Rachel’s mind had remained distracted the rest of the night. It had even prompted a response from Emily when she had gotten home. Rachel had then told her that she had broken up with Cruz a couple of days ago. Emily hadn’t responded in an “I told you so” manner or anything. As always, she reminded Rachel that she was there for her sister. 

But Rachel couldn’t stop thinking about about Luk. That moment before they left the ice cream parlor she had wanted more. She had needed more. It was odd, but she had thought him attractive and he seemed sensitive too. That was what she had needed now. 

Rachel woke up the next morning, no thoughts on studying again. She probably should - it had been a couple of days, but she was distracted still. She called Luk in the after noon to set up their meeting. ”Hey! It’s Rachel Shale - from last night. I’d love to show you around today if you have time. Meet me at the Sanctuary of the Ascendant Flame in an hour?”

If he agreed, she would be there. She wasn’t a worshipper and had no desire to do so, she just thought it was a good location to start their little tour.

Anonymous Donation of Rare Manuscripts of Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales to the National Museum of Denmark
In a remarkable and unexpected turn of events, three previously unknown manuscripts of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tales have been anonymously donated to the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the literary community, offering a new and exciting glimpse into the creative process of one of the world’s most famous authors.

A Rich Legacy
Hans Christian Andersen, born in Odense, Denmark in 1805, is internationally renowned for his fairy tales that have captured the imaginations of generations. Works such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Snow Queen, and Thumbelina have been translated into over 100 languages, making him one of the most important figures in the world of children's literature. Andersen’s unique ability to blend whimsy with poignant reflections on the human condition has cemented his place in literary history.

While many of Andersen’s fairy tales have been widely published and studied, the manuscripts of his works have always been viewed as treasures, with only a limited number surviving. Most of these works exist in the form of early handwritten drafts, notes, and journals, some of which have been carefully preserved in institutions across Denmark.

The Gift of Three Manuscripts
The three manuscripts, whose authenticity has been confirmed by experts, offer fresh insights into Andersen's creative development. The donation includes early drafts of fairy tales never before published in full, giving researchers a valuable window into the author's evolving ideas. While the contents of the manuscripts are still under review, initial reports suggest they contain previously unknown variations of well-known tales as well as new stories that may surprise even the most devoted fans of his work.

The manuscripts were handed over to the museum by a donor who requested to remain anonymous. The National Museum of Denmark has stated that the donation was made with the understanding that the manuscripts would be preserved, studied, and displayed in a way that would benefit the public and future generations of researchers.

“We are beyond thrilled to have received such an extraordinary gift,” said museum director, Anna Kjær. “Hans Christian Andersen is one of Denmark’s most important cultural icons, and these manuscripts represent an invaluable addition to our understanding of his work. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the donor and are committed to ensuring that these works are properly conserved and made accessible to the public.”

A Mysterious Donor
The anonymity of the donor has only added to the intrigue surrounding the donation. Speculation about the identity of the benefactor has been rampant, but the museum has emphasized that it will respect the donor’s wishes for privacy. Some believe the manuscripts may have been privately held by descendants of Andersen's acquaintances or possibly by collectors with an intimate knowledge of Danish literary history. Others suggest that the donor may simply wish to remain out of the spotlight, preferring to give the manuscripts to the nation without seeking recognition.

Regardless of the donor’s identity, the gift has sparked a renewed interest in Hans Christian Andersen’s work, both in Denmark and internationally. Literary scholars are already beginning to analyze the manuscripts, and the National Museum of Denmark plans to hold an exhibition dedicated to showcasing these new discoveries.

Future Implications
The impact of this donation extends far beyond the immediate excitement of receiving such rare manuscripts. The new works could change how scholars and readers alike interpret Andersen’s literary legacy. With these manuscripts, scholars may uncover new themes or explore alternative endings to familiar stories. They may also provide valuable context about Andersen’s personal life, struggles, and artistic journey.
In addition to its scholarly significance, the donation has the potential to bring greater attention to Hans Christian Andersen’s work and life in the 21st century. It highlights not only his enduring relevance as a writer but also the ongoing interest in preserving Denmark’s literary heritage. Visitors to the National Museum can look forward to a new chapter in the museum’s efforts to honor Andersen’s legacy, providing fresh perspectives for both seasoned admirers and new audiences alike.

Conclusion
The anonymous donation of three manuscripts by Hans Christian Andersen marks a historic moment for both Denmark and the world of literature. As the manuscripts are carefully studied, it is likely that new and exciting revelations about the life and work of one of the world’s greatest storytellers will continue to emerge. For now, we can only be grateful for the generosity of the donor and the invaluable addition to Denmark’s cultural heritage that has been made possible by this remarkable gift.

*Written by AI

Rachel sat at the bar in block one of Manifesto.  In reality, it wasn't a place she would normally go, but since last night, Rachel hadn't really been feeling normal.  She hadn't heard from Cruz since their break up, and she hadn't reached out.  He was probably out getting strung out on fear with his new "friends" and probably didn't want her in his life anymore.  It hurt - more than she cared to admit.  Emily and Jared had both tried to talk to her.  She had declined and they had surprisingly let her be.  She didn't know why. 

The thing was, Rachel knew there was some truth in what Cruz was doing.  She needed a little of that too.  She just felt the way he was going about it was way too risky.  He even mentioned it could get him killed.  She hadn't known how to respond to that besides coming to the conclusion that she didn't fit in his world anymore.  He didn't want her in his world anymore, and that's why it hurt so bad.  She was more than willing to make mistakes with him - but not like that.

Tonight she wore the red dress - the dress she hadn't worn the other night with Cruz.  She sat at the bar, nursing the same drink she had ordered when she had gotten here a half hour before.  She had asked for something strong, but hadn't drunk much of it, she just stared at it, her thoughts on the pain inside, hoping it would go away.  She had no idea how to go about fixing it.  Some men had asked her to dance, she had politely refused, but deep down she wanted it - she wanted someone to distract her from the heartache.

Rachel took another sip of the long island iced tea, his one a deeper pull.  She had been planning on just drinking, but even that wasn't distraction enough. She didn't know what she needed today.  She had never felt a heartache like this and knew drowning it in booze wasn't a good idea.  Maybe that's what kept her from chugging the drink in front of her and ordering a second.

Quote:11 → 4/10 S:14

Q: Start of a New Day (11)
(1d20+0: [13]+0 = 13)
Success

Hayden hadn't expected a second call from Elyse so soon. but it didn't surprise him either.  She was in a state and he was willing to be there for a friend.

The workers were almost done installing the tile to the bathrooms. It was a nice new look and he was happy with the work. When they left he grabbed his coat and took a cab to the address Elsye had sent him.  

It was strange walking up to a strange house in Moscow. In London it had been common place but this wasn't a hunt, or an interrogation either. This was a friend.

He knocked.

Elyse was alone at Anna’s place. For some reason she was not ready to go back home. But being alone with little to do kept her mind wandering. The business with her dad wasn’t really over. She owed Sage for work he had done. He had said they could discuss it after her father was dead. Elyse felt it was time to do so. 

I believe we have some business conclude. When would be a good time to discuss the price for your services.

Elyse would prefer to do this in person, but doubted Sage would want to do so.

No Casualties Reported as Structure Implodes Without Warning

Moscow – In a shocking and unexplained event yesterday afternoon, the Vaia Plus building, a towering symbol of innovation and progress in the heart of Moscow, collapsed without warning. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, thanks to a complete evacuation an hour before the incident, triggered by every fire alarm in the building going off simultaneously.

Witnesses described the scene as surreal. The 30-story structure began to shudder before seemingly collapsing inward, floor by floor, until nothing but rubble remained. However, the most bizarre accounts came from several bystanders who claimed they saw a glowing bubble of magma beneath the building moments before it rapidly cooled and solidified.

"It was like the ground itself melted," said Anya Petrov, a local shop owner who witnessed the collapse from across the street. "I swear I saw this red, molten bubble under the foundation, and then it just... froze. It looked like volcanic rock afterward."

Emergency services responded swiftly, but by the time they arrived, the spectacle was over, leaving a crater filled with hardened stone that bore a striking resemblance to volcanic basalt.

Authorities are baffled by the phenomenon. Geologists and engineers are on-site, attempting to determine what could have caused such an anomaly. "There is no volcanic activity in this region," stated Dr. Elena Sokolov, a leading geologist from Moscow State University. "This defies all known geological and structural principles."

The CEO of Vaia Plus, Dr. Issac Flynn, expressed his relief that no lives were lost and vowed to get to the bottom of the incident. "We evacuated as a precaution due to the fire alarms. Thank goodness we did," Flynn said in a public statement. "The safety of our employees is always our top priority. We will cooperate fully with investigators to understand how this happened."

Rumors have already begun circulating about the cause of the collapse, ranging from underground gas pockets to experimental technology gone awry. However, no evidence currently supports these theories. One of the more sensational rumors points to the involvement of Channelers—individuals capable of manipulating magical energies.

"People have always warned about the dangers of Channelers," said Nikolai Vetrov, a local resident. "Who’s to say one of them didn’t lose control of their powers? It would explain the fire alarms and that glowing magma. Magic is dangerous; it shouldn’t be practiced in populated areas."

While there is no official confirmation of any magical involvement, the rumors have sparked renewed debate about the regulation and safety of Channelers in urban environments.

City officials have cordoned off the area, and structural engineers are assessing nearby buildings for safety. In the meantime, Muscovites are left wondering what could have led to such an extraordinary event, and whether it could happen again.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge the public to avoid the site until further notice.

[written by ai]

Quote:10 → 2/10 S:7

It was very clear to Anna that something had changed. It was true that it was hard to read tone in texts, but Anna was getting very good at reading Elyse and her patterns. It was quite astonishing given how long they had been friends, but the pair had just clicked. It was a natural friendship and Anna was glad for that. It had really made her feel welcome and Moscow and had integrated her into Kallisti. 

Anna was sure Elyse was glad too. Their becoming friends had happened just before the issue with Elyse’s father had started. It had been a quick descent from the happy wolf girl to the brooding, depressed one. Then there had been the issue with Mae. Anna could tell Elyse and Mae were getting along fine, and Anna held no grudge against her friend’s ex-girlfriend, but it hadn’t helped Elyse either. Elyse had felt comfortable telling Anna of her thoughts of self-harm and Anna had done her part to quell that. The pair had daily talks - over the phone if it couldn’t be in person. Anna was sure that had helped keep her demons somewhat at bay. 

Anna’s wallet buzzed and she checked to see a message from Elyse. That was a relief. She hadn’t heard from her friend since she had sent the texts earlier that day. 

On my way to your place. I might be there awhile. I hope that isn’t inconvenient.

Anna frowned. Elyse had been in this kick for a bit - always thinking she was a burden. Anna knew where it came from though. As long as you need. My home is always open to you.”

Anna looked around. She had started cleaning when Elyse had told her she might be coming over. She hoped the organized space would help a little. She sat on her couch and wondered what had happened. She was worried about her friend.