[ordering Cake Over The Phone]And What Would You Like The Cake To Say?

[ordering cake over the phone] “And what would you like the cake to say?”

Matthias: [covers phone to ask Cornflower] Matthias: Do we want a talking cake?

Thinking about the waisted queer potential of Rakkety Tam again.

Here’s the thing, there are plenty of relationships that could be read as queer throughout the Redwall series.

You have your classics, like whatever Rufe Brush/Durry Quill/Fatch have going on, then you have Piknim/Craklyn, Joseph/Finnbarr, and many more. And of course, we have the infamous Rakkety Tam/Wild Doogy Plum and Brookflow/Armel in Rakkety Tam.

The think about Rakkety Tam though is out of all of those, it’s the only one that interrupts those parings with a heterosexual love interest. This bothers me, for the sole reason that in the face of such well founded, well written friendships, Tam and Armel’s lack of a foundation for their relationship becomes incredibly apparent. On paper, I think they’re cute.

But then you have Brooky and Armel, who were childhood friends. Brooky, who comforts Armel, and Armel who delights in Brooky’s humor instead of being annoyed by it. They comfort and support each other.

And Tam and Doogy? They met on the road, young warriors, and have been together ever since. They know each other like the back of their paws. They’ve chosen each other again and again.

And what is basis for Tam and Armel’s relationship? She’s a girl, he’s a boy, they’re both squirrels. She needs protecting, he knows how to fight. As compelling as this romance is, I think it could have been better.

Both have much better romantic chemistry with their friends. Then there are the little things.

When Tam and Doogy are trapped in the guardhouse at the beginning, it’s specifically describes them putting on their clothes. WHY WERE THEY OFF? WERE YOU DOING IT IN THE GUARDHOUSE?? YOUR FRIEND IS RIGHT OUTSIDE YOU HEATHENS. THINK OF HIS EARS.

Plus I don’t think Brookflow could be classified as heterosexual by anyone.

That being said, Brian Jacques is such a good writer, I always think the Tam/Armel is cute while I’m reading it. It’s after when I go back to thinking it doesn’t make one lick of sense

Cluny: *points sword at Abbot Mortimer* Abbot Mortimer: I don't believe in weapons. Cluny: Well, trust me, they're very real.

Tess: Who knew getting in trouble would be so impossible? I gotta give you credit, Matti. You make it look easy. Mattimeo: Years of practice.

Another joint commission for @KelchanFerret and @FiligreeMouse featuring their mouse adventurers getting into trouble with another large predator, this time a python. Art © me. Filigree © FiligreeMouse

Aaron and Ilona © KelchanFerret

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