#maudra laesid

[fenth-eiria]

What if.... Virin married Isthma before retiring... (Au Scene rewrite from Chapter 6 of Bloom in the Canopies)

Isthma was occupied straightening Virin’s workspace when his ears picked up angry bickering. He poked his head out into the hall to see what it was about. He saw his partner and the future Drenchen Maudra in the middle of an heated argument, he let out a heavy sigh before yelling. “Virin! Laesid! Will you both please stop the senseless quarreling?” He amused, resulting in the important Drenchen to look at him with annoyed looks. He walked over and gently patted his spouse’s head. “There are better ways to settle this ~maybe~ Let her heal your best hunter, who actually can do his job and life correctly, and ~maybe~ Kick Orren, Gern, and Galia off the guild.” He added, stating the obvious, causing Virin to get a bit worked up.

“Like I said. Let me do my JOB!” They exclaimed, before the old Stonewood looked at him with a frown.

“Then why haven’t you yet?’ He asked, his head tilted in confusion. The Drenchen elder tried to say something, but no words could form and all that came out of their mouth was a noise.

“EHUHMMM…..” They realized that Isthma could be on to something. They added with hesitation. “I’ll consider it, after everything that has happened…It probably is my only option…Especially after how they treated you earlier this unum…” They flinched as they recalled what the three Drenchen trainees had said to him. They clenched both their fist and teeth before yelling on the top of their lungs. “ORREN, GERN, AND GALIA!! YOU ALL ARE OFF THE HUNTING GUILD!!” Before anyone could object, crying could be heard and Virin froze in realization as they remembered their little baby girl was taking a nap. “ Son of a snipp…Isthma, could you please go fetch Fuchsia? I must have accidentally startled her awake..” They requested, trying to pull themself together so they do not scare her when they receive her. The old farmer agreed as he turned around and entered the room that his daughter was in. Once he returned, little Fuchsia was squirming and crying in his arms which caused Virin to pity her. They simply smiled warmly as they scooped her into their arms and started to sing her a quiet lullaby while rocking her back to sleep.

Notes:

So I needed to state the obvious and what Virin should have done with Orren, Gern, and Galia, so I used Isthma for it.

Virin, Orren, Gern, and Galia belong to @sifanjewel

Isthma and Fuchsia belong to me

Laesid belongs to the Jim Henson Company

Again this is AN AU and IS NOT CANON to Bloom in the Canopies.

Edit: tagging @childlikegoblinqueen

[beasanfi1997]

Nina Sosanya, the voice actress of Maudra Laesid and the actress of the mother of Will Parry, made a prediction about Dafne Keen and Amandla Stenberg will play Star Wars Acolyte

[coyotl-io]

if any more of you BITCHES give up on drawing drenchen locs i’m draining you myself

[eanfee]

Dark Crystal Barbie AU Part 2!

First, let's understand the geopolitical issue of this universe:

Unlike the Thra we know, this is not a large Pangea. The world is divided between a larger continent composed of the lands of Spriton, Vapra and Sifa and smaller lands across the globe, which can be as large as the Stonewood Empire, as vast as the Dusan Archipelago or as small as the island inhabited by the Drenchens, the furthest from the continent, in a place that went ages without being explored due to the difficult navigation, which kept them isolated from everything.

During the First Age of Great Navigations, the Vapras attempted to cross the cape and reach the unexplored Lands, with a fleet of extremely advanced ships for the time, which carried dozens of explorers and the royal family: Queen Mayrin and her three daughters: Seladon, Katavra and Brea. Unfortunately, their ship sank and their middle daughter, Katavra, was lost at sea and presumed dead, which shook the entire world and kept any explorers away from the area for decades.

Now, the story:

However, Princess Katavra (who now remembered nothing about her past other than the nickname Tavra, as she became known), miraculously managed to survive and ended up on the beaches of Sog Island, home of the Drenchen, where she was found by Maudra Laesid and her family. Too young and not knowing who she was, little Vapra was pitied by Maudra and her husband, who decided to raise her as a legitimate daughter alongside their newborn twins: Naia and Gurjin.

Despite Maudra's support and the love of her brothers, Tavra grew up slightly ignored and rejected by the Drenchens, who found her appearance strange and feared what this strange creature from across the sea might bring. That is, until Tavra gained her wings. The incredible flying ability never seen before in Drenchen history made Sog's adopted daughter a valuable and respected member of her people, and the girl began to receive training from her father to be a warrior. Tavra and Gurjin eventually became leaders of their island's defense force, with Gurjin responsible for overseeing the land and waters and Tavra keeping watch from the trees and above the clouds with her majestic wings. Naia, Maudra Laesid's eldest biological daughter, was raised from birth to succeed her mother, which leaves her with a much more hectic and boring routine than her siblings, making her somewhat envious. However, all this is forgotten when Tavra plays pranks to distract her from her hard work. For being her only sister and for always protecting and comforting her, Tavra became extremely special to Naia, to the point that the youngest did not like strangers interacting with the oldest, for fear of being abandoned.

However, one day, the peace of the inhabitants of Sog is interrupted by the arrival of an expeditionary force from abroad: a fleet of ships led by the heir to the Sifa throne, Onica.

Everyone is frightened and fearful, and they vote that they must drive the outsiders away before they cause any harm. Tavra, as one of the warriors' cheves, should be responsible for getting rid of the invaders, but when she sees a young vapra among the crew, she becomes intoxicated by the possibility that there are more gelflings like her, who can answer the questions she has had all her life: Who was she? Where did she come from? Did she have family beyond the endless sea? What could possibly await her on this so-called "continent" on the other side of the world?

Despite Gurjin's apprehension, Naia's insistence, and the general resistance of her people, Maudra Laesid allows Tavra to sail with the outsiders in search of answers, knowing how important this is to her small, twinkling star. She also sends her two children along (knowing that they will protect each other) in search of what the New World can offer Sog.

During the long voyage, Tavra and Onica grow closer and closer, much to Naia's dismay, and Tavra learns a little about the general history of her people, the Vapras, from some of the crew members.

Upon arriving in Sifa territory, Onica rushes to introduce Tavra (who is now dazzled, like her siblings, by the technology and lifestyle of the continent) to her parents, King Cadia and Queen Ethri, in order to ask for their blessing to marry Tavra. This plan, however, fails completely when her parents introduce her to her fiancé, Prince Kylan, and her adoptive mother, Queen Mera of the Spritons.

Time to explain the villain's past:

(I believe everyone remembers Queen Ariana's goal in the Barbie movie: to marry her daughter to Prince Antonio in order to stage a coup d'état due to the king's resentment. Well, the same goal applies here.)

King Cadia of the Sifas was a new king, crowned while still young after the death of his parents, and still too immature to carry the crown, thought the Spritons, who did not like the new form of trade that had been implemented and was unfavorable to their interests.

Because of this, a group of Spriton rebels joined together with the aim of killing the king and carrying out a coup d'état. However, they were caught and punished severely, some with death, some with exile, as was the case with Mera's family.

Her parents lost all their titles and properties, leaving only a small piece of land for their subsistence, where her parents worked until they died of exhaustion. Revolted, Mera faked her own death and started life over as a maid in the Spriton palace, where she calmly became close to the royal family, especially the queen, who had great affection for her because of the sweet way she treated her little baby Kylan.

Mera, after months of trust, engineered an accident that led to the queen's death, and taking advantage of the king's fragility, who feared that his son would have to grow up without a mother, soon married and assumed the role of queen, poisoning the king not long after.

Afraid of raising suspicions if she murdered the crown prince, she raised him as her own, and after hearing about the birth of King Sifa's daughter, she began to devise her plan, training Kylan to be the perfect heir to marry him to Onica, and thus take possession of the Sifa throne and put an end to the royal family.

To overcome the disagreements that have grown between the kingdoms since the assassination attempt years ago, Cadia thinks it would be a great idea to arrange the marriage of Onica and Kylan, against the wishes of the princess, who is heartbroken when Tavra leaves her, devastated.

The bullying only gets worse and worse, with the sifas, vapras and spritons making fun of Tavra and her brothers because of their customs, the way they speak and behave, and in the case of Naia and Gurjin, their appearance. The king even suggests that they should sleep in the royal stables, alongside other animals, which Ethri vehemently rebukes, and sends them to the royal greenhouse, as they had requested. The brothers sleep together perched in the main tree, homesick, but Tavra cannot contain her thoughts about Onica and her lost family.

On the day of the engagement ball, Onica invites Tavra to attend, and sends her a Vapra assistant, Juni, who tries to guide her in the traditions and customs of the high court. Juni is part of a select group of young people who have moved from their homeland to Sifa territory to serve in the name of the Vapra crown, in order to foster peace between the kingdoms. Another example of these young people is her cousin, the pale sailor with freckles and reddish hair who is Onica's personal assistant.

Juni's behavior displeases the Drenchen twins, who say that Tavra should remain true to who she is and follow the traditions they have learned since childhood.

Tavra decides to strike a balance between the two, fully accepting that she is both Vapra and Drenchen, and attends the ball in the clothes that Juni, Naia and Gurjin have prepared for her. Gurjin wants to see his sister happy, even if she is far from him and with a Sifa. Naia also wants her sister happy, but is afraid of losing her.

Afraid that Tavra and Onica's proximity will disrupt her plans, Mera poisons part of the servants, including Juni, with a strong sleeping herb and blames the girl and her family, claiming that they brought a curse to the mainland, which causes them to be imprisoned. In prison, Queen Spriton tries to poison them too, and Gurjin ends up falling ill.

Onica agrees to marry Kylan if her father suspends the execution of his beloved and her brothers and only allows them to return to their island safely, which the king gladly does. However, Mera sabotages the trip and they all fall into the sea, with Naia struggling to hold her unconscious brother's body so that it does not get swept away by the current while crying out to Tavra, who is in shock.

At this point, she recalls parts of her old life, with memories of the shipwreck where someone calls her name: Katavra.

Before drowning, the siblings are saved by Freckles, who secretly heard Mera's plans and is terribly worried about his cousin. When shown a sample of the plant used to make the poison, Naia recognizes it from one of her mother's lessons on basic healing, and claims that the antidote is a flower that can be found in the palace greenhouse.

Arriving at the last minute to stop the wedding, everyone is shocked when they see Juni awake and right next to her cousin, Naia, Gurjin and Tavra, who expose Mera's plan. When confronted, she ends up exposing the truth about all her crimes, breaking the heart of Kylan who loved and respected his adoptive mother so much, but who joins Tavra at this moment to capture her.

At the end of her imprisonment, Tavra reasserts herself to Mera in retaliation for all the harm she has done to her, and proudly reveals that she is a Vapra-drenchen who may not have found her biological family, but has learned to recognize and appreciate her siblings and adoptive parents, and that she will love them no matter what. She now knows who she is, she is Katavra, and that is who she has always been.

Among the wedding guests was a longing queen, accompanied by her two daughters, who joyfully recognizes the name of her daughter who was lost so many years ago, recognizing Katavra as her own. In the midst of the party, with Tavra now a recognized princess, Cadia finally accepts the marriage of her and her daughter Onica.

Queen Mayrin finally found her beloved daughter again, Naia and Gurjin returned to Sog to tell the good news and every year they receive a visit from Tavra and Onica, who bring products from the Continent for exchange, Mera was arrested and deposed and Kylan assumed the throne, marrying some time later someone he truly loved, as he had always dreamed.

[skekheck]

By the way, if you wanted to know what/who represents what for the tarot card deck, here's a list:

The Fool - Jen

The Magician - Onica

The High Priestess - Aughra

The Empress - Kira (with Fizzgig)

The Emperor - skekSo the... Emperor

The Hierophant - skekZok the Ritual Master

The Lovers - Rian and Mira

The Chariot - Gurjin (with two Drenchen who I think are supposed to be Naia and Laesid?)

Strength - Fara

The Hermit - urSen the Monk

The Wheel of Fortune - urUtt the Weaver

Justice - urAc the Scribe

The Hanged Man - urVa the Archer

Death - Seladon

Temperance - urZah the Ritual Guardian

The Devil - Darkening (represented by an infected Arathim)

The Tower - the Castle of the Crystal

The Star - Deet

The Moon - the Three Sisters/Moons (with a Garthim)

The Sun - the Three Brothers/Suns (with the Sanctuary Tree)

Judgment - Fizzgig

The World - Song of Thra (which is represented by all the seven Gelfling clans with the aureyal symbol at the center. I believe they are shaped as part of the Tree of Life).

Minor Arcana

King of Shards - urGoh the Wanderer

Queen of Shards - Brea

Knight of Shards - Thurma (with Tumby)

Page of Shards - Kensho (with Bohrtog)

Ace of Shards - the Crystal of Truth

King of Vials - Landstrider

Queen of Vials - Naia (with Neech)

Knight of Vials - Rek'yr (with Bennu)

Page of Vials - Lore

Ace of Vials - Vial of Essence

King of Stones - skekSil the Chamberlain

Queen of Stones - All-Maudra Mayrin

Knight of Stones - Ordon

Page of Stones - Tavra

Ace of Stones - Standing Stone (I think?)

King of Gems - skekShod the Treasurer

Queen of Gems - Ydra

Knight of Gems - Hup

Page of Gems - Kylan

Ace of Gems - Center of the Conjunction Staff (not sure if they have an official name)

[talkin-tdc]

TDC Halloween AU

Ordon is the type of dad to strictly give out one piece per childling you can’t convince me otherwise

Laesid and Bellanji like to just leave the bowl out (Naia always steals it early into the night before anyone else can get it.)

Mayrin will just make the butler do it, or Seladon if she doesn’t make her take her sisters.

Skeksis usually can’t be bothered to give out candy, but when they do, they make the poddling do it and usually SkekAyuk likes to put in gross ingredients (make some candy spicey or cause burping, that sorta thing.)

Rian likes to gather all the kids who are either his friends or like to get a lot of candy and delegate them to maximize profits and all get the most candy for all of them. The older kids like Tolyn and Gurjin are sent to take them trick or treating to keep them in line, Tolyn does but Gurjin turns his eyes away or joins in.

Kylan has to remind everyone to play civil and most of the night breaks up other childling arguing over trading. He does it so much that often Tolyn has to ask for candy for his brother since Kylan is always too busy with making sure no one fights to get candy.

Juni’s house is the most popular on the block as they not only put up spooky decorations but give out full sized candy bars.

Brea likes to look up facts about the candy companies or candy in general and tell everyone as they’re getting it.

Tavra dislikes candy, but goes out to spend time with her sisters, always giving up her candy to Seladon who she knows loves candy even though she denies it.

The librarian tells stories to childling who come up to his door, often his house getting avoided as while they are spooky, they take up a lot of time.

Cadia lives across the street and does the same thing. Who’s ever trick or treaters leaves the door last wins. They try to one up each other, both having the best candy in the neighborhood and trying to get Rian to come to their door as he’s the town’s poster childling tricker treater. He never goes to either though since Ordon tells him not to and it’d be a time waster.

Deet reminds everyone not to give candy to any animals. Also brings treats of her own in case kids can’t eat candy they’re given due to health issues.

Deet’s dads don’t like giving out candy since it can exclude kids so they give out stuffed animals instead.

Rek’yr throws a party for all the adults at night. Most go to discuss the night’s events, kid’s costumes, decorations, though Mayrin and Ordon skip out to spend time with family while the rest of the adults go.

Maudra Argot is said to be a “wild child” at said parties.

Maudra Mera bakes cookies from scratch for trick or treaters.

SkekMal will take one childling per Halloween and childling are told not to go near the forest. It’s why big kids are forced to watch after the younger ones (even though some would rather be studying or going to the big party on the block).

That’s it! Give me some recs for anyone I missed ^^

[mrsarnasdelicious]

Restful Respite - dark crystal polyship fic

We’re not getting a Season 2, so I’ll make it up myself.

This is unbeta'd and I commit my wordcrimes without apologies.

Ch 1: The Council Ch 2: Puncture Wounds Ch 3: Expeditions

Ch 4: The Stripping of Ha’rar

Gurjin returns the following afternoon. Rian runs to him. “That is about time!” He throws his arms around Gurjin’s neck. “I have missed you too.” Gurjin wraps one arm around the Stonewood’s waist. Rian noses the underside of the Drenchen’s jaw. Gurjin laughs heartily and spins Rian around. “You are not leaving my side again, you hear.” Rian says. Gurjin chuckles and his ears perk up. “I hear you, my love.” He says, nuzzling Rian’s fragrant hair. More gelfling approach to welcome Gurjin home. “Where are the warriors?” Naia asks. “On their way here from Sami Thickett. I traveled ahead.” Gurjin gently puts Rian down and turns to his sister. “How is mother?” Naia hugs her brother, sounding more gentle. “Tough as nails, just like you know her.” Gurjin happily hugs his twin back. “And pa?” Naia steps back, but her hands she keeps on Gurjin’s shoulders. Gurjin snorts and shakes his head. “He got gored by a Nebri Bull again. Ma’s got him on bedrest.” He replies. Naia shakes her head as well.

Other gelfling greet Gurjin and hug him.

“Oh yeah. I got a few things I needed to give to you.” Gurjin reaches into the bag at his hip. “Rian, ma says this whintleroot helps against the nightmares. Eat a little before bed, she says.” He hands Rian the first of two stachells. “Thank you.” Rian mutters. “You know mother cares for you.” Gurjin says. The second satchell he gives to Naia. “Mother embowed these stones with her Vilyaya. Give them to Elder Cadia in his tea. You do need to support it with your own Vilyaya, but it will restore his mind.” He says. “Elder Cadia is still here?” Rian asks. He has been far too busy with the council to pay much mind to who exactly lives in Stone-in-the-Wood outside his close personal circle. “Maudra Ethri says he has to stay on land until his mind is whole again.” Onica informs him. “We had best get to it quickly.” Naia tells the Sifan gelf. She takes Onica by the arm and draws her along. “And this is for you.” Gurjin hands Brea a letter. “The Drenchen wrote me a letter?” Brea whispers, beyond impressed. Gurjin begins to laugh. “No, I was handed this letter by Maudra Mera. She says a friend of yours asked her to write it to you.” He replies. Brea plucks the letter from Gurjin’s fingers. She examines the wax seal, now recognizing the symbol of the Spriton Maudra. She breaks the seal and begins to read.

Dearest Princess Brea,

We are joyous to share the fact of our betrothal with you and yours. We are to be wed in Sami Thickett after the pass of two unum. We would like to invite you and one other guest of your choice.

Best Regards And hoping you are well,

Juni and Denys Brea squeals and promptly throws her arms around Gurjin’s neck. Gurjin wraps one arm around her waist to keep her steady. “What was in that letter?” Rian asks. “Juni is marrying her Spriton boy.” Brea answers with a wide smile on her face. She lets Gurjin go and he her. “They will wed in two unum and I am invited.” She cheers happily. “That is wonderful.” Gurjin says.

Naia and Onica find Elder Cadia. He is in the Librarian’s cottage. To both the gelf’s surprise, Maurix is there as well. Cadia is asking a lot of very simple questions. The Librarian seems to be on the verge of tears. Maurix gives both women a frown. “What do you want?” He asks sharply. “Gurjin brought something for Elder Cadia.” Says Naia. “Another useless potion.” The Librarian snaps. “My mother’s Vilyaya.” Naia bites back. “Sit down dear.” Says the Librarian. He pushes Cadia down in a chair. “Paladin, we need hot water for tea.” Onica says. Maurix nods and retrieves a cup and the kettle from the stove. Naia tosses the stones, which are glowing with Laesid’s Vilyaya into the cup and pours the hot water on them. Onica grabs some tea leafs from a satchel on her belt and throws them in the cup. “Don’t burn yourself pa.” Maurix says. Elder Cadia blows on his tea. Naia walks aroun Cadia and places her hands on his head. Green Vilyaya pours from her fingers into his red curls.

It is not a visible change, but one they can feel. Cadia takes a deep breath in. “I would prefer it is we don’t talk about this ever again.” He says. “With all due respect, but you brought it upon yourself. Poisoning a Princess, what were you thinking!.” The Librarian all but yells at the Sifan Elder. “I wished only to protect her from her path.” Cadia weakly protests. Onica slaps him across the face with a flat hand. “Brea’s path leads us into danger, but also into liberty.” She snaps at him. “You are lucky she swapped your cups. You could have been locked up for life, had she lost her wits.” Maurix points out. Cadia’s ears droop. The Paladin turns to Onica. “And you were just a complicid, you put the root in her tea, did you not?” He says sharply. “How do you know?” Onica narrows her eyes. “Because I know my pa, if he can commandeer someone else to do it for him, he will.” Maurix says. “No I d-” Cadia begins to protest. “Yes you do!” The Librarian cuts him off. Maurix rolls his eyes. “Pa, Father, I have to go. I have patrol.” He says. “You go do your duty, my boy.” The Librarian gives the Paladin a small smile. Maurix leaves the cottage, seemingly in a bit of a hurry. “I did not know you had a son, Elder Cadia.” Onica says, a small smirk on her lips. “Cadia wasn’t very involved in raising boy.” The Librarian says in a snide tone. “Come on, that is our queue to leave.” Naia catches Onica with the arm and pulls her out of the cottage.

“So, what did I miss?” Gurjin asks. “The Paladin’s scouted out Ha’rar.” Rian sits down on the Stone Throne. Gurjin takes his place on his right. They are the only ones in the council chamber. “What did they find?” Gurjin asks. “Nothing, Ha’rar was as they left it.” Rian replies. “All neat and deserted huh?” Gurjin snortles. “Yep, all ready for the stripping.” Rian nods. “The Drenchen are eager to help.” Gurjin puts his hands over Rian’s own. “How was the Great Smerth?” Rian asks. “Every able bodied gelfling of age gelfling age is being trained to fight. If there will be war, the Drenchen will be ready to defend Thra.” Gurjin says. “That is good to hear. What of Sami Thickett?” Rian scribbles down a little note on what Gurjin tells him. “They are sowing more crops, to supply the warriors with. Those of fighting age are trained to be able to defend the lands when time comes. The Vapran warriors are selecting the strongest of the fighting aged to become defenders of the people.” Gurjin replies. “Very good, any news from the Dousan or the Sifan, that you know of?” Rian asks gently. “Maudra Mera says Maudra Seethi has offered the Wellsprings as a safe haven for the young and the infirm.” Gurjin answers. “That is wonderful!” Rian exclaims.

Rek’yr finds Brea sitting by the fountain, the letter clutched to her chest. “Is there something the matter, sweet princess?” He sits down beside her. Brea turns her eyes to him and send him a radiant smile. “Well won’t you look at that, good news, I presume?” The Sandmaster cooes. “It is a letter from Juni, whom I met in the Order of Lesser Service. She writes me she is getting wed soon.” Brea says. Rek’yr smiles indulgently at the Vapran Princess. “That is wonderful, when is the happy couple planning on getting married?” He asks. “Two unum from now. And we are invited!” Brea says, smiling from ear to ear. “What us are you referring to?” Rek’yr asks, one ear held playfully lopsided. Brea giggles, recognising the Sandmaster’s flirtation. She gently pinches his ear between his thumb and forefinger. Rek’yr chuckles softly in response. “Us, you and I. Juni invited me and wrote I am allowed to bring one extra guest of my own choice.” Brea says in reply to his question. Rek’yr makes a small humming noise in understanding. “I am honoured to have been chosen.” He says gently. “I wouldn’t pick anyone else.” Brea says softly. She scoots a little closer to the Dousan and leans into his side. Rek’yr nuzzles his chin into her hair. He breathes in her scent and smiles peacefully.

Late the following afternoon the Drenchen and three score of Spirton arrive at Stone-in-the-Wood. Rian greets them personally and leads them to the clearing. There Gurjin and Kylan are overseeing the preparations of a grand feast. The last before the expedition to Ha’rar. Several Drenchen go over to Gurjin and Naia and greet them as though they haven’t seen the twins in many thrine. Some of the Spriton go to Kylan, greeting them in a more polite and calm way.

“Looky here, a Prince feeding his people.” A Drenchen warrior, standing about as high as Gurjin, greets his fellow clansman. Gurjin turns to him, a wide smirk showing of his serrated tusks and fangs. “Djesid, you sly snake.” He laughs heartily. They clasp each other by the elbow and wallop their heads together. Then they erupt in loud laughter. The two evidently are familiar with one another. “I didn’t know you were among the ranks, I am glad you joined.” Gurjin says. “Can’t exactly stay in the Smerth forever. I sure as sog got tired of body guarding your sisters.” The other Drenchen gelling says. That makes Gurjin laugh again. “They can be pains in the arse, I’ll admit, but they are still my sisters, show some respect.” He says, good natured. “With all due and such, but I am doing your job for you. Had you not gone to that castle, you would have been chasing those two gelfs around the Smerth.” Djesid says teasingly. “I know I do it better, no need to whine about it.” Gurjin gives him a slap on the back. The two gellings laugh together.

Soon enough the feast is ready and every resident of Stone-in-the-Wood sits down. Seladon formally welcomes the Drenchen and the Spriton and opens the feet with a short but old song.

The Drenchen mingle well and the mood is higher than it has been in a fortnight. Kylan plays jolly tunes on his firca and the Drenchen bring out several lutes and drums. They sing bawdy songs that make most Vapran fluster, darkening even their cheeks. And once most of the food has been eaten, they hop up on the tables and start dancing a very upbeat and quick dance. Soon enough, Naia and Gurjin are on the table as well, dancing and singing with those who are doubtlessly their childhood friends. Kylan and Rian seem unphased by the whole dancing on the table thing, but they are the only non Drenchens to react in this way. Brea and the Grottan’s enjoy the spectacle. But the Vapran and Rek’yr seem rather scanadlized. The Stonewoods and the Spriton laugh and share in the bawdiness, albeit a bit less overt.

Rian steals Gurjin away to his cottage as early as he dares, which is a good while past midnight. But he just can’t keep himself away from the Drenchen Prince anymore. He’s been pawing at Gurjin’s crotch for ten minutes before being swept up. Gurjin carries Rian off to the cottage, while the Stonewood noses the underside of his jaw.

It is of course an understatement to say Gurjin tears Rian’s clothes off. “I am going to eat you whole.” The Drenchen dumps the very naked Stonewood on the bed. He then undresses himself. Rian jumps up from the bed, only to kneel down before Gurjin. “Have you missed me that much?” Gurjin purrs. Rather than answering, Rian works Gurjin into his mouth.

The following morning, a big procession is gathered to go to Ha’rar.

All other gelfling are gathered to see them off. Rian and Seladon stand by the landstrider drawn carriage, which if for Brea and Rek’yr. “You had best take good care of her, Sandmaster. I will personally have your cock-n-bollocks, on a spike.” Rian says to the Dousan. “Naturally, Young Lord. If I cannot safeguard the princess, I might as well surrender myself to Thra now.” Rek’yr replies. “Don’t be so silly, it is not like there is anything amiss in Ha’rar.” Brea tells both gelling. “But what if the Skeksis plan to ambush them?” Seladon says. She is clutching at Maurix’ arm so hard her knuckles are starting to get white. “That is why the Drenchen I asked Gurjin to gather are all warriors. And the Spriton who came from Sami Thickett are also very skilled in battle.” Rian says gently to Seladon. “Your sister is in very good hands, my lady. You must have some faith in her.” Maurix tells Seladon. But her ears are pressed closely against her skull and she is not letting up. Brea embraces her older sister firmly. “We will be back as soon as we can.” She says softly.

Gurjin is speaking to the Drenchen. “Listen here y’all.” His voice is loud and full of the authority his parents have brought him up with. “You will do as the farmers and the Spritons tell ya. This ain’t about pride, this is about getting that harvest done nice, quick and efficient, ye hear?” He says. “Aye sir!” The Drenchen chorus. “Good, now get a move on.” Naia, who is standing beside her twin, of course has to have the word. “Aye ma’am!” The Drenchen chorus. Gurjin watches the Drenchen head down the path that will leave them to Ha’rar, come are pulling carts and others are brandishing spears. He grabs Djesid by the shoulder. “I have a special assignment for you, my friend.” He says. “Lay it on me.” Djesid replies. “You guard the Princess and the Sandmaster, they will be far too occupied with each other.” Gurjin instructs the other Drenchen. “Beg pardon, room for one more on that mission.” A small Spriton gelf jumps out of the nearest tree. Both Gurjin and Djesid startle a little. “And who might you be?” Naia asks. She turns her ears a bit towards the Spriton. “I’m Eeryn. I won’t get in the way.” The Spriton gelf gives a mocking little bow. The three Drenchen give her a curious look. “If you don’t mind, I won’t either.” Gurjin shrugs. Djesid gives the Spriton an up and down. “Sure, just don’t get in my way.” He says. “I told you I wouldn’t.” Eeryn hops back into the tree. “Two guards for the Princess and her Swashbuckler.” Gurjin says. “All set!” He calls out to Rian. The Stonewood gives a minute nod, more to himself than to Gurjin, really.

“Alright, save travels!” Rian calls out. Brea and Rek’yr sit down in the carriage. The coachman, a middleaged Stonewood, spurs on the landstriders and off they are. The Drenchen, Spriton and the farmers follow behind. They are starting their journey to Ha’rar.

Brea is leaned out of the carriage window to save at Seladon, Rian, Kylan and the twins. She waves at them until they are out of sight. Then she sits back down and leans into the cushions. “I hope Seladon won’t be angry with Rian for long.” She says. “She is worried for you, Princess and with right, Thra is no longer the safe place you knew it to be.” Rek’yr leans over to take her hands between his. Brea feels her ears heat up a bit. She sends Rek’yr a coy little smile. Rek’yr smiles warmly back at her. “I understand, but, I have you, right? You will protect me!” Brea says. Rek’yr laughs gently in response. “Of course, I will always protect you.” He cooes. Brea beams at him. She gives him an absolutely enamoured look.

Lore lumbers after the carriage. The Spriton and the Vapran stay well away from him, but the Drenchen seem not to mind the stone guardian.

The journey by foot takes much longer than by landstrider. The colum, halfway through the five day journey, visits a small Stonewood village. Brea is glad to be able to stretch her legs. The Stonewoods prove very hospitable. The Spritons mingle almost seamlessly with the villagers. Hey aid in prepping the feast and setting up the tents for the Drenchen and the farmers. At night the Stonewoods join the Drenchen warriors, the Vapran farmers and the Spriton at the bonfire. There sits Rek’yr, telling Dousan myths.

Brea notices that the Sandmaster doesn’t only talk with his tongue and lips. The Dousan gelling talks also with his hands. It is incredible to behold. Every gesture is a word and emphasises it. Rek’yr’s audience is absolutely captivated by the way he tells his tales. Brea most of all.She couldn’t be more enamoured with the Dousan, even if she tried. Rek’yr ceases his telling, giving the spotlight to a sturdy Drenchen gelf. She begins to tell a song about the Great Smerth. The crowd listens just as eagerly to her. But Brea’s attention waves. She leans against Rek’yr and heaves a small sigh. Rek’yr wraps one arm around her shoulder. He presses a kiss to her forehead.

The Princess and the Sandmaster have gotten to know each other over the past two days. Being confined to a carriage together sure caused them to talk about their respective journeys in life. Brea cannot deny that she is in love with Rek’yr. She is well aware that Rek’yr is a few Thrine older than her, but the difference is not too big. The Dousan is not as old as he makes it seem. He is, in fact, exactly what Brea is looking for. A gelling full of adventure, romance and knowledge of Thra. And the sentiment is mutual. It is obvious to see. It is in the way Rek’yr looks at Brea. It is in the tone of voice he employs while talking to her. He brushes a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear and smiles warmly. There is a fluster on Brea’s ears.

Rek’yr accompanies Brea to the small cottage she is staying at for the night. By the doorstep he stops. “I bid thee a good night, my Princess.” He says softly. He bends to kiss her knuckles. Brea smiles down on him softly. “And I you, Rek’yr.” She cooes. She wishes he would act less the gentleman and would come with her inside, but her princessly upbringing prevents her from inviting him in. They haven’t yet danced, it would not be right! Brea stands on the doorstep of her cottage until Rek’yr is out of sight. He has gone into one of the tents, where the Drenchen warriors sleep. She heaves a deep sigh and closes the door. Oh how dearly she wishes she could open it back up and holler for Rek’yr to return to her. She doesn’t feel like being alone.

In a large tree, growing right beside the cottage, sits a small Spriton woman. She is fiddling with an end of reed. It slips from her fingers. And it plonks right on top a Drenchen’s head. Djesid looks up. “What are you doing up there?” He grunts. “Making sure the Princess is well protected. Or didn’t you see the Sandmaster leave?” Eeryn sneers. Djesid rolls his eyes. “That is why I am here.” He says. “You have a long march ahead of you yet, shouldn’t you sleep?” Eeryn jumps from the tree to retrieve her reed pipe. Djesid holds the pipe out of her reach. “This type of reed grows in Sog. What are you doing with it?” He asks. “It is a blow pipe, numbnuts.” Eeryn climbs, swift and agile as can be, back into the tree and fishes her pipe from Djesid’s fingers. “Go to bed, Drenchen.” She tells him. “The Princess is perfectly safe.” She leans against the tree’s trunk. “You need to march tomorrow too.” Djesid protests. Eeryn shakes her head, but makes no reply.

The following morning Rek’yr walks past the tree to Brea’s cozy little cottage. He does not notice the Spriton gelf on the thick branch. Eeryn has stayed awake all this time. The Dousan raps his knuckles on the door. “Princess, it is time to break our fast.” He calls out. “I’m coming!” Brea calls out. She can be heard hurrying to the door. The door opens and reveals Brea, with her dress on backwards, struggling to put on her boots. Rek’yr chuckles softly and shakes his head. “I will wait, now dress properly.” He cooes to her. Brea sheepishly closes the door again. Only to erupt two minutes later, with her dress on the right way and her boots laced up. “My humblest apologies, my Princess. I did not mean to embarrass you.” Rek’yr says. He offers Brea his arm. Brea takes it with a happy lil smile. “It is quite alright.” She says.

Soon enough the colum is on its way to Ha’rar again. And no one seems to notice the Spriton napping on the back of the carriage.

Upon arriving in Ha’rar, the Drenchen set to exploring the city. They enter every house and take everything of value and anything edible that isn’t yet spoiled.

Rek’yr helps Brea out of the carriage. “Where to, Princess?” He asks. “The Citadel first, I am aching for a bath, even if I will have to draw the water myself.” Brea replies. Rek’yr chuckles softly. “Now now Princess, I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” He cooes at her. “I can draw water on my own just fine. I do it in Stone-in-the-Wood all the time.” Brea pouts at the Sandmaster. They calmly make their way to the Citadel. “It is exactly as we left it..” Brea mutters. “It looks magnificent.” Rek’yr says. “Would you like to see my chambers?” Brea asks. “Of course.” Rek’yr nods. “I hope you will like them. They are likely very different from what you are used to.” Brea says. “I am sure they are, I am used to a tent.” Rek’yr replies. Brea opens the doors to the citadel. And everything is indeed as they left it. “No one here…” Brea sighs. “Of course not, the Vapran are all in Stone-in-the-Wood or in Sami Thickett.” Rek’yr says. “Yeah, I know, but I am so used to see these halls brimming with servants and paladin. And now it is just you and I.” Brea’s ears droop. “Just and I.” Rek’yr agrees, caressing her cheek with his knuckles.

The two barely notice a Drenchen following diligently in their shadow, like he was ordered to. Brea takes her bath. Of course she didn’t have to draw her own water. Rek’yr, who had eventually spotted Djesid, send the Drenchen to do that for her. Both Sandmaster and Warrior stand outside her chambers. They can hear Brea talk to herself, but cannot make out what she is saying. Which is maybe for the better, because she is monologuing to herself, about Rek’yr. She washes the grime from the road from her body and rinses it out of her hair. She goes on and on to herself on how amazing she finds Rek’yr. She is in a gale of giggles by the time she reaches for her fluffy towel. She dries off and puts on one of her numerous clean dresses. And of course she puts the bone necklace back on.

Once she erupts from her chambers, Rek’yr looks upon her as though she is the most beautiful creature in all of Thra. “That is a lovely dress, my Princess.” He cooes. “Yeah, matches the necklace.” Djesid snortles. “Thank you, Rek’yr gave it to me, for protection.” Brea doesn’t let the Drenchen get to her. “Bones don’t protect in times like this, Princess, he had best do it himself.” Djesid says, in a slightly derisive tone. Brea ignores Djesid’s comment and takes Rek’yr by the arm. She leads him to the throneroom. A few Drenchen, a Vapran Paladin and a Spriton are awaiting her orders there. Djesid follows after in a leisurely fashion. Brea claps in her hands to call for attention. The gelfling in the throne room come to her. “Paladin, can you tell the Farmers they can find themselves a good place to sleep in the servants chambers.” She says gently to the Paladin. “Of course Princess.” The Paladin bows and hurries off. “You, sir, can invite the Spriton to stay in the Paladin’s barracks.” Brea tells the Spriton gelling. “Naturally ma’am.” The Spriton quickly makes off. “And what of the Drenchen?” Djesid asks. The other Drenchen warriors come over as well. “There is room enough in the barracks for you too.” Brea replies.

“And what of me, Princess?” Rek’yr asks with a wicked little smile. Brea catches on to it, but she elects to not acknowledge it. “You can have my sister Tavra’s chambers. Come, I will show you there.” She cooes coyly. “As you wish, my dearest.” Rek’yr purrs. Brea gently tugs the Dousan along to what were once Tavra’s chambers. But when she opens the doors, she feels choked off. Her grip on the doorknob is so hard her knuckles turn white. Rek’yr puts his hand over hers. “Brea, my love? What is the matter?” He asks softly. Suddenly, Brea begins to sob. “Tavra is dead! She is dead and she will come back.” Brea weeps. Rek’yr gently peels her hand from the doorknob and pulls her close. Brea leans into his embrace. “Thra will rest her soul, she will add her memories and her voice to the song. She will live on in it and in your heart.” Rek’yr cooes. Brea continues to weep, quiets down a little bit. Rek’yr continues to hold her. “How about we sit down for a moment.” The Sandmaster cooes. He opens the door of Tavra’s chambers and gently guides her to the sofa. They sit down, but Rek’yr continues to hold her. He starts to softly sing. It is a Dousan lullaby, speaking of the love of Thra and the memories of loved one’s long past. It is very comforting to Brea.

After a good while Rek’yr and Brea erupt from Tavra’s chambers. Brea’s calmed down and has washed her face. “Everything alright?” Djesid asked. The Drenchen stands just outside the doors. “I’m fine, don’t worry.” Brea gives him a watery smile. Then her stomach growls. “But I am hungry.” She mutters. Both Djesid and Rek’yr laugh. “Come, we will get dinner started.” Rek’yr says. The Sandmaster seeks out the Spriton and summons them to the throne room. There Brea is waiting to show them to the kitchens. The Spriton are more than happy to start cooking. They get their hands on anything the kitchen has to offer, throwing away everything that has perished already while they are at it. In mere minutes, the kitchen is filled with laughter and song.

Soon enough everyone has a seat in the grand ballroom, at tables and on chairs dragged from every corner of the citadel. Brea can’t help but wonder if her mother would have approved. But seeing how Ha’rar is to be abandoned anyway, she tries not to let the slight disarray it causes bother her. She sits beside Rek’yr at the head of the largest table and silently eats the wonderful meal the Spritons have whipped up. Rek’yr is deep in discussion with two Drenchen women. They are speaking about healing herbs and the Dousan is eager to learn from them. Brea listens in with half an ear. But she also picks up on the farmers discussing what they should pick up from their homes to bring back to Stone-in-the-Wood or to their wives and children at Sami Thickett. And she overhears the Spritons discussing what crops they think the Vapran grow and which to harvest first. Most of the Drenchen warriors are exchanging bawdy jokes.

After dinner, the Spriton wash up the dishes and everyone retires to their beds.

Brea lingers on the doorstep of her chambers. Rek’yr turns to her at the door to Tavra’s room. He sees the way she dilly dallies. “Princess, is there something I can do?” He asks. He comes over to her. Gently he strokes her cheek. Brea closes her eyes and leans into his ministration. Rek’yr leans over and presses his lips to her forehead. “It is just so strange to be back in the citadel.” Brea mutters. “I thought that if I returned, it would be with my friends, to … to be at peace.” She says softly. “And now you are here, without them, to prepare for a war.” Rek’yr answers. He calmly pets Brea’s hair. “Y-yes.” Brea admits. “I am so sorry, dearest, that it is not what you had in mind.” Rek’yr cooes. “If you need me, I am across the hall.” He says. Brea nods. She stands on her toes and presses a kiss to his cheek. “Good night, my sandmaster.” She says softly. “Best of dreams, my Princess.” Rek’yr replies, his voice a warm rumble.

Brea retires to her chambers as soon as Rek’yr has closed the door of Tavra’s rooms behind himself. She heaves a deep sigh. “I probably won’t sleep a wink.” She mutters. She sigs through her wardrobe to pull out a nightshift and changes into it. She crawls between the cold and slightly dusty sheets. And she nods off in a matter of minutes.

The following morning, Rek’yr wakes Brea up with a rap of his knuckles on her door. Brea vaults out of bed and rushes to the door. “Yes?” She yanks it open. Rek’yr chuckles huskily at her. “That is a lovely night dress, Princess.” He purrs. His voice is a deeper purr, even sexier than usual. The Dousan’s morning voice makes Brea weak in the knees. All she can do is give a little yelp and shove the door shut again. “I’ll wait without, take your time getting dressed.” Rek’yr says. Brea sits down at the floor, leaned against the door. The fact that Rek’yr just saw her in her nightgown strikes her. He saw her nipples strain against the sheer white fabric, prickled by the cold morning air. He saw what her nightgown could not hide. And that was very impropper. “Brea, are you alright?” Rek’yr calls out to her. “Y-yes.” Brea replies. She gets up, determined to not let this get the better of her. She pulls a brand new dress from her wardrobe. A dress Tavra had gotten for her only days before the last tithing. She puts it on and sits down at her vanity table. She makes sure her hair looks regal enough and then heads back to the door.

Rek’yr is waiting for her. “I am sorry for my indecency.” Brea says. She employs the tone proper for a Princess caught sneaking tarts from the kitchen. It is all she knows to do in order to preserve her dignity in the eyes of her Sandmaster. “I barely noticed it.” Rek’yr says. Brea presses her ears against her skull. She suspects her suitor of a lie. “By the way your pace hurried to the door, I figured you were not yet dresses. I was careful to only look upon your face.” Rek’yr seems to guess her thoughts. Brea’s ears perk up a little again. Rek’yr chuckles gently and offers her his arm. “Come now, do not tell me you think I would lie to you.” Rek’yr cooes while Brea takes his arm. Brea’s ears droop a little. “I don’t think you lie… I just..” She bites her lip, not sure how to word it. Rek’yr patiently waits for her to find the right words. “I don’t want you to think of me as indecent or lewd.” Brea mutters. “I would never.” Rek’yr cooes gently at her.

After everyone has broken their fast, the farmers and the Drenchen head out to the farmlands around Ha’rar. The Spritons head out as well, but they don’t adhere to the same teams as the farmers and the warriors. They will help wherever they find they are needed. The farmer’s instruct the Drenchen on how to harvest the crop. The swamp dwellers pay close attention, to the mountain gelfling’s surprise. They careful copy the farmerś way of pulling roots from the ground, cutting vegetables from their stem, collecting grain and wheat and cutting the edible flowers the right way. Despite the Drenchen’s build for combat, they turn out to be very dextrous and careful where needed. And they heed advice very well.

Brea heads to the library. Rek’yr is at her arm and Djesid and Eeryn follow a few leaps behind. Eeryn more unseen than Djesid. Drenchen and Spriton keep watch outside the library. Rek’yr finds himself a seat. Brea leans over to press a kiss to his cheek and then dashes off. She talks busily to herself and dashes from side to side. She seems very happy to be reunited with the books, which amuses Rek’yr. Brea pulls a small piece of parchment from a satchell on her belt. On this parchment she has written down all the books she is sure she needs to take back to Stone-in-the-Wood. And of course nothing is where she thought she remembered it to be. In no time she is running to a fro, while Rek’yr watches her go about her search. The first book she finds is the big triangular tone on the Skeksis. She retrieves it to the Dousan. “What have we here?” He asks her. “The most important book in the whole library.” Brea hands him the black bound book. Rek’yr gently strokes the leather cover, exploring every detail of it with the tips of his fingers. Brea looks on, mildly fascinated by how gentle Rek’yr is with the book. She feels her heart swell. Rek’yr opens the book. Brea looks upon him, how handsome his face is in his concentration. She heaves a soft dreamy sigh. Rek’yr looks up from the book and sends her a gentle smile. Brea can’t help a giggle and whirls around. She walks off to find the next book. Rek’yr’s focus shifts back to the book.

Brea flutters back and forth. Books keep piling up around Rek’yr. “We can’t take all of them, love.” Rek’yr says. “I know, I know.” Brea brushes him off and retrieves four more books. Rek’yr leans back in his seat and looks at her. “Can you please come here and sort out which one’s to take, before you decide all of them ought to come to Stone-in-the-Wood.” He says. Brea comes over to him. Gently Rek’yr pulls her into his lap. He lifts a hand to stroke her face. But before he can, Brea laces her fingers with his. “I am only selecting what books we can really use and I am already halfway.” She says. “Very well, it is as you say.” Rek’yr brings their intertwined hands to his lips and kisses her knuckles. Brea giggles softly. She gets up from Rek’yr’s lap and stretched her wings. She flutters back to to the higher shelves of the library and resumes her task. She starts singing a song she remembers her mother singing when she was a childling. Rek’yr closes his eyes and listens to her singing. It makes him feel comfortable and at peace.

It is well in the afternoon when Brea judges she has parted the useful book from the useless.

“You ought to eat something.” Rek’yr says. Brea sits down upon a second chair, which stands along Rek’yr’s in between the piles of books. “Oh I would love to, I feel like I am starving.” She says. “Shall I retrieve you anything?” Rek’yr rises. “Oh please.” Brea replies. Rek’yr bends towards her and presses a kiss onto her forehead, before he leaves the library.

He is swift to return. He brings a large jug of fruit juice and steaming hot buns. Brea is patiently waiting for him. In her lap she has a small book. Rek’yr sit down beside her. He pours her a glass of juice. “Here, stay hydrated.” He says. Brea looks up from her book. She giggles at him. “Now what is funny?” Rek’yr asks. “A desert dweller telling me to stay hydrated.” Brea titters. Rek’yr chuckles. “What are you reading?” The Dousan asks. Brea’s ear flush. “Oh .. it is nothing.” She closes the small book. Rek’yr shakes his head. “I don’t believe that.” He says. He gently takes the book and leafs through it. “Brea, this is a children’s book.” There is no mockery in Rek’yr’s voice. He only sounds genuinely puzzled. His ears turn towards Brea all the way. Brea’s ears flush. “It’s the fairytales Seladon used to read me, when I was just a childling.” She mutters. “Mother never had time for it. So Seladon read me, she did separate voices and everything.” Brea sighs a soft sigh. Rek’yr smiles widely at her. “That is lovely.” Rek’yr puts the book on top of the big triangular lexicon. “We will take this one.” He says gently. “Truly?” Brea asks, her eyes shimmering. Rek’yr nods. “Of course.” He purrs. Brea jumps up from her seat and throws herself at Rek’yr. His chair proves firmer, as it stays upright when she flings herself into his lap. Rek’yr laughs heartily and puts his arms around her waist. Brea rains butterfly kisses on his face. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She all but cheers.

Brea and Rek’yr take their lunch while reading through the books Brea selected.

They are barely half way when the door of the library creaks open. “Princess, m’lord, the Spriton say dinner is ready.” Djesid peaks in. Rek’yr groans softly and puts down the book he has been leafing through. “That is about time, too.” He says. He rises from his chair. “Brea, my love.” He cooes to draw the Vapran Princess’ attention. Brea only reluctantly looks up from the book she is reading. “Tis dinner time, we will continue this task upon the morrow.” Says Rek’yr. Brea sigh softly. She puts her book away and rises. Rek’yr offers her his arm. Brea smiles sweetly at him. He leads her from the library. They follow Djesid to the castle. Eeryn follows behind, unseen, hopping from roof to roof.

At dinner, it turns out only half the Drenchen have shown up and barely any of the farmers. All of the Spirton and the few Paladin that ventured along are there tho.

“Where are the farmers and the warriors?” Brea asks. A stout Drenchen gelf clears her throat. Brea looks to her. “A lot of the farmers decided to spend the night at their old homes. They invited us to stay over. Some took em up on that offer.” The Drenchen says. Brea’s lips twist up in a wide smile. “That is amazing news.” She says. “The lines between the clans are blurring, the age of resistance is truly coming into blood.” Rek’yr purrs. The Drenchen spontaneously begin to cheer. During dinner, the Drenchen and Spriton talk about the harvest. Brea finds her fingers itch to take notes, so she can report to Seladon. But she has no parchment with her, nor any ink. She tries her best to commit everything to her memory, but is quite sure she will not manage to repeat half of it.

Brea tries to stifle a jawn. Rek’yr gets up from his seat. “I think it is time to go to bed.” He says. He helps Brea to her feet. “I am not tired yet.” Brea mutters. Rek’yr can’t help a laugh. “Now say that again, with more conviction.” He cooes. Brea’s ears droop a little. “You’re right…” She mutters. “Very well, to bed you go.” Rek’yr twines his fingers with Brea’s. Brea’s ears flush a gentle pink. Rek’yr leads Brea from the dining hall, to her chambers. “We had a productive day, all of us.” Brea says. “Why yes indeed, I believe we did.” Rek’yr agrees. He opens the door of her chambers for her. “We deserved a rest.” Brea’s ears droop. She seems a bit awkward. “Yes, we did.” Rek’yr nods. He feels there is something going on in Brea’s head, but he can’t put his finger on what it is just yet. Brea flutters her wings and brushes her hair behind her ear. “I … erm … would you like to come in, just for a few more minutes.” She mumbles. “Yes, of course.” Rek’yr nods. He follows Brea into her chambers. He looks around, taking in the place where the Princess that holds his heart grew up in. “Is there anything in here that you wish to take to Stone-in-the-Wood?” He asks. Brea makes a thoughtful sound. “You.” She then answers. Rek’yr laughs joyfully. “Very well, to Stone-in-the-Wood you may take me.” The Sandmaster puts his hands on Brea’s hips.

“S-say, Rek’yr, would you close your eyes for me, just for a minute.” Brea asks softly. “Naturally, what for?” Rek’yr asks playfully. Brea’s ears turn bright red. “J-just a little surprise.” She stammers. “Alright, alright.” Rek’yr purrs. He closes his eyes and his ears turn upwards. Brea feels her heart hammer in her chest. But she is determined to do this. She puts her hands on Rek’yr’s biceps. Very carefully she stands on her tippy toes. “Brea…?” Rek’yr all but singsongs. “Hush.” Brea replies. Rek’yr sort of frowns, but remains silent. Brea takes heart. She presses her lips against Rek’yr’s own in a very experimental way. Rek’yr’s grip on her hips tightens a little, but that is all that shows the Dousan’s surprise. He ever so gently kisses her back.

[redtail-lol]

"redemption arcs are toxic" my brother in christ real human beings have redemption arcs, and seeing bad characters change through redemption might make them feel less unforgivable.

Poorly done redemption arcs might have unrealistic, silly, or toxic ideas of unconditional forgiveness, but that's a flaw of one piece of media's writing and not a flaw of redemption arcs.

My favorite redemption arc is still Seladon from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance despite the fact that she didn't get to see it all the way through before the show was cancelled. We didn't get to see her reintegrate into Gelfling society without it being under the conditions of fleeing the Skeksis Castle or during battle, a time where squabble would be both pointless and dangerous. I still strongly feel Maudra Laesid would be an antagonizing figure towards Seladon, and that the other Maudras wouldn't have the best impression of her. But we did get to see her fluid change of stance, her maturing, all within a consistent arc that never felt like it strayed from who she is.

I won't go into her too much here, but on the point; Seladon was a child, who made bad decisions based on the indoctrination she'd had for her whole life, and her impulsive emotions as she was trying to process the grief of playing a major part in her mother's death, unintentionally. She didn't make the right decisions, and she was bratty with some petty ulterior motives, but ultimately she had always wanted to do good even when she was wrong about what that was. Do these people think she's beyond forgiveness? That a child in a religious cult (a close parallel to the way the Gelfling, especially the royal family, revered the Skeksis) can never be forgiven for hurting people? Actually yes, the dark crystal fandom hates Seladon because they don't understand how great she is as a character. The brilliance of her writing and the sense in her arc, from beginning to corruption to despair to redemption, is lost on them because she was kinda bitchy and annoying. I've seen fans wish she had been killed by the Skeksis, who would be doing it not for punishment but just to extend their unnatural immortality. So yeah, they're cops.

"redemption arcs are toxic, you shouldn't try to fix someone!"

actually it is so important to me that being in community and experiencing human connection can save people. thanks

[potatopeelerkind]

Day 4! That crown really was, uh, something. I like to think it happened something like this.

Blacksmithing clearly isn’t part of the standard princess curriculum.

[tdc-incorrect-quotes]

Mayrin and Mera, with their unhappy kids: Oh, it's so hard being a maudra and raising kids. :(

Laesid, with her four happy kids: Can't relate.

[sifanjewel]

Part 1 is up!

[fenth-eiria]

So half of this was requested by @the-experimental-writer The other half I just picked people.

Enjoy!!

[thanatasia]

If you didn’t see this in the conversation (and you asked for sketch Ideas): How about a sketch dump (possibly with flat colors) of Maudra Argot, Maudra Laesid, deet’s family, the Librarian, and the one eyed castle guard?

This was a lot but it is done!

It was really cool sketching a bunch of characters I haven’t drawn before. My favorite is Maudra Argot because I LOVE funny granny characters. I also never realized how much of a Mermaid Queen Maudra Laesid is! Like, her hair, her crown- I also find it really cool how her hair is mostly silky instead of in locs like Gurjin and Naia.

Also, Bobb’N! He’s so cute and I loved drawing him, I really enjoy drawing childlings, and believe me we are gonna see a bunch of new childlings soon!

@fenth-eiria I hope you like this sketch dump and thank you for this suggestion!

[thebibliomancer]

Flames of the Dark Crystal liveblog pt 23

Flames of the Dark Crystal by J.M. Lee because I want to know how Naia is going to stop skekSa without killing her since that’s where the moral compass is pointing.

Last times on book: Team Naia has gone to her home Swamp of Sog to light the sixth fire of resistance! But the swamp isn’t as Naia left it. Her parents are fighting over the future of the Drenchen and the home tree Great Smerth is dying. Also, skekSa shows up quite unannounced which is rude. While trying to capture Naia and Gurjin she gets beat to hell and poisoned by the Drenchen and then stymied by her counterpart urSan. She does manage to capture himbo Gurjin and badly stab him out of spite but Naia has the idea to invade skekSa’s mind through dreamfast daisychain to learn her backstory. I don’t know how that helps but I appreciated the additional insight.

Chapter 23

Maudra Laesid continues trying to kill a Skeksis, Naia comes up with a different idea.

Okay, so. What really interrupted the dreamfast wasn’t just skekSa yelling about how she loves nothin’ and nobody.

Momdra Laesid snuck up behind the Mariner while she was in dreamfast trance and had her massive Muski eel Chapyora bite her. Also, for good measure, Laesid stabbed skekSa with a spear.

Laesid really is all in on this ‘lets kill the Skeksis!’ thing.

Which. You can’t really argue that there’s insufficient motivation.

While skekSa is flailing in pain and rage, Chapyora snatches Gurjin out of her grasp and takes him back to Naia and Eliona to heal. Because, yes, Naia’s healing works again. It was a mental block thing going on.

(Also, hooray for magical healing. Takes a plot important Gelfling from slowly bleeding to death to not)

“You never took it from me,” Naia assured him. “You awakened your own. To protect me. And all this time I’ve been so preoccupied blaming you for it. But now I remember what I’m here for. Why I have this power -- why we have this --”

“GET OFF ME! I’LL KILL YOU!”

Ah, right. This touching moment is going on at the same time that Laesid is STILL trying to kill skekSa.

And she’s really good at it, too. skekSa tries to do that thing where she slams her back against something to scrape off someone clinging on but Laesid just swings to the other side before impact.

It really seems like the best way for Gelfling to fight Skeksis is not with their strongest in muscle strength fighters. Even the beefiest Gelfling is going to get seriously injured if hit by something two or three times their size.

Its a job for the dexterous. Flying and jumping in and out so a Skeksis can’t get them. That was the case when they fought skekSa on the mountain too. Tae cut off her arm by flying down from an unexpected angle.

skekSa let out a piercing, ragged scream of frustration. The Skeksis were powerful, strong, and huge -- but they were not used to being challenged. Even now, Naia’s mother used it to her advantage. It looked almost as if she were dancing across skekSa’s shoulders, deftly avoiding her claws and slashing knife.

But we’re not trying to kill the Skeksis is the thing.

All the injuries Laesid is piling on skekSa are reflecting on urSan and dropping her to her knees. Naia begs her mom once again again again to please not kill her friend by proxy but she also doesn’t have an answer on how to stop skekSa otherwise.

“I’m sorry, Naia,” Laesid called back. “I understand what urSan means to you. I understand what the Mystics mean to you. But we have to put our clan first. We have to survive as Gelfling. Look at Great Smerth. Look what she’s done to your brother. Look what she’s done to our home!”

Naia flounders for what to do but she remembers Gurjin telling her she’s not like skekSa and Amri telling her “doing good... bringing flowers out of ash” and she has yet another mid-peril epiphany. She’s getting a lot of mileage out of that!

She decides that since Gurjin isn’t currently dying anymore, he’s well enough to join her new plan. Him and sister Eliona and all the other Drenchen with the gift of healing.

Naia puts her hands to the Glenfoot which is a part of the Great Smerth because every tree in the swamp is part of the Great Smerth (good gosh!) and starts singing the song of Thra that she heard Onica and Aughra sing.

“Great Smerth. Smerth-Staba. Tree that has protected me and my clan. Like a mother in our beloved swamp. Even now as your body is overtaken by flames... Deatea. Deratea. Kidakida. Arugaru.”

Amri and Kylan join her, though they aren’t healers. Then Gurjin. Then Eliona and Kipper and Bellanji. And ALL of the Drenchen (who have just been standing around thinking ‘she’s got this’ about their maudra fighting a Skeksis. In fairness, she do got this). They all sing to Great Smerth and all the ones that can heal push their healing fire into the roots.

Great Smerth groaned. A sound like the singing of the earth, the creaking of its massive limbs. Naia felt tears on her cheeks at the sound of its voice, old and tired and in pain. Sick, though it wanted nothing more than to be healthy, to spread its boughs across the Drenchen glade. To provide shade and food and shelter. That was what the world wanted to be; that was Thra’s only desire. Great Smerth had been a gift to that end. Thra, trying to care for the Gelfling as they had cared for it.

Its interesting to me that Thra is both a death world with so many things that’ll just kill the unwary before they even know whats happening. BUT ALSO explicitly deeply loves its inhabitants and wants to care for them.

I guess it makes sense if Thra doesn’t play favorites. The strangle vines that strangle hapless travelers in the Dark Wood are as much of Thra as the Gelfling. The very angry spiders are as much a part of Thra.

Although, Thra does apparently play favorites and the Gelflings are it so I dunno.

The Entire Planet Thra is complicated. It’s got a lot going on. Its representative is Aughra who is a guardian goddess that behaves like a very annoyed grandma.

Anyway.

This whole time Laesid has still been killing skekSa because skekSa takes a lot of killing to kill.

Naia had nearly forgotten skekSa’s screams until they suddenly stopped. Maudra Laesid had ceased her attack, frozen on the Skeksis’ back and staring at the Drenchen gathering at the Glenfoot as blue light spread from the roots and trunk of Great Smerth into the water. Racing through the lake toward the root where skekSa stood. Where the light touched, the water cleared, the fire waned. Green life sprang forth, vines and saplings and branches.

skekSa yelped as one of the vines grew so fast it tangled around her foot. She bashed the growth away with a claw, but it was soon replaced with another. Rapid as spring came after winter, the apeknot where she stood burst into life, tangling around her with vines and roots and leafing, blossoming apeknot shoots.

“No!” skekSa snapped, suddenly coming alive with panic and confusion. “No! What is this? No!”

Huh. Very Fern Gully solution, I guess.

Actually, kind of a callback to Naia finding urVa stuck in a tree. It’s not explicitly called out but I wonder if that’s the idea in the back of her mind. That she knows it can work because she’s seen it work.

skekSa is very unhappy with this situation. Unhappier. She hasn’t been happy in a long while and this is not helping.

(Picture from this post)

She starts tearing out of the foliage and it seems like she’s going to break free. Maudra Laesid hops off skekSa’s shoulder and starts filling with the light of the vliyaya. She tells the Drenchen not to stop even as skekSa bursts partially from the vines et al, grabs the maudra, and threatens her if the Drenchen don’t stop.

Even as skekSa’s claws pierce her, Laesid commands the Drenchen not stop.

Laesid pressed her hand against skekSa’s gnashing beak. The tree that fought to come alive around the Skeksis exploded with life, hundreds of stems and boughs rising and flowering at incredible speed. They tethered skekSa’s legs and bound her beak, twisted around her arms even as the blood from Laesid’s wounds dripped upon the leaves that sprang open by the dozens.

Within moments, a new tree stood where there had been none. skekSa the Mariner was no more.

....... Well.

That’s a way to stop her without sacrificing urSan.

But it did come at a cost.

The new tree lowers Maudra Laesid to the peat and Naia and Gurjin rush over to try to heal her.

“You can heal these wounds, but I will not survive,” she said, nearly silently. There was no fear in her voice. “I gave my life willingly. What happens with it now is up to Thra.”

Hmm. I guess the treesplosion she pulled was cast from hit points, as they say. Her body can be healed but she’s still going to die. A limit to healing vliyaya, although a very niche one.

“My children. My gentle, kind, fierce children...��� Laesid put a hand on each of her children’s cheeks. Naia leaned into it, though the heat was fading already from her fingertips. “The two of you will light the world with your fire. The new fire of the new generation of these changing times. It is the proudest legacy I could have wished for. The old trees may not survive the darkening. But the forest is everlasting.”

As the last words escaped her lips, her eyes closed and her hands dropped. The tree above them trembled with a last surge of energy, straining toward the sky and coloring as white and blue flowers opened along its branches. Maudra Laesid was gone.

=(

Bad things keep happening to these Gelflings.

Its interesting because there was a dilemma poised. How to stop skekSa without killing her and without letting her kill anyone as she angrily thrashed around.

How to save urSan without sacrificing x number of Drenchen.

And then skekSa narrowed down the dilemma to how to save urSan without sacrificing Gurjin.

Its been an evolving hostage situation with lives weighed against urSan and Laesid finally solved it by sacrificing herself.

In the end, after all that, someone did die...

The entire Drenchen clan reacts in shock, dropping their spears and dropping to their knees. Gurjin tells Naia she has to say something to them.

Naia gently lowered her mother to the soft moss that covered the apeknot root where she’d died. Gurjin held her there, bowing his head as Naia rose. She gazed across the lake to the Drenchen. Stood below the youngest tree in the swamp. One strong enough to bind a Skeksis, though it would be trine upon trine before it rivaled Great Smerth in size.

But even if the tree grew. Even if the shared could be found and the Crystal could be healed. Even if the darkening were stopped, and Thra could recover, one thing could never be brought back. Naia’s mother was gone.

Oof.

That statement on loss hit me like a brick.

The protagonists are very clear that this is resistance, not war, but like a war the the scars of it are going to last long after it ends.

Naia tries to say something to the Drenchen and friends but can’t. She can’t find the words to ease their grief when her grief is all she can feel.

When she failed the second time to drag up the reluctant words from her belly, she couldn’t face them any longer. Those waiting faces, all wrecked by grief, looking to her for comfort.

Lost in her own pain, Naia had no solace to give. She turned and ran.

=(

[dkscribe88]

Suggestions for Pairings

Calling out to all members of the Resistance, I need your help. I am looking to try my hand at writing all kinds of pairings for short stories that I want to do in-between Lantern updates (btw Lantern is what I call my chapter story: Meet Me by the Seafarer’s Lantern on AO3 if you want to check it out), but I have only written Tavronica and Kyjin so far. 

The only real rule I have is that the pairings have to be Gelflings. I can’t write the Skeksis or Mystics well enough, and I just find the Gelfling much more fun to write about. Also, I haven’t read anything about Lahr, so let’s keep the pairing possibilities down to either the YA books, TV series, movie or Creation Myths. And throw Quest for the Dual Glaive and Mayrin’s origin story in there too. Please read the whole post before starting to suggest things. Thank you.

 Also, don’t be afraid to call out odd couple pairings. I’ve already got one request for Seladon/Naia, but I’d like a few more pairings, if you guys wouldn’t mind. I do prefer to write same-sex pairings, but I can write straight ones as well, so whatever you come up with, send it to me and I’ll make a list and get them done over time. I can also write more Tavronica and Kyjin, but those don’t need to be suggested, since they’re my favorite head canon pairings, but if you want more of them, just ask.

No guarantees when the stories will be done, it just depends on how well the writing flows. Lantern is still my top priority, but I want to try writing other things to help spark ideas and move that story along as well, although I might also work on re-editing that first chapter. It’s kind of a mess. Gets better as it goes, I think. 

Anyway, enough rambling. Please, I implore you all to send me your suggestions. Whether you like my work, or just want to think up a pairing that’ll strain my skills and drive me nuts, I say ‘bring it on!’ Multiple suggestions from the same person are welcome. I just turned on my suggestions setting, so you can submit your pairings there, or just comment on this post. All stories will be put on AO3, with a link posted on here. Thank you all for listening.

I bid you adieu,

- DK

[talkin-tdc]

Late TDC modern easter AU

Ordon and Mayrin both competed to have the ‘best egg hunt’ at their respective houses since they have the biggest in the neighborhood for around five trine when their kids were young. Shoni and Kam’Lu get so annoyed with them trying to one up each other in the neighborhood, they go behind their backs and create a big egg hunt that spans both properties. They ended up sleeping on the couch the next day but both agreed it was worth it to end the rivalry.

Eventually, through the hunt the families became friends, particularly Ordon, Kam’Lu and Bellanji and Mayrin, Shoni, Fara, Laesid and Mera.

Dads would grill, moms would make decorations and sometimes plant flowers.

After that, the annual egg hunt happened at two locations, one at their homes and the other at the castle

The Skeksis feel weird at the idea of hunting/eating eggs, so the egg hunt at the castle is purely chocolate. Also things like arathim or makrak are painted on them. The castle is usually for older kids and the younger ones go to Ordon/Mayrin’s because of it (except their bio kids they stay when they’re older or are expected to).

SkekAyuk gets tired of finding places to hide the eggs so Tek makes a machine to do it for him at the castle.

SkekEkt likes to paint all the eggs at the castle

The winner of either egg hunt gets a special basket which is filled with expensive stuff (year free to the movies, skip out on tithes, etc).

Eventually as the trine go on Rian, Brea, and Seladon want to see what the egg hunt is like at the castle after doing the Ordon/Mayrin thing for so long. Tavra disagrees till she sees that Onica is going so goes along (even if she doesn’t agree as both sets of parents said no as Brea can’t go till 15 and she’s 14 so it’ll be ‘too much for her’ and ‘unfair to let anyone go without her’).

They go with Gurjin, Tolyn, Kylan, and Juni. The maudras and others from the local high school are there as well.

Deet doesn’t want to go as she likes spending time with her family. Naia also doesn’t participate as she knows she’ll get too competitive

She knows that because when she was younger her parents took her to Ordon/Mayrin’s and she came to blows with Tavra when it had been a tie and the adults were told they should share the prized basket.

Anyway, for the annual egg hunt, after the kids set up they sneak out.

No one notices as it’s usually a lot to set up so the parents think they’re just ‘around’.

Eventually, Laesid and Bellanji arrive with Pemma and Bell says goes over to the dads and say it’s great they’re being less strict with their kids.

Ordon’s like “what do you mean?” And he’s like “Well, aren’t they going with Gurjin and his friends this trine?”

The moms are informed.

They are PISSED

Fara flies to the castle, makes a scene, and they all get ground for unum. Not before Rian won the basket though.

Gives basket to Brea. They’re all still grounded though and end up doing community service.

Seladon and Rian take most of the blame.

They also ended up getting banned from the castle festivities because Brea ended up in the restricted section of the library, Rian used some less than ideal methods to win the hunt, and Seladon yelled at everyone to follow the rules, making some of the more sensitive kids cry (mainly Kylan).

They all agree next trine maybe after the egg hunt at home they can go watch a movie or something.

Ordon also gets temporarily demoted because of the whole thing. Mayrin has to ask the lords to give him his position back (which he does thankfully).