here you have Laikāilin (aka Laithrûn now), and their partners Lisyā and Nolion enter the dark forest #AmonHen #ArtChallenge #SilmarillionArt #Avari #OC

Three Dark Elves entering a dark and gloomy forest. One has flaming red hair, the elleth on the middle is black haired and the ellon on the right has white hair

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Interestingly "nothing, so far" is indeed the answer to what my name was when I first came here 🤔 I would appreciate if you could please refrain from dying; it would make me very sad :(

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

I did not realise until I was replying that there were more than two photos! It's gorgeous, and it sounds like a fantastic time <3

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Me reading the alt text before I squint at the photo: what's a horse going to do with a human skull? me looking at the picture: oh it's the reverse Mari Lwd* (*if you do not already know what this is, don't google if you don't want to see real horse skulls)

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Everyone liking and being interested in the same things sounds as though it would be very peaceful - if it was natural to feel this way. Whereas if it was, for instance, imposed by some outside source, then it would not only be boring but also untenable for at least some of those experiencing it.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

*returning to Laithrûn's first question/statement, which they have been considering while they responded to their other words, Estel now remarks* Whether or not people found sameness boring would, I think, depend on if they craved difference. +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

*nods* This is why I am never taking it personally when people fall asleep - tiredness is also a thing that happens very often. "With a slight, puzzled, frown* That does not seem particularly cryptic, to me? Are Elves required to be? I did not know about this 🤔 +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

*they pause, recalling some couples they have observed* One cannot -always- know how another is feeling about them, regardless of what those feelings may be. Does one simply not speak out, or does one take the chance that the other person has also been trying to guess what they are feeling?

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

What about you? *with friendly curiosity* That is, if you do not mind speaking of such things - do you have a preference between the two options? One should, of course, be sure of one's own feelings before speaking, but it seems to me that one cannot... +

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Of course I was thinking of you when I said 'friends' ^_^ *Estel tilts their head a little, so they can see his face* Yes *they agree* that is what Mim was telling me, about kissing friends. But I am not certain what the feeling your face is making means... perhaps I should not have said this?

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

(ooc: I am doing all of us a favour (myself included) by not trying to fit my replies into the character limit 🫣 I have numbered the text just in case my screenshot order is switched :))

(1)
*For the sake of Adar, and Maeglin, Estel is glad when they move on from Squeak's story.

Talion's is new to them, though in a very general way they have been aware of both the entity he speaks of, and the village she watches over.

They do, as they listen, wonder why a group of Uruks and Men should need a Dwarf to lead them, but think that perhaps there is more to the story that they do not know.

As this is a time for telling stories, they refrain from offering to explain "the convergence of dimensions and timelines".

(Despite this being something they could speak on at length)

The art he speaks of, of itself, does not especially interest Estel - but they see what reactions their friends have and are intrigued.

Of equal interest is the story Maeglin tells of his friend, the mole.*

(2)
That is a very good way to remember a dear friend.

It is most fascinating to learn about the ways people - and peoples - name themselves.

It reminds me of a story I know; those who lived on the world it comes from called themselves 🎶 🎶🎶 🎶 *the sound they produce is somewhere between a whistle and a hum, and carries a definite sense that the gaps between are notes that even those with the sharpest hearing cannot perceive*

This is meaning, more or less, 'The People of the Three Suns'

The People have a story they tell, when their children ask why this is their name.

It begins: Far away, and long ago...

There was the world, and around the world three stars danced their timeless dance.

The world was not young, when life came to be upon it, and it took many more years - for the stars, you see, were somewhat absorbed in the beauty and grandeur of themselves and so did not at once notice the life that flourished beneath, and because, of them.

The People were born and lived and died for many generations, nourished by and giving worship to the Three Suns.

(3)
It was this worship that drew the Suns' attention to that which passed so quickly before their consciousness. They came to know that they were beloved of the People, and they were very proud to know this.

Many more generations passed, in which the Suns - the People's very source of life - grew ever more proud that they had brought the People to be.

And, as does happen, their pride became jealousy because each of them began to believe that -they- were the most beloved of the People and so should be the only ones to be worshipped.

But how to tell the people this, when they were so far above them and lived so slowly in comparison that it would be impossible to hold converse with them?

This caused much argument, and the People were born and lived and died and knew not what fierce language passed between those who were beloved - for the Suns gave life to the people.

The Suns, in observing, had learned much of the People - even at their great distance from them - for, you know, a star sees many things that those who live upon a world do not, just as the People know many things that a star, even when it is a SUn, does not.

They learned when the spark of life comes to be within the people, and decided they must live among them for a time that they might know which of them was loved most dearly.

The People did not know this, in the beginning, because the bodies of the stars remained in the sky and it seemed to make no difference that the hearts of the Suns were no longer there.

(4)
The Suns lived many years as part of the People - never revealing who they were - and each came to realise that all three of them were equally beloved by the People.

One, who had grown to love the People as much as they loved the Suns, was pleased to know this and would have returned to their place in the dance of the heavens with a glad heart, did they not feel compelled to first seek their kindred that they all might return together.

No one knows if they regret this decision; the People may love a Sun, and the Sun love the People, yet there is nowhere the two might truly meet.

This Sun, still as one of the People, travelled until they found their kin - frozen, somewhow, they thought until they realised that the two were locked in combat. Neither able to yield to the other, they were so equals that this prevented either from doing anything but to pit themself against the other.

Plead as they might, the third Sun could not convince them to end their conflict.

Heavy with sorrow, their heart returned alone to the sky, where they - wishing to preserve the life of the People, who could not survive without all of the Suns - became one with the bodies of the other two, whose hearts remain forever frozen.

And this is why the Sun never shines any more upon the stretch of land where two of the People, who carry within in them the heart of a Sun, stand frozen in time.

And this is why they are called 'The People of the Three Suns', in memory of that which is beloved, and is no more.

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

*Estel just grins back at him* Oh, yes, cleaning *they had noy really noticed the clay until Maeglin's comment* So far *smiling* the closest I have come to the bath was sampling the water. I usually just... *thinking for a moment* don't get dirty. But the bath has always looked quite pleasant ☺️

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Estel @estel-cat.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

If we are thinking of the same occasion then they were frogs, not toads. *pauses* well, they were frogs -before- Squeak transformed them into glitter. Which may or may not have been more evil than is usual for glitter, I never did work that one out 🤔

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