What happened in the past that caused a shift in the narrator's vision? How does the relationship between the characters, particularly with Janner, Ka-Tink, and Leeli, evolve throughout the story What exactly happened in the past that causes the characters to have such strong memories and worries about their past? How does the shifting eye color relate to the character's abilities or experiences? What exactly happened to cause the changes in the narrator's eye color? How does the Annieran symbol connect to the story, and what significance does it hold? What memories or experiences is the narrator trying to suppress when they think, “No. Don’t think about it”? And to double check, does anyone need to know the answers to these?

I use Grammarly some times when I'm writing, (though I do know ya'll would just ask if something seems wonky, so it honestly has no point, other than fun.) but I also like looking at he "Identify and gaps" and some of them are funny, so I thought I'd share. What led to the king's abduction who are the creatures guarding the bound victim Why is Artham so willing to sacrifice himself for the king's safety What significance do the doodles on the bound person's hand hold for Artham and Esben What specifically is Artham so deep in thought about before Esben interrupts him? How did the dynamic between Esben and Artham evolve over time What is the significance of Arundelle potentially becoming their aunt, and how does it affect their family dynamics What is the significance of the open window that the Throne Wardens forgot about Why does Artham have such a strong admiration for Nia, despite her constant scowling at him What past events or experiences have led to the friendly rivalry and playful interactions between the characters, especially between Artham and Esben? What is the significance of the ring that Artham and Esben were discussing, and why did it hold such importance in their relationship with Arundelle What was the nature of the plan that involved Janner and the other characters Who was the person looking back at Artham from the departing ship, and what connection do they have to him (these are from Singing Stones, want one from Warden's Daughter?)

prev chapter -kinda just a short goofy part to fill in until I can reference the books -also adds to the background i guess? -anything out of cannon? (Ignore the names in the story, I did them wrong on purpose)  Story Time I hang from the tree upside down, writing in my journal like usual. It slips from my hand and I call Tink over. “Tink! Can you pass my book back?” He lifts it from the edge of a page, looking at the words,  “yal ew erehw swodaem eht ni elihw Yats ot enim dna enim era uoy taht Deyarp evah i rekaM eht ot Edadhs ylpmis ro niar gnirb ot Uoy rof sllac duolc elttil a Eulb dna mraw os yks eht ni. What in Aerwiar and the Dark Sea is that?” I laugh and take my journal back, “I write with my left hand, in case you didn’t notice. Writing normally would smear the ink everywhere, so I write backwards. It’s really not hard.” I flip it right side up, reading the short poem mostly from memory, “In the sky so warm and blue A little cloud calls for you To bring rain or simply shade To the Maker I have prayed That you are mine and mine to stay While in the meadows where we lay” Tink looks at me like I turned into a squeeblin, “You can read that?” “Well, yeah? It is my writing, just so you know.” “Hey, can you tell us another story about Anniera?” Janner asks. “Yeah!” Leeli agrees, “The one about (add something later)!” “Actually,” I tell her, “I have a different one this time.” I swing right side up from the tree and drop down. When the other three sit in a circle with me, I start the story. “Once, Uh . . . my thoughts left, the end!” I laugh, and Tink joins in. “Maddie, I think that describes your life,” He tells me. “Yeah, it does. Um, but actually. One time, the King-” I break off laughing. “The King and his friend managed to set the kitchen on fire. At midnight. The day before a major conference.” “So- Well, he was still the prince when this happened – I think it wasn’t the smartest move for his friend to be allowed to stay the night anyway. They decided they were going to try to stay awake all night, so they started by hiding in the library until everyone went to bed. The Prince’s brother was usually the last to sleep and heard them running around.” Janner interrupts, “What were their names?” “Names?” I ask, panicking for a moment, “The Prince was Jru, his friend was . . . Esben, and the brother was Artham.” “Well, Jru and Esben found wood from an old book case they had removed as a safety hazard earlier that month. They took the wood and brought it into the kitchen when they thought everyone was asleep – they wanted to make some food to keep in their room in case they got hungry. Jru and Esben didn’t usually help cook and added more wood than they needed to the fire. “The fire got too big for them to put out and they tried to put it out by throwing wood over the fire to stop air from getting to it. The wood they threw on caught fire and it traveled to other wooden stuff in the room. They managed to put it out, no idea how, and they went to collect Artham since they figured he was awake. They managed for him to get to the kitchen door before he asked any questions. “He looked at them, and the first thing he said was, ‘And why am I awake at two in the morning?’ and no one answered for a while. “Then Jru pointed at Esben and said, ‘It was his fault,’ and Artham asked what was Esben’s fault. “So the rest of the conversation was about like this; “Esben- ‘I didn’t know it was flammable!’ “Artham- ‘what was’ “Jru - ‘It’s wood, of course it is!’ “Artham - ‘WHAT WAS!’” They flinched with the last line, I think it scared them. “ ‘Well to put it short, the kitchen is on fire.’ “ ‘. . . What?’  “ ‘Correction, it was on fire. We put it out!’ “ ‘Why did you-! Go to bed.’ ” Tink falls over laughing with the end of the story, and I almost feel sorry for giving him an idea. but then I realize it would be like hanging out with Uncle Esben again and am glad.

( @ArthamFanGirl, here!) Bark Thwaps-Live in forest around tree roots. entrances to tunnels in gaps between tree roots. Omnivore. main rooms/building line up with trees. (More needed?) KNOWN THWAPS (more will be added as the story continues) Clover-(Clove) younger brother of Allspice and Brush Cherry, black fur with purple-looking ears Brush Cherry-(Brush) middle sister of Allspice and Clover, light brown fur with darker patches Dragon Fruit-(Dragon) Friend of Clover, white fur with small black spots, Daughter of Holly Berry Poison Oak-(Oak) Medium brown fur with darker ears and a lighter stomach, Captain of the Bark Thwaps Holly Berry-(Holly) pinkish red fur with small ears, Young-watcher (Babysitter), Mother of Dragon Fruit Allspice- (Spice) Oldest sister of Clover and Brush Cherry, Co Captain of the Bark Thwaps, mostly white with a grey ear FAMILIES (Based off Eldest child of mother if only one child) Spice Blood-Allspice (eldest), Brush Cherry (middle), Clover (youngest) Holly Blood-Holly Berry (mother), Dragon Fruit (daughter)

Chapter 1 "Clove! Hurry up! We'll miss the start of the meeting!" A little Thwap called over her shoulder. "I'm . . . hurrying! Sorry . . . I have . . . smaller legs than . . . you!" Clove called between gasp of breath. Clove slid to a halt as his sister stopped with her face against a hole. "Brush!" Clove hissed, "We're supposed to stay with the group! We're not supposed to be here for a reason!" He placed his paws against the opening, barely able to see the group. "We can't keep acting like nothing is happening, Poison Oak," someone was saying. Clove recognized the speaker, a thwap with a gray ear, as his sister.\ "Allspice," Oak said, "nothing is going to happen. There is no reason for anyone outside this council to know of anything." Clove and Brush looked at each other, "What are they talking about?" Brush mouthed, Clove shrugged. "If it dangers my siblings, I think I would like to know. If you refuse to act, Clover, Brush Cherry and I will leave. Try explaining a missing CoCaptian to the city without bringing up 'the issue'" Clove ducked from the opening as Spice turned to the gap. "Allspice, you're being rash. You can't set out on your own with a threat like this!" "So you agree?" Spice asked, "You say 'a threat like this', but you do nothing about it!" Brush and Clove ran from the council and through the tunnel to the roots they were supposed to be waiting at. Chapter 2 Dashing into the play area, Brush tackled her brother wrestling as if they'd been there the whole time. A thwap pops out of a nearby tunnel, "Clove, Brush, did you not hear me call for food?" They glance down while they respond, "Sorry, Holly." "Come on then, Spice-Blood. The rest of the group is waiting for you." Clove and Brush follow her through the familiar maze of tunnels to a burrow with strips of bark spread around and a few Thwaps at each table. Clove goes to sit with his friends. Brush goes to help the Grown pass out food through the tables. "Two charrots, five totatoes, and Glipfruit if they want it," she repeated to herself. "Dragon!" Clove calls, "I found a cool rock today!" He pulls out a rock. It's small, smoothe, heart-shaped, and has a pinkish hue. Dragon whispered something in Cloves ear and they both start laughing and watching Brush. "Dragon! Don't start giving him IDEAS now! I can't keep up with the ones he comes up with alone!" Brush yelled. Dragon's ears went flat against her head for a moment, "Don't worry Brush, he doesn't need any help." Dragon and Clove break into more laughter. NOTES: -They are Bark Thwaps, not Bush Thwaps -Clove, Spice, and Brush are all siblings. The oldest to the youngest (Full names) are; Allspice, Brush Cherry, Clover. -They are referred to as siblings of the eldest child, in case "Spice-Blood" was confusing anybody. -Bark Thwaps do typically live in trees and prefer being higher up, but most things they do are under tree roots. -the charrots and totatoes are per table, glipfruit is per Thwap (One (1) piece) -do y'all need any sort of clarification post?

I have some IRL no context quotes, and I want y'all to make context for them. you can do any number of them, I'm just looking to see what y'all think -Sometimes people need to be stabbed -oh no, I made her think too hard -c o m e c l o s e r -they're talking pigs I think they could eat you -I don't think i'd fit -don't ask the dead people! -ohph, you dropped the cow

Prev. chapter “Esben! Where is Esben?” Artham thought as the castle came into view. He slowed to a jog as he rounded the wall and froze. Three ships floated on the water, waves lapping against their sides. One ship was departing, and it seemed that someone was looking back at the Isle—at him. Another boat approached, but he only cared about the one docked nearby. A limp body was bound in ropes, while creatures stood guard over it. Artham slowed down slightly, careful not to draw too much attention. He stepped out with his sword drawn, expecting them to charge. One of them called out instead. “Throne Warden Wingfeather,” they shouted, “Your king has been taken. Come with us peacefully, and there will be less suffering. Fight us, and you'll face ten times worse.” They lifted the chained person's head from the ground, their face toward the castle. Artham didn't look at their faces; he focused on the person's hand, where doodles were faintly visible beneath dirt and blood. He took a deep breath, lowering his sword to his side. He kept his head high, though he stumbled. Before he stepped onto the dock, he thrust his sword into the ground, the Warden’s final stand. He stood as they bound his hands. They were tighter than he thought necessary, but at least they were scared. Artham reminded himself of his vows; to protect the king, putting his brother's safety before his own. He focused on his breathing as the boat left the dock, not even a glance when Esben woke. ___________________________________________________ Esben opened his eyes, feeling the boat rocking beneath him. Rain poured down around him, but he couldn’t move his hands. The only thing he could see through the flickering light of what appeared to be a fire was Artham's dark hair. How is there a fire on a boat, it's pouring rain, and Artham is doing nothing about it? He thought until he realized where he was and struggled against the bonds. “Esben,” Artham hissed, “Esben, stop fighting!” Esben realized his brother had yet to look at him but at the driver. He stopped struggling against his ropes and strained to see the person steering. -I don't remember their capture in cannon, so is this good or does it actually tell us?

-I actually really like this part, it was pretty fun to write. -I think something may be . . . out of cannon? but I couldn't find anything wrong throughout the book (1st) -I couldn't think of a better title, any ideas? Previous chapter Sock Stop I glance out the window to make sure the other three are far enough away, “Aunt Nia, when I’m done helping Mr. Oscar, can I stop by Papa’s?” “Make sure he doesn’t see it,” she tells me, glancing at my arm. “Is there a better way to hide it than pulling my sleeve down?” “I’ll see if I can find one while you’re gone.” I give her a hug, grab my bag, and head out. Going out the back door, I walk just inside the woods. I pause for a moment and watch my cousins chasing each other around. Janner, even after nine years, still seems shocked how fast Leeli is. I guess it’s because he never managed more than a few steps the couple times he's tried with her crutch. I adjust my bag and go a little deeper into the trees. It’s your-no it’s not-but you-he doesn’t-but you knew-I was five-it doesn’t change anything-yes it does-nope-yes-you knew better-so did he-you’re blaming him? I pause, halfway between town and home. I want to close my eyes, but it only makes it worse. Instead, I lace my fingers behind my head and press the heel of my hand behind my ears. I pull my hands out and apart, forgetting the tips were sharp. “Ow,” I mutter, not really feeling it. I’ve scratched myself too many times to be bothered by it anymore. I wonder if it bothers Papa? I glance at my hands and continue on the path. There’s a little blood, but it usually scabs over pretty quickly. I hear the bell as I open the door to Oscar’s, but don’t pause this time. I weave my  way back to his desk and piles of books across the floor. “Hello, Maddie,” He greets. “Hello, Oscar.” I respond. I smile and he hands me the list of expected books. One of them catches my eye. “The journal of Bonifer Squoon?” I manage to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “Ah, yes. There is to be one crate from . . . “ he glances around, “Across the sea.” “I’ve read Pembrick’s Creaturepedia. I tink Think would like that one.” “They’re supposed to arrive the day after the Festival. Would all three of you be available?” “Yes sir. Well, we should be. I’ll have to check with Mama.” “Read off the titles and we’ll figure out where they go.” “Ridgerunner Rhyme: Poetry of the Mountains” “Ah, Zouzab has been expecting that one. Once he finishes, shall it go in ‘Poetries Across Aerwiar?’” “Seems like a good fit. Nasal Dysfunction in the Woes of Shreve?” “‘Noses, Eyes, and Other Body Parts?”’ I continue reading out books from the page and we work through them until the sun sits at midday. “Mr. Oscar, Mama wants me home not too long after lunch and I hope to go somewhere else before the cottage,” He waves a hand in dismissal and I head to the door. Luckily, I only get lost once. Finding Peet is easy. Even after years, people still watch him like a street performer. I follow the sound of laughter to the side of the jail. I lean against the wall, closing my eyes. When the people leave, I walk up to him, opening my bag. I pull out the knitted socks with a smile at the obvious improvements to previous ones. “Hello Mr. Peet. I made you some more socks. They’re a little thinner since it’s getting warmer.” He doesn’t say anything. He carefully takes them from my hands and nods. He turns to Glipwood Forest and runs into the trees. I want to follow him. I want to talk to him like a daughter should. I climb most of the way down the old tree. I swing my legs over the branch, only a few feet above Janner’s head. I let go and fall on top of him, careful to watch my head. “AA–” His yell is cut short. I roll off him, me and Tink laughing.