Thwap Talk

And here is chapter two, filled with some familiar faces! :D CHAPTER TWO: REUNION The trip came, and the four children were on the ship with no time to spare. They enjoyed themselves, in spite of the periods of sea sickness that all of them had. The month came and went slowly, to the children, but to the captain of the ship, it was just like any other time. But now, all four of them were standing on the Hollish docks, bags at their feet, and friends in front of them. Nia was the first to greet them! “Oh, I’m so happy to see you all!” She hugged them all, making Esben blush a bit. “You all look so different from the last time I saw you! For the better, I assure you.” Arundelle smiled. “Well, Nia, you’re positively blooming.” Nia smiled back. “Oh, you’re just being nice.” Then, Biggin O’Sally and a young girl came up. Artham smiled. “Biggin, it’s good to see you. And you, miss.” Biggin smiled. “This is my good friend, Jodi. And it’s good to see you too, real good.” Artham smiled. Jodi looked at Artham rather curiously. “You don’t look exactly like I thought you might. A champion in the Durgan shouldn’t be so…skinny.” Artham laughed. “No, he shouldn’t.” Olumphia suddenly came, and soon Arundelle, Emerald, Nia, and Jodi were gone. Clout came forward and shook Artham and Esben’s hands. Rudric did the same, though there was a special handshake there, filled with more warmth, since he was, of course, their cousin. Esben did feel a little uncomfortable with him, since he also liked Nia. “Well, it’s good to see you all again,” Rudric said kindly. “My parents would love to see you, if you wouldn’t mind stopping by, of course.” Artham shook his head with a smile. “We would be happy to see Horus and Meerida again. Let me just find my sister.” Rudric nodded. “I’ll meet you back at my house.” Artham grabbed his and Arundelle’s bags, and Esben grabbed his and his sister’s. “Let’s go drop these off at the Helmers before we go see the Keeper,” Artham said. Esben nodded. They would be staying at the Helmer’s home, including Arundelle, upon Nia’s insistence. As the boys enjoyed the cool, fresh air, Emerald was spending her time with the girls in the marketplace, even if Arundelle did feel a little out of place. Eventually, the girls broke up, and Nia, Ari, and Emerald headed to the Helmers as well. They all got there at the same time, and Emerald and Arundelle claimed their bags. Then they went inside, just to be practically swarmed by Podo and Wendolyn. Podo shook both of the boys hands, complimenting on how much they’d grown, and Emerald was kissed on the head, his whiskers tickling the top of her head. The boys were kissed practically a dozen times by Wendolyn, much to both of their embarrassment and pleasure. When Wendolyn finally kissed Artham for the last, she looked at him with tears in her eyes. “Oh, my dear boy! I’m so happy you were able to come.” Artham smiled slightly, wondering what Arundelle was thinking, and then he remembered that the Helmers didn’t know who she was. “Um, this is my…uh, friend, good friend, uh, Arundelle Well-I mean, Waterwell.” Artham was now blushing fiercely and Arundelle wasn’t doing much better. Podo and Wendolyn exchanged a glance, but they greeted her with the same cordiality, and Arundelle felt very much at home. Ari and Nia decided to stay back and help prepare lunch while the Wingfeathers went to go and see the Keeper. “Boy, Artham, you sure made a lovely show of it in there with Arundelle,” Esben said with a smirk. Artham glared at him, but Emerald giggled. “I hope you two get married someday.” Artham nearly choked. When they arrived at the Keeper’s house, the greeting was much more formal, though that is to be expected. Now it was no longer guardian meeting with ward; it was Keeper meeting with king. “Well, how have the young ones been?” Horus asked with a smile. “Good,” Artham said, shaking both of their hands. “My, Artham, seems you’ve grown a head taller than last time,” Meerida said, smiling. “Um, yeah, seems I have…I suppose.” “Will you be staying for lunch?” Horus asked. “Oh, um, thank you, but Wendolyn already started preparing lunch. But it was nice of you to invite us,” Artham said. Horus nodded. An awkward silence prevailed through the room, when finally, Esben broke it by sneezing. Everyone laughed, but then, after a few more awkward moments of small talk which Artham hated, it was time for the children to leave, and they were more than grateful. They didn’t feel very comfortable with the Keeper. In truth they never had. And this was no different. They were soon seated at the table for a nice dinner with the Helmers. Podo blessed the meal and then began the munching. “Artham, would you pass me the butter please?” Arundelle asked. Artham smiled. “Of course.” Wendolyn smiled at them from across the table. “You know, Artham said so much about you with the letters you two would write. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Artham shoved a big bite in his mouth so no one would ask him any questions, and Arundelle just blushingly smiled. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Helmer. Artham said much about you.” “All good things I hope?” Podo teased. Artham laughed. “There was nothing bad to report.” “You know, Esben, you’re sure getting a lot…taller, and stronger,” Nia said, smiling. Esben swallowed quickly. “Thanks Nia, you too.” He just put another bite in his mouth when he heard Emerald giggle and saw Artham nearly choke on his peas. It was then that Esben realized what he had said. “I mean! You’re really, uh, very pretty now. I mean you were before but I- “ “Thank you, Esben,” Nia interrupted, smiling. Artham looked at Esben with a smirk. “Boy Esben, you sure made a show of it.” Esben glared at him. “Oh, and Artham,” Nia started, looking him full in the face, “Nibbick knows your here. He’s not invited to any festivities, but something tells me he’ll show up anyways. You should really, just keep your eyes and ears open.” Artham’s face turned grave, and the whole table’s mood switched. “I’ll…keep my eyes open. Thanks.” Artham took a sip of his soup, though everyone could see his hands shake. Just to clear one thing up, Artham is not scared of NIbbick. He is more nervous about what might happen. He is nervous about getting hurt again, but not scared. And I hope you like this chapter, and seeing all of the old friends come back! :D Let me know if anything seems weird or choppy!

Officially starting! Woo! I'm gonna shoot for daily posting, so hopefully that should work! I hope you enjoy this! Just remember: the invitation that starts it all 😏 CHAPTER ONE: A BIRTHDAY “Good morning, Em,” Esben said sleepily as he walked out of his room, still rubbing his eyes. “What?” Artham asked, mischief shining in his eyes, “do I not get politeness as well?” “Look. I’ve only got enough for one bit of politeness, and I’m giving it to Emerald.” Emmy laughed. “Looks like Esben slept on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Again.” Artham chuckled. “What does that make? A week now?” Esben smirked in spite of himself. “Well, I’m just a little grumpy. It is almost eleventh month.” “So grumpy and impatient for Maker’s Day?” Artham asked. “No,” Esben muttered, too embarrassed to say the real reason he was being a grouch. That was Nia’s birthday month. Him and Nia had been corresponding in letters for months! And that month, even though it just was there, made him miss her, and got that funny feeling in his stomach he didn’t particularly like. Artham raised his brows, and Emerald giggled, both having a slight idea as to what was bothering their brother. To interrupt the grumpy mood, a head peeked around the corner and smiled when she saw all of them there. It was Arundelle. “Good morning, everyone!” Artham, out of habit, sat as little straighter and smiled. Esben snickered, and Emerald rolled her eyes and greeted Arundelle. “I have wonderful news this morning,” Ari said, a light shining in her eyes. “What is it?” Artham asked. “Let me guess, you set a wedding date,” Esben said with a smirk. Arundelle blushed and tried to laugh it off, but Artham just punched his brother in the arm. “No, Esben. I got a letter from Nia! It’s her sixteenth birthday next month, and she invited us to come over!” Esben’s eyes lit up. “Really?” “Yes! I just got her letter this morning. She’s invited all four of us. What do you think?” “Oh, Arthie, can we go?” Emerald asked, her big eyes shining with excitement and expectation. Artham looked at his sister and smiled. “Well, I say yes. We’re through all the important council meetings for the rest of the year, so why don’t we go ask grandmother?” Emerald jumped with glee and clapped her hands. “Oh yes! Let’s!” “I’ll go ask my father,” Arundelle said, turning to go back the way she came. “Let’s meet at Castle Rock for lunch and report back on if we got permission or not.” “See you there,” Artham said, getting up from the couch and heading towards his grandmother’s sitting room. Esben and Emerald passed by in front of him, and he turned back slightly, just to see Arundelle turn and disappear. He smiled, then went to follow his siblings. Madia Wingfeather, the queen-grandmother, sat in her own personal sitting room, knitting. Her grandchildren came in one by one, and she smiled at their entry. “Well, hello there my dears. What can I do for you?” Esben nudged his older brother forward, and Artham shot him a glare. Then he faced his grandmother. “Arundelle got an invitation to go to Nia’s birthday next month, in the Hollows, and Nia invited all of us. We need your permission to go of course.” Madia smiled. “Of course, dears. That’s a lovely idea. I’m sure you’ll all have a wonderful time. And Artham, I trust you with all their safety completely.” All three Wingfeather children smiled. “Thank you, Gramma!” Emerald said, kissing the old woman fondly. “Oh, you’re welcome my love. Now, after breakfast, I suggest you all go packing. You’ve got a long trip ahead of you.” As Arundelle was getting the table set for lunch, she looked at her father across the table. “Papa.” “Yes dear?” “I got an invitation to a birthday party. In the Hollows.” Reginald stopped and looked at his only child. “Oh?” “For my friend, Nia. Artham, Es, and Emerald are going, so I wouldn’t be alone…if you let me, of course.” Reginald paused, then resumed setting the table, and Arundelle watched him as she continued setting the table. “You said, Artham is going too?” “Yes, Papa.” “Hmm. Only because of that, can you go.” Arundelle’s eyes lit up. “Oh, thank you Papa!” Reginald smiled. “Of course, my dear. Just make sure that…that…” Reginald’s voice trailed off, and his eyes became troubled. “Make sure?” Arundelle pressed, her brows knitting with concern. “Nothing. Just, make sure you have fun.” He kissed the top of her head, then disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Arundelle standing at the table, wondering what her father could have meant. The next day, both girls decided to go shopping for presents in the marketplace, leaving both boys alone. Artham was sitting in the living room, reading a book, and Esben was sprawled on the floor, drawing in his sketchbook. “Hey, Artham?” “What?” “You know, I’m a little nervous to leave for the Hollows tomorrow.” “Why?” “Because…because I…I do like Nia.” Artham chuckled slightly. “I know. You weren’t exactly hiding it.” Esben sighed. “Should I be nervous about it?” “Being that it’s a month away, no. I don’t think you should worry. Nia’s a nice girl.” “I guess. You know, Artham, I really appreciate you being my brother.” Artham laughed. “You don’t have much of a choice.” “Well, I’m glad I don’t. I’m sure you’re the best brother in the world.” Artham smiled. “I doubt that.” That ended the conversation. The girls came in, showing off the gifts they bought for Nia. Artham and Esben applauded them all, even if Esben found the hair comb a boring gift. I hope you liked this! As you can see, a little longer this time. And yes. This is the invitation that starts it all. Let me know if anything seems choppy or unclear!!! 😁

It is time....for my next story! OK. Now. The plot of this story is the lives of Artham, Esben, and Emerald up to Janner's birth. It picks up a year after my previous fan fiction. It should be a little longer than AtS, and I hope you enjoy it! This is just the prologue, and as for a posting schedule, I'm hoping for daily, but we shall see. Anywhoo, hope you enjoy! :D PROLOGUE Our Jewels of Anniera have faced many trials in their lives. With the loss of their parents, grandfather, aunt, and uncle behind them, they now have a whole kingdom to rule. But, if they lean on each other, they can do it. But, something moves across the sea, something is planning destruction in the castle walls, something sent to cause nothing but pain and misery. They will be tested. These children, that will one day, many, many moons from now, turn into legend. For now, they live in peace in their castle. Poor children. They have no idea that one simple, heartfelt invitation, will be the rock that starts an avalanche. Very short, I know 😅 I do hope you enjoyed this! I want to set a good tiny taste of mystery! And, I am happy to say, you can expect the first chapter sometime over the weekend. Please let me know if anything seems weird or unclear!