@Fab (HS) @Matt's Edge (FF) @Seth the MuffinMan (HS Captain) @Anaya Wingfeather the Cheerleader (FF, FAR, ASC) @Batwhacker the Freedom Fighter ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ @Ellie Mee @Rachel Blackburn (HS) (FAR cofounder) @Mr. Banana [FR, HK, HORC, NPP, ST, SA (of SIA and CIA.)] @Wren [LR, TW, CE, BW] having nothing to do Seth-still active and dangerous Ana-SETH! CHILL OUT! Fab-searching for passages and theafable items Bats-mixing sugar for the next Seth Problem Rachel-who even knows anymore. Town? Park? Treehouse? Somewhere. Or possibly just about everywhere. Spags-Middle Ground or TTG Spags- tapping out a tempo that doesn’t sound right . . .  Anaya-you’re not even playing anything yet? Spags-yeah, I know. continues tapping out tempo Spags-does that not sound wrong to you? anaya-what? Spags-the floor sounds weird, does it not? Non-instrumenteer-it sounds like a floor, what about it? Spags-No! The floor sounds wrong! Banna-hey Matt? If you had to kick someone off the FF, who would it be? Matt-what? Banna-if the FF got overcrowded and you had to send someone to the HS or just off the FF, who would it be? Matt-Wren? I don't think she considers herself an FF anyway, so would it make much difference? Banna- . . .  Seth-I mean, you always could join us. We always have enough room. And, allow explosives. Matt- walking into the police station hi, I’m here for Seth? Police-who? Matt-Are you new? Anaya-Cooking and hears a crash in the living room Anaya-What happened!? Seth-Looking between the TV and remote I tried to throw the remote onto the stand? Anaya-And Spags didn’t say anything? Fab-She’s been asleep for the past few hours. Matt- Also heard the crash what happened? Anaya-Seth threw the remote onto the stand Matt-Really? That’s the fifth time this week! It’s barely even Tuesday, Seth. Plus, why are none of you in bed? It’s like, three in the morning. Spags-Waking up and seeing Matt and Anaya what’d I miss? Spags-Sees TV . . . Did you at least finish the movie first? Fab-Apparently, it was rude for me to give my two cents on a conversation I happened to overhear, despite agreeing with them. Fab-On an unrelated note, there is now a “Banned from Ceiling Vents” poster with my face on it by the front desk. Seth-are you still allowed in the ceiling that’s not made of vents?

First Chapter Previous chapter -!WARNING! IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED MITH, DO NOT READ THE DREAM!!! The Story of Years As I fill my bowl, I hear part of Podo and Nia’s conversation. “What? Lia ought to know better! And Janner, if I’ve told that boy once, I’ve told him a jabillion times! They’re to watch over them-” “Hush, now, Papa. They’re safe. That’s what matters now. And it’s not like you can make Maddie leave, the others would ask too many questions.” I suck in a breath and sit down, watching my plate without eating much. We don’t say anything for a while, but Podo bursts open the door, hobbling over to Leeli. “WHAT’S THIS I HEAR ABOUT LITTLE RENEGADES TERRORIZING THE TAR OUT OF THE LOCAL LIZARDS?” “Now get in here, lads and lasses, and tell me a tale that’ll  make me quiver in me boots.” Janner and Tink push their chairs back and run to follow him. I get up slower and return the chairs back to their correct spots before I head out of the kitchen. Podo makes us tell the story four times, but let me sit out of speaking. Finally, Nia herds us up to our room and we climb into bed. I’m spared from my most common nightmare, but end up with another. “Mr. Bon-fire,” I whisper, reaching towards the old man, “Watch out before they trap you too!” He steps away with a chuckle, “Lia, my dear, why do you think you’re in that cage?” I stare at him, non-understanding. Some of the creatures come up behind him and my eyes widen, “Mr,-” He holds his hand up and the Fangs still. Bonifer smiles and waves the snakes away. “Lia, I am under no harm here. They will not hurt me. With you, on the other hand, they will not hesitate. Try to cooperate with them, Okay?” I nod out of instinct. It’s not like he’ll be a fool about it. He’s helped my Uncle and Grandfather make decisions that were good, why would that change now? “Yes, sir. I understand. Where’s Papa?” His smile seems different now, but I don’t know how. “He’s just where you can’t see him. He’s doing everything you’re doing. Don’t you worry yourself one bit, princess” He smiles once more and leaves and I sit down, watching him exit. Nodding off a while later, I shoot back up, realizing something he said, “Lia, my dear, why do you think you’re in that cage?” “No,” I whisper. No wonder he knew where I was. No wonder the snakes listened to him. He let them into Anneria. He’s the reason I’m here. Well, I was the reason I’m here, but he’s the reason for everyone else. I put my face in my hands. How? How could he? -so . . . any new thoughts on Bonifer? -I don't really know how much of a "nightmare" it is, but it's definitely something.

First Chapter Previous chapter Armulyn the Bard I glance over to the quieting crowd and see Armulyn waking over. Nia tenses and starts pulling us away. “Mama, can’t we meet him?” Tink looks over his shoulder. “No. It’s time we get home. Papa will be worried sick.” “Mama, please?” Leeli asks. “I said no,” Trying to go faster, she pulls Leeli off her feet and we stop to pick her up, giving Armulyn time to catch up. “I like your dog,” he tells . . . someone. I don’t know who it’s directed to. Turning towards him, he’s kneeling and petting Nugget. Leeli works her way to talk to him, “Thank you. His name is Nugget. I like your singing.” “Why thank you, little princess.” Nia stands firm behind us, I can barely hear her breathing. He offers Leeli his hand and smiles, “My name is Armulyn. I don’t like it here.” “My name is Leeli. I can’t walk very well.” He leans slightly closer when she says her name. I look around and see a cricket close by. Kneeling by it, I call Tink over. “Tink! I found a bug!” I make sure to say his name slightly louder. “And who might you be?” Armulyn asks. I glance up, the question directed towards me. “Uh-Maddie. Maddie I-Igiby.” Great! You forgot your own name! “Quiet!” I say aloud. “Pardon?” Armulyn questions. “Sorry, talking to myself. It’s, uh, it’s nice to meet you, though. Have you enjoyed Glipwood?” “Well, I’ve enjoyed the human side of things. The snakes, not so much.” “We have to leave though,” I help Leeli up, “Our Grandpa is waiting for us back home. We’re lalready ate.” I pass Leeli to Tink and Janner so I can shake the Bard’s hand, “Once again, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy Glipwood while you stay.” I head off after the others, holding onto Nia’s wrist. “Thank you,” She whispers. As the cottage comes into view, the lamps are visible through the windows and the silhouette of Podo blocks the front door. “WHERE IN ALL THE GREAT GOOD GOAT GOBBLIN’ WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN, OUT TRAIPSING THE FROLLOCKY HILLSIDES WHILE I’VE BEEN HERE GNAWIN’ ON MY GUMS! YOU JUST MARCH YER SOGGY FEET OVER HERE BEFORE I YANK OUT YOUR INNARDS AND STEW ‘EN IN . . .” He goes on longer, and would have gone ‘till the sun went down if the others hadn’t broken away from Nia and tackled him. “You’ll be wanton’ some of my cheesy chowder and butterbread, won’t you, my little warriors? It’s been simmering all evening, along with a thousand prayers that ye’d make it back to yer Podo safe and uneaten.” Tink was the first to head into the kitchen, Podo and Leeli following him in. “Lost yer wee crutch, eh? We’ll make you up another in the bright morning,” The door swung closed behind him. “I love you, Mama,” Janner says, wiping his face, “I’m sorry I lost her.” “Shh. It’s alright, you did well, son,” she nudges him towards the door and places a hand on my shoulder, “Thank you. Really. For keeping everyone together and safe. And especially with the Bard. Even your father lost Esben some days. You’ll be fine.” She closes her eyes, takes a breath, and we head inside.

First chapter Previous chapter -yeah, I didn't know what to title it . . . any ideas? Um, anyone got a title idea? We walk over to Nia and she wraps her arms around us, turning to Igiby Lane. “I don’t know what I would have done without you,” She breathes. Nugget runs and knocks Leeli down, but licks all of us where he can. “Where were you boy?”She laughs, “Why did you leave us like that?” Nia reaches down to pet him, “We looked for you at the cliffs. Your grandfather and I were worried,” she glances at me, and I can tell the blame he tried to put on me, “We waited until after the dragon song and the crowd had mostly gone, but we still couldn’t find you. We rushed back home, thinking we’d just missed you . . . Nugget here found us. He led me to the jail. I made your grandfather stay home. He would have torn the jail to pieces and fought an army of Fangs to bring you home, but it would have just gotten us killed. So I came alone.” “Where did those jewels come from?” Janner asks, “The ones on Gnorm’s hand?” Nla glances at him, “They were stored away in case of an emergency. This was an emergency.” “But where did you get them? That was a lot of gold,” Tink adds. “From Papa,” I tell them. Nia reaches over to Kal’s head, apparently they hit him anyway, “Your head. Did they hit you?” Tink nods and squirms when she kisses the bump. “And you, sweetie?” She turns to Leeli. “I’m okay, Mama.” “Did you see the dragons?” Janner asks, “Did you see how they stopped and listened when Leeli started singing?” “That was you dear?” “Yes ma’am” “It was beautiful,” she smiles. “But why would the dragons do that? And why wouldn’t Gnorm have just taken the jewels and taken us anyway? And-” Nia grabs Janner’s shoulders, “Because I told him I could make the finest maggotloaf in the four seas and that if he let you go, I’d cook it for him every third day of the week, once the meat had plenty of time to fester. I told him I had a secret recipe that involved hogpig sweat. The gold was just to get his attention, you see, Fangs have a weakness for jewelry.” “You know how to cook maggotloaf?” Ting asks her. “I have no idea,” she smiles, “I suppose I’d better learn. Now enough questions from you three. Maddie, what happened to your neck?” She holds her lantern to see where I’d guess the mark is still visible. “Venom. From the one that attacked Leeli, Slarb.” I touch the spot and pull my hand back, the venom warm to the touch. “So that’s what happened. Why did he attack you?” Nia puts her arm around Leeli and we continue towards the cottage until Janner and Tink get to the part with the stones. “And you saw no one?” she checks, “No sign of who might have thrown the rocks?” “No one,” I don’t mention getting a glance at the figure, but I know it wasn’t Papa. We start walking als hear Armulyn singing on the front lawn of Charney Baimington.  “Why are you crying?” Janner asks when the song ends. I turn and see Nia squeeze his hand, “It’s nothing. And why are you crying?” “There’s just something about the way he sings. It makes me think of when it snows outside, and the fire is warm, and Grandpa is telling us a story while you’re cooking. And there’s no place I’d rather be-but for some reason I still feel . . . homesick.” All of us were quiet. I was sure he’d said Leeli and Tink’s exact thoughts, but I had a known reason for feeling lost.

First chapter Previous chapter -yay! another chapter! I have no clue why I took a break. but the next chapter might not happen for a while, jsyk Dang? I hold my breath as Slarb tries the first key in the hole and relax slightly when it fails. “Hullo, Slarby,” another Fang strides in, Brak. “Brak, I told you not to call me that,” Slarb insists, watching me as he hangs the key back on their hook. Brak looks over at us, “So, we get to deport ‘em, eh? I love watchin’ ‘em wriggle when we put ‘em in the carriang, don’t you, Slarby?” Slarb’s voice sounds strained when he responds, “Yes. Deporting them all. It’s probably worse for them in the long run anyway,” He wipes his mouth with his forearm and watches me, eyes reflecting the candle light, “much worse in the long run.” They leave and the others wake up shortly as I fill them in. “We have to figure a way out of this,” Janner insists, “If there’s anything Popo taught me, it’s that there’s always a way out.” “But that’s Grandpa, a one-legged man playing Ships and Sharks with little kids. This isn’t a game,”  Tink adds. “I know this isn’t a game, Tink. But it won’t do any good to argue with someone bigger than you,” he says, bumping Tink’s arm. After a few minutes, Leeli and Kalmar fall asleep. Janner paces across the cell. “It won’t do you any good to tire yourself out,” I say after a long break of silence. “What?” Janner turns to me, noticing I’m awake. “If you want a better chance of escaping, don’t tire yourself out pacing. Sit down and think of something. Or sleep. I’m sure they’ll make you walk yourself into the Carriage.” He finally sits down, but it’s obvious he won’t fall asleep. “Maddie?” He asks after a few minutes. “Yeah?” “Why did the Fangs come?” “I . . . don’t know. They’re looking for something, I’d guess.” “Why don’t you get told to watch out for Tink and Leeli ever but I get told every day?” “Because,” I tell him, “I’m used to it. And I’m two years older than you. I’ve been told to protect y’all more than you think.” We fall back into silence until Leeli wakes up and looks over to the window. “Did you hear that?” She asks, “I think it’s Nugget. Nugget! Is that you, boy?” There was part of an argument outside that I couldn't understand, then a thud as Gnorm walks in, Slarb lying unconscious on the floor behind him. Gnorm walks over and grabs the keys, unlocking our cell. “You’re most fortunate, children. Someone thinks you’re worth a few shinies,” He wiggles his fingers at us, decorated with Annieran rings. “So . . .,” Janner checks, “we can go?” “Yes. Out of my sight.” Gnorm hurries the other three out and pulls me close. “Touch one of my soldiers again,” He hisses, “And a thousand chest of gold won’t save you or your family.” He pushes me back and I let myself fall, but not hard. I push myself up and head out the room and past a sitting Slarb, glaring at us. As we reach the outer door, Nia stands pale and waiting.

first chapter previous chapter -yay! she's awake! The Carriage Comes, The Carriage Black As I open my eyes, the pain in my head comes back. Worse. I hear people talking somewhere above me and I look over, squinting through the dark. “-got us all into this mess.” I can’t tell who says, it, but I’d guess Leeli. “What happened back there anyway?” Janner? “While you were watching the . . . I was throwing a stick to Nugget near the lawn, behind the crowd,” definitely Leeli, “A thwap plopped out of a tree . . . and Nugget ran after it. I followed them and before I knew it I was . . . on Main Street. I saw Nugget chase the thwap into an alley . . . he tripped that Fang.” “Slarb?” I ask, and I can hear the word slurring as I push myself up on my arm. “Yes. I think so.” I watch her mouth, making sure I don’t miss something else, “And that thing-Slarb-picked up Nugget and was about to bite him, so, I kicked it in the shin.” “You kicked a Fang?” the rest of us ask together. Janner and Tink sound shocked, pretty sure I just sound tired. “Well, what was I supposed to do?” I half-shrug, though I doubt they can see it. “I don’t know, but that’s about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Janner voices something similar to my thoughts. “And the bravest,” I add, my voice clearer now. “And the bravest,” the boys agree after a pause. I push myself against the wall to sit up. “Come ‘ere,” I say, reaching over for Leeli. As she crawls over, Tink attempts to lighten the mood, “Hush. It wasn’t your fault, anyways. It was that dog of yours.” Leeli puts her face in my shirt, letting out another sob. “It’s not like him to run away like that. What if one of those awful things kicked him over the cliff?” They would make you watch, I think, careful not to voice it. Janner says something first, “listen, be glad that Nugget isn’t in here with us. We’re the ones who are in trouble. Either we’re about to have the snot beaten out of us, or we’re going to get shipped to Dang. I’d rather not see Dang or Castle Throg or Gnag the Nameless this week, so let’s hope it’s torture.” As he finishes, the gate opens and two Fangs are outlined in the harsh firelight. Slarb and a round one I take as Commander Gnorm. “Yes, Commander,” Slarb says, “these are the ones.” Gnorm studies us before speaking, “And these children somehow left you unconscious in the alley. They must be valiant warriors indeed to best three armed Fangs of Dang.” “Well, sir-” Slarb tries to say. “It would seem that you are curiously incompetent if it takes five of you to bring in four children. I sit on my green rump all day long, growing fatter with every rat I gobble, and I believe I could whip this rabble with my eyes closed.”  Then try, I think, Try and see why your warriors struggled against a lame girl, a small dog, two boys who’ve only known to fear you, and a girl with a stick. Try to fight and see how well you manage. “You do have fangs,” he continues, “don’t you, Slarb, you tadpole? And you say these stones came from nowhere, do you? A little rock hits your skull and you sleep like babies in the dirt? Did some old mammy come tuck you in?” “I beg your pardon, Commander,” Slarb injects before Gnorm can continue, “My incompetence is inexcusable. What about the children, sir?” Gnorm looks Slarb up and down slowly, like he’s measuring him, “What would you like to do with them?” Slarb’s eyes flash our way, not even pretending to hide a toothy smile, “Commander, if it would please you, I’d like to torture them. The whips, perhaps?” Leeli squeezes my hand, shuffling closer. “Would you now?” Gnorm asks, his voice like ice, ”In that case, don’t touch them. If you tried to whip them, they’d probably best you anyway. We’ll have them sent to Dang tonight. Send a crow for the carriage.” No, is the only thing I can think, the other voice agreeing for once, No, I can’t go back. And they won’t go once. I feel Janner push up to me and we sit in a huddle, falling asleep half laying on one another. Everyone except me. I watch Slarb as he paces in front of our cell, randomly pausing to check if Gnorm has stepped away from the door. Suddenly, Slarb lunges for the bars, baring his teeth in a hiss like a dying cat. He strides over to the key ring hanging on the wall. I adjust slightly so I can stand up easier. Unarmed, I know it’s useless. But never go down without a fight. That’s why you're in this mess in the first place. Why you can’t always control yourself. Always too concerned about getting the last word, so concerned about now that you can’t see the later.

What do you think would be the strangest time to talk about TTH shenanigans? (I might have one of the best stories for this, but I'll wait)

First chapter Previous Chapter A Dragon’s Lonesome Tune Walking to the cliff from the forest edge, I smile. Thinking of the songs from Anniera and the sound of the dragon’s whispers. Janner looks around, searching for the seldom-used trail. “Maddie, I can’t do this,” Tink says, stepping back into the forest. “You have to,” Janner insists, “The Fangs that might find us on the road are more dangerous than this trail right now.” “Come on, Tink,” I laugh, “At least try.” I sign the word as I say it, wrapping my first finger over my thumb on each hand and twisting them. Leeli passes by, using the rocks as support, “Come on,’’ she tells him. “I’m not really worried about me, you know,” he tries to cover, “I just meant that, uh, I don’t think Leeli should be out here.” “Thank you for your concern,” I tell him, signing thank you like blowing a kiss, “But I think she’ll manage just fine.” I wrap my hand loosely around his until he removes himself from the wall, squeezing my hand. We creep behind Janner and Leeli until we reach an open spot and Kal runs ahead, pacing where he can. “Tink,” Janner insists, “Help me with Leeli.” They lower her to the rest of the crowd and I climb down last, getting attacked by a few rocks. A long note stretches over our group and I hear the dragon’s words mingled with it. “Quick!” Kal insists, pushing to the ledge, “It’s starting!” I follow him and we sit on the outcrop of rocks. I glance at Janner, and he seems good enough about our spot. Tink leans out on the edge, almost a bump away from falling over until he throws his hand back, tapping Leeli for attention. We look to where he’s pointing at when the first dragon appears, golden red, shooting up from the water.  As it crashes down, more notes rise from the water, forming the dragon’s song. After a few minutes, I glance over and see Leeli standing at the edge. Her eyes are closed and she’s singing something that sounds slightly Annieran or Hollish. I try to focus down to the sounds of the dragons, but they’re silent. Listening. Once she finishes the song, I listen again for the dragons. While everyone can hear their music, when I listen for it, I can hear them repeating Leeli’s words. As the dragons finish their version of the song, they disappear beneath the waves. The golden red dragon is the last to vanish. “Come on,” I say, remembering why we came down, “We need to find Mama or Grandpa quickly.” “What was that Leeli?” Janner asks, ignoring me, “Who’s Yurgen?” She shrugs, smiling, “I don’t know. I think it’s a song Mama used to sing to me when I was little, or something like it. It’s odd.” “What’s odd?” I ask, trying to hurry. “I can’t remember it now.” “Well, it was . . . really pretty?” Janner asks. Says? I’m about to repeat for us to find Nia and Podo when I pause, turning around to face the scaly, bruised, bleeding face of Slarb. “Try to run if you like,” He hisses, “It’s a long way down to the sea. I’m sure those ghastly dragons would love a few plump vittles after their silly little show, don’t you think?” Three more appear to grab Janner, Tink, and Leeli. One more stays behind Slarb, weapon ready. Five Fangs. Fighting three was tricky with the advantage of surprise. The one with weapons hisses, “What d’you want we should do wif’em, Slarb? Toss ‘em over or put ‘em in the pen?” I back up a step to the cliffs so I can see everyone easier, and Slarb steps forward, flicking his tongue at me. “Commander Gnorm told me to bring ‘em in, but this cliff is so close and these humans are so very smelly, eh, Brak?” I shift my eyes around, never letting them rest in place for long, where’s Nugget? I realize. My eyes lock back on Slarb as I notice a motion. Then pain breaks across the side of my face and I stumble before falling, my ears ringing. “Let that be a lesson, girl. Touch me again and I'll eat you alive.” I reach up to the side of my head, jerking away when I graze where he hit, filling quickly again with pain. I guess he grabs Leeli next while I blink tears from my eyes, “And the same goes for you, stenchy little girl.” I don’t hear any words, but I feel Janner land against me after a moment. I shoot my gaze over to Kal as he breaks away, aiming for Slarb. The Fang blocks easily, kneeing him and tripping back on the ground with the rest of us. “And you, you scrawny little thing, remember Slarb with this.” I reach my hand up as I stand, knocking the dagger sideways before it makes contact with Tink’s head. I stand between Slarb and Kalmar, staring the Fang down. “Remember me best, little girl,” He whispers, leaning close enough for me to feel his breath, “The Fang who proved you Skreeans can’t win.” He pulls his arm back again, and the world goes dark. -Might post the next chapter later today, finished this one early yesterday afternoon and kept writing. (Finished the next chapter and started a third)

Previous chapter -I had a lot of fun writing the first part of this. -My next chapter will be either Sunday or Monday, we have another weekend trip Venom I grab a stick as I run towards the sound, turning the corner between Ferinia’s and J. Birds. Tink comes up beside me and Janner bumps into us almost immediately. Nugget jumps at one of the Fangs, dodging its spear. I step slightly ahead of Tink, adjusting my grip on the weapon. My vision flicks between the three. One over Leeli, the second wrestling Nugget, (Which I would not advise) and number three leaning against Ferinia’s wall, laughing. I close my eyes and release a breath. I can almost feel them changing color. And when I open them, the Fang on the wall stops laughing. The one with Leeli glances back, “What’s the matter, Slarb? Is the smelly little thing too much for you?” Slarb jabs at Nugget, hitting his leg. Leeli yells again, getting poked with the butt of the second’s spear. Janner jumps at Slarb, beating his back. I run past Janner, sweeping the third’s legs out and hitting his head on the wall. And if that’s what it takes to- I push one end of my stick up, blocking Fang two from getting closer. -learn not to mess with the W-Igibys, so be it. Two backs up and pulls Tink from his shirt, throwing him down beside me. He lifts Leeli’s crutch above his head, breaking it and scattering the peace around the alley. He then steps to Nugget, kicking him through the air into a heap. I pull Tink to his feet and hand the stick to him, running to Janner. “Not on my watch,” I mutter, grabbing him before Slarb can bite. I feel a sting on the side of my neck, sliding back. Venom. Slarb only stands a second longer before I hear two thuds, quiet then loud. I glance over my shoulder and motion for Tink to move away from the last standing- Okay then. No more Fangs. I glance at the roof, seeing a crouching figure at the edge.  I nod, lifting Janner from the ground. I walk over to Leeli, helping her limp over to Nugget. “Where did those rocks come from?” Tink asks behind me. I glance to the roof, but the figure is gone. Janner runs over to us, grabbing Leeli’s hand, “Are you hurt?” Leeli shakes her head kneeling beside her dog. A Fang growls behind us. “We should get out of here, we don’t want to be here when these things wake up,” Janner insists. I lean over to lift Nugget from the ground, pulling back as he jumps up, growling. Suddenly, he stops. He turns to Leeli, jumping up and licking her face. Leeli pushes herself up, pointing to a larger piece of her crutch, “I won’t be going anywhere with that.” Janner steps in front of her, offering to carry her back, “Here. It looks like you’re going to have to let us help you for once.” I grab Tink’s hand and pull him along, heading out of the alley and back to the cottage. On the path to home, I take my rings from my bag, putting them back on. Tink starts walking towards the cliffs and I follow until Janner speaks up. “We have to go home.” Aw, Janner!” Tink complains, pulling his arm away, “Can’t we see the dragons? Everyone’s there, and as soon as the moon rises-” “By the time the moon rises,” Janner snaps, “Do you know what’s going to happen? What’s going to happen, other than the sea dragons dancing, is that those three Fangs will wake up. And once they do, every Fang in Glipwood will be looking for four kids and a black dog. Oh, and one girl has a lame leg. Now tell me, do you think they’ll have a hard time finding us?” After a pause, Leeli speaks up, “What do we do?” “Mama will be at the cliffs, watching the dragons,” I say, trying not to get into an argument, “But that will probably be the first place the Fangs would look for us. Grandpa always stays home on Dragon Day. So that’s where we can go. He’ll know what to do.” We jog the rest of the way home, Janner shifting Leeli to me. As we round the corner, it’s obvious no one’s home. There’s no lantern in the window or smoke in the chimney. “Where do you think he is?” Janner asks, glancing around. “No clue,” I tell him, trying to hear anything. “Maybe he went to see the dragons this year,” Tink offers, sitting and out of breath. I place Leeli down as she adds to the conversation, “But he never goes to the cliffs on Dragon Day. Why would he go this time?” “Well,” Tink snaps, “Why wouldn’t he be at the cottage? I think we should look for him at the cliffs; then we might see the dragons after all.” “Fine,” Janner tells him, standing back up, “But we’re taking the Glipper trail. We can’t risk the main road. There are probably Fangs everywhere. The Glipper trail is faster anyway.” Tink groans, but we all head down to the path.

Previous chapter -wow, on a roll with posting. (Because this is mostly just the book right now . . . ) Fang, Song, Vanish As Janner walks away, I offer a hand to Leeli as she stands. She places her hand on mine, pushing herself up to use her crutch as the horn blows. Janner tugs at Tink as I walk in pace with Leeli and Nugget. “Could you three walk any slower?” Janner asks-almost snarls. “Hang on, I want a Berry bun.” Tink digs in his pocket with his free hand, Janner tugging his other arm harder. “I’ll buy you a berry dumpling later if you want. Come on.” I shake my head though he can’t see it. I feel Leeli watching the action and smile at her, slowing down as she picks a way across the busy path. We sit on the lawn close to the front watching the handball game with Leeli playing with Nugget to the side. Suddenly, I hear people bumping into each other and muttering apologies at the far end of the field. Almost immediately, I heard someone close to the front say something about Armulyn. The Bard who was believed to come from Anniera sharing its tales. I hear someone closer say something more understandable; “Armulyn himself showed up? Really? Oh! And to accept a request to sing . . . ” I see Janner and Tink turn towards each other, smiles obvious in disbelief. The game wraps up quickly, the players standing and stretching. The audience, while some don’t notice, glares at them for being in the way for such a wonderful (or so said) moment. Two of Mayor Baggus’s helpers carry in an old wagon, the wheels surprisingly still attached. He steps up and watches the Fangs behind the crowd as he speaks, “With our all-wise and stunningly handsome and powerful and swift soldiers’ permission,” He bows much deeper than the Fangs deserve, almost tipping his hat off his head, “We would like to hear a song or two from the bard, Armulyn. We  beseech your lordships this trite pleasure, for which we will give you our eternal thanks and gratitude.” So says a free coward and his believers, I think, matching up with Tink’s muttering.  “Speak for yourself,” I hear, and almost nod in agreement. I hear a Fang growl behind me, and the mayor continues, “We thank you, kind masters,”  His voice smooths, trying to use the one power he still has as mayor, “My dear friends and neighbors, an honor rarely bestowed has risen on us like a warm sun. Armulyn the Bard, tale-spinner of the imaginary Shining Isle of Anniera, has chanced to join us in Glipwood on this fine day. He has accepted my invitation to perform for us. Please welcome this son of Skree to Glipwood by the sea. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Armulyn the Bard!” A man steps up in Mayor Blaggus’s spot, a whistleharp under one arm. The clapping grows in sound, and he smiles.  Wait, something doesn’t seem- “Hello, dear Skreeans!” He yells, “Fangs are ugly!” -Right . . . The applause stops. The Fangs lounging at the back hiss, rushing forward. Armulyn raises his instrument, starting a song. The Fangs halt beside us, trying to cover their ears while waving their swords. I close my eyes, trying to ignore the headache from the Annieran tune. “Sssilence!” The Fang growls, still trying to multitask. The bard stops and I open my eyes. He looks annoyed at the interruption, “Yes?” He asks. “Careful, bard. It would be nothing for us to chop you into bits and gobble you in a broth,” The Fang spits. Armulyn simply smiles, “I doubt you’d like the taste of me. I’m wiry and ill fed.  Will that be all?” He adds after a moment of silence. “Enjoy your pretty songs and we will enjoy killing you all the moment Gnag the Nameless decides he is finished with you. May that day come quickly.” The Fang flicks his tongue, hissing at a girl close by.  When they pass, I hold my hand out to her, a paper butterfly resting on my palm. As Armulyn starts his song again, the girl dashes forward to grab the paper before hiding back behind her mother. I glance over to Leeli as she follows Nugget, returning back to the music shortly after. With the end of a song, the bard lowers his instrument and we hear a horn from the direction of the cliffs. “The dragons,” Janner breathes. I stand and turn to Leeli, seeing if she needs help up. Shoot! I squeeze through the crowd in the direction I saw her heading earlier, ignoring Janner and Tink and expecting to see them at the cliffs. I didn’t watch long enough to be sure where she went after the first alley, so I walk up streets, marking them off on a mental map. I pause to listen for a moment, hearing a sound decently close. Nugget! -Oh no! (But I'm sure we all knew this part was coming)

Previous Chapter -basically just added a few words and thoughts in this one, but I hope you like it! Glipwood I chase after the others as they head down the lane, Nugget running ahead a few steps. As we enter town, I wave to the Shoosters and the guests on their porch. I think about asking them if they’d seen Peet today, but not with the others. As we continue down to Oskars, he greets us from the deck while we walk up the few steps. “Ho, there Igibys!” He calls, Zouzab peeking out the window behind him. “Hello, Mr. Reteep,” Janner responds. “Janner, lad, do you think you could help put up the books from my last trip to Dugtown? And brink Tink along too, we could use the extra hands. And by the looks of it, he could use the exercise.” Tink’s eyes widen, “Really, Mr. Reteep?” “That’s right, lad. What do you think of all this fuss lass?” Oskar continues, looking at Leeli, “Glipwood is a different town for a day, isn’t it?” She looks around, smiling, “I like it. But after a day of it, I’ll be glad when things go back to normal-” Janner interrupts, rolling his eyes, “Well, I wish Glipwood was like this everyday. I wish The Only Inn was always full of travelers and merchants with news from Torrboro and Fort Lamendron or tales from explorers who’ve gone beyond the edges of the maps. Did you ever think about the fact that there might be whole continents that no one from Skree has ever seen-”  Podo’s from Skree and traveled plenty. You’ve heard about other places from him. Well, not places like where you’re from, but places Skreeans scarce go. “-That no one from anywhere has ever seen? We’ve never even been to Fort Lamendron, and Grandpa says it’s only a day’s ride from here. All these rich people from Dugtown and Torrboro get to really see Aerwiar, not just shovel hay all day-” “Janner,” I interrupt, “If someone didn’t do the work, there’d be no way for them to be"rich ". Besides, do you really think these people have all the money it looks like they do? Their clothes are patches over patches. No jewelry on anyone. How much do you really notice about them if you can’t see how much they’ve been worn down?” Oskar adds to it, “Lad, it’s one thing to be poor in pocket-–nothing wrong with that. But poor in heart—that’s no good. Look at them. They’re sad in the eyes, and it’s a sadness no amount of money could repair. Why, they hardly remember what it’s like to laugh from the belly anymore. Young Maddie is right lad, Everyone you see out here’s worn down from the Fangs. I don’t think you realize Glipwood is one of the towns left best from their rampages.” “But they seem happy, Mr. Reetep, don’t they?” Leeli asks, “We could hear the laughter and music from up the lane,” She looks at me as she finishes. “People come to Glipwood to see the dragons,” I tell her, glancing at Oskar to make sure I didn’t cut him off. He nods and I continue, “It’s one of the only freedoms we have left. We sleep under the roof we want and with our family, sure. We–though it’s broken—live in our own land. That’s not what freedom used to be-” Oskar interrupts and I quiet, “Some of us still remember what it’s like to stroll through town after dark, or ride a horse through a safe forest.” His voice changes, and I think he’s talking to himself more than us, “It’s beginning to feel like the Fangs have always been here, that Gnag the nameless has always ruled us, taxed us, and stolen our young.” I back up a pace, almost trying to separate myself from his words. “Ah. But it’s a fine day, is it not, Igiby children? There’s a time to think hard and there’s a time to ease up. Now you run along. As the great Thumb of the Honkmeadow wisely wrote, ‘The games are starting soon enough’” He waved us away as he pushed his patch of hair more firmly on his head. As we pass the jail, I see Janner staring at Gnorm, eating at an empty bone. The two beside him hiss as Gnorm throws the bone at a resident, currently wiping grease and slobber from his face.  Uncle Esben would’ve figured out a way against them a while ago, if he could. I see Janner and Tink smile at each other, and I notice a group of people in a circle, laughing at something between them. Tink points and runs forward, “Peet the Sock Man! Come on, Leeli! Let’s see what he’s up to.” They push through the crowd as I stand back, but none of them notice. I join the applause as Papa flips back on his feet, skipping away.  “And he’s gone,” Janner says as the crowd leaves, coins scattered on the ground. Tink pops up beside me, “Do you think it’s true that he lives up near the old forest?” “He’d have to be crazy to live there,” Janner shrugs. Tink pauses and skips a step before continuing, “Well if anyone’s crazy enough to go near the forest, it’s Peet. The Blaggus boys said they saw him up by the forest, riding a toothy cow like it was a horse, whipping its rear with a switch. They said he was singing a ballad.” I saw him and a cow earlier, headed away from the cottage. Probably the same one, if they can be considered honest. Janner snorts, “No way. Nobody could survive a toothy cow. Besides, the Blaggus boys are too jumpy to go anywhere near the forest. They’re pulling your strings. Come on- Where’s Leeli? Leeli!” I glance down, watching her rub Nugget’s belly at my feet. “Janner?” I ask, not looking up. He spins around, sighing when he sees her.

Prev Chapter -um, Enjoy? Dragon Day I glance over and see Janner pull out a piece of paper. It takes a moment, but he puts it back and continues his work. He digs into the hay and falls forward. I cover my mouth at his faceful of horse nuggets. I head over to the house, passing by Tink as his hammer falls. Podo kneels in the garden, growling at something. “Again?” I mutter. I stand at the gate, not risking another shift with someone else inside. Podo already dislikes Papa, he doesn’t need more reason to make me leave. Leeli comes over, standing beside me. “Grandpa?” she asks.  Podo whips around, his club in the air. I manage to hold back from flinching, but I’m not sure how. "Eh? Watch yerself, lass. I like to have banged you on the head with my whopper," he pauses a moment in silence, "Thwaps!" I step aside as a thwap rushes out from behind a bush, with Podo observing both actions. Podo chases it and Nugget jumps through the fence for it. "I tried to get some the other day," I tell him, "It . . . didn't work very well." He doesn't need more explanation, so I don't give it. The club hits the thwap, sending it flying over the fence. a few more pop out as I give up keeping up.  I place my hand on Leeli's shoulder before heading inside. “Ama,” I say as Tink steps in. At least he can’t drop the hammer again, “Does anything else need to be done for dinner?” “Just setting the table,” she replies without turning. I grab the plates and place them around the table as everyone else enters and takes their seat. Aunt Nia watches the others eat, head in her hands. “Eat well, my dears. It’s going to be a busy day,” “The sea dragons!” the others yell together.  I only smile, remembering the sound of their voices mixing with the waves of Anneria’s shore. Nia pushes her chair away from the table, smiling.  “Finish up your breakfast and we’ll go to town. The chores will wait.” Podo crashes through the door, holding out a squirming bag, “THWAPS!”  He wacks the bag and it stills. I slide a hotcake into my lap and continue eating the rest. “There are two more of the little stinkers out there, but these three won’t be munching on any more of our vegetables, I can tell you that. Lousy, thevin’ little thwaps . . . “ He looks up at us and trails off, clearing his throat. “Don’t worry, now. I’ll be tossin’ ‘em off the cliff straight into the Dark Sea of Darkness after I eat a few of yer fine hotcakes, honey.” Nia’s moth drops, “How could you throw them into the sea?” Podo scratches his head, simply explaining the process. Leeli’s fork pauses on the way to her mouth and she pushes back from the table, “Grandpa,grandpa, you can’t just kill them! They’re such sweet little things, and they never hurt anyone,” Podo points at his scratches, but she ignores it, “And all they take is a few of our vegetables each year to feed their baby thwapplings. I can’t believe that you would do such a thing. Please, Grandpa, don’t hurt the little fuzzies.” She kisses his cheek and walks out, Nugget close behind. The bag squeaks and Podo wacks it again, but softer before placing it down. “Now, Janner, lad,” He only addresses Janner, but I know it applies to me too. “It can get rowdy out there with the festivities going on, and you know the Fangs get even meaner when It looks like we Skreeans are having a grand time of it.” “Yes sir,” Janner’s simple words give more emotion than he realizes. I grab my plate and put it away before heading upstairs for my bag. Mumbling off what’s in the bag, I check everything there is, “Books, water, coins, feather.” Before I head down the stairs, I make sure the conversation has finished.  “Sometimes ye feel like yer brother and sister  might weigh you down like an anchor, is that it?” I hear Podo saying, “Sometimes ye feel like this little town’s too small for the notions in yer head?” I step back, sit down, and grab the feather from my satchel. I’d found it in my old journal, one Papa’d given to me before our fall. “Every word is special,” He’d told me, “No matter how little you think about it before you write it or say it, It matters. And it always will. And like birds lose their feathers, you may lose your words. But they’re still up there somewhere,” He tapped my head and stood, holding his hand out for me to take. I reach up to grab it but the hand is smaller and thinner. When I look up, I see Nia’s face instead. ------------------------------ -Weird place to put this, but y'know the thoughts back from chapter . . . 4? about blame? those thoughts still exist throughout the whole story. I just don't feel like writing them . . .

kay-, guys, where did Seth go? Rachel-arrested Spags-Fab hasn't even stole any socks your today! how did man-- Seth- jumps down from a random tree The cops were on my tail. They . . . wanted to ask some questions about an explosion and -- FAB! GIVE ME THE SOCKS! Matt- blocks path what did you explode? Spags/Rachel-*leans forward* Seth-Well, cracker store? Matt- stares Seth- fire cracker store. I was going to steal some to throw at people, but the owner saw and tried to steal my well-stolen crackers! ..................................................... kinda turned into HS vs FF Seth-Ducks are better than rabbits Ellie-What? Rabbits are adorable! Have you ever fought ducks? No! You make us fight them! Spags-Duck is delicious! Rabbit is all gamey. Lili-We're not talking about flavor, Spags! Spags-Flavor counts! Anaya-Who carries a duck foot around for good luck? Anyone? Rachel-You wrap yourself up in a blanket of rabbit fur, I'll wrap myself in a blanket of duck feathers. Who's cozier? Kay-Okay but- Rachel-WHO IS COZIER! Fab-Then why don't we take a rabbit and duck and make them fight it out in a cardboard box! Seth- . . . Ideas . . . Matt-Because it's illegal! Seth-ONLY IF WE BET ON IT MATT! Bats-Or we can tell by the fact that glitter is simply cuter on rabbits than ducks! Banana-*gags* ................................................... Spags-When you work at a soap store and a customer comes in and bites a bar of soap that looks like cheese, you stop getting bothered by it 'cause it happens too much. Fab-If you stop showing soap as food, that wouldn't happen. Spags-who goes into a soap store and thinks something covered in glitter is cheese? Seth-Who goes into a store and bites the cheese? Fab-Have you ever seen those foam footballs? ..................................................... Seth-*falls from ceiling in front of Matt* Seth-hey Matt! Matt-What did you do? Seth-When someone tells you hey, you're supposed to respond. Matt-fine. Hey Seth! What were you doing in the ceiling? Seth-Well- Fab-*falls out ceiling on Seth* Hi Matt! and watch out for the ceiling beams. Fab-*rolls off Seth and leaves* ............................................ Seth-What if we hung mistletoe up, but you have to fight whoever's under it instead of kiss? Kay-Go to your room. you're not allowed to think. Spags-Mistlefoe! Anaya-Give me my fries and then you leave too. no more thinking from the HS. Fab-*proceeds to stop thinking* Fab-*picks up frying pan* Fab-*walks over to garden* Fab-* pulls out glitter* Rachel-Ooo, fun! Fab-*dumps glitter on pan* Fab-*wacks Banana with gittery frying pan* Banana-OW! Fab-*starts thinking*, sorry, HS can't think. Stops thinking again ................................................ Spags-You shouldn't use a straw. Anaya-Yeah, I know, it's bad for the environment or whatever. Spags-Yes, but you're even managing to creep Seth out with your "soup straw"

Thought I'd join, from a generator + word adjustments Ellie-Fab, you're not turning into a cloud. You're just dehydrated. Fab-Outta my way, Freedom Fighter, I am about to exit my HUMAN FORM! falls over Ellie-Hospital? Anaya- nodding Hospital. Spags-I failed my fire safety test today. Anaya-what happened? Spags-One of the questions was "In case of a fire, what steps would you take?" Seth-walking through wall And? Spags-apparently "Large ones" isn't an acceptable answer. Fab-so, what did y'all get Lili for her thwappaversary? Anaya-Chorkney. Fab-Me too! Spags-I also got her a chorkney . . . Fab-Ellie, please don't tell me you got her a- Ellie-Chorkney *later* Lili-BEST DAY EVER! (at wedding) Wedding-vow-reader-Today, two families are becoming one, Seth-Two families enter, one family leaves. Matt-That sounds like a threat. Rachel-The Wedding Games Spags- in accent May the bouquet toss be ever in your favor Seth-Beautiful, all of you. Anaya-for most of human history, vehicles had automatic collision avoidance and could bring you home even if you were asleep. Then we got rid of the horses. Non TTH-Ma'am, you just said, "wouldn't it be so cool life cars could bite and kick?" Spags-No, she said the human race has become less advanced in travel safety. Ellie-What about Wren? Banana-Don't worry about her. Banana-I once watched her roll down 173 steps, stand up, and walk off eating her cookie like nothing happened. Anaya-Lets not seth this into a worse situation than it already is. Seth- slowly turns did you just use my name as a verb? Seth and Fab-*high five*

these are from a generator and I just changed some of the people and wording. Ellie-You're not turning into a cloud, you're just dehydrated. Fab-Outta my way, Freedom Fighter, I'm about to liberate my mortal shell! Falls over Ellie-hospital? Spags-nodding hospital. Seth-Hey Lili, what's your favorite color of the alphabet? True or false? Lili- . . . Chorkney. Seth-Guy! I found a 100 dollar bill! Matt-Seth, do the right thing. HS-and put it in your pocket Matt-NO- Spags-I feel like Ellie is looking down on me. Anaya-That's because she's on a counter and you're short. Spags-*Changes into Thwap and runs up wall* Rachel-Steph is a perfect cinnamon roll who's never done anything wrong in his entire life! Wren-Never done anything wrong!?! He set a city block on fire! Matt-Your problem it that you've got no common sense. Seth-I've got plenty of common sense! Seth-I just choose not to use it! Spags-which one of you was going to tell me that tea taste different if you drank it hot? Ellie-You, you were drinking it cold? Anaya-Spags? Answer the question Spags! Spags-Yeah??? I thought that was just to speed up the . . . the . . . Teaification Process! Plus, you think I have the patience to boil water? Ellie- You don't have the patience to microwave water for three minutes? Anaya-Why are you microwaving the water to boil it? Ellie-You think I have that patience? Anaya-It take less than a minute! Spags-ARE YOU COOKING IT ON THE SUN! Anaya-How long does it take for you to boil water? Ellie-SEVEN MINUTES! Seth-Just put it in a mug on medium heat, boils in two. Matt-Or . . .maybe use a kettle? Everyone else -*glare* Matt-*backing up* okay . . . Rachel-Why are you on fire? Fab-Just how my day's going Rachel -*pulls water out on nowhere* want some? Wren-ATTENTION: I HAVE BREACHED CONTAINMENT! Wren-DO NOT PANIC! I AM JUST GETTING COOKIES! someone-*falls down stairs* Matt-Are you okay? Anaya-*walking down stairs* Stop falling down stairs. Seth-How's the ground taste? If TTH had a restaurant hi Waiter-Welcome to Applebeez, would you like apples or beez? Non TTH- . . . Bees? Seth from a table over-THEY HAVE SELECTED THE BEEZ! Non TTH-Wait- Banana-*Walks over, shaking jar of beez