Thwap Talk

GUYS SEASON THREE COMES OUT NOVEMBER 12!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY JUST ANNOUNCED IT.... well like 18 hours ago but still!!! AND THEY RELEASED THE POSTERRRRR!!!!!!!!!! I can't get it to show up but you should look it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway have a cookie🍪

@Bats/Elspeth the ✨Sleep Deprived✨ FF Doctor (BLC, EDS) @ArthamFanGirl first chapter previous chapter A Secret Map I unfold the paper-the map-and notice the careful lettering, Oskar’s handwriting. Glancing over it, I see something else that marks it as something he made, a few spelling errors and the fact that Books and Crannies was labeled “My Bookstore”. Tink starts to point to a message scribbled across the top, but I slide the paper out from under his hands and fold it up, tucking it in my sleeve and standing, dragging Tink along. I grab a book as Oskar becomes visible around the corner, barely glancing at the cover. “Oh! Hello there Maddie, Tink, what is it you’ve found?” Tink shows a book first, and I double check my title when I catch a glimpse of his. “The Art of Itching,” Oskar reads aloud, raising an eyebrow, “Is something wrong? You’re hiding something.” Tink pales beside me, and I almost step back, separating him from the paper in my sleeve. “I understand, boy. It’s a very private thing. And as a matter of fact, it’s none of my business, is it? But if you’ve got an itchy rash of some sort, there are much more extensive books on the subject than The Art of Itching. Believe me, I’ve read them all, if you know what I mean.” Tink relaxes, and before Oskar can make him feel any weirder, I ask him about a book I remembered seeing, “Mr. Oskar, didn’t you get a book called . . . what was it, Pembrik’s Creaturepedia?” “Yes, I do believe I remember suggesting that one. Come now, young Tink, let me go see if I can find it.” I nudge Kalmar to follow Oskar and a creek behind me announces Janner’s arrival. We find each other back at Oskar’s desk and he says all the books are fine. Shoot, the map! I realize as we walk back outside. I slip it out of my sleeve and into one of my books. I almost mention the map, but hear the sound of hooves on stone. Janner pulls Tink around the corner of Nooks and Crannies, and I follow behind, looking around for the sound source. Tink appears beside me, trying to see around the corner, and I nudge him back.  “Look,” he hisses to Janner, “It stopped in front of the jail.” “What’s happening? Is it the Black Carriage?” “I can’t tell, Gnorm’s talking to the driver. Now be quiet before they look over here,” I whisper. We stand there until the carriage leaves. When I take a step back, I bump into something solid. “And how is your lame little sister and that mutt of hers?” I hear, and a claw grabs my shoulder, turning me to face Slarb. I pull back and adjust my grip on the books, Oskar would fuss if we returned them messed up. “It’s time to finish what I started yesterday, Igibys,” he cocks his head and looks past me to Janner for a moment. “Slarb! Are those the Igiby woman’s kids? Gnorm will stew you alive, if you come between him and his maggotloaf!” Thank you for distractions, I think sending a silent thank you to whatever Fang uses more brain power than Slarb. He spits venom at me and some lands on my hand. Once Slarb heads back into the jail, I shake the venom off best I can and all three of us run back home.

I'm on a roll! yay! 🤣😭 CHAPTER TWO: PICKING UP That night, after the children had gone to bed, and the women were taking care of some of the flowers, Artham was alone in his study, his forehead leaning on the windowpane. He was watching as the rain pattered on the window, dripping down like the tears he did not know were on his face. “Brother,” a voice whispered. Artham turned quickly, and he noticed with a small amount of shock that he had been crying. He wiped his eyes as he asked, “How are you, Esben?” “We are now…it.” Artham’s brow creased. “What do you mean?” “Madia was the monarch of the family. She has been here for generations. Now, Anniera is left with us. With me.” Artham listened, his eyes grave. “Am I going to be a good king?” “Of course.” “But how can you know?” “Because if you don’t I’ll punch you in the face.” Esben couldn’t help but lose the melancholy look on his face, and he started laughing. “And besides,” Artham said, when the laughing was over, “you have a son. I have a daughter. And I am convinced that somewhere out there Amarah and Wilden are.” Esben smiled. “I doubt a baby and a teenager could help much with ruling.” “Well, maybe not Janner, but Arthra is very smart. I believe you would get some good council from her.” “I will keep that in mind.” Artham ran his fingers through his hair. “I…I know this will all work out. I know it hurts now, but it will get better. It has too.” Esben nodded solemnly. “I know it will. Eventually.” “We just have to make her proud of the choices we make. And I’m sure she would be immensely proud of her ‘golden boy’.” Esben laughed a little ruefully, fondly remembering the old nickname his grandmother made for him. “I miss her, Arth.” “So do I. The whole kingdom does.” A bit of a sadder chapter, but one thing I wanted central was to open this story with Madia's death and they ofc have to react to that. This was also a good opportunity for me to set up Artham as that solid rock for Esben :) Hope you enjoyed! Let me know if anything seemed weird or wonky.