Author notes

Tropical trouble 2

strixvanallen

on Jan. 26, 2017

Another thing about Brazilians: hugging. If you are a close friend and/or someone we are comfortable around and/or an acquaintance from your religious gathering of choice, we will hug the hell out of you. If not, there is the 'polite hug'. It's a hug on shoulder level, that may or may not be followed by a sound of a kiss in the cheeks (but no actual skin contact). Traditionally, it's two kisses, one in each cheek (plus a third in singles for marriage), but most youths will only simulate one.

Usually, the fake-kissing happens between two women, or a man and a woman. Two men are too insecure for that, so they will only shake hands, or hug and punch the back of the other. (Total strangers that didn't grow up in places where the 'fake kissing' culture is strong might also offer their hand to be shaken. Brazilians being Brazilians, depending on the person, we will pretend to shake hands, and then pull them and fake-kiss anyway, which is what Lauro is doing to Bessie).

The joy buzzer is Junior's doing. He is the son of the Saci, a folklore creature from here (more info: The Big Journal of Brazilian Folklore - Edit 1). The Saci is a prankster, and his boy learned it to a tee. The character I chose for Lauro's ancestor is also a bit of a prankster, making Lauro and Junior a match made in heaven (or hell, if you happen to be in their path when the prankfest begins). In B&V-verse, I made most of our creatures into elementals because it's my story, I do what I want. And it makes it easier for me to work them into the urban setting and to unify them in a single 'group' of creatures.

And, uh, yes, Junior has holes in his hands. That is a thing the Saci has in some stories. Don't ask me. I have no idea what the deal with the holes is.