Unplugged

CH 32 — Vallens

Sienna Eggler

16 Jan 2026 — 7 min read

Watching Eisbaer work Local provided some entertainment, as Vallens settled ver own affairs and prepared to make the trek downstairs. This wasn’t that kind of inn (or hardly one deserving the name), but it lacked a dumbwaiter, a handy little chute through which guests could dump their dishes. Like a laundry chute, but it didn’t make its stop in a bundle of dirty linens and clothes in some decrepit basement.

Warm, moderately fed, and restless, Vallens gathered ver things and cracked ver door. While Eisbaer chatted away, other guests made their descent, though one person lingered in the hall, nestled in a comfy nook with a book big and heavy enough to kill a small child or frail adult. The bookworm didn’t look up when Vallens passed them. Probably an NPC.

Three mugs of hot cocoa, with chocolate on the rim, heavy foam, and cinnamon sticks

CH 31 — Eisbaer

Mama was a kindly old bear, blind in one eye, and much smaller than Eddie (her son?). Eisbaer only doubted blood ties due to Mama’s light brown fur and small stature. Not that the logistics mattered here. “Ohh looka dere,” Mama said, shuffling around the counter. “Let Mama get

A darkened restaurant, the only source of light coming from a sign that reads "Tim's Diner".

Winter Stories 4 - Moira

Cutting Ties With Amazon

I started the new year by removing my ebooks, and later, my paperbacks from the site. This wasn't a spur of the moment thing for me; I've been thinking about jumping ship for a few years now, but was wary of cutting off that income stream.