I have been working on the next bit, but in a way trying not to, because of the story with a deadline. It might be better just to jot down whatever rough ideas are in my head rather than trying to block them, but I'm not sure about that.

I'm also not sure I can express how much I appreciate your comments. The part you quoted about the dungeons were the first lines that came to me for the castle story and they were just banging at my skull to get out. It's funny how that happens with a sentence or two, now and then. Not sure I can develop it properly without going overboard in one direction or another and not sure how well the two narratives will weave together, and if they don't, it will be a mess.

I am thrilled that you connected the stone in James's pocket with the castle as well as the other changes that are occurring in the environment, like the way the water turns to mist to reach them up on the lawn.

Extra special thanks for the kudo on AO3. If you glanced at the numbers, you can see that interest is waning. My interest in the story isn't, but it does make me wonder if I've gone too far already. I try not to pay too much attention to those things, but I can't help seeing some message in it!