#i just know they go around lying about being carpenters to get into the village

[aprito]

sos month day 28: time travel

well at least they could pin point the exact year they've been dropped off in now

[rachelbethhines]

Tangled Salt Marathon - The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne

So now we get to what is, in my opinion, the best episode in season three. However, it’s still season three, so that’s damning with faint praise. 

Summary: Rapunzel tasks the kingdom with refurbishing the throne room. While breaking down a wall, they find a map to the Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne and Rapunzel decides to set up a race to the location. The teams, which consist of twos, are only allowed to look at the map briefly before the start of the race. However, Rapunzel's partner, Feldspar, brings a copy of the map with him and he warns her that the treasure is cursed. 

Why Are You Just Getting to This Now? 

It’s literally been months since you defeated the Saporians. Edmund had to have time to travel all this way to Corona and you’ve rebuilt an entire village since then. We’re talking at bare minimum three months or more. 

Who just leaves a gapping hole inside their home for three months? Where did you conduct the government’s important business during that time? Is there any other structural damage to the castle or the town outside from previous battles that you’ve just left unattended? I understand that rebuilding Old Corona is important but those villagers have been evacuated and living elsewhere for a year and a half now since Queen for a Day. It wasn’t a priority, but this is. 

Also this episode has to come after The Return of the King and Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf because Red, Angry, and Hamuel exist. It can’t just be slotted in somewhere else in order for it to make more sense. The writers genuinely planned for Rapunzel to be this disorganized and didn’t think to give a logical reason as to why. 

Also Why Are You Conscripting Regular Citizens Instead of Hiring Professional Contractors?

Unlike Old Corona, which is a full on community that would require multiple building projects going on simultaneously and therefore could use volunteers, this is a single government building. It’s Rapunzel’s job as leader to make sure that that building is kept maintained and up to code. It’s her responsibility not the regular average citizen’s who has their own jobs to do and zero experience with construction.  

Rapunzel is literally forcing these people to be slave labor for her under the pretense of ‘community’. She’s taking their time away from their own busy lives, forcing them to work a dangerous job, and not compensating them for that time, effort, and risk. And no, they’re not just volunteers at this point; because as acting queen, no one can safely say no to her nor can they just leave even when they’re clearly annoyed and fed up at having to do the work.  

Lastly they’re untrained. They lack the skills and tools to this job. You need an architect, you need a safety inspector, you need actual carpenters and masonries ... maybe even an interior decorator... The point is you need trained professionals and part of being an administrator is using government funding to hire these people in order to make sure the work gets done safely and efficiently and create jobs and keep money circulating through the economy.       

Rapunzel may not mean any harm. She might just be oblivious and untrained herself. But this is terrible leadership and the show never points that out. It never has her learn how to be a better a ruler so by the end of the series you don't feel she’s earned that title of Queen and you fear for the kingdom’s continued existence.   

So Why Is This Here?

Why would there be a Saporian map to a king of Corona’s tomb hidden in the wall? What’s the story behind this? 

Yes we know his wife was Saporian, but that doesn’t explain anything. Why would she need a map on the wall to her own husband’s resting place; assuming he didn’t out live her himself. Why would said map be carved into the wall of Corona’s castle and not written on a scroll? Why is it in Saporian when they don't speak that language in Corona? 

Like I could come up with explanations and create this whole backstory for Herz Der Sonne and the first Saporian/Coronian War, but at this point I’d just be doing the work of the writers for them. They’re the ones who introduced this lore and had it inform plot points and character motivation; and then failed to explain any of it to the audience and adequately have it all connect back together in a way that makes sense. 

The Moment When You Realize This Whole Episode Exists Because Zachary Levi Enjoys Doing an Ed Wynn Impersonation 

Ok time to explain some behind the scenes Info.

This is Ed Wynn. 

As you can tell from the gif above, he’s famous for voicing the Mad Hatter in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. He’s also done a whole bunch of other stuff and was well known even before working with Disney, but the Mad Hatter is his most well remembered role today. 

Many actors, particularly voice actors, like to do impressions of him because he has such a distinctive voice. Including Eugene’s VA, Zachery Levi.  

Now I don’t know if the character of Feldspar was created specifically because the creators were inspired by Zachery Levi’s impression, or if they had this character already planned out and just casted him in the role since he could do it and it’d save them money. Either scenario is plausible and not unheard of in animation. But the long and short of it is, as a shoemaker, Feldspar is intended to be a parody of the Mad Hatter. That is why the character exists. 

Now as I said, this isn’t unusual for animated tv shows. Quite often you get main cast members to voice secondary and/or one off characters because it’s convenient, efficient, and doable when working with audio recordings. Also quite often voice actors will do impressions of other famous people to flesh out these background characters. It’s also not out of left field for these secondary characters to get an episode of focus if they’ve been around for awhile and keep popping up in the story. 

What is unusual, however, is to focus on said character in the final season when there are a bunch of other more important characters with unresolved arcs that need the screen time more. It’s an incredibly odd decision to highlight Feldspar here when we still got Varian readjusting back into society, Red and Angry settling into their new home, and Edmund running around off screen. And while some of these character feature in the episode, they’re just there for the jokes not for any development. 

What’s a “Sap Pond” and How Does That Even Work?

Ok its a fantasy world, I get it. But the franchise does try to have a distinction between the magical and the mundane. Or at least pretends to try and have a distinction. There’s to my knowledge no such thing as a ‘sap pond’, and if such a thing does exist I doubt it’s an actual deep pit full of tree sap as shown here. 

If you want characters to still be surprised by out of the ordinary occurrences and have the supernatural world be separate from the regular world; then you need to have the mundane world grounded in our known reality. Nature needs to function as real world nature would. If something exists in your world that doesn't in ours, then you need to either explain it or have the characters responded appropriately to it. 

But You’re a Prince Now?

Look, I’ll buy that season one Eugene didn’t have unlimited access to the royal treasury as he and Rapunzel were still new to their roles and their relationship. But it’s been over two years since the movie ended. 

Since then Eugene and Rapunzel have lived together, shared finances together, and currently are co-acting rulers of the kingdom. He’s also a bonified prince in of itself on top of being practically married to princess/queen. 

Yeah I said it. Part of what makes season three so frustrating is that Rapunzel and Eugene are functionally married at this point, they just haven’t gone through the ceremony yet, and there’s no stated reason for why they keep dragging things out.  

This is why we get out of place jokes like this that no longer reflect who Eugene is now as a person and feel like they belong back in season one or the even the movie itself. 

I can understand if he wanted to join in the competition because it’s fun, but he’s not poor. Neither he nor Rapunzel needs the treasure. I’m not sure even Lance needs it because as Eugene’s best friend/adopted brother he’s piratically nobility at this point as well. 

Royalty and the rich are not and never will be underdogs show. Stop trying to make them such. 

So Why Feldspar Again? 

This is such a half assed plot point. 

Remember Rapunzel literally pulled out a book earlier to translate the map.  Xavier not only knows the legends about the Saporians, but also keeps a book of magic lying around, and the Saporians are the only human people who have functioning magic in the show as part of their culture.    Varian spent a year living and working with the Saporian leader, and knows how to decipher ancient scrolls written in dead languages.  And said Saporians, are being currently held in the dungeons of the castle.  

But you’re telling me that only a random cobbler can read the warning clearly written on the map? 

They give some bullshit reason as to why Feldspar knows Sapoprian but it doesn’t matter. It’s a forced and contrived excuse to get the character involved in a plot he has no business being in. The story fails to justify the use him over the other more prominent characters who have closer ties to this particular subplot. 

And We’re Suppose to Believe That Herz Der Sonne Was a Good Guy?

Why would a benevolent king who supposedly brought peace to a warring land have a doomsday curse involving zombies? Why would said king be enshrined a tomb that’s not native to his culture? What even is the treasure and why be buried with it? 

There’s clearly more going on here regarding Corona’s past and the treatment of the Saporians as a people in their own right, but the show never does anything with it. Why introduce these complexities and world building if you’re not going to tell a story with them? Why have the Saporian subplot at all in a series already over stuffed with villains if you aren’t going to have them challenge your protagonist and have her grow into a more mature person? 

I’m not dunking on the series for being ambitious nor for having flavor text to help flesh out the world, but it so aggravating that there’s no follow through on the show’s set ups and narrative promises. If you’re not going to give the needed focus to something then just don’t put it in. Cause once it’s aired you’re committed to it and the audience is going to hold you to account. 

I haven’t seen plot mismanagement this bad since the 80s; back when cartoons had to battle network syndication, episode commissions instead of contracted seasons, and could be canceled at any time without prior notice. Now there’s still plenty of bad practices going on in the industry, especially as the move to streaming messes with things, but Tangled does not have the same excuses as say Johnny Quest, Dungeons and Dragons, or even Gargoyles did. 

How Do You Even Know That Would Work, Rapunzel?

No seriously, how does Rapunzel know that putting the treasure chest back on the pedestal will stop the cruse? That hasn’t been established yet by any known source of information. Heck no one knew what the curse actually entailed until it was activated. Except for Xavier who oh so conveniently didn’t say anything until the last moment. If anyone should have the knowledge to on how to end the curse it’s him. But nope we gotta make the Rapunzel the infallible hero who is always right for no logical reason.  

I don’t know how to explain this to you show, but perfect is boring. No one wants a flawless protagonist who can do it all 24/7 without any help whatsoever. And it becomes down right annoying to watch a hero who is clearly flawed still put upon a narrative pedestal as if they weren’t. 

So Why is Varian Suddenly Useless In This Fight?

This entire climax is about showcasing the ‘power of teamwork’ by having the characters use their various skills sets and work together to defeat the enemy. 

Except for Varian. 

He’s treated at best as a spectator to the unfolding events and at worst as a damsel in distress. 

Varian. You know the guy who is the series most competent and threating antagonist. Who brought an entire kingdom to it’s knees, twice. The only other character besides Rapunzel herself who could and does hold his own against other major antagonists, including super powered ones.  

If this was just a one off incident, I’d just shrug it away as him being a glass cannon; insanely overpowered when well prepared but easily out of his depth when not. But that’s not what’s happening here. 

Season three constantly nerfs Varian’s abilities, same as they did back in The Alchemist Returns, and there’s three reasons for this. 

The first is to try and stop him from overshadowing Rapunzel and Cassandra. The writers don’t want to give him any more story focus for fear of him being more popular the the two girls. Which is a ridiculous and petty reason to write a character OOC but there you go. 

The second is the on going issue of making Rapunzel needlessly the center of any and all solutions to every problem regardless of her level of involvement in the initial conflict. Yes, it’s her show, but she’s still not the whole world. Other people exist outside of her and it’s not fair to anybody when the writers ignore that simple fact.   

Last is the writers sacrificing established character for a joke. And as already pointed out, even in this very review, Varian’s not the only character to fall victim to this. It’s just bad writing. Yeah the joke might be funny in the moment but you run the risk of jarring you’re audience’s immersion. In a series like Tangled where you’re constantly asking the audience to suspend their disbelief, humor needs to be firmly rooted in the characters natural behaviors and must evolve to match any character development.   

Why not just have Varian throw a chimball or two, run out cause he wasn’t planning on fighting anybody that day, and then have the other characters rescue him? It’s not that hard to work in a joke while still being respectful of the characters.  

So What Does Anybody Learn From This Episode?

Yeah the other characters learn some vague lesson on teamwork and getting along or something, but they’re not the focus of the episode. What do Rapunzel and Feldspar learn? 

Unlike some people I don’t mind Feldspar’s existence. When’s he’s kept as a background character he works. In fact he’s one of the few townspeople who do work as intended, because he’s representative of the everyday citizen who’s often on the outside looking in on these fantastical events and therefore gives insight into what’s going on and the populous’ opinions on things without being a major player in anything. 

That's fine, needed even, and I don’t mind him getting a single focus episode to gain a greater insight into how this world works or even flesh out his character more, but that’s not what we got. Feldspar doesn’t grow as a character because of this episode. I, as the viewer watching, learn nothing about him nor his life that I didn’t already know. This resolution with him resolves nothing cause it’s a ending for a conflict that was never established beforehand.  

In fact what even was the main conflict of the story? Rapunzel being annoyed by Feldspar? Ok and..? Did she need to learn not to be annoyed by him? Was that a thing that needed to be addressed? Hasn’t Rapunzel already put up with annoying people before now? Was was this deficiency of character actually solved by this one interaction? Has she learned to be more appreciative, attentive, or open minded of others? 

If you tell me it’s Rapunzel’s show then I expect Rapunzel to actually learn shit! 

I expect the external conflicts to tie back into her interpersonal conflicts. If the external conflict does not do that than there better well be a another character who gets that focus instead without her hogging the limelight. 

This Dynamic Adds Nothing

They set up this friendship with Varian and Xavier and it doesn't go anywhere. It never comes back into play and we never see them interacting on screen together again. It also undermines a future plot point that’s coming up later. 

More over it doesn’t further either of their characters. 

Xavier is still an extraneous exposition fairy. Turning his flat characterization into a one note joke does not erase that fact. Giving him a kid to tell stories to doesn’t explain his place in the narrative or give him purpose to the story. We still don’t know why he has these connections to magic nor how he knows all the this lore, and he doesn’t push the plot forward. 

Meanwhile Varian maybe lonely but that doesn’t mean he needs yet another mentor figure in his life. We already have his father, who we barely see him interact with since coming back, and all his other ‘friends’ are way older then him already as well. Rapunzel’s the closest in age to him and she is constantly condescending to, well everybody, as she pretends to be more mature than she actually is. There’s no one in the story who Varian is on equal footing with, and no Angry and Red don't count as they’re far younger than him. 

I don’t know what this series has against teenagers but it showcases some very unhealthy depictions of them; ether by constantly infantilizing them, traumatizing them while subjecting them to parentification, or just flat out ignoring their existence all together. 

Teenagers exist and they need to be treated as teenagers. I don’t know how to put it more simply than that. Teens aren’t children. Teens aren’t adults. They’re teens. And when writing for them you need to understand that difference and acknowledge that they have a completely different phycological development and placement within society to anybody else. That’s why the category of adolescence exists separately from childhood and adulthood in the first place.   

So to tie things back to the first point. The concept of Xavier and Varian having a friendship is not a problem. But as with so many things on this show, it’s the surrounding context and lack of follow through where the issues arises. 

Varian needs a friend his age, who is his equal, more so than a mentor; if indeed Xavier is even intended to serve that function as he doesn’t do any real mentoring. This should have been an opportunity to bring Faith in and establish her better. In fact it’s reasons like this why she should have been a bigger character all along but we’ll get more into that as we get to her only ‘focus’ episode. 

Conclusion 

It’s fun seeing all the various character interactions and unique team ups. Also the humor does work. The jokes do land even if they do bulldoze through established canon. Plus seeing Rapunzel actually annoyed by shit going on around her is always entertaining as it humanizes her. If watched in isolation from the rest of season three, this is an enjoyable episode. But that’s it’s core problem. I shouldn’t have to find filler to keep me going in the last leg of the show. 

This was pretty short comparatively speaking with the rest of the ones I have to write for S3, but longer ones are going to come out more slowly just due to real life and time. As always though you’re support is helpful in keeping going, and if you feel like you can donate to my Ko-fi and leave a tip there. 

https://ko-fi.com/rachelbethhines

[chaseatinydream]

pirate king (63) || atz

The Treasure stops at Tortuga.

After the Cayman Islands, your captain has ordered the crew to set sail for Tortuga once more, sailing up the Windward passage between Santiago De Cuba and Hispaniola, citing the need to replenish supplies at the pirate town and get repairs on the Treasure done. And sailing is uneventful… for most part. It seems like the skies have finally cleared now, soft blue both in the sky above and the sea beneath, and you’re enjoying the feeling of the sea breeze on your cheeks as you lie back on the forecastle deck with the morning sun gently warming your skin.

It’s been a chaotic past few days, with constant worries taking a toll on your mind and the threat of Commander Kang taking you back to the Royal Navy on your mind. Unfortunately, you realise that you never quite got the chance to ask him why the Royal Navy wanted you, but there was nothing you could do about it now. On the bright side, though, your master had announced to the crew that the poison had successfully been treated with the antidote that Commander Kang had provided, and with sufficient food, water and rest, the young battlemaster would make a full recovery over time. He was fine, the ship would be alright, Commander Kang would no longer hunt you down, and everyone was happy.

“Why do you look upset?”

Well, perhaps not everyone.

You don’t bother opening your eyes, recognising that voice with your ears alone. A small, meaningless smile quirks up one corner of your lips, more for his benefit than any real happiness, you’ve had a lot to think about, but neither do you really want to face them at all. Instead, you ask, “Are we there yet?”

“Captain says we should be reaching any time soon now.” Jongho replies, the younger battlemaster taking a seat next to you on the deck, you can hear the planks creaking under his weight. Hongjoong had spoken about stopping by a small village along the coast of Cuba to stock up on fresh water before making the sail to Tortuga, but while the rest of the crew have been chattering excitedly about going onto land once more, some discussing about the things they want to buy Yunho to cheer him up while he’s still confined to bed rest, but even though you try, you can’t seem to build up any enthusiasm about it in the least.

“You still haven’t answered my question.” Jongho says abruptly, and you sigh, fondly exasperated, Jongho has always had a penchant for being straightforward and unabashed in asking questions that need to be asked. The silence drags on between the two of you, and finally you accept that Jongho is insistent on not leaving until you give him a satisfactory answer. Cracking open your eyes, you tilt your head to the left to look at the younger battlemaster, he’s sitting cross legged with his cutlass lying across his lap, eyes fixed firmly on the ocean before you. In the distance, you see a line across the horizon, that must be the coastal village your captain had spoken about.

“I’m fine.” You let your eyes slip shut once more, and you don’t even need to see Jongho’s expression to know he doesn’t believe you in the least. You hear a clearly disbelieving snort escape him and your chest shakes slightly in amusement.

“You haven’t been talking to Sanie-hyung for the past few days either.” He adds on bluntly, and a soft breath escapes you involuntarily; he’s noticed? Although, you suppose, it must have pretty obvious, you and your master used to be joined at the hip, and now, you can’t even look him in the eye without seeing the pain there.

Pain you caused.

“I’m fine.” You repeat again, more softly this time, as if you find it difficult to believe your own words. “I’m just…” You pause, rolling the breath around on the tip of your tongue as you attempt to find an appropriate word for it, “I’m just… tired.”

Tired is the best word you can come up with at the moment. You’re tired of so much, of the constant worrying if each day will be your last, of the repeated pushing away of your master even as he tries to convince you to tell your captain about your condition, of what will happen to them once you… once you…

Leave.

You want to tell someone, anyone, let your captain know. He could do something, you want to believe, but deep down somewhere, you know it’s hopeless; there is no cure. Deep in your bones, you have been made to be something temporal, and to tell Captain, to make him worry for you even after he has done so much for you already, knowing that he will blame himself when he inevitably fails to save you… you can bear the dying, but not the guilt.

“I don’t see how that has to do with you ignoring Sanie-hyung.” Jongho tells you, a frown on his face and you find yourself staring at him, soft cheeks still rounded like those of a child, dark, earnest eyes that shine with only honesty and genuine concern. You remember the time back when he had rescued you during your first battle with the Royal Navy, how you’d accidentally shot him in the arm, how he’d treated you to pastries, how he’d sung so beautifully so many nights on the deck for the rest of the crew to listen to. You don’t even realise you’re staring until Jongho snaps his fingers right in front of your face with a confused expression, looking mildly worried.

“Chin Hae? Chin Hae, are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m okay.” You laugh softly, there’s something warm in your chest, like you’re wrapping up those precious memories and holding them close to you, they’re so warm they burn. You give him a bright smile, rise to your feet and stretch your arms above your head before he can say any more, grinning down at him, you’ll miss him so much. “Why did you come find me in the first place? Was there anything you wanted?”

“No, I-” Jongho tries to say, but before he can continue, there are a set of quick, light footsteps behind you, and the two of you turn simultaneously to see Yeosang hopping up the steps, as fast as his feet can carry him and a grin so bright it rivals the sun. “Chin Hae! Chin Hae!”

“That’s me.” You say jokingly, amused as the navigator dashes up to you, bouncing up and down and excitement overflowing from him. “What is it?”

“I made something!” Yeosang holds your left hand, bopping up and down excitedly on his toes and you make an ‘oh’ shape with your mouth, Yeosang has been holed up in the captain’s cabin for the last few days making something that he hasn’t allowed anyone to see. “Do you want to see it?” He says, so thrilled you can’t help but tease him a little.

“Hmm…” You rub your chin with your stump, pretending to consider the question, Yeosang practically hanging on to whatever that’s about to leave your mouth. Then you sigh dramatically, shrug and say slowly, “Well… maybe I’m not that interested-”

The way Yeosang’s mouth falls open sends you into a fit of laughter, wiping the small tears at the corner of your eyes, you tug at Yeosang’s hand, ignoring the flabbergasted expression on his face. “I’m just joking!” You laugh, and Yeosang breathes out a sigh, clearly relieved. “Well then! Let’s go see what you’ve been up to! Jongho-oppa, are you coming along?”

“Yes, but-” Jongho tries to say, but before he can ask you any more, both you and Yeosang already halfway down the stairs, chattering excitedly, and even though there’s an infallible smile on your lips, Jongho can’t help but feel something is very, very wrong.

>>>

“Okay, sit here!” Yeosang practically forces you to sit on the bed and scurries over to his work table, while Seonghwa might be the official carpenter of the ship, Yeosang too, has interest in developing his wood working skills in more creative ways. This time, he bustles around carefully at the worktable tucked in the corner of the cabin, snapping at you when you so much as breathe in its direction. With a resigned sigh, you simply flop onto the bed and stare at the ceiling, counting the number of boards there.

Jongho watches you silently, eyebrows furrowed in worry as he tries to figure out what on earth could have happened. He usually sleeps the latest, choosing to practice his guitar late into the night when everyone else is asleep, and realises that you’ve been sleeping much later than usual, not going to bed when you usually do, or choosing to be alone on the forecastle deck, like you had been earlier that day. And when he wakes up early for his morning exercise runs around the deck, you’re already there, and he can see prominent dark shadows hanging underneath your eyes.

He worries. He knows he finds it difficult to speak his mind sometimes, but he watches, and he worries. This isn’t like you. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say you were avoiding San. And from the way you had subtly tried to avoid his question earlier, he’s starting to believe that you are.

“Here!” Yeosang nearly trips over a stray book on the floor in his excitement but he doesn’t seem to care, telling you to hold out your hand and close your eyes. Smiling, you humour him, squeezing your eyes shut, your left hand outstretched. And gently, you feel something hard being put in your hand, it’s a little weighty, made presumably out of smooth, polished wood. Your fingers feel the sides, it seems to have an odd shape, and you tug at Yeosang’s sleeve, even with your eyes closed, you know he’s beaming uncontrollably. “Can I see it now?”

“Yes! Open your eyes!” Yeosang replies immediately, voice bright and bubbly, and you crack open an eye, full of anticipation as you gaze down at the object in your hand. And you freeze.

It’s an oddly shaped object, made of two pieces of hard, dark coloured wood. They’re joined in the middle by some sort of joint in a Y shape, two curved prongs protruding from a cup, the inside stuffed with wool. When you raise it up to your face to look at it more carefully, you see a long screw (where did he get that, hadn’t Seonghwa told you those were pretty hard to find once?) connecting the two pieces beneath the joint. Each piece of wood seems to have been smoothed out carefully by hand, so they both curve beautifully towards the centre, but as intricate and amazing as it looks… what is it supposed to do?

“Uhm…” You frown a little, turning it over in your hand. Jongho looks similarly confused. “What… what is it?”

“It’s a prosthetic hand! Wait, give me a second.” He says, reaching for his worktable and pulling a mess of leather straps and buckles from the pile of tools there all while you sit there, simply confused. Prosthetic hand? What did he mean by prosthetic hand? A small dowel drops to the ground in his rush but he doesn’t seem to notice, hurrying over to you and holding out the strap expectantly, as if you’re supposed to know what to do with it. “Hold out your…” he says, waving vaguely at your left arm, and frowning, you raise it up to him. It’s still covered in bandages, more for the sake of convincing your crewmates that the amputation wound is healing, but you know underneath the white cloth is skin… that hopefully isn’t crumbling. Yeosang shifts to the left, taking the contraption from you and attaching what seems to be a leather harness to it, his fingers fly over the buckles so quick your eyes can barely follow him.

“Here, tell me if it hurts, okay?” The navigator looks so concerned you nod immediately, while Jongho rises from his seat at the captain’s table to look more closely at what Yeosang is doing. Yeosang first slides the cup of the wooden contraption over the stump of your wrist, the woolen padding there fitting snugly around it, and then he pulls the leather straps over your forearm. One goes around the center of your arm, another just beneath the elbow crease, and another above. In the end, the device is strapped securely to your arm, and you shift your arm a little, studying the device at the end where your hand should be.

“It fits! That’s amazing. I mean, of course it works, I made it to work, but...” Yeosang beams excitedly, moving forward to sit next to you on the bed. “Let me show you how it works… Jongho-ah, fetch me that cup on captain’s table, will you?”

Still puzzled, the younger battlemaster does as he says, moving over to pick up the wooden mug there. Yeosang peers into the cup, realises there’s still liquid inside and knocks it back before you can tell him to empty it into the sea instead, apparently too excited to bother moving over to the portholes. Then he makes a face of instant regret, wiping the back of his hand across his mouth and making a noise that sounds suspiciously like “rum-ugh” before he sets the cup to the side, taking the prosthetic hand in his flesh and blood ones and cradling it gently.

“Let me show you how it works.” He says, and moves his fingers to the screw at the base of the cup over your stump. Both yours and Jongho’s eyes follow in fascination as he unscrews the long metal screw. As he does, your mouth falls open at the sheer ingenuity of it, the further he unscrews it, the wooden piece that isn’t attached to the cup slowly moves closer to its partner, thus causing the two pieces to come together. “Look, you can hold things with it.” Yeosang says, as if you aren’t on the verge of shock, and places the cup into its hold, before tightening the grip once more. When he’s finally satisfied that it’s not going to fall out, he lets go, and you feel the weight of the cup resting on your wrist, but it doesn’t slip out of your hands, and he… he…

“It’s amazing.” You breathe, transfixed, and your right hand reaches up to loosen the grip yourself. When you do, the cup falls out of the grip and Jongho manages to catch it for you, even with his eyes comically wide and fixed on the mindblowing contraption in your hand. “This is amazing, Yeosang. How did you think of this?”

Yeosang has never looked as proud in the entire time you’ve known him, but he fights to hide the positively gleeful smile on his face, scratching the back of his head with shy embarrassment. “Oh, I didn’t do much… Seonghwa-hyung helped with the woodwork and polishing… Captain was the one who’s been staying up at night to come up with the idea. I just made it possible. I hope you-” He doesn’t even manage to finish the sentence before you throw yourself into his arms, subconsciously trying to squeeze every bit of breath from his lungs just so he knows how grateful you are. Now that you look around, you can see scraps of paper tossed on the paper here and there, rough sketches done by your captain’s hand, the aggressive crossing out and the amount of thought that has been put into this.

“Thank you, Yeosang-oppa… Thank you.” You manage to croak out, voice nearly overcome with emotion. Yeosang beams at you, looking satisfied, his work has come to fruition, and there’s nothing he could want more. Jongho lets out a sigh of relief too, glad that this has managed to get you to show some true emotion on your face, instead of the mild expressions that you’ve been wearing for the last few days, mere shadows of the lively, expressive person you had once been.

All of a sudden, there’s the ringing of the ship’s bell from above and the voice of your ship’s quartermaster rings across the deck, down to the cabin and you perk up, Mingi’s bellow drifting to your ears.

“We’ve arrived at shore!”

[botwstoriesandsuch]

Okay, so this might seem REALLY, REALLY weird, but do you have any, like headcanons for Ritos? Like, not just Revali, but Ritos. Flying mechanics. Their opinions on Medoh. Do you think they lay eggs? Or what? Because that's something I've been debating for a looooong time

Oooooo you bet I have Rito Headcanons. Prepare yourselves, mortals! Here are

General Rito Headcanons:

The Rito can fucking fly, I don’t care what BS the game says about updrafts and gliding. They are birds, they have wings and feathers, we have seen characters like Teba and Kass fly around and gain altitude and stuff. The updrafts help them, but they can fly on their own. They don’t glide, they can fly, end of story, I don’t take criticism, I’ll die on this hill.

To add to that, I think that they can’t gain height very quickly. They either need a long runway or stretch of land (kinda like a plane) to achieve height at an angle over time. Or, they start at an already elevated position (like the landings in Rito village) and gain height that way. 

So the reason Revali’s Gale is so useful, is because he can get super high up, very quickly, at anytime. It’s not dependent on his surroundings and such

And it’s also useful because it give him more airtime to shoot his bow and stuff

Rito Stable has a lot of lumber lying around, and there’s a bunch of axes and piles of wood there from the forest. I like to think that the Rito trade with them for supplies, considering all their equipment, weaponry, and houses are made of wood. (given that metal stuff is too heavy for flight and all)

That said, they don’t take more than they need. Their culture alone is very minimalist, (given that they’re sort of based off of South American mountain tribes like the Incans) so they’re the type of people who don’t throw anything away. Ergo, they don’t trade that often, only when they need to.

I hc that a lot of the careers and jobs they take up are more artsy based. Rather than scholars, or nobles, or farmers, they have a lot of artisans. Such as weavers, carpenters, musicians, cartographers (they can fly!) and what not. 

I think Amali is an architect, idk why. I just want someone to be an architect because Rito houses are so cool! Also Saki is a doctor and she and Teba met on a classic “warrior being healed” trope because I love them. And you know Teba’s a dumbass and gets himself hurt 24/7, especially when he was younger. (I mean, need I remind you he wanted to fight Medoh ALONE like what the shit man)

Also this is why Saki’s wary of Tulin being a warrior because what if he inherits Teba’s recklessness, you can’t worry your mom like that kid

Rito come from eggs. I also was struggling with this, because they’re aren’t any nests or anything…but I believe they’re birds first and foremost

Obviously I won’t go into details because this is a sfw blog, and I’m ace and have no idea how those things work, BUT they only have eggs when they want to. Having kids/eggs is a planned thing if that makes sense lmao. It’s not like chickens where they lay eggs constantly.

Opinions on Medoh: Welp, they’re not ones to immediately be on board with Sheikah technology. The Rito aren’t as ethnocentric as the Zora, but they kinda have their own air of “we don’t really need Sheikah/Hylian stuff butting into our lives.”

Also, their community is very tight knit, and they aren’t keen on the fact that the thing shot lasers at their family and friends. 

However, whenever someone trusted (like Link or Teba, who basically saved their village) tells them that Medoh’s all good now, they’ll probably loosen up a bit. 

OK! Last thing for this super dense post (sorry) but you know how during quarantine right now, people in Italy are just playing music out their balconies? Just to vibe with their neighbors?

So that, but for Rito music, not just Kass. People just sing out their windows, or strum their instruments over their balconies. There’s this silent agreement between them all, like “Yeah, we’re listening. Keep playing.”

(Also no one asked, but I think Kass’ Sheikah teacher [I call them Zimiri] specialized in the lute, although he was skilled in several instruments. He came to Rito village after the Calamity because he heard that the Rito are the best singers in Hyrule, and he wanted Link to hear his songs from someone with the best voice. Zimiri taught Kass the accordion because Kass was a natural at it, and he choose the instrument on purpose because it was the most lively and could be heard from far away. When Kass was little he would play his music in the heart shaped hole near the top of Rito Village for everyone to hear and be happy) 

Ok I’m done blabbering bye. And by the way, this wasn’t weird at all anon! Thanks for the ask!

[themugcollector]

Alice in Wonderland (and other places) Part 2

The continuing adventures of Alice in Wonderland.... from ‘The Girl From the Tower’ (on FanFiction.net)

...

"You know about the curse!" Alice gasped, staring at the sad, beautiful woman. "Are you who I'm looking for? Have you found a cure?"

The woman, Cecilia, still held onto Alice's wrist, looking at the scar.

"There is no way to un-poison a heart." she said unhappily. "I would not be here in Wonderland if there was."

Alice pulled her arm away.

"But there has to be." she cried, tears picking at the corner of her eyes. "I came all this way. There has to be a cure! My Papa…"

"Oh child." sighed the woman, and with unexpected gentleness she put her arms around Alice and pulled her into a hug.

Alice froze. Her Papa was the only person to ever hold her this way…

There were arms around her that were not her Papa's and it felt wonderful and it felt sad.

Alice sank into the embrace, the tears she had been holding in under her long-worn smile were suddenly released. This was the first physical affection Alice had experienced for over seven years. It warmed and broke her heart all at once.

"My Papa!" Alice wailed unable to hold in the pain a moment longer, "I want my Papa…"

"I know, I know." whispered the woman, her finger's gently stroking Alice's hair much the way her Papa did when she was small. Alice felt the woman shiver too, letting go tears of her own.

"My child…" Cecelia whispered. "My poor, poor child…"

…

Slowly Alice was able to swallow back her sobs… her tears slowly easing as the strange and beautiful woman whispered to her and rubbed her back.

Eventually Alice felt able to pull away from her arms.

She was about to wipe her tear-stained cheeks and snotty nose with her sleeve when a slightly damp handkerchief was offered to her instead.

Her new friends around the picnic blanket were all watching her with concern.

Alice used the carpenter's handkerchief to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.

"Thank you." She croaked, her voice a little hoarse from all her crying.

"My pleasure." said the funny looking little man.

"Can you tell us about your Papa?" asked the Gryphon lying down by Alice resting his chin on the picnic blanket. "It sounds like a very sad tale."

"It is." said Alice.

Cecelia's hand was still touching Alice, squeezing her shoulder,

"You know you don't have to say a word if you don't want to." she whispered.

"No, I want to." said Alice, blowing her nose again before taking a seat on the picnic blanket. "It all began in a magical tower where I was born. The only person I had in all the world was my Papa…"

…

"…and then I found my way to Wonderland to find the cure for his poisoned heart." finished Alice. "Only now I find there isn't one."

Her companions had all listened with solemn expressions. The carpenter had taken back his Hankie and was blowing his nose very loudly. The Gryphon was sharing the Walrus's large Handkerchief, and both were dabbing the corner of their eyes.

"I think that is the saddest tale I have ever heard." said the Mock-Turtle, fat tears rolling down his cheek, "Even sadder than the tale of how I stopped being a turtle and become a mere 'mock'. I should sing us song to cheer us up. I know the most wonderful song about Turtle Soup."

"Not now." said Cecelia. She had held onto Alice's hand throughout the story and Alice felt so grateful for the contact. "I think what Alice needs most right now is a little peace."

"At least have some cake." suggested the Walrus. "The chocolate cake looks most delectable and I do believe I won't feel bad at all watching you eat it." As he spoke he picked up a hunk of dry bread and chewed it mournfully.

Alice was feeling much better for getting her story off her chest. She also felt a growing happiness at being in the middle of such a large group of people and creatures she truly felt she could call friends.

After taking a deep breath, Alice found a smile,

"You know, I do believe I could manage a little cake, just as you say."

…

Things took a lighter turn as the picnic progressed. The Mock-Turtle sang a cheery song about a Lobster Quadrille and the Walrus and Carpenter got into a strange conversation how ocean trade and the monarchy effected the price of cabbage. And through it all Cecelia had held Alice's hand and gave her an encouraging smile.

As the meal progressed however Alice realised this moment couldn't last. She had to continue her journey. She hadn't found a cure for her Papa. She would have to begin the search all over again. But one question was beginning to worry her.

"Is it easy to leave Wonderland?" she asked.

"You're leaving?" gasped the Mock-Turtle, "But, dear Alice, you've only just arrived. You can't leave if you've only just arrived, that would be rude."

"It's just… if there is no cure for my Papa here I can't stay."

Cecelia sighed.

"I'm afraid leaving Wonderland is not as easy as arriving. You require royal permission. You must petition the Queen of Hearts."

"Not something I would recommend." added the Gryphon. "She is in a very bad mood at the moment."

The Walrus and the Carpenter both nodded in agreement.

"But then she's always in a bad mood." said the Mock-Turtle.

Alice remembered the Palace she had seem from the top of the maze, but the mention of the Queen of Hearts also got she thinking.

"Is she the queen from the playing cards?" Alice asked, "Because then there is surely also a Queen of Spades, Clubs and Diamonds too. Could I ask one of them instead?"

Her friends all shook their heads as one.

"The Queen of Clubs would beat you to death as soon as look at you." said the carpenter

"And you couldn't afford to see the Queen of Diamonds." added the Mock-Turtle.

"And the whole Kingdom of Spades disappeared underground years ago. I guess they couldn't stop digging." explained the Walrus.

"With Queen of Hearts you only have to worry about her chopping off your head." said the Gryphon coolly. "Luckily she's not very good at it."

Alice looked at her friends in alarm.

"And that's the only way."

Her friends all nodded as one.

Alice took a deep breath.

"Then I have to see the Queen." She said firmly.

Cecelia squeezed Alice's hand.

"The Gryphon and I can help you get an audience, but it won't happen right away."

"So what do I do until then?" Alice asked. After all her months of running this was the first time it felt like she had really stopped.

"Why don't you come home with me." said Cecelia smiling kindly. "I have plenty of room in my cottage."

"And you must come back tomorrow." added the Carpenter. "We are to have a Caucus Race… you can't miss that!"

"What's a Caucus Race?"

"You'll have to come back tomorrow and see." said the Walrus with a broad grin. "It is truly one of the greatest sporting spectacles of the age."

When the meal was finished everyone parted ways.

Alice stood on the beach, watching the exchange of hugs and goodbyes, but was delighted to find herself included as well. The affection was so overwhelming and unexpected it made Alice's smile glow. She had never felt camaraderie like this in her entire life.

Alice had friends.

She promised she would return the next day to see the race and then found herself following Cecelia home.

…

Cecelia led Alice a short way back into the maze to the strangest house Alice had ever seen.

"That's a shoe!" Alice gasped. "You live in a shoe."

"To be more accurate it's actually a boot." said Cecelia, "The old woman who lived here with her children now lives in a big house in the village. I bought it for a very reasonable price."

Cecelia ushered Alice in through a door at the heel. Inside the cottage was surprisingly cosy and neat, much like the woman it belonged to.

...

Now they were alone, Alice felt she had to explain her gratitude to this woman who had shown her so much kind-heartedness, only she wasn't sure she knew how.

"Thank you for today… and for agreeing to help me… and for taking me in." She said quietly.

"It's my pleasure." said Cecelia, touching Alice's arm kindly.

The contact brought back more feelings.

"When you held me... I didn't mean to cry so much. It's just I hadn't been touched like that in such a very long time."

"Hush. You don't need to be worry about that. I only regret I can't help you and your Papa with his poisoned heart."

And with that she pulled Alice into another warm hug. Alice sighed at the contact.

"How do you know about the curse?" Alice asked, as they parted. "I couldn't see a scar on your wrists."

Cecelia put her hand to her chest.

"That is because I am the one whose heart was poisoned. I could not bear to see the pain in my dear husband's eyes knowing that if he touched me or came too close he could kill me. That is no burden to lay on the man I love. And I was so afraid my heart would be cursed towards my daughter too. I could not bear to see my sweet Ella bear the scar as well."

"You have a daughter?"

Cecelia reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Alice's ear in a motherly fashion, clearly think of her own child.

"She would be about your age I believe, perhaps a little older. Time passes so strangely in this realm it's hard to tell. It broke my heart to leave them, but Ella has her father and step-sister and he has them both, they will never be alone."

"Unlike you." said Alice quietly

Cecelia gave a sad smile.

"Oh I have lots of friends here."

"Including me?"

Cecelia's smile grew brighter.

"Most certainly including you, Alice. Now don't you think it's time to get some sleep."

…

Upstairs the boot had lots of beds left by the previous inhabitant's many children. Alice picked one with pale blue blankets. From her magic satchel Alice pulled Mr Rabbit, who she sat at the end of her bed, and then found her nightgown.

Moments later Cecelia appeared with a candle.

"Are you comfortable." She asked

"Very." said Alice snuggled into the softest bed she had slept in since the tower.

"Well I just came to wish you goodnight."

Pausing as if unsure of her next action, Cecelia lent down and kissed Alice's brow.

"Sleep tight, Alice."

Alice grinned broadly.

"Goodnight."

As Cecelia left Alice sat up and pulled Mr Rabbit from the end of the bed into her arms. Alice felt a burning question hanging in the air. Her heart was so light from all the affection this beautiful woman had shared with her.

"Mr Rabbit," she asked quietly, whispering into her friend's ear. "Is this what it feels like to have a mother?".

"Yes." Mr Rabbit replied warmly, "I believe it is."

…

[chiefdefendofcherryblossom]

Alla’s Dragon  installment one

The smoke stung her eyes. It hung so thickly in the library’s rafters that she could almost read the words out of the now lost tomes. Her fist shook. Blasted dragons! 

Adjusting her sling, she turned out of the library. Where was Dyrwen? The man who owned the library hadn’t been seen since the fire had been put out. Villagers hung around the burned building, wondering what had happened. Alla wove her way between them and walked around the back of the building. He must be at the tree she’d found him at before. 

After having made her way to the thick oak, she found him sitting with his head between his knees. The 26 year old had started growing a beard, which she detested, and it made him look too old to be sulking in the woods. She sat down next to him on the damp ground, adjusting her broken arm so it didn’t touch the tree. 

“What happened?” her voice broke the thin silence, and Dyrwen looked over at her, blinking blue eyes. “Ah, Alla. You found me.” 

Alla nodded, long ginger hair spilling off her shoulders. Bewitched hair. She liked that he treated her as an equal, instead of a mere 10 year old. She watched him, waiting for an answer. 

“It was dragons, wasn’t it?” 

Dyrwen glanced at her, as though she was pulling him out of his thoughts. “Hmm? Oh, yes, it was, probably. It was.” 

Alla frowned. “But why would they burn your library?” 

Dyrwen shook his head, eyes glazed. “I don’t know, Alla.” 

Her frown deepened. “You’re lying. I can tell.” Dyrwen lifted his head and laughed. “Can you?” 

Alla nodded seriously. “You’re my best friend. I know when you lie you don’t look at me and you talk real quiet.” 

“Huh. Well, Alla, I don’t actually know, but I do have an idea. You want to hear it?” 

“Yes, I would.” Her mind began spinning with possibilities. The dappled light from the leaves overhead made Dyrwen look more mysterious and old. 

Dyrwen sat up, as if preparing himself for a long tale. “Well, I didn’t come from here, you know. I came from Qyiq, the tri peak mountain. When we were young, my father left with some of the other men to get dragon treasure. My mother told him not to, but he said that the dragons stole from our mountains, and we needed the money if we were to survive the winter. He didn’t come home.” 

“Oh,” Alla whispered. 

Dyrwen shrugged, as if trying to let his emotions roll off him. “A few of the other men made it back, though. They told stories of a magic gem that the dragon held, tucked into its scales. When tears fell onto it, it would grant the holder power. What kind of power, they did not know. But my older brother, he was so angry. He swore to get the gem and avenge our father, use the power to protect people instead of killing them. As soon as he turned seventeen, he left. The only way we knew he succeeded was the furious bellow of the dragon a week later. I haven’t seen or heard from my brother - or the dragon - since. My mother and I moved down here to get away, and I started the library. As you know, my mother died  in that sickness three years ago.” Again, he faltered, shrugging and blinking. Alla set a hand on his shoulder. 

He gave her a weak half smile, and continued. “The dragon must’ve thought that he’d found my brother, and burned down my library looking for his gem. Realizing it was me, he left. That’s my guess anyway...Maybe my brother is close.” 

His words dropped into her like a heavy stone into a pond, and now she was having ripples of thought as the words sunk deeper. 

“So...what are you going to do?” she asked. “Can we go on an adventure and find your brother? Fix what has been wronged? Right what has been broken?” She cocked her head, chuckling at herself. “I said that backwards, didn’t I?” 

Smiling, Dyrwen nodded. “That sounds great, Alla, but I don’t know where he is, or where the dragon is. I’m not a tracker, and I don’t have the money.” Poking her good arm teasingly, he continued, “I doubt your aunt would be willing to just let you run off on an adventure, especially after having broken your arm already while trying to help me.” 

Alla sighed. He was right. He had gotten a leak in his roof a few months ago, and Alla wanted to help him fix it. He’d told her it was too dangerous, but he wasn’t expert in the area of roof tiling. However, Alla’s father had been a carpenter, and she was confident she could fix it for him. So she’d snuck out at night, determined to fix her friend’s roof, and only finished it about halfway before she slipped, fell, and broke her right arm. Her screams had woken the whole village, and Dyrwen had carried her home, where her aunt fussed over her for hours. 

She looked down. “But don’t you want to do something? What if your brother needs help? And, what’s his name?” 

Dyrwen stood, brushing off his pants. He extended a hand to help her up. “His name is Fryden. Let’s go home.” 

Walking into the village was depressing, Alla thought. Even when Dyrwen held her hand, she didn’t like the feel of it. The evidence of the sickness a few years ago was evident. Forlorn faces, very few children running about, less prayers sewn onto sleeves. The brightest building in the place had just burned down, too, so the overall effect was quite dampening. 

Maybe, Alla mused, that gem could help our village. If she could convince Dyrwen to take her on a mission to find his brother, maybe she could help this place. Like her mother did. 

A thought burst in Alla’s mind like a bubble popping. “Dyrwen, where will you stay? Your library is burned down. Can you stay with us?” 

Dyrwen smiled. “Maybe.” 

Dyrwen had stayed with Alla and her father after his mother had died, while he was finishing his library. Alla’s father had called him his own son - Alla had a brother. Shortly after, Alla’s father had also died. Dyrwen moved into the library and Alla was taken in by her aunt. 

He brought her to her house and Alla knocked lightly on the door. She knew it wasn’t necessary, this was her own home, and everyone in town knew each other so well, no one ever knocked anymore. But Alla thought it was fun. 

No one answered. Irritated, Alla pushed the door open. The small cabin was empty. Fear blossomed inside her. She looked up at Dyrwen. 

“Don’t worry, I’m sure they’re just at my library. Let’s go see.” 

Sure enough, Alla’s aunt, uncle, and cousins were still at the site of death. Alla thought they should make a gravestone for the library - it was a sad thing to lose it. 

Her cousin Lucia was bent over blackened books, brown curls pushed behind her ears.  Aunt Cyra was dousing the last matchstick sized flames, long blond hair tied back, face lined with worry. As soon as Alla came into her peripheral view, Cyra dropped her bucket and ran to clasp her niece in a hug. “Alla, there you are! You can’t just run off like that, love! Horren said he saw you go, but you should still tell me when you want to visit the woods, okay?” 

Alla nodded against her aunt’s arm. She liked being hugged. “Alright, Aunt Cyra. I will.” 

Cyra let go and looked to Dyrwen. “Thank you for keeping her safe, Mr. Dyrwen.” 

Dyrwen nodded. “And thank you for finishing dousing my library.” 

Lucia stood and walked over to them, holding a burnt book under her arm. “Garrus and Horren are inside looking for anything left intact,” Cyra explained. “Most everything is burnt to a crisp, but most of your walls and shelves are still standing. I’m not really sure if the books are salvageable.” 

Alla had never seen her aunt reading. Alla loved to read, as did Lucia, but when Alla suggested her aunt try it, she responded that she could not make her mind be quiet or make herself sit still for long enough. Alla guessed that’s what worry did to a person. 

Even so, there were tears in Aunt Cyra’s eyes. She knew how much the library meant to Dyrwen, and to her daughters, adopted and blood. She understood it was the bright spot in the village, and now it was gone. And so she cried. Alla liked that about her aunt - she cared about others so much. It was how Alla imagined her own mother was. Alla did not like to cry herself, even when she felt sad - but she thought they were pretty on other people. They made her aunt’s eyes shimmer, and sometimes they would roll down her face like beads. Alla imagined that something pure was caught inside. Emotion, she guessed. Pure emotion. Whether the tears were from joy or sadness. 

Aunt Cyra smoothed Alla’s hair out of her face and kissed her forehead. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s go tell your uncle that you’re back.” 

Alla nodded. “Okay.” she glanced behind her to make sure Dyrwen was following, and she smiled at Lucia. Lucia smiled back. 

Alla liked her cousins. Lucia liked to read, like Alla, but was more energetic. Alla thought it made her face shine a little.  And Horren always helped her. He liked to make jokes, and though they usually caught Alla off guard, she liked them. 

She liked Uncle Garrus too. But he had been friends with her father, and he reminded her of him...and that was what she didn’t like. 

They worked their ways through blackened walls and charred books. Dyrwen kept blinking, trying to hide his shining tears. Alla reached to grip his hand. They found Horren and Uncle Garrus in the small room at the back of the library, where Dyrwen slept and ate. 

Garrus raked a sooty hand through his thick brown curls, the soot giving the impression of tiny rivers of ink running through it. He looked right at Dyrwen. “This place is finished. I’m sorry, Dyrwen. You can stay with us until you get back on your feet again.” 

He clasped Dyrwen in a brief hug and Dyrwen smiled. Alla was surprised - the smile was  genuine, it didn’t seem to be masking emotion. “Thank you, Garrus.” 

Beside him, Horren started. “Dyrwen, was that a dragon? I’ve never seen a dragon before. Why would one come after your library?” His blond curls gave him a slightly impish look, but Alla didn’t find him to be mischievous or obnoxious. Just loud. His round face was similar to his sister’s, and unlike Alla’s thin one. 

Dyrwen shrugged. “I don’t know, kid.” 

“Come on,” Uncle Garrus urged. “Let’s all get home.” 

[numeneramalcoharly]

Part 0: A Boy and his Gallen

Malco ran down the creaky steps that led up to the bedrooms above. Now that he was allowed to leave the house, every day seemed to explode with color and excitement for the little 10 year old.  As he ran through the house he grabbed various items he had gathered throughout the last few months and spread them out on the dinning room table.  He had the cap the weaver, Hr. Heinrick, had made for him, the stones he and his friend Toth had gathered from the Angry last week, and the tiny machine he found in the plains while following the older kids as they hunted synth chips for the carpenter, Elsard, Dora’s father. He hadn’t known the kids that long, Only about 2-3 months, even now his best friend was still, the family’s brown long haired Gallen, Gidget. They had known each other for as long as Malco had been alive, apparently Gidget was 15 years older than Malco and getting on in life.  Gallens came in several colors, from white, to black, to brown, to even mixtures of the three. Each was essentially the same, but they offered some variety to the color of wool that could be used to make winter sweaters and long ponchos. These garments were the main export of Ellomyr, that, and the milk  which was sold by the dairymen.  Malco’s family primarily got paid off the milk and meat, for no one in his family learned to sow. His mother had been studying to become a weaver, but the classes were long so she was barely home before dark, and with his father being away for milk sales, Malco was basically home alone for most of the day.  He made a habit of walking out to the barn and greeting Gidget with the things he found with his new friends. He would work out how to arrange them upon the table and then bring them out to stables where she often slept. 25 was old for a Gallen so she rarely ever moved from the barn except to relieve herself. Her age made it hard for her to walk, just last summer Malco had to help his father install a ramp near the back of the barn just for her, since she couldn’t make it up the two steps that led into the front entrance.  As he gazed upon the items on the table he began to get excited. His little hands darted along the table as he organised the stones, arranging them by “coolness” and “rarity”. He had no Idea if the stories Toth told him about them were true, but Toth had such a way with words that he could probably convince a stump it was still a tree long enough to pick apples from it. He placed the machine in the basket near the table, he wanted to save that story for last. Then he piled to stones on top of the machine and put on his cap. He never left home without his cap, it was made with Gidget’s wool after all. To Malco, it felt like he always had his best friend right next to him as he walked through the town.  Before he left he grabbed one of the chairs Dora’s father made. He pulled it over to the pantry and piled some books on top of it. As he climbed the tower he had made he reached for the top shelf which held a small wooden box. It was slightly too tall for him though, and he couldn’t reach. Frustrated he pulled upon the nails in the box, it flew across the room and landed on the floor, spilling small circular cookies across the floor.  Malco hoped down and began to shove a handful of the cookies into the basket he had prepared, and then ate a few himself.  It’s not like he could put the broken ones back after all. He put the remaining cookies back into the box and placed it on the top of his tower. He pulled himself up and grabbed the box above his head. As he held it up, Malco pushed upon the nails this time and threw it back upon the shelf that he got it from. Then promptly slipped off the tower and slammed his elbow on the ground.  It hurt, but not to the extent that another cookie wouldn’t fix it. He was always lucky that way. Putting the books back on his father’s shelf, and pushing the chair back to the table, he picked up the basket and ran out the back door.  The basket was heavy, but Malco didn’t care, he was about to see his best friend after all. The back door to the barn was locked with an outer bar lock. The door was only there to keep out predators, since the only thing in the back of the barn was the birthing stables. This was where Gidget had decided to make her stay. The hay on the ground made it easy to sleep in, and a hole in the ceiling gave her a beam of sunlight to lie in for a few hours a day. Malco undid the bar and walked inside. Gidget was lying down in the sun, her legs tucked beneath her. She was breathing heavily, but the barn got really hot in the afternoon, and wouldn’t cool down until late at night. That combined with her thick wool probably made it feel like a sauna. “Hi Gidge! I brought you something special today!” He placed the basket on the ground with a thud. With that she began to look up. Gidget raised her head and shifted in the hay to get a better view of the young boy and his basket. Gidget began to sniff the air and then moved her head down towards the basket, nose moving quickly with excitement.  “THAT’S RIGHT!” He laughed “I brought you cookies!”  He took out one of the circular cookies from the basket and held it out before him. Gidget quickly grabbed the cookies and scarfed it down, Malco held out another.   “Now don’t go telling mom I brought you cookies again. We don’t want her hiding them from us.” Gidget quickly ate through the remaining cookies Malco had brought, leaving only the objects. He pet Gidget on the head and scratched her ears, she really seemed to like that, for her leg began to shake as he scratched her. After a few minutes he pulled back and began to take out the stones. “These are the stones I got from Toth, Gidget. Remember these? I got these awhile ago, but I recently went out to the Angry with Toth, Dora, and Darrion. See? Look at all these cool stones we found!” Gidget looked at the boy as he placed stones on the barn floor.  “This one is my favorite!” He pulled out a large, red and turquoise stone. As he lifted it he twisted it in the light and the turquoise part sparkled like tiny pools of water in a see of blood.  “Toth said it was once the heart of a great beast that died in the mountains near the glaciers and washed all the way down here! Darrion says he’s lying, but I believe him! Toth knows everything about everything!” Malco dropped the stone, a look of surprise flashed upon his face.  “OOOOOHH, I almost forgot. We saw a girl by the water today! She said her name was Nieten and that she lived with her father out in the woods! She was sooo strong! She could roll boulders that were thiiiiis big!” The young child held out his arms as far as they could go and then some. Taking a deep breath as he relaxed again. “She didn’t seem much older than me! I told he ALL about you. She told me about where to find the white stones like those two over there!” He pointed to a pair of pearly stones that were resting by the red one.   “I know! How about I take you to meet her! She said she would be near the river for the next two days! Come! I’ll give you another cookie if you come with me.” The boy took out half of a broken cookie he had been saving in his pocket and moved it just out of reach.  This made Gidget get up. Now she was motivated. As she slowly walked over to the cookie in Malco’s hand he slowly walked backwards and out the door, Gidget followed.  By the time they got to the Angry’s edge, Gidget was already breathing heavily, she wasn’t used to all the exorcise anymore. She sat down near the river and began to lick the water, taking huge gulps between gasps for air. As she drank, Malco went to search for Nieten, but she was nowhere to be seen. He traveled down to the edge of the forest and up towards the cliff with the pearly stones.  She was nowhere.  As he walked back to the spot he had left Gidget he saw her head was resting under the water. Panicked, he began to run. He dove into the Angry rather than running around the bend and swam the rest of the way. As he made it to the shore, he saw Gidget’s head was completely submerged.  He pulled as hard as he could, but Gallens were big creatures, and her head was to much to move for the tiny 10 year old. As he struggled, he reached out into the water with his mind, pulling on random objects to help him.  A long pole which had been buried in the mud came loose when he pulled on it. As it flew up from the river he began to move it onto the beach and then tried to use it as a lever to push Gidget’s head from the water. He heard a series of splashes come from down stream and felt something push from the other side.  As the head began to move he saw who it was, Nieten! She apparently had come back from wherever she had gone off too, and not just her, Darrion and Toth had been with her! Together, the four of them were able to pull Gidgets head from the Angry. The process took what seemed like forever. When Darrion leaned in to check if Gidget was still breathing, he leaned back and shook his head.  ”She’s dead, probably died of heat exhaustion.” Malco began to cry, he was about to turn around and run when Toth grabbed his arm. Toth pulled him in and hugged him tightly, telling him that it was going to be okay. If it wasn’t for Toth’s greater strength and size advantage, Malco probably would have been able to run away, but he couldn’t, all he could do was stand there and cry. When Malco’s father came back from his trip, his wife informed him on what had happened while he was gone. Malco’s father immediately began work on digging a grave for Gidget under a large tree on the property. It was a first for them, normally they harvested the meat and sold it to the other villages, but Gidget was a part of the family. Not some meat to be sold. Malco visited the tree nearly daily for 3 months, then weekly, then maybe once a month, then he stopped going all together. He was a part of Ellomyr now, he expanded his horizons beyond the family farm, to the pastoral hills around him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been nearly 20 years since the last time Malco visited the tree where Gidget had been buried. He placed a small bag of circular cookies he bought at the bakery on his way there next to a small wooden statue of a Gallen. He turned and walked down the road to his family’s ranch for the first time in months. He was going to take Hiero’s advice and rest before the Margr hordes arrived, only walking back to town to practice the spear with Hiero. and magnetic combat with Aethir.  He clutched the metal pole that floated at his side, near the end of it was a braided tassel of brown fur. He took that pole everywhere he went, he said it made him feel like his best friend was always by his side.