Transmission Folklore

EPISODE 11:
COMING SOON

[Google Drive Link](LINK GOES HERE)

EPISODE 10: SPARK PLUG MIND

Google Drive LinkANNOUNCEMENT
Transmission Folklore Episode 10, Spark Plug Mind. This episode of Transmission Folklore contains mentions of child abuse attempted suicide. Audience discretion is advised.[Theme song plays. Transition into the world’s tensest breakfast, plates and silverware clinking. A tense, but whimsical waltz plays]SORREL
Carter, can you hand me the orange juice?CARTER
The what?SORREL
The orange juice.CARTER
Oh sure. I didn’t hear you.SORREL
That’s fine. [Carter passes the jug and Sorrel pours the juice into their cup]CARTER
Do you want anything else?SORREL
No, I’m good.CARTER
Okay.BIANCA
What happened?CARTER
Hm?SORREL
Don’t know what you mean.BIANCA
You two have barely said more than five words to each other and normally you won’t shut up.CARTER
It’s nothing, mom.SORREL
(flatly) No, I fucked up.CARTER
You did?[This is an insincere apology from both of them. They don’t want to fight but they both think they’re right.]SORREL
Yeah. I probably should’ve told you what was going on. I didn’t realize it was so important. I was just trying to keep you from freaking out. It’s the thought that counts, you know?CARTER
It was not what I wanted but there was thought put into it.SORREL
Uh-huh.
[Waiting.]CARTER
Right.SORREL
And what did you think when you yelled at me about family?CARTER
(like a child) I shouldn’t have yelled.SORREL
Right.CARTER
Yeah.SORREL
Any plans for today?[the music stops]
BIANCA
I think we’re going to try and fix the car.SORREL
Oh, that’s cool. Any big plans to try and do that?CARTER
Sorta.SORREL
What are they?CARTER
Oh right. We’re going to try a spell using the electricity from the spark plugs. Sock is gonna help us out.SORREL
Sock is still here? I thought they were going home today.CARTER
I asked hir to stay. Ze fixed it, so I figured ze might have some answers.SORREL
Where is ze?BIANCA
The store. Ze went to get turkey bacon.SORREL
Oh uh - okay. I’m gonna go fix my -[Sorrel instantly falls asleep, hitting their head on the table. The world glitches away to the Reflective Space]CARTER
(distant, echoing) Sorrel?EMERY
You have to get out of there.SORREL
Excuse me?EMERY
You were right. He figured it out.SORREL
And you’re still there?EMERY
I can’t go anywhere else.SORREL
Why not?EMERY
Because someone needs to watch him. He knew I knew where you were. I lied and said it was supposed to trap you.SORREL
You can’t - do you think you’re immortal?EMERY
No, but I refuse to die apparently. I’ll be okay, he knows I hated your whole being last time I saw you, so he suspects that I still hate everything about you.SORREL
You don’t need to die to suffer at his hands.EMERY
You’re always so dramatic.SORREL
How does he know where I am?EMERY
He coaxed it out of me, with the song.SORREL
(knowing what that feels like) Emery, you need to get away. When he finds out you’re lying–EMERY
He knows you’re along the Mississippi. Somewhere in Louisiana. I said I didn’t know the city because I really don’t.SORREL
(panicking) I need to go. I need to go.EMERY
I never told him about Carter. I never wanted to hurt Peach Shirt.SORREL
So he can stay here.EMERY
Yeah.SORREL
He’s going to fucking hate that.EMERY
Are you still fighting?SORREL
We half ass apologized. I don’t think either of us meant it.EMERY
Give him a peace offering? Bring someone who’s already in danger.SORREL
Sock’s still here.EMERY
You really want to do that to hir again?SORREL
Luz Bella. Luz told me to go with her.EMERY
Luz’s already volunteered. Problem solved.SORREL
Problem’s just begun.EMERY
I’m sorry. I was clouded by anger about what had happened.SORREL
It’s already been done. You fucked up real bad on this one.EMERY
I’m going to make it right.SORREL
You wanna know something wild? I believe you.EMERY
(amused) Absolutely insane.[The Reflective Space glitches out. Sorrel comes back to the real world. Sock is leaning over them.]SOCK
(spell) St. Jude please bless them- You’re awake!CARTER
Oh, thank fucking god.SORREL
Are you trying to get St. Jude to protect me?SOCK
I’ve been working with him.SORREL
The patron saint of lost causes?CARTER
That’s so funny.SOCK
(fondly) I thought you’d find it funny.SORREL
Okay yeah. Like a little bit.SOCK
What happened? Are you okay? They said you bumped your head?SORREL
I’m fine, honey.SOCK
Aw, that’s cute.SORREL
Let’s not -SOCK
You’re allowed to be cute.SORREL
I’m not- I need to talk to y’all. It’s uh - you’re not going to like it but we gotta have a plan.CARTER
What was that?SORREL
Emery - Travis knows where I am.SOCK
No. No, he doesn’t know.SORREL
I have to get out of here. I… Please, please don’t take this the wrong way but I can’t take you guys with me.[Carter and Sock start to protest.]I’m not going by myself. I promise. But Sock, honey, your head is still really fragile from the attack before. He will use you against me anyway he can think of. You know how Emery did? Dad is more conniving, calculated. Carter, he doesn’t know who you are. There needs to be someone he can’t recognize if shit goes bad.CARTER
(trying to find a break) Who’s going with you then?SORREL
Luz Bella. Hopefully.SOCK
Luz?SORREL
She offered. At the party, she said she’d go with me. So we’ll road trip for our lives. Again. Hopefully, we get out safe.SOCK
I was right to pray to St. Jude. Are you sure you’re not trying to self-destruct? Because, this is a good way to do it.SORREL
I’m not trying to self-destruct, for once in my stupid life. I’m taking measures to keep all of us safe. The reality is that if he knows I’m along the Mississippi, he’ll be able to find us. He won’t kill y’all. You know how Emery made you say all that shitty stuff to me? He’ll make you forget me and then he’ll reform you, into the thing he wants you to be. He’ll figure out we’re… something… and if he’s got half a mind to, he’ll promise me if I do what he says, he’ll let us continue dating. He’ll let you stay inside your head. But he won’t let you come out. Do you want that?SOCK
What will he do ?SORREL
You get good at fighting him off if you’ve done it for twenty two of your twenty five years. How do you think I ran away?SOCK
You’re still scared of him.SORREL
I can’t stop everything he can do. But he can’t hide me anymore. I’ve gotten good at loopholes. He will exploit anything.SOCK
I don’t want to see him exploit you.SORREL
(not believing it) It will… be okay.SOCK
This sucks.SORREL
I know.SOCK
What can I do for you?SORREL
I don’t know yet. I need you to be okay with not going.SOCK
I’m not okay with it but what can I do? You’re right. I know you’re right logically, but… Sorrel, I worry about you. I’m afraid you’ll give up again.SORREL
I won’t. I’m not going to die either.SOCK
You’ve told me what he can do. I’m not worried about you dying.BIANCA
I’ve heard stories.SORREL
Really?BIANCA
I don’t keep in touch with the siren crowd but I know enough to know about SAO. That its leader, Travis Huckson is a calculated menace hellbent on getting his way. A faerie tried to steal his name and now that faerie has forgotten her own.SORREL
That’s true.BIANCA
I’ve heard his song can be heard by sirens in all forms.SORREL
Yes.CARTER
Anything else we need to know?SORREL
He hates me and everything I stand for and will stop at nothing to see me be the siren he wants.CARTER
What does he think you stand for?SORREL
Nothing.SOCK
Ocean, you have to be careful.SORREL
I’ll… I’m really scared right now.SOCK
That’s okay. Me too.CARTER
Call if you need anything.SOCK
(about to cry) I’ll make sure Luz Bella has all of our numbers… I uh… I’m gonna be right back. I’ll go call Rowen and update them.SORREL
Yeah honey. Go ‘head.[the music ends]SOCK
Mhm.[Sock practically sprints away in tears.]CARTER
What can I do for you?SORREL
(small) I don’t know. Fix the car… Learn how to fly I guess.CARTER
Can I do anything… Since I have your name or whatever?SORREL
Not without magic.CARTER
This is stupid! How am I supposed to do anything without magic? How am I supposed to find the magic?SORREL
I don’t know. I’ve never had this problem. It’s always been with me.CARTER
Like how…Like how I’ve always had feet.SORREL
Somethings just don’t make sense out of context. You don’t get the novelty of feet and I don’t get magic not working.CARTER
I feel like I’m trapped.SORREL
That, I get. Gods above, oceans below do I understand that exact sentiment.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. The theme was composed by Mik Koats.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats
Carter is played by Orion Ibert
Emery is played by Tal Minear
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan
Sock is played by Aubrey PoppletonThis week’s cryptid is a trap; Hope you don’t get caught.

EPISODE 9: GASKET HEAD

Google Drive LinkANNOUNCEMENT
Transmission Folklore, Episode 9: Gasket Head. This episode of Transmission Folklore contains mentions of alcohol, child abuse and manipulation. Audience discretion is advised.[The Transmission Folklore theme song plays.][It fades and the sound of glass shattering in a trash bag. Carter, Bianca, and Sorrel are picking up trash from the party outside. The group shuffles around the yard with trash bags, picking up random stuff that clinks or falls weightedly into the bag.]SORREL
(hungover) That was so loud.BIANCA
Your friends– (even more hungover and hurt by the loudness of her own voice)Your friends are absolute monsters.CARTER
To be fair, Horatio told you it was a bad idea to try and outdrink Rowen.BIANCA
How can someone hold so much liquor?
(a pause)
I am also a lightweight. (burps)CARTER
Oof.BIANCA
‘Scuse me.SORREL
I will never have a party again.CARTER
No one told you to get whiskey drunk.SORREL
Luz Bella did.BIANCA
If I recall, you told Luz Bella to get whiskey drunk after you came back out.CARTER
You also told the rest of us to finish the magic wine.SORREL
It stopped being a party. It was supposed to be fun.CARTER
It was fun.SORREL
It’s never fun if I get pissy in the middle. Or so I’ve been told.CARTER
It was fun.SORREL
Okay fine. For the most part it was fun.CARTER
Did you not like it?SORREL
No I did! The only people who have thrown me parties before were Horatio and Rowen and Emery.CARTER
Your parents didn’t even throw you parties when you were younger?SORREL
(mimicking their father) “Why would we? You don’t have enough friends.”BIANCA
How many is supposed to be enough?SORREL
Three to six. And they have to be sirens, because they’re not going to throw a party above water.BIANCA
That’s really rough. That’s not right for a parent to make you go through.SORREL
It’s fine. I’m okay.BIANCA
It’s okay to not be okay. Do you want a hug?SORREL
No, thanks.BIANCA
That’s okay too.
(Bianca wretches, just barely holding it in)CARTER
(exasperated) Mama, go lie back down. I think we all should take a break right now.[Bianca walks back into the house. The door opens and closes. Carter and Sorrel sit down and the trash bag falls to the ground.]SORREL
I hate cleaning. How can, like, six people make such a mess?CARTER
It was eight. If you include you, me, and mom.SORREL
It’s a disaster.CARTER
It’ll be picked up.
(lightening the mood)
Are you ready for your date tonight?SORREL
I’m nervous as all get out.CARTER
Why?SORREL
It doesn’t feel real. Sock and I - it’s been weird. We almost dated and then we didn’t and then we almost are and I’ve never been with someone who was good for me.CARTER
You think hir good for you?SORREL
Ze healed you, no questions asked. Ze’s nice to me and nice to hirself.CARTER
That is kind of the ideal, huh?SORREL
I’m gonna fuck it up.CARTER
How?SORREL
I don’t know. I’m me and I’m bad at dating.CARTER
It’ll be fine. Sock likes you.
(a beat)
Off topic but can I ask something?SORREL
If you must.CARTER
Why didn’t you want to tell me about Emery?SORREL
I thought they were dreams.CARTER
They? Multiple times?SORREL
The first two we didn’t talk. It was memories and conversations I wasn’t around for. The last one - on my birthday - it was so real.CARTER
You didn’t tell me though.SORREL
It was weird. I was floating and falling and the world wasn’t right there. You’ve been to the Reflective Space, you’ve seen it.[a dark, droning song fades in– arguments taste bitter in your mouth.]CARTER
That still doesn’t explain why you didn’t tell me! It’s like that phone cal-SORREL
(defensive)
Oh, it is nothing like that phone call. I know Emery. I know what they’re capable of, their body language. And Emery can’t touch me in the Reflective Space.CARTER
Emery can’t affect me over the phone!SORREL
It’s different. I could’ve handled that information at that time. You don’t need another thing on your plate,CARTER
(through gritted teeth) I’m handling it just fine-SORREL
You’re one more fall away from blowing a gasket on you and Phyrra.CARTER
You leave Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser out of this!SORREL
What I’m saying is that you’re busy. You’re trying to reconnect with your mom and it’s not going well. You’re trying to reconnect with your powers and it’s not going well. You don’t need me and my problems to give you a nervous breakdown-CARTER
-Not telling me will give me a nervous breakdown!SORREL
(yelling) You can’t handle it!CARTER
Don’t tell me what I can and can’t handle. I’ve learned I can handle so much more than anyone thinks I’m capable of. I would think you of all people would know that.SORREL
It’s different with sirens, it’s different with all this stuff. Especially when my dad is involved. Travis isn’t a killer. He doesn’t get angry. He gets inside your head and reshapes it. And that’s something I can’t let happen to you. Not when you’ve come so far. You’re not ready to deal with him. You don’t have powers, you can’t fly right now and you’re still trying to figure out shit with your mom. I get you’re more capable than you thought you were, and I know you’ve grown and changed and we’re better for it. We’re better with you. Which is why I didn’t tell you. You have all these little stressors that add up and bite. I didn’t want to be another one.CARTER
If your dad is as bad as you say he is then you can’t do it alone! You don’t have to!SORREL
You don’t get it! I have always been alone. Sirens travel in schools and I’ve always been an outcast in mine. My dad had too much power, my step mom was too demanding, I was destined for “great things” or whatever. It’s a solitary life, always has been. You’ve never had to do that! Even when you didn’t have your moms, you had Clare. You had a family.CARTER
You have a family too! Look around! Look at the things left by all the people who wanted to celebrate you. At the seven people who literally put their lives on the line for you. You can doom and gloom all you want, but don’t you ever look me in the eye and tell me there aren’t people who look at you like family.SORREL
I can’t call them family after everything I’ve done to them–CARTER
You are still impossible! What is your self help podcast getting into your brain? What are you even trying to accomplish? People care about you! Let them in!SORREL
If you would listen to me! I’m trying to make things better.CARTER
When is it good enough?SORREL
It’s not! I will never be good enough.[A beat. Carter is so frustrated he doesn’t have anything nice to say. He’s angry, he’s hurt. He thought Sorrel was getting there. Clearly not. The song fades out.]CARTER
(quieter but still angry)
Then I guess nothing I can say will make you feel different. I’m going out.SORREL
Where?CARTER
Out. (Carter starts to walk away– as far as his legs will take him from Sorrel)SORREL
Whatever. I’m going to bed.CARTER
(distant) Tell Emery I said to fuck off.SORREL
Goodnight.[Sorrel stomps off to the house, the door opens, slams shut and they run up the stairs and fall on the bed. The world glitches out and the Reflective Space theme fades in]SORREL
Emery! C’mon.[Emery glitches into the Reflective Space.]EMERY
It’s the middle of the afternoon.SORREL
Well, it’s been a rough afternoon.EMERY
Tell me about it.SORREL
Is everything okay?EMERY
SAO meetings are just getting longer. They’re planning something, but it’s mostly going over my head right now.SORREL
Are you listening to it?EMERY
I’m trying. He’s having Deena Mae explain it and she’s droning on.SORREL
Why would he have his wife explain - so that people out of the know don’t know what she’s talking about.EMERY
Holy shit that makes sense.SORREL
Which means he has reason to believe someone doesn’t need to know.EMERY
Any ideas on who that is?SORREL
It’s you.EMERY
What?SORREL
Em, you need to take care.EMERY
He can’t suspect anything.SORREL
Carter said I talk in my sleep.EMERY
And?SORREL
You might. This isn’t regular sleep.EMERY
Travis doesn’t listen to me sleep.SORREL
(obviously he does)
You don’t think so?EMERY
(worried)
I’ll be fine; that can’t be why you called me here.SORREL
I’m pissed.EMERY
At me?SORREL
At Carter.EMERY
(amused)
What’d your faerie do?SORREL
First of all, he’s not my faerie.EMERY
Right. He’s just your emotional support nervous breakdown.SORREL
He’s not supporting me right now.EMERY
Why?SORREL
I mentioned you were contacting me.EMERY
How’d that go?SORREL
Everyone freaked out.EMERY
Everyone?SORREL
Sock, Horatio, Luz Bella, Rowen-EMERY
You and Luz are talking again?SORREL
We’re trying to rebuild - I’m trying to. I think Luz is too.EMERY
And the faerie?SORREL
The worst of them. He feels like he’s personally slighted because I didn’t talk to him about it first.EMERY
Was it? A personal slight?SORREL
Obviously not. He’s dealing with shit. I’m not going to worry him.EMERY
(sarcastic)
I don’t know how I could possibly worry him.SORREL
You tried to kill him and almost did.EMERY
I know. So what exactly does he do to help you?SORREL
Some stuff. It just sucks. He said I wasn’t trying. I’m trying so hard.EMERY
I can see you’re trying.SORREL
Glad someone can.EMERY
What’re you gonna do about it?SORREL
Honestly, right now? I don’t know. What’re you going to do about Travis?EMERY
I’ll figure it out.SORREL
That’s not a thought out plan.EMERY
Give me time. I’ll come up with something.[The Reflective Space theme plays out into a glitch effect back to reality. Sock makes hir way up the stairs, opens the bedroom door, and sits at the edge of the bed.]SOCK
Hey. Sorrel, hey.[Sorrel stirs.]SORREL
Hm?SOCK
You okay?SORREL
Oh, yeah.SOCK
(nervous)
Did Emery talk to you again?SORREL
Yeah.SOCK
What do they say?SORREL
Travis is using my stepmom to code stuff. So, they might know about Emery.SOCK
If you want to talk about it.SORREL
I’m not gonna get back together or anything, if you’re worried about that.SOCK
I’m not worried. Do you want to reschedule our date?SORREL
No I uh - it’s okay.SOCK
We can change what we’re doing? We can stay here. I just want to spend time with you.SORREL
Why would you want that?SOCK
Because - You think so low of yourself sometimes. It breaks my heart. But you are more than you think you are. You’re like… I mean this is gonna sound corny but you’re like the ocean. Your waves crash along the shore. You’re not steady and even. You’re bracing and powerful and changing. The bend in the river before you can see the waterfall coming. You’re beautiful and bright and manic.SORREL
It’s the bipolar disorder.SOCK
Which is a part of you. It’s you. All of it. Every crash of waves against broken bridges. Every beautiful reflection against the sparkling water. You are the rivers and the water and the ocean. And, ocean, you are so much in the best way.SORREL
Cool. I like you too.[Sock laughs in the most inviting way. This is their love story. It’s tender and more intimate than Sorrel has ever been. ][A phone rings, Emery is on the other end.]EMERY
Hello, you’re calling Emery, how may I help you?SOCK
Hey Em.EMERY
Who is this?SOCK
I… oh right, you haven’t heard me talk since -EMERY
Sock?SOCK
Yeah.EMERY
What do I owe the pleasure? Are you coming to gloat?SOCK
About Sorrel?EMERY
You won. You have them.SOCK
They’re not a prize, Emery. I just wanted to check up on you.EMERY
Why?SOCK
You had a major life shift. You were so angry and so sad when we last spoke.EMERY
When I broke your brain?SOCK
I forgive you.EMERY
What do I have to do to get under your skin? Sock’s the saint, Sock only can forgive! Why? What makes you so good?SOCK
Why do you want to be so unkind? What do you gain?EMERY
You can’t disappoint people when they expect nothing of you. Not that you’d know how to disappoint anyone.SOCK
Why did you want to be with Sorrel so bad?EMERY
Why do you? You can’t fix them.SOCK
No, I can’t. They can work on themself. I’m not carrying that burden for them. But I’m asking you. Sorrel and you were terrible together. You were mean to one another and both so miserable. I’ve known you both to be kind but when you were going at it? There was nothing to inspire kindness there.EMERY
It’s not any of your business.SOCK
It’s not really but you have an answer and I’m sure you’ve been dying to tell somebody about it. There’s something hidden in your soul; maybe fear, maybe anger. It’s in there.EMERY
I don’t want to talk about it-SOCK
It will fester-EMERY
I don’t want to be alone, alright.SOCK
Do you want to be unhappy or alone?EMERY
Aren’t they the same thing?SOCK
To be unhappy with someone who makes you unhappy does not give way to be happy with someone who makes you happy.EMERY
You sound like you’ve been drinking or something.SOCK
A little bit. It was their birthday.EMERY
Are you trying to tell me not to contact Sorrel? Because I’m trying to help. I don’t want to be with them anymore - I want to fix the shit I did.SOCK
I know. I mean - I don’t know. I don’t know you as well as everyone else does and I don’t have as soft a spot in my heart for you. I’m not perfect or all forgiving or any of the things you accuse me of. But I have been drinking and afraid and the person who cares for the person I care for is… um… something?EMERY
You almost made sense there.SOCK
The point is, you’re putting a lot on the line here. To protect them. And I wanted to see how you felt. Because I’m afraid.EMERY
No worries here. I’m not scared of anything.SOCK
I know that’s not true.EMERY
I’ll be fine.SOCK
You are among the most frustrating people alive.EMERY
Then hang up! What’s stopping you?SOCK
I want you and Sorrel to know you don’t have to do this by yourselves. You are not indestructible.EMERY
I’m fine. I’ve always been fine. You get used to weird and scary shit when you’re all alone in the world.SOCK
You’re not though.EMERY
You guys made pretty sure I was. Look, I get it, okay? You banished me from y’all’s lives and then remembered I don’t have any other friends and you remember my aunt kicked me out and I don’t have any other family either and you start to feel bad. I get it.I feel bad for Sorrel because I got Travis involved. I’m trying to make it right. You’re trying to make it right. I see you trying. Wonderful, stupendous! I can tell you want to save the world, with me inside. And I appreciate that? I guess I am scared. Because you know what this guy does. I know what he does. But if I think about it too much, I’m gonna chicken out. I’m going to run away and continue being not dead but be afraid in a totally different place. It’s different now? Still not used to it.
(a long pause, a sigh.)
I’m sorry it happened like that. That I broke you.SOCK
Thank you for apologizing. No better.EMERY
I don’t want the story to end with me being a monster, okay? It doesn’t - I mean, it can’t make sense. It just… what happens then? I deserve to be able to do better. Like you said, I have to figure it out by myself.
(a beat)
What do you think? About everything I did? You just - are okay with it now?SOCK
I can’t make that decision. Not right now.EMERY
I thought you forgave me?SOCK
I do. I really do not think you meant for it to escalate how it did. It did escalate though. And it really fucking sucked. Now I’m in doctor limbo and it’s getting colder and things hurt more. I do not know if my logical brain and my emotional brain could meet in the middle about you at the moment.Emery is clearly sad about this.EMERY
Okay. That’s fine, I guess.

SOCK
But I will think about it. And I hope you’re doing better than you were then.EMERY
You’re far more cryptic and emotional when you’re drinking.SOCK
I’m always emotional.EMERY
You’re calm all the time.SOCK
No, I’m not. I just let the rest of you think that. Goodbye Emery.EMERY
Farewell.[The phone clicks closed. Sock makes a deep sigh. A door opens and Sorrel is there.]SORREL
I got you some water.SOCK
Thanks - I finished off that wine way too fast.SORREL
It happens to the best of us. I thought I was going to die this morning.SOCK
Are you feeling better?SORREL
For now.SOCK
For now is a good start.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah plays.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. Music composed by Mik Koats.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan.
Emery is played by Tal Minear.
Sock is played by Aubrey Poppleton.This week’s cryptid is the idea of the unknown; something is lurking out there. Good luck.

EPISODE 8: TRUNK THOUGHTS

Google Doc LinkORION
A big thank you to Jacqueline Foley, Adrienne Standley, and Hannah Wright for their support of Transmission Folklore season 2!ANNOUNCEMENT
Transmission Folklore, season 2 episode 8: Trunk Thoughts. This episode of Transmission Folklore contains heavy mentions of mental health issues, including being sent to a psych ward. Audience discretion is advised.[Theme music plays, then fades out to an upbeat excited tune that really encompasses the bubbly feeling Carter gets about giving gifts..]SORREL
Fuck. I forgot what day it was.CARTER
Folks have already started coming but I got you a present.BIANCA
Happy birthday, seriously! I’m gonna go ‘head and run back downstairs and get your guests figured out.[Bianca heads back downstairs.]CARTER
It’s not anything huge or anything but I just… I thought it might help you.SORREL
Help?CARTER
Because you’re going on your self help journey.[Carter hands Sorrel a present.]SORREL
A book?CARTER
Yeah kinda. It’s a waterproof journal. I figure - I mean, sometimes it’s easier to write down your feelings and stuff. (starting to feel stupid) And it’s… waterproof. Because you have to get in the water.SORREL
That’s really cool. Like thoughtful.CARTER
You think so? I really wanted to get you one because I know you’re struggling with self help and I know a lot of people use journals for different ways to self help and you didn’t say you wanted anything like this but I just saw it and thought about you and I hope you like i-SORREL
This is a really nice gift.CARTER
Really?SORREL
Yeah. There was more thought put behind it than I’ve ever had before.CARTER
You said you never had a good birthday. So I wanted to try and make this one good.SORREL
Thank you. Ready to party?CARTER
Hell yeah I am![The music swells as the door opens and everyone greets Sorrel. Gentle field ambiance fills the air.]BIANCA, CLARE, ROWAN and HORATIO
Happy birthday!LUZ BELLA
(less enthused) Happy birthday.SORREL
Thanks guys.CLARE
[from a distance] BROTHER!CARTER
SEESTER![They run into each other and hug.]CLARE
I missed you.CARTER
How have you been?CLARE
It’s been awesome. Living with cool people? It’s like I have someone else to do cleaning, someone else to talk to. It finally feels like I can be a grown up.BIANCA
Clare, you’re so big now.CLARE
Bianca! I missed you.BIANCA
How has Kentucky been?CLARE
It’s been great! I’ve been working with Rowen to figure out a lot of fae things and what we can do to do more.BIANCA
You could’ve come here with Carter and I.CLARE
I’m really enjoying Kentucky though. We’re having a really good time and it’s nice to get to know about myself with someone my age?BIANCA
(sad) I gotch'ya.CLARE
Has Adelyn reached out?BIANCA and CARTER
No.CLARE
Good.[Luz Bella walks up]LUZ BELLA
Carter Corrin?CARTER
Luz Bella! Sorrel told me you were maybe coming!LUZ BELLA
What are you doing here? The cryptid club chat blew up when you went missing!CARTER
Yeah it’s-LUZ BELLA
It’s Sorrel’s fault?CARTER
Well, I saved them, not the other way around or anything.LUZ BELLA
So you’re the reason they’ve gotten so… different?CARTER
I don’t know what they were like before they met me. But I’d like to think I have a positive impact, you know?LUZ BELLA
Let’s hope it lasts, you know?CARTER
C'mon, let's enjoy the party.HORATIO
I have to give this to you for magical legal reasons, but Ro brought some Magick Mystique.CARTER
What’s that?SORREL
It’s gross magic wine.LUZ BELLA
Ew, it tastes like toothpaste and depression.CARTER
Depression has a taste?SORREL
Rot.
(to LUZ BELLA)
I have a bottle of whiskey.ROWEN
You two are so boring.HORATIO
For real, what do you think you’re doing?SORREL
Shut up. It’s my birthday, I get to be boring.LUZ BELLA
Yeah. Let’s get the jack.BIANCA
I’m gonna go ‘head and light the bonfire.LUZ BELLA
Y’all are so honky tonk.SORREL
You literally moved in with Ray in an abandoned mining town. You work at a saloon.LUZ BELLA
For aesthetics.HORATIO
Cowboy aesthetic.ROWEN
Did they have cowboys in Australia?HORATIO
(deadpan) Do I look like the national cowboy enthusiast?ROWEN
Yeah, a little.[Horatio makes an annoyed sound. Sorrel goes and opens the trunk of Phyrra.]HORATIO
(yelling a little) It’s in your car?SORREL
(far away) Yeah, I just bought it.[Sorrel slams the trunk shut. It won’t shut.]CARTER
Is something stuck in the hinge?SORREL
(far away) No?CLARE
Let me fix it.[Clare runs over and slaps it, and then slams it shut. Clare and Sorrel walk back.]SOCK
How did that work?CLARE
I’ve just always had the touch.BIANCA
Bonfire’s lit! I’ve got weenies, corn and marshmallowsHORATIO
Gods, I love corn.ROWEN
Did you talk to Maebhe?HORATIO
Like recently?ROWEN
Yeah.HORATIO
A little.ROWEN
And?HORATIO
It’s mostly been voicemail tag.ROWEN
You can just magic call her?HORATIO
She’s roommates with Emery so we’d have to meet somewhere else. She wants me to take the banishment off.ROWEN
Yeah? Can you do it?HORATIO
It’s complicated.ROWEN
I feel like a complicated relationship support group.ROWEN
Speaking of.[Horatio’s laugh fades into a soft cute romantic song as Sock approaches Sorrel.]SOCK
Sorrel, would you like to share some weenies with me?SORREL
Oh uh, sure.[They walk towards the bonfire. It can be heard cracking.]SOCK
So…SORREL
Hey.SOCK
You’re really awkward about this.[They sit down.]SORREL
I’m not awkward.SOCK
(laughing) A little bit. It’s cute.SORREL
I’m not cute. I’m fierce. Like a chihuahua.SOCK
A chihuahua?SORREL
They are the most evil dogs.SOCK
You’re ridiculous.SORREL
I’m really glad you came.SOCK
I missed you. And you promised me a date.SORREL
I did. I uh… still haven’t figured out what it is.SOCK
We can figure it out.SORREL
I missed you too.SOCK
Awesome.SORREL
Who’s being awkward now?SOCK
You!They laugh together. It’s intimate and awkward and easy.SORREL
I’ve been working on myself. I’ve been trying harder to fix my brain. I don’t really know what’s wrong - I mean, like I know it’s the untreated bipolar disorder but like… something else is wrong with me.SOCK
Hey. I see you trying. Have you considered trying to get it treated?SORREL
I’m not really ready to go down that rabbit hole.SOCK
Want to talk about why?SORREL
I just think… What if they tell me nothing is wrong with me? And I’m making it up.SOCK
Yeah,,, They do that sometimes. The doctor told me that-SORREL
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean- I’m not as strong as you when it comes to dealing with that-SOCK
Something is wrong with me. Not wrong but like… This is not the baseline for everyone else. I know that. It’s not my old baseline. Your baseline isn’t the same as everyone else either.SORREL
I uh - thanks. How’re you feeling?SOCK
I’m okay now. I wasn’t for a little bit. I might be not okay again. Right now though, I’m okay. I mean it’s weird. My body is different and it hurts more.SORREL
How’d it go with the doctor?SOCK
I got a new one. A second opinion.SORREL
And?SOCK
If the lab tests come back the same in six months, it’s lupus. Till then it’s heating pads, salves and water. I’m okay though. And I’m happy.SORREL
With me?SOCK
Maybe. Depends how good this date is-SORREL
That’s a lot of pressure holy -SOCK
As long as you don’t set me on fire, I’ll be wooed.SORREL
I won’t do that.[Luz Bella walks up.]LUZ BELLA
Can I sit here?SOCK
I’m gonna go get some weenies, do you want any?SORREL
Yeah, sure. Uh, I’d like some.[Sock pecks Sorrel’s head. Sorrel makes the worst surprised noise possible. Sock laughs and walks off.]LUZ BELLA
Oh man - Sock?
(teasing)
You got it bad.SORREL
Did you come over here to embarrass me?LUZ BELLA
I came over here to split that bottle of whiskey. Embarrassing you is just a bonus.SORREL
Right.
[Sorrel takes a swig and passes it.]LUZ BELLA
So you really like hir?SORREL
(dramatic) Embarrassingly so.[the romantic music fades.]LUZ BELLA
Why is that embarrassing? To like someone?SORREL
I just got over one horrible relationship in which I almost died. One that hir could’ve died in.LUZ BELLA
You really think Emery would’ve done it?SORREL
I did. At the time… I mean, the same thing you said. I was all doom and gloom and wanted to be sad.LUZ BELLA
Emery was like that too though. I’m not thrilled with them either.SORREL
The being sad hurt me.LUZ BELLA
The being sad didn’t hurt me. The things you did during that time did. Why’d you leave us? Just ran off and stopped talking to us?SORREL
Because you guys told me my relationship was hurting me and you were right. I didn’t want you to be right. I guess more so, I didn’t want to be worse.LUZ BELLA
That sucked. We were trying to help. You two were fixin’ to bulldoze each other six feet under. The whole time.SORREL
I really should’ve listened. And I shouldn’t have run away… It was a shitty thing to do.LUZ BELLA
No shit.SORREL
I’m sorry for running away. I should listen to y’all more. Get over my own stupid pride.Luz Bella is surprised by this.LUZ BELLA
I guess.SORREL
Can I tell you something?LUZ BELLA
Why?
[Luz takes a sip]SORREL
I just want to talk about it with someone…[Luz takes a second sip]LUZ BELLA
What’s that?SORREL
Emery’s been trying to talk to me.[Luz Bella spits out the whiskey.]LUZ BELLA
WHAT?[Sock comes over as an ominous song fades in, like there is a distant threat.]SOCK
I got your… Is everything okay?SORREL
Sock uh… Come here. Emery is trying to reach me -LUZ BELLA
I can’t believe Emery is actually trying to reach you.SOCK
What?SORREL
(whispering) I don’t want to talk about it to everyone! In the Reflective Space.SOCK
(whispering) Why?SORREL
To apologize. Which is the worst part. I can’t tell if it’s sincere or a trick.SOCK
Do you want some advice or to vent?SORREL
I don’t know. Advice I guess.SOCK
You need to keep yourself safe. Emery has treated you awful and you can’t get tangled up in them again.LUZ BELLA
I mean, you want what I think?SORREL
Sure.LUZ BELLA
Emery’s not the kind of person who could pull off a lie that serious. Nor would they try. They’re smart and ruthless, but they’re not going to apologize if they don’t mean it. It’s beneath them.SORREL
What?SOCK
(not wanting to admit it) That’s a… good point.LUZ BELLA
You especially know Emery too well to be able to figure out immediately if they’re lying. They can’t be sorry about something they don’t mean.SOCK
What did they say?SORREL
Travis is looking for me.SOCK
Your dad? Your dad who hates you?LUZ BELLA
Shit. You need to get… somewhere else.SORREL
I know. I know, holy shit do I know!LUZ BELLA
Travis is… I don’t know what he would do.SORREL
Probably hate my friends more. And make me go with him and run his stupid group. Terrible, terrible shit.LUZ BELLA
You’re pretty callous for someone who spent your whole childhood unable to speak without getting forcefully told what to think. You were a model kid, how could he hate you?SORREL
He hates everything about me. I ran away, I went to college in a big city away from the ocean. I prefer bayou water. I’m basically a failure.SOCK
That’s a shitty thing to know on your birthday.SORREL
I mean, I know it everyday, today’s not the exception. I just… Don’t know what to do.LUZ BELLA
Probably run. You can borrow my truck.SORREL
You’d have to drive it.LUZ BELLA
I get to pick the radio station. Just let me know when.[Carter walks up.]CARTER
(cautiously) What’s going on?SORREL
Just… Some stuff.CARTER
I heard y’all talking about Emery.SORREL
Look it’s - they’re coming to me. In the Reflective Space-[Horatio and Rowen come up.]CARTER
How do we stop them?HORATIO
I don’t think we can…SOCK
The Reflective Space - it’s not like the real world. It’s between alive and dead so the rules of neither world apply.CARTER
We have to protect-SORREL
I don’t think- Emery’s not wanting to fight anymore.CARTER
(frustrated) What did they spend the last year trying to do then?SORREL
It’s… complicated. They said they were going to watch out for Travis.HORATIO
He’s still after youSORREL
You think he’d stop coming for me?CLARE
It sounds like your daddy issues have daddy issues.SORREL
(biting) And your mommy issues?CLARE
(emotionally recoiling) Ow.SORREL
I just… I might have to leave for a little bit. I’ll let you know before I do.CARTER
By yourself?SORREL
You don’t know how to deal with Travis. He makes Emery look like a saint. Emery still has morals. They just shoved their head so far up their ass they couldn’t find them. I uh… Look, I’m gonna go pack a bag, I’ll be back.[Sorrel walks off. A beat of stunned silence.]LUZ BELLA
There’s a lot going on there.HORATIO
We should get some protection stuff.CARTER
For Sorrel?ROWEN
For us. Anything that can be used against Sorrel will.SOCK
(panicking) We need… I don’t know. I should’ve prepared, we knew Emery did this-LUZ BELLA
Sock, stop. You had your own shit going on. You can’t prepare for someone else’s fuck up.ROWEN
You’re panicking, you’re going to hurt yourself.SOCK
(under their breath; body scan) Head, shoulders, chest.[Sock takes several deep breaths, calming down.]LUZ BELLA
You need a minute?SOCK
(after a few more deep breaths) I’m good.LUZ BELLA
Sorrel’s right. Travis is not someone to mess with.CARTER
(a deep, tired sigh. Here we go again.) Another roadtrip.BIANCA
You’re getting good at those.ROWEN
Everyone needs to start protecting themself. Meditation, practice closing your mind-SOCK
Actually, I’m gonna check on Sorrel.[Sock walks off. The unsettling music fades out.]CLARE
Road trips used to be fun. Now they’re a frickin’ death sentence.CARTER
(nostalgic and laughing softly, trying to get his mind off of what just happened.) Remember when we drove to Virginia Beach? Before you and mom broke up?BIANCA
The foggy beach.CLARE
Is that the monster beach?BIANCA
Yes! Carter was so scared there was a monster hiding in the fog he wouldn’t go in.CARTER
You just ran to the beach, Clare.CLARE
That’s because I was a ninja or a superhero or something.BIANCA
“Ballerina ninja princess superhero but without the cape.”CLARE
Bianca ran after me so I didn’t hit the water without my floaties.BIANCA
You were like six! You needed floaties!CARTER
Adelyn had to carry me into the fog. I wouldn’t go by myself. She promised she was gonna keep the monsters from getting me.BIANCA
There were in fact no monsters… She was good about getting you to stop being afraid of monsters.CLARE
(no longer nostalgic) Until she became one.CARTER
(quiet, trying not to make waves.) She wasn’t always bad. There were good times.BIANCA
I miss them too.CLARE
(bitterly) Yeah, it was especially good when on that beach she pulled my hair into a ponytail so tight because I got seaweed in my hair and “wasn’t cute anymore.”BIANCA
Before you guys were born, she was… she was different.CLARE
(sarcastic) Sorry I changed her.BIANCA
It’s not that-CLARE
(getting angrier and angrier.)I know you’re trying to make me feel better, but stop. There weren’t good times. There were good seconds. She was still a monster to us. You can’t take that away or erase it by whatever you remember about her before me.
I only knew her after I was born. She was a monster to me.[campfire sounds fade out into the outro song, “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. Intro music composed by Mik Koats.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan.
Luz Bella is played by Sophie Borjón.
Emery is played by Tal Minear.
Sock is played by Aubrey Poppleton.
Rowan is voiced by Rowan Jewels.
Horatio is voiced by Nina Nikolic.[the music fades out]This week’s cryptid is nostalgia; your memory is a fickle thing.

EPISODE 7: FENDER BONES

Google Drive LinkORION
Big thanks to John Westover and Audrey Martin for their support of season 2 of Transmission Folklore!ANNOUNCEMENT
Transmission Folklore, season 2, episode 7: Fender Bones. This episode of Transmission Folklore contains discussions of attempted suicide. Audience discretion is advised.[Theme song plays. It fades into the Reflective Space Theme: a watery, bassy theme that is just slightly unnerving, like you’re not where you’re supposed to be.]SORREL
(Their voice is ghost-like) I’m so tired - just let me sleep. I don’t want to be here.EMERY
(Emery’s voice is similarly ghost-like) Sorrel? Oh my god. I-it worked. It actually succeeded this time.SORREL
Emery?EMERY
I don’t know how long I can make this last.SORREL
How are you he-EMERY
I’m not there. I’m here. Our brains are just… reflecting.SORREL
Emery where are you? This isn’t supposed to be happening. This can’t be happening.EMERY
It’s not - will you shut up?SORREL
How am I floating and drowning?EMERY
It feels like that sometimes. Here. You remember it here?SORREL
I don’t even know where “here” is. It’s dark. And manic.EMERY
Isn’t it always with us?SORREL
Sometimes it’s depressing. So where are we?EMERY
I uh… The Reflective Space.SORREL
It actually is? How did you get us here? Because I sure didn’t die.EMERY
Relax, you’re not dead. It’s a parlay. It’s easy, because we left here before. When we wanted to die.SORREL
A long time ago.Sorrel is silent and uncomfortable.EMERY
Yeah. A long time ago… I never thanked you for that. For pulling me out the first time I came to the Reflective Space.SORREL
Yeah well, the last times we were here wasn’t great for either of us. It super sucked.EMERY
I didn’t want to be here. I mean, I did at first. But then I was here, like for real, not like this.SORREL
No. Nothing like this. This is… weird.EMERY
I thought I wanted to die.SORREL
I know you did. I don’t really like thinking about it. Did you just call me here to open old wounds?EMERY
No it’s not that. I just… I thought it was important to apologize. I’ve been thinking a lot on my own. I’m tired.SORREL
(angry but a little sad.) Not about hurting yourself?EMERY
No.SORREL
Why have you been trying to get me here? A couple times, I’ve been here.EMERY
I didn’t really… I don’t think I could’ve actually killed you, you know.SORREL
(angry) Don’t give me that. You tried to. If Carter wasn’t there you would’ve.EMERY
That’s not what happened.SORREL
(angrier) I was there. Don’t tell me that’s not what happened when I was there - you do this every time. You tell me I’m wrong, you tell me I didn’t know what happened. I know what happened. I’m sorry life hurt you. I’m sorry I hurt you. I know you weren’t good for me and honestly, I wasn’t good for you.EMERY
You were good for me for a long time. I mean you really were when I needed you and told me the truth about me, even when I didn’t want to hear it- before you tried to get me committed, you were good for me.SORREL
Which part of me was good for you? The longing for anything else? The bitch who’d be mad for weeks and then feel nothing? There is some version of our story where we fit together, Em. Maybe in a different life my crazy matches yours. We fit together like missing pieces and could regulate one another until we felt like we could function. This ain’t it. We made fires and refused to put them out. We wanted to die and tried to help each other along the way. For fuck’s sake; we romanticized killing ourselves together. When was any of that good for you?EMERY
When you wouldn’t let me,SORREL
I had broken up with you at that point. I didn’t want to see you die though. I didn’t want to see you at all.EMERY
I just miss you. I don’t miss the arguing until our throats were sore and our eyes stung. I don’t miss the falling in love, quickly and deranged. Because you’re right; that wasn’t love, it was a reflection of our despair. But I miss staying up all night. I miss neither of us being able to sleep because we had a nightmare about being okay that led to nightmares about being boring. All we’d ever known was sadness and hurt and misery and the mere thought of doing ourselves a kindness was too much - still is too much. I miss the three AM swims where we promised we’d get better one day. I wish we’d meant it. I wish we wanted to sometimes.SORREL
You miss the trauma bond. But we don’t get that without trauma.EMERY
I know - and we were traumatized, huh. I with my family of death and you with your family of control.SORREL
Oh, so you do remember what he does? I thought you forgot-EMERY
I’m sorry I tried to bring you back to Travis.SORREL
That was fucked. More fucked up than trying to kill me. Do you still talk to Maebhe?EMERY
Yeah.SORREL
Tell her I’m sorry for killing her. If she wants to talk… I’m trying to be better.EMERY
Me too. I guess.SORREL
Anything else you wanna get out there?EMERY
Do you miss it at all? Like even a little?SORREL
No. I’m better now.EMERY
(skeptical) You really think that?SORREL
I have… a date or something.EMERY
(relieved) So Sock made it out okay? I didn’t - It was stupid of you to try and sing to hir.SORREL
You too.EMERY
Ze’re okay?SORREL
New body but, you know? Ze’s okay now. I’m not gonna let it get bad as it was.EMERY
(hurt) There was nothing good. Not even… nothing?SORREL
You tried to kill me. You really think it was worth saving? We’re here because you are magically restrained so that you won’t hurt me.EMERY
I won’t. I promise.SORREL
Not taking a chance. I have too much to live for now.EMERY
Before? When it was just you and I, far away from anyone else?SORREL
I was addicted to hurting myself and being unhappy. You know what that’s like, more than anyone else.
(beat; Sorrel is annoyed)
But I’m unfortunately more resilient than I wanted to be. I guess I have you to thank. Or maybe it’s Carter and Sock and Rowen and Horatio and everyone who decided to care despite it all. It’s why we’re both kind of okay. We are both like hurricanes of anger and despair. Which sounds dramatic and cliché. Because it is. We swirled around until nothing good could get in.EMERY
The fae really did something to you. I’ve never seen you wanting to be all the things you could be. You used to be so much less…
[Emery is trying to find the right word.]SORREL
You can stop it right there. Yeah. Cause we were like that and then this human stress ball with a shitty, falling apart PT Cruiser decided that you and I had to break it up, go back to our respective corners and play nice and I’m trying. Even though you made it hard. You broke the fender and a bunch of the bones in Carter’s body. Apology or not you knew almost killed him and Sock and you went and got Travis involved when you knew it was dangerous for me and that’s not okay.EMERY
I’ll make amends for the wrong I’ve caused. I’m not going to let him find you.SORREL
If you get too close to me you’ll respawn far away. I’m not changing it. You need consequences.EMERY
(playful) Stubborn bitch.SORREL
(annoyed) Goodbye Emery.EMERY
Wait no I’m sorry. I’m really trying. I’m staying close to him. I’ll tell you if he gets too close.SORREL
Who’s a stubborn bitch again? I thought you’d never join SAO?EMERY
I also said I’d keep you safe from him and went back on that too. Let me prove I’m trying to change. Please. If I can, will you meet me here again?[There’s a long, long silence, the music shifts to something a little less uncomfortable, a breakthrough in healing.]SORREL
If Travis finds out what you’re doing, you’ll leave, right? I don’t actually want you dead.EMERY
Me either.SORREL
He’ll kill you. Or use you. He’ll use you like a beacon.EMERY
I know what your dad is like, Sorrel.SORREL
You think you do, but I can assure you. No one knows what he’s like better than I do. You never lived with him. He didn’t think you’d get far.EMERY
(now their annoyed) I know what Travis thinks of me. He’s made it abundantly clear that I am, and always have been lesser than you. That you’re perfect, precious and the only reason you strayed from him is me. I have to prove myself to him.SORREL
You’d really look out for me? After all that?EMERY
I can’t promise it’ll be good. I can just promise I’m going to try not to make it worse.SORREL
A little late for that.EMERY
It can only go up?SORREL
(laughing) No, there’s still plenty of room for it to go down.EMERY
Yeah, probably.SORREL
You remember my twenty-first birthday?EMERY
(soft) Yeah. It was kind of rough.SORREL
I didn’t start eating bagels until then.EMERY
I know. I was very proud to get you into them.SORREL
I guess it was a little bit good. Sometimes. It doesn’t make the bad go away. It doesn’t make me forgive you.EMERY
I think about it a lot. How everything used to be before we were so sad.SORREL
When was that? We’ve always wanted to die.EMERY
We all went to that stupid comic book convention.SORREL
We went to that coffee shop after and you wanted to do karaoke so bad but didn’t want to sing.EMERY
I had to lip sync.SORREL
You always wanted to be the center of attention.EMERY
And I still do. I’m trying to keep your dad on his toes so he forgets about you.SORREL
(serious; they cannot stress this enough to Emery)
He won’t do that. If you think he’ll ever forget about me, you’re mistaken.EMERY
I know what he’ll do.SORREL
And you still tried to get him to pick me up.EMERY
That was a mistake.SORREL
You made a lot of those.EMERY
You’re not innocent.SORREL
No. But I have been trying to own up to it.EMERY
What do you think I’m doing?SORREL
I don’t know.EMERY
I’m not trying to make you feel sorry for me. Take this or leave it, that’s your prerogative. I’m not asking to be forgiven. I know what I’ve done is unforgivable. The fact of the matter is, Sorrel, I feel bad about everything I put you through. I rage about some of the things you put me through. You’re right. We weren’t good together. But you are a good person. Me too, on some level beyond consciousness. Hate me all you want but I’m going to stop Travis before he can take you back to the nightmare you lived before. I know how to handle your shitty dad because I’ve had to handle him before. I know what I’m getting into. I am owning up to fucking up.SORREL
I don’t hate you.EMERY
I don’t hate you either.SORREL
I’m not… You make me so angry. Because it shouldn’t have happened like that. We shouldn’t have been at each other’s throats. We’re volatile. We’re a mess of fins and fight and rot. I’m unwilling to give up on myself anymore.EMERY
I’m going to help you. He shouldn’t do all the things he did when he was younger.SORREL
Most parents don’t sing their kids into submission.EMERY
And yet.SORREL
And yet… Emery, if you do this, if you try to take him on, you need to be unwilling to give up on yourself. Because the final “fuck you” that could give me would be for Travis to kill you. So if you’re going to pretend to be a hero, you should just… not let him kill you.EMERY
You’re so dramatic.SORREL
I’m so serious. You’re not allowed to die. Till the tides don’t turn or whatever.EMERY
You either. You made that promise too.SORREL
I think it’s time to go.EMERY
Be safe out there.SORREL
Don’t get killed out of spite.EMERY
(serious; sad) I’m all out of spite.
(a beat)
Hey Sorrel? One more thing; happy birthday. I hope twenty five treats you right.[The Reflective Space song glitches out. The door opens.]CARTER and BIANCA
Happy birthday![Transmission Folklore theme “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah plays.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan.
Emery is played by Tal Minear.This week’s cryptid is a new beginning; be afraid to open up.[music plays to the end]

EPISODE 6: STARTER WINGS

Google Drive LinkORION
big thank you to Brian Marino and Cheshire Chagrin for supporting season two of Transmission Folklore!ANNOUNCEMENT
Transmission Folklore, season 2, episode 6: Starter wings. This episode contains depictions of audio distress, falling, and a simulated meltdown from the perspective of an autistic person. Audience discretion is advised.[The theme song plays then fades into a bouncy and whimsical sitcom song]SORREL
I don’t even like cake.CARTER
What about ice cream cake?BIANCA
You ever had king cake?CARTER
It’s not even the right season for that! Sorrel’s birthday is in October.SORREL
No, I don’t trust anything to do with monarchies.BIANCA
Smart siren.[music rests for a moment, then picks up again]CARTER
We’ll come back to cake. I’m not giving up on this.BIANCA
I’m excited to meet your friends.CARTER
It’s gonna be awesome.SORREL
It’s going to be in, like, a week. Can we please talk about something else?CARTER
Okay, okay!SORREL
How’s the Magic Block™ doing?CARTER
Still very, very blocked. Constipated even.SORREL
Any ideas, Bianca?BIANCA
Um, yeah actually. I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out what’s causing it. Based on research and looking and stuff.CARTER
Really?BIANCA
So a lot of times, after going through a big emotional thing, faeries release their magic all at once. You said your wings just grew right? Like huge and full?SORREL
Popped out like a fresh baby.CARTER
[lightly chuckling] Gross.BIANCA
Right. It kinda sorta sounds like you used up all your supply at once. You make more but it takes a while.CARTER
(disappointed) So I have to wait?BIANCA
Yes. [music rests for a second, then picks up again] Theoretically though, we could speed it up?CARTER
How?BIANCA
Minor danger.SORREL
[putting down cup] What?BIANCA
Nothing drastic! I just sorta think, we could speed it up like adrenaline.CARTER
Do you think it’ll work?SORREL
Magic’s not even worth it that bad.CARTER
The sooner I have it, the sooner I can control it.SORREL
I don’t think it’s a good idea.BIANCA
We can at least try it?SORREL
(dryly) But what do I frickin’ know?CARTER
Sorrel, it’ll be okay.
(to Bianca)
Let’s try it.[The music fades out to the ambiance of a field outside.]BIANCA
We’re going to try this okay?CARTER
What’re you doing?BIANCA
I don’t know if it’ll work if I just tell you.CARTER
(nervous) So I’m not gonna know?BIANCA
I’ll be right there. I promise.CARTER
Okay. I’m trusting you.[Bianca grabs Carter by the shoulders and takes off. This conversation is a little loud, as the sound of Bianca’s wings and wind makes it hard to hear.]BIANCA
Just relax, okay? You’ll be okay?CARTER
I believe you.BIANCA
I’m not gonna do anything that’ll hurt you too bad. It’s just to jostle your wings.CARTER
It’s so pretty up in the sky.BIANCA
About what I said the other day. You guys are your own people.CARTER
Clare has worked so hard to be herself despite Adelyn. She’s so kind.BIANCA
The truth is, I don’t really know enough about you guys.CARTER
You’ll learn. You have to be the one to try though. Especially with Clare. She’s been through way more with Adelyn than me.BIANCA
I’m just glad you’re giving me a second chance.CARTER
Of course. I love you.BIANCA
No problem kiddo. You guys are so spectacular. You light up the sky, even though neither of you can fly right now. You soar in a way no one ever could.CARTER
Wow. That’s so nice…BIANCA
We’re almost there! See the barn?CARTER
What about it?BIANCA
You know how it rained? It makes the perfect slip and slide.[Bianca lets go of a screaming Carter. He hits the tin roof and slides down. A deep droning sound fades in. Remember when he saved Sorrel in S1E1?]CARTER
I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die![Carter claws at the roof but can’t get a grip and falls. He cries the whole way down. The world is muffled, in the near distance, the car fails to start. Over and over again.]BIANCA
(muffled) Holy shit. I thought it would work. Carter? Are you okay? Talk to me? I wasn’t going to let you get hurt. I promise. Can you talk to me?
[a pause as Carter whimpers]
Why not?[Carter can’t hear Sorrel walk up]SORREL
(muffled) Is someone in the car? It keeps trying to start.BIANCA
(muffled) I… Don’t think so -[Carter’s breathing is heavy and the clearest thing that can be heard in this scene. The starter heaves with his breath.]SORREL
(muffled) Carter, what the fuck? What’s wrong?BIANCA
(muffled) It was an accident - I was trying to get his magic back on track and I threw him-SORREL
(muffled, seething) WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?BIANCA
(muffled) It was supposed to help!SORREL
(muffled) Obviously it’s not going to help throwing him off a barn-BIANCA
(muffled) He got hit by a car!SORREL
(muffled) AND ALMOST DIED![Carter whimpers.]BIANCA
WE HAVE TO GO INSIDE HE WON’T TALK.[Carter whimpers again.]SORREL
(changing demeanor; seething, but quietly.) Because he’s nonverbal. Let’s. Go. Inside.[The tea kettle boils over in the kitchen. The world is clear again, but it seems that the rose tinted glasses are truly gone now. Bianca takes the kettle off the fire and pours water into two mugs]SORREL
How do you not know what’s up with your own kid?BIANCA
This never happened here.SORREL
If you’re going to throw him off of roofs, how the fuck not?BIANCA
This is a specific scenario!SORREL
Yeah, and this is your fuckin’ kid. You should know better than to throw kids off barns. That’s like the first thing they teach you in parenting schoolBIANCA
I haven’t gotten the chance to do this!SORREL
You missed out on a lot! I’m not faulting you for that or nothing. But at what point did you stop trying to call your kid? At what point do you take responsibility? I’ve had a literal crash your car kind of course in this over the past year. I hope to god you fucking get it. He came here for help - not to be tortured.BIANCA
[pours the final mug and places it in front of Sorrel] I thought it would help! I’m not good at this stuff.SORREL
Obviously.AAC
Enough.SORREL
Yeah. Sorry, that was too far. Carter, do you want me to stay or do you wanna do this alone?AAC
Go.SORREL
Okay.[Sorrel leaves up the stairs.]AAC
Thank you.BIANCA
I really am sorry.AAC
I know.BIANCA
Do you need a hug?AAC
No.BIANCA
Do you want me to go?AAC
No.BIANCA
Do you need some tea?AAC
Yes.[Bianca places a mug in front of Carter and then sits.]BIANCA
I - in a perfect world, I would’ve tried harder. I could’ve tried harder. It’s hard to be shut out. And I know that wasn’t you - it was Adelyn-AAC
Mom.BIANCA
- Your mom didn’t want me to see you. It hurt a lot. But at some point, you give up. At some point, it’s easier to shut y’all out than to be forgotten; than to be hurt again and again and again.AAC
I’m sorryBIANCA
You didn’t do anything darlin’. I just… I feel like I missed so much of your life. I got to be a fun mom. The “Every Other Holiday” mom until there was excuse after excuse. “Oh sorry, Cartwheel and Clare are busy. Summer camp. Choir concerts and this and that and it hurt. I felt like you guys had denied me everytime.AAC
No.BIANCA
I don’t know how to be a parent anymore. I’m out of practice.[a longer pause as Carter types.]AAC
I love you. You love me. That is enough.BIANCA
I’m genuinely, absolutely sorry. I thought it would work. I really did. But clearly, we need a different approach. I’m going to do some more research in the fae circles to see what we can find.AAC
Okay.BIANCA
Can I do anything for you?AAC
Be here.BIANCA
I am now.AAC
I know.[A softer thoughtful song starts as Sorrel digs around in the fridge.]BIANCA
Hey.SORREL
What the- Oh.[They close the fridge.]BIANCA
Sorry,SORREL
Don’t -BIANCA
No really. I needed to be called out.SORREL
I was kind of a dick.BIANCA
It happens.SORREL
Look, I like being here because I don’t have to worry about dying or whatever, but that was fucked up - but like. You were trying to figure it out. I don’t know how faerie magic works.BIANCA
There’s a lot of rules.SORREL
Yeah, about that. I gotta question for you.BIANCA
Shoot.SORREL
Hypothetically, if a faerie has your name, what all can they do with it?BIANCA
You know how your siren song works? Anyone who hears it and they’re compelled to do what’s asked? Imagine that energy but it’s always and only focused on you. A faerie can say “I’m so and so” and they just will be. No question. They can say do this and you have to do it with your whole being. Basically your life would be controlled by the faerie if they wanted to.SORREL
(stressed) Cool, cool, cool.BIANCA
Who’d you give your name to?SORREL
Long story.BIANCA
Carter?SORREL
Yeah.BIANCA
Well, I guess it’s good you gave your name to the only faerie I think will guard it.[the music plays all the way to the end.][Theme music plays.]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. Music composed by Mik Koats.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan.This week’s cryptid is trust; consider the consequences of believing in faeries.[music plays to the end.]

EPISODE 5: WINDOW SOUL

Google Doc LinkORION
Thank you to Starship Q Star and Logan Cheshire for their support of Transmission Folklore Season 2.ANNOUNCEMENT
Transmission Folklore, season 2, episode 5, “Window Soul.” This episode of Transmission Folklore contains mentions of a suicide attempt and medical ableism. Audience discretion is advised.[The theme song plays. It fades into the Reflective Space theme: a watery, bassy song that sounds like how nausea feels: imminent and vulnerable.]SORREL
(sighs, voice distorted like a ghost) Not this again. I don’t belong in the Reflective Space.PAST EMERY
(distant and echoing) Happy birthday!SORREL
Why does it go back?PAST SORREL
(like a dream; an echo; a happier Sorrel) I thought you forgot.PAST EMERY
Why would I forget? You only turn twenty one once.PAST SORREL
(a sad moment) I mean… Everything that happened. I was gone for like two weeks.PAST EMERY
I don’t want to talk about it right now.SORREL
(annoyed) You never did end up talking to me about it.PAST SORREL
It happened though. I’m sorry.PAST EMERY
You’re going through a lot. Sometimes life sucks, and it doesn’t feel like it’s worth living.PAST SORREL
It has nothing to do with you.PAST EMERY
I know.PAST SORREL
I cut dad off. Like forever.SORREL
This already happened. I don’t want to be here.[soft percussive elements fade into the song]PAST EMERY
Good. He’s bad for you. You aren’t a prodigy.PAST SORREL
I’m just a siren like everyone else. He can find someone better; someone who’s going to do whatever he wants. I don’t care about Sirens Against Oil. It’s kind of fucked anyway.[a double beat of a bass drum]PAST EMERY
I still don’t get it.PAST SORREL
It doesn’t matter.… I’m so sad.PAST EMERY
I know. I’ve got you. Till the tides don’t turn.[Past Sorrel cries on Past Emery.]PAST SORREL
Sorry. It hurts so bad to feel this way.PAST EMERY
It’s okay. You don’t have to be sorry.PAST SORREL
It’s just been a long month.PAST EMERY
You really fucked Luz Bella up when she found you. She’s pissed.PAST SORREL
What’s new? She’s always pissed at me.PAST EMERY
I don’t think it’s at you. Maybe she got scared. Kind of fucked she’s mad.
[Sorrel whimpers.]
Let’s not think about it. I got you cake. I tried to get you donuts but they didn’t have any donuts, so I got you bagels.PAST SORREL
(whimpering, trying not to cry anymore.) Bagels are fine. Who cares?[The past dissipates and Sorrel is alone and shaken. This is too much; this is the memory that haunts them. It is hopeful the best way they could be back then but it is so sad.]SORREL
(yelling) I don’t want to be here anymore! Stop bringing me here. I don’t deserve to be in the Reflective Space! I don’t want to die anymore![The Reflective Space glitches out, music stopping abruptly as Sorrel stirs.]SORREL
I don’t want to die anymore…CARTER
(knocking on the closed door, voice muffled as he speaks through it) Dinner is ready.
SORREL
(loudly) I’ll be out in a minute.CARTER
Okay.[Carter walks back downstairs]SORREL
I just… I tried so hard to do this right; I shouldn’t have to keep remembering. All the hurt is just; what was it for?[A beat. Who was hurt?]Where’s my phone? What time is it? I need to call Sock. Phone, phone… Did I leave it in the car?[Sorrel gets out of bed and walks to the door, opening it and goes down stairs. They open the front door and close it and walk to the car. Outdoor noises fill the air as they open and close the car door to grab their phone.]Cool, cool. Awesome.[Sorrel leans against the window and it opens.]That’s not supposed to happen…[Sorrel opens the door again and pushes the switch, once, then several times. Nothing.]This is a problem for another day.[Sorrel dials on the phone. It rings.]SOCK
Hello?SORREL
Hi.SOCK
Hey b- Sorrel. What’s up?SORREL
Sorry for not calling you.SOCK
You should be. How’s Carter?SORREL
Weird.SOCK
Okay.SOCK
(same time) What’s - Oh no - No go ‘head.SORREL
(same time) I - Oh you? - You first.
[soft romantic but solemn piano fades in.]SOCK
I wish you would’ve stayed long enough to see me. I wanted to see you.SORREL
I do too.SOCK
It hurt. That you left.SORREL
It’s my fault.SOCK
That you left? Of course. I thought we were going somewhere.SORREL
No - I mean yes - but that you got hurt so bad. You can’t have two different siren songs in your head like you did out there. You had to reset your body.SOCK
You helped. Even after I hurt you.SORREL
You weren’t actually you though.SOCK
I should’ve… I should’ve-[a deep string instrument kicks in, a little more serious.]SORREL
You couldn’t though. It was a stupid thing on my part not to prepare everyone for it. A siren’s song. It literally broke your brain.SOCK
You helped me get what I needed. But you didn’t even say goodbye. I wanted to be… something.SORREL
We were - we are. If you want to.SOCK
You know that I do. Is your plan to self-destruct though?SORREL
(maybe) No?SOCK
Then act like it, Sorrel. Act like you want to make a relationship or… something work. I can’t be fallout. I won’t let it happen.SORREL
I know. I will. I’m… not sure how to try to be wanted.[a lighter piano melody kicks in, its hopeful]SOCK
I want you. I really do. Trust me when I say that.SORREL
I’m not good at trusting. But… I’m trying.SOCK
You have to communicate with me.SORREL
I uh… I might fuck this up.SOCK
Do you want to try?SORREL
A lot.SOCK
That’s good enough then. Follow through, okay?SORREL
I will… do my best.SOCK
Your best is enough.SORREL
That was… Very direct. New body, new you, right?[the lighter melody is still there, but the deep string instrument comes back in]SOCK
It’s weird. The new body. It hurts more. All the parts of my old body don’t recognize the new body. I think I gave myself an autoimmune disorder. I’m more tired than I used to be.SORREL
I’m sorry.SOCK
I’ll adjust. I’ve already been talking to a doctor about it. The current guess is I have lupus. We’re looking at some treatment options but the doctor I have is a real asshole about it.SORREL
(ready to fight the doctor) Oh?SOCK
He thinks it’s no big deal. “Let’s not rush into things.” “Lupus isn’t that bad compared to… cancer.” It’s incredibly frustrating. Doctors stress me out - I wouldn’t go if I wasn’t in pain.SORREL
Can you do anything for it?[tune turns slightly more serious]SOCK
I don’t really think I should treat myself. Besides, magic won’t work on anything chronic like that. It’s much better for acute trauma, like with Carter and the car. Or when you went to the Reflective Space the first time.SORREL
I still don’t think I’m ready to talk about that.SOCK
I know. I’m not going to rush you into it. Just know I’m here if you ever do…
[A beat.]
Are you ever going to follow through on a date?SORREL
I uh - Carter’s throwing me a birthday party.SOCK
That wasn’t an answer.[the song swells, happiness and seriousness leading into what Sorrel says)SORREL
Yes. I’m asking - You’re invited. To the party. Come and I’ll take you out after.SOCK
It’s a date.SORREL
Cool. I uh - that’s not why I called.SOCK
What is it?SORREL
Have you ever been pulled to the Reflective Space? Like without trying?[the music comes to an end and fades out]SOCK
How are you feeling?SORREL
Honestly? The best I have in a while. I’ve been trying to do better by myself.SOCK
(a little shocked; has been trying to get this for a while) Are you taking your mental health seriously? Actually?SORREL
I don’t… deserve to feel like shit. Or whatever.SOCK
(laughing) I could hear the eye roll through the phone…
(sincere)
I’m glad. You are worthy of being happy.SORREL
How do you know that?SOCK
Everyone is. And I know you, Sorrel. I like you.SORREL
Cool… I like you too.[music comes to an end]SOCK
Back to the Reflective Space. The only thing I can imagine is someone’s trying to call you there. Do you see anyone else?SORREL
Y-yeah.SOCK
Who?SORREL
I don’t want to talk about it.SOCK
You don’t have to. Are you okay?SORREL
Not really. I’m trying to be but I keep failing.SOCK
Trying is so important. It’s the best you can do.SORREL
That sucks.SOCK
I don’t want to see you get hurt.SORREL
Me either.SOCK
Hey before I go, do you need anything?SORREL
Not right now. D-do you?SOCK
Just to see you later. I’ll talk to you then.SORREL
Promise?SOCK
(amused) Yeah. I kind of like talking to you.[Sock hangs up. Sorrel lets out a happy sigh.]SORREL
Ze likes me.[Sorrel decides to make another call.]SORREL
This is gonna suck.[Luz Bella answers. The background is noisy with a full restaurant.]LUZ BELLA
(brightly) This is Castle Town, Luz Bella speaking.SORREL
Luz Bella? When did you get back from Mexico? Where’s Ray?LUZ BELLA
Sorrel? I… like I don’t know. Just before Ray went on vacation. [a pause] Oh, no he says when he saved you last.SORREL
Oh… Is he busy?LUZ BELLA
Yeah, he’s swamped. He’s going to visit some family in Ohio for a few months. Why are you calling? You stress me out when you sound like that.SORREL
Like what?LUZ BELLA
Reminiscent. It’s gross.SORREL
I… Remember in college? Before you went to see your mom?LUZ BELLA
I mean yeah, for the ten minutes you actually talked to me in college.SORREL
Do you remember when I started liking bagels?LUZ BELLA
What is this about Sorrel?SORREL
Just play with me. Do you remember?LUZ BELLA
Why would I -SORREL
Because this is the shit you always remember.LUZ BELLA
When you were twenty one, I think. You had one and then ate like ten thousand. Can I go?SORREL
Remember how it used to be - I don’t know? It was easier.LUZ BELLA
When?SORREL
Before the Emery stuff.LUZ BELLA
When you stopped talking to everyone you mean? I believe your words when I asked you about it were that you were “happier with Emery than any of the rest of you.” I told you that shit wasn’t going to last. And it sure didn’t.SORREL
I know! I’m sorry, I was going through a lot.LUZ BELLA
You blame the world for your problems. You always have. Have you ever thought you’re the problem?SORREL
I don’t want to be. Like I used to be and -LUZ BELLA
How you used to be for the last six years? Or when you kicked me out of your hospital room because I suggested you go to therapy? Before you made everyone else fix your Emery problem? You were told dating them would be a mistake. I love Emery, but that shit wasn’t ever going to be good. You’re both toxic.SORREL
I’m trying.LUZ BELLA
You can’t expect me to forgive everything you did right away. I don’t owe you anything.SORREL
I miss you, Luz.LUZ BELLA
Yeah. That sucks. I want you to do better for yourself. It’s been four years to the day since I found you like that and it’s always someone else’s fault you feel so shitty.SORREL
I didn’t even realize it was today.LUZ BELLA
Not something I could forget. You looked so small.SORREL
I know it’s my fault. Everything -LUZ BELLA
(angry again) Not like that. It’s not a pity party.SORREL
No - I’m not trying to make it pitiful. I’m not good at this. I don’t think it’s all me. But some of it was me. I made bad decisions.LUZ BELLA
Like? I want to hear what you think is a bad decision.
(someone is trying to talk to her)
I’m on the phone, this is important!SORREL
I over book myself. You wanted me to get professional help. I used you as professional help. I ran away to college instead of dealing with it. I shouldn’t have tried to rely on you or flaked out all the time, or treated you like garbage. I’m sorry.LUZ BELLA
I’ll think about it. I appreciate that I didn’t have to tell you. Because there’d be no hope for you if I did.[A beat.]SORREL
I’m having a birthday party. I don’t really want to but Carter is throwing it. Do you want to come?LUZ BELLA
I’ll think about it… I gotta ask you something.SORREL
What?LUZ BELLA
Did you think I was mad I was the one who found you? After your attempt?SORREL
You never corrected me.LUZ BELLA
You stopped talking to me.SORREL
That was fucked up.LUZ BELLA
I thought you were gonna die. And then you wouldn’t talk to me until I was visiting my mom. Leaving countries isn’t a great time to try and reconnect.SORREL
I missed you. I still do. You were good to me. Even when I wasn’t.LUZ BELLA
I’ll think about the party.
(someone mumbling)
Okay fine! Bye. I have a customer.[They hang up. The door opens and closes and Carter walks out to Sorrel.]CARTER
Hey, your food is getting cold.[Sorrel jumps in fright.]SORREL
Shit you scared me.CARTER
Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.SORREL
No, it’s fine.CARTER
You look freaked out.SORREL
I don’t really want to talk about it.CARTER
Don’t shut down.SORREL
Maybe later. I haven’t figured out what I feel.CARTER
That’s okay.SORREL
I invited Sock and Luz Bella.CARTER
Who’s Luz Bella?SORREL
Luz Bella Torres she is a frie-CARTER
Did she go to college with us?SORREL
Yeah?CARTER
She was in Cryptid Club![Sorrel busts out laughing.]SORREL
Really?CARTER
Yeah - oh my god, is she-SORREL
She’s a like… an omen of death. But like only when she’s hitchhiking on the highway it’s complicated like a llorona but like La Llorona. It’s like there are different drowning ghosts on a body of water. She can explain it better. But don’t ask her if you’re gonna die, it’s bad luck.CARTER
Oh my god, I can’t believe… Luz Bella Torres. Wait, what’d you invite them to?SORREL
This birthday party thing? You said you wanted to throw it.CARTER
So you’re really gonna let me?SORREL
(unconvincing) I mean sure. It’ll be… fun.CARTER
You don’t have to.SORREL
No really. It sounds fun.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah, the outro theme plays]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. Music composed by Mik Koats.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Luz Bella is played by Sophie Borjón.
Emery is played by Tal Minear.
Sock is played by Aubrey Poppleton.This week’s cryptid is boundaries; it’s not building walls if you’re building stairs.[music fades out as it comes to an end]

EPISODE 4: HEATER HANDS

Google Doc LinkORION
A big thank you to Alexandra Von Gries and Cloudy for supporting season two of Transmission Folklore on Indiegogo.ANNOUNCEMENT
This episode of Transmission Folklore contains strong language. Audience discretion is advised[The theme song plays. It fades. Into a jaunty tune that makes the scene feel like a sitcom. Carter pulls the chair out and sits, also placing his plate down.]CARTER
You weren’t gonna tell me about your birthday?SORREL
(drawn out and annoyed)No.CARTER
Why not? It’s a big deal!SORREL
Well, my last birthday I was chased down by Emery. And then before that I sat in a laundromat for six hours by myself crying about bed bugs.CARTER
Oh. Gross.SORREL
No shit. It sucked. You ever get bed bug bites on sca- no, you don’t have scales. I just don’t want to make a big deal of it.CARTER
Since your last birthdays have sucked so bad this one should be awesome. You’re safe.SORREL
Am I though?CARTER
It’s been a week. He hasn’t found you.SORREL
Yeah and my birthday’s in two weeks. Optimal looking time.CARTER
I just think it’d be really fun.SORREL
(defeated) Okay fine. As long as I don’t have to throw the party.CARTER
(so excited he might vibrate out of his skin) It’ll be so fun!SORREL
Can I please eat my bagel now? I have so few joys in life.CARTER
(already planning) Maybe I should theme it.SORREL
Good god.
[Bianca comes down the stairs, and the music pauses for a moment, and then kicks in right as Bianca speaks]BIANCA
Good morning!SORREL
(does not think it’s good) Good morning.BIANCA
You’re so chipper!SORREL
(In a “don’t talk to me before I’ve had my coffee” voice)It’s nine AM and I have not finished my bagel.BIANCA
I see.CARTER
They’re always like this.BIANCA
So was Ariel.CARTER
The ex-girlfriend. Not the mermaid.BIANCA
Lovely fucking woman.CARTER
Ugly at heart.SORREL
[pushes their chair away from the table and starts to walk away] I’m gonna go swimming for a little bit. Y’all are wild.BIANCA
That’s fine. We’re going to have some bonding time.SORREL
Gross.CARTER
Again, they’re always like that.SORREL
[in the distance] No, I’m not.[Carter chuckles][Sorrel exits, the front door opens and closes.]CARTER
So! Do you have anything planned?BIANCA
So I was originally gonna try and fix the heater in your car because the hose was definitely clogged, but there’s plenty of time for that later. So instead, I thought we’d do some stuff that we just never got to do together when you were a kid.[music ends]CARTER
Like what?BIANCA
How do you feel about video games?CARTER
I play all the time with Clare!BIANCA
We could play virtual bowling!CARTER
[scooting away from the table] I never played it.BIANCA
What?[Bianca starts to set up the gaming system as Carter speaks. Turns on the TV and the Wii.]CARTER
We had an X-box me and Clare shared. I’ve never played anything else.BIANCA
[Puts the CD in the Wii.] That might be the worst thing Adelyn ever did to you.CARTER
[Bianca rifles around a box to find two controllers.] It’s definitely not. In fact, Clare is the one who bought the X-Box.BIANCA
Adelyn made Clare buy it?[The game loads to the starting screen with a sporty tune with synths.]CARTER
(fondly) She thought she didn’t like video games. But then Clare bought it and we all played together.BIANCA
Okay. The Wii is just fun. You get to make your own character and it looks just like you, except, you know, kinda shitty.CARTER
(unconvinced) That sounds fun.BIANCA
I can’t believe you never played a Wii.CARTER
Clare said it was the worst gaming system.BIANCA
Adelyn probably told her that to get on my nerves. She knows I hate the XBox.CARTER
I liked it.BIANCA
You haven’t played on the perfect gaming system. At least for multiplayer.CARTER
That’s cool! How do we play?BIANCA
Let me turn the music off real fast. It’s fun but after a while it feels like ringing in my ears. [turns the music down in volume] So first, customize a character. You just kind of make it look like you.[Carter clicks start and a piano tone plays. Cool video game music plays in the background.]CARTER
So I hold this little stick?BIANCA
Yeah. And then all you do is hold the button and pull back. Like this. And knock down the pins![The bowling ball rolls and hits a lot of pins in the game.]CARTER
You got a strike! [An announcer in-game says “Strike!”]BIANCA
Your turn.CARTER
Okay let me try.[Carter tries. It’s very sad. The bowling ball rolls and hits a single pin in the game. An in-game announcer says “Nice!”]BIANCA
I’ve been playing longer! When I first started I only got one pin too. You can get a spare.[Carter tries again and only hits one more pin. The announcer says “Nice!”]CARTER
I got a point that round!BIANCA
We all have our moments.[Bianca bowls again, but it ends up in the gutter. The announcer says “Gutter ball!”]CARTER
You lost on purpose, mom.BIANCA
[She starts scratching her arm. A tell.] No! I just didn’t bowl well, so it’s a gutter ball.CARTER
You’re scratching your arm.BIANCA
Oh I was? Oh, well, I just do that sometimes. [scratches arm again.]CARTER
It’s not fun if you throw the game.BIANCA
Okay. Okay, I’ll be serious. The best way to do it is with some extra force. Like this.[She bowls again and hits several pins.]CARTER
Nine pins.[The announcer says “Nice!”]BIANCA
Not a strike though…
[She bowls again, and misses.] And I missed the second time. (quietly) Fuck.[The announcer says “Nice try!”]CARTER
Okay, let me try. And…[Carter reels back the Wii mote. He gets a few more pins down. The announcer says “Nice!”BIANCA
There you go! Six pins the first time!CARTER
Cool, cool.[He bowls again and only hits one pin. The announcer says “Nice!”]BIANCA
God, it’s nice to be able to bond with you again.CARTER
You got some time to bond with me when I was younger.BIANCA
It wasn’t enough. And I hardly got any time to bond with Clare. She doesn’t even call me mom.CARTER
You told us we didn’t have to.BIANCA
Yeah, but it makes me feel closer to you. Everything I did with Clare didn’t stop Adelyn from getting all over her.CARTER
Clare’s awesome though. She’s my favorite seester.BIANCA
You only have the one, Carter.CARTER
And I couldn’t ask for a cooler one.BIANCA
She is pretty neat. Parents just kind of want to see themself in their kids, you know?CARTER
Not really. I’m not a parent.BIANCA
I know. But if you decided to be, it would make a lot more sense.CARTER
I think Clare has a lot of good traits.BIANCA
No definitely. She has all the best of Adelyn.CARTER
What? Don’t-don’t say that to her, Clare isn’t anything like mom.BIANCA
No no no! I mean it in the best way! She’s a little moody, but she is headstrong and will stand up for what she believes in, even if it’s not necessarily kindest-CARTER
(standing up for himself) Mom, I don’t like you talking about Clare like that. She definitely wouldn’t. Adelyn did a lot of really awful stuff to her, and Clare is absolutely nothing like her. Seriously, stop it.BIANCA
(internalizing it) I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that.CARTER
Seriously, don’t say stuff like that. Especially to her.BIANCA
She is awesome.CARTER
Let’s just get back to the game.[Bianca gets a strike. The announcer says so.]BIANCA
(flatly) Woo, another strike. Yipee.[Carter goes to bowl but wasn’t told to put the Wiimote strap on. The music abruptly stops as the remote puts a hole in the wall. The game registers it as a throw.]CARTER
Oh shit.BIANCA
(at the same time) Oh fuck.[The announcer: “Strike!”]BIANCA
I forgot to tell you about the strap.CARTER
I am so sorry.BIANCA
No, it’s okay, the strap is just… you know… important.CARTER
There’s a hole in the wall, holy shit.BIANCA
(lightly laughing) Hole-y shit indeed. It’s okay. This house is basically ¼ drywall and foam.CARTER
It’s so much though! There’s an upstairs.[The front door opens and closes]BIANCA
That doesn’t mean it’s a well designed house. It didn’t go all the way through. Just the drywall.[Sorrel runs in, a bit frantic.]SORREL
I heard a bang-BIANCA
It’s fine. I forgot to tell Carter about the Wii-mote strap.SORREL
(deadpan) I see… There’s a hole in the wall.BIANCA
So there is. I’ll go get the spackle and fix it right up.[Bianca walks away and leaves through the front door. Moody music begins to play.]SORREL
All good?CARTER
It’s… I think she wants to make up for lost time and it just doesn’t feel like we’re ever going to have enough time to make up.SORREL
Damn, that fucked already?CARTER
(defensive) I didn’t say it was fucked.SORREL
What is it then?CARTER
It’s just… We didn’t get a chance to grow together. Adelyn gave me too much and Bianca didn’t give me enough.SORREL
So how is that not fucked? I don’t get it.CARTER
We’re so different. She wants to blame my whole personality on Adelyn.SORREL
Like? Can I get an example?[The music picks up as Carter rants.]CARTER
She doesn’t like X-Box. Which is fine except I liked it when I played. And she doesn’t like Adelyn and just shit talks about her a lot, which is really frustrating and she doesn’t really know what to talk about and I don’t even like bowling. There are a lot of other games on this and she didn’t ask me what I liked. I want to get to know her. I want to talk. I want to fix the car and bond with my mom.SORREL
Ask her?CARTER
(unsure) I might.SORREL
You’re never going to get what you want if you don’t ask her.CARTER
I know it’s just… Hard.SORREL
I wouldn’t know. No one has ever tried to bond with me.CARTER
I didn’t think about that, I’m so sorry.SORREL
It’s okay. It just… Makes me feel bad or whatever.[the music ends]CARTER
I appreciate you telling me.SORREL
My self help podcast keeps telling me to talk about feelings.CARTER
You’re doing a good job. I see you trying.SORREL
It sucks. That took all my energy out of me. I think I’m going to sleep it off.CARTER
Are you getting better sleep now?SORREL
Not really. But it’ll be fine. I’m thinking of trying to find a therapist.CARTER
Yeah?SORREL
On my own.CARTER
Okay.SORREL
I don’t know. I’m not sure therapy is what’s gonna help me. I just - I’m going to bed, okay? I’ll figure it out another time. [they start to walk away]CARTER
Okay.SORREL
[they stop walking for a moment.] You guys’ll get the hang of it. It’s been one shitty bonding experience. Don’t give up on her.CARTER
The optimism is a good look on you. [Sorrel continues up the stairs.]SORREL
Shut up.CARTER
Sleep well.[Carter lets out a deep sigh and makes a call. There is a dial tone.]CLARE
(a silly voice and modulated to sound like the audio quality from a call) Hello, you’ve reached the pizza man support group operating line.CARTER
(a silly voice) Calling to place an order. (normal voice) How’re you doing, Clare?CLARE
I’m in a google rabbit hole about that horse girl book I read when I was twelve.CARTER
God you’re the best.CLARE
What’s up?CARTER
I just missed my favorite seester.CLARE
I’m your only sister, you don’t have much to choose from.CARTER
No. You’re my favorite seester of all seesters. Like in the whole world.CLARE
You’re my favorite brother. Better than everyone else’s. How’s Bianca?CARTER
A mom.CLARE
Having two moms means double the mommy issues.CARTER
Could be worse? It could be daddy issues.CLARE
How is that worse?CARTER
Boys are stinky.CLARE
If she’s mean to you I’ll beat her up.CARTER
I don’t need that. You’re also not the first to offer.CLARE
This is part of why I didn’t go down with you. I want to be my own person for a little bit. I cannot deal with bickering moms anymore. Bianca had a chance to be there for a while. She didn’t take it.CARTER
She can now.CLARE
You drove halfway across the country to see her. You went to college near her and she didn’t do anything. Remember when I went to Louisiana and she wouldn’t drive the two hours from New Orleans to Lafayette to come see me? She’s been doing that our whole lives.CARTER
A lot of it was because other mom wouldn’t let her see us.CLARE
The Lafayette thing was all Bianca though. She’s gotta make up for that. I’m not going to move a mile if she isn’t gonna move an inch.CARTER
I’m hoping she does better.CLARE
Me too. I want her in my life. But it’s her turn to reach out. I’m done trying.[Pilot but Lately Kind of Yeah plays.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan.
Clare is played by Drew Ibert.This week’s cryptid is the Wii gaming system; whatever happened to that?[Music ends]

EPISODE 3: SHIFT EYES

Google Doc LinkANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore. Season two, episode three: Shift Eyes. This episode contains strong language. Audience discretion is advised.[The main theme plays. It fades and Carter looks is tapping his hands on the steering column.]SORREL
Are we going inside?CARTER
Yeah. Absolutely. Maybe.SORREL
I’m not waiting in a car forever, Carter. It’s rumbling so hard the gear shift will move on it’s own.CARTER
I’m just… nervous.SORREL
She’s your mom. Your coolest mom. You like her.CARTER
What if I made up how cool she is?SORREL
Then I’ll beat her ass.CARTER
Please don’t.SORREL
I’d do it.CARTER
Appreciated, but unnecessary.SORREL
Fine. I’ll knock on the door.[Sorrel gets out of the car and shuts the door. They knock while Carter has a crisis. The door opens. Nervous music plays.]SORREL
(from far away) Are you Bianca?BIANCA
Yeah.SORREL
I have your son.BIANCA
(worried then excited) Is he o- HI CARTER![Bianca approaches the vehicle.]BIANCA
(up close) Hey!
CARTER
Hey mom.BIANCA
I missed you.CARTER
Me too.BIANCA
God you’re so - and you have wings now! Oh my god, you have wings.CARTER
Adelyn was not very helpful about it.BIANCA
No, I imagine not. Stand up - let me see you.[Carter gets out of the car and shuts the door.]CARTER
(awkwardly) Here I am.BIANCA
Here you are. Come on in! Who’s your friend?SORREL
Sorrel, what’s up. You know anything about sirens?BIANCA
I know a couple.SORREL
Travis Huckson?BIANCA
That name sort of rings a bell-SORREL
Don’t tell anyone I’m here. You got a bed I can sleep in?BIANCA
Yeah, sure. Upstairs, second room on the right.SORREL
Cool. I really need a nap.BIANCA
Yeah no problem. I’ll send Carter to get you during dinner.SORREL
Thanks.[Sorrel goes into the house leaving mother and son alone. A song plays; the reunion.]BIANCA
I’ve missed you and Clare. I wanted to come up and see you but between your mother and life -CARTER
I get it.BIANCA
You two are my life. I wanted to help you through this.CARTER
It’s not too late.BIANCA
When did it happen? When did you get wings?CARTER
Last year. A lot happened.BIANCA
And Clare?CARTER
Not yet but she knows it’s coming.BIANCA
Have you figured it out?CARTER
How to fly? I did and now… no. That’s part of why I’m here.BIANCA
For help.CARTER
Yeah. And uh… We’ve had a long year.BIANCA
Come inside. Tell me about it.[The song fades. A tea kettle boils over.]BIANCA
Shit.CARTER
(teasing) For someone who cooks so good, how come you can’t boil water?BIANCA
You’re laughing but I set the kitchen on fire before with this tea kettle.CARTER
You can buy hot tea.BIANCA
It’s not about the tea. It’s about the ritual.CARTER
(contemplative) Hm.BIANCA
So let me get it all straight. Evil exes and siren songs on your mother and you almost died.CARTER
Pretty much.BIANCA
But the evil ex isn’t a problem anymore?CARTER
Yeah.BIANCA
And you met someone?CARTER
I don’t know if we’ll ever see Kali again. It was kind of one of those fun interconnected things.BIANCA
I see.CARTER
I’m pretty sure Sorrel likes the witch who saved me.BIANCA
I’m still not understanding how ze saved you.CARTER
Honestly me either. I was, like, almost dead for part of it. But ze used part of the car to fix my heart.BIANCA
(freaked out but trying to be calm) Cool, okay. And so everything is fine?CARTER
Uh… Sort of. The car is kind of broken. And I’m tied to it, so if there’s an issue with it… There’s an issue with me.BIANCA
WHAT?CARTER
Ah… Don’t yell.BIANCA
Sorry, sorry. It’s just… That’s a bombshell to drop on someone.CARTER
You’re good with cars. I was hoping you can help me fix it.BIANCA
What’s happening to it?CARTER
It sputters some. And the air conditioning isn’t working. And there’s just a weird rattling. It’s just really weird.BIANCA
Jesus. How is it still running?CARTER
I have no idea. And there’s no engine.BIANCA
It has no engine?CARTER
Or at least part of an engine.BIANCA
No engine or part of an engine?CARTER
I don’t know you taught me everything I know about cars and I haven’t seen you for more than a couple hours at a time in ten years![A silence. SONG: Missing years.]BIANCA
That’s not my fault.CARTER
I know. It just sucks.BIANCA
You know I wanted to be there for you, right?CARTER
It’s just so much has changed and it freaks me out. A year ago I didn’t even know about magic.BIANCA
I told you about it.CARTER
You told me stories. Adelyn told me they were just stories.BIANCA
I want to make up for lost time.CARTER
Me too.BIANCA
When I had to go, I fought tooth and nail for you guys. And I lost. Adelyn had a better job, was more “mentally stable.” Adelyn was smarter and knew how to make everyone fall in love with her. Technically, I had visitations but she always had excuses why I couldn’t go.CARTER
And then you got busy.BIANCA
I was trying to get another custodial agreement. I had to work hard to prove I could support two kids. Capitalism demanded it, which is bullshit if you ask me but such is the way. I was gonna take you guys back to the faerie realm. That’s what I was so busy with. Time was weird there.CARTER
Why didn’t you just take us? We would’ve gone with you!BIANCA
Earthside is your home. I couldn’t just make it so you’d never come back.CARTER
I just wish we’d had more time. I’ve been an adult for years now. I wanted to see you.[Song fades. A beat.]BIANCA
Here I am. Open your eyes.CARTER
I see you. But it’s been a long time.BIANCA
Let’s start now. Do you want to learn to fly?CARTER
Really?BIANCA
Yeah! What’s better bonding? It’s something that you and I can do.CARTER
That sounds really cool.BIANCA
Come outside with me.[Transition. Bianca and Carter go outside.]CARTER
So how do you do this?BIANCA
Just open your wings.[Bianca’s wings open. They are huge. Carter is delighted.]CARTER
They’re jade like a junebug.BIANCA
Why do you think it’s my favorite color?CARTER
I can’t believe you hid these from me!BIANCA
I just figured it’d be a lot to deal with.CARTER
It is.BIANCA
So open your wings.[Carter opens his wings. A victory song plays.]CARTER
Ta-da! Opened.BIANCA
And just make them go.[Bianca flaps her wings and lifts up. Carter flaps his wings and nothing happens.]CARTER
I can’t do that.BIANCA
Just… fly.CARTER
What are you doing different than me?BIANCA
You have to think upwards. Just like you put one foot in front of the other, you think upwards and go up.CARTER
(whining) It’s not working!BIANCA
Hey, it’s okay. Just keep trying.[Carter tries and it doesn’t work.]CARTER
Could they not work because I’m half human?BIANCA
I don’t think that’s it.CARTER
I’m just bad at this then.BIANCA
We’ll try something else. Can you use magic?CARTER
I used to. Not anymore.BIANCA
What’s different?CARTER
I don’t know.BIANCA
Was it before or after the car?CARTER
Kind of both. The car has always been kind of fucked up. But it’s my car.BIANCA
Maybe, because it’s broken, your magic is messed up? And that’s why you can’t fly?CARTER
Do you think if we fix the car, we fix me?BIANCA
Worth a shot?CARTER
Let’s try it.BIANCA
Sorry we can’t do this right now.[A swell of loving music.]CARTER
It’ll be okay, mom.BIANCA
I missed being a mom. So much.CARTER
You’ve always been my mom. You just get to act like one now.[They hug. The music swells and transitions into the theme song.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. Intro music was composed by Mik Koats, the outro music is Pilot by Lately Kind of Yeah, and all other music and sound effects are from Epidemic Sound.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Bianca is played by Jillian Morgan.This week’s cryptid is the ties that bind; your knots have come loose.

EPISODE 2: CARBURETOR HEART

Google Doc LinkANNOUNCER
Couple of announcements up at the top: Number 1, our indiegogo campaign is still going all the way through December 15th. If you would like to contribute, please consider going to igg.me/at/transfolkpodAnd 2, if you lis-listen all the way through the end of the credits, you’ll get to hear the trailer for Among the Stacks, a show we think you will love. Alright that’s it for this week, thank you so much for listening!ANNOUNCER
Transmission Folklore: Season 2, Episode 2: Carburetor Heart.
This episode contains mentions of toxic relationships and minor mentions of grooming. Audience discretion is advised.[The theme song plays. It fades into a weird, reflective space song. Like water dripping.]SORREL
(waking from a dream) What the - all my teeth are in my mouth, okay thank you. Jesus.EMERY
It wasn't supposed to go like that. It was never supposed to be anything like that.SORREL
(scared) I got away from you Emery. I got out!EMERY
I don't know. It all got to be so much. I thought I'd make it. I was angry in the way only sirens get, you know? No I mean, I get it.SORREL
Why am I here-EMERY
I just wish I tried better. I was a shitty partner. I was a really shitty friend sometimes. I mean, it wasn’t just me, obviously. They did some really fucked up shit. I had every right to be pissed off.SORREL
Can you even hear me? It feels like I'm floating and drowning at the same time.EMERY
I don't know. Some things you're never going to be able to apologize for.SORREL
Like attempted murder and hurting my friend and my… Sock. Yeah. Why. Am. I. Here?EMERY
It was a dark place. Which is a me-problem. I'd apologize to Sorrel. If I could. If I knew I’d get an apology back and they hadn't blocked me from their life, you know? Because I loved them. I wish I never had, but Sorrel was the first person I really loved. Before all the bullshit they pulled. We were toxic in the way only trauma can make you, but honest to the sea, I loved them.SORREL
I don't believe you.EMERY
(taking notice of Sorrel. Sort of.)
What did you say?SORREL
(emotional) I said, I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!EMERY
Do you hear- it sounds- like Sorrel?
(a beat)
No, it's imposi- impossible.SORREL
You talk so big and bad for someone who doesn’t mean a word you say. You can say you loved me all you want but you’re the one who changed. Not me.EMERY
Sorrel, can you hear me? I’m sor- I really am. I’m so-SORREL
Shut up, shut up! Don’t lie, I don’t hear you-[The Reflective Space glitches out. Sorrel wakes up. Birds chirp. It feels weird. Carter opens the door, gets in, and turns the car on.]SORREL
(sleepy) Go away, leave me alone… shut up.CARTER
It’s like 12 PM, how are you still asleep?SORREL
Hmm? I can’t get comfortable. How far away are we? I can’t wait to get to your mom’s. I haven’t slept in a bed in almost a year.CARTER
We slept in a couple hotels.SORREL
I slept in the bathtub in the hotels. Didn’t know when we’d get access to water again.CARTER
Oh, right, right, right. Well, Bianca’s house isn’t, like, huge or anything but she lives there by herself. She used to have a girlfriend, but her girlfriend hooked up with an engineer and she sails on cruise ships now.SORREL
(still stuck in their dream) Exciting…CARTER
She was kind of ugly - not like in her face but in her heart.SORREL
Interesting.[The mom song starts. It begins with hope.]CARTER
I’m just… really excited to see Bianca. It’s been a while since I’ve spent a lot of time with her..SORREL
I thought you saw her before you left?CARTER
Yeah, for dinner. Then I drove back to the dorms.SORREL
I’m excited for you. She sounds like a cool mom.CARTER
She’s my coolest mom for sure.[The mom song switches into a minor key.]SORREL
I only have the one and she’s my step mom. The last time I saw her she was yelling at me about "disgracing the colony."CARTER
Why were you disgracing the colony?SORREL
I wasn’t. I was groomed as a kid. They wanted me to be the leader of Sirens Against Oil and I didn’t want to. Deena Mae didn’t like that.CARTER
Oh right. I forgot.SORREL
Wish that was me.CARTER
(softly) I wish you could forget it.SORREL
It annoys me so much, because on the surface, it sounds really cool, right? Alternative energy that doesn’t completely kill our oceans. I’m all for alternative energy. But it’s not against oil, not really. If Travis could, he’d set the ocean on fire to get ahead.CARTER
Then what is it against?SORREL
It’s against the idea of groundlings and non-magical beings.CARTER
Groundlings are people who walk on the ground?SORREL
People who can only walk on the ground. So like, not you, because you have wings, but like anyone who can only be on the ground. The idea is that SAO was going to create a new world that was centered in the sea. The Earth is 70% water, so why shouldn’t those who live in water rule? I didn’t really like that. I’m not a leader and definitely not a “new world order kind” of leader. Not how my dad wanted me to be. Besides, groundlings don’t rule anything. And I like feet sometimes. Not like I would trade them for fins all the time but like sometimes - not like an Ariel situation.[The song fades. ]
CARTER
I didn’t think that.SORREL
They, like, feel different than fins. It’s like feet connect to the Earth and you’re standing upright. It’s kind of like flying for me. Like I can really connect and dirt stays on them and they each have five distinct curl patterns. And my feet have hair on them. Like -[Sorrel begins to remove their shoes. Carter does not get the appeal.]CARTER
What - what are you doing?SORREL
My fins don’t have hair on their knuckles.CARTER
They don’t have knuckles.SORREL
Exactly! It’s different!CARTER
I don’t get the point of taking out your sweaty feet…SORREL
I just… They feel different. They have bones that aren’t in my tail. It’s like scarring. Like, I like my tail. It’s a good tail. But I can’t curl everything. There’s no hair on my tail.CARTER
There are hairs on my legs.SORREL
It’s cool right?CARTER
It’s mostly cumbersome. Clare has to shave her leg hairs because she’s in competitive swimming.SORREL
Swimmers put on siren tails right?CARTER
There are professional mermaids who go to birthday parties and swim. Not all swimmers do that though.SORREL
Right… Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a tail?CARTER
Not really. Like I can’t have one. I try not to get my brain too wrapped up in experiences I can’t have. It sends me down a spiral.SORREL
That makes sense.[Sorrel sighs. That wasn’t the right answer.]CARTER
You think about wings?SORREL
Yeah, sometimes. I think it’d be cool to see the world from the sky.
(a beat)
How much farther are we?CARTER
Not much?[Carter coughs. The engine sputters. Sorrel makes a noise of fear and worry. A worried song plays.]SORREL
What the fuck was that?CARTER
I coughed?SORREL
The car, Carter. The Cruiser that was tied to your body when you got into a car crash. Aren’t you a little worried about why it sputtered like that?CARTER
I mean like… when you say it like that! We’re almost there, it’ll be fine.SORREL
You hope.CARTER
I’m going to be fine.[The car sputters into a driveway and finally, Sorrel stops it.]SORREL
Thank god.CARTER
Happy now?SORREL
Yeah, actually. This is her place?CARTER
Yeah. Do you want me to look at the car now, or?SORREL
Ah, yeah.[Carter begins opening the car parts.]CARTER
It looks fine…SORREL
Carter, you have a carburetor as part of your heart.CARTER
(quietly; ignoring Sorrel) What the fu-SORREL
Never a good sign.CARTER
How did I miss this?SORREL
What?CARTER
This is how you put this back together? After the crash?SORREL
Look, I know it’s not great, I don’t really know anything about cars. I just read a book and hoped for the best. Is it okay?CARTER
It shouldn’t be running. The carburetor is completely blown.SORREL
Why is it running then?CARTER
I don’t know.SORREL
How can you not know?CARTER
Because I don’t!SORREL
Can you fix it?CARTER
I don’t know!SORREL
Look, until we can fix this we shouldn’t go anywhere.CARTER
Like period?SORREL
Like at all. Look… Things are weird, but we’re safe here.CARTER
(worried) The Mississippi is close by. And the ocean.SORREL
We’re safe here. I’ll be… I’ll know if dad is coming.
CARTER
Yeah?SORREL
(not convinced) Yeah. I uh… I just know in the grapevine when Travis is close.CARTER
You’re really trying to be calm now.SORREL
The alternative is to lose my shit. You don't get anything done if you lose your shit, so I’m told.CARTER
So you're not worried about your dad finding you? You seemed worried yesterday.SORREL
I'll figure it out.CARTER
And Emery?SORREL
(quick) We banished Emery. Emery is never gonna bother me again. We’ll be by ourselves.CARTER
Okay, if you're sure… You could invite Sock here.SORREL
Shut up. Let’s just go meet your mom.CARTER
Okay, okay. You're sure you’re good? You were mumbling in your sleep when we were at the gas station earlier.SORREL
If I worried every time I had a nightmare I'd be dead.CARTER
I was serious about my mom being able to get you a therapist.
SORREL
I’ll be fine.CARTER
Okay. Just, if you change your mind. You’ve been through a lot and you need to be able to unpack some of it. Sometimes we need someone who has an objective perspective-SORREL
(interrupting) I don't want to talk about this anymore, I just want to sleep in a bed.
[car hood slams shut]
I’ll feel better after some rest.[outro theme plays]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Emery is played by Tal Minear.This week’s cryptid is closure; let the wound fester.

EPISODE 1: RATTLING EARS

Google Doc LinkANNOUNCEMENT
Hey! Before we start the new season, I have a few announcements:
One: We extended our crowdfunding campaign for season 2! If you like what you hear today, please please please consider contributing to our Indiegogo. Every dollar, share, and review we get goes such a long way in supporting the show. We have a bunch of really cool perks over there like stickers, custom art, and annotated scripts! If you're interested. check out igg dot me forward slash at forward slash transfolkpod (igg.me/at/transfolkpod). As of release, we are at 8% of our goal, but! Once we hit 50%, we will publish a 2-page table top roleplaying game based off the show, just in time to play with family, both by blood and found, for the holidays. Thank you so much in advance for supporting our show! Speaking of which: A massive thank you to Rhea James, Kalairn Koats, and Robin Howell for their support of the show!Two: We have a cool show to share with you! October and Fish with Legs is a lighthearted and exceptionally fun for all ages audio drama podcast! A determined but misguided teenage girl and a blindly optimistic fish in high heels go on a semi-epic quest to save the world in this funny fantasy adventure series that walks the delicate balance between hope and cynicism. Here's the trailer!OCTOBER
October and Fish is a buddy adventure about me--FISH
October!OCTOBER
And my friend--FISH
Fish with Legs!OCTOBER
And in season 2 we're going on all new adventures!FISH
I'm gonna face a dragon!OCTOBER
And I'm going to solve a murder mystery!FISH
And together we're going to travel to the distant land of deserts and ancient treasures-- Sandlantis!OCTOBER
Find October Jones and Fish with Legs on Spotify or Apple or uh, anywhere else.FISH
And visit us at octoberandfish.ca for pages from October's scrapbook--OCTOBER
Research journal!FISH
And other bonus content! Buh-bye now! Buh bye!OCTOBER
Okay bye.Transmission Folklore: Season 2, Episode 1: Rattling Ears. This episode contains strong language and mentions of attempted murder and suicide. Audience discretion is advised.The theme song plays, and fades out.Phyrra’s hood is popped closed, and Carter grunts with the effort. Sorrel lets out a heavy sigh, like they’re waiting for a prognosis.SORREL
Is it broken? Why was it rattling?CARTER
[Carter laughs weakly.] Not anymore than usual.SORREL
You can’t break Pyrrha. She’s tied to you.CARTER
Yes, I know! You don’t have to remind me every ten minutes.SORREL
You’re just not acting like you know.CARTER
When did you get to be such a worrier?SORREL
Haha, very funny. About two weeks ago I thought I’d be dead by now.CARTER
You didn’t have faith in our plan?SORREL
It’s not that - I didn’t have faith inme.A song begins. Sorrel’s regrettable past. [SONG: ]CARTER
You should - you’re a good person.SORREL
You say that a lot for someone who’s only met the new me.CARTER
The new you?SORREL
The me who regrets stuff, you know? Like… God, this version of me. The one who’s trying.CARTER
I don’t know what that means. Let’s keep going, come on.SORREL
Carter everyone is… I mean everyone is right. I used to hurt people. It wasn’t on purpose but… I hadn’t been a good person. So if it didn’t work, if Emery won, I kind of deserved it.CARTER
You did not deserve being taken back to Emery! Emery used you and tried to murder you and yeah, you hurt people and the cure to ending all that abuse and hurt isn’t giving up! It’s going to therapy.SORREL
Can’t exactly see a therapist right now.CARTER
I’m planning on seeing one in Louisiana for a little bit! You can too.SORREL
Maybe... I just don’t know a therapist who specializes in… all of this.CARTER
Listen, I have learned there is more than meets the eye on therapists. When we get to Bianca, we’ll ask her.[Carter opens the car door. ]SORREL
She can’t just ask up the siren grapevine, okay? Travis is still out there lookin’ for me.[Sorrel opens the car door. The song fades.]CARTER
Travis?Carter gets in the car and closes the car door.SORREL
Dad.
Sorrel gets in the car and slams the car door.CARTER
Bianca can protect you from him.SORREL
No offense, I don’t want to give the opportunity for her to need to.
(quoting, but mechanically)
“Sometimes you gotta own up to your own problems and face them head on.”CARTER
Where’d you hear that?SORREL
Somewhere.CARTER
C’mon, that doesn’t sound like you.SORREL
What do I sound like?CARTER
Broody, defensive and deflective.[A song begins. The old Sorrel; broody, defensive and deflective. [SONG: ]]SORREL
I am not! Or at least, not trying to be - ugh, I’m trying hard to be a better person, Carter. Look, people won’t forgive me sometimes. I’ve made peace that Maebhe is probably never gonna want to talk to me again. I’m kinda hoping Ray might be persuaded, but I gotta work on it. “The person I was does not reflect who I am anymore. But I was that person and for some people, I’m never gonna grow out of that version of myself.” It’s like… I gotta try to be better. But trying is for me; I can’t do it ‘cause I miss the old days.CARTER
What were your old days like?SORREL
You ever find a group of people and it makes you feel invincible? I mean, there’s everything you imagine a real family should have besides blood?CARTER
I uh… I mean sort of. We have our little thing here. You, Rowan, Sock, Horatio and everyone.SORREL
But it used to be Horatio, Rowan, Sock, Maebhe, sometimes Ray and I. We used to be this conglomerate, like the kind of friends you didn’t have to think about. All of us for whatever reason had something that we needed each other for. Some more than others. Even Emery, as bonkers as that sounds.CARTER
You miss Emery? We just banished them from being in the same space as you. Gave them, like, a magical restraining order.SORREL
I know. I don’t want to die. I don’t know - I don’t miss the Emery who tried to kill me. I miss the Emery who I loved in the beginning. Not the same as the Emery you met. But you can’t change a person back to who they were.CARTER
This is very sentimental. What brought this on?SORREL
I think it’s kind of sunk in - I’m not gonna die any time soon. I’ve been spending these last months thinking I might as well, and now just… I’m not. So I gotta figure out a future where I’m alive. I don’t really know what that looks like yet. This is further than I ever thought I’d get.[The song fades.]CARTER
I’m sorry.SORREL
Don’t be. It’s - I mean, for the first time in a long time, I think I could make something of myself.CARTER
Are you getting… Huh, optimistic?SORREL
Shut up.CARTER
The car is fine by the way. I am probably gonna put premium gas in it next time, just to clean it out. That’s probably why it’s riding so rough.SORREL
Premium gas is a scam.CARTER
If it’s riding rough, premium gas and one of those clean out things is gonna help it. We need gas anyway.SORREL
Can we get bagels too?CARTER
The salmon ones?SORREL
No, not at a gas station. We’d have to go to a bakery for me to trust them to serve me raw fish.CARTER
Okay, okay…[Carter turns the key. The engine roars to life. A distinct rattling noise can be heard. They drive in silence for a little bit. Transitional music.][The door opens. Carter unclicks his seatbelt. Carter gets out of the car. The door closes. The window opens.]SORREL
What do you want to eat, from inside?CARTER
Can you get me a water?SORREL
Yeah, no problem.[Sorrel’s door opens. Sorrel exits the vehicle.][Sorrel’s door closes. Sorrel walks to the store, and then there’s a whistle of the wind. Almost the sound of a voice. Almost. Sorrel stops walking, but it stops. Sorrel opens the door to the building, walks inside, and is freaked out.]SORREL
What the- That was weird…[Sorrel picks up a candy bar, and opens one of the fridges to grab a water bottle.]Water, water, water.[The wind picks up again. You can almost hear their name, if you listen.]
What the fuck?
[Sorrel grabs a water bottle and throws money on the counter, then runs outside.]GAS STATION ATTENDANT
Have a nice day!A song begins: fear of a siren. [SONG: ]CARTER
Sorrel? What’s the matter?SORREL
The wind is being weird.CARTER
How?SORREL
Just… Look, weird stuff happens all the time to me,CARTER
Is it your dad?SORREL
No, he can’t contact me right now.CARTER
It’s not because I have your name, is it?SORREL
He doesn’t know where I am. It’s not a big deal that you have my name, okay?CARTER
It’s kind of a big deal! I can make you do stuff, it’s weird.SORREL
So can a small piece of cheese, I’m incredibly easy to bribe. I don’t need you to worry. I know you’re not gonna be weird about it. Anyway, this is definitely not fae magic. It’s like… It felt like I was in the Reflection Space for a minute.CARTER
The dead zone?SORREL
Don’t call it that, it’s more complicated. But yes.CARTER
Are you sure?SORREL
Not really. It was like, really, really faint. Maybe someone is just trying to get a hold of me?CARTER
We can call Rowan and Horatio, see if it’s them?SORREL
That sounds good. Let’s check them out.CARTER
You okay?SORREL
(no) Yeah, yeah totally fine.CARTER
What’s the deal?SORREL
It just feels weird, that’s all. Like what the fuck?[The song fades. Carter calls Horatio. Horatio picks up and answers.]HORATIO
Hey Carter!SORREL
I’m here too.HORATIO
Yeah, I figured! How’re you guys doing?CARTER
Hey, are you or Rowan trying to get in touch with Sorrel?HORATIO
No…SORREL
Okay… I must just be hearing things.HORATIO
Let me go find Ro real fast - hey Ro, are you trying to get to Sorrel?ROWAN
(far away)
No… Why would I?
(close by)
What’s the matter?SORREL
Honestly, it’s probably just me being paranoid.ROWAN
What happened?SORREL
I just like… It almost felt like someone was trying to pull me into the Reflective Space, you know?ROWAN
Like someone wanted to leave it?SORREL
I don’t know. It might just be residual, since I went there.ROWAN
I’d call Sock about it.SORREL
I was hoping y’all would have some information.ROWAN
Don’t want to talk to your girlfriend?[A song begins: Love, trying its best. [SONG: ]]SORREL
It’s not like that - also, Sock uses ze/hir now since the body switch.HORATIO
Oh, right, right, right! I forgot about that.SORREL
Also, it’s not like we actually went on a date.HORATIO
(flabbergasted)
Sorry, what did you say?SORREL
Ze got hurt and it was my fault! Ze went to the hospital and we had to leave again.CARTER
No way - we could’ve waited!SORREL
I’ve got to work on stuff, you know?ROWAN
Jesus Christ - did you at least tell hir?SORREL
We talked. Er… I mean, I left a note.ROWAN
You are an absolute disaster. Honestly it’s for the better you two didn’t go on a date.SORREL
I talked to hir. Honestly, I get it was an avoidance tactic or whatever, but what was I supposed to do? I got hir all the ingredients for hir new body and then ze needed some space to adjust.CARTER
Did you ask hir that or assume?SORREL
It’s not as bad as it sounds. I told hir I had to go and we’d have to do it later. I just don’t know when later is.HORATIO
You actually told hir?ROWAN
I’m impressed about that at least.HORATIO
You better not break Sock’s heart.SORREL
What about the other way around?ROWAN
(teasing)
Can your heart get broken?SORREL
(pouting)
Yes.ROWAN
(backtracking)
I’m kidding. We’ve already roughed Sock up for you.
(softly)
Let us know if it happens again, okay? From the Reflective Space.SORREL
I will. I’m okay. I promise. I just… wanted to check in that it wasn’t y’all.ROWAN
Yeah, yeah. Hey, Luz Bella is back from La Paz by the way.SORREL
Another person on my apology tour.HORATIO
Just mean it. You know? You’re worth forgiving.SORREL
Tell Maebhe.HORATIO
I’ve tried. She’ll come around, hopefully.SORREL
Even still, I told Luz some pretty hurtful stuff when I was manic.HORATIO
When?SORREL
When I stopped talking to you guys for a little bit after my suicide attempt and during the whole Emery thing.HORATIO
I didn’t think about it as a manic thing.SORREL
At the time? Me either.ROWEN
Where are you guys?CARTER
Uh… Somewhere in Alabama I think.ROWAN
Cool, cool cool. Not far then?CARTER
Nope, not far! We stopped because Phyrra was riding rough. Will you tell Clare I said hi!ROWAN
I will! Hey, is it super busy where you are?CARTER
Why?ROWAN
Spread your wings, dude.CARTER
OH YEAH!HORATIO AND ROWAN
Bye, see you, etc.[They hang up. Carter turns on the car and pulls out of the gas station.]SORREL
Where are we going?CARTER
Back there, it doesn’t look like there’s anything.[Carter stops the car, takes out the key and opens the door. ][Music begins: Carter soars - or, tries to. [SONG: ]]SORREL
Want me to film it?CARTER
No, no. I’ll remember it. How do you do this?SORREL
I don’t have wings. It’d probably help if you take off your sweatshirt.[Carter takes off his hoodie. His wings flap open a little.]CARTER
I’m gonna like, run into it. Ready?[Music swells up. Carter runs, leaps, flaps his wings… and falls.]SORREL
Carter, you good?CARTER
No I… I uh, let me try again.SORREL
Sure dude.[Same thing happens.]CARTER
Ugh! Why isn’t this easy?SORREL
Oof… Look, maybe you’re like… magically constipated. It happens sometimes. If you force it, you’ll tear your magic asshole.CARTER
Does it happen to you?SORREL
Yeah. It was like… A huge issue at the top of our trip… C’mon. We’ll be okay. Let’s get out of here. Bianca can probably help you better than me.CARTER
(pouting)
I wanted to fly.SORREL
And you will. Just not today. Today you’re gonna finish your water, and drive where you need to go. And tomorrow, or the day after, we’ll meet your mom.[Carter sighs, resigning himself to not being able to do it today. The car starts up, they drive off. Song fades into the theme.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you so much for listening to the first episode of season 2 of Transmission Folklore! Just a reminder, we've extended our crowdfunding campaign on indiegogo for a couple more weeks, meaning that you still have time to get some crowdfunding-exclusive Transmission Folklore merch! Make sure you check out the campaign at igg.me/at/transfolkpod
Transmission Folklore is produced by Lavender Lemonade Collective. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written and directed by Mik Koats. Sound design was by Orion Ibert. Theme intro music composed by Mik Koats, and the outro music is “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah. Additional music and sound effects are from Epidemic Sound.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.
Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Rowan is voiced by Rowan Jewels.
Horatio is voiced by Nina Nikolic.This week’s cryptid is healthy coping mechanisms; hope you don’t need them.

SHORT A- SORREL: BLACKBERRIES

Google Doc Link
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This is Mik Koats, the voice of Sorrel and the writer and director of Transmission Folklore! We are so excited for the response to season one and can’t wait to get season two out to y’all. We here at Lavender Lemonade Collective can not express how much it means to us y’all enjoy the world of Sorrel and Carter and can’t wait for you to hear what’s next for these characters. Until then, we have a few mini episodes. This first one is titled Sorrel - Blackberries.[The new and improved theme song plays– a mysterious tune with the sounds of car keys turning and the engine starting][The song fades out into the ambiance of crickets and frogs sounding off at night, and Sorrel walks up the path to Sock’s door while holding a plastic bag. They stop for a second.]SORREL
Sorrel, even for you this is dramatic. “Well thanks, wouldn’t have noticed if you didn’t point it out.” Oh wait, I would have. [Sorrel starts pacing and the audio follows them as they pace right and left.]I’m losing it. I’m talking to myself.Put the blackberries down. It’s all you have to do before you go. Give Sock the blackberries for their spell to fix the body you broke with your stupid siren song.Be…[they stop pacing and they pause for a moment, reprimanding themself. They walk up the steps to Sock’s door] nicer. It’s time to be kind to yourself or whatever. Just leave the blackberries. [nervously] And the letter.[Sorrel sets down a grocery bag full of blackberries. Next to it, they delicately place a letter. They knock on the door and walk off. Sock walks to the door, zir cane thumping with every other step. The door opens and ze picks up the bag and letter. The noise of the night fades into a gentle, nostalgic, and romantic song.]SORREL
[reading the letter] Dear Sock,
I don’t know what I’m doing. About anything. I really, honestly thought I killed you. You said it wasn’t my fault but it sorta kinda is. Do you remember when we were young? When we were just losers who liked to be different people on the internet together? Sometimes, I wish I was like my character. I wish I had wings of fire like Alice Adelaide. I wish I had nerves of steel and I too was a terrible creature.I’m not terrible. Mostly, I’m just sad. And scared.Not scared of you. You’re perfect. Just scared. I’m really good at ruining everything. So I hope I’m not going to scare you off when I say this. I like you. I like listening to you talk about spells and stuff I don’t understand. I like the words you write and I guess I just like all of you.I don’t know how to not ruin a good thing. But I have to be a little kinder to myself. Y’all have told me that damn near everyday.It would be kind of cool to go out on a date. If you want. After you’ve had time to clear your head and settle into the new body you have to make. I brought the blackberries too.You don’t have to do this. If you don’t want to. My joy don’t supersede yours.Sorry this was a letter, under no circumstances would I be able to say it this eloquently in person.Sorrel Sparrow Huckson.
[music fades out][Elsewhere, Sorrel opens a hotel door, walks to their bed and plops down. Their phone rings and they answer.]SORREL
Hey…Uh, yeah, they got the stuff for the spell.Sock didn’t say anything. I’m back at the hotel, I want a nap.I don’t want to talk about it, Carter. Look, I didn’t say anything! I don’t know how to talk about it. I don’t know what to say.I’ll see you when you get back from the tattoo appointment. Bye.[They hang up the phone and roll over in the bed and begin typing on the phone.]“How to help yourself.”No uh… “self help. Deal with mental health.“Self Help: How to be kinder to yourself and everyone else.”ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is a Lavender Lemonade Collective production. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. It was written and directed by Mik Koats. Sound design was done by Orion Ibert.Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.

SHORT B- CARTER: TATTOO

Google Doc Link
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This is Orion Ibert, the voice of Carter and the sound designer of Transmission Folklore! We are so excited for the response to season one and can’t wait to get season two out to y’all in October 2022. We here at Lavender Lemonade Collective can not express how much it means to us y’all enjoy the world of Sorrel and Carter and everyone and we can’t wait for you to hear what’s next for these characters. Until then, we have a few mini episodes. This one is titled Carter - Tattoo. Just a heads up - this one does include mention of needles![The new and improved theme song plays– a mysterious tune with the sounds of car keys turning and the engine starting][The theme song fades out to the sound of two sets of footsteps outside before they enter a shop. The door jostles open, the parlor chimes ring as the pair walk in and the door shuts behind them. Soft rock music plays in the background through a radio as tattoo machines go off.]CLARE
This is your first tattoo right?CARTER
Yeah, we said we were going to get matching tattoos like six years ago.CLARE
Yeah but no one would tattoo us six years ago. We were babies.CARTER
You still are a baby.CLARE
Am I though?CARTER
No, I guess not.CLARE
I mean, I got out of mom’s house! I even moved in with other people my age-CARTER
Well, my age-CLARE
I don’t think it really matters.CARTER
I guess not. What are you going to do now?CLARE
Besides get a tattoo with my brother?CARTER
I mean yeah. What do you want to do now that you don’t have to deal with mom. Now that you’re your own person?CLARE
I’ve always been my own person.CARTER
But you’re not like, under her control.CLARE
I want to figure out how to get my own wings out.CARTER
I can’t wait for you! It’s weird to have an extra appendage… er appendages… appendagi? I just kinda wanna fly though.CLARE
Me too.CARTER
What do you think your wings will look like?CLARE
I mean, no offense I hope they’re not green.CARTER
[offended] Why not? I think green is very fitting.CLARE
Because we can’t share anything. I think they’re going to be pink anyways.CARTER
Pink?CLARE
I just think pink wings would look cool on me.CARTER
Do you want the other half of the tattoo to be pink wings?CLARE
NO! We’re getting yours.CARTER
But what’s going to happen when you get your wings? I want this to be an us tattoo, not a me tattoo.CLARE
You’re stuck with me, loser.CARTER
You’re stuck with me too.CLARE
Love you brother.CARTER
I love you too, seester.[The tattoo artist walks up.]TATTOO ARTIST
Hey, sorry I kept you guys waiting! Who’s getting tattooed?CARTER AND CLARE
[at the same time] Both of us.TATTOO ARTIST
You know what you guys want?CLARE
So, I’m getting the word “brother” in his handwriting on my wrist. And I want a wing that looks like this on the side.TATTOO ARTIST
This is a really cool picture, it looks like a faerie or something! Where’d you get it?CLARE
[nervously] It’s you know… photoshopped. Carter, what do you want?CARTER
I want a really similar thing. I want “seester” written in her handwriting on my wrist, same wing. That’s s-e-e-s-t-e-r.CLARE
It’s like a running joke. It sounds funnier when you yell it. He yells at me all the time.CARTER
Only out of love!CLARE
Yeah, I know.CARTER
I’m your favorite brother.CLARE
You’re my favorite family member.TATTOO ARTIST
I’m gonna go draft up a drawing of this really quick and I’ll be right back. [They walk off]CLARE
[After waiting until the artist is out of earshot] I think, after this, I’m going to learn about magic. How to take care of people like us. Because Adelyn didn’t take care of us and Bianca wasn’t as involved but we need to take care of each other.CARTER
Where’d this come from?CLARE
I need to stop you from having an evil ex situation.CARTER
I’m not going to do that.CLARE
You’d need an ex.CARTER
Hey! I’ve had one!CLARE
Not recently.CARTER
Hey!CLARE
I’m kidding. I want to look out for you. For real though.CARTER
I got your back.CLARE
I got your back too. Wings and all.[the tattoo parlor background noise fades out and the outro theme plays]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is a Lavender Lemonade Collective production. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. This episode was written and directed by Mik Koats. Sound design was done by Orion Ibert.Carter is played by Orion Ibert.
Clare is played by Drew Ibert.
Tattoo Artist played by Kalairn Koats.Keep an eye out for our crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in October 2022![outro theme fades out]

SHORT C- ROWAN: SCRAPBOOK

Google Doc Link
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This is Orion Ibert, the voice of Carter and the producer and sound designer of Transmission Folklore! We are so excited for the response to season one and can’t wait to get season two out to y’all. We here at Lavender Lemonade Collective can not express how much it means to us y’all enjoy the world of Sorrel and Carter and everyone else and we can’t wait for you to hear what’s next for these characters. Until then, we have a few mini episodes. This one is titled Rowan - Scrapbook.[The new and improved theme song plays– a mysterious tune with the sounds of car keys turning and the engine starting][The sound of a scrapbook, flipping pages.]ROWAN
Did you get the photo paper?HORATIO
Yeah, of course I got the photo paper! I also got the cute scrapbooking paper.ROWAN
What’s on them?[Horatio hands over the stack of paper and Rowan flips through them briefly.]HORATIO
I found some just for you with mushrooms.ROWAN
Aw, thanks babe.HORATIO
Why are you scrapbooking now?ROWAN
ADHD. I got bored and the new hobby is scrapbooking.HORATIO
You mean the old hobby?ROWAN
I just think it’s fun!HORATIO
The trip down memory lane is pretty nice. I’ve been looking at the photos we pulled.ROWAN
Yeah? Which ones speak to you?[Horatio flips through the pictures until she finds the one in particular she’s looking for.]HORATIO
This one we all took at the beach.ROWAN
Is that the one with Maebhe’s big sun hat? Because I’m still mad she didn’t give it to me.HORATIO
I know.ROWAN
What should I caption it?HORATIO
You’re the one good at that.ROWAN
Just try.HORATIO
Super happy beach time?ROWAN
I hate that one, next?HORATIO
[a beat.] Beach Wars? Because of Ray in the background trying to bury Sorrel? [soft laugh.]ROWAN
Isn’t that when they got their tail wet? You know, for someone who insisted he hates Sorrel, Ray sure pulls them out of sticky situations a lot.HORATIO
Yeah. He’s a very “all bark and no bite” werewolf.ROWAN
True… Have you seen Clare?HORATIO
She went to get a tattoo with Carter.ROWAN
Oh right, right!HORATIO
Do you think you’ll add her to the scrapbook?ROWAN
Probably next time I have the energy to work on it.HORATIO
So in, like, four years? Do we really not have any pictures of her now?ROWAN
At least not printed.HORATIO
(sarcastic) Ugh. Great roommates we are.ROWAN
We’re doing fine![Horatio reaches for a photo.]HORATIO
Hey look! This picture is of me!ROWAN
I think I took this one. Your eighteenth birthday?HORATIO
Damn. I look like a baby.ROWAN
You look like you! You’re laughing and you have those first headphones you made. With the green lights? You put LEDs on your arms to match.HORATIO
This was when I was first starting out as a witch!ROWAN
[laughing] I think you almost set me on fire after this.HORATIO
It was my first time trying to light a fire!ROWAN
(fondly) And I was standing like six feet away! [Horatio laughs]HORATIO
I figured it out. I think I’m a pretty good witch these days.ROWAN
Of course you are.
[a beat as Rowan flips through the photos for a moment, they pause]
Really. You are. [Horatio laughs a little]HORATIO
That little witch didn’t know what she was getting herself into.[Rowan continues to flip through the photos and stops on one.]ROWAN
Oh my god, speaking of little; here’s me in Sorrel’s dorm room!HORATIO
Ah! That was when you had the puffs in your hair!ROWAN
It was the early days of experimenting with blue eyeshadow. I look like someone’s grandma.HORATIO
Wait wait wait wait wait! Was this when we got drunk off that Magick Mystique wine?ROWAN
Yeah I think so. Sorrel’s DM board thing is in the background.HORATIO
Aw. You look really cute in this picture.ROWAN
Like a baby with bad eyeshadow![They both pause for a moment, soft, hopeful, and nostalgic music plays in the background.]HORATIO
It sucks. Not being enough for your friend.ROWAN
They came back. I hope they’re trying this time.HORATIO
All these pictures make us look like babies. They’re from before Sorrel left, for the most part.ROWAN
No. There are a lot of them in here without Sorrel.HORATIO
Those aren’t the ones we’re pulling out.ROWAN
No, they’re not. I still have to talk to Maebhe about what happened. I hope I didn’t wreck it all with her. She’s gotta understand at least some of it.[A beat, more shuffling through photos]There is a photo with Clare!HORATIO
It has all of us. Aside from Emery and Maebhe.ROWAN
Is it everyone?HORATIO
Yeah, look. Sock and Sorrel are in the corner here, crying or something. Maybe Sorrel is trying to prop Sock up, I don’t know. And Clare is here, talking to us. And uh - there’s Carter, sitting on the hood of his car. And there’s Ray’s thumb in the frame. Did Ray give this to you?ROWAN
Maybe he took it on my phone? He’s sappy. He keeps things in his Cowboy Town for a reason.HORATIO
Maybe he misses what everything used to be. I mean, he even invited Luz Bella to work for him when they got back.ROWAN
I hope not. Life doesn’t look like that anymore.HORATIO
I know. But Ray’s sappy and nostalgic.ROWAN
I’m excited for how things will be. It’s this whole new season in our lives. Maybe it’ll be better.HORATIO
I hope so.[the soft music fades out. The original Transmission Folklore theme plays.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is a Lavender Lemonade Collective production. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. It was written and directed by Mik Koats. Sound design was done by Orion Ibert.The voice of Rowan is Rowan Jewels.
The voice of Horatio is Nina Nikolic.Keep an eye out for our crowdfunding campaign on indiegogo starting October 2022![music fades out.]

SHORT D- EMERY: DRINKS

Google Doc LinkANNOUNCEMENTS
This is Mik Koats, the voice of Sorrel and the writer and director of Transmission Folklore! We are so excited for the response to season one and can’t wait to get season two out to y’all. We here at Lavender Lemonade Collective can not express how much it means to us y’all enjoy the world of Sorrel and Carter and everyone and can’t wait for you to hear what’s next for these characters. Until then, we have a few mini episodes. This one is titled Emery - Drinks. Just a warning it mentions attempted murder and toxic relationships.[The new and improved theme song plays– a mysterious tune with the sounds of car keys turning and the engine starting][Glasses and plates clinking in the background as people talk amongst themselves. General bar ambiance before it gets too dark outside.]LUZ BELLA
Y’all have a nice day now. I’ll see you again.[The door opens and closes with a jingle. A glass is placed on the counter.]MAEBHE
So I’m like, should I even call Horatio? Is it even worth it?LUZ BELLA
Didn’t you say Horatio killed you?MAEBHE
That’s why I don’t know. Like it wasn’t permanent and like it was more of a time out kind of situation. How was La Paz?EMERY
Is Mama Guadalupe doing good?LUZ BELLA
Show my mom respect! She’s good though, just needed someone to watch my brothers and sister while she recovered from hip surgery. She couldn’t bend for at least eight weeks. Besides, I’ll always take the excuse to see them.MAEBHE
You missed like… everything.LUZ BELLA
Ray filled me in on like a little bit that happened with you guys. Sorrel banished you?EMERY
It’s a long story.
[a pause]
I used to think I was in love with them, you know?MAEBHE
I don’t know how you could ever be in love with Sorrel.LUZ BELLA
Yeah, no me either. What did you see in them?EMERY
A reflection I guess.LUZ BELLA
Fall in love with a mirror, dude.MAEBHE
They’re not good for you.EMERY
I mean yeah! I know that now.
[a pause]
They were a good friend though.LUZ BELLA
[conceding] Sometimes.MAEBHE
[you can feel the eyeroll] When they want to be, sure. They rarely want to be.EMERY
Can I be honest?MAEBHE
Have you been lying so far?EMERY
You know what I mean.LUZ BELLA
What is it?EMERY
I’ve sort of been thinking of trying to contact them.[Maebhe and Luz Bella are startled.]MAEBHE
What? Luz, did you hear that too?LUZ BELLA
Why would you think it was a good idea if they already banished you?MAEBHE
After literally everything they did to you?LUZ BELLA
How?EMERY
The Reflective Space maybe? I don’t know.LUZ BELLA
Why do you want to talk to them? What would you even say?EMERY
It wasn't supposed to go like that. It was never supposed to be anything like that.MAEBHE
What was it supposed to be then, Em? Because it was bad. You literally tried to kill them. They would’ve killed you without Peach Shirt.EMERY
I don't know. It all got to be so much. I thought I'd make it. I was angry in the way only sirens get, you know?MAEBHE
[sarcastic] No, I’ve never been angry at Sorrel in my life.EMERY
No I mean, I get it.LUZ BELLA
[sarcastically] Yeah, pobrecito, they’re an angel we just pick on. What do you want to say to them?EMERY
I just wish I tried better. I was a shitty partner. I was a really shitty friend sometimes. I mean, it wasn’t just me, obviously. They did some really fucked up shit. I had every right to be pissed off.MAEBHE
You are absolutely utterly insane. They were super shitty to you. What do you expect to make up for?LUZ BELLA
Is this about getting Travis involved?
[Emery makes a noise of affirmation.]
How do you intend to make it up for them?EMERY
I don't know. Some things you're never going to be able to apologize for.MAEBHE
If you’re so apologetic now, why weren’t you before?EMERY
It was a dark place. Which is a me-problem. I'd apologize to Sorrel. If I could. If I knew I’d get an apology back and they hadn't blocked me from their life, you know? Because I loved them. I wish I never had, but Sorrel was the first person I really loved. Before all the bullshit they pulled. We were toxic in the way only trauma can make you, but honest to the sea, I loved them.MAEBHE
I don’t get it. Sorrel has never been a good person, what could make you ever love them?SORREL
I don’t believe you.EMERY
What did you say?MAEBHE
I asked how you could love them?SORREL
[emotional] I said, I don’t believe you!EMERY
Do you hear- it sounds- like Sorrel?
[a pause, slightly panicked]
No, it's imposi- impossible.LUZ BELLA
What’s… going on?EMERY
[apologetic, panicked] Sorrel, can you hear me? I’m sorry. I really am. I’m so-MAEBHE
Emery, are you okay?EMERY
[gathering composure] I think I’ve had too much to drink. Go ‘head and close my tab, Luz.
[to Maebhe]
It used to be easy, I guess. Except, you know, when it wasn’t. Which was a lot of the time. Sorrel once told me we’d never be together if they weren’t so depressed.LUZ BELLA
For real?MAEBHE
It still grinds my gears.EMERY
And now we can’t go back.MAEBHE
It sounds like you’re trying to, Em.EMERY
I’m not - I don’t want to be with them. I just feel bad.LUZ BELLA
You feel bad? Do you think they feel any remorse at all? They hurt all of us. You too, Em. When they decided to implode and stop talking to us, you didn’t. You’re coming to the table asking forgiveness now though. Where are they?EMERY
I don’t know, Luz Bella.MAEBHE
Thanks for letting us visit. We’ve got to get back home.EMERY
I’ve got to get back to the SAO meeting.[chair scoots back]LUZ BELLA
Wait what the fuck? You’re in Sirens Against Oil now? With Travis? THEIR DAD?EMERY
Long story. I love you guys.MAEBHE
Em, stay safe. Someone needs to stick around by my side.EMERY
I’ll be fine.[Background chatter and clinks fade out to the original Transmission Folklore theme song.]ANNOUNCEMENTS
Transmission Folklore is a Lavender Lemonade Collective production. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate it if you could rate and review us on your favorite podcatcher. It was written and directed by Mik Koats. Sound design was done by Orion Ibert.Luz Bella is played by Sophie Borjón.
Maebhe is played by Lyle Costo.
Emery is played by Tal Minear.
Sorrel is played by Mik Koats.[The music fades out.]

EPISODE 01: TEXAS-- CHECK ENGINE

Google Doc LinkANNOUNCER
Hey there! My name is Orion and I am the editor and producer of Transmission Folklore. Charlie, our original actor for Carter, has undergone a very sudden move and is no longer able to record. We-- Uh, I will be taking over his role of Carter and he will still be doing fun behind the scenes stuff for the podcast. We will be keeping his episodes up, but marking them all as archived. In the meantime, we will also be posting the re-recorded first and second episodes as well as the new third and fourth episodes all within the first weeks of June 2020. Thank you all for your patience as we undergo this change, and we hope you all stick with us. You all have been wonderful. Thank you and speak soon!This episode of Transmission Folklore has the following content warnings: mentions and descriptions of drowning and murder, and loud car horn noises. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.[car passing sounds in the background of the entire episode]CARTER
Are you mad at me? I’m going to take the silence to mean you’re mad at me. Look, just...Can I explain myself? Oh god, you’re not talking. Okay, look, I guess, I’m going to have to. This is not a kidnapping. I mean, it’s not... I didn’t kidnap you. I mean, that’s totally what this looks like right? God, that’s totally what this looks like-- I’m so sorry.
But I didn’t kidnap you, because that’s illegal and totally bad and um... God, this is gonna sound wild. You’re like barely going to believe me, it’s gonna sound so wild. But just, try to believe me?[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in-- strangely nostalgic folk music, as though you are driving down a highway lined with tall green trees.]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[music fades out]CARTER
I mean, I know it’s a lot and I know it’s so hard when someone says “try to believe me” but you barely know them.I mean, heck my mom-- one of my moms-- Adelyn, she used to do that all time. Like she’d say something so goddamn wild; like, it would be totally out there and I’d trust her, because she was my mom, but in the back of my mind I was like, “whoa, this is so wild.” I’m sure that’s what you’re thinking now. I mean, but worse. Because... You don’t know me. I know my mom.My name is Carter. I don’t know if I ever told you that. Carter Corrin, but um most people just call me Carter. My other mama, Bianca and my sister, Clare and my mom call me “Cartwheel” sometimes. If that makes you more comfortable then Cartwheel is fine. Gosh, I just... what else, uhh-- Oh! I’m an anthropology major with a focus in folklore. Does that tell you anything about me? I don’t really know what you majored in, but all the people in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences know what an Anthro major means. I, uh, specifically focus on how a story can travel across the world like that’s my main focus but I also just really like folklore. I mean, that’s just fun stuff to know to know what a story is and how people shaped it. I mean, it’s…Oh.You do not care. I can see it. I mean your face is making this... This face. Oh god, god, god... Holy shit![car honking fading in and out very suddenly]I promise I’m a good driver. I mean, I’m very good with cars. This is the-- uh-- same car that was my first car and I bought it myself: a 2006 PT Cruiser. This is the original chrome on the side, except for the uh... the driver’s door.
I got in a crash once-- the only one I’ve ever been in and the door broke off. I’m okay though and uh, I was like sixteen and so like does it matter? No. It really doesn’t. And I’ve had this car since I was sixteen and I’m twenty-two now like, I’m pretty good at taking care of cars. Not terrible at it at least. I’m decent. Like very decent. Good even. My mama, she used to be a mechanic and she taught me a lot, before she moved to New Orleans. Like a ton. And she taught me even more when I started going to college way closer to her than Adelyn and she like really wanted me to be good. To be like really be good. She’s a cool mom. Like not like “If you’re gonna drink do inside” cool but like “If you want to talk to me about your thoughts and feelings and fears I’ll do my best to understand” cool. And she does, she does her best. I guess, like, that’s good.[“Raise your hand if you think evil is increasing in the world” by Chris Zabriskie fades into the background-- soft ominous background music]I’m just really nervous right now and not totally sure what to make of everything. Like I saw you. I mean, over by the bayou. That was so…Why do you look like that? I guess, you might not remember? You seemed like you were in this trance, your eyes were so glazy for a long time, till we got a couple miles away. Whatever, like I said, I need to explain this. Nothing is going to make sense if I don’t explain it.About eight hours ago, you were standing on the edge of the bayou. The one by our dorm. You were talking to the most beautiful person who was inside the bayou. They had this like, ethereal quality. This water around them was dirty and mucky, the way it always is in Houston. The bayou still smelled like a bayou, all mold and gunk and must. This person though, he didn’t look wet like you might imagine a person standing in a bayou would and they weren’t covered in gunk and I think you guys were debating? Or maybe like... I don’t know you looked really into them but also you were talking a lot, like you were trying to figure out if you were going to jump in or jump them or... I don’t know. I wasn’t close enough to hear but the person looked at you and motioned to come closer. They waved a hand and swam a little further in and I saw it. I saw that they had this slick tail. It didn’t look wet either it looked smooth. It looked like a fish tail but also beautiful. It was long, longer than legs would be, and it shone so bright, scales that were blue and purple and just so beautiful I wanted to cry! And I thought that there was no way I was seeing what I was seeing, I must be imagining it but like, I wasn’t. I don’t have that vivid an imagination; all the stories in my mind I’ve read from somewhere else-- but back to the person-- the fish?-- in the bayou.He motioned into the gunky dark brown water. And I was already confused because we’re not supposed to get in the bayou! The notice says that there’s fish or bacteria or something and we can’t swim in it. I don’t know why the person in the water had a tail. I watched you walk towards the water though. I saw you, going in. And then they took their small hand-- it was so tiny, like fragile looking, and he pushed you under the water. It--it happened so fast.They took you by your green ponytail and he pushed you down into the water. I thought you were going to die and so I ran over there and I grabbed you by the hand. The person tried to talk to me but you know when you’re, like, on the edge of anxiety and like you can’t hear anything but static? That’s where I was. I couldn’t hear him, which is probably good.This is the wild part, okay? I think he was a siren. Not like an ambulance “weewoo” siren. Like a mythic bitch siren. Like drown you in the water with his voice, siren. Like literally tried to kill you, siren.I don’t know this because I’m all powerful or whatever. I just think that’s the only explanation. I mean, how else would there be someone trying to kill you by way of bayou? Someone with a goddamn tail? Just-- [sighs] I’m really scared for you. I mean, I didn’t know where to go.I panicked. I just, threw my stuff in the car and I threw you in the car. I mean, you’re not that heavy. You’re really small, like 5’2”? Um, but yeah. So now we’re here.And here is... Still in Texas, definitely. I just... I got on I10 and kept driving. We’re not in Winnie yet but we’re close, I think. I saw a sign like ten miles ago. Just I know stories and no one else was around to help you. I didn’t want this to be the story you died in.I mean, I don’t know you. But I know your name is Sorrel! Because I saw it on your door in the dorm! You’re like my elevator buddy at the dorm and also that fish definitely saw me, so they know I saw them.I don’t want to die, do you?
[a pause]
You look unphased. Why are you so unphased? Did you know?SORREL
Your check engine light is on.[car passing sounds fade out][“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in-- strangely nostalgic folk music, as though you are driving down a highway lined with tall green trees.]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by going to Patreon.com/lavenderlem or follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @LavenderLem.Make sure you check out our new website at transmissionfolklore.com!This episode’s cryptid is the simple banshee; someone has to tell you when you’re going to die.[music fades out]

EPISODE 02: TEXAS-- GAS CAP

Google Doc LinkANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore has the following content warnings: mentions and descriptions of drowning and attempted murder, and loud car horn noises, and yelling. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.[car door opening, sounds of feet hitting the ground]CARTER
Hey, I’m pretty sure we can go ‘head and check it now.SORREL
Oh, I’m not checking it. Aren’t you “decent with cars?”CARTER
Right, of course! Okay, yeah I’m good with cars! I’ll go check it.SORREL
Cool. I’ll sit here.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah begins to play]ANNOUNCER:
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.CARTER
I’m sorry this happened like this but I need you to know, I’m not like, totally weird. Like I really saw you being drowned by that... siren?SORREL
I believe you. I just don’t understand why you took me out of Houston. You don’t really know me.CARTER
I panicked? I didn’t want you to die.SORREL
I could be a bad person, or a serial killer.CARTER
You’d make a bad serial killer, you almost died.[footsteps walking away, sounds of glove compartment being opened and looked through, then closed.]SORREL
Did you pack any food in your great escape?[sounds of footsteps walking back]CARTER
I don’t. I have enough money to get us to the Arby’s. Are you a vegan?SORREL
Is going to Arby’s going to be a problem if I am?CARTER
Yeah, it’s a meat place. A place for meats, to eat them and stuff.SORREL
I’m not a vegan. I’m kind of insulted you think I am.CARTER
No, wait I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to insult you or to insinuate-- I just meant... I wanted to be thoughtful in case you might be a vegan. I’m not a vegan but I’m allergic to stuff and
like, I can’t eat tomatoes which is really sad because tomatoes are delicious. I used to eat them like apples but then I kept going to the hospital and we didn’t know why and I’m allergic to tomatoes! Who knew! So I didn’t know if you were vegan or if you had allergies-- do you have allergies?SORREL
Bullshit.CARTER
Oh. Well, we won’t drive through a cow field!SORREL
[snorts] I guess we won’t. What’s wrong with the car? Can we get the light to turn off or?CARTER
The car has... Well I can’t tell. We might drive to an Autozone or something, I think the main issue is relatively small-- I mean, the engine looks good and the oil is full. Whatever it is, it’s no big deal. Maybe a gas cap. That needed to be replaced my freshman year. Fumes escape and then you get low gas mileage and it’s a big mess.SORREL
Right.CARTER
So... can I ask you something?SORREL
You can ask, but I don’t know if I’m going to answer it.CARTER
That’s fair.SORREL
No offense, but just because you told me your name, doesn’t mean I know you, or have to like you. And you don’t have to like me, we can go our separate ways at Autozone.CARTER
Right. It’s just like, I don’t want that. If you want that that’s okay, but you look scared.What were you doing by the bayou the other day?SORREL
I just. I walked over. I saw that person - I guess, siren. I saw him swimming. And we’re not supposed to swim I mean, the notice, right?CARTER
Right, totally.SORREL
I just... It looked like it was going to be bad. That person in the water. So I said “hey, get out.” and he said [falsetto] “Do I have to?” And I was like “I mean yeah, I’m pretty sure this got
shut down for that flesh eating bacteria or something.” And then I don’t really remember what happened after that. I just felt like I needed to go talk to him. Like I was interested
in the conversation and it was really. It was nice. I remember coming up from the water and being mad about it. Like I was angry you pulled me up. I don’t really remember you
but the idea... The person who pulled me up. And then I guess I blacked out in the car. I mean, I woke up and we were far away from campus. And I was in your passenger seat and I only sort of know you. Like I know your face and I know you eat breakfast at the same time as me and we live in the same dorm, but I didn’t know your name till you told me.CARTER
You haven’t told me your name!SORREL
Sorrel Huckson.CARTER
Nice to meet you, Sorrel.SORREL
It’s not really. I’m exhausted, and you’re afraid of me. This whole adventure is a lot. Can we go home?CARTER
No.SORREL
Why not?CARTER
Look, I just... I’ve spent a lot of time reading folklore and um, so I know that if this siren follows folklore - which there is truth in a whole bunch of it, I’m positive - then we’re in danger.SORREL
Why’s that?CARTER
Just the way sirens work I mean... The magic associated with sirens is almost entirely destructive. And I don’t want to be destroyed.SORREL
By drowning?CARTER
He tried to kill you. With his hands!SORREL
As opposed to with their feet?CARTER
He doesn’t have feet! I bet if he did he might have used those too! Sorrel, there’s a lot of spookiness and I don’t like it. So I’m getting in the car, I’m driving us to Arby’s and I’m not leaving you here, at the edge of Texas just so you can die. Because we’re not going to die today. We’re going to live and get curly fries and I’m going to try and answer questions to the best of my half a degree of knowledge. So stop it.SORREL
Yeah, sure. Sounds good, Cartwheel.CARTER
See, we’re friends.SORREL
Friends who kidnap each other.[sound of car passing, drive through speaker kicks on]ARBY’S EMPLOYEE
Hello welcome to Arby’s, can I take your order?CARTER
Can I get a number one with curly fries?
(to Sorrel)
What do you want?SORREL
I’ll eat whatever.CARTER
Two number ones with curly fries. And two chocolate shakes.SORREL
I’d prefer a coke.CARTER
A coke over a chocolate shake?SORREL
Yeah, I don’t want to be thirsty after I drink.CARTER
Oh my god.SORREL
Also, since you kidnapped me, you’re paying for all our meals.CARTER
This is not a kidnapping, don’t say that to the Arby’s drive thru!
(to Arby’s drive-thru)
Two chocolate shakes and a coke.
(to Sorrel)
Don’t give me that look! I already adjusted the order once, I don’t want the Arby’s lady to hate me.SORREL
Oh my god. You’re never going to see this Arby’s person again. You don’t even live in this town.CARTER
I love Beaumont. I might come back.SORREL
You’re running away. You won’t come back.CARTER
How do you know?SORREL
Because you’re stuck with me now. We’re not going back.CARTER
Right.SORREL
I’m serious. Look you’re right. I don’t want to die or get killed or crushed by the siren. So we work together to stop that. We get a little wild, rent a hotel, don’t get noticed and
hope for the best.CARTER
Okay. That works. We’re on the same team.SORREL
The “not getting murdered” team.CARTER
Oh boy. That’s kind of spooky.SORREL
Yeah well, it’s what’s happening. The line’s moving. Pull forward.[sound of car passing]CARTER
(chewing food) Um... Are we okay? Like, this is gonna be really awkward if you hate me the whole time.SORREL
(also chewing) I don’t hate you. I don’t like being pulled away from classes but I probably would have done the same thing. Not as wild but, same idea.CARTER
Okay, cool.SORREL
I don’t trust you, if that’s what you’re asking. Like I said, we don’t know each other.CARTER
We can learn about each other.SORREL
Yeah, sure we can. But it’s not the same as learning about each other before you kidnapped me.CARTER
Again, not a kidnapping! I was trying to stop you from being drowned!SORREL
I appreciate it, and like it’s not the same as a murder kidnap situation, but it is still, technically, a kidnapping.CARTER
I swear, next time I pull over, I’m going to google what a kidnapping is and how this doesn’t count as a kidnapping.SORREL
You can do that. You still kidnapped me.CARTER
(trying to change the subject)
So, why’d you pick Sorrel?SORREL
Should you really be asking--CARTER
No, wait I... Me too. I am trans. I too. I passed your door a couple times and you have they/them scrawled under your tag. I remember because I remember I thought Sorrel was a cool name and was excited there was another trans person in the building. I mean, I’m sure there are more, but--SORREL
But you don’t know any who lived in Moody Towers. Right, yeah. Okay. That’s fair.
I think it sounds cool. My dead name had bad connotations since I stopped talking to my dad and I like the taste. So Sorrel. And it’s gender neutral enough that you can’t automatically pick what pronouns go with it.CARTER
And... they/them, right? Have you changed your pronouns?SORREL
No, they/them still.
(a pause.)
Why’d you pick Carter?CARTER
Because it’s cute and I like the way it sounds and also I’m really into Peggy Carter and also it’s cute.SORREL
Cool.CARTER
I guess I should channel Agent Carter to really help me get out of this situation.SORREL
Yeah, probably. I’ll channel... a veggie.CARTER
Are you sure you’re not vegan.SORREL
I’d probably be a cannibal if I was. So no.CARTER
Okay.[car passing sounds, a sudden loud honking sound]SORREL
You’re sure you don’t want me to drive?CARTER
I’m positive, I’m just...
(Carter yawns.)
It’s getting dark.SORREL
The sky is like... There’s that pink stripe in the middle and the clouds in the middle of that.CARTER
I love our beautiful trans sky.SORREL
You should drive to a rest stop. We need to crash for the night.CARTER
In the car?SORREL
Look, we haven’t seen a hotel in like forty miles. There’s a rest stop next exit. A hotel would be better, but we’re not going to make it to a hotel. You need the rest.CARTER
What’re we going to do?SORREL
Take the rest stop. I can drive in the morning.CARTER
If we rest, I don’t need you to drive.SORREL
(laughing) Cool, because I’m a terrible driver.CARTER
Why’d you offer?SORREL
Because I’m not a dick, I’m not going to be an asshole to you.CARTER
But you might crash my car?SORREL
I won’t. I never crashed my ex’s car.CARTER
Okay. Well, we need to rest. Maybe take a shower.SORREL
God, I’d love a shower. I’m still covered in bayou muck.CARTER
Oh. I thought that was just my smell.SORREL
(sniffs) No. I can’t smell you.CARTER
Okay. Good. Where am I supposed to exit?SORREL
Here!CARTER
Fuck![Sounds of car honking]SORREL
We made it!CARTER
Oh my god.SORREL
You didn’t die. Come on. Let’s keep going, just like, half a mile.CARTER
You’re going to sleep too, right?SORREL
Probably not.CARTER
Why not?SORREL
I don’t sleep real well. It’s just like, a thing. Insomnia I guess.CARTER
Promise me you’ll try?SORREL
I’m not making a promise I can’t keep. C’mon, turn here. We’ll get out and go.CARTER
Yeah. Let’s go.[car passing sound, outro music fades in]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by going to Patreon.com/lavenderlem or follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @LavenderLem. This episode’s cryptid is the speedy Jackelope; outrun whatever’s chasing you.

MINI-EPISODE 1: PEACH SHIRT

Google Docs Link[A phone rings. Sorrel answers it.]SORREL
Hello?EMERY
You left. A pity.[“Raise Your Hand If You Think Evil Is Increasing in This World” by Chris Zabriskie begins to play]SORREL
Why are you doing this?EMERY
You know why.SORREL
Leave this guy out of it.EMERY
Can’t. Sorry!SORREL
Emery. Please.EMERY
He’s a cutie, I’ll admit. But it’s his fault he wanted to save you. You don’t deserve being saved. What’s the cutie’s name?SORREL
Sorrel.EMERY
You know what I meant. Don’t make me sing.SORREL
You are the biggest bitch on this side of the Mississippi, what do you get out of this?EMERY
Well for starters, that shirt with the peaches on it the boy is wearing. What’s his name?SORREL
[gasps] Oh, shit.
Carter. CARTER WAKE UP![The phone clicks off, music fades out]

EPISODE 03: :LOUISIANA-- COOLANT

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
The content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include: [stuttering] over-overall themes of panic, murder, drowning, and kidnapping. There is a very loud radio noise, somebody having a graphic panic attack, the description of a toxic relationship, and graphic sounds of vomiting. Please do what you need to take care of yourself.In other news, please stay to the end of the credits to hear the trailer for Tal Minear's Sidequesting-- A fantasy podcast about avoiding the main plot.And without further ado, here's the long awaited episode 3 of Transmission Folklore. Enjoy!SORREL
Hello? Jesus. Wake up. Wake up, wake up, wake up! You went to sleep like three hours ago. You’re not even really asleep, Christ almighty. Come on, wake up, wake up! Jesus. WAKE UP![Sorrel clicks on the radio. Loud music pops and scares Carter awake. Carter makes a noise.]SORREL
Good, you’re awake now.CARTER
Well, yeah, I’m awake. Golly, what’s the matter with you?SORREL
We have to go. Now.CARTER
I’m trying to sleep.SORREL
And we can’t stay here anymore. We can’t sleep. I have to go.CARTER
Why?
SORREL
(frantic, fearful)
I saw them.CARTER
Who?SORREL
Who do you think? Who are we running from?CARTER
Christ. Can’t we get a decent rest?SORREL
No, we can’t, come on metal to the pedal. I want you to speed down the highway.[The sound of the car starting up.][intro music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[music fades out][Sorrel is having a panic attack.]CARTER
What happened?SORREL
(strained, almost like they were crying)
I don’t want to talk about it.CARTER
You’ve been completely silent for twenty minutes.SORREL
I have not.
(beat)
We’ve only been driving for eighteen.CARTER
And you’ve been silent for all of them. What happened?SORREL
I don’t want to talk about it, okay? We’re not that close.CARTER
You’re going to have to talk about it sometime. That kind of stuff festers.
SORREL
No it doesn’t. It sits and it waits and we’re not having this conversation. You don’t know me and I don’t know you and just because we have breakfast two booths across from each other every other day doesn’t make us close. It just puts us in proximity to one another.CARTER
I’ve been thinking about what I know about sirens. They don’t... They don’t debate. I said that when you first woke up, I said I thought you guys were debating. Sirens sing. I mean, that’s where we get the phrase siren song or whatever. So they sang to you. You can tell me what it was about.SORREL
You were there, weren’t you?CARTER
I didn’t... I didn’t actually hear anything. I just, I heard the blood in my ears when they were drowning you and that freaked me out so I just... Freaked out before I could hear anything.SORREL
(almost in laugh tears)
You sound so goddamn pathetic.CARTER
Excuse me?SORREL
You didn’t hear the song because you were having a panic attack?CARTER
You’re having a panic attack right now! Even if you won’t fucking admit it! Okay? You can be the broody silent type but you literally are struggling to breathe and you’re staring straight ahead at nothing. Mine is just blood in my ears, I can’t hear. Panic attacks just happen, don’t be a dick, symptoms are different with everyone![music fades in-- “wasteland” by Silicon Transmitter]SORREL
(realizing)
Oh my god.CARTER
What?SORREL
They didn’t…CARTER
What?SORREL
Earlier, when you were talking? When you were talking to me, when I first woke up. You said you ran into the water. You grabbed me from the water?CARTER
Yeah.SORREL
From inside the bayou? Next to them?CARTER
Yeah, I guess.SORREL
Oh my god, I didn’t think of this earlier.CARTER
How much do you know about sirens?SORREL
I’ve seen Aquamarine and H2O. Dude, the answer is anxiety.CARTER
What?SORREL
If you’re already anxious and you can’t hear the siren song-CARTER
Maybe I just am immune.SORREL
No one is immune to their song. It can be understood across the board, even with the deaf there’s Underwater Sign Language and it’s just… The song is understood, always. But you if you can’t understand the song-CARTER
I can’t be lured?SORREL
You’re getting it now.CARTER
So we just make the song incomprehensible.SORREL
Correct. We have to go to an electronics store.CARTER
Why?SORREL
You’ll see.The sound of the car driving off. The sound of a door opening and the other.[music fades out]CARTER
(yelling)
This is a dumb idea.SORREL
(yelling)
It’s the best we got.
(a click, no longer yelling)
Connect your headphones to your phone.CARTER
(a click, no longer yelling)
We’re just going to be on a constant call in the same car?SORREL
Look, just for now. We can take the headphones off when I think we’ve lost them.CARTER
Okay. This is kind of stupid.SORREL
Yeah, sure it is. But it’s all we got.CARTER
Right… God, that food truck behind us is giving me a headache.SORREL
You don’t like orange?
(a beat)
I’m sorry I called you pathetic.CARTER
You should be, thank you for apologizing.SORREL
Look, I know I’m a dick. I’m trying to be a better person, but you caught me at the worst time, okay? This whole situation is super fucked. They freak me out.CARTER
The siren?SORREL
Their name is uh... Emery.CARTER
How do you know that?SORREL
Do you think I just walked into a bayou? No, we know each other.CARTER
And you knew they were…SORREL
Not until then. We dated. It ended badly.CARTER
How badly?SORREL
Well, they did try to drown me.CARTER
Yeah, that’s pretty bad.SORREL
Emery isn’t like... They sing. As a profession, they go and they sing and their sweet - they were sweet. But they also had a lot of opinions and a lot of ugly thoughts and they’re gross. That’s not a “were” that’s an “is.” I cannot stand them anymore so I broke it off.CARTER
And now not only do they know you, they want to kill you.SORREL
I don’t know if they want to kill me. I just think they won’t stop until they do.CARTER
Why?SORREL
I told you, I don’t want to talk about it.CARTER
Look, you don’t have to talk about but I’m a little freaked out. Because, you’re right, I don’t know you and you just said you had a relationship with a siren and that siren tried to kill you like two days ago and now they’re back and you’re terrified.SORREL
I am not terrified.CARTER
You are! You’re having a panic attack.SORREL
I am not.CARTER
I know the symptoms of a panic attack!SORREL
I didn’t ask you to kidnap me!CARTER
I did not kidnap you!SORREL
Yeah, you did! I am in this car with you and did not ask to be and like thanks for saving my life or whatever but also, running across the state is a wild goddamn idea.CARTER
It’s not across the state. We’re out of the state now.SORREL
Where are we?CARTER
Louisiana. We’re almost in New Orleans.SORREL
We’re almost at the mouth of the Mississippi?CARTER
Yeah.SORREL
You think the largest river in the United States might possibly have some fucking sirens?CARTER
No, I didn’t think that until just now.SORREL
Oh my god, we’re going to die. Pull the car over right now.[Sorrel throws up out the window.]CARTER
Are you okay?SORREL
No, I’m not okay. Going to a bunch of angry sirens, I think that’s how we die!CARTER
How do we know they’re angry sirens?SORREL
I’ve never known a siren not to be. I mean Emery was angry and -[Sorrel vomits.]CARTER
How many sirens do you know?SORREL
I don’t know, at least the one.CARTER
Death is imminent.SORREL
Then why’d you leave Texas?CARTER
I… Shit…SORREL
What?CARTER
There’s a food truck behind us.[ominous music fades in]SORREL
Where? Again?CARTER
Right behind us! Big and orange says “Aloha Fish, Hawaiin Sushi fusion.” It’s been following us for a while.SORREL
I’m confused - do you want us to pull over for fusion?CARTER
That food truck has been following us for like ten minutes.SORREL
We’re on a highway. There’s only one way to go.CARTER
Look at the driver? They’ve got like... Long frizzy auburn hair-SORREL
Speed.CARTER
Oh my god.SORREL
Speed, no one will pull you over. We’re in Louisiana.CARTER
Do laws not exist in Louisiana?SORREL
They do, but altered.CARTER
Have you been to Louisiana?SORREL
I’ve done a lot of stuff.CARTER
Oh my god.SORREL
Keep speeding.CARTER
It’s hard to think with you yelling!SORREL
If you don’t want to speed we’ll switch seats.CARTER
Oh my god how fast do you speed?SORREL
Real fast.CARTER
You’re never driving my car.SORREL
(disbelieving)
Okay.CARTER
I’m going to try and lose them.SORREL
That’s a good plan. Lose them please.CARTER
Dear god, you’re so mean.SORREL
I’m not mean. I’m stressed out.CARTER
You’re stressed out in a mean way.SORREL
Look, let’s just keep driving.CARTER
Okay.[cars passing, music fades out]SORREL
[yawns]
We lost them yet?CARTER
I think so.SORREL
We’re fucked. So, so fucked.CARTER
We’re not fucked. We just have to figure out... Why do they want to kill you? And then... Make them not… Want to kill you.SORREL
(sounding it out in frustration)
Fucked. I’m very, very killable.CARTER
Shut up. We aren’t fucked. Let’s pull over somewhere.SORREL
There’s a rest stop. It’s right on the Mississippi - like, we can be quick there.CARTER
I don’t want to go to a rest stop. Let’s go to a hotel.SORREL
A hotel?CARTER
Like one of those creepy ones that don’t ask questions. If someone asked me anything I’d cry right now.SORREL
Yeah. Okay, I saw a sign. Take the next exit.CARTER
Are you okay?SORREL
I’m fucking terrified. Happy? I’m panicked, this is what a panic attack looks like.CARTER
No. I don’t want you to be scared.SORREL
I don’t want to be either, I just live like this, okay?CARTER
I’ll ask for a room as high as we can.SORREL
Sounds good. Further from the water.CARTER
Do you know how long they need to be away from the water?SORREL
Uh me and Emery were never together more than like... Sixteen hours.CARTER
That’s... Specific.SORREL
I asked them to stay a couple nights. They didn’t want to.CARTER
Okay. They’re not going to get near you, okay? I promise.SORREL
Don’t promise something you can’t keep.
(a beat)
It’s hot in here. Stifling, going to kill me hot.CARTER
I’ll check the coolant in the morning.SORREL
I thought you said you knew something about cars.CARTER
I do. This is just all new.SORREL
Yeah. Real fucking new.CARTER
Uh, there’s a Motel 6 by the river. I can go a little further away if you want.SORREL
That’s fine. As long as we stay on the top floor. I like the Mississippi. It’s kind of pretty at night.CARTER
Are there not lights out here?SORREL
No there are. Casinos and gambling and all that is bright. But the Mississippi is always this murky water you can turn back to. Like, the water is brown and messy and kind of gorgeous in a way I can’t, like, describe with people words. Sometimes you want to know what infinity times infinity is and you look at the river and see all the little droplets and you see how they make one big flowing river. And that’s it. That’s infinity times infinity.CARTER
That’s kind of beautiful. I didn’t realize you were poetic.SORREL
I’m not, but like okay.CARTER
You said something low-key poetic.SORREL
It wasn’t.CARTER
Infinity times infinity - that’s poetic.SORREL
It’s about a goddamn river.CARTER
Which you find very attractive.SORREL
I don’t want to fuck a river if that’s what you’re saying.CARTER
No, you find the idea of the river attractive. You had this whole infinity speech.SORREL
Just find the motel.CARTER
You like things.SORREL
I don’t like anything, I’m a stone cold monster bitch.CARTER
(sing songy)
That’s not true.SORREL
Find the goddamn motel or I’ll drive.CARTER
Okay.SORREL
I am a monster bitch.CARTER
Sure, you are. I’m mean too.SORREL
God, you’re insufferable.CARTER
I think we’re getting along better.SORREL
Yeah, glad this kidnapping became something like a friendship.CARTER
It’s not a kidnapping. You can leave, I’ll drive you back.SORREL
(tired)
I don’t want to go back.CARTER
(smug)
Then it’s not a kidnapping.[cars passing]EMERY
There’s gotta be something good on the radio now...
[Emery turns on the radio and flips through channels. “I’ll Fly Away” performed by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch]EMERY
Hm! This kinda bops.
[singing along to the radio with their own lyrics]
You'll float 'way oh glory
You'll float way
When you die
Sorrel Huckson I'll say bye
You'll float way.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats.Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert.
Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats.
Emery is voiced by Tal Minear.This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by following us at patreon.com/lavenderlem, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook at LavenderLem.Make sure to check out our website at transmissionfolklore.com.This episode’s cryptid is the refreshing Yeti; Stay frosty, or else.[Sidequesting’s trailer begins]
RION
I have made a decision. It’s a big, scary decision, one I fantasized about making but could never bring myself to actually do.I love the little village I grew up in, full of places and people I love to see every day. It’s wonderful here, beautiful and peaceful and comforting. But I’m getting restless. I’m getting tired of seeing the same places and people every day.I can’t spend the rest of my life here.So I’ve made the decision to leave.After arriving at this decision, I sent messages to people in other towns, looking for jobs that a brand new adventurer could do. And it turns out, there’s a lot. I now have a number of places to visit and a bunch of different things to do at them. It’s all very exciting.One of my friends wants some help driving down tourism in her village. There’s a king who wants someone to rescue his daughter. A few towns over, someone is missing a beloved pet. Another friend sent me word of a town with mysterious, terrifying apparitions. Someone else filled me in on rumours of a mad scientist that’s been trying to hire an apprentice. And a former neighbor of mine just wants me to come say hi. I guess they’re lonely.No job is too small. And if I’m feeling brave, I might even take on some of the big ones. This started out as a pipe dream, but I think I can actually do it. It’s gonna happen. I’m finally going on my grand adventure.Everyone else I know who has set off on a grand adventure has found one big quest to do. A life’s calling, a single goal. But that’s never been for me. I want to see the world. Meet people. Try new things. Do everything!And it’s time. It’s really time.
Let’s go.[OUTRO MUSIC]Credits:
Sidequesting is a scripted fantasy podcast about avoiding the main plot and doing sidequests instead. It’s told from the point of view of Rion, who goes on a new sidequest each episode. Come join us on this adventure - we’ll be stopping by in your podcatcher soon.

EPISODE 04: LOUISIANA-- CAR ALARM

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
Content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include overall themes of murder and drowning, descriptions of toxic relationships, and a very loud car alarm sound in the middle of the episode. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.[car passing sounds in the background.]SORREL
This is the worst day of my life.CARTER
Worse than almost drowning?SORREL
Why are you mocking me?CARTER
You’re being a tiny bit dramatic, don’t you think?SORREL
Not at all.CARTER
Hand me the 3/16th head.[rummaging around in toolbox sound][intro music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[intro music fades out]SORREL
[sound of metal tool hitting the ground] Is it this one?CARTER
[walking sounds] Yes, and they’re not that bad. [walking back sounds]SORREL
Auto shops are there for you, I expect bagels to be there for me.CARTER
Bagels are good.SORREL
This bagel is stale, looks bad and tastes gross.CARTER
Oh my god, it’s not that bad.SORREL
It might as well have mold on it.[music fades into the background-- “Traveling to Louisiana” by Lobo Loco][Carter makes an embarrassing sound, almost like hiccuping]SORREL
What’re you doing? Why are you posing on the car?CARTER
You see the really cute them?SORREL
Pink Leia buns?CARTER
Yeah, them. I’m trying to give off “sexy mechanic.”SORREL
You’re giving off “kind of bewildered and definitely scared.”CARTER
Oh, god. Okay does, like, putting my arm up on the hood like this help?SORREL
It makes it worse.
(a beat)
That person is really cute though.CARTER
Oh my god, what if they walk up?SORREL
Say hi?CARTER
I can’t do that.[footstep sounds]KALI
Hey there, I’m sorry to bother y’all, but do you have a 1/16th socket?CARTER
God.KALI
I know, my kit didn’t have one. Stupid right?SORREL
Yeah it’s real stupid. You said 1/16?KALI
Yes please.SORREL
You from around here?[The sound of Carter rummaging begins]KALI
Nah, headin’ up to Montana to visit my ex’s daughter. She has a ballet recital next month.SORREL
Is your car the UHAUL over there?KALI
No, haha very funny. We broke up. I like her kid though, and do LGBTs ever really say goodbye?[The sound of Carter rummaging ends.]CARTER
Here! I found the 1/16.KALI
Thanks! So are you two like… a thing?SORREL
Um, no. It’s an arrangement of circumstance. He’s an associate, from college. Not into it, even a little.KALI
Aw why?SORREL
Just not my thing. I’m Sorrel.KALI
Kali Rose.SORREL
Good meeting you, Kali.KALI
Where y’all heading?SORREL
Don’t know... We’re hunting Bigfoot.KALI
Really?SORREL
Yeah. Carter there, he’s an expert in folklore, and he’s pretty sure he’s got the final Bigfoot down… Right Carter?CARTER
I am a folklore major, hi! Carter Corrin.KALI
Damn. I’ll be lookin’ for y’all on the news.SORREL
I’ll be looking for “little dancer from Montana makes it big” on the news.KALI
You’ll see her. She’s an awesome little girl.[Kali walks away.]SORREL
Bye![music fades out]SORREL
Carter, do you never talk to cute people?CARTER
No!SORREL
They walked away.CARTER
I’m sweaty.SORREL
You’re working on a car. It’s hot. Louisiana in February can be like that.CARTER
I know that, one of my moms lives here. But it’s so hot.SORREL
You have two moms? That’s dope.CARTER
Yeah, Bianca and Adelyn. It’s not as dope as it sounds.SORREL
Am I supposed to ask you to talk about it?CARTER
Dear god, no… Ugh, I’m sweating so much it’s nasty!SORREL
You’re sweating from the sun.CARTER
Do you get sweaty when you see cute people?SORREL
I mean, I look in the mirror often, so no.CARTER
Don’t they make you... uwu?SORREL
You can say horny, you don’t have to meme it.CARTER
No, it’s-- it’s not - I mean like... You wanna like hold a pretty person’s hand and--SORREL
I mean, I wouldn’t mind holding a pretty person’s hand. I have terrible luck with dating though.CARTER
You did date a siren.SORREL
Yeah, who turned out to be a real asshole. Should I bring up the drowning?CARTER
I know about the drowning.SORREL
Not even just that.CARTER
What else happened with you guys?[music fades in-- "Flotsam" by Parallel Park]SORREL
A lot.CARTER
Care to be specific?SORREL
Emery is a total soul sucker. Not in the traditional sense - I mean, not all magical like that, but like... I’d say something right? I’d say “Hey Em, I’m having a bad day.” And they’d make it about them and how clearly they had caused my bad day and I’d be dealing with the bad day and also like promising them they weren't at fault and that’d make me feel worse and then I felt guilty for feeling worse and then I’d want to go out. And they’d tell me they didn’t want to go out. And they’d ask me to clean their place. We’d spend a lot of time together. Just the two of us. At first it was really sweet. I mean, you get to have this nice moment and this nice time with someone who means a lot to you. But then... Then you can’t do that. Because something happened. Something is bad and you feel bad and everything is awful.CARTER
Oh.SORREL
Yeah, so that’s how my last relationship went.[music fades out]CARTER
Okay.
(a pause.)
I almost died at a zoo because of my last relationship.SORREL
What?CARTER
So like that’s a little overdramatic. But like my last boyfriend, Greg, he was this big and hulky and like, very hot. Sort of. He was hot at the time.SORREL
Pics?CARTER
What?SORREL
Pics, I wanna see how hot.CARTER
I didn’t ask for pics of your ex.SORREL
You’ve seen my ex, they’re pretty, I guess. For a siren.CARTER
They’re pretty.SORREL
Pretty goddamn murderous.CARTER
Okay. Well, Greg, he brought me to the zoo. It was supposed to be cute and romantic or whatever but it was hot and I forgot my inhaler and I needed a new binder because mine shrunk and, being the fool that I am, I wore the shrunk binder. We spent like forever looking for pandas. He wanted to see them so bad that he wouldn’t just give up. So we went to the zoo and looked for the pandas and long story short... I ended up like halfway in with the panda.SORREL
You ended up in the panda container?CARTER
Most people call them enclosures.SORREL
It contains pandas, does it not?CARTER
Oh my god.SORREL
So did Greg push you?CARTER
Yeah. Ish. Just my top half though.SORREL
Ugh. Men.CARTER
He says he didn’t push me in.SORREL
He’s a liar. Did you dump him?CARTER
I just didn’t talk to him for two months and hoped he got the hint.SORREL
Probably he didn’t. There’s probably Greg out there now, looking for you.CARTER
I hope not.SORREL
[laughing] He’s probably got a banjo, begging for his baby back.CARTER
Oh my god, what if he is? It was two years ago but what if he is?SORREL
Got a real Streetcar moment. “Stella!”CARTER
I need to text him right now.SORREL
I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’d like to think you dated a sensible guy.CARTER
He pushed me into the pandas!SORREL
Yeah, okay. It does sound like he sucks.CARTER
I told people we broke up because long distance was too hard.SORREL
Why?CARTER
We had a lot of the same friends.SORREL
And he pushed you into a fucking panda container. That’s shitty.CARTER
Well, it’s over. Got any other horror stories?SORREL
Yeah. I dated someone who only wanted me for my chem knowledge.CARTER
Yikes.SORREL
It’s fine. I ate him.CARTER
Um....SORREL
It’s a joke. I did kick his ass in a debate.CARTER
Really?SORREL
Yeah. It was good. Should we try starting her back up?CARTER
Yeah, let me sit down.[Carter’s door opens and shuts. Car turns on.]SORREL
I didn’t think you were going to fix it.CARTER
I don’t know why you doubt me?SORREL
At last, cool air. Let’s just get going.CARTER
Where should we go?SORREL
I… I don’t know. Like I said, didn’t think you’d fix it.CARTER
I’ll keep driving then. We’ll find something.
(a beat.)
I guess it’s good I’m taking all online classes.SORREL
Oh my god. You still care about school?CARTER
Uuuh, I mean yeah. This isn’t all my life is going to be. Is it?
(Silence.)
Sorrel.SORREL
I don’t know.CARTER
What aren’t you telling me?SORREL
Keep driving along the Mississippi.CARTER
Why?SORREL
Just drive.CARTER
You’re getting to be hard to deal with.SORREL
Okay? Drop me off then. Stop running. You know like I do, they’re going to come find you.CARTER
What did you do to them?SORREL
I pissed them off, I told you.CARTER
So what do we do?SORREL
Keep along the Mississippi. That’s where we go. We’ll find something - there’s a place my friends from an RP group have.[music fades in-- “Nature Shuffle” by Ketsa]CARTER
[snorts, laughing] You roleplay?SORREL
Got a problem with it?CARTER
No, no just... Didn’t expect it.
[Carter makes a sound and tries to open a door. The car alarm goes off.]SORREL
Turn the car alarm off![Carter fumbles with the keys and clicks the unlock button on his keys.]CARTER
Sorry.SORREL
I keep it on the DL.CARTER
Who do you roleplay?SORREL
Mostly original characters.CARTER
Any fandoms?SORREL
It’s not relevant.CARTER
If I guess-SORREL
Mostly fantasy fandoms, and I’m only telling you because you’re probably thinking like Homestuck.CARTER
[chuckling] Huh.SORREL
Who do you roleplay?CARTER
Oh, I don’t.SORREL
Okay but you write fanfiction?CARTER
No. I’ve gone to a couple cons and like to make cosplays, but I don’t write. I’m not that kind of creative.SORREL
(annoyed)
Hah.CARTER
Not all of us are nerds.SORREL
Whatever.CARTER
[sing-songy] You’re mad ‘cause I found out you’re a nerd.SORREL
No, I’m mad because your eyes aren’t on the road.CARTER
I’m being safe.SORREL
Be safer.CARTER
Can I ask one more thing?SORREL
Sure, whatever.CARTER
Who was your character?SORREL
I had a couple. My longest one was Alice Adelaide, they were a terrible creature with wings of fire.CARTER
Fire?SORREL
Yeah, I liked to set stuff on fire.CARTER
Like for real or in your RPs?SORREL
In the RPs, Christ. Do you think I just go around setting stuff on fire?CARTER
I mean, maybe!SORREL
I don’t want to set shit on fire.CARTER
If I had a power, I think it would be-SORREL
Invisibility, I know.CARTER
No.SORREL
What is it?[music fades out]CARTER
Flight. I’d want to do flight. I want to see the whole world from the skies.SORREL
That’s... like fake deep.CARTER
It’s not fake deep.SORREL
You think it’s real deep?[Carter turns on the radio. Music plays-- “Paper Lanterns in the Dusk” by springtide]CARTER
(deadpan)
I love this song.SORREL
You do?CARTER
Do you not have it in you to be nice?SORREL
No, I don’t. I’m exhausted from all the running from all the shit I didn’t mean.CARTER
So you’re the bad one in the relationship?SORREL
Two people can be bad![music fades out, sounds of cars passing]VOICEMAIL
Three missed voicemails. First missed message from, Monday at 4:32 PM.EMERY
It’s been days Sorrel. Days. You think you can run forever, but you aren’t especially good at running. I’ve seen you run. You’re not very fast and you look ugly when you sweat. I know I’d tell you you look fine, but we both know you looked bad. Yellowed stains and pink faced. It’s embarrassing. Your skin was not meant to be flushed. I can imagine you now; so full of fear, full of disappointment. What do we do with Sorrel? We’re both wondering that. Carter and I.VOICEMAIL
Second missed message. Tuesday at 5:23 PM.EMERY
It annoys me when you don’t call me back. I mean, I told you something fun. I know his name now; it took me a while, but it’s not hard to find these things out. People are so willing to help from the school. You want me to leave him alone, don’t you? You’re so quick to bounce from one person to the next, you haven’t stopped to ask who you’re hurting. It’s not just me. Call me back, prick.VOICEMAIL
Last missed message. Today at 3:20 PM.EMERY
I hate you. We ended this relationship like most relationships do; hate fucking to try and preserve what was. And I am tired of hate. So, I’m going to finish this. I will let everyone know all the secrets you’re keeping. Especially the boy. Especially Carter.VOICEMAIL
End of messages.[music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Kali is played by Aspen Bickel and Emery is voiced by Tal Minear. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by following us at patreon.com/lavenderlem, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook at LavenderLem. Make sure to check out our website at transmissionfolklore.com.This episode’s cryptid is the influential sasquatch. Just leave them be, okay?[music fades out]

EPISODE 05: MISSISSIPPI-- BLINKER
(not officially captioned)

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
Content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include: asthma attack sounds, consistent blinker noises, gagging noises, mentions of blood and mild body horror, splashing sounds, yelling, general themes of drowning. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.[Sorrel is chewing loudly. Carter keeps making noises, trying to get them to stop making noises.]SORREL
What?CARTER
What, what?SORREL
What’re you doing?CARTER
I’m not doing anything.SORREL
You’re making that fucking noise.CARTER
I’m not making a noise.SORREL
You are.CARTER
You’re making the noise.SORREL
I’m eating a kolache.CARTER
Do you have to eat so loudly?
[Sorrel chews louder.]
Sorrel.SORREL
Shut up. I’m hungry.CARTER
But you’re breathing so loud.SORREL
It’s hard to breathe, okay?CARTER
Do you need an inhaler? I can switch my Walgreens on my phone and try and get us something that works.SORREL
Is water in an inhaler?CARTER
No. Albuterol.SORREL
Look, let’s just get a shower. I’m grimy.CARTER
Do you need medical attention?SORREL
No - look, let’s just--[Sorrel takes a big, heavy breath]CARTER
Should I take you to the hospital?SORREL
No, please don’t. Let’s stop at a gas station, I just need a drink. Not off the highway, go into the backroads.CARTER
Where even are we?SORREL
Mississippi.CARTER
You want me to take Mississippi backroads?SORREL
Please. I don’t want to get caught.CARTER
Okay. Okay.[Sorrel continues to try and get a breath in. Carter drives off. “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[music fades out]SORREL
Thank you.CARTER
My credit card is going to get maxed out.SORREL
On a case of waters?CARTER
Yeah, I don’t know. And gas.SORREL
Your car handles the gas alright.CARTER
For a 2006.SORREL
Yeah she’s a teenager now.CARTER
Look, Sorrel, I’m scared.SORREL
Yeah, you should be.
CARTER
I don’t know what to do. I don’t actually want to die.SORREL
Me either.CARTER
How do we save ourselves?SORREL
We have to be smarter than a siren.CARTER
I’m not that smart.SORREL
Weren’t you in honors college?CARTER
You remembered?SORREL
You lived in the honor’s college section of the dorm.CARTER
I have anxiety though. I mean, what’s that going to do in the honor’s college?SORREL
Good point, maybe you’re not that smart.CARTER
I’m getting immune to your cruelty.SORREL
Are you?CARTER
Yeah. It doesn’t even hurt when you insult me now.SORREL
That’s what happens when you’ve kidnapped someone long enough.CARTER
Ugh![Sorrel laughs - it sounds labored]SORREL
Ready to go?CARTER
Yeah.SORREL
Take a left up here.CARTER
Sounds good.[The blinker noise goes on. It stays on.]SORREL
Dude, turn that off, you turned.CARTER
It’s supposed to go off automatically.SORREL
But it’s not.[Carter flips it off.]
CARTER
What’s the matter?[Carter turns the blinker on. It stays on.]
SORREL
It’s annoying. Take the next left too.CARTER
At the light? And it’s not annoying - I can’t help the sounds the car makes.SORREL
Why did you buy this car?CARTER
I’m poor.SORREL
It’s a bitch to work on, there’s always something wrong with it, and it’s hard to get to the engine.CARTER
Phyrra can hear you.SORREL
Phyrra’s a car.CARTER
She’s my car. Look, I know you can’t be nice to me, but please be nice to the two thousand pounds of metal between us and the road.SORREL
Holy shit.CARTER
What?SORREL
I just thought you couldn’t get more... more.CARTER
What?SORREL
More ridiculous.CARTER
I’m getting sick and tired of you. I have my car. I work hard to maintain her.SORREL
So sorry.[Blinker noise off.]
CARTER
Where do I turn here?SORREL
Right.[Blinker noise on.]CARTER
We’re in the middle of nowhere.[Blinker noise off.]
SORREL
Yeah, well it’s where we’re going.CARTER
Jesus.SORREL
You can’t make fun of my friends.CARTER
But you can make fun of my car?SORREL
Your car doesn’t have feelings.[The blinker noise comes on.]CARTER
Ah!SORREL
Why did you do that? We don’t need to turn.CARTER
I’m not making it do that. The blinker must be shorting out.SORREL
It’s annoying.CARTER
Sorrel, you’re getting worse. Are you sure you don’t want to stop?SORREL
Positive. I want to go to my friends’, get them to call their plug and then go to bed.CARTER
You smoke?SORREL
Yeah. Some of us manage our anxiety...
[blinker keeps going off]
Jesus Christ, turn off that fucking blinker.CARTER
You are absolutely the worst person to have tried to save. You’re not nice, you’re hurtful, and you won’t tell me anything that would actually help you.SORREL
No, I want to tell you anything that might help you, because unlike you, I want to survive. You’re so woe-is-me about the world you might as well collapse standing.CARTER
When scary shit happens to me, I face it.SORREL
You can’t hear the scary shit with anxiety.CARTER
How can you hear it with anger?SORREL
Because insurance won’t cover anger management.[Sorrel starts coughing up along. The blinker is getting louder.]CARTER
Sorrel, are you okay?SORREL
Stop the car.CARTER
Here? There’s a lake.SORREL
Yes, I know![The door opens up. Sorrel retches. Soft water noises in the background.]CARTER
Are you bleeding?SORREL
Yeah. I’m bleeding.CARTER
Jesus fuck! Why are your legs bleeding? Why is your skin melting off - you need to go to the doctor, Sorrel, we have to get you to the doctor.[the blinker sound fades out, “Unsilenced” by Ketsa fades in]SORREL
The blood is falling down my legs and the skin on top of my legs fails me. It’s not meant to cover my bones as long as it has. Skin is such a faulty thing. Bones too, the kind meant for legs. A femur is supposed to be powerful but it’s so breakable and it hurts. I’ve been wearing this for too long and it hurts. The doctor can’t fix me, or help me. You can’t fix me or help me. You can’t help yourself.CARTER
I’m trying to help you, stop being an edgelord.SORREL
Yeah. Get in line. Drive off if you hate talking to me so much.CARTER
I like talking to you! Let me help. Let me in.SORREL
You want in? Let me show you in. This is who you rescued, the worst person ever.[There’s a splash. Magic sound.]CARTER
Holy shit. You’ve got a tail.[Sorrel coughs loudly. A door opens.]SORREL
[shouting] Yeah and guess what? This tail is flexible bones, tiny and thin, surrounded by bright orange scales. I’ve got two armors, good luck breaking through. Why are you getting out?CARTER
I’ve got empty water bottles in the back. I’ll fill them up. In case you need it.SORREL
You’re not running away?CARTER
No.[music fades out]SORREL
Why not? You know now.CARTER
I face scary things, Sorrel. I don’t need to run away from everything I’m afraid of.SORREL
But you’re fucking scared.[sounds of Carter wading into the water]CARTER
If you wanted to kill me, you would already.SORREL
You’re in the water with me. This is my height.CARTER
Yet here I stand. Alive.SORREL
You’re unconvincing.CARTER
So are you.SORREL
You can drive off Carter. I’m giving you a way out of my life.CARTER
You said it yourself. I’m a part of this now.SORREL
Emery is going to let you go. If you get far enough away from me. Make it look like you wanted to get out of this.CARTER
I don’t.SORREL
Do you want to die?CARTER
Not particularly, thank you.SORREL
A siren’s song can do more than kill someone. It can hypnotise, it can drive you to do things you don’t want to do.CARTER
You wouldn’t do that though. You wouldn’t let them do that either. You’d stop me from doing anything dangerous, Sorrel.SORREL
You don’t know me!CARTER
I believe you’re a good person though! I know you’re the most frustrating person alive, and you’re so scared to admit you’re scared. Sorrel, it’s okay to be afraid that they’re coming! I’ve got my hand out for you, just please, grab it.SORREL
I’m going to hurt you. It doesn’t have to be with a song, but somehow I’m going to hurt you. I can’t help it.CARTER
You sound like an edgy thirteen year old. You can help who you hurt.SORREL
Not when Emery’s involved.CARTER
Let someone else help you then! I promise, I’m stuck here now. With you. And I’m gonna fill these stupid water bottles so you can get some stupid water so your scary ex can’t kill us.SORREL
Emery is scary for the same reason I’m scary.CARTER
I never saw you kill someone. You can fight me all you want but I trust myself on… not a lot of things. But without a doubt I know you’re a good person, past all the bullshit. So just, please. Come back with me. We’ll get on the road again and you’ll be safe.SORREL
I don’t want you to get hurt.CARTER
I’m going to get hurt. I’ve got brittle, brittle bones. But I’m not going to let you get murdered by your ex. That’s an awful way to die.SORREL
Just, stop! Stop! [voice effect] Stop!
Fuck, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.CARTER
It’s, it’s okay.SORREL
I do need help. Thank you for it. Let’s go-[Carter starts to wade out, but stops]CARTER
Is it safe? For you to get out of the water?SORREL
It’s safe enough. I don’t want to be here too long.[continues wading out]CARTER
Let’s go.SORREL
You don’t need to bring all those.CARTER
Will these water bottles full of lake water help? Even a little?SORREL
I guess.CARTER
I’ve got you. I promise. Whoa![Sorrel hugs Carter]SORREL
This is the most awkward hug ever.CARTER
I don’t know where to put my hands. You still have a tail.[water background noises fade out][The phone rings. Carter answers it.]CARTER
Hello?EMERY
How can you store so much anxiety in two syllables?CARTER
Who is this?EMERY
I’ll give you two guesses, peach shirt.CARTER
You can stop this. What do you get out of beating Sorrel?EMERY
Vindication. Validation. I don’t have a problem with you, Carter.CARTER
How do you know my name?EMERY
You took a minute to find, I gotta admit. It’s hard to find people with dead names, but I messaged around the queer groups from school - it’s a small community. Anxious trans guy with short black hair isn’t super specific but I found you. But you strolled the bayous around campus. You got a name. Everyone does.CARTER
You can’t have my name.EMERY
I don’t have any beef with you kid. You’re annoying, you fucked up my plan by a couple weeks, but just ditch Sorrel. They’re not worth it.CARTER
Not on your life. They’re my friend.EMERY
Look, they’ve convinced you they care, they’ve convinced you they’re a dick with a heart of gold or some shit, but they’re not. Sorrel is a siren. They’ve hurt people. They will continue to hurt people. There’s no way they haven’t hurt you yet.CARTER
They haven’t.EMERY
That’s a lie. I can hear it in your voice. Look Carter-CARTER
You can’t sing to me through the phone. It doesn’t do anything. Sorrel tested it.EMERY
I knew you were going to think that. Everyone always thinks the worst of me, but I’m not the bad guy here - maybe I am. I guess you know my endgame. But listen to me- I don’t want to see you tricked like I was. You seem like a nice young man.CARTER
You don’t know me.EMERY
No, I don’t. But you remind me of me. A better version of me, sure. You’re nice enough to stick with Sorrel this long. But sooner or later, they’re going to leave you on the side of the road, steal your car and run away. Ditch them before that shit happens. Leave them now, forget them. They’re always going to try and be two steps ahead. It’s just nature. Cut them off now.CARTER
Sorrel can’t even drive.EMERY
Sorrel’s chicken shit. They can drive, they just don’t like to. I promise you, this isn’t going to end well for you if you keep trying. Siren fights get ugly. Humans aren’t ready for that kind of ugly.CARTER
I can handle a little ugly in my life. I can’t sit by and watch someone kill another person.EMERY
That’s just a Tuesday for us. If you’re really stuck on Sorrel, there’s a good chance either they’re dying, or I am. Either kill or be killed.CARTER
There are other options. Just because you don’t choose them doesn’t mean they disappear.EMERY
I’m trying to do the right thing here. You aren’t part of this.CARTER
I am now.EMERY
One last chance to pull out. Take it.CARTER
I will not abandon my friend.EMERY
So noble. Sorry then. For what’s going to happen. I really didn’t want it to end up like this.CARTER
Like what?EMERY
Everything. Talk to you later Cater.[The phone hangs up. Sorrel snores loudly.]
CARTER
Hey, Sorrel?
SORREL
Hmm?
CARTER
[hesitates] Hey, get some sleep, okay? I’m gonna drive us far away from here.SORREL
I can’t get sleep if you wake me up. Go towards my friends.CARTER
I’m gonna figure it out.SORREL
Thanks.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Emery is voiced by Tal Minear. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by following us at patreon.com/lavenderlem, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook at LavenderLem. Make sure to check out our website at transmissionfolklore.com.This week’s cryptid is the scared siren; sing like it’s the end of times.[music fades out]

EPISODE 06: MISSISSIPPI-- BUMPER

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
Content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include overall themes of drowning, murder, and toxic relationships, mentions of blood and mild body horror, and one loud car thunking noise after the car has been parked in the show. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself. Enjoy![Sorrel yawns]CARTER
You’re awake. I bought us some kolaches in Jacksonville. I figured you’d need some.SORREL
You know what I miss? Buc-ee’s kolaches specifically. Nothing feels quite as big and powerful as an over hyped gas station with its giant bronze beaver carefully watching over you. The stupid beaver brought us to civilisation.CARTER
[sighs] I miss my mom’s gumbo a lot. I wish we had some. Er, no wait, gumbo has fish in it and…SORREL
Fish eat fish. Also, I’m not a fish, don’t call me that. It’s reductive and also wrong.CARTER
Alright, well, what can we do to make the journey easier on you. Stopping as often as you need will slow us down but not stopping will kill you, and I won’t do that.SORREL
The water is a good start.CARTER
What next?SORREL
I don’t really know. I’ve never needed to be away for this long.CARTER
How long do you need to be away usually?SORREL
Sixteen hours is the most I can make with no contact with water period. After that I’ll do anything. It’s usually not a problem.CARTER
We’ve been in this car for two months. How did I not pick up sooner?SORREL
Toilets at gas stations are filled with water.CARTER
Ew!SORREL
We do what we have to!CARTER
Those toilets see the worst of humanity’s assholes!SORREL
I know. Take a left here. I’m gonna stick my head out the window to double check if cars are coming.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[music fades out]CARTER
So these roleplayers aren’t going to feel weird about us just showing up?SORREL
Nah, Rowen and Horatio are used to me. And we’ve talked about it before-- We had an ex-army plan. Not sure if we’re serious about it, but I think if I act like we were, they’ll go with it. Like a weird game of chicken.CARTER
Ex army?SORREL
If one of us has an evil ex, the others will raise an army. It sounded like a funny thing at the time… Hey, by the way. Rowen has wings. Don’t be weird about it.CARTER
Wings?SORREL
I have a tail!CARTER
Does Horatio have eight arms?SORREL
Two arms, one hand. Not my business, never asked.CARTER
My friends never made blood pacts.SORREL
Please, this is not a blood pact. No blood was exchanged.CARTER
Still. It seems kind of “friend culty”. Which way here?SORREL
We were not in a cult… Straight… Gayly forward. Go slow though, there’s a crik up there.CARTER
A creek?SORREL
Right.[whimsical folksy music begins to play-- “Nature Shuffle” by Ketsa][The two get out of the car, closing the doors behind them, into a field. Suddenly there is a powerful gust of wind.]
Not funny, Rowen.CARTER
What’s happening?SORREL
Stop it. You’ll scare the other guy. He’s already got anxiety.[a metal thunking sound of something hitting the ground]CARTER
My bumper! The wind ripped my bumper off.[wind fades out]ROWEN
Not funny? It was very, incredibly funny.HORATIO
[laughs] We can put the bumper back on with some duct tape if you’d like. We should be able to make it match the door.SORREL
Rowen, Horatio, meet my friend Carter. Carter is a very fleshy human. So be gentle with him.CARTER
Please never describe me as fleshy again.SORREL
You are.CARTER
You have flesh?ROWEN
Mostly scales.CARTER
Not when we hang out. And you have flesh. And wings.ROWEN
Nice to meet you. Rowen Streams. It’s a fake last name.HORATIO
Horatio. No last name.ROWEN
I thought you were done with the boonies? What brings you to visit little old me? Are you finally going to lead a game? Like you promised?HORATIO
Last time they were here, they said they were “done with the boonies”, those exact words. When we were having a 5e release party.SORREL
Look, I’ve brought news.ROWEN
You’ve brought news. And a normie. Is this your new normie boyfriend?HORATIO
Are you pregnant?ROWEN
Did you get Emery pregnant? Because you’re not ready for that.SORREL
Guys, stop. Serious. [sighs] It’s for real over with Emery. They didn’t take it well. Carter saved my life, with generalized anxiety and a 2006 PT Cruiser. Look, I know the Evil Ex thing was mostly a joke but Emery’s not gonna stop until one of the two of us is dead.CARTER
Wait, this is a murder mission? You didn’t tell me we were gonna kill Emery.SORREL
Yeah. Horatio’s a witch and Rowen’s got some fae magic. We could really use that right now.CARTER
No! Absolutely not!SORREL
Carter, what did you think was going to happen?CARTER
I think you’re better than them. You’re not allowed to kill them.SORREL
I’m sorry, you’re not allowing me?CARTER
Sorrel, you’re above Emery.SORREL
No I’m not. They tried to kill me. I don’t give a fuck if I need to be “better than them.” Sirens kill. It’s what we do; we were born to destroy.CARTER
I’ll protect you from Emery, but please.SORREL
What should I do? Beat them up? Carter, I do not want to die. It’s a kill or be killed situation.HORATIO
We could curse them?ROWEN
We could curse them! Is that a thought you want to take off? Hmm, which kind are you thinking?
[a pause]
Why are you staring?SORREL
He’s never seen wings up close.ROWEN
You haven’t grown any?CARTER
No. My boy juice hasn’t gotten me through that part of second puberty.ROWEN
Oh well… I grew mine when I was in the tenth grade. Maternals told me about it, and fiction said it’d hurt. And it did. Wings break through your skin in the worst possible ways.CARTER
Are you an angel?[Everyone else laughs.]HORATIO
No. They’re a faerie.ROWEN
Yeah baby! These wings are made for causing powerful, powerful winds and chaos.[Rowen demonstrates the wind.]HORATIO
Enough! You’re moving me.ROWEN
Oh, sorry! I get carried away.CARTER
Haha, that’s so funny! You control the wind, wow. Cool. Your wings are beautiful though. I’ve never seen so many shades of iridescence sparkling, so many colors.ROWEN
You gotta be your own rainbow. So, Horatio, what spells are we thinking? Bust out that grimoire.[The sound of the grimoire app loading.]SORREL
90s gaming is such an aesthetic.CARTER
What is that?HORATIO
I coded a grimoire app.ROWEN
Find anything good?HORATIO
I’m looking through, my best bet would be a banishment.ROWEN
To the shadow realm!HORATIO
Dude I wish. My mom would kill me if I released that kind of magic into the world, and my vibes would be way off with that much negativity. Nah, it’s like, restraining order level. But you have to obey it. They wouldn’t be able to get within a football field of Sorrel.SORREL
Humane enough?CARTER
Yes actually. It’s a good, actually out of your life scenario.SORREL
So would gutting them.HORATIO
I’m with the normie actually. Look, I’ll do a lot but killing your ex? Dude, that’s so tacky, even for you.SORREL
But my ex is Emery. You guys know Emery.ROWEN
Yeah, it was I who said dating someone you were miserable with was a mistake. And what did you say… C’mon Sorrel.SORREL
[Rowen makes Sorrel repeat what they said a while back-- there is an echoed resonance to Sorrel’s voice] “That’s not a good enough reason to leave them.”
[regular voice] I hate when you do that to me.ROWEN
You’re missing the point. Look if they’re not in for killing Em, neither am I. Banishment is the best we can make happen in trying times.SORREL
Is it a spell that will work four ways? Because none of us are going down for my dumbassery.HORATIO
Yeah, we’ll need some bigger ingredients for a four way, but we can manage.ROWEN
What’s in the spell?HORATIO
Faded passion, water of a new beginning… Everything is my box up in Montana. To banish… blah blah, I’ve got a long list for you. Can you gather the shit for the banishment spell?SORREL
And you’re sure murder isn’t an option?HORATIO
You asked for our help. I’m not comfortable with murder. Neither is the normie.CARTER
That’s me right?HORATIO
Yeah, you’re normal. Like comparatively normal.CARTER
Compared to what?HORATIO
Us. Rowen is fae, Sorrel’s a siren and I do magic.CARTER
Oh okay.ROWEN
Horatio just really doesn’t want to be the resident normie anymore. Anyone can do magic if they try hard enough. She’s just better at it than a lot of other normies.CARTER
Could I learn magic?ROWEN
Probably. Most folks can go down their line and find some fae in there. All you need is a little bit of faerie dust in your bloodline to do a spell.CARTER
But we know nothing about faeries.ROWEN
You know a lot about faeries, it’s just “folklore.” Faeries know who the reputable sources are.CARTER
Can I know?ROWEN
If you do your research, sure.SORREL
Let’s focus on the spell. How long does it take? Because the song is what I’m worried about.ROWEN
Emery’s infamous song.CARTER
Is that why you dated?SORREL
Emery’s a lot of things, but not that. They wouldn’t use a song to try and get me to date them.ROWEN
You sure about that?SORREL
They didn’t know anything about me when we started dating. We just had two original characters that meshed well together..CARTER
Your roleplay stuff.HORATIO
Don’t make fun of our roleplay. It was seriously legit.CARTER
I wasn’t trying to--ROWEN
What did you roleplay?SORREL
He says he never roleplayed.ROWEN
No joke, he’s a total Warrior Cats stan.SORREL
I’m just saying Adelaide Alice and Jethro Moss got along really well.ROWEN
Which totally means Sorrel and Emery would.CARTER
I have a question; how are you able to be drowned? If you can breathe underwater, I mean.SORREL
They weren't singing to get me to drown myself. They were singing to stop me from transforming. A siren’s song can do that; I think to help avoid awkward transformations. You can sing it to yourself sometimes. Well, you can’t, I can.CARTER
Do you sing well?[Horatio and Rowen laugh.]
ROWEN
They sing like an angel. Like the horrifying Bible ones.HORATIO
They’re not terrible but like… Not great.SORREL
Rhythmic speaking gets the job done. I usually slam but I don’t really do a siren’s song that often.CARTER
Why not?SORREL
Traumatic backstory. Can you stop asking my questions about this?CARTER
I’m sorry, I just want to help.SORREL
I know. Telling people is just not something I really do.CARTER
Oh, okay. I didn’t realize it was like that.SORREL
It’s an important part of me, but every time I tell someone about it, I’d have to explain the way I work. And it’s frustrating as fuck. Which was the nice part about dating a siren.CARTER
I think I understand. I’m sorry this is difficult, I will work on making it better.SORREL
Really?CARTER
Yeah, I mean, I don’t want to be the reason you’re stressing out.SORREL
You are.HORATIO
Side note, we may have an issue obtaining my lockbox.SORREL
Why?HORATIO
I don’t have a license anymore.ROWEN
How far?HORATIO
Montana.ROWEN
I can’t fly to Montana.SORREL
Come with us?ROWEN
After all the shit you put me through, you really think I want to sit in a car with just you and a normie I don’t know?SORREL
You both can come with us?ROWEN
No. I will help you with this spell. I will not put my ass on the line. What if they call Méabh? She’s still super pissed, it’ll end badly.CARTER
What do you do to people?SORREL
I told you, I hurt a lot of people.ROWEN
And you don’t feel like you need to speak up about it? You never apologized to me.SORREL
I don’t know how.ROWEN
Friendship is about the give and the take. Look, I want to help you, I really don’t want you to die. But you apologize to me. I need an apology.SORREL
I’m sorry. I can’t make it right. I don’t know how to make it right. But I need you right now.ROWEN
Go on your own to get it. Meet us back here. I cannot travel with you. But I will not let you die.[A long, tense silence.]SORREL
We’ll follow the Mississippi River up till it hits the Missouri River. The Missouri drops off in Montana.HORATIO
Woo me with your river knowledge.SORREL
We’ll leave tonight. Rowen, can you take Carter to the Autozone or something to go get a new bumper since you so graciously broke it off with your wings.ROWEN
Can you say please?SORREL
Please? No fucking around.ROWEN
Have you ever known me to fuck around?SORREL
Are you allowed back in New Orleans yet?[Rowen laughs.]CARTER
What the fuck?ROWEN
I’ll tell you about it when we get there.SORREL
When we leave, you and Horatio keep us updated. If I don’t hear from you, I will call you up, okay? We keep each other safe. This is gonna be a mess but we will make it.ROWEN
Who died and made you optimistic?SORREL
I’m not gonna kill anyone, so hopefully no one dies.CARTER
I’m gonna head out.HORATIO
Sorrel, I’m glad you’re back.SORREL
I’m glad to be back. I missed y’all.ROWEN
Yeah, yeah. We missed you too. A lot.[soft phone keyboard tapping sounds-- the pair are texting each other. After each message is a sent message tone.]
EMERY
So you got this?MÉABH
Yeah, I got this, sweetie. It’s no problem. It doesn’t matter if I die - I’ll just pop back up in my grave. I can’t be killed. Not really.EMERY
And you’ll be very quick? It’ll get them out of my hair.MÉABH
You doubt me?EMERY
I just don’t get what you get out of this.MÉABH
You’re not the only one Sorrel’s fucked over.EMERY
I just want it to be over soon. I’m completely over them.MÉABH
Horatio and them aren’t in the car, right? I won’t do it if Horatio or Rowen or Ray would get hurt. It’s just Sorrel.EMERY
All of them were there for your thing.MÉABH
Yeah, but Sorrel is the only one I don’t like. I like the ones I know.EMERY
You’re so judgy.MÉABH
You’re so sad.EMERY
I just want them out of my hair.MÉABH
Anyone else gonna get hurt?EMERY
They’re traveling with some normie. Is that an issue?MÉABH
Not for me. What about you?[a long pause]EMERY
No.[music fades in: “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats.
Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert.
Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats.
Rowen is voiced by Rowen Jewels.
Horatio is voiced by Kid Kerrigan/Nina Nikolic
Maebhe is voiced by Lilith Costo.
Emery is voiced by Tal Minear.
This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com.This episode’s cryptid is the person you used to be. Whatever you do, don’t capture them on video.[music fades out]

07: MISSOURI-- CAR TIRES

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore has content warnings for the following: overall themes of drowning and murder and arguing. Please note that if you are driving, the following sounds will be in this episode: engine revving, tires squealing, and a car crash. If you are driving and these sounds are a potential trigger, please consider pausing this episode and checking the episode description for timestamps when you are safely stopped. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.[Carter and Sorrel are in a drive thru.]SPEAKER
[the voice is distorted by the drive thru speaker] Would you like any sauce?SORREL
Can I get a spicy mustard please.CARTER
Is it spicy?SORREL
I mean, what do you think?CARTER
A spicy mustard and a chocolate shake.SORREL
We’re not doing a chocolate shake in this car.CARTER
I will go to the bathroom at some gas station. The lactose is worth it.SORREL
We are in a car. It is winter. Do not threaten me. You almost shit your pant last time, lactose intolerant ass--[intro music fades in]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[intro music fades out][Traffic Ambiance in the background. Carter takes a bite of a chicken nugget.]CARTER
Eurgh, I hate chicken nuggets.SORREL
That’s a hard stance at eight AM.CARTER
They should only be one bite, why are they so big?SORREL
You eaten today?CARTER
Yeah. Chicken nuggets. I should’ve gotten a burger.SORREL
I wish we had an oven.CARTER
I could kill for my mom’s gumbo. I miss it.SORREL
Bianca makes the gumbo right?CARTER
Bianca, she’s got the best gumbo. I got some right before we left, ugh I miss her.SORREL
If we finish this, we could go home. Well, you could go home. I could go back to Houston I guess.CARTER
Is Houston not your home?[“Hey Come Together” by Lobo Loco fades in]SORREL
I don’t really have a home. I mean, I had my school, where my parents raised me, but I left. And contrary to what Rowen will tell you, I had a big fight with my dad. I didn’t leave because of Emery.CARTER
What was it about?SORREL
I wanted to be a writer and go to school for that. I wanted like, full blown novels and series and all that.CARTER
That’s so cool. What have you written?SORREL
Mostly love stories.CARTER
Really? Why didn’t he like that?SORREL
They were about sirens. He was worried or whatever about secrets getting out.CARTER
Yeah, sirens would freak people out. But how could they trace you-SORREL
Which is what I said. I just want a book I can see myself in.CARTER
Valid.SORREL
It’s just frustrating, because like yeah, of course I’m gonna be fucking careful. But he wants me to be “safe” for us. Which is not what I want… We can do something else if you want for lunch. Do you see food?CARTER
I saw a cheap little Mexican place around here.SORREL
We’re too far North to get Mexican food.CARTER
We’re in Missouri, this is still the South.SORREL
Emotionally, sure. But physically - this is the Midwest and I do not deserve to subject my body to a chain Mexican food place from the Midwest.CARTER
Valid.SORREL
We’re almost at the mouth of the Missouri River.CARTER
[sigh] You follow the rivers like roads.SORREL
I mean, they are the same thing. But a river is more permanent.CARTER
How do you mean?SORREL
It stays - sure a river is ever changing, water flows, and somewhere around here, the water even got reversed. But a river will stand the tests of time far better than a road. Put too much weight on a road, it buckles. The road breaks down but the river still flows. The road gets built over a river but the road breaks, the river flows. Roads are made to be crumbled, and rivers crumble them.CARTER
That’s poetic.SORREL
It’s just the facts.CARTER
It’s pretty… Do you really think we’ll get to live normally after this?SORREL
I don’t know. I’m not going back to the University of Houston if we actually win.CARTER
How could we lose?[music fades out]SORREL
We don’t have as much magic as we need, Emery kills us before it’s ready. A bad rainstorm could take us out.CARTER
Yikes.SORREL
Again, just facts. I’m trying not to let it rain.CARTER
I don’t think it’ll be Emery. They seem really hesitant.SORREL
To kill us?CARTER
To kill me.SORREL
They’re going to kill you, because you’re with me.CARTER
They just didn’t sound like they wanted to.SORREL
They what? When?CARTER
They seemed really hesitant?SORREL
Did you… Speak to Emery?CARTER
Yeah?SORREL
When?CARTER
What do you mean when?SORREL
When did you speak to Emery? Did he hurt you? Was it in person; did they sing?CARTER
No it wasn’t in person… I don’t know the night you told me about being a siren, I think.SORREL
So you just haven’t told me this whole time? Open your phone.CARTER
I’m driving and can hear you.SORREL
Open your phone.[Blinker, gear shift, hazard lights-- Sorrel opens a door and begins humming. Cars are passing even louder]CARTER
We’re on the highway.Sorrel hums.SORREL
What are you doing now?CARTER
Sitting in the car?SORREL
Look at your hands, are you eating anything?CARTER
No…SORREL
So then how does Emery have control over you?CARTER
I don’t think they do.SORREL
Then why would you not tell me you spoke to Emery?CARTER
It wasn’t important? You were scared.SORREL
You have to tell me when you talk to them. They’re evil.CARTER
Am I supposed to tell you everything ever?SORREL
You’re supposed to tell me when the evil ex who tried to drown me suddenly has your number.CARTER
They got it from some of the school people? The trans community is really small.SORREL
I’m getting back in the car.[car door slams, the cars passing becomes quieter]CARTER
What’s the big deal?[car gets back into gear, hazards go off, blinker turns on]SORREL
Why wouldn’t you tell me something so big, Carter?CARTER
Because it’s not big.SORREL
The person trying to kill us spoke to you. The person who you’ve got no context for; you just found out how sirens work a few weeks ago. You have-- You don’t have the context to keep yourself safe.CARTER
You trust me to pilot a two ton death machine, but not talk to your ex?SORREL
Yeah!CARTER
I am capable of sound judgement.SORREL
You’re naive. You think the world can be solved with a hug but this isn’t your world. I know you think I’m an edgelord or whatever, but I’m telling you the truth. We kill when we’re slighted. We don’t get emotional, we get even.CARTER
I don’t feel comfortable getting “even”.SORREL
I do! And I don’t want to bring you down with me, but ultimately, you’re bringing yourself down now and... why’s that car following us?CARTER
Which one?SORREL
The hot pink Tesla, Carter, how could you miss it?CARTER
You were yelling!SORREL
Because you didn’t tell me! This is a serious thing!CARTER
[groans] I’m gonna try and lose the Tesla.SORREL
I don’t feel comfortable with a car chase.CARTER
We’ll figure out if they’re actually following us.SORREL
Change lanes.CARTER
I don’t need your driving advice right now.SORREL
Shit they changed lanes, they’re definitely following us.CARTER
What should we do?SORREL
Oh, I’m sorry, do you need my driving advice now?CARTER
Don’t do that!SORREL
I don’t know what you expect from me? I told you when I got a phone call. I told you when I knew we were being followed. If Emery can contact you, they’re too close.CARTER
I think they just want to stop it.SORREL
Sirens have to get even, I told you.CARTER
It’s not always murder.SORREL
It’s murder right now.CARTER
How did Emery get a new car?SORREL
I don’t know as that’s Emery.CARTER
Anyone worse it could be?SORREL
Fuck, fuck! It’s Mèabh.CARTER
Who?SORREL
Mèabh’s one of the roleplayers - we were a lot less close. Let’s just say, she’s a complete nightmare. And she hates me. And she’s a revenant.[Carter rolls down the window.]MÉABH
What’s up sweetheart?SORREL
C’mon, what’s your beef here?MÉABH
I got bored. I’ll race you!CARTER
No thanks.MÉABH
Not you, normie.SORREL
Leave him alone. He didn’t do anything.MÉABH
The getaway driver of my enemy is my enemy. Five.SORREL
Come on.MÉABH
Four.SORREL
You’re going to hurt him and I’ll tell Horatio!MÉABH
I’m terrified. Three, two, one! Bye.[Meabh revs off, Carter rolls the window back up and then the car swerves suddenly]SORREL
Mother fucking son of a shit swaddled bitch.CARTER
Ah. You make lots of friends, I see.SORREL
Yeah Carter, everyone is desperate as you to be my friend. They all kidnap me, drag me across the South into the Midwest so they can moan about gumbo and gastrointestinal issues.CARTER
And everyone’s dying to hear you wax poetic about the rivers and then say you don’t feel anything. Everyone wants to listen to you be too good and too edgy and too afraid to say anything.SORREL
I don’t pretend to be a good person. I don’t pretend like I’m doing good. What the fuck does that even mean? I want to stay alive.CARTER
I know you’re a good person.SORREL
By what standard? I use magic to make people give me better grades. I broke into a Kentucky Fried Chicken when I got into a fight with my dad and needed food. I don’t check how ethical the places I eat are. We can’t all be model citizens dude. Sucks, so glad you pass the moral bar.CARTER
I’m not trying to make you act like me.SORREL
What do you want out of this conversation?CARTER
I want you to know you’re a good person. If by no other standard than mine.SORREL
You’ve got a real low bar. No standard at all.CARTER
My standard is that when someone is hurting, you give them help. My standard is you try and save people, when you can. The world isn’t made of miracles, it’s made of tiny little stories that made my life less shitty. You, despite all of everything, have made my life less shitty.SORREL
No I haven’t! You’re on a death quest!CARTER
You brought me into a world of magic.SORREL
Why do you want to be in so much? Magic is terrible. It’s impossible to understand, the rules you can understand are unfair and you don’t deserve to die and you will, and that’s my fault.CARTER
You said it yourself, I chose to be here. I’m not leaving. Not now, not then, not ever. We’re going to do this banishment spell and we’re going to-SORREL
Get over! Get over!CARTER
Shit, Mèabh’s really after us. She’s like two cars behind again. I’m going eighty.SORREL
Yeah, no shit. She’s a revenant, she can’t actually die. She just respawns, like a video game.[Sound of a phone dial tone in the background]CARTER
What’re you doing?SORREL
Calling her?CARTER
Is that a good idea?SORREL
No.CARTER
She hates you, right?SORREL
Yeah, I may be responsible for their first death.CARTER
Don’t call them, I can shake them.SORREL
I don’t think you can.CARTER
Just trust me.[phone dialing tone stops, Sorrel hangs up the phone]SORREL
Okay, let’s go.CARTER
Shit, shit, stay out of my lane.SORREL
She’s trying to run us over, I think getting in your lane is the point.CARTER
Sorrel, not right now.SORREL
I told you, we could die.CARTER
I told you, I wasn’t going anywhere. I promise, I’m here to stay, the whole time, no matter what happens.SORREL
I’m gonna try a spell, I’m not good at magic though.CARTER
Anything could help.SORREL
Please, mother of the sea, bring us under, bring us in. Shit, shit shit, it’s coming.CARTER
Keep going, please!SORREL
I can’t save us! I can’t save you!CARTER
Try something! Anything![A huge whoosh!]
[CRASH! A series of sounds, car crash sounds.]SORREL
You have wings! Carter? Carter![traffic ambiance fades out, “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore is written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Maebh was voiced by Lilith Costo. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert. Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com. This episode’s cryptid is the person you used to be. Whatever you do, don’t capture them on video.[music fades out]

EPISODE 08: NEBRASKA-- TRANSMISSION

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
Hey! Thanks for picking up this episode of Transmission Folklore! After going on today's ride, consider stretching your legs and going for a run with And 195, a podcast about a magical runner with no sense of direction. Stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear about the strange portals And 195 can send you to.This episode of Transmission Folklore has content warnings for the following: general themes of murder and drowning, dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, mild eye gore and blood mention, mention of blood in a way can be similar to describing menstrual blood, mention of death, a meditation segment similar to those used to fall asleep, echo-y voice effects, and sounds of physical distress. Please do what you need to take care of yourself.VOICEMAIL
You have three missed voicemails. First missed voicemail:SORREL
You have my attention.Emery, you’re right. I am not a good person; not marginally. I am not the kind of person who you want to bring home to your parents. I’m not the kind of person you sneak up the backstairs. I’ve lied to people, including you. I’ve hurt people, including you. I’ve broken a lot of promises, to every one of our friends. But here’s the thing. I’m done with that. Done treating folks like shit.Ever had a fae manipulate you into being a better person?VOICEMAIL
End of message. Second missed voicemail:SORREL
I don’t like you. I don’t like the way you treated me when we were dating and I don’t like who I was when we dated; there are some people you never want to be again. We’re like the water. You used to say rivers were never the same because water flowed, we didn’t have stagnant, still rivers. “How much water has to be changed before it’s a completely different entity?”We’re like that. How many cells are replaced in me before I’m a new person? How many thoughts, feelings, experiences? I’m not a different person than who I was when we dated, but all my water has flowed downstream. I’m not sure what this is supposed to be… Whatever, ignore this one. And answer your fucking phone. Your plan failed.VOICEMAIL
End of message. Third missed voicemail:SORREL
I’m assuming Mèabh got back to you. I sincerely hope the two of you get the hell out of dodge. I’m not gonna kill you. I made a promise and despite all my flaws, I’m not stupid enough to break a promise with a fae. But man, I wish I was. You make me that stupid.We were bad for each other, don’t you think? I didn’t used to think that, I mean, it’s hard to want to kill the person you love. And I did love you, for a time. But this isn’t that time, this is not when I see you and tell you I’m so sorry the way things have gone. I’m not sorry. I won’t lie about that. Because you made my life such a shit show- I used to feel sorry, for a long time. Sorry that I’d stopped loving you, that I couldn’t make things better for you. Sorry that you felt so bad, because I thought, for a long time, that I was personally responsible for your well being. And then, these past few months, I felt like everything there’s ever been has been my fault; I personally dragged this kid into hell, I was going to get us killed. He’s resilient though. And apparently, when put to the test, he soars.So I’m not going to kill you, but you’re not going to win. It’s not my fault everything that’s happened to you. It’s not my fault what’s going to happen to Carter. But I promise, he better not die.Because, I won’t kill you, but you’ll wish I had.VOICEMAIL
End of messages.[intro music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[intro music fades out]SOCK
Is he breathing at least?SORREL
Sock, he’s breathing. Can you help him? I don’t know how to keep him alive.SOCK
Well, you got the right doctor.SORREL
You’re not a doctor.SOCK
You got the right healer, whatever. Do you have anything to give?SORREL
I mean, not much?SOCK
C’mon, you know I can’t make something from nothing.SORREL
All we’ve got is the car, some clothes. I’ve got some hair, skin, and scales. Is any of that going to be useful?SOCK
What?SORREL
Anything I can use. Can you save him?SOCK
I can try. What exactly happened again?SORREL
Emery sent Meabh after us and just, completely wrecked everything. The passenger’s side is smashed, and the front light doesn’t work. The back end is in the best shape, but who does that help? There’s pillows and blankets and snacks back there, so grab some I guess.SOCK
How’d you get the car down here like that?SORREL
I’m gonna be real, I don’t know. I watched from the passenger side window as Meabh had crashed into us and she vanished from her vehicle and then I couldn’t see anything. It was all horrible.SOCK
The car got hit on the passenger side though? The side you had been on?SORREL
Yeah, it sucked. Now the door on that side doesn’t open. I had push him over the center console to crumple him in there.SOCK
I just don’t understand how you didn’t get hurt. Magic?SORREL
Not mine. I can’t cast anything that fast and I only really know magic to destroy.SOCK
What about him?SORREL
What about him?SOCK
He’s fae.SORREL
I just found that out. I don’t think he knew - he’s not a good liar and the only other fae he's met is Rowan.SOCK
I’ve heard of shit like that before - if you’re raised by humans, sometimes your magic puberty takes longer. But extreme stress can trigger it.SORREL
I’d say that was stress. So he cast a spell?SOCK
I think so. What happened, do you remember?SORREL
I don’t really. I screamed, and suddenly he had these massive wings - they barely fit inside the car. I closed my eyes, because I thought I was going to die. I mean, I had kind of accepted it, we were having this huge fight and I thought; this might as well be the end. Then the world got soft and I was surrounded by this soft, soft green. It was like I was back in the ocean and the foam surrounded me. For a minute, I thought I really had died. And then, I lived.SOCK
I think he wrapped you up in his wings to keep you safe.SORREL
I guess the fight wasn’t that serious.SOCK
God, your car looks awful.SORREL
Good thing we’re in Nebraska. Everyone’s car looks awful.SOCK
A PT Cruiser stands out in Nebraska. I don't know if I'll be able to fix it.SORREL
Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser.SOCK
What the heck?SORREL
That’s what he named the car. Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser. Since it’s black and there’s the chrome right here on the sides of the door and at the bottom. He told me that a lot. He loves this car.SOCK
I’ll try to fix it; I’m not a mechanic though.SORREL
I know, Sock.SOCK
Are you okay?SORREL
I’m as okay as I can be.SOCK
You crashed the car-SORREL
I got crashed into. I wasn’t even driving.SOCK
You need to rest. I’ve got a pool, I can turn off the cleaning system and you can lie down.SORREL
I want to be here.SOCK
It’s gonna take a long time.SORREL
I’m asking a lot of you, and I want to support you and him.SOCK
Last time we talked you were so much more selfish.SORREL
Yeah. Well, this shit has made me less of that.SOCK
What happened? You used to be so much more lively. I know things fell out when you started dating Emery but-SORREL
Things fell out slowly. It wasn’t because I started dating Emery. It was because I didn’t stop.SOCK
What does that mean?SORREL
It means shit hit like a storm. I met Emery in a stressful time in my life with our roleplay and with my dad wanting me to take over the family business.SOCK
What do you guys do again? Extortion or something.SORREL
No, we don’t do extortion - we ran the SAO group. I think officially in paperwork it’s Sailors Against Oil, but it’s Sirens Against Oil. He still runs it. I just - it’s not my scene. I can’t do the public speaking stuff, and I don’t think the president of the organization should just be decided by him. We got into a big huge fight at a college speaking event, and Emery was there. And they saw me when I went to get a coffee and they bought it for me. And they saw me. You know, they didn’t know me as SOA kid, he didn’t misgender me. The first thing they did was ask my pronouns. And I hadn’t met a lot of trans sirens.SOCK
You knew us though. I mean, your friends.SORREL
But you guys are across the states. I visit Rowen and Horatio whenever the summer is out, and I see you once every couple of years. And you guys get it more - We talk about how ineffective glamor magic is for our tails and wings and tree limbs, but I hadn’t talked to someone about how gross tail bleeds are in a long time.SOCK
You told us.SORREL
And you guys nodded and said ‘that sucks’ but Emery told me about how when their tail bleeds, it’s this brown blood, and they were worried it was an issue and I told them I had been worried about mine because it was bright red and I was worried about taking testosterone because of that and they said they had no changes on T and they liked my hair and my scales and everything and I liked that. We clicked so well and there’s this part of you that, when you click you want to click, completely and deeply with someone, you want to tell them everything, every minute and so, when they ask you to stay home when you used to go out, you do. Because it bothers them to go out and it doesn’t matter to you either way.SOCK
And you stopped talking to Rowan?SORREL
I stopped talking to everyone. I had consumed myself. And we had a huge fight, Rowen and I. They came down to see me, in July and I told them I was unhappy with this relationship and Rowan said I should dump Emery.SOCK
Yeah but Rowan hates Emery.SORREL
Which is what I said. But Rowan was right, why drag out something joyless? We fought because I wasn’t ready to admit how miserable I was. And Rowan and I didn’t talk a few months. They said to see them when I dumped Emery.SOCK
It took you this long?SORREL
I was embarrassed.SOCK
We all get embarrassed.SORREL
This isn’t about Emery though. Can you fix Carter?SOCK
He’s got significant damage to his aura. I’m not sure how bright it was before, but it’s so dim now. I can barely make out the man within. Have you talked to him?SORREL
I mean, sorta. He doesn’t register much right now.SOCK
I think it’d be hard for me to pull him out - but you two have history, we can bring you into Reflective Space and you can talk to him. Bring him back to his body.SORREL
I’m not a motivational speaker.SOCK
You don’t have to be. Just be his friend.SORREL
I-SOCK
I’m gonna work on trying to heal his body. I can get the bones unbroken, I can realign his muscular tissue. I can fix this eye and get the glasses out of it. But I can’t heal an aura. You need to bring him back to the body.SORREL
I will.SOCK
Let me get my stuff out to get you in. We can do it in the bathtub. It might take a while, you’ll need to be at your fullest. You need your tail out.SORREL
How will I move with a tail in the Reflective Space?SOCK
You create the world between worlds. Now shut up, I’m drawing a bath.[tub faucet turns on]SORREL
If I get him out, he’ll be okay, right?SOCK
I don’t know. If you get him out, he’ll probably live.SORREL
Does everyone get this nervous about it?SOCK
Yeah. But you’re Sorrel. You’ve gone to the Reflective Space before.SORREL
I’ve never had to pull anyone out.SOCK
You don’t pull, you nudge. Get on in the water.[Sorrel gets into the water. Their tail transforms.]SORREL
It’s cold.SOCK
Yeah, this apartment sucks big bad. The water heater breaks every ten minutes. Alright, I’m gonna lay his body down on the floor and work on him while you are gone. Your hands will be touching the whole time, and you just have to bring him back to his body. I’m gonna bring you down there, to the Reflective Space.Just, relax your body and look into the water. Feel your feet slowly start to sink into the other side, and how heavy they’ve become. Feel your ankles following, sinking, sinking so heavy. And that sinking slowly makes its way up, your calves are taken to the Reflective Space, and your knees follow, and your thighs, your hips, until you’re in the Reflective Space up to your waist. [soothing tone, music fades in-- “Empty Pavements” by Ketsa] It climbs your spine, taking you under to your chest, up to your shoulders and you feel it taking flight through your arms, sinking you down further past your shoulders and into your bicep, down to your elbows and it stretches through each arm, engulfing your wrists and each and every fingertip. With your arms taken to the Reflective Space, your neck sinks, and so does your mouth, taking your nose down and your ears, and eyes and you are there. [Sock’s voice fades out][each voice in the Reflective Space has an echo-y, ghost-like effect on it]SORREL
Hello? Cool, awesome, how do I do this? Um, Carter? Hey, Carter, it’s Sorrel. I want you to wake up. Jesus, it’s dark here. It’s like there’s nothing - just me, and my tail and this inky black reflection… Carter?CARTER
Don’t get closer.SORREL
Carter!CARTER
Where are we?SORREL
This is the Reflective Space. It’s a place between worlds. You get stuck when your aura’s drained.CARTER
How do you know everything?SORREL
I don’t. I just know about magic.CARTER
I don’t!SORREL
I know.CARTER
How did I not know I had wings?SORREL
Hey-- hey, can I sit next to you? I’ve got my tail, and the Reflective Space kind of adapts to you, so there’s water around me.CARTER
Like a pool?SORREL
A little. I need you to come home.CARTER
I have a home. It’s my mom’s house in North Dakota. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been - she had this big farmhouse with three acres. It’s not big for farm standards, but three acres was so big for my family. It was me, Clare and mom - my cis mom, Adelyn, not Bianca. Adelyn had a lot of issues, but when I think of home, I think of that farmhouse. It was two stories high - three if you count the attic. The river is not my home, we’ve been following a stupid river to try and stop someone who tried to kill us - I guess, killed us.SORREL
No, no Carter, we’re not dead. We’re in transition. [music fades out] And I’m only here to bring you home to your body.CARTER
How did I grow wings?SORREL
Hey, North Dakota is on the way to Montana. We’ll visit your mom, we’ll ask her. She might have the answers.CARTER
I don’t want to talk to her tonight. I can picture that farmhouse. It was seafoam green. It shone in landlocked North Dakota. It bubbled up against the sky and I thought this must be what a crashing wave looks like. I hadn’t seen the sea when I was little - I only got to visit Bianca in high school when she moved closer to the ocean. But when I was like ten? No sea. I just had to imagine. And when I finally got to see it? The sea wasn’t much. It certainly wasn’t sea foam green. Crayola lied to me.SORREL
You haven’t seen a beautiful ocean. I’ve seen water that makes the sea foam green crayon look dull.CARTER
I’m so tired.SORREL
I know. It’s bad. But I’ve got someone who’s helping to make your body hurt less. And I’m not gonna let her do that again.CARTER
How?SORREL
I’ve got magic. My magic is mostly destructive, so all I can really do is defense. I’m gonna make Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser a monster. The way a mama bear is. But I need you there.CARTER
I’m weak.SORREL
Carter, you saved me. You wrapped your wings around me - your sea foam wings - around me and stopped the crash from hurting me. Do I look hurt?CARTER
I can’t see your legs.SORREL
I don’t normally have legs. It’s magic, it’s a glamor spell. Just like how Rowen normally has wings but most people can’t see them. I can show you how to do that. But not here. Magic doesn’t really work in a reflection. I need you to take my hand, and we’re gonna go home.CARTER
This is the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me.SORREL
I know. But I’m here, and I’m going to help.CARTER
You think my mom would actually know something?SORREL
I do. Even if it’s from Bianca’s side, enough fae blood that you have wings? There’s no way your mom wouldn’t notice that if she’d been with someone long enough to have a kid together.CARTER
How would Emery do a thing like that?

SORREL
Emery doesn’t listen to the same rules you do. Most magic users don’t. But I will. And we’ll go home and fix the car.CARTER
And then everything will be okay again?SORREL
I wish I could tell you that.CARTER
Why can’t you lie to me?SORREL
Because it’s not going to help. Look, everything is not okay. We can’t un-go through a car crash. You’re going to be in some pain. Phyrra is kind of fucked up.CARTER
This is also not helpful.SORREL
I’m not finished. We can fix the car, and we can keep going. We’ve got a lot to do. But we’re going to go to North Dakota and talk to your mom. And then we’re going to Montana and head back to fix everything. It’s a long road, but we’re halfway there. I want to keep going. Before I met you I was content to die in silence. I refuse to do that. I refuse to let you go out in a crescendo either. This keeps happening. We’re so close.CARTER
Okay. Give me your hand.SORREL
I can’t promise we won’t get hurt again, but we will make it.CARTER
You’ve got a lot of friends all over.SORREL
I did a lot of roleplaying.[The two come to. “Small Hours” by Chad Crouch plays] Carter immediately notices his own pain and gasps]SOCK
Hi, I’m Sock! She/her! I’m sorry this hurts.CARTER
It hurts.SORREL
Keep on keeping on. I’m gonna go find some stuff to get him a hot toddy. It’s not magic, it just works.CARTER
(choked) Stay.SORREL
Yeah, yeah. Here, take my hand.SOCK
Hey, by the way Sorrel, your phone has rung three times.SORREL
How long was I out?SOCK
Like five hours.Carter makes pain noise.SORREL
Emery… Should I call them?SOCK
Can you stomach it?SORREL
I’ve got to hear them eventually.
[the phone dials]
Hello?EMERY
What do you mean fae?SORREL
Hello to you too.EMERY
Answer the question.SORREL
Exactly that Emery, what the fuck do you want me to mean?EMERY
This was supposed to be over. I’m tired Sorrel.SORREL
Me too. Look, it can be over.EMERY
And go home a loser? No. I will not lose this war.SORREL
It’s not a war. It’s just miserable people fighting. I’m tired of being miserable. Call it off.EMERY
You’re scared.SORREL
Not for me and not for you.EMERY
You’re scared for the fae? Sorrel, he’s far more powerful than us.SORREL
For Carter? Yes.EMERY
Is he alive?SORREL
Why do you care?EMERY
I like that one.SORREL
Heard y’all chatted.EMERY
We did.SORREL
Call off Méabh. Let’s deal with this.EMERY
You’ve hurt so many people for so long. It’s not just me - Méabh and Rowen.SORREL
Rowen forgave me. And it was your fault!EMERY
Méabh didn’t.SORREL
That’s between us, not you. Call it off.EMERY
You can’t keep hurting people. I’ll drown you myself no matter who sees.SORREL
You can try. Goodbye Emery.[Sorrel hangs up.]SOCK
Are you okay?SORREL
No. Not by a long shot.SOCK
Want to talk about it?SORREL
No. I want to be right here. I’m right here, Carter.
[Carter makes a sound.]
I’m right here.Some time later.SOCK
I did the best I can do. You’re going to live, but here’s the deal dude, you’re not going to be able to drive for a few days though - there’s a lot of pain killing happening in your system and it sucks driving with magic.SORREL
He’s okay though?SOCK
Can you drive Sorrel?SORREL
I’m gonna have to. We have to banish Emery.SOCK
I missed you. You can stay a few days. You don’t have to go.SORREL
Thank you, for saving him.SOCK
Don’t go. You look so tired.SORREL
But I don’t want anything to happen to you either, Sock.SOCK
You have a home with us. Both of you do. Rowen and Horatio and I, you have a home here.SORREL
I fucked that up a while ago.SOCK
You were in a bad place. You’re still there, but you apologized, you’re not the same person you were before, but you’re not the person you were in the middle. You deserve to be happy and to live a good life. Okay? You deserve that. Take the boy, take him up to Canada or wherever you’re going, and stop Emery. You two deserve to be happy.SORREL
Thanks Sock. I’m sorry. For everything that happened. You didn’t deserve it.SOCK
Do better than before. It’s all you can do.
(a beat)
There’s one more thing. Carter, look at me. It was a lot of broken body bits and I don’t know how much you know, but magic has rules. And one of those rules is you can’t make something out of nothing - half of spell ingredients are just to have something to bind to. We didn’t have a lot here, so part of your body was repaired with the transmission. You had a really weird blood thing going on, so I used parts of the transmission - not the iron bits, I don’t want to hurt you.CARTER
[Semi-lucid sound.]SOCK
Tell him when he’s lucid, okay Sorrel? Does he know anything about faeries?SORREL
Wings.SOCK
The point is, Carter, you have to keep this car alive. It’s bound to you now.SORREL
We’ve been making it work so far. Can the passenger door open now?SOCK
Yeah. You sure you don’t want to stay? Heal up? You look worse for wear. I’m worried about you, Sorrel.SORREL
So you’re worried now? Don’t be, I’m very hard to kill. Like a cockroach.SOCK
Not funny. I’m worried about you. I don’t want you to get caught. I’ll come back to see you. You have my number. I had to text it to Rowen the other day.SORREL
Thank you for having us and helping us. Carter, I’m going to pick you up now, okay? [Carter groans] We’re going to get in the car and we’re gonna drive to find your mom. I promised you we’d go to her, so we’re going.I love you, Sock.SOCK
I love you too. Now please, be safe.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore is written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Sock is voiced by Mary McGill and Emery is voiced by Tal Minear.Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com.This episode’s cryptid is the reflection in the mirror space. Don't look too hard, they're self-conscious.
[music fades out]THE RUNNER
A wise man once said that 42 was the answer to the universe, life, and everything. For me, they’re the kilometers I have to run during a race: 42, and a little bit more. Of course, things would be much easier if I didn’t get lost every time. My sense of direction isn’t bad; it simply doesn’t exist. Not even magic can help with that-- and I’ve tried. Trust me, I’m kind of an expert.Oh, I forgot to mention, I may run for fun and repair clocks for work, but I’m a witch by heritage. My family has always dealt with magic, for as long as we can remember. Each has their own particular talent. Mine is… peculiar.See, when I get lost, I get truly lost. You may end up in an unknown part of the city; I find myself in other dimensions. Each time its a discovery. I know one thing: If I keep moving, I’ll come home.ANNOUNCER
Listen to And 195 on your favorite podcasting app.

EPISODE 09: SOUTH DAKOTA-- STEERING

Google Docs LinkSORREL
So you’re a transformer I guess, that’s cool… Carter, talk to me.CARTER
(stuttering really badly)
I can’t.SORREL
I uh… Do you want to? I can’t look at you when you’re nodding, I’m driving. I don’t know dude, this is just… It’s a lot. I’m sorry about all of it, about what I said. You’re not hard to get along with, I know I’m an asshole. Um, what’re you doin… taking out of your… Your phone? Do you want me to keep talking?AAC
Yes.SORREL
What’s that?AAC
Called Augmented and Alternative Communication. Accessibility.SORREL
Cool.AAC
Keep talking.SORREL
Um, I don’t know what to say. I uh… Um? Anything I can think of? Um, I thought you were going to die and that’s probably not what you wanna hear but um… I just… You scared me, Carter. And I thought… You once said you didn’t want this to be the story I died in… You didn’t know me and at the time I had this really bad thought. That I didn’t really care if it was the story you died in. And like… I care. A lot. I never want you to die.You could’ve died and I’d have been the reason, Carter, you shouldn’t be in this. You know that, right? This is not your moment, I mean you don’t know Emery. You don’t know me. Didn’t. But you shouldn’t die here. On the side of the road in Missouri because a horrible thing hit you.Um…Okay, this conversation is bad. New one.Okay, so based on my small circle of fae friends, your wings are average sized. Uh, most wings come in as like a second puberty - though, I guess in your case third puberty. So I’ve seen wingspans stretch up to eighteen feet, and some stretch four feet. Most fae who grow in the fae realm develop really light bones so it just makes it easy to have smaller wings and be smaller. Yours are like? Almost ten feet? So you’re like an average wingspan. I think that’s cool.Also, everyone I know has wings that come in and just… Fit them? They kind of chameleon with you, so if you suddenly get cured of depression they might show that.I think your wings are pretty. I mean, giant, giant wings. I love that. Um, and you can flap them. Uh, do you want to see if you do magic?AAC
Do I fly?SORREL
Theoretically?I can’t teach you how to fly, I don’t have wings. Which is why I’m not a good person for this conversation! I’m gonna call Rowen when I can get off the road, they’d really be able to help, like… It’s just… It’s easier to talk to someone who gets it. Which is not, uh, the best mindset all the time I guess, but Rowen’s good people. They like you. And they want to help you out. I mean, before because you were the normiest of us, but now just… You’re so nice! It’s impossible to hate someone as nice as you, you know?Which is annoying, sometimes. I mean, why does the person I have to travel with have to have be nice but also have such an intense sense of right and wrong it’s debilitating to travel with sometimes? Things aren’t so easy? Have you ever tried to draw a circle? It’s near impossible to draw a perfect circle. Even if you get close, there is imperfection. You might tell me, well a computer can generate a perfect circle but when you get down, the pixels aren’t a circle. It’s impossible to draw a perfect circle.So when you make decisions, when you tell me, they need to be perfectly right or wrong, sometimes it makes me want to shake you. I am trying my best. I’ve come so far in my life and this is the best I’ve ever done. I used to be so stuck in my own ways, stuck in my own justice.I just…I say that but I’m making this about me. I’m a very big part of my life though, and I can’t think of a lot to talk about that won’t stop me from driving.More about fae, you should be near impossible to kill, which is good. I mean, I told Sock I’m hard to kill, but I’m just a little cockroach thing. Fae, are pretty hard to kill. Just, with all the shit going on with you. I can write down what will kill you. Um, but maybe don’t die. Like, avoid everything I say.I souped up your car. I mean, sorta, let me talk about that. Um, so like I said, my magic is destructive. It’s all insurance plans. So the gas cap won’t open if someone else tries to open it. It shoots out gas at them, like a spray gun. I put chains on the tires, because we’re north enough we can get ice storms. I also rigged the windshield, which is why it’s cracked. It won’t crack anymore though - I did it wrong the first time.I bought a new transmission while you were out. Paid some kid at the Autozone to fix it. I did manage to fuck up the power steering though, so we’re not using the highway. Which is why it’s taking so long to get there.I feel like I’ve been rambling for days.I don’t know the first thing about cars.Driving terrifies me. I don’t like not drive because I’m lazy, I don’t drive because I’m afraid. The road is huge and like driving on it, with all these bastards is just…I’m also just a terrible driver. Which is not the best way to tell you. Since you are forced to ride with me. But I am being incredibly careful. Driving makes me sick. And uh, talking is kind of helping. I see why you talk all the time.I had to take my driver test 7 times. The first one I failed because I was going the wrong way down a one way.You know how I got my license? I went to Brenham. I didn’t even tour the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory. I went to Brenham because they wouldn’t fail me.And they almost did! I was so bad. I was speeding and she asked what the speed limit was. I almost lied. But I didn’t. I said I was going too fast and trying to slow down. She said she would’ve failed me if I lied. I’ve been thinking about that; I mean with all we’re doing, it just…The road’s been on my mind. That was my start. Well, no my start was uh… I was fifteen when I started driving. I wanted to learn immediately. I wanted to be good at it. I wasn’t. Still not.As a kid, the great wide ocean didn’t appeal to me. You want what you can’t have, I guess. I wanted the road. I had this dream that me and my friends would graduate high school and do a road trip across the country and I don’t know. We’d be like in a movie.I graduated high school in silence though. I didn’t really have friends. Didn’t try to make any, but didn’t have them nonetheless. I was weird, and sullen. I wanted this bad bitch poet vibe but I think I just had a basement incel vibe. Well, no. Basement loudly queer vibe. I made that abundantly clear, even when I didn’t date anyone in high school.I just wasn’t interested in dating; which sounds wild, considering where we are. I’ve only dated like three people? Leanna Kades, Ophelia Creasher and Emery. Leanna moved to Maine, which I’m pretty sure means she grew into her wealth, Ophelia and I broke up because she made a deal with a fae and well... This is Emery.AAC
Fae?SORREL
The faeries are most of the time malicious. Not malevolent but like… mischievous I guess. We will, at some point, if you’re okay with it, use that as a get out of jail free card.Most of the folks who hate me are afraid of the fae.Not that you’re scary. You’re not, which I hope isn’t the vibe you try to give off. I don’t know, I try to give off scary but like… I’m not great at it. But like, you give off… I don’t know. Like a gentle vibe. Like you’d put someone who’s drunk to bed with a water bottle.Um, just that the fae are not to be fucked with though. So that’s a bad ass thing. If you want to be badass.I’m not good at this shit. Comforting people. So, sorry, this is as good as it gets. Just me rambling about how little I can help you.What you read about fae though? That’s the truth.I mean, not the “getting small” stuff. You can get smaller, but most people don’t and I don’t know how. I’ve never seen Rowen do it but like, I’ve seen some others.Let’s talk weaknesses. Iron. Don’t touch it. Ever. It won’t kill you but rashes? Oh boy, the rashes.Well it will kill you. You’re susceptible to iron poisoning. So don’t get stabbed. Steel is made of iron. Iron supplements give some fae explosive diarrhea. So, don’t take those.There’s a lot of deals you can trick people into. I’ll ask for some help with those but I don’t know about them. I know how to avoid fae magic, so I’ll tell you those rules.Don’t trust lawyers. They’re probably fae.Don’t trust actors. They’re probably fae.Always answer “may I have your name” with “No, but you may call me...”Never accept anything, including a compliment.Do not make deals of any kind.Always stay in their favor or they’ll make it bad for you.Fae are trick to talk to. You’re not, but like, the rules of time bend for the faerie world. The rules of logic bend. The rules are different for fae.AAC
Talk about something else!SORREL
Um… Okay. Um… What?AAC
How do you know Sock?SORREL
I really like Sock. I don’t know, don’t talk to me about it later but um, I just like her. A lot. I used to really want to date Sock, before I was with Emery. She uh… She treated me really well. You ever meet someone and now they are gonna change your life?Is this helping?AAC
Yes.Sock walked up to me and said “Hi, my name is Sock, not like the garment, but like the friend. I wanna be your friend Sock!” So, she just was. We had this little DND party. Sock was the first one to say “what does the party need?”I feel like you’re that kind of DND player sometimes. But “what does the part need” became, “do you guys need anything?” That’s how she ended her calls. “Hey, before I go, do you guys need anything?” I missed it.ACC
Did you ask her out?SORREL
I didn’t think I deserved to? Which sounds so absolutely embarrassing, I guess.Um, what about you? Do you want to talk?AAC
No. I want to listen.SORREL
I don’t think I ever would’ve been a good partner for her - I don’t know. I thought Emery was the best I would get. Maybe that’s self defeating. Emery was everything I thought I was worth at that point.With my parents, things were always about how I wasn’t doing enough for the family. With Emery, things were about how everyone else had hurt us. We were two broken things. When you feel like a fracture, any little bit will make you whole.Emery didn’t make me whole. They just made me sad.I tried my best to give this person my best. But you can’t give someone this hollowness inside you; I mean. Emery said “we’re both hollow and life sucks.”Sock said “you do not waste away because your mind is attacking you.” Sock thinks in these big romantic feelings. I just like it. But I screwed that up pretty bad.I guess I didn’t. The smartest thing I ever did was make friends with people who are nice just cause they can be. I have a real specific set of friends. People who all just feel rejected.I guess that ain’t so specific though. I guess, everyone feels rejected.But Sock, Horatio and Rowen; they all are my friends because they want to take care of one another. We’re a little squad of somehow found out magic users. Emery was in that squad but Emery is like… Like if you took someone who was lonely and made them angry about it. Emery said we don’t deserve to be this miserable, they do.It’s… I felt that way. We weren’t even like, cast aside for being magic. We were just weird. We’ve always been weird; I mean, you ever just, lie face down in your bed, listening to Paramore thinking, why won’t we all admit we feel this way? Emery at least said it wasn’t fair. And that’s not a good thing, kind of. I mean, no it was a good thing, to like, acknowledge it. But they treated it like the reason to do anything.Carter, I’m afraid of the road. I’m afraid of you dying. I’m even a little afraid of me dying. But I am most afraid of that mindset. Because Emery said it, and for a long time, I felt it. I felt like we deserved someone else’s suffering. And like…You probably think that’s terrible. With your circular justice.AAC
Your suffering is not a reason to celebrate.SORREL
Nah, guess not.I don’t think that anymore. I think suffering just is that. Suffering. No one needs to die, I guess. Hurt leads right back to hurt.What I’m saying, I guess. Uh, thank you. You had a lot of chances to give up on me. I told you to give up on me. And you didn’t. And I’ve been given more chances in my life than I know what to do with, but this one?This one means something. I’ve been given a chance to not give up. I’ve gotta go after it. So, we’re going to your mom’s house, we’re going to figure out what you need to know about you.And then we’re gonna save all my friends. It’s time to prove what you guys already seem to know.I’m not worth giving up on.

EPISODE 10: NORTH DAKOTA-- DIPSTICK

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER:
This episode of Transmission Folklore has content warnings for the following-- family arguing, discussion of family separation, implied medical and familial transphobia, ableism towards an autistic person, and discussion of emotional abuse. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.["Pilot" by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[music fades out]SORREL
You’re positive this is an experience you can deal with right now?CARTER
Nope.SORREL
We do not have to do this.CARTER
Sorrel, you know your parents. What if Adelyn is the only one who can help me?SORREL
You didn’t want to get Bianca involved when we were in New Orleans. Why would you want to get Adelyn involved now?CARTER
She raised me. Like Bianca did too, but she was gone by the time I was ten. Adelyn consistently was there. She has to know something.SORREL
You might be a changeling.CARTER
I’d considered the possibility. It would explain my asthma and allergies.SORREL
All fae are pretty sickly since humans started using iron for everything. Rowen was bitching about it.CARTER
But like, I think she’d have to know. I mean, Rowen had to have some early warning signs we could look at. I just don’t see this being a thing she could’ve missed. When I came out, she said she knew since I was three, but she was going to wait for me to find out.SORREL
She knew you were gay since three?CARTER
She knew I was trans since I was three. When I was little, she said I wanted to dress up in all of Bianca’s pre-transition clothes.SORREL
That doesn’t tell her-CARTER
I think she just wanted to have that vibe of being all knowing and very cool. Like she got really upset at Bianca once, right before the divorce. Apparently Bianca was always trying to be the cool mama, and never let Adelyn shine.SORREL
Geez, I thought my parents were complicated.CARTER
It’s rough like that sometimes.SORREL
So is Clare gonna be here too?CARTER
I don’t know. Mom and Clare have been rocky lately.SORREL
Damn.CARTER
You wanted to meet her?SORREL
Sorta. I never get to know this much family drama. Emery didn’t share and I still don’t have a conceptual picture of Rowen and Horatio’s family.CARTER
Do they not talk to their family?SORREL
Family just looks different, you know?CARTER
Right totally.[Carter parks the car. Turns of transmission. A big, heavy breath.]SORREL
You ready to go in there?CARTER
Not even a little bit.SORREL
We can keep the story kind of vague. We don’t need to mention Emery or imminent danger. We can just ask about the wings?CARTER
The wings are the thing I am most worried about. What if she thinks they’re ugly.SORREL
I’ll pull out the tail and she can think something else is ugly.[Carter laughs.]CARTER
Your tail isn’t ugly.SORREL
It’s orange.CARTER
I like orange!SORREL
I literally look like a scaley carrot.CARTER
Oh my god, you’re a scaley!SORREL
NO!CARTER
You are![A knock on the window.]CLARE
What are you doing up here?CARTER
Oh, hi. I came for a visit, Clare.CLARE
And who is this?SORREL
Sorrel Huckson.CLARE
Are they…SORREL
Right here. Not dating.CLARE
You’d be so lucky to date my brother.SORREL
I’m good, I promise.CARTER
Is mom home?CLARE
(prickly)
Adelyn is not here.CARTER
Yikes, what happened?CLARE
She just started talking shit about Bianca, I told her that was not okay and she tried to make me feel bad. “Well I birthed you, you should be on my side, you live here! Bianca hasn’t even kept in touch.” Like first, yeah she has. Second, Bianca is also my biological mother, like whatever. Anyway, she got huffy and went to the store. We’re not even out of anything, she just wanted to punctuate her final words.CARTER
Yikes.CLARE
Get out of the car, come on inside and check out what I’ve done with everything.CARTER
She let you change everything around?CLARE
She started working like sixteen hour shifts. I’m taking advantage of how tired she is.CARTER
That’s not nice.CLARE
Ugh, you’re such a big brother.SORREL
He’s been pulling bullshit like that on me this whole trip.CLARE
Did you drive Phyrra all the way here?CARTER
The whole way. Except for through South Dakota.SORREL
He got sick, he was banned from the driver’s seat for a day.CLARE
He’d use any excuse to make me drive Phyrra as a kid.SORREL
Really?CARTER
Clare!CLARE
It’s the truth. It was annoying. Anyway, I’ll make you guys some chicken nuggets. We haven’t gone shopping in a few days, so it’s a mess.CARTER
We’ll be in soon, give us a sec.CLARE
Kay, cool! I’ll get it started!SORREL
She seemed nice.CARTER
Mom might be out for days. When they fight, it’s bad. Clare’s too much like mama.SORREL
Bianca?CARTER
Yeah.SORREL
I assume you’re more like Adelyn?CARTER
I’m not like either of them. They’re both very strong women, and I am none of that.SORREL
Yeah you are. I mean, not a woman, but you’re strong as fuck. You got hit by a car and got stronger.CARTER
I guess so.SORREL
I mean, even on a not supernatural level, you drive yourself now. Your sister said you didn’t do that before.CARTER
Well yeah, I’ve been growing since before I met you.SORREL
Me too. Like, right before I met you.[Car doors open. Transition song.]CLARE
So yeah, I threw out the ugly beige and sad purple plaid curtains and replaced them with a soft grey. I replaced the table too. Don’t tell mom this, but I may have purposely broken the old table. Like unfixable broken.CARTER
Her ugly blue table?SORREL
Why would anyone have a blue table?CLARE
It can be cute, but not the way Adelyn did it.CARTER
You shouldn’t break stuff, that’s so… That cost money.CLARE
Carter, it’s chill. She said because she only has one kid to deal with now, and I have my own job and help provide, she can afford some of the changes. Besides, I bought the new table. It’s going with me when I move… It’s not like she cares anymore. I might paint the outside of the house.CARTER
NO!CLARE
Why not?CARTER
I like the color. Look, don’t change everything while I’m gone. I want to come back and feel like I’m home.CLARE
This has never been a home. Not since Bianca left.CARTER
Move down south, live with Bianca.CLARE
Um, no. It’s way too hot down there.CARTER
It’s stifling here.CLARE
I’m not going to move in with Bianca. I want to live somewhere that’s my own. Maybe it’s Missouri. Maybe it’s California. But it’s not here and it’s not New Orleans. I’m not gonna keep being a pawn.CARTER
You’re not a pawn.CLARE
You don’t see the fights that go on here. She said if I go to college closer to Bianca than her, I was proving I loved Bianca more and her worst fears as a mother would be true.CARTER
Is this today’s fight?CLARE
Yup. It’s why she’s not here.CARTER
Golly.CLARE
It’s been an eventful few hours.
(beat.)
So what’re you up here for?CARTER
For a visit.CLARE
Yeah, you don’t visit with no call in the middle of a semester.CARTER
I just need to talk to mom about something. Ask her some… Medical questions.CLARE
Is your doctor giving you beef again for starting T? I’ll take them down.CARTER
No, Clare. It’s like serious.CLARE
Should I be worried?CARTER
Maybe. I don’t know.SORREL
No matter what, neither of you should be worried.CLARE
“Bad dye job” gets to know but your own sister? I see.CARTER
I… I… Um…SORREL
Carter, she wants to know. Go ‘head and tell her.CARTER
I CAN’T TELL HER!SORREL
Fine, I will. Clare, it’s the lactose intolerant poop stuff.CLARE
Ew!CARTER
I tried to be discreet.SORREL
He did.CLARE
Fine you did but… gross.CARTER
I just really need to talk to mom about it. It’s a big deal right now, my colon is threatened.CLARE
God, you’re the grossest boy ever.SORREL
Clare, hate to break it to you; all boys are gross. I’ve never met a single one who wasn’t.CLARE
God.[Jingling keys.]ADELYN
The least you could have done was check the pantry and texted me. Instead you invite - Carter?[Carter purposely pitches his voice lower]CARTER
Hi mom.ADELYN
Carter! What happened to Phyrra? I didn’t even recognize her.CARTER
Just a lot of wear and tear. Drivers in Houston are completely savage. I’m a more aggressive driver than I used to be though.ADELYN
Sweetie you’re going to get hurt in that… Who’s this?SORREL
Sorrel Huckson, nice to meet you. Carter’s friend from school.CARTER
Yeah, Sorrel needed a ride around, got real prickly about me driving alone, so I let them tag along.ADELYN
It’s a pleasure to meet you.SORREL
And you.ADELYNWhy’re you up here Carter?
CARTER
Mom, I need to talk to you outside.ADELYN
Of course.SORREL
I’ll stay in here, have Clare finish showing me around.CLARE
Wait till you see how well decorated my bedroom is.SORREL
Dope.[Footsteps, door opens and shuts. Adelyn and Carter are alone.]ADELYN
What did you wanna talk about?CARTER
Promise not to freak?ADELYN
Carter, why would I freak out?CARTER
Just promise, mom.ADELYN
I promise.CARTER
Okay, I’m going to take off my jacket, but do not freak out.[Magic sound.][Adelyn freaks out.]ADELYN
Oh, you have wings. Wings that match our house, Carter get inside.CARTER
Don’t freak out!ADELYN
Get inside, three acres is not enough to avoid neighbors.CARTER
Okay.[door opens and closes]ADELYN
Is your friend here to keep Clare distracted?CARTER
Sort of. We got mixed up in some stuff.ADELYN
Jesus Carter. I was hoping this wouldn’t happen to you.CARTER
What mom?ADELYN
Her. Bianca.CARTER
So it’s Bianca who’s like me?ADELYN
Bianca has always been like you.CARTER
No mom, not until this.ADELYN
You’re both too soft. Too gentle, always been too gentle.CARTER
Mom, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk down to me.ADELYN
I’m sorry, this is just another new thing. I was hoping it didn’t affect the two of you.CARTER
As far as I know, it hasn’t gotten to Clare yet.ADELYN
She’s young, but she’s just like Bianca. She’ll get it.CARTER
Well, we should talk to Bianca about this, like I wish I would’ve known when I was younger.ADELYN
How did they happen?CARTER
Car wreck.ADELYN
You wrecked the car?CARTER
No, someone ran into our car. Bianca showed me how to fix it.ADELYN
You saw Bianca-CARTER
No, Bianca taught me things!ADELYN
I knew I couldn’t protect you from this forever. Look, Bianca, she’s an elf. Elves have magic to make themselves more charismatic than your average person. So I fell in love with her. Probably because of the magic.CARTER
She’s a good person. I know you guys ended badly, but if magic made you fall in love, I don’t think you could fall out of love from it.ADELYN
I didn’t know you were suddenly a magic expert. Can I continue?CARTER
Sorry.ADELYN
As I was saying, we fell in love. And it was after we were married, and you were on the way I found out she was an elf - I had my suspicions beforehand, but it was difficult to believe. So I just chose not to think about it. One day, a few days before you were born, she told me that we might have problems with you. Because of who she was. She said, she was fae and specifically an elf and she ran through a lot of what we might deal with with you. That you might be sickly and things might go missing when you were upset and that things change terribly. She waited till after I was pregnant to tell me.CARTER
Oh.ADELYN
But I loved her. I was committed to you, and anything that might happen. I mean, I’ve kept you through everything.CARTER
Was I a difficult baby?ADELYN
You cried, nonstop. From the day you were born until you were ten. It was hard, with Bianca around just, letting you cry! We, like many young couples, didn’t discover how different our parenting ideas were until it was too late. That was why we didn’t work out, ultimately. She wanted to be too soft with you all. Said fae children were different.CARTER
I’m half elf. Like a DND character.ADELYN
You’re half human. But you’re all Cartwheel.CARTER
Okay. Is there anything I need to know?ADELYN
Do you still drive with gloves?CARTER
Yeah.ADELYN
Okay, good. Don’t stop that.CARTER
Well, yeah, it’s sensory bad to touch the door handles.ADELYN
You’re allergic to iron. And, of course, steel is made from iron.CARTER
Why wouldn’t you have told me that when I was a kid?[Carter’s wings flutter.]ADELYN
Do not flutter your wings at me! You were already embarrassed being allergic to normal human stuff like milk and broccoli and tomatoes, I didn’t want to throw something else in there-CARTER
Mom, it’s my body!ADELYN
You’re my child, I don’t want to see my baby hurt!CARTER
So you let me think it was just a “mild symptom of autism” instead of an allergy?ADELYN
It can be both things!CARTER
You knew I had an allergy! I know what allergies are, mom!ADELYN
I tried my best to raise you when Bianca left. Let’s not forget she left me alone with two little kids.CARTER
She offered to take us for weeks, months, years mom! She wanted to see us. We wanted to see her.ADELYN
It wasn’t safe!CARTER
Why not? To spend time with our mama?ADELYN
I was your mother first![A silence.]CARTER
You’re right. You did the best you could. And you can’t help me anymore. And I don’t want to put you at risk. Or myself. Mom, do you know how difficult you are to live with some days?ADELYN
You sound like Clare.CARTER
It’s time I started listening to her. I don’t know how she does it! She lives with you all the time.ADELYN
I’m sorry you find that so terrible.CARTER
She does! She lives with your constant disingenuous advice and your nitpicking every little detail of us, from our clothes to allergies, down to needing glasses. You are so mean. How can you be so mean?ADELYN
The world is not nice Carter. I’m not going to let you go into the world and let it spit you out. You shouldn’t have gone to college so far away from your mother.CARTER
I lived further from Bianca for eight years. I wanted to see her. I wanted to hang out with both of you! With everyone! But you insisted we stay here, on this dilapidated farm! That we stay home. That this was the only definition of home I ever got.ADELYN
You shouldn’t change your definition. You lived with her here.CARTER
And? This place looks nothing like when she lived here. Look at this deck. The floorboards are rotted. We plant entirely different things then when I was a freshman. Everyone has a different hair color now. We’re different people, I don’t want to be ten. Look at me. I’m twenty two, mom. I’m an entirely different man. And Clare? She’s different too!ADELYN
Clare had been stubborn since the moment she was born. Clare got the mischief and that side of fae. You got the sickly side.CARTER
She’s going to be just fine. She picked herself up all by herself. She’s put up with so much more of your antics than I have.ADELYN
Putting a roof over your head is not antics. Having a job, being a mother, is not antics?CARTER
You’ve isolated her. She doesn’t have friends, or anything. She never can visit me, because she’s trying so hard to get out of here. She should get to go.ADELYN
Then why don’t you both leave?CARTER
I have spent a long time feeling bad for the way you make me feel. You are my mom. But you’re so awful to me, and to my baby sister, and my mama. Sometimes you have to cut out people who matter. So I’m going upstairs to my room, taking my stuff out and after today, you can have it back. Make it the craft room you always wanted. Make it anything but a shrine to the anxious little boy who lived here.ADELYN
You don’t have to go anywhere. I’m sorry, you can stay here.CARTER
No I can’t. Bad things will happen if I do.ADELYN
Like what?CARTER
None of your business.[Carter’s footsteps.]ADELYN
(yelling, it gets further away)
Carter! Carter, come back downstairs!CLARE
(to Sorrel, getting louder as Carter approaches)
Okay, so for real though; I joined a discord for kitchen witches.SORREL
Oh that’s dope. I was in one for a while, but I don’t think I could do kitchen witch stuff. It wasn’t my thing.CLARE
Anyone can.CARTER
Hey.SORREL
Oh, hey. How’d it go-CARTER
Clare, did you know we’re fae?

CLARE
What the fuck? When did you get wings?CARTER
About a week ago, I got in a car crash and grew wings. Bianca is an elf, so we’re half elf and we might grow wings. We’re allergic to iron. I’ll text you when I learn more. Adelyn didn’t want to tell us, cause she’s mad we like Bianca more, because Bianca gave a shit.CLARE
Adelyn knew?CARTER
So did Bianca, but that’s another thing. Adelyn knew, didn’t tell us. Do you want to come with us?SORREL
With us?CLARE
I uh-CARTER
We’re in a very scary and dangerous quest to try and get Sorrel’s evil ex off our back forever.CLARE
Carter, you can’t kill people-CARTER
With magic. It’s a banishment spell-CLARE
(to Sorrel)
I thought you didn’t do magic?SORREL
I’m not the spell caster, also never said I didn’t do magic, I’m not a kitchen witch. I’m a siren. Gimme your water.[A splash, magic noise.]CLARE
Oh cool, tail. Wings and a tail. Like a bird. Two birds. Cool.SORREL
Sorry, it’s faster than you not believing me for ten minutes.CARTER
I got it like, two weeks in.SORREL
I’m bad at secrets.CLARE
This is a lot, really fast. How long have you been roadtripping, don’t you have class?CARTER
Sorry, I wasn’t trying to do it like this. It just… Things changed.CLARE
Things changed. A lot.CARTER
You don’t have to come. But you don’t deserve the bullshit.CLARE
I don’t want to be dependent on you. I’ve almost got enough to go away. Maybe Cali. Maybe Colorado.SORREL
If you want to move somewhere between both moms, why not Kentucky? Then you’d be like 17 hours from Carter.CLARE
I want to be far away from Adelyn.CARTER
Adelyn has never tried to visit her parents. In Montana.CLARE
I’d need roommates.SORREL
I got a witch and a faerie trying to move to Kentucky from Alabama. Emery’s on their tail.CARTER
They’re good people.CLARE
Yeah, okay. Let’s do it. Let’s get the hell out of South Dakota.[Adelyn footsteps.]ADELYN
Where would you go?CLARE
None of your business, I’m taking the Tahoe I paid for, the table, I paid for, and the curtains. I’ll put everything else back the way it was.ADELYN
This is your home, kids. I want to pass it down to you.CLARE
I don’t want this one.I want one that belongs to me.ADELYN
Don’t leave me all alone.CLARE
I’m 20 years old. I haven’t been able to have a life outside of you, because I’m so worried about leaving you by yourself. You’re still very young. You are 44. You’ve got two grown kids, who deserve to be alone if they want to.CARTER
It’s better we just go mom. I don’t want to be here.ADELYN
Did the freak with the tail talk you into this?SORREL
Nah dude, you’re doing that yourself. Wish I was that powerful.ADELYN
I won’t let y’all leave.SORREL
Okay, no. You’re not going to hold them hostage, what the fuck? Adelyn?
(spooky music. An echo-y sound.)
Here by the start of day
By afternoon, you turn away
By afternoon, you turn away
Clock strikes one again
Another chance for you to reign
Are you alone in vain?
Are you alone in vain?[Footsteps going away.]CLARE
What did you do? She just, walked away, didn’t say anything.CARTER
Siren’s song. What’s going to happen to her?SORREL
She’ll leave you guys alone long enough to get your stuff out. It’s not permanent, when I get far away, she’ll be out of it.CARTER
It’s not gonna hurt -SORREL
No, it’s not gonna hurt her. I’m not powerful and I don’t want to hurt her.CLARE
Can I do that? Can I sing and she’ll leave me alone?SORREL
No. That’s the magic that only a siren does. Destructive.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Adelyn is voiced by Aryn Rozelle. Clare is voiced by Drew Ibert. Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com. This week’s cryptid is the joyless hag-- she wants to know why you’re so skinny. Have you been eating enough?[music fades out]

EPISODE 11: MONTANA-- SIDE VIEW

Google Docs LinkANNOUNCER
This week's episode of Transmission Folklore has content warnings for the following: unintentional manipulation via magic, mentions of divorce and cheating. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself. Additionally, we would like to let you know that our unintentional hiatus is over and we intend on releasing full episodes every other Friday until the completion of this season. We are infinitely thankful for your patience and we hope you enjoy the rest of the first season of Transmission Folklore.[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]ANNOUCNER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.[music fades out]CARTER
Can you move your elbow?SORREL
Literally cannot. I’ve got one arm in the toilet - this is the smallest bathroom ever.CARTER
Ow, ow, ow!SORREL
Sorry.CARTER
I think we sprained my wing.SORREL
Here, let me do this.[Sound of a knife flicking open]CARTER
What’s that?SORREL
It’s a knife.CARTER
WHAT?SORREL
It’s a cheap knife I got off the internet. I liked it. It looks like a leaf. It’s also made of copper.CARTER
What’re you gonna do with it?SORREL
Make your wings fit.CARTER
WHAT?SORREL
Carter. I’m not gonna hurt you.CARTER
Yeah but--SORREL
But what? Is this still the Adelyn thing?CARTER
No, it’s not that.SORREL
She was gonna hurt you. I just told her to shut the fuck up. In song.CARTER
It’s not even a little weird to you?SORREL
It is. I don’t usually deal with folks kids afterwards.CARTER
You were so calm about it.SORREL
I’m always pretty calm.CARTER
No. [laughs]SORREL
It’s like the one thing I can do to protect. I can’t drive very well, I’d say at best, I’m a scrappy fighter, but I’m good at siren songs.CARTER
[sighs] Okay.SORREL
Give me your binder. I’m going to fit your wings into it.[The sound of a knife tearing through fabric, a pause as Carter puts it back on]CARTER
Thanks.SORREL
No problem dude.CARTER
Does my chest look smooth?SORREL
Here, let your ugly peach shirt drape open. It’ll square you out. Also it will distract from how ugly it is.CARTER
[laughing] I like it.SORREL
I wish you didn’t. Can we get out of this stall now?CARTER
Please, it stinks so bad in here.[the bathroom stall squeals open, the heavy bathroom door opens. The gift shop has upbeat shopping music playing]SORREL
You think a gas station this massive would have clean restrooms.CARTER
Not everything can be Buc-ees.SORREL
This one is trying though. Did you see the gift shop?CARTER
God, I didn’t.SORREL
A lot of plaid with mooses on it. Like, I guess that’s the camo with deer of the North.CARTER
Some folks in Montana think they’re cowboys, you know that?SORREL
I hate Montana. No, I don’t, I just-- God, this is not what I was thinking.CARTER
What did you think Montana would be?[sounds of hangers scraping on clothing racks]SORREL
I don’t know. You really lived near this place forever?CARTER
Yeah, my cousins actually live out a little North of here.SORREL
Not where we’re going though?CARTER
No, I know. You know anyone up here?SORREL
[a pause]
Want some beef jerky?CARTER
No, I want real food.SORREL
Taurine infused CBD oil? CBD infused energy drinks?CARTER
That’s fun!SORREL
That's horrifying.CARTER
Yeah, kind of.SORREL
God, do you see this one?CARTER
That shirt is cute!SORREL
This is the ugliest tie-dye abomination I've ever seen.CARTER
It's got character!SORREL
Yeah, the queer coded villain.CARTER
How can you not love it?KALI
Hey there, are y'all from Texas?SORREL
I know you! You're bubblegum from the Buc-ees.KALI
Excuse me?SORREL
We met like months ago. You had the not stepdaughter, right? Little ballerina?KALI
I knew it was y'all! Y'all find Bigfoot up here?SORREL
Not yet. We’re hopeful though.CARTER
Hi! Sorry I was incredibly weird last time.KALI
Were you?CARTER
I think so?SORREL
He was on a bender. The “trying to study for college all night and drive all day” kind.KALI
That shit'll kill, kiddo.CARTER
I’ve slept since then. Sorry.KALI
I’m glad. You look like you need it.SORREL
You want some cheeto puffs or these weird, Northern chips?CARTER
Uhh, those are ruffles. Folks have those in the South.SORREL
Which do you want?CARTER
Err, neither, I’ve got to look at the ingredients on them before I can commit.KALI
So how long till y’all think you find him?SORREL
Bigfoot? I don’t know. Could be forever. Could be never. I just want it to be over.KALI
I understand that. Y’all stopping in Montana long, or running off?SORREL
Gotta make a stop through Castle Town.KALI
That’s a ghost town. Used to be full of miners. When the mines all dried up, everyone vanished overnight.SORREL
Really?KALI
Supposedly.SORREL
I guess we’ll have to see. Seems like the perfect place for Bigfoot to hide. Maybe werewolves.
[A beat.]
I’m gonna go find some shirts. We’ve been on the road a minute and don’t have time to stop at washaterias nearly enough.CARTER
So, how was your ex’s daughter’s recital?KALI
She killed it. I promise you she’s gonna be the best little ballerina ever.CARTER
That’s awesome!KALI
Are you guys gonna be up here long?CARTER
Maybe. We’re kind of nomadic right now; with all the Bigfoot hunting.KALI
That’s awesome. Here let me give you my name and number, okay?[Sounds of Kali typing, the music fades out suddenly]CARTER
Kalina Rose. Pretty name.KALI
Thanks.CARTER
Oh, can get me those chips that’re up there?[Haunting music. Kali grabs the chips down. They go to the counter.]KALI
[distantly] Can I buy these chips?
[the scanner beeps, the cash register opens and closes. they return with the chips, haunting music starts to play]
Here.CARTER
Oh, I just meant like hand them to--SORREL
Kali, it was good catching up with you! We gotta go, bye!KALI
That was… weird.SORREL
Yeah, sorry for the misunderstanding, bye![The sound of the car starting up. There’s a bump.]SORREL
I know you’re trying to tear ass to get away from them, but you need to stop. The sideview hit the fence and fell off.CARTER
[panicked]What happened?SORREL
I’m not sure. Let me pick the side view up. [car door opens and closes] What did you say to Kali?CARTER
They put their name in my phone.SORREL
Ah, fuck. What exactly did they say when they did that?CARTER
I uh… They said they were going to give me their name and number--SORREL
Fuck!CARTER
What happened?SORREL
So, fae have a lot of magic. You are more magical than me, quantifiably. And your magic is a branch of contract magic that I straight up don’t have.CARTER
What’s contract magic?SORREL
It’s a kind-- that a verbal contract is implied. You can’t turn it off. You can get it if someone gives you their true name.CARTER
True name? Like birth name?SORREL
No, not their birth name. The name that is actually their name in their heart. Er, for some it’s birth name, for some it’s the name they go by. Some never use their true name, or tried to get people to call them it for a nickname. Kali said “I’m going to give you my name and number?” Those words exactly?CARTER
Y-Yeah.SORREL
You got their name so you have a hold over them.CARTER
[distressed] I HAVE TO GET RID OF IT!SORREL
It doesn’t work like that.CARTER
I don’t want to have a hold over someone!SORREL
You can’t change it! Just like I can’t change siren songs. And why would you want to?CARTER
I-- I-- I don’t want to hurt anyone. I couldn’t live with myself if I just hurt people.SORREL
You know, people want to hurt you? Not everyone, but you’ve got a built in defense mechanism. Sometimes you gotta fight. And it doesn’t hurt-- you just gotta be careful what you say. Gotta hone it.CARTER
You can’t hone mind control!SORREL
You absolutely can.CARTER
Without hurting people?SORREL
You write down the ways you word things. You practice songs in your bedroom, thinking of any way a person could misinterpret them. Or I guess for you, commands.CARTER
But you can stop singing. I can’t just stop talking to people and asking their name! What am I supposed to call anyone but their name?SORREL
I like to sing! I like to sing along with the radio in the car! Sometimes though, you can’t do that! I have to be so careful what I speak to song. Because siren magic is, ultimately, destructive. Everyone knows it. I don’t sing that much anymore-- just when people get hurt. Or will get hurt.CARTER
Sorrel, I--SORREL
“What is your name?” Never “can I have your name?” You want to avoid it, never ask them give you something.CARTER
Oh.[music starts to fade out, traffic ambiance fades in]SORREL
Turn here. We’re almost to Castle Town.[A long, tense silence. The first in a while.]CARTER
So uh… Cowboys really lived here, huh? Sounds like a cool kind of town.SORREL
I don’t know. It said so on the website Horatio gave me. [they sigh]CARTER
What’re we gonna find here?SORREL
A book. There’s a group out here who help guard magical items-- witches pay to have spell artifacts watched and taken care of. We’re coming to pick up some of that.CARTER
Like?SORREL
Faded passion, water of new beginnings, and some expensive horseradish.CARTER
Uhhhmm--SORREL
I’m not a witch, I don’t know.CARTER
That’s bonkers!SORREL
It’s just how shit works. I’m not the best person to help you with this-- when it’s all over with Emery, we can go talk to Bianca.CARTER
We-- We can… Yeah, I’d like that.SORREL
The school probably thinks we died.CARTER
I mean. I want to go back there.SORREL
Nerd.CARTER
I guess so.SORREL
There it is.CARTER
How do you know? It could be that everyone is inside… Like, an old folks town.SORREL
Look at how wooden and false it feels. Stuck in time. I’d believe some cowfolk walked down those streets.CARTER
Yeah, it does look like that. How do we find the witchy storage unit?SORREL
It’s in the saloon.CARTER
Why?SORREL
The drama of it all. You have to meet someone who’s got the key at the saloon because they decide if you can be trusted to know where it is.CARTER
Have you ever been here before?[car turns off]SORREL
Yes. This is where the last of the people I pissed off are.CARTER
Uhh-- Who’s that?SORREL
Ray. Runs the Full Moon, Empty Cup blog. Werewolf. Hates my guts.CARTER
They from your tour of broken hearts?SORREL
Nah, Ray’s hated me way longer than I’ve known Emery. Hated me for being smarter than them.CARTER
Don’t lie to me.SORREL
I’m not lying! What, don’t gimme that look, I’m not lying!CARTER
It sounds like you’re lying.SORREL
Okay, fine, Ray might’ve known me during puberty when you really can’t control magic busting out of you. Ray might’ve been in the car when I was listening to emo music and might’ve started screaming about cheating on math tests and family time in the car with their mom. And their mom could have gotten a divorce because she was screaming about cheating on the dad in college. Ray could have been involved and witnessed that.CARTER
What… That sounds like it must be really hard to go through. Your magic did that?SORREL
You’re not the only one who goes through magic puberty. It was just my second puberty.[Car doors open and close; a shop door opening and closing with a bell jingling; downtempo western acoustic music fades in]CARTER
It stinks like root beer.RAY
Welcome to Ray’s, formerly Minni-- Why’re you here?SORREL
What’s up Ray? How’s the ten gallon fitting?RAY
What do you want?SORREL
Some help.RAY
I’m not helping you-- after everything, you want me to help you?SORREL
Horatio sent me up here for a collection. C’mon, you know where The Hider Hole is.RAY
You ruined my whole life. I’m not helping you.SORREL
I got you grounded once-- Ray, bad shit is gonna happen. Come on.RAY
Who’d you make mad this time?SORREL
Emery… Maebh.RAY
MAEBH? You pissed her off?SORREL
I made Emery mad because we broke up. I ended it with them. And I’m asking you as my friend-- as someone who used to be my friend-- don’t make this weird.CARTER
Hi, I’m Carter! I like your jean jacket!RAY
Thank you. My aunt made it for me.CARTER
Your aunt made that? It’s so beautiful! I really like the fringe. Fits the whole ghost town aesthetic.RAY
She did. Thank you.CARTER
I’m sorry for whatever Sorrel did to you. They’re growing in ways I’m really proud of, but that doesn’t excuse your hurt. But someone is trying to kill us and I’m scared and apparently this spell is going to stop people from dying. Me and Sorrel or Emery or all of us.RAY
Kid, you don’t know the Sorrel I knew. Back in the day, Sorrel was a real hellraiser.SORREL
Still am.CARTER
That may have been true, but that’s not the Sorrel I know right now. And they’re really trying to fix their mistakes.RAY
Are you gonna die? If all shakes bad with Emery, are you gonna get hurt?CARTER
I already have. Um. Maebh hit me with a car.SORREL
Me too. Not that it matters.RAY
Geez. Okay, I’ll help.SORREL
I really am sorry, Ray.RAY
Doesn’t change what happened. Doesn’t change what you did.SORREL
You can’t know what bad shit’s in you till it happens.RAY
How’d you even know I was here?SORREL
Your full moon watch blog.RAY
You follow that?SORREL
I want to know you’re not dead.RAY
You sure don’t call me.SORREL
You don’t want to talk to me. The faster you take us to The Hider Hole, the faster I leave you alone.RAY
What do you need?SORREL
They said passion that’s died, water from new beginnings, and their fancy horseradish shit.RAY
A banishing spell? That’s your solution?CARTER
Will it not work?RAY
Why not kill Emery?SORREL
I’m a better person than that, apparently.RAY
Says who?SORREL
Carter.RAY
Like I said, you don’t know the same person as me, Carter.[Ray reaches under the counter. They plop a safe on the counter.]SORREL
This is a joke, right?RAY
What?SORREL
You have it in there?RAY
It’s a lucrative business. I keep everyone’s stuff safe in the saloon.SORREL
You really just live out here for the aesthetic, huh?RAY
If I did that, I’d keep it in the bank.SORREL
Nothing is labeled bank here. There’s a sign that covers Minnie’s that says Ray’s. That’s it.RAY
You’re impossible.SORREL
Always have been.RAY
Here’s your stuff. Now get out.CARTER
If you ever need anything, let me know.RAY
Do yourself a favor; you should lose them.CARTER
Ray, it sounds like it was an accident, when you guys were kids.RAY
I don’t care if they didn’t plan it; you ever had your mom shout about her affair to you?CARTER
My mother is not a very good example.RAY
Ugh-- It ruined my family. Never could look at either of my parents the same way.SORREL
Your parents were messed up before me! I don’t know what to tell you-- you can’t blame me for the whole thing dude.RAY
What?SORREL
I didn’t make your mom cheat. I didn’t make your dad a bad guy. I’m tired. I’m sorry I’m the bad guy in your life story, but you met some good folks when all that happened. You joined the roleplay group and they were there for you in a way you wouldn’t let me be.RAY
In a way you shouldn’t have been! You hurt me, what was I supposed to do? Accident maybe, but I was fourteen. I was just a kid, I was selfish as hell. I’m not gonna ask you to make me feel better for bullshit.SORREL
I got my stuff. We’re going. [a pause] Thanks Ray.[music fades out][The sound of a car driving off. The car turns off and a door opens. The sound of duct tape ripping.]CARTER
What’re you doing?SORREL
Fixing something. The sideview, I’m putting it back on.CARTER
So I…[more duct tape sounds as Sorrel speaks]SORREL
Please don’t make me talk about my feelings right now. I can’t do it. I don’t feel anything. I have already opened up with you far more than I’ve opened up with anyone.CARTER
I-- I’m sorry. It sounds like it was really hard. Some of the stuff you’ve been through.[the car door closes]SORREL
I’ve lived.CARTER
It makes a lot of sense now. Why you’re like you are.[chill acoustic music starts]SORREL
One of the first things you said to me was that sirens have destructive magic. Fae have contract magic. Nymphs and dryads have nature magic.CARTER
Who has constructive magic?SORREL
You’re the expert.