#she’s my emotional support gelfling

[dousangelf]

How does one make the gelfling look like a gelfling

[sifanjewel]

Reasons Maudra Mera is the most disliked Maudra

So I know Maudra Mera shouldn’t be counted as a “villain” of The Dark Crystal but her behavior through most of her time in the books and the small bit we get in Age of Resistance definitely lands her on many TDC fans’ shit lists, and there are very valid reasons to this. Let’s go in order, shall we?

Spoiler alert for anyone who hasn’t read the books/hasn’t finished them

1. She’s racist/xenophobic. It’s pretty much the first thing we learn about her. When Naia first encounters her in Shadows, Mera makes some not-so-subtle judgements toward her appearance (which included touching her hair. the fuck) and backhanded remarks about the Drenchen. She even went so far as to say the Drenchen mattered the least of all the clans (I’m paraphrasing but that’s pretty much exactly what she said). Even when she does act cordial and gives Naia supplies she needs for the rest of her journey, it’s all to make herself look good for treating a fellow Maudra’s daughter with hospitality and respect.

And her calling Naia her “Soggy Dear” is just... stop. Just stop.

2. She’s a horrible guardian to Kylan. While it seems good on her that she took in a young orphan after the sudden deaths of his parents, she did the bare fucking minimum of raising him. She gave him a home, fed him, taught him the Spriton way of living, but there was definitely a lack of compassion for him. It’s bad enough that she never believed Kylan’s parents were taken by the Hunter, but in doing so she denied him the ability to cope with his trauma by not giving him any emotional support. Not to mention the fact that their deaths were partly if not mostly her fault. Kylan’s mother was Spriton but his father was Stonewood, and it’s canon that those two clans have rivaled for ages, so in order to preserve her clan’s image, Mera likely had a hand in pushing them to live in dangerous territory near the Dark Wood. The most likely reasons she took Kylan in were:

a) she felt at least some guilt for what happened to his parents as a result of her actions and raised him as a way of possibly redeeming herself

b) It’s stated in the Seven Clans book that it is a Maudra’s duty to take in a childling of their clan if the parents are unable to support them for whatever reason, so he would have become her responsibility regardless

c) he had nowhere else to go, because it doesn’t seem like any other Spriton or Stonewood would willingly raise a childling that is half of the clan they despise most.

Oh, and backing off that last point, Kylan is constantly teased and pushed around by the citizens of Sami Thicket, and Mera doesn’t seem to do shit about it or try to defend him in any way. I mean no fucking wonder he ran away the first chance he got, she practically pushed him away.

I think some part of her must have cared for him, seeing how she greets him upon his return to Sami Thicket in Flames, but she really shouldn’t have been all surprised Pikachu face when he up and left in the first place. She and the rest of that village made the Skeksis feel more welcome than him.

3. She nearly betrayed her own kind for her own clan’s safety. She basically pulled a Seladon and initially sided with the Skeksis even the she knew exactly what they were doing. Even though Mera never touched Kylan’s petals she knew that the Skeksis were capturing Gelfling, they even kidnapped a bunch right before her fucking eyes and yet -- SHE WENT CALLING FOR KYLAN'S RETURN SO THAT NO ONE ELSE WOULD GET TAKEN

HOLD UP

I’M JUST NOW REALIZING THIS

SHE WAS GOING TO FUCKING TURN HIM IN TO SAVE HER ASS AND EVERYONE ELSES

I HOPE I’M LOOKING AT THIS RIGHT IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I’VE ACTUALLY READ THE BOOKS BUT HOLY FUCK

DID SHE REALLY CARE ABOUT HIM??

FOR FUCKS SAKE MERA

GOD

SHE KNEW THE SKEKSIS WERE LOOKING FOR HIM AND MESSAGED THE OTHER MAUDRAS ASKING WHERE HE WAS SO HE WOULD COME BACK AND FOR WHAT?? DID SHE THINK THE SKEKSIS WERE GOING TO GIVE THE TAKEN BACK??

I MEAN YEAH I’M SORRY SOME VILLAGERS GOT TAKEN BUT ARE YOU SERIOUSLY WILLING TO TRADE IN THE BOY YOU FUCKING RAISED FOR... PROTECTION FROM THE SKEKSIS?? BY SKEKSIS???

I’m actually fuming right now. Whether or not she had known the full truth it’s completely possible she would have turned him in. At that point in time she would have handed Kylan to the Skeksis on a silver platter GOD FUCKING DAMMIT--

Oh and, she wouldn’t let the Drenchen pass through her territory to fight the Skeksis and avenge the Stonewood clan, and that she was gearing up her soldiers to go into all-out war just to keep them out under SkekUng’s orders. How desperate do you have to be to fight your own kind in favor of the Skeksis? How far was she willing to go to protect her clan? Yes, Maudras should fight for the well-being and safety of their clan but if she’s going to let the other clans fall so her own can prosper?? Bitch that’s just a whole new level of selfish.

AND NOW FOR SHOW CANON

So Mera didn’t have much of an appearance in AoR except for episodes 6 and 10, but we didn’t need much to know how she is.

Her first and obvious mistake was siding with Seladon instead of Fara and Laesid after the coronation. I know Ethri and Seethi did too but at least they ended up fully believing what was going on in the end, while it seems it took Mera much longer, because Kylan tells Fara in ep. 9 that the Spriton wouldn’t listen to him when he tried to rally them against the Skeksis. This doesn’t surprise Fara, because she knows Mera’s an expert in ass-kissery, given what happened at the coronation and the fact that their clans rival enough as it is. Just another reason we stan Maudra Fara, she knows how to call out fellow Maudra’s when they’re clearly in the wrong without fear of repercussion. Vala didn’t raise no bitch

I like to think Fara is the Maudra that Mera thinks she is, but even she knows that’s bullshit XD

OKAY. That’s my rant on Maudra Mera. If I missed anything by all means, please, do tell.

If anyone is just going to defend Mera, please note that I know she does truly turn around in the end, I just needed to remind everyone why there is slander on her character to begin with. Hope this was enlightening somehow.

[skekheck]

Deet, Brea, and Rian? :)

The main trio? You got it!

Deet

First impression

She's cute and nice, but that's it.

Impression now

Still cute and nice, but her greatest strength has become her biggest flaw. They way her empathy and selflessness has led to self-destruction and has become a beacon of the energy destroying the planet she loves is so tragic yet so interesting.

Favorite moment

When she absorbed the Darkening at the Second Battle at Stone-in-the-Wood and hurling it back at the Skeksis while look absolutely terrifying is so wonderful it's just *chef's kiss*.

Idea for a story

As everyone else, I want to know what happened to Deet and why she ended up at the Skeksis castle. But I also would like a prequel story of her in Domrak and being friends with Amri.

Unpopular opinion

While my views of her have changed after plenty of rewatches, I don't think she's that compelling (at least until the last two episodes). I get why people love her and how she's popular but she only got interesting at the very end of the series.

Favorite relationship

Her friendship with Hup is the most wholesome thing in the entire show. Just the way she encourages him to be a paladin, comforting him when he's scared or hurt, and just being so accepting of him right off the bat is so fun to watch. It evens a lot of the tension going on in the story and their dynamic is so precious and cute. What else is thereto say? It's wonderful.

Favorite headcanon

I really like to think Deet has a slight mischievous yet playful side to her. Like when she was calling Rian all the nicknames Grottans have for top-siders, she likes to lightly tease her friends with names or with concotions she makes (something akin to the smoke bombs). She does it in good fun and she never takes it too far that she hurts her friends' feelings.

Brea

First impression

She is legit BotW Zelda and I can't unsee it.

Impression now

I didn't initially care about any of the main Gelfling trio, but over time Brea really warmed up to me and now she's among my top favorite characters. I've talked about how engaging she is as a character, but I also enjoy how cheeky she is. The way she tricks Cadia to drink the wrong potion to convincing Rek'yr to take her to the Circle of the Suns with sass is so entertaining to watch.

Favorite moment

When Brea stands up for herself when being scolded by her mother and Seladon, saying how she valued truth and knowledge, and will continue to pursue those things while convincing the two of them to see things her way. I think it's a great defining moment for Brea as well as resolving her conflict with Mayrin.

Idea for a story

I want more Brea and Rek'yr content. I need more development in their relationship if they're going to be endgame. I want to know how the two will interact going forward, going on their own adventures, and how their relationship will blossom. I neeeed it.

Unpopular opinion

Brea is the best written character out of the trio. Not to say Deet and Rian aren't written well, but Brea has the strongest character among the three of them. I think it's because she had a lot more roadblocks in her arc as well as the inter-conflicts with Seladon and Mayrin. They felt real and more grounded in the story than the other two. While the whole world hated Rian, a lot of his conflicts with other Gelfling were very short lived and didn't really feel as conflicts just obstacles. Deet hardly had any at all aside from racist Gelfling. Brea felt more like a person instead of a character in a story, if that makes sense.

Favorite relationship

Brea with her sisters, hands down. I can't pick between Tavra and Seladon because they both revolve around sisterhood and it's so wonderfully written between the three of them.

Favorite headcanon

Seladon and Brea were closer when they were younger. Brea thought the world of her biggest sister, looking up to her and all of that. And although Brea got on her nerves at times, Seladon loved her just as much even happy to have a little fan to get through the bad and boring days. But Seladon still clung to her mother and when she started noticing Mayrin picking favorites, she started resenting Brea for it.

Rian

First impression

As bland as white bread.

Impression now

Okay maybe not as bland as white bread, but maybe like... whole wheat bread? Or something. Point is, I still don't care for him fghjk.

Favorite moment

When he's sending his message out to all the Gelfling on Thra. It's a culmination of everything he went through, with everyone turned against him, but still pursued to unite everyone anyway. And how much braver he's gotten over the course of his journey, standing up to skekSo when he interfered.

Idea for a story

Would love a character study about Rian. It could be anything really just... flesh out his character more.

Unpopular opinion

No secret I don't think Rian is an interesting character. Not to say he isn't written well, but he's the very basic hero trope character and that's it for me. No matter how many times I have watched the series, noticed the subtly to his character, and understand his character, my opinion of him has remained consistent. I like to keep an open mind and see how he develops in future stories, but until then, he's an absolute BORE.

Favorite relationship

His friendship with Gurjin! Their dynamic was great when Mira was alive and that stayed strong after her death. It's the way that the two interact and support each other is fun to watch and I need more of their friendship.

Favorite headcanon

Rian has always acted out, pulling pranks and acting childish, was because his mother died early on. And with his father busy being the Castle Guard, Rian didn't really have a good outlet to channel his emotions so he never really grew up until Mira died.

[thebibliomancer]

Tides of the Dark Crystal liveblog pt 7

Tides of the Dark Crystal by J.M. Lee because I need to get back into it. Being on a trip really kicked me off my momentum. Something about a boat? Some Gelfling?

Last times on book: Amri, Kylan, Tavra, Naia, and new party member Onica set sail on a quest from Aughra and/or the Crystal to unite all the Gelfling clans in resistance to the Skeksis. Presuming the Vapra good and united thanks to the All-Maudra claiming support, the group heads to Cera-Na next to appeal to the Sifa Madura Ethri. On the way, Amri learns some swording and Kylan learns some sailing. A good time is had by all except for all the hurt feelings.

Chapter 7

Amri and co meet with Maudra Ethri but don’t quite get the response they’re hoping for.

"Though Sifa ships may sail alone for many trine at a time, we always return here... and when Omerya is in port, we are all home again,” Onica explained ass he brought them into port and tied the ship to one of the many white coral spires rising from the coastal floor.

Love it. Love the lore. Love the description later of Cera-Na being a forever changing city of ships depending on which ones are at port.

Love the description of the Sifa “looking like wind and fire” due to their red hair sometimes streaked with black or blue or turquoise.

And I love Amri realizing that the Sifa also welcomed Gelfling from other clans as well and recognizing attributes of Spriton or Drenchen or Vapra.

“That is the beauty of Cera-Na, and Sifa tradition. We are bound together not by blood or by the confines of the earth. We are bound together by heart and by the changing wind. If the prophecies and signs say one must become Sifa, one does. We accept that.”

Given that its an explicit trait of the Sifa, I wonder how the other clans view intermarriage. In the comics Mayrin married a Sifa. In the books, Tavra is totally dating one to her mother’s disapproval. Kylan is of mixed Spriton and Stonewood heritage.

Would Rian have faced resistance from her family if Mira hadn’t exploded into goo?

We’re getting descriptions of Gelfling who have heritage in multiple clans like its an unusual thing so I guess the clans marry internally as a matter of course. Castle guarding is an unusual situation that would expose Gelfling to those from other clans. The Sifa interact with a lot of clans due to traveling around.

Anyway.

They run into an old friend of Onica’s, Tae, “a freckled Sifa with golden-red hair” (gosh she sounds pretty) and they get to chatting. Even though Tavra has been hanging in Onica’s hair and whispering to her this entire time, she doesn’t pipe up or identify herself when Tae gives Onica her condolences over what they heard happened to Tavra.

Onica tells Tae that she needs to speak to Maudra Ethri and Tae says she’ll try to arrange it but warns that Ethri has been preoccupied with a dot dot dot guest and with a thief on the loose.

Man, this feels exactly like rolling into town and getting hit by a whole bunch of sidequests all of a sudden. I really wish there was an open world Dark Crystal RPG. Choose a clan to start with to get a neat clan perk, that sort of thing. Alas.

Tae and Onica turn away from the group to have a whispered exchange, annoying Naia greatly, and then Tae scampers up into the Omerya.

She then waves them inside and they follow her through the maze of passageways up to the deck. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Amri is reminded of Domrak and sees a hearth, thinking to himself thats the common thing between all Gelfling clans, that their center is the hearth before noticing that the hearth is cold and hasn’t had a fire in a long time.

Hmm.

A Sifa came striding from an exit across the deck, every step jangling with metal chimes and bells. She had wild, dark crimson-and-black hair, accented with glittering beads and copper wire, ears strung with gemstone earrings. One of her green eyes sparkled more than the other, catching the light like a stone.

“Gem-Eyed Ethri,” Tae said with a curt bow. “Maudra to the Sifa of Cera-Na.”

She also sounds pretty.

Ethri surprises the non-Onicas by being so young, being the same age as Onica and having grown up with her. And also that her very sparkly eye is actually a gemstone jammed into her head. I guess Gem-Eyed isn’t just figurative language. And if you’re going to need a false eye anyway why not go for the glitter?

The maudra asks what they need to talk to her about and after confirming that Ethri has seen the plot recap flower petals, Naia bluntly asks if the Sifa will join them.

“Join you?” the Sifa maudra asked, as if she didn’t understand the question.

Naia frowned, taken aback. “If you don’t believe us...”

“I believed the instant I saw the dream stitched in the pink petals. But you’re asking me to pledge myself to... what, you? To Aughra and Thra? If I agree to join you, who am I even joining? How will we know when the time is right - is it you who will tell us? Is this a war or an idea?”

Huh. The unite the clans thing is a little short on details actually, yeah.

Amri feels like Maudra Ethri is laughing at them and is about to get confrontational when Onica tells Ethri that its all true, that she saw the dream herself, that Aughra gave them the mission, and that the All-Maudra is on board.

But Ethri says Doubt. Hey if you have the Vapra, why do you need me? And if its so important why didn’t Aughra ask her directly? So this unitification thing is nice and all but Ethri is just going to go do what’s best for the Sifa and the other clans can do whats best for themselves too.

“Be assured?” Amri cried. He bit his lip, trying not to speak out of turn, but he couldn’t help himself. “The Skeksis are eating our people. That’s the long and short of it! Devouring us like moss from the cave wall!”

Ethri waves off his outburst and tells them that she has to get back to her important guest. She dismisses the group, tells them that they can spend as much time as they like in Cera-Na before they dash off to try to convince another maudra, and then asks Onica to stay behind for a word.

Onica tells them to go on ahead, that this isn’t the Ethri she knew and that she’ll try talking to her. An apologetic Tae reappears to show them out.

After the group minus Onica is alone, Tavra finally shows herself (having been transferred to POV Amri when the group was leaving).

Amri asks why she’s been hiding and Tavra replies simply “I don’t want people to know.” Whatever emotion or motive attached to that hidden beneath her usual Tavra stoicism.

Tavra tells the three to return to Onica’s ship and wait there while she sneaks aboad the Omerya and tries to spy out who Ethri’s mysterious guest is. Then in the morning, they’re going to force Ethri to commit to the united Gelfling.

“Force her!” Naia exclaimed, surprised and impressed. “How?”

“You’re not the only one whose mother is maudra. There is a reason the Vapra have led the seven clans since the rise of the Skeksis rule.”

So, look, that sounds like you’re going to try to pull rank on her which I feel is going to go not how you’d prefer.

Anyway, she tells them to stay out of trouble while she’s gone but she should know better by now. When has this group ever listened to her about staying out of trouble? The instant she’s gone, Amri suggests going to the beach (mostly because he’d prefer to be on solid ground instead of a ship).

Amri gestured, away from the Omerya and Onica’s ship. “I think we should do what all good Gelfling do when something strange is afoot in a strange land. Seek answers.”

Naia grinned in agreement. Apparently she wasn’t eager to retire to the ship, either.

“Great,” she said, leading the way. “Let’s find ourselves some trouble.”

See?

Tavra’d be better off instead just point blank asking them what they plan to do instead of listening to her. That way she’ll know where to find them later.

[sweetiepie08]

All I Ask of You (Chapter 6)

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance fic

Deet x Rian

She walked into his life when all seemed lost. He accepted her when the other surface dwellers didn’t. She was gentle. He was brave. Their first impressions dwelt in their minds and their feelings grew as their journey wore on. They supported each other, comforted each other, and gave each other strength. Together, they were a light in the darkness.

Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Chapter 4. Chapter 5. Chapter 6. 

[-]

There were a few aspects of this situation that could generously be called “lucky.” For one, the trail of dead foliage the darkening left behind led him straight to her. Another was that she still needed to stop to rest, to eat, and to sleep at night. That, combined with Rian’s tireless trek into the Endless Forest meant he was rewarded at the end of his first day with a glimpse of her between the trees.

He’d called her name and ran to her, carried completely by his delight in seeing her again. However, dead brambles and brush sprang up around him, cutting him off from her. He cut through them with a hunting knife until the blade dulled. This did little to deter him, but he did change his approach.

He watched her from a distance, always keeping her in his sight, but trying to stay out of hers. That thing inside her, whatever it was, obviously didn’t want him close, which convinced him he was doing something right. He had to get close to her somehow, but he had to use more cunning.

So, he followed her day after day, stopping when she stopped, eating when she ate, and sleeping when she slept, but always keeping one eye open. All the while, he tried to work out how to approach her without alerting the darkening to his presence.

Uncounted days into his journey, Rian rested under a tree while Deet napped a few yards away. While he knew he should take the opportunity to get some shuteye as well, he felt too restless. At least it gave him some time off his feet. He watched her sleep, endless familiar questions running through his head, when a flash of red caught his eye.

He stayed perfectly still, listening to the brush rustle and twigs crack as something circled them. He caught a glimpse between the trees. A red cloak, a claw, a beak... Skeksis.

Rian was on his feet in a second. He caught sight of the red cloak again. The Chamberlain? What was he doing out here? Certainly up to something, but what? Spying, perhaps? It wasn’t as if they had gelfling to do it for them now.

He grabbed the hilt of his sword and began to unsheathe, but then thought better of it. The coward won’t get close enough to taste me steel. Instead, he grabbed his bow and threw a quiver full of arrows on his back.

The red cloak flashed through the trees again and again, moving in the opposite direction of Deet. Rian spared a glance back at her. She slept still as stone under a tree’s shade. She wasn’t going anywhere any time soon. I’ll be back, he silently promised her, not daring to make a sound. Then he positioned an arrow against his bow string and stalked after the Chamberlain.

He walked along, eyes peeled, arrow at the ready. It didn’t escape his notice that this could be a trap. They could be luring him out here to catch him alone, but he was already alone. So what difference did it make if they ambushed him in one spot or another? At least out here, Deet was far away.

Finally, he found himself in a clearing, surrounded by a circle of trees. This is it, he thought, pulling the bow sting taut. He waited for the attack, but only caught more glimpses of red through the trees. “I know you’re here,” he growled at the red cloak as it circled him. “Show yourself, coward.”

“Ah, Brave Rian,” The Chamberlain squawked from the shadows. “We meet again.”

“We would, if you showed your hideous face.” Rian’s ears twisted to catch the Chamberlain’s footsteps and he rotated to keep the arrow pointed at his target.

“Sticks and stones, gelfling, sticks and stones.” The Chamberlain’s voice carried through the trees. “But words can hurt. I know very well. You should know too, if you learned anything.”

“I know your tricks by now, SkekSil.” Rian spat the name like a foul taste in his mouth. “You twist lies and truth to turn gelfling against gelfling. But tricks are all you have, smoke and mirrors. Your words don’t work if no one believes them.”

“Smoke and mirrors?” The Chamberlain mused. “Is true I prefer cunning and finesse over barbaric force. Peace is better than war, is it not?”

“There was never peace!” Rian tightened his bow string. “You drained gelfling! You corrupted the Crystal! You destroyed our home!”

“Did not drain gelflinf until recently,” The Chamberlain dismissed, as if the other two claims were mere footnotes. “Is necessary for survival.”

“Then how does SkekGra survive without it?” Rian snapped back.

“SkekGra?” The Chamberlain screeched, finally letting some true emotion slip to the surface. “You dare invoke the name of the Heretic?”

“He survived for four hundred trine without essence or the Crystal. You never needed any of it. You’re just gluttons.”

“Is payment for years of service,” The Chamberlain answered. “You gelfling cannot rule yourselves. You need us.”

“You’re wrong!” Rian shot back. “Gelfling thrived in harmony with Thra before the age of the Skeksis and would have continued to do so if you never came.”

“You think was all peace and harmony before us?” The Chamberlain questioned. “Was primitive time. Gelfling can be brutal.”

“You don’t know anything about gelfling,” Rian growled back.

“I don’t?” He could hear the Chamberlain’s wicked grin in its voice. “Tell me, what was ancient gelfling punishment for patricide?”

Rian felt all the blood leave his face and his arms dropped just a little. The Chamberlain broke into a cackle, but all Rian could hear was his father’s dying screams.

“Oh, so you must have some idea,” The Chamberlain laughed. “I wonder what would Captain Ordon think of you now?”

Rian renewed his grip on his arrow and tightened his bow string once again. “Keep my father’s name out of your filthy mouth, SkekSil!”

“Ordon knew the value of order and peace,” The Chamberlain went on, “and you broke that. Would he be proud to know his sacrifice only led to suffering? Death? Failure?”

Rian’s cheeks flushed as he aimed his arrow. “Don’t talk about my father like you knew him!”

“And you knew him so much better, hmm?”

Rian’s heart pounded in his ears. His fingers itched to loose the arrow. He saw red. His arrow flew forward and buried itself in the trunk of a tree.

A snicker rang in his ears. “No, not there.”

“Show yourself, coward!” Rian called as he notched another arrow.

“It is a poor hunter who needs his prey to show itself. I wonder, what would father think?”

“You know nothing!”

“False! I know father would still be alive if son could protect self.”

“Shut up!” Rian pried his eyes for his target. They followed the flashes of red as it circled through the trees.

“Rian could not defeat Hunter on own. Ordon needed to take son’s place.”

“I said, shut up!” The red cloak passed again. He calculated where it would next appear and tightened his bow string.

“Father died because son was weak.”

The arrow flew. The Skeksis shrieked and fell to the ground with a thump.

Rian darted into the trees as he claimed another arrow from his quiver. In an instant, he stood over the Skeksis, arrow pointed at the creature’s throat. SkekSil continued to moan in pain over the arrow sticking out of his shoulder. Rian stared down at his prey with cold eyes, forcing down the part of his heart that insisted on feeling compassion for the wounded creature. This is no helpless fizzgig, he reminded himself. This is a monster.

“Please,” SkekSil begged. How quickly the tone changed. “Please have mercy. You don’t want to kill me. I can be useful. I can-”

Rian released the arrow and it sunk into the ground just a hair away from the Skeksis’ head. “Get up,” Rian commanded. “Get up and go back to your Emperor, but give him my message. Tell him the gelfling will never go back to being his slaves. Tell him we will fight to the last. And before this is over, he will feel the wrath of Thra itself.”

“Very well, gelfling,” The Skeksis grumbled, stumbling to his feet. “I deliver message, but allow me to leave you with a message of my own. A question, more like. Do you think Rian is greatest threat to Skeksis? Did Rian cause retreat at Stone-in-the-Wood? If not you, who?”

Rian felt the blood drain from his face. “Deet…” This was a trap, but not for him.

“Oh, it has a name,” The Chamberlain snickered. “Now gelfling, which would be smartest move? Who do Skeksis destroy first?”

The Skeksis’ cackle stung in his ears as he ran back through the brush, pulling aside thorn branches with his bare hands, to get back to her.

A rumbling rushed in from the side. Tree trunks crackled like snapping twigs as the thing bolted closer. Rian turned toward it, hands shaking. He drew an arrow.

The monster crashed through the trees. Rian stood stunned for a second too long. The thing swiped out with its claw. He dodged, but the claw clipped his arm.

He let out a pained hiss as he clutched his grazed arm and looked back at the creature. What was that thing? He knew his father slayed hundreds of atathim of many kinds during the wars. That’s not what this was. He barely had time to think as the claw came down on him again. He dodged and searched his belt for anything that could be useful. Dagger? If it could pierce the thing’s armored skin. Sword? Same problem. Plus, those claws looked strong enough to snap the blade in half. His arrows were scattered everywhere and none within his reach.

What he wouldn’t give for one of Deet’s smoke bombs or even her fire tricks. Deet was always full or tricks and ideas. And I bet this thing burns.

But he couldn’t go on dodging forever. If wanted to get to Deet, he needed to fight back.

He drew his sword, his best option. Another claw came down. He swung. His sword clashed against it like armor, but at least it drew back. It tried again, and again he blocked.

As he and the monster continued their dance, he recalled a story about his father, how he saved Maudra Fara from an arathim when she was a childing. He killed the giant beast with just the tip of a broken spear by stabbing it up through the mouth. Did this thing have the same weakness? Did he dare get close enough to find out?

Well, he had to try something. This thing didn’t seem to be wearing out any time soon. He dove forward, sword pointed at the thing’s throat. The monster seemed shocked for a moment, and it let him in. His sword plunged into the monster’s stomach. A soft underbelly. This thing has a soft underbelly. Before he could withdraw and stab again, claws clamped around him and pressed him against its front.

“No! No!” he screamed, thrashing against the vice-like grip. He needed to get out. He needed to protect Deet, to save her. This thing couldn’t have him. He pressed both feet against the monster’s belly and pushed back with all his weight. Just when he felt the claws’ grip begin to loosen, something came barreling in hard and fast.

He flew through the air and found himself crumpled on the ground, the wind knocked out of him. For all of Thra he’d swear he got hit by a runaway carriage.

Behind him, he could hear the sounds of a struggle and the monster’s distressed cries. He began to pick himself up when something wooden thwacked him on the head.

“Rian not careful!” a familiar voice scolded.

“Hup?” He looked up and saw his poddling friend offering him a hand.

Rian took it, intending to push himself up for the most part, but the podling hulled him to his feet anyway. They turned to see the battle behind them, a second surprise revealing itself. Lore, Brea’s stone protector, grappled with the beast.

“What that thing?” Hup asked, pointing his spoon toward the fighting creatures.

“No idea,” Rian answered, huffing to get some breath back in his lungs.

The monster let out an earsplitting scream. It fell to the ground in a heap as Lore retracted its single claw.

“Come on,” Rian said, grabbing his sword out of the creature’s belly. “We have to find Deet.”

“Deet?” Fire burned in Hup’s eyes.

They took off through the forest, hardly noticing as brush and thorns scraped at them. Up ahead, they could hear screams. They ran faster. Purple light flashed between the trees. Finally, they found her.

When they made it to the clearing, they heard one more scream, saw another flash of purple. Then, a monster thudded to the ground. Deet stood in the center, surrounded by the dead bodies of three beasts. The purple in her eyes burned harsher than Rian had ever seen, as did the glow in her veins.

“Deet…” Hup whispered, staring stricken at her.

Her ears perked and she turned to them. “Brave Rian, Paladin Hup…” she spoke. It was her voice, but something else echoed behind it. “Follow us no longer. The vessel does not want you harmed.”

“Deet, please,” Rian dared to take a step forward. “You don’t have to live like this. We can find a way to help you. Just come back with us. You don’t have to fight this alone.”

Her eyes turned away from them and looked sorrowfully at the ground. “It is not her choice.”

A fire lit in Rian’s heart. Ignoring Hup’s warnings, he unsheathed his sword and marched up to her, or rather, the thing that was keeping her trapped. “Whatever you are, let her go!” he demanded, pointing his weapon at it. “She never wanted to hurt anyone! She doesn’t deserve this!”

Deet’s body turned toward him. Her eyes glanced down at his sword with little interest. “Deet is no captive. She became our vessel willingly.” She put two fingers on the side of his blade and pushed it aside. “Your sword cannot change this.”

She turned and began to walk away. He felt weak in the knees and noticed how dry his throat had become. No way to stop it. No way to save her. He couldn’t’ accept it. He refused to accept it.

“Wait!” He called out. His legs buckled beneath him and he fell to his knees. “Take me instead. I’ll be your vessel. I am willing. Please. She has a family, people who love her. They’re waiting for her back home. They need her.  I’ll gladly take her place. Please, just let her go.”

She turned her head. The cold, unfeeling glow looked back at him. “It is not possible. What is done cannot be undone.”

“No! No please!” He scrambled to his feet and rushed forward. “There must be a way! How can I save her? Please tell me!”

He grabbed her arm and it instantly brought pain to his hand, cold but burning. He dropped to his knees again, clutching the injured hand to his chest. Behind him, he heard footsteps as Hup hurried over. But he also heard rustling as Deet crouched down before him.

“Rian…” she said clearly, in her own voice, no echo behind it.

He looked up. Her face was kind and her eyes were clear. It was her, all her. “Deet…”

“You shouldn’t have come here,” she whispered. “It’s not safe.”

“Safe?” He spoke as if he never heard the word. “I don’t care if I’m safe. I care if you’re safe.”

“Deet,” Hup said in a soft, breaking voice, “please come back. We protect you.”

She turned a sorrowful smile to him. “Hup, it means so much to me that you came back for me, but there’s nothing to be done.”

“Whatever’s happening to you, I’m sure we can find a way to stop it,” Rian insisted. “If we bring you back to mother Aughra…”

She shook her head. “There are some things that are beyond even Aughra’s power.”

“Please,” Hup begged, tears forming in his eyes, “let us help.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I love you both, but it’s too late.” She stood up and stepped back from them. “I don’t know where my path will lead me, but you must leave me behind.”

The purple glow fogged over her eyes once more. She turned and began to walk away. Rian could feel her slipping. He felt he was drowning. For one helpless moment, he considered letting her leave it at that. She’d walk away forever, he’d stay here on the ground, and everything after was empty. But Deet would never give in to despair.

“No!” he shouted, jumping to his feet. “No, I can’t accept that. There’s always hope, even in the darkest of times. You taught me that. I won’t give up. I won’t let the darkness consume you. Just tell me what I need to do.”

She stopped and turned back to them. Her eyes were clear again, but the echo in her voice returned. “Restore the crystal. Set Thra right. Only then can darkness turn to light.”

With that, the purple glow returned to her eyes. Rian and Hup stood frozen as they watched her disappear into the wood.

“What happened?” Hup asked, breathlessly.

He couldn’t answer, only stared at the spot where Deet stood moments before.

“Rian!” Hup snapped, this time with more bite in his voice. “What happened?”

[fandomsonmysleeve]

I know many fans have opinions but personally I love Rian and Deet’s relationship. Executive Producer Blanca Lista has said and I quote “We wanted to make sure that we also had a love story at its core, and it’s the story of Rian and Deet.”

The moments they shared throughout the series and watching them gradually fall in love was one of the highlights of the show.

Enjoy this breakdown and analysis of their scenes with photos I took from my tv of their interactions.

WARNING. MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW FOR AGE OF RESISTANCE.

Episode 3: What Was Sundered and Undone

- Rian and Deet’s first official meeting (technically the second if you count the few moments of Rian curiously looking at her before he goes to see Maudra Fara and Deet exclaims that he is much dirtier than her).

- Rian was frustrated because he couldn't make a fire, couldn’t start a spark, and BOOM, Deet comes into his life (a spark indeed).

Once he realized she wasn’t a threat, they got along instantly. She was kind to Rian, and he was fascinated with her lighting the fire.

Deet wasn’t scared of Rian didn’t judge him, or think he was a liar, concluding that shortly after meeting him whereas everyone else besides Gurjin had turned their backs on him. Rian was touched by this.

- After comforting him, Deet thanked Rian for being helpful much to his confusion, because it caused her to hatch a plan and break Hup out of prison. Deet was in a hurry, but it was clear that Rian was flustered and didn’t want her to go. He longed to speak more before she left. After she was gone he felt lonely.

Episode 4: The First Thing I Remember Is Fire

- The next time Deet and Rian saw each other was when Rian and Ordon were being chased by The Hunter. Deet saw this and feared for his safety. Hup tried to stop Deet from getting involved and possibly hurt but she persisted, Deet wanted to help him. Unfortunately she couldn’t make it before Ordon sacrificed himself for Rian. Rian was desperate to run into the Gobbles in attempts to save Ordon who unfortunately didn’t make it, before Deet held him back from getting himself killed.

- Rian cried to her, openly showing his emotions, and held onto her for support. If she wasn’t there for him in that moment he would've crumbled. In a moment where Rian felt as if he had nothing left, Deet was right beside him to remind him that he wasn’t alone.

- Deet was horrified when The Hunter emerged from the gobbles and took Rian away from her. She screamed and wanted to go save him. She was concerned for his safety once again and was determined to let the All Maudra know what happened to him when she reached Ha’rar.

Episode 5: She Knows All the Secrets

- When Rian and Deet saw each other again it was during the Dream State where Aughra put them together. Rian and Deet were surprised and ecstatic to see each other, especially since they were confused as to how they got there. It was nice to have some familiarity. Major coincidence that Rian and Deet were the first to arrive and interact together. Aughra knew what she was doing.

Episode 6: By Gelfling Hand...

- Rian was concerned for every gelfling who was trapped in the Skeksis mobile but he specifically pointed out that Deet was among them, just by recognizing her voice, and wanted to get her out of danger.

- When Deet discovered it was Rian who stopped the carriage, she got excited. She knew he’d help them.

- After reuniting, they shared quite the tender hug. They both were entranced in the moment and their ears went back (in some cases this is the Gelflings equivalent to blushing) as well as sighing (Gelflings do a regular sigh if annoyed or a sigh that is equivalent to contentment and happiness)

- Deet complimented Rian and told him he was brave. A running theme in the series for Rian’s character.

- Rian told Deet “I’m glad you’re safe.” A subtle but meaningful statement, after having only a few encounters thus far. He didn’t want to lose her. This touched Deet and she smiled at his comment. She was happy to hear him admit that.

- Deet touched Rian’s arm lightly and said “Tell them”, showing support and encouragement for Rian to share his truth with the paladins about the Skeksis taking Gelflings essence.

- Rian stole some glances at Deet while they were setting up camp on the Crystal Desert. Something both do often throughout the series.

- All Maudra’s Funeral. As the Gelflings gathered by the fire and sang a song in remembrance for the All Maudra, Rian was looking directly at Deet while singing.

This caused Deet to gasp when she realized Rian was intently looking back at her, just as she decided to look at him. It was a pivotal moment for them. (Hup took notice of this... he could feel the chemistry)

This is where I personally think they were starting to fall for each other, specifically Rian. He had been on this long harrowing journey of loss and heartbreak, however Deet was the one constant thing that kept reoccurring. She brought comfort and light into his life.

Episode 7: Time to Make... My Move

- While waiting for The Heretic and The Wanderer, Deet and Rian spent one on one time together. She started to get homesick and admitted she missed the Caves of Grot and her family. Rian wanted to comfort her, so he asked her to tell him about them. A sweet gesture from Rian. She was hurting, and he wanted her to speak about it— to bring fond memories back instead of sadness. This meant a lot to Deet. She was excited that he cared and actually wanted to know about her life.

- Deet excitedly talked about Nurlocs and how her dress was made from its rump, before getting embarrassed. She got sad and figured Rian thought she was weird.

- In contrast, he stepped closer to her, and said “Not at all.” This again brought a smile to Deet’s face. On top of that, he decided to be bold and complimented her, saying “I think your rump dress is quite... lovely”

- Rian and Deet were looking at each other’s lips and were about to kiss before getting interrupted and flustered from almost getting caught.

- When The Hunter came to abduct Rian, Deet jumped in front of Rian to shield and protect him.

(A little off subject but I’m wondering what the Urdrupes would’ve shown them. The berries had been used to see into the future... what would they have shown Rian and Deet?)

EPISODE 8: Prophets Don’t Know Everything

THIS EPISODE.

- As Rian and Deet were preparing to go into the Caves of Grot, they both said goodbye to Hup. Hup was actually the one to call Rian over and told him to be careful. I loved this moment because Hup was Deet’s first friend when she arrived up above so naturally he was protective for her and was cautious of Rian, so this moment was basically Hup giving Rian his blessing. He knew Rian would keep Deet safe.

- The flirty banter. It was adorable to see them share this lighthearted moment full of laughter, and not-so-subtle flirting.

- THIS.

Deet said this nonchalantly, even though they both knew that was a serious step. It was a big deal, Rian meeting her family. Her loved ones. She was subtly letting Rian know he had special treatment.

Rian responds with “Oh, good” as in “Oh good, now I have something else to be nervous about” because he’s falling in love with Deet and wants to make a good impression with her family.

AND THEN SHE TOPPED IT OFF BY CALLING HIM SKY BABY

- Rian was fascinated with everything Deet was showing him about Grot and they allowed themselves to have a bit of fun.

- The precious moment of them holding hands. Every time they touched I swore my heart was about to burst.

- When Deet got scared from seeing the spitter hurting the Grottan she crash landed. Rian got up and immediately went to check if Deet was okay.

- Deet was scared and heartbroken over her home being destroyed with her family nowhere in sight. The way Rian looked at her was heart wrenching. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms and hold her, comfort her, and tell her it was going to be okay.

- Deet was eager to run after Bobb’n but Rian wanted to stay by her side and make sure she was safe.

- Rian’s reaction when he saw a Nurloc. He’s all ‘THAT’S a Nurloc? As in your lovely rump dress? She’s a bad ass...’

- Rian desperately tried to distract the Nurloc so it would attack him instead of Deet.

- Deet left Ascendency!Bobb’n and risked her life to save Rian from the Nurloc.

- Deet was petrified when the Ascendancy tried to control Rian. It nearly got her before Bobb’n saved them. Once Rian and Deet realized what happened, they were so relieved to see each other.

- Rian watching Deet hug her family. It was bittersweet. He was happy for her, but sad because it was something he could no longer do with Ordon. At the same time, it was something he longed for again. Something he could potentially have in the future, with Deet.

- “This is Rian, the love of my life and future father to my children”

- Rian admiring Deet and constantly amazed with her kind and gentle heart as she reassured the Sanctuary Tree that it was no longer alone.

- Deet was heartbroken over the thought of separating from Rian. She wanted to stay together.

- Rian sighed at this because he didn’t want to be separated either.

- Rian told Deet “You should be with the one you love.” SHE ALREADY IS.

- “I’ve made it this far... somehow.” Rian said this to her on purpose. To say she was the reason he’s made it far. Her support and presence gave him strength. Something to live and fight for.

- Deet was going to admit she loved him here. They almost kissed again, too.

- The vision shown to Deet when she took in the Darkening was very important.

I know many believed this was Jen healing the crystal but it’s actually Rian who reunited the shard. They could’ve made a replica of Jen if that’s who it was supposed to be. Also, if you listen to him yell you could distinctly tell it’s Taron Egerton’s voice.

During the close up of Deet’s face in the vision while she’s in the Skeksis castle, Deet still had the darkening in her, but if you look closely you could see her smile. Perhaps this is when Rian reunited the shard. He saved her life. We know the shard ends up being removed again but this could be a temporary fix.

- Rian was extremely worried for Deet after she got sick from the intensity of the vision.

- Rian carried Deet to safety. He would never leave her. Rian loved her. He lost everyone he loved, he couldn’t, wouldn’t lose her too. When Deet briefly woke she relaxed knowing that it was Rian who had her.

Episode 9: The Crystal Calls

- Rian was so relieved to see her awake.

- Maudra Argot pointing out that Rian carried Deet out. She knew it was an act of love...

- Rian boosted Deet up again for being a selfless hero, which Deet appreciated.

- Their mini Landstrider adventure.

- They started to hold hands and touch more and more. Pretty sure Deet’s heart was pounding in this moment.

- Deet’s turn to admire Rian when he wasn’t noticing. She was grateful to have him.

- Deet told Rian “You’re right, I do like it!” As they laughed and rode the Landstrider together. Did she like it because it was fun AND she got to be close to Rian?

- Rian watching out for Deet and helping her safely get off the Landstrider.

_ When Rian was scared and confused as to why all of the Gelflings from Stone-in-the-Wood were gone, Deet comforted him, and reassured him they’d be alright.

- The way Rian kept looking at Deet. SHE IS HIS WORLD.

- Deet admiring Rian when he was holding the glaive.

- Deet holding the one half of the glaive so Rian could retrieve the other + Rian always being gentle and polite with her by saying thank you and using manners like the kind gelfling he is.

- Deet being concerned for Rian’s safety and made sure he didn’t burn himself.

- Rian and Deet uniting the glaive so it is one, just as they will be.

(Notice that the Stonewood Clan and Grottan Clan have always been connected somehow right? Maudra Argot and Ordon teaming up in the past?)

- Rian looked to Deet for her wisdom and advice of what to tell the Gelfling clans + Deet having faith in Rian because she knew he would give the greatest speech.

- When Deet held Rian’s hand he sighed with contentment. They always felt whole when joined.

Episode 10: A Single Piece Was Lost

- When Rian was looking at Brea’s journal, he came across a drawing of two Gelflings holding onto each other. Wether this is Rian and Deet, or Jen and Kira, Rian is either looking at himself with Deet or possibly their potential future child together.

- Rian immediately panicked and feared for Deet’s life after the smoke bombs went off.

- Notice Deet’s face when Rian went to check on her. I believe the Darkening has been affecting her hence why she dropped one of the bombs, all shaken up and not even realizing Rian went to her at first but then tried to play it off and show him he was okay.

- His sigh of relief when he noticed she wasn’t injured.

- She was the one who made him smile and laugh again.

- Deet’s love, support, and hope guided him. How many times had he sighed out of contentment thanks to her? He wanted to be with her so bad.

- Rian was going to confess his love for Deet here. He wanted to remain by her side after the fight. He wanted to learn more about her family, her home, about Deet herself. He had hope that life would be better for them, together.

- When Rian mentioned this, Deet smiled. She was touched that he wanted to stay with her.

- When Deet said this, she was right. Their lives would never go back to like it was again because their lives would be changed. The two would be together, romantically, and that was something Deet wanted too.

- When Rian moved closer to Deet she gasped at the fact they were inches apart.

- Rian looked at her lips again. He was going to kiss her. She was looking at his, too.

- Deet was smiling when Rian held her hand.

-Unfortunately, the Darkening had scared her, and she pulled away, NOT because she didn’t feel as he did or because she didn’t want it, but because she was scared. She didn’t want to hurt him. She didn’t want him to be scared of her. We know he would never be scared of her. I wish Deet would’ve told him the truth, he would’ve understood.

- Rian was heartbroken, thinking he overstepped. He didn’t, Deet wanted it more than he ever knew.

- When The Skeksis were taunting the Gelflings during battle, Deet stepped up and said “Then our sacrifice will inspire others” which caused Rian to gasp and glance at her. Just seeing her pulled him out of the terror going through his mind while speaking with the Skeksis. Once again it was a reminder that she was by his side, through it all.

- When Rian was about to face the Skeksis alone, he told Brea he wasn’t sure about the plan, but he had hope. The hope that Deet has given to him. Rian looked directly at Deet and held her hand when saying this. If it were his final moments in battle between the Skeksis, he wanted to look at her and touch her one last time. His love. She gave him strength.

- When The Hunter was choking Rian she was horrified for him. She wasn’t about to watch him die.

- It was Rian’s turn to be horrified. Not of Deet but for her. He couldn’t bear to see Deet hurt. He pleaded with the Emperor to stop.

- After Deet consumed the darkening, all Rian wanted to do was run to her and make sure she was alright.

- The entire ending scene shattered my heart.

Rian was caught up in the celebration after making the Skeksis flee, but when Brea mentioned Deet he immediately wanted to find her, thank her, be by her side, kiss her. Confess his love.

He called out over and over, desperately looking for her.

Aughra noticed this, and simply nodded. I believe she knew more about the future, their future than we were led to believe.

Rian aimlessly walked through the forest and called out for Deet, and started crying because he was scared for her and didn’t know where she went.

- When Rian finally saw her, its as if his heart stopped. He was relieved, but worried. He would never be scared of her, but he wanted to help her get rid of the Darkening. The last shot you saw was Rian looking at Deet as she walked away, consumed with darkness. Take notice that he didn’t run away.

I have hope that Rian will save Deet in the second season, and that they will be together. It is clear that they love each other deeply, and Deet is strong enough to overcome the power. These two heroes of the resistance will become one.

[skcksa-a]

random skekSa headcanons ;; 

skekSa doesn’t like to feel weak or ‘burden’ the Sifa with her past trauma and current worries, so she’ll normally turn to drinking nectarwine in order to forget. it isn’t rare to see the Captain pacing her quarters or Vassa’s shell with a flask in hand. the Sifa have learned not to ask any probing questions, as skekSa might give them a tongue-lashing for it. 

in many ways skekSa is comically careless, as seen when she throws unused bottles and such behind her when Naia and co encounter her. she cares little for material possessions aside from her maps and charts. it’s the journey that makes life worth living, she says. 

although she has a heart for the gelfling of Thra, Vassa rarely has a crew. skekSa is very particular and likes to stock supplies and navigate herself, although she will sometimes surround herself with a small fleet during long journeys. 

while Amri thought her speech patterns to be saccharine, they are all genuine. she will see a gelfling, and like the Sifa themselves, adopt them and give them pet names like ‘my dear,’ ‘pearl,’ or ‘songbird.’ also don’t tell me that she hasn’t had flings with Sifa in the past. she’s an expert flirt. 

although bulky with muscle, skekSa is rather graceful. she is a talented songstress, as well. though not to the same extent as urSan, who has a siren-like quality to her voice, the Sifa still beg her to join them in belting sea shanties. 

studying herbs and the art of healing was never a concern of SaSan’s until she realized that gelfling were mortal and could be hurt or killed. she then applied herself to the art in order to save them and give them as much longevity as she could. she, however, finds the skeksis’ practice of draining abhorrent. what affects the earth can affect the sea, and she doesn’t want any of her Sifa to be harmed. 

her sense of humor is mainly sarcastic in nature. she also likes to trade playful insults with other sailors. 

because she rarely speaks in skexish, when she does she carries a thick gelfling accent. a sifan accent, to be particular. so instead of speaking like, say, skekSo, with a clipped, refined accent, her tone will be slurred and full of slang/nautical jargon. this will become more and more pronounced the more emotional she becomes. ex: avast! get off me, ye swamp-sucking mud-brained blindfish! 

at her core, skekSa is a kind and patient individual. for example, rather than take offense at Amri’s assassination attempt, she deals with the supposed problem of the spider and then immediately goes back to tending to Tae. even when the gelfling deny her answers, she hands Amri back his sword and returns them safely to shore. it is only when she is backed into a corner, with no support from her gelfling and death threats from the castle, that she becomes desperate and cruel. she heard of what happened to the Conqueror. she does not want to lose her mind like that. 

speaking of cruelty, do not mistake her kindness for weakness. she wants to preserve herself and her individuality above all. she is a skilled swordsman and has lightning-fast reflexes. she even grasped amri’s blade in order to pull it out of his hands. when truly cornered, she will grow more animalistic and let her anger get the past of her, but her anger is usually that of a wounded animal-- it masks her fear. 

[thebibliomancer]

Dark Crystal Age of Resistance Tactics liveblog pt 5

HEY! We're finally out of the flashback zone and into the arbitrarily chosen present!

In this stretch of video games, violence is the universal language of peace and brotherhood. For some reason.

Journey into the Desert

Crystal Desert Outskirts

HEY! We're out of the flashback zone and into the arbitrarily chosen present. In this part of the game plot, me and my peeps have to gain the trust of the Dousan Clan. By beating the shit out of them? Maybe.

Yup. Yup. In order to gain their trust, I'm going to beat the crap out of them.

Hope Rek'yr doesn't hold a grudge.

Its more Advance Wars level prove yourself through violence. Desert is dangerous so if we can't beat up some Dousan then clearly we'll never be able to beat up the desert.

I'm kicking his ass pretty badly actually so stick that in your pants and smoke it, Rek'yr. I'm totally able to survive a video game desert.

But he's summoning more guys partway in. Not cool, Rek'yr. Nobody said we could phone a friend.

Rek'yr, lying face down in the sand "Ah, well done! You are fierce warriors indeed!"

I think he just told me to do sidequests to unlock the plot.

I'm pretty sure he did it for free in the show because he liked Brea's funeral throwing skills.

---

I have since finished the netflix series. Good times, good times. Now I don't have to worry about getting ahead of the plot in the video game.

I've also managed to accidentally learn more about Kylan between then and now and I have become error. My boy Kylan should be a bard. And I don't know if there's time to course correct. We'll see.

Anyway, so time to do some sidequests to get the Dousan to trust me because there's no Press X to throw amazing funeral button prompt.

---

Desert Pilgramage

Rek'yr: "Princess, I can sense a deep sorrow within you. Have you suffered some sort of loss?"

Huh. I think I CAN press X to throw amazing funeral after all.

Rek'yr is inviting Brea plus some add ons to the Dousan burial grounds.

Where no doubt, we will do violence to gelfling or spiders.

Rek'yr: "Won't you please accompany me? A warmth such as yours would bring great comfort to a land so cold." Flirt!

Okay that wasn't a mission, that was a story segment that opened the real mission.

Wind along the Cliffs

Windy Cliffs

"Rek'yr has asked for the heroes' help crossing the desert to reach his family's burial grounds. First, they must brave the blustery cliffs."

Okay but who will I be beating up?

Huh! Not Gelfling or spiders! New enemy type? Windsifters who have been affected by the Darkening. Or I think new. I may have fought them in Brea's missions and forgotten since I didn't pause to fight much in the room under the throne.

And of course, many Darkened Nurlocs. They're so much smaller in the game than they are in the show.

So I have to bring Rek'yr but I'll also bring Brea since he invited her specifically. Boggi is going to invite himself along because he's puppy. And Deet is going to come to give Brea emotional support. And Hup is going to come to support Deet because I'm sad he got dropped out of the plot in the show and didn't get to be there for Deet.

Luckily, the mission objective is to just get three heroes to the exit and not let Rek'yr die. So I don't have to murder absolutely everything.

Rek'yr has a pretty good moveset. Swift Strike, Mark, Maneuver, Focus, Entangling Bola. He is also several levels below my party so I think maybe I've been overpreparing.

I can't believe Rek'yr is criticizing me for getting into unnecessary conflict instead of rushing towards the exit. Its like he hasn't even played this game.

Thank goodness I taught Deet to RAISE THE DEAD

Had to murder everything anyway because the level is narrow and the damage sponge enemies clogged it up.

The three heroes that crossed the finish line? Boggi, Brea, and Hup...'s pet nurloc.

In this way do we find closure for the dead.

Niiiice level ups all around except for Hup. Deet learned to Purge Rot. Maybe she'll learn to Purge Darkening. Brea learns Aughra's Ire. That sounds like a fun spell. And Boggi learns to chew on spells with Spellchew.

---

So I'mma switch Breg to Thief and Kylan to Tracker. Gotta get that sweet canon compliant bard Kylan.

So Purge Rot removes the poison status from an enemy. And makes them explode. DAMN DEET. Feels weirdly appropriate to have her learn this. And since she already has the Toxic Fumes ability, well it makes a good combo.

Spellchew lets Boggi eat buffs off of enemies. That is... amazing. I don't know that a lot of enemies use buffs so I don't know that I'll get a lot of use out of it.

And Aughra's Ire inflicts Magic Defense Down to targets in an area for five turns. Possibly by swearing. That's usually the form Aughra's Ire takes.

---

Uninvited Guests

Dousan Burial Grounds

"The heroes have reached the burial grounds, but it is overrun with darkened windsifters"

They're really expanding this part of the show with some beat up some things.

Well, at least we're already at the burial grounds. It'll be easy to clean up.

This time we got Hup again (he wants that lvl up), Gurjin because he's friend shaped, Kylan because he's cool, and Naia because she's here to kick ass and support her brother. Also, Rek'yr is here because he's trying to have a nice funeral party and monsters keep happening.

We actually don't have to murder everything. Just the Windsifter Matron.

=|

Well, Brea is here to mourn her own mother so its almost like. A metaphor? Assonance? Something?

Ok so I did just focus on beating a mother bat to death =( instead of indiscriminate slaughter. And its good ol' Hup whose guitar struck the final blow.

He needed revenge for his pet Nurloc who was summoned and died twice at the teeny claws of these bats.

Woo! Rewards! Hup gets his level up! And learned Feeding Time! I also get Rek'yr! I seem to recall that he doesn't really join the party in the show but that won't fly in video game. And neither will he. Except he might. Because the Dousan have flying beasts. I also got a Crystal Cutter which looks interesting.

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You'd think that getting Rek'yr to join the party would be enough winning over the Dousan that they'd direct me to the Circle of the Suns but nope screw me I guess.

So Feeding Time lets me heal a friendly beast. Finally, Hup can do something next time his pet worm is being nibbled to death by bats.

And Crystal Cutter is the special dagger of the Dousan Clan. I should probably give this to Rek'yr. Who has jumped up several levels from joining my party. Teamwork really does make the dream work.

Hmm. Three more spaces on my party screen. I imagine one has to be Seladon. Dare I dream that another is Tavra? Who does that leave?

Checked out the new equipment but ooof way to expensive. The game doesn't give you a lot of money and I don't want to go back to barfighting when I already feel over-leveled.