An Interview With Tamlin

An Interview with Tamlin

If our beloved Tam could speak for himself in our times. As told by positivelyruined for @tamlinweek 2024

Question One — How does the flack from the entire fandom and the world at large genuinely make you feel?

Tamlin sighed and rubbed his temples, “Well, it isn’t pleasant. There are things I’ve read that do give me the urge to track down certain people and transform them into cockroaches; but I think if I were to summarize it, it would be something like, ‘characters are people too.’ Despite our controversies, we do all have feelings. I think that deserves a modicum of respect, don’t you?”

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Question Two — What are your thoughts on SJM and the way she’s written your story?

Tamlin bites his lip and scratches his neck, shuddering to himself. “Here’s the thing…Sarah and I — we used to be friends. Once, long ago; I can’t say that now. In Pyrthian this sort of thing would be handled with a duel over my honor; but perhaps in your world it’s more familiar as…death of the author? I think I heard that phrase somewhere. She and I are no longer on speaking terms. I would truly consider her dead to me.”

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Question Three — Considering you have described your author as dead to you, would you now call yourself a free man?

Tamlin laughed wryly. “Quite honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever live down the damage that was done to my character. There are people out for blood. I’d honestly say it was one of my worst fears to have someone else shapeshift into me and commit crimes. Now, I’m living in that reality. I feel glad that there isn’t a fictional character incarceration program, because otherwise I’d certainly be living there. No — I am definitely not a free man, and I will be content to live the rest of my life as a hermit.”

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Question Four — What can a person do to attract your attention?

He snickered. “By the cauldron, they could start by using my name correctly or generally not referring to me as a feminine hygiene product. Your lordship, or your highness is always appreciated…but for now, I would honestly settle for people just getting my name right.”

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Question Five — People are saying Feyre never loved you and you never loved her. Do you have a response to that?

“I think it says a lot to be willing to sacrifice your life, for someone, doesn’t it?” He softened. “I always believed Feyre was my mate, but I still offered her the opportunity to go — to be safe. She came back for me. Right now…I would do anything to have her here with me; but there are times even giving your all just isn’t enough. All I can do is pray that she is happy. Thorns and all.”

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Question Six — Do you have any fears that you would consider irrational?

Tamlin nods grimly. “Yeesh — caves, attics, any other place inhabited by flying rodents. Whoever decided that rats deserve wings needs a serious reality check.”

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Question Seven — Have you ever been confused with another celebrity?

The High Lord shrugs. “People say I look like several people like Toby Regobo, Luke Eyesner, Legolass — although I’d like to think myself fairly unique. Pretty much, I’m the tall blonde one with an unpredictable face. It is a nice way to remain anonymous.”

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Question Eight — Growing up, what were your favorite childhood games?

“Hide and seek, obviously.” He answers. “With enough practice, I learned how to shapeshift into objects. I was gone for nine hours once. People didn’t notice until they ran into a stepstool that complained about being kicked. It still felt like I won that game — although my brothers would have said otherwise.”

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Question Nine — What do you look forward to in the future? What do you dread?

“Ah. Peace and quiet. The next Autumn festival. Fresh blueberries, and perhaps a nice nap in the sun.” Tamlin smiled, slowly. “What do I dread? Ever having to do this again, and the asparagus that Alis always cooks on Friday.”

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Question Ten — If you could tell your audience anything, what would that be?

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all.” He said, then paused to reconsider. “Also, pay attention to what you read. It is all too easy to let another's thoughts become your own. You have a brain. Use it.”

Day 7

Last limerick for @tamlinweek

Tamlin, Lord of Spring, oh so daring,

Courting humans, vile curse was so wearing.

The formidable huntress,

That critical conquest,

But, alas, "Your hair's clean," he's declaring.

IN-DEPTH HEADCANON QUESTIONS * inspired by genetic traits that might be passed through dna

does your muse like the taste of cilantro/coriander, or are they part of the roughly 20% of people that think it tastes like soap?

does your muse consume more caffeine or less caffeine than the average person? how do they typically consume it?

does your muse have a cleft chin? is this trait visible in their parents?

does your muse love to dance, or would they rather avoid dancing altogether?

is your muse's ring finger longer or shorter than their pointer/index finger?

does your muse have freckles? if so, where are they placed? does your muse like their freckles, or wish they had some?

does your muse have a birthmark? if so, where, and what does it look like?

does your muse get "hangry" when they haven't eaten in a while?

would your muse consider themselves an extrovert or an introvert?

is your muse a morning person or a night person?

is your muse a particularly picky eater? what foods do they refuse to eat?

when your muse wakes up in the morning, do they remember their dreams, or completely forget them?

does your muse play a musical instrument? did they play one at some point?

would you say your muse is a risk taker, or do they prefer to play it safe?

what are your muse's thoughts on spicy foods?

what are your muse's thoughts on sweet foods?

what are your muse's thoughts on dairy products? do they have an intolerance?

is your muse a habitual nap-taker? how often do they take naps? how long do their naps usually last?

does your muse's face get flushed after they drink alcohol?

what type of hair do they have? how thick is their hair? do they like the way their hair looks and feels?

is your muse more of an endurance runner, or are they better at short sprints?

Tamlin had ringlets as a child, prove me wrong

This is my contribution to Tamlin week

@tamlinweek

“It’s really brave, you know.” Lucien continued. “Being willing to try again. After so long.”

Tamlin winced, running his hands through his hair. “Trying means nothing if you can barely speak. She’s more likely to open up to you than to me. Face it — Luci, I’m a lost cause.”

“You talk to me.” Lucien shrugged. “How can it really be that different?”

“You…are my friend.” Tamlin said slowly, painfully. “It is different.”

a ballad of thorns & roses | chapter seven | by @positivelyruined | release on April 30th