Children of the Stones (A Review)

Welcome to the 2nd episode of Season 5. This time around, and back on Earth, we look at what some consider to be the apex of retro golden age kidult television.
We journey to Wiltshire and look at the making of one of teatimes greats which scared the children and fascinated the adults alike.
I bring to you, dear viewer HTV's Children of the Stones. Enjoy x
Due to some of the content in some of the programmes and the target audience this is for adults only and not for children. Some programmes are for mature audiences due to the nature of the content and ones without 18+ restrictions are best viewed by young persons of 13 years and upwards. Some of these documentaries are not for the prudish.
In this documentary series we take a look and another look and even a third glance (hypothetically speaking) of T.V programmes and Films with a 'cult' edge.
If they aren't cult currently then they should be !!
Each programme looks at the genesis of the programme or movie and a review - some are spoiler free - some are not. Even if you know the plot though it is welcoming to look at the series or movie again.
So what is it I hope for in my series ? Well it is my intention to share with you dear viewer my knowledge of things which I enjoy very much and I hope what is reviewed will inspire you to go and have a look for the programme or movie. Some you may have seen before - others may be truly novel.
That is it pure and simple - I don't want any financial rewards as I will be using snippets already copyrighted and this is damned cheeky - the knowing of sharing my knowledge with you is reward enough.
Don't forget to support the originators of copyright - so wonderful retro T.V and movies get to see the light of day.
I hope this acts as an inspiration for you to look...look and look again with me.
Every episode is a labour of love and it's only me that cobbles together that produces the work.
I hope you can also see the transformation as the series goes along.
Any constructive comments, criticisms and memories you have would be most welcome and if you love what I do hit like and subscribe.
Thank you to all the regular people that bite off this nugget of nostalgia and follow my little show.
Maybe you could suggest things for me to look...look and look again - please share them.
No infringement is intended - I am a novice to this and sometimes oblivious to the complex world of copyright but all clips and music are used in the faith of enhancing this review. On occasion one picture can be worth a 1000 words and can give you a feel of the show or movie reviewed.
Enjoy all the delights therein - Crab xx

[@IanAndrewDonnelly]

I played ‘Bob’ (The blonde kid in the green top) Shooting COTS in the long hot summer of 76 was great fun. Kate Levy and I went in to film ‘Follow Me’ for HTV the following year.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Oh Wow and you found my homage to this amazing series. I am so happy. I missed out on the hot Summer of '76 though still pop to Avebury. Fortunately it hasn't changed. Havent seen follow me so will dig about a bit and indulge. As you probably have gathered I love anything retro. Did you realise at the time how popular this series was going to be ? It has a cult following and deservedly so. Thanks for getting in touch. Really appreciate that. Very best crab 🦀

[@iancrosdale1165]

This was one of my favourites at the time and scared me outright.I had the nightmares just looking at that painting

[@brettlowton6961]

I feel privileged that I was just the right age when this was first broadcast. I was addicted to it right from episode one. I had it first on video when it was first released and now on DVD. How lucky we were that they produced children's TV programmes that didn't talk down to children. HTV were particularly good at producing TV shows for children that made you think. "Sky" and "Robin of Sherwood" both come to mind.

[@mikebasil4832]

Thanks to KZbin, I finally saw Children Of The Stones in this century. Very impressive example of how stone circles can serve sci-fi well. Good to see how it made a sci-fi star out of Gareth Thomas before Blake's 7. Thank you for your review.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

You're very welcome- glad you got to see an absolute classic.

[@robertgraves2321]

It took me a long time to actually see "Stone tape", although I knew about the theory. I was extremely impressed by the whole thing, (how many people remember Michael Bryant and Ian Cuthbertson?). Nigel Kneale was the man. Folk horror really gets me, the fields , hedgerows and old, silent places still hold their secrets. I was lucky, being born and growing up just when all this groovy stuff was reflected in the popular media. I mean before it all descended into shit. TV for the young was so different then, so less contrived. Like the kids on these programmes, we always had a "Haunted house" to explore, or someone claimed to have seen a "ghost" or "Creature" in the woods. There was mystery... I hardly watch TV anymore, I can't be arsed, but I thank you for these reminders of what once graced our screens.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Pleasure is all mine. I reflect your sentiments. Comedy died in about 2005, usic charts died about the same time and t.v has finally caught up. I thought it was an age thing but after speaking to colleagues and friends of the ages 15 - 40 they are also of the same opinion. At least we have Stranger Things but ironically the show is set in the 1980's and has a retro vibe . If we had time machines I doubt there would be very many left in 2022. Bar the idle rich and the white middle class liberal elite (woke) then they could have their world and to be honest - they would be entitled to it. I would be partying in 1970. Best 🦀

[@steampunker7]

My first introduction to this series was yonks ago when it was advertised on Nickelodeon as part of their "The Third Eye" line up. At the time I was far too young for it and even the promos creeped me out. I finally caught up with it recently (thank you KZbin) and after a quick binge, indeed found it both atmospheric and engaging. A little dated, of course. But I think that adds to its charm and unsettling undertones. It really is a good blend of scifi, mysticism and folk horror and I'm glad it's still remembered today.

[@Eltonlaleham]

This sci-fi series was awesome in billions of ways, and having Gareth Thomas Blake from B7 in it was also awesome in billions and trillions of ways and in 1977 I was 8 years old and I wish I had been born before 1969 preferably born in the early to mid 60s or even born in the 50s anytime instead of been born in the 60s.

[@robsawalker]

Totally agree with everything you say about this! I can't count how many times I have seen this; I remember being frightened by it as a kid and absolutely love it now. So much better than the dull crap they make now where brilliantly talented children get everything they want without any effort.

[@mw-hc3bt]

As I was only born this century, I came across this show simply as a lover of folk horror and sci-fi. god is it good! the characters dress exactly as my mum and uncles did when they were children. I grew up not far from avebury so despite its anachronistic feeling for me, I really adored it. If I would have watched that as a child it would have scared me shitless. thanks for the really top-tier video essay!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you so much for sharing that with me. Its great how such programmes invoke nostalgia too. Really appreciate your positive comment too. It makes what I do all the more worthwhile. 🦀

[@adrianhaythorne6008]

"A formidable weave of Science Fiction and Horror" - perfect description!

[@greenman6141]

Oh this is such a splendid video. It hits my personality spot right bang in the centre. Almost as if it were made just for me. Don't worry. I'm not nuts. Just enthusiastic. It was so interesting to know more background about the programme. So fortuitous that it was filmed in that particular summer. I wasn't living in the UK when it was broadcast, and, as it, rather incredibly, wasn't shown again, I did long to see it. (the UK is takes so lightly its amazing treasure chest of old TV Programming. Madness frankly. Almost criminal. And certainly short sighted from a financial standpoint.) KZbin is responsible for a lot of rubbish and some really vile people getting money for peddling hate and conspiracy , but when it enables me to see Children of the Stones, videos such as this, finally watch Penda's Fen and see those early 70s Ghost Stories for Christmas (especially A Warning for the Curious), so so much can be forgiven. Or maybe just willfully forgotten. Thank you so much for making and posting this.

[@screen_spirit740]

Just catching up with your review now. It brought back happy memories of watching this as a 10 year old in 1977. And of visiting Avebury many years later. Thank you for your hard work as always.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you screen spirit as always much appreciated. Xx

[@Moorandmist]

I’ve watched children of the stones twice in the last few years and I still have no idea what happens at the end 😂. I love it though!

[@js2749]

This is wonderful! Thank you so much for this. I love this series (got it on dvd, of course), and your voice is superb ❤

[@nononame113]

I'm old enough to have seen it on broadcast. Outstanding, not least because there were uncomfortable parallels with day-to-day life in 1977 [some of these issues were well covered in Penda's Fen, though I was far too young for that at the time]. Anyway, the BFI ought to put Children of the Stones out on blu-ray with all the extras it can muster: it's an all-time British classic. Top job again, Crab Apple.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you so much for your comment. I totally agree the BFI need to release this (as well as other HTV cult programmes) the dvd release is now discontinued and is, as discontinued dvd's are, exploited for financial gain. A restored package would be ideal. Thank goodness there are episodes on you tube. A true package would do thus cracking little series justice as they did with the changes. However with times as they are I wouldn't hold my breath as even Dr Who classics are slowing down with releases. Hopefully we will get to see it when times are better - whenever that will be I don't know as we haven't had normality since 2019. Let's hope so. 🦀

[@barrymurphy1337]

Another great vid Crabby, thank you. Its the eerie choral soundtrack music in this series that really used to 'shit me up' as a kid.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

You're welcome. I can see why. Keep cool. Best 🦀

[@-Pol-]

14:38 - See how brown the landscape is - That's how I remember great drought of 1976 - I would've been 9 years old then!. The series was broadcast in 1977 and I'm guessing the teachers must have enjoyed it too because we went all went there on a school field trip the following summer in 1978.

[@veritanuda]

Oh wow.. I watched this a year ago and yeah, loved it. I will forever remember the feeling as a pre teen watching John Mills as Quatermas and feeling fascinated at the idea of Stonehenge being an alien transportation hub. This series brought that wonder to me, albeit with a newer, more adult idea of spirits and other dimensions. Thanks for profiling it. I love it even when I have seen it myself because you bring much more depth to it than I could.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you for your comment. I am so pleased I bring another layer to these wonderful shows. Very best 🦀

[@jamesreid8840]

YES Sir creepiness at its best this was a special show the sounds and visuals were spot on ❤️ Keep up the good work Crab 🦀👍 Escape into night I can not remember for love and money but love the Dalek sounding voice I now have something else to track down 😉

[@bobmathews9072]

I love COTS although I missed it at the time as I was only 4 in ’77 . Interestingly 2 of the child actors , Kate Levy , who played Sanda , and Ian Donnelly , who played Bob , starred together in another HTV programme called “Follow Me” that was released in ’77 . I don’t know if you’ve seen the cult horror film “Halloween 3 : Season Of The Witch” but it bears a couple of interesting similarities with COTS . They both feature demented warlocks who harness the power of stone circles to further their nefarious plans . Obviously Cuthbertsons character “Hendrick” uses the Avebury circle to bend the villagers to his will , but in H3 , Dan O’Herliheys character “Cochran” uses chippings from a Stonehenge stone to carry out his mass murder sacrifice of the children of America . Maybe megalithic stones just have a tendency to attract nutters lol . Another interestingly little classic from that era worth watching is “The Changes”

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Hi, thanks for filling in a few gaps. I have never heard of 'follow me'. The changes I have reviewed as well so please hunt it down. I think you will enjoy it. Best always 🦀

[@IanAndrewDonnelly]

I’m so glad you enjoyed COTS! I can personally confirm both Kate Levy and I did indeed do ‘Follow Me’ together after COTS. It was also directed by Peter Graham-Scott in Bristol.

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

This tv series was on television at the time of others similar (that for me had...DR WHO vibes about them) there was also THE CHANGES on the bbc (about a force living in a cave that stops all machinery in Britain) slightly Hippy & environmentally concious for it's time. Also one about a sick girl that draws a house and a boy that come to life, then he annoys her & so she draws an enemy for him that won't go away Happy days

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

The series with the invalid child drawing pictures and journeying into other worlds was called 'Escape into Night'. I believe it was made into a movie in the 1980's called The Paperhouse in 1988. Wonderfully dark, wonderfully kidult. In an age when children were treated with the sense they have. Children love to be scared but not traumatised thats the difference. Unfortunately now scare and trauma are lumped into one thing in our era of kowtow.

[@johnbroadley1]

I'm old enough to have seen this when it was broadcast and remember how disturbing I found the opening titles and music. It was only in the early 2000s when these old series started appearing online as time-coded dvd-rs that I was able to exorcise the childhood memories, which also included a scratched, bleeding cheek on The Owl Service, and the strange voice in the quarry in The Changes. Great video and very interesting to hear that the music was inspired by Penderecki, who is used in the third season of Twin Peaks.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Wow - never knew that about Penderecki and Twin Peaks - thanks for filling in the gaps. Oh the early 2000's when the Internet was at its best (e.g non regulated and non-commercial) and dvd-r opened up a retro realm. I was an 80's/90's child. Video nasties changing from black and white to colour - despite the poorest quality this added to the forbidden fruit elements. Loved it. Halcyon days - despite our vintage we truly did experience the best times. Thank you for commenting 🦀.

[@Medraut00]

fantastic story! I watch 70s Wicker Man every May 1st and soon want to rewatch this afterwards

[@abdon1964]

Just found you, excellent, thank you😊

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Welcome aboard , enjoy my videos and thanks for commenting. 🦀🍏

[@npc3po301]

This puts me in mind of another HTV kidult classic 'The Clifton House Mystery', perhaps one you might consider for the future? (recent sub btw, fine work sir)

[@taker68]

Just re-watched it. I got sick of hearing "aw-ah!" constantly (worse if you binge the whole thing at once). Really good show, not sure I get the ending. Why is Hendrick an old man when his plan falls apart? When Prof. Brake first gets zapped by the stone at the end of part 1, Margaret seems to not react (making me think she was evil) & then she apparently dragged him unconscious back to his place on her own.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I think Hendrick had been 'kept' youthful by the energy but when things go awry he reverts back to his druid ancestor therefore bringing the archaic time forward to the 'then' present. As you rightly pointed out Margaret doesnt react - this could be an editing issue, purposefully done to make people think she was a wrong 'un or time frozen making her oblivious for a short duration before things carry on, she realises what's happening although not fully and rescues Brake. Those are my theories anyway. Thanks for your comment. Crab 🦀

[@ununun]

Wonderful retrospective. Thank you very much indeed. I hadn't watched Children of the Stones to any extent prior to purchasing the dvd approximately five years ago, in my mid-forties. I had rarely been so pleasantly surprised by the overall narrative and production quality of an older TV series. Solid as a - ahem - stone. I watched it all in one sitting, which is a very rare occurrence. I recently read its literary sequel Return to the Stones, which is a somewhat disappointing story despite it understandably resurrecting cyclical themes from 'Children' as strange events draw Matthew Brake and his American son back to Milbury, where Adam Brake now resides.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it. Best 🦀

[@vivienneandersson6019]

Crab, do you remember a LWT drama from about 1978/9 called Kids about an assessment centre for problem kids, one episode I particularly remember was about a boy called Liam who was on the game! I watched one episode on here, in the comments I asked if anyone knew where I can watch the other episodes please send your answers on a postcard to Thames Television Teddington lock Middlesex but no one got it.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

That is a new one to me. I must check it out. Possibly network DVD may release it at some stage ? I get the in joke there - similar to wood Lane. London, W12 8QT. 🦀

[@vivienneandersson6019]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN W12 8QT yes! x

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@vivienneandersson6019 and I think 01 811 8055 ?? 😆 🦀

[@pauljacques2133]

No excuses Crabby...I insist you review 1977's Raven staring Phil Daniels. Steeped in Arthurian legend and Earth mysteries. I hope you are well and thanks for your great channel.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I am good Mr J. Just writing for another channel on you tube which I am privileged to do. So you and other subscribers may wish to flick over when it's going live - more on that later. Well - I have Raven to view on my never ending pile. I hope to devour it real soon and share my thoughts with you all soon. Am going to look..look and look again at the adult film industry as the channel is well overdue an 'after dark' episode. I may very well, after a bit of sleaze, need more wholesome viewing so Raven might very well fit into it. It would also be good to see what Phil Daniels was like in his youth. Raven is seldom mentioned so a revival may be in order. Keep you posted.....Best Crab 🦀

[@pauljacques2133]

This is very exciting news crabby and I'm looking forward to your announcement… And also your naughty episode as I think a balance of degeneracy and saintliness is the sign of a genius… Looking at you Mr crab.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Totally - between you and me I am thinking of a programme dedicated to Radley Metzger or the top 10 adult films of all time. I am not sure yet on he format and the horrendous censorship now available on most channels based on the old chestnut of 'protecting children'. The problem is I see these films as more than blue movies and its frustrating I can't indulge my viewers with some of amazing sequences from these movies which would fall into the porn category when I see them as erotic art - I may have to see how far I can go on a patreon page for a true representation of what I want to visualise for my documentary. Metzger did some gems but I doubt others see it that way. Watch this space though. See what I come up with without getting banned. 🦀

[@pauljacques2133]

I'm embarrassed to admit crabby that the only work I've seen of Mr Metzgers is the cat and canary… So once again you're educating me big time and I can't wait to see what you come up with… Really good luck but also be careful of the Po faced police that might give your channel a hard time… That's the last thing I'd want to see.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Metzger is awesome- he adopted the name Henry Paris and worked with some of the finest adult stars of the time - check out The Opening of Misty Beethoven, Naked Came the Stranger and The Private Afternoons of Pamela Mann for starters. As well as one of my favourite films The Image , which I have reviewed on this channel. As you say I will have to edit them cautiously as my Emnuelle Nera and Diversions reviews on here. Ironically the more risqué on my channel have seen 50k views. Proving even in 2020's sex sells. It always does and always will. I would love to review a French 1975 film called Pussy Talk - another hardcore gem but how could I possibly review a movie about a talking mimsy without showing it. It annoys me that an 18 rated version of a programmeon here cannot show 18 rated material. You tube should split and have its children channel , this one for 13-17 and an 18+ for more explicit content not to become another Xtube but adult material for adults as currently we have 18 rated material as long as its disneyfied and that simply does not work. It would be lovely to have that option. 🦀

[@parkjv1]

I wonder if the author of Outlander wrote her books based on the concepts of this show?

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Quite possibly as most things influence another. I know she was influenced by Dr Who hence the name Jamie Fraser as she liked the second doctors companion so much. It wouldnt surprise me though. 🦀

[@davidbeattie6526]

Classic - warped my little mind :D

[@princesshassim6009]

Hello Hon. As you can see i'm keeping an eye on your channel even though sometimes a little late due to outside circumstance. Yes i remember this show even though i didn't watch it and have never seen it. Looking at this though i can see it may really be pretty good. In fact, it would not have taken much to make it more adult and shove it on at 7pm...i only mention this because looking at it now i really can see it's potential to have been a real audience-grabber and to be honest by 1977, things were beginning to slow down a bit. Patrick Dromgoole used to work for ITC and really knew his stuff as well as being loaded up with good connections to get a show really online. A great plot, excellant cast and good location work - this is the sort of thing that been sorely lacking since, both in TV and films. But of course back then productions were made mostly to entertain and make money on the side rather than the other way around as since the 1980's. You're such a talented Historian and producer hon...if you ever get stuck for subjects to cover just let me know. However, in the meantime i look forward to you continue to dazzle and educate me with such well-made segements as this. I really cannot say how your featurettes have put a smile on my face. Take Care for now. Your friend, Princess.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Hi Princess - great to hear from you again and to fill out a few more blanks in our odyssey of cult, retro programming. I am also glad you continue to enjoy the reviews which triggers nostalgia and also helps us all remember 'better' times. I wholeheartedly agree with you about about these programmes being fit for adult audiences too. I think the way programming struck a balance between child friendly and maturity was a fantastic skill and something lost as people like to put things in boxes now for their own benefit where to produce something for every age range without being patronising is a difficult skill to master. Children do like to be scared but not to damage them as Patrick Dromgoole said - what we have now is not to scare them at all. It's like a fairground ride - you know nothing bad will happen to you but there is still the fun of thinking that there maybe. I can remember watching the howling when I was about 5 or 6 and was frightened to go upstairs for a while as I firmly believed a werewolf was under the bed. I soon grew out of it but the buzz in that belief was as equally frightening as exciting. The danger of not exposing the audience to horror is that you will have a very naieve culture and when something does whack them - by god it leaves a scar. Am reviewing for another channel currently - the first time ever so I will let you know when that's up on there and give you the link. This channel will always remain but to expand a bit would be good and reach others to expand our knowledge and keep the cult flag flying. As always am open to reviews though have many stacked up. Here's to enlightenment and the ever importance of friendship in whatever format. You take care and will be in touch very soon. 🦀 xx

[@princesshassim6009]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN Thanks for the update. I'm sorry i never acknowledged at the time ...i've just had a load of things on my mind hon. Coming back to England now on October 5th and will be in Brighton for 2 weeks and after that, well i don't know. But again i thank you for all you have done for me and us coming together as kindred spirits really warmed me up. I promise i won't go too far as the warmth i get from this channel and your personal input is just too much for me to lose lol. I guess we compliment each other. Go well and good luck till we meet again hon. MWAH X

[@Ronindennis]

Hahaha, Dead Can Dance could have been a great soundtrack to this series.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Love DCD have used them in the background of many a review. The opening of Worlds Beyond/West Country Tales review I popped in a track. Within in the Realms of a Dieing Sun is a masterpiece IMHO. 🦀

[@Ronindennis]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN They're all bangers! Great videos, going to pop over more often.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@Ronindennis please do - theres plenty here. Fill your boots. 🦀

[@garybryant1501]

Stones and Giant Rats had a renaissance in the late 70s tv And this was wasted on the children slot could have been shown in the Armchair Thriller slot and would have been done well

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

It was certainly grown up for a t.v show. Love it. Think it's the only show that I haven't heard anyway say they didn't like. It has a magic quality about it like the stones themselves.

[@garybryant1501]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN Stones Mythology has a strong pull on Humans with it's pagan connection and it's anyways eerie when natural becomes supernatural

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@garybryant1501 I have been there many times. The pictures of the stones were taken by me moons ago. Me and my mates were always down there. Awesome place. Very special to me. 🦀

[@garybryant1501]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN I think that's why the Gorgon legend is terrifying because it's us becoming stone so I believe there's something deep within our psychology concerning Stones plus humans love of precious stones 🤔

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@garybryant1501 a possible primal blueprint that has resonated all throught our millenias am thinking 🤔 🦀

[@jessikamccowan]

All I will say is, stay away from them stones

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I have been to where it was filmed and it is beautiful but unfortunately there was no portal to another dimension. Best 🦀🍏

[@user-fu1cj4fc7o]

Thought it was called children got Stoned 😂

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@user-fu1cj4fc7o That may be what the producers were when they made it. Glorious 70's - weirdness, wonder and weed.

[@user-fu1cj4fc7o]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN remindes me of whicker Man with Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@user-fu1cj4fc7o one of the best british horror films ever made.

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

What an annoying voice over.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Then turn the sound down and just watch the images.

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN No; I'll just watch the original without the prattling.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@StephenLyons-tl8ie Good idea. Enjoy. It's a wonderful series.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

I picture Crab Apple 🍎🍏 with a snifter of fine Auvergne Brandy in his old Victorian estate in his old Victorian home in his old Victorian library that looks out onto the Garden, sitting by the high crackling fireplace, peering at old Eldritch scrolls with his Karnataka mahogany- handled magnifying glass, while casting his black dice upon the oak playing board, inscribed with strange, indecipherable symbols and characters from a long forgotten (or: never-did-exist, did-it?) language- his walking staff leaning at at 45° angle upon his old saffron cloak, bestowed upon him years ago one early fall evening by an old Slavonic conjuror woman he came upon just after sunset while traveling in the Great Woods within the pure Blackness (of both mood, colour, and moral alignment) of the Welsh Marches, outside of Carmarthen.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Why thank you, Lock - except the cloak is amethyst, and the library also features the biggest collection of antiquities, including a real genie in a bottle called Ishmael. My dwelling is where past, present, and future meet - a crossroads formed by the dreams alchemists - unlocked by the lines of my palm and arameic whispers. Thank you. Good to hear from you again. 🦀