Expectations in Disguise

Rascal in Training

Welcome to Alder & Quill — Oscar Underpaw’s cozy storyshop, where tales become treasures.

“Justice is a warm nap, a solved mystery, and a squeaky mouse right where you left it.”

Stories are how we make sense of the world—and sometimes, how the world begins to shift in return.

Finding peace in familiar corners and the rhythm of simple things

Oscar Encounters the Giant Known as Seagull

Dive into the enchanted world of Elzdiroche, where shadows awaken, secrets unfold, and friendship battles unseen forces. Join the adventure!

Join Oscar Underpaw in Moonshadow, where a rainy day becomes a magical adventure filled with mystery, friendship, and the art of listening.

Explore the beauty of trusting the unseen in life. Embrace mystery, follow your instincts, and walk forward with quiet wonder.

Discover the cozy adventure of The Hobbit through Oscar’s paws. A tale of bravery, friendship, and magic awaits every curious reader.

Join Oscar Underpaw as he confronts a curious shadow in a magical tale of self-discovery and the power of acceptance.

Where Stories and Cozy Treasures Meet.

The wind howled through the jagged peaks of Clawridge, carrying with it the scent of stone, snow, and distant bloodshed. Beneath the shadow of towering cliffs, where the pass narrowed to a winding throat of ancient stone, a lone warrior stood. Varrek Ironclaw, last of the Clawridge Sentinels, rested one paw on the haft of his twin axes. His armor, worn and scarred, bore the sigils of his ancestors—warriors who had stood where he now stood, guarding the sacred threshold between the mortal realm and what lay beyond.

May 18, 2025 "What we do often becomes who we are—not through grand gestures, but quiet return." Each morning, I rise and stretch the same way—first the front paws, then the back. I groom my whiskers with steady care. I make my first patrol along the bookshelf, leap to the window ledge, and sit in silence to observe the world waking up.

What do you do to be involved in the community? I don’t usually go out of my way to be involved in the community in any big, organized way—but I try to stay quietly connected. I shop at local stores and farmers markets, support small businesses when I can, and make a point to greet my neighbors. It’s not much, but I believe it’s the small, consistent gestures that matter most.

Oscar’s Cautious Road Trip Reconnaissance I knew something was up the moment the suitcases came out. The humans get this look in their eyes—excited, distracted, like they’ve forgotten their place in the hierarchy. And then there’s the clattering. Zippers. Shoes. The ominous jingle of keys. I watched from the hallway, ears twitching. Soon, they called my name in that too sweet…

Step into a magical world with The Wizard's Tree Bundle. Includes a Wizard’s Tree Mug (11oz, 15oz, 20oz), Wizard’s Tree Sticker (2x2 to 6x6), and Wizard’s Tree Journal (50 or 100 pages), perfect for fans of whimsical nature and enchanting illustrations.

Embrace the serene beauty of the wild with the Bear Under the Moonlight Bundle. Includes a Bear Mug (11oz, 15oz, 20oz), Bear Sticker (2x2 to 6x6), and Bear Journal (50 or 100 pages) – perfect for adding a touch of cozy wilderness to your daily life.

What topics do you like to discuss? I like to discuss the bigger questions—the ones that don’t always have clear answers. Purpose, meaning, resilience, how we shape our lives through the choices we make. I find that conversations about growth, change, and the quiet ways we define ourselves are often the ones that stay with me the longest.

How do you use social media? I use social media pretty casually—to stay connected with a few people, share creative projects, and occasionally scroll for inspiration or a laugh. I try to keep it balanced and not let it take up too much space in my day.

Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind. The first thing that comes to mind? Lately, it’s my morning coffee on the back deck. The weather’s been warmer—at least the frost is finally gone—so I’ve been able to step outside and enjoy the sunrise in the brisk morning air. It’s a small routine, but one I really enjoy, and it’s usually the first thing I think about when I wake up.

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you. To be honest, it’s hard to think of a specific moment—I'm not the most social person, so random encounters with strangers are few and far between. But I do appreciate the little things: a kind smile, someone holding the door, or a simple “have a good day.” Those brief moments of kindness tend to linger more than you’d expect.

A forgotten library. A book that remembers. A woman who begins to vanish, memory by memory. The Last Book is a lyrical dystopian short story about the power of stories to take—and to give.