Thwap Talk

We have a bit of a longer chapter today. And I hope you like it! We are in Glipwood now and there is some trauma CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: GLIPWOOD PAINS They left Yorsha only a day or two later and headed across the Dark Sea. To Glipwood. Artham was not looking forward to this. The travel was simple enough, but the arrival to Fort Lamendron sent Artham into a million different frames of mind. He was sad, and even more so when they arrived in the actual town of Glipwood. “We’ll stay at the Only Inn,” Darian said decidedly, walking with a quicker step. Artham followed but kept his head low. He did not want anyone to recognize him. But upon entering the Shoosters Inn, that was impossible. Addie recognized him the moment he stepped foot inside. She seized his hand, and drew him into a hug, and then kissed him. “Oh, Artham! Is it really you? After all these years?” Artham swallowed the lump in his throat, and he nodded. “Oh, when you left with your uncle that day, I thought I’d never see you again!” Artham smiled. “I never thought I’d see you again either, Addie.” “You and your friends can stay as long as you like, got it?” “Yes ma’am.” Artham then introduced Darian and Donovan, whom Addie treated kindly, and then she called Joe. When Joe came down, greeted Artham, and seated the new guests, Addie went into the kitchen to prepare some food for her charges. It was scarfed down by the three hungry men, who had not been feasting on the best of food as of late. Joe ate with them. “I suppose you heard, Artham,” Joe said soberly. “Heard what?” “About the passing of Edd and Yamsa?” Artham froze, and a crippling grief filled his heart. “A-Are you sure?” It was a stupid question to ask, he knew that, but his doubt mingled with his sense. And it caused a jumbled mess in his brain. His heart was once again scarred, and for once he was happy Esben was not with him. He doubted Emerald would care that much, since she had been acting so strangely lately. “I’m sorry to have to tell you, lad,” Joe said, feeling a might bit guilty for telling Artham so bluntly. Artham wiped his eyes. “No, I’m glad I heard it from you instead of some random stranger.” Joe nodded sympathetically. An awkward silence filled the room, since Darian and Donovan had no idea who these ‘Helmers’ were. After lunch, Joe took Artham to where they were buried, and Artham was sure to place a flower over both of those good people’s graves. The next day, after a somewhat refreshing sleep, Artham found himself riding a horse into Glipwood Forest. He knew it was dangerous, even if there were Rangers. Speaking of which, he met one Ranger, an older man, who seemed nice enough. His name was Jayden. “Alright, lad. Donovan would go with you, but I need him with me today, son. So, I hope you won’t mind going with Jayden alone,” Darian said with a smile. Artham nodded. “It will be nice to get my mind off of things.” Darian nodded back, somewhat solemnly. “Be careful.” “Always,” Artham replied grimly, and he got on the saddled horse Jayden had ready for him. The forest was bright and green. It was very refreshing to Artham. It helped his mind get off of the grief. “So, lad, you know much about the creatures that live here?” Jayden asked. “A little. My brother knows more about this kind of things than I do.” “Hmm. Your brother like books?” “Only if four legged creatures are in them.” Jayden laughed. “Your brother sounds like my kinda guy.” Artham was amazed by the many creatures, even if the encounter with the fazzle-dove was kind of…smelly. He was most fascinated by the close encounter with the toothy cow and the horned hound. “Well, that seems to be the last of our trip. These are the big trees towards the exit of the forest,” Jayden said. Artham smiled. “It’s beautiful over here.” “Aye. That it is.” “The tree right there would be perfect for building a treehouse,” he said, a boyish sparkle in his eyes. Jayden smiled. “If a man could manage that, he’d be a genius.” “Thank you for going through and telling me all of these survival things.” “My pleasure.” In the township, Artham wanted to spend the rest of his afternoon alone. Donovan stayed in the Inn, but eventually Darian dragged him outside to practice some sword fighting. Artham met a colorful character named Shaggy, and Artham enjoyed his company. He bumped into Mayor Blaggus, and he had a hard time keeping his composure with that man. After all, he did brag about the wonderful Skreean government, and Artham knew for a fact that government system had failed many times. But finally, he noticed an old book store, and couldn’t help but wander in. He wandered around the large store, not seeing anyone around the shop. He let his finger brush across all the beautiful bindings. He grabbed one book off the shelf, and flipped through it, smelling the beautiful brittle pages. “Ahh, I see I have found another book expert. In the words of Ramshacy bon Viggins, ‘How do the pages smell?’” Artham turned around and saw a rather plump and friendly looking man. “Um, rather good, I suppose,” Artham said with a chuckle. “Wonderful! My name is Oskar Noss Reteep, appreciator of the strange, the neat, and/or the yummy!” “Artham. Nice to meet you, sir.” “The pleasure is mine.” “It’s a lovely book store you have here.” “Thank you, though it’s hardly finished.” “Well, you have all the books I could ever think of a collection needing.” “Oh, I thank you. In the words of Inger Smalls, ‘I am truly flattered.’” “Your shop is truly very nice in comparison to some of the ones back in Anniera, where I’m from.” Oskar’s eyes lit up. “Really?” “Yes.” “That is what my collection lacks. A good Annieran book.” “If you would provide me with some type of address, I can send you a few.” Oskar’s eyes lit up again. “Oh, of course Artham!” This conversation went on for several more minutes, and then Artham was getting prepared to leave. “How much for this book, here?” “Ahhh. ‘In the words of Anidr Plonksam, “Your conversation is payment enough.’” “Oh, no, I cannot possibly accept— “ “Pah! Do, do! In fact, I must recommend another few by that author, and I insist you take them free of charge.” Artham smiled. “That would be appreciated, since I have a long way to go.” “Of course, lad.” Artham did miss Oskar as the little wagon pulled out of town and up towards Dugtown. But he soon started his book and tried to forget the pain and pleasure Glipwood had given him. “You doin’ alright Artham?” Donovan asked. “Oh yeah. I am just…a bit distracted I suppose.” Donovan placed a hand on Artham’s shoulder. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here.” Artham smiled. “Likewise, my friend.” “It would be nice to have a brother on this trip,” Donovan said, grinning. “Aye,” Artham said, his voice growing distance and dreamy, “it would.” From there, his thoughts drifted to Esben. I have a trend. Oskar must appear in all of my fan-fictions in some way. Here is his cameo. I hope you liked it. Also poor Artham 😭

Hehe..... CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE WANDERER The following days were spent in land travel to Yorsha Doon. It was hot. Very hot. But Artham was happy to be out of Symia, and to smell clean air again. Yorsha Doon was nice enough. People milled about, shops flourished, children played in the streets. This seemed like a safe and pleasant place…mostly. Artham did notice the people who lurked in the shadows. “I want you to see what a real Wanderer looks like. We go to the prisons first,” Darian said, a grave look on his face. Artham felt uncertain about this meeting the whole way to the jail. Upon arriving, Artham felt a sensation of dread. It was dark. And cold. Oh, how he missed those warm, Annieran hearths. “You here to see that…man?” the guard asked. “Yes,” Darian answered, grimly. The guard nodded and opened the door that led to the cell chamber. Artham, Donovan, and Darian went in single file. Artham could instantly smell the rot of the place. “That one over there,” the guard said, pointing with the tip of his sword, “we just caught him. He was one convicted of…well, who knows what? He’s a Wanderer. That’s enough fer me.” One look at him, and Artham shivered. His face was dark, and painted red. His eyes were dark, and chilling. But there was a sense of familiarity in his eyes. And when the Wanderer looked up at Artham, he looked shocked, and then quickly looked away. “That’s a Wanderer. A dark, twisted man. Watch out for them, lads,” Darian said, his face solemn. Artham heard dim footsteps behind him, but he was trying to place where he had seen this man before. “Artham!” Donovan called, and Artham walked out. “What is his name, if you know?” Artham asked the guard as they were escorted out. “He goes by Ronin in the Woes.” Artham’s face paled. That’s where he knew him. He clenched his hand into a fist, and anger filled his eyes. “Thank-you,” he shortly replied, and then he jogged up to catch up with his guides. But his blood was boiling. “Those are the Killridge Mountains,” Donovan said, as he and Artham were watching the sunset at their small inn. Artham was quiet. “They’re beautiful,” he said absentmindedly. “What’s wrong?” Donovan pressed. “I’ve just heard and seen things that caught me off guard. And I just—miss my family.” “Your parents?” Artham cringed. He doesn’t know. “No. My…siblings…grandmother…and my wife. She’s expecting.” “You have a wife?” “Yes. And I hate to leave her.” Artham looked away. Donovan was quiet for a moment. “I’m here, if you want to talk,” he said quietly. “Thank you, my friend,” Artham said, turning and facing him. Artham still looked distant through the night. And Donovan only knew part of the reason. Another part of Artham’s pain was the fact that his brother was without him, the fact that he couldn’t be Throne Warden because of this. Soon, I’ll be home. Soon. Did anyone see him coming back as a character? 😏

I'm back! Hello there 😌 CHAPTER TWENTY: A PIRATE'S TALE “Oy, your mighty fine with sparring, Artham!” Donovan said with a laugh, when he had been beat again by Artham. “You give me a run for my coin,” Artham replied. Darian smiled. “You two boys are gonna land up putting a hole in this ship and causing the deaths of us all! Think more responsibly!” The comment was made in jest, but Artham took it hard. Darian and Donovan did not yet know that he was a Throne Warden. There had not been a good time to mention any of his story. He did know most of theirs. Darian was from Skree, Dugtown to be exact, and had taken over this job from his father, who had taken Illia so many years before. Donovan now went with his father to learn the trade, since Darian was getting older. They had been delayed because of a miscommunication on the captain’s part. Artham took a drink of his water. “How long till we reach Symia?” Darian looked ahead, and his face darkened. “We’re here.” Artham turned and the salty smell of fish and sweat invaded his nostrils, making him gag. It looked so dark and dirty on the dock, and that didn’t give anyone much hope for the interior. The ship docked, and Darian had a word with the boys. “Look. All of these people are nothing but thieves and liars. Some of ‘em are even…dangerous, to put it nicely. That’s all pirates are. Yes, they can spin a mighty yarn, but it’s more than likely all lies. Be on your guard.” Artham nodded, and Donovan did too. “We stay here fer two days at most. We just need to get some food, and then we head out,” Darian said. The three men got off the boat and parted. Darian went to find food, while the other two were supposed to try not to get killed and find an inn. Artham began to feel anxious. There were people pressing in on every side of him, and most of them smelled horribly. And they eyed the two boys with such a ferocious glare that even Donovan was losing excitement. Finally, after wading through the crowd for what seemed ages, they arrived in front of a small inn. Inside there was a decent enough looking woman, and Donovan checked in with her for the night, and ordered some food, asking them to keep one meal warm for his father. Artham sought out a table. He found one, deep in the corner, away from everyone, and sat down. Donovan soon joined him. “Well, I’ve got good news and bad news. We have no clean sheets or blankets, which is the bad, but we have food coming, which is the good.” Artham smiled. “Oy, you hear about the Helmer boy, few years back? a gruff voice asked. Artham’s ears twitched. He turned and saw a two men sitting at a table less than a mength away. “I ‘eard he ran away from ‘ome. Not much else.” “Aye! Takin’ after his father.” One of the men chuckled. “There was not a man like Podo Helmer. Scale Raker. Man to ride a dragon. Man to kill the dragons.” Artham heard no more of the conversation, only crude laughter, but when his food came, he lacked an appetite. Even when Darian came, he still looked disturbed. He was worried. What if that was true? What if Wendolyn and Nia were in danger? The night passed sleeplessly, though that was to be expected with Arundelle not being by his side. But this new found information about Podo disturbed him. All of Symia disturbed him. The stench. The people. He was very happy to be leaving, happy that this long journey was going by somewhat fast. It had been about a month. That was good! “One month down, five to go,” he sleepily whispered, and then, after another hour or two of tossing and turning, exhaustion kicked in and he fell asleep. I hope you liked this! I know it's been awhile since I posted one, but I do have a quick little not about this chapter. It exists because I know Artham knows about Podo as a pirate. So, I thought it would be a good little transition, plus some great trauma!!!!!! Oh, and on a totally unrelated note, I just saw the live action HTTYD and it was AMAZING!!!!! GO SEE IT!!!!!