update from sparkleup

writing/post-self/marsh/004.md

@@ -158,4 +158,16 @@ I dredged up what history of the System I had learned, all of those sensationali
 
 A snort of laughter and she nodded. "Sneaky is one way to put it, yes. They shape interactions by second nature, for which much of the clade has distanced themself from from. We — Hammered Silver's up-tree instances — are not supposed to be speaking to any of them, but there are a few that I like plenty, and given our current status, I have begun interacting more openly with Need An Answer."
 
-LATER: There had been little enough interaction with sys-side over the years, especially now that the climate had started to level out back on Earth. The rate of uploads had even leveled off from its slow increase over time.
+Wary of letting the topic drift too far, I said, "Have they gotten anything else from phys-side, then?"
+
+She shrugged. "There has been little enough interaction with sys-side over the years, and even less of late, now that the climate has started to level out back on Earth. The rate of uploads has even leveled off from its slow increase over time. We rarely hear much except that it come through the newly uploaded." She sipped her mocha, seeming to take that time to sort out her thoughts. "Our political relationship with phys-side is cordial. It is one borne of necessity. Our social relationship is more complicated. Many have expectations of a long peace for themselves once they join us, and many more have loved ones who have joined us."
+
+"Right, I still talk to a bunch of friends I knew phys-side who joined later. Or Marsh does." I winced, amending that statement. "Did."
+
+Dry Grass rested a hand lightly on my arm. "I am sorry, Reed."
+
+Memories of Tule's relationship with her had me reaching for her hand without thinking, though I at least manage to simply pat at the back of it rather than anything more intimate. This must've shown on my face, as she smiled kindly, gave my arm a squeeze, and reclaimed her hand, saying, "Memories are complicated, I am guessing."
+
+I nodded, doing my best to ignore the heat rising to my cheeks. "A bit."
+
+"I am sure we will discuss it soon," she said. "But for now, let us return to the topic at hand. Tule and Cress are awake and have expressed interest in discussing this in person, as well. Would you be amenable to them joining us? Sedge, Rush, and Lily are also welcome, of course, as is Hanne, though they have requested some space from Vos and Pierre."

writing/post-self/marsh/index.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Everyone notices a jump in systime of almost a year, no one phys-side will give
 * Marsh (they/them) --- *tracker* --- Root instance; disappears shortly before Reed is to merge down
     * Reed (he/him) --- Relationship fork, merges down to sync up once a year, discovers Marsh is missing, date has jumped, has to lean on partner and clade, tries to stay level-headed and organized, embroiled but tries to take leadership, though whether that's his idea or he's forced into that role is up for debate
         * Sedge (she/her) --- 
-            * Tule (he/him) ---
+            * Tule (he/him) --- (TOO-lee)
         * Rush (ve/ver) ---
     * Lily (she/her) ---
     * Cress (it/its) ---