Unlikely Bonds

A Forward

In the silent spaces between stars, you stand,
Immortal kin, reaching out a hand.
Across the void, our paths entwine,
Bridging the gap between your world and mine.

Through this bond, my mortal days,
Gain the weight of eternal ways.
I write these words as time unfolds,
A tale of kinship that forever holds.

— Marhijō

Our story isn't one you'd find in typical tales of friendship or supernatural encounters. It's more complex, woven through decades of chance meetings, deep conversations, and shared experiences that stretched the very fabric of what I thought possible.

The Initial Encounter: A Night of Change

March 21, 1990

The night I first met Tak, it didn't start off as anything out of the ordinary. I was in a rough spot, the kind where every day feels like you're just barely hanging on. Then, there he was, this guy who stood out for reasons I couldn't quite put my finger on at the time. He wasn't just good-looking in a conventional sense; there was something about him that caught my attention right away.
We ended up talking, and one thing led to another. It wasn't just physical—though, don't get me wrong, that part was memorable—it was the ease of the connection that surprised me. For someone who usually finds it hard to really connect with people, finding common ground with Tak was unexpected. It was like he got me in ways that most people didn't, and that was a big deal for me.
That night, something shifted. I can't say it was all him, but waking up the next day, I felt different, like I had a bit more clarity about what I needed to do. I was at a point in my life where I was surrounded by choices that weren't doing me any favors, stuck in an environment that was pulling me down. But after that night, I found the strength to walk away from it all—the addictive behaviors, the toxic settings—and I haven't looked back since.
ON reflection, I think what made the difference was the genuine connection, the kind that's hard to find. Tak showed me a different side of life, one that I wanted more of. It wasn't about being saved or someone fixing my problems for me. It was about seeing that there was more out there, and I owed it to myself to reach for it.
In the weeks and months that followed, I kept thinking about that night. It wasn't just the physical intimacy, though that was definitely a plus. It was the feeling of being understood, of sharing a moment with someone who saw me, not just the mess I was in. That understanding was a powerful motivator. It helped me make some tough decisions, ones that ultimately put me on a better path.
That initial encounter with Tak was more than just a memorable night; it was a catalyst for change in my life. It marked the beginning of a friendship that would evolve in ways I never expected, but at that moment, it was simply about two people finding a connection that felt right. It was an unexpected turn in my journey, one that set the stage for everything that was to come.

Reconnection on the Road: Laughter and Longing

December 31, 2003

Moving to Chicago felt like the start of something new, a clean slate after years spent untangling myself from the remnants of an eight-year relationship. It was during this period of transition, as I was driving through the states with my life packed into a moving truck, that Tak re-entered my life in the most unexpected of places—a diner, somewhere on the long road to my future.
I spotted him immediately, not just because of his distinct presence but because of his unmistakable blond wavy mohawk, a beacon in the mundane setting of roadside America. He was sitting alone, absorbed in a meal, yet seemingly aware of everything around him.
"Never thought I'd find you here," I said, approaching his table, my voice laced with a mix of surprise and an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
Tak looked up, his bright blue eyes locking with mine, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Life's full of surprises," he replied, gesturing to the seat opposite him. "Join me?"
That meal became hours of conversation that flowed effortlessly. We talked about everything and nothing—my move to Chicago, his travels, and the quirks of fate that seemed to draw us back together. It felt like no time had passed since our last encounter, yet here we were, sharing stories as if filling in the blanks of a shared narrative that had continued in our absence.
The laughter and depth of our exchange revealed a friendship that had rooted itself without either of us really noticing. As we left the diner, the cold air hit us with the reminder of the world outside our bubble of reconnection. The parking lot, with my moving truck standing by, became the backdrop for a moment of realization.
"This isn't goodbye, is it?" I ventured, the uncertainty of new beginnings mingling with the hope of this renewed bond.
"With us, it seems more like 'see you later,'" Tak answered, his tone carrying a promise, a hint of the adventures and conversations that lay ahead. "Oh, and Happy New Year Morg."
We hugged, a moment of closeness that felt like a seal on our unspoken agreement to not let this connection slip away again. There was laughter, a shared acknowledgment of the absurdity of finding such a profound friendship in the transient spaces of life's journey.
Driving away from the diner, I felt a lightness, a sense of anticipation for what my new life in Chicago would bring, and the unexpected adventures I would find. Our reunion had not only marked the start of my new chapter but had also underscored the importance of connections that defy time and distance, grounding me as I ventured into the unknown.

A Deepening Bond: New Orleans and Beyond

June 4, 2023

I ran into Tak again in either the most unlikely or the most obvious of places. New Orleans. I was there to decompress and here he was leaving the airport at the same time I was. He looked the same, not even a hair had changed. I was so stunned I could barely speak. And when I saw him walking in the French Quarter a few hours later, i grabbed him. "WTF man! How the hell are you? What's up? Who is your Plastic Surgeon?" He laughed. We exchanged conversation like we had always known each other, completely avoiding my original questions. We naturally started planning the things we would see, together. Like he had flown there with me and made all the plans himself. Which, looking back, he probably did. I'll have to ask him next week.
Anyway, our adventure in New Orleans was steeped in the city's rich tapestry of mystery and the occult. Tak and I threw ourselves into the heart of it all, from vampire tours to the hushed, eerie paths of cemetery walks. It was a blend of the macabre and the historical that fascinated us, especially during our afternoon stroll through the solemn beauty of Metairie Cemetery and a quick respectful visit to Anne Rice's resting place by the water.
"I've always had a thing for the hidden parts of history, the stories that aren't so black and white," I mused, my voice low as we navigated between the tombs.
Tak's interest was piqued, his curiosity a stark contrast to the serene stillness of our surroundings. "And religion? Where does that fit into your explorations?" he asked, genuinely concerned with my thoughts on the topic.
I shared openly, "I believe there's something more, a higher power, but I'm not one for the dogma or the scripture. It's faith, for me, not the words of men long gone."
Our conversation took a pause as we left went into a shop the next day, Tak excusing himself with a vague explanation. The following morning, his revelation awaited, one that would shift the very foundation of our friendship.
"So, I did something last night while you were asleep," Tak started, a serious tone to his voice.
I couldn't help but interject with a laugh, "What? Did you need to run a pregnancy test on me or something?"
Tak cracked a smile, appreciating the humor before continuing, "Not quite. Let's just say I confirmed a few suspicions—with a little help from Asherah and my family."
"Asherah? That name sounds familiar" I thought.
"My roots trace back to the Incas. I was born in a time and place where the sun was more than just a star in the sky. And my family... we're a diverse bunch of godly orphans, spanning cultures, each of us carrying a piece of history within."
I knew immediately what he meant and was unphased. "And?" I asked.
As he unfolded more about his background, the diversity of his celestial family, and the nuances of their existence, I found myself drawn even deeper into a world I had only begun to understand. New Orleans, with its own blend of history and mystery, was the perfect setting for such revelations.
Our conversations delved into realms of faith, existence, and the rich tapestry of Tak's Incan heritage, bridging the gap between my curiosity for the occult and his lived reality. This city, alive with the spirits of the past, had become the stage for our talks that transcended the ordinary, enriched by laughter, shared discoveries, and a journey into the heart of the unknown.
But it wasn't all on him, with every tale and fact he releaved, I had my own antecdotes or questions. The back and forth was so natural, time stood still. I still suspect he managed that also. He had a goal and a plan and obviously a need he needed to come to terms with, and tbh so did I.
As our time in New Orleans drew to a close, Tak's revelation still echoed in my thoughts, casting a new light on our meet-ups. Before we parted ways, he handed me a small, intricate device. It looked like a necklace with some Old Celtic or Nordic inscriptions and design. It was beautiful.

"This is for you," Tak said, placing the anulet in my hand with a seriousness that quickly gave way to a playful glint in his eye. "Use it whenever you need to talk, and I'll answer."
"This better not be a proposal, " I joked.
"No, see this button?" he turned it over showing a design that looked like a fingerprint. "It's like a phone. Just press this and it calls mine. After that, we can just talk. You can talk to me out loud or just think what you want to say, kinda like a silent prayer if you want. This is your own hotline to god now. The cute one, not the angry one," he winked.
Skeptical yet amused, I decided to test the promise then and there. Touching the button he had shown me, I watched as his own neckalce immediately lit up, the warm light filling the space between us. His smile broadened, a mixture of amusement and satisfaction at my immediate use of the gift.
"Brat," he teased, but the warmth in his voice was unmistakable. It was a moment that captured the essence of our friendship—light-hearted yet profound, grounded in an understanding that spanned the ordinary and the extraordinary.
"Oh and by the way, the amulet is called a 'Tala' and the one you have is named 'Anamchara'. You might as well start learning some of the language." he said, softly.
With a final laugh and a promise to stay in touch, our goodbye was not a farewell but a see-you-later, a recognition of the adventures and conversations that still lay ahead. As I watched him walk away, the special phone around my neck felt like a tangible link to a world that, until recently, I had only glimpsed from the edges. It was a promise of not losing him again.

Bridging Distances: Conversations and Revelations

In the weeks following our New Orleans adventure, Tak and I found ourselves entwined in a web of constant communication. Our talks spanned from the mundane to the profound, bridging the gap between our worlds with every call. It was during one of these conversations that Tak dropped a truth bomb.
"YOu know, I've been keeping an eye on you since we first met," he confessed one night, his voice carrying a mix of hesitancy and sincerity. "That diner on the road to Chicago wasn't a coincidence."
I remember pausing, the weight of his admission sinking in. "You didn't think I'd recognize you?" I asked, a mix of surprise and intrigue coloring my tone.
"I'm hard to forget, but there was always a chance you wouldn't. But I'm glad you did," he replied, laughing.
"And speaking of which, one day you and I are gonna have a long talk about your marriage" he said. "Not the first one, she was amazing, I see why you guys still connect. I mean that last one. But that is a talk for another day and lots of drinks."
Our frequent exchanges became the lifeline of our friendship, but at times it made the "real" world seem less real. Through these talks, I learned more about Tak's world and his unique perspective on life, love, and the ties that bind us. He told me all about Billy and what happened. I think that was the one thing he really needed to talk about with a human. As supportive as his family was, I am still not sure they really get the perspectives mortal can have.
These weren't just filler conversations; they were the building blocks of a bond that defied explanation, rooted in a mutual curiosity and respect that had flourished over time.
Each call, each shared laugh, and each moment of understanding drew us closer, ensuring that no matter how far apart we were, the distance could always be bridged with a simple dial. Our friendship, once rooted in a chance hookup, had grown into a profound connection, sustained by the promise of new discoveries and the comfort of knowing that, in each other, we had found an unlikely ally in navigating the complexities of each other's worlds.

The Island and the Concert: A Glimpse into Another World

October 11, 2023

True to his promise, Tak invitied me to his place. There was a concert coming up on my birthday, so he suprised me with a trip to Tir na nOg (I am still learning to say it right). The island welcomed me with open arms, its shores a gateway to an experience that would etch itself into my very soul. As Tak introduced me to his family, I was struck by the warmth and diversity of their personalities. Each family member, from the enigmatic Asherah to the vibrant Erik, brought a unique energy to the gathering. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, with Erik and I quickly finding common ground. Our similar senses of humor and outlooks on life sparked an immediate bond, our laughter mingling with the evening air. One thing we may have discovered, if I am really a desendant of Tancred, that explains my connection to their world. Tancred was decended from Erik's own parents. Kinda like distant cousins. I had to explain that relationship to him, but yeah, counsins. (Update: Regarding Morgan Berry)
Erik and I found ourselves in a spirited exchange on this topic, our banter light and filled with laughter. Amid our jokes, he suddenly paused, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"You know, I think I've got the perfect nickname for you," Erik declared, barely containing his amusement.
"Oh yeah? Hit me with it," I challenged, intrigued.
"From now on, it's 'marhijō,'" he proclaimed, the Nordic word slipping out with a blend of cheekiness and affection. Tak, nearby snorted his ale out of his nose. I turned to him and said "What?". He sputtered with laughter. "It means broodmare or sometimes rabbit, but basically 'bottom'".
I burst into laughter, appreciating the humor and the slight edge. "Really? I'll take it," I dropped the innuendo easily, "but only if it comes with respect." Innuendo two dropped like a hot mic.
"Nothing but," Erik assured, clapping me on the ass, sealing our friendship with humor and a shared understanding of our playful connection.
I grabbed a pillow from the couch and tossed it at Tak's head. "Never kisss and tell. Yeah right!" I laughed.
The meal we shared was a feast not just of amazing food but of stories and tales of deeds and adventure. Asherah's wisdom, her presence both commanding and as comfortingly familiar as my own mother, left me in awe. Her insights fascinated me, and I found myself hanging on her every word, despite the nagging sadness over her erasure from historical and religious texts. Of which, she seemed not bothered by. Must be a goddess thing.
The concert that evening was fing amazing, a showcase of talent that transcended time and culture. Each performance was a tribute to the family's heritage, with the music weaving a tapestry of ancient myths and modern melodies. Amidst the crowd, I felt a part of something grand, a celebration of unity and diversity. At first I was all fanboy at being surrounded by myth and legends. Elves, satyrs, glowing etherial creatures I still have to find out about, and more. But the concert was so mesmerizing I quickly forgot everything around me. God, I hope this is not a Rip van Winkle thing! Nah, just plain fun. And a few of those guys in the bands were hot. I wish I was younger, I would be asking for backstage passes. lol. I have to see if there is a magical equivalent for Viagra next time.
The magic didn't end with the last note of the concert. A ride back to Tak's place, under a canopy of stars, felt like drifting through a dream. It was funny how easily I stopped even noticing the magic and just rode the flow. That night, curled up together, offered a sense of peace and companionship that was both comforting and profound.
Morning brought a new adventure as Tak guided me through the house he would have shared with Billy. The rustic flair and the open dome were like my own dream house had come to lfe. Billy sure had taste. Tak led me through the quiet halls of his home, each step heavy with history and emotion. He pointed out every item in the house and told me its history. Every piece filled with the essence of his life with Billy.
"Every corner of this house," Tak began, his voice soft but clear, "holds a piece of our story. It's hard, sometimes, feeling this close and yet..."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the weight of his words. "I can only imagine. But it's beautiful, Tak, that you have this... this sanctuary. I really wish I got to know him. He sounds amazing, and hot." I said winking.
He smiled, a mix of sadness and gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks. I hope, maybe, you'll get to meet him. My "grandfather" lets Billy comes back, every Christmas, just for one night. It's our time. But I know he'd like to meet you too."
The idea sparked a complex emotion within me. "I'd like that," I admitted, the prospect of witnessing such a profound reunion both daunting and deeply moving. The tears started again as I hugged him in gratitude.

A Friendship Forged. Not of family, but one of respect, strong and resilient!

Looking back, these friendships stand as a beacon of what's possible when worlds collide. From the first night that defied expectations to the moments shared under the canopy of stars on an island that felt like a dream, to the acceptance and banter, each chapter of my own story has been marked by laughter, discovery, and a mutual fascination with the paths we've walked. Neither fully understanding each other, but a part of the healing both groups needed. I love you guys!
This forward isn't just an introduction; it's an invitation to explore the stories of my friends, as they told them to me. And although I am not a writer by any sense of the word, it's a journey through and amazing world you can only see on TV or read in books. You can take these pages as a chronicle of their stories, or as the fanciful ramblings of some old white guy. But I hope you like reading them as much as I did hearing them.

Yours always, Marhijō.