07-18. Melding of Minds: Part 2

A Reminder of Where it All Began

Time again to remind people where I received the inspiration for my Rinn Fada household. Lord Piers Wimsel, Hera (Vale) Wimsel, and Marvin Bunter are based on fictional characters created by Dorothy L Sayers, a British writer of mysteries. My sims deviate from the original stories, but I've tried to adhere to the personalities, relationships, and backstories of Sayers' three characters. I did change their names slightly.

And I also made Bunter a Genie--the perfect Valet for the Wimsel family. But my Genies are not blue-skinned Disney characters. They are more like the mythical demon Djinn of ancient Persian lore.

Here's a short video tribute to the late Richard Morant, featuring scenes between Richard Morant's Bunter and Edward Petherbridge's Lord Peter Wimsey. Harriet Walter's character Harriet Vane also appears in a few scenes.

Sims Story Background Review

For more than 600 years, Bunter (aka Majid) had been trying to curb his Djinn nature, to undo what his brother Emad had mentored him to be. It hadn't been easy. Six centuries of serving masters and mistresses of various occult species had taught him subservience--how to schmooze and placate while repressing rage and powers.

But once Majid had finally been freed, he'd never wanted to risk being captured again. Lamp imprisonment for 600 years was worse than serving 10 lifetime sentences of solitary confinement in a maximum prison.

In the early 20th century, he looked around and decided England was a country of advantage and power. He would disguise himself as an Englishmen. He joined the armed forces then engaged in the Great War as Sergeant and batman to an honorable man, Lord Piers Wimsel, who became Bunter's new mentor and later his friend.

Lord Piers and the loyal Sergeant Marvin Bunter formed a mutually rewarding partnership. Lord Piers was a strategist and strong leader. Bunter was a brave and experienced warrior who saved Piers' life many times.

_____

That was before. Now, within a few hours, Bunter was channeling Emad, and his own worst traits were forefront. In one sense, he felt freer than he had since before being trapped in the lamp. But on the other hand, he also felt alone, bereft of friendship and love. Unreasonably, he believed Caprice had betrayed him by putting Emad's concerns above his own. As for her fear for the children ... well, what children? Just so much heightened imagination!

Caprice noticed a marked mutation in Marvin. It wasn't only the physical changes with his body covered in tattoos, it was his attitude--especially towards her. He was deliberately ignoring her, and she felt wounded by his aloofness. But when he thought she didn't see, he followed her movements with heated eyes. Was that anger or passion?

It was clear to Caprice that Marvin was suffering from some internal conflict. But what? The tattoo on his back, a dagger embraced by a twisted vine, made Caprice uneasy. She had a feeling the knife meant betrayal, a sign he'd been stabbed in the back. Did Marvin blame her for forcing him to act against his will?

Piers: Everyone take your stations! I'll lead with the green modality, but the blue and red modes will help establish a true link. I warn you, I haven't had time to test the process. It might not work. But I think, yes, I think it will.

Caprice forgot her worries and quickly entered the data Piers had given her. Hera did the same.

Piers: Your only job at the moment, Bunter, is to focus on your brother. Release any hostilities towards him and see him for who he is. Empathy is the key. Total identification.

At first, Bunter growled to himself. He felt foolish, a pawn in Caprice's game. But he set all that aside. Piers had done his part, forgotten his own tasks to help with this present challenge. Bunter would follow through.

As the sun set and the night descended, a green ray shot skywards. Their signal had been sent into the world.

Piers: Lock in the frequency, Bunter. Quickly! Then launch the beam.

Bunter leaned heavily on the machine's lever, lowering it into the broadcast position.

Meanwhile, a storm formed overhead. Rain poured down and lightening flashed. Electrical currents filled the air.

Suddenly a beam of pure energy hit the massive device's receptacle, igniting the green ray with a loud roar!

A blinding light engulfed the watchers on the roof. 

So the charge was set, and the captured energy filled the galactic generator. A cloud of residual mists hovered above them, then drifted into the night.

Piers: Time to finalize the frequency connection and direct the energy through the cables into the transport pod. Bunter, are you and Caprice ready to embark on your journey?

Bunter: We're ready. It's now or never. ... No going back.

Caprice: I'm so sorry, Marvin. I had no idea what all this would cost you.
Bunter: I am Majid, not Marvin. And we'll discuss how you'll repay me later.

Caprice: Anything you want, Mar--Majid. Just tell me.
Bunter: Oh, I plan to, my pet! Make no mistake.

Piers: Godspeed, dear friends.
Hera: Piers? Bunter didn't seem to be himself. I hope he'll be all right.
Piers: The whole thing is troubling, m'dear. There simply wasn't sufficient time to guarantee outcomes.

Piers: I am not altogether sure they'll end up where they need to be, or whether we'll ever see them again.
Hera: Oh, Piers! I hope that isn't true! Whatever would we do without Bunter and Caprice?
Piers: Their services can be replaced, but they themselves can never be. ... Good-bye, Bunter, old pal.