Not everywhere I’ve been has an analogue in Soma, but most do. Or many do. Whatever.
So here’s one: the Violet. Some call it da Vie, some Vi-O-Lation, some the Violet Room, which I think is its proper name, but don’t hold me to that.
It is reticulated from this place in the City of Rivers—you know, on the Homedub— called the Punchholebowl. I think. I went there once with Riley, and it was … confusing.
This isn’t like that. I’m not confused, but I am worried I might be confusing to others, others who don’t know that they are within my cells, that this situation, this room, this place, this city are made of me, are stored within me, and that all of it is meant to be good and harmless. It’s meant to be enjoyable and pain-free. I know it can’t always be like that cos nothing in Samsaric existence is; but that’s the intent.
So it looks kind of like the PHB, but it isn’t. It’s the Violet. And I’m doing the same sorts of things—as some of you will see—but it is a different crowd, another reason. Funny how that works, how the scene can stay the same, but we change.
In that one, the people were young and hot, and I felt weird for thinking they were attractive or being attracted to anyone, for reciprocating their interest in me. Internalized agism? Or worried I was being pervy. I don’t know. Maybe both. Perhaps a third thing that I still haven’t uncovered. But it was an anxious experience as much as it was an exciting one. And though I got lost in a sea of tongues and had an immersive and mostly positive experience, it also left me hollow and smoking alone in a corner.
This, as I’ve said, is different. Let’s drop a beat and see what it’s all about.
Play procedures:
You may add the Punchholebowl and/or the Violet to your list of safe havens, if you’d like. You may add or subtract details to or from the room to suit. Likewise, you may collect this song (or any that you would prefer in its place) for future use. If you have learned the secret of time travel from me, Riley, or Knot, you may use this as a point of egress, as well.
Think about a time when you felt out of place due to your age. In this case, I felt old, but I can recall many times where I felt too young. Try to make it about age, aging, and intergenerational relations, if you can. Explore who makes you feel what, and maybe why. Think about a relationship that might have been different or impossible if you’d been the same age. What does it mean for you? If you’re keeping a journal, write it down. If you are using game traits, apply a plus or minus 1 to a relevant trait based on this experience, representing what you’ve learned, or failed to learn.
If you are a paying sub, and you read or play along with the smutty scene below, think about how it makes you feel. Please be kind to yourself and gentle with your experience. If it is too much, or not enough, or whatever that makes you uncomfortable, remember it is for fun and that is all. You can stop whenever you want, and you don’t have to play. Your imagination and mind can support you, just as when you are reading anything, watching anything. Most of what we experience, we bring with us. It’s from within. So have a look at that, if you are able. If you are keeping a journal, write about it. Anything you uncover you can take with you.