Hello, Everyone!
Last time Mary found out that she’s obviously published a book. Or at least that’s what most of Eastern Erathos thought so. Someone who called themselves ‘Flamingo’ had taken Mary’s notes of the trio’s adventures and had made them into a novel, publishing it and making it the most popular thing in the country.
For Mary, the whole deal was more uncomfortable than exciting. After thinking for a while, she had a few ideas of who might have published the book.
"Hey," Mary said entering the kitchen.
Lilly and Bramble raised their heads from the book they were reading. It was, as Mary had feared, the book.
"Muffin!" Lilly said, her eyes more worried than Mary had ever seen them. "Is that… real?"
She nodded.
"A dragon?" Bramble said as if suddenly unable to form whole sentences. "A dragon?!"
Mary shrugged, trying to appear braver than she felt when thinking about Nurvureem.
"I didn't write it." she said. "Someone stole my notes and used them to make me, um… appear more heroic and cool than I actually am. Do you… um…" she suddenly realized that it was a stupid question but decided to ask it just the same. "Do you have anything to do with this?"
"Us?" Bramble said and he and Lilly exchanged a look. "If we knew about this, we'd have already barred you from adventuring!"
"It's not that dangerous," Mary attempted.
"A dragon!" Bramble repeated. "And acid torture!"
"Ok, yeah, I admit that was scary," Mary rolled her eyes. "But you know now that I have people helping and protecting me, right?"
"Muffin, we like Aurum and Bruno," Lilly said. "But they aren't exactly the strongest of heroes."
"Aurum almost died in one of the chapters," Bramble added.
They obviously hadn't read it all, if they believed Aurum almost died in only one chapter, Mary thought to herself.
"No, I was talking about Gillean," she said aloud.
"Gillean?"
"My Patron?" she said and glanced at the book on the table. It was open only two thirds of the way. "Oh, you haven't gotten to him yet.
She proceeded to tell her family about Gillean, how he gave her spells and took care of her during the journey. She showed them the wand and the remains of the tea he'd made for her
She didn't mention Halas or the Fate Binding but, well, she didn't want to have this conversation right now.
Lilly and Bramble listened to her with eyes wide in horror. The thought of her mighty Archfey mentor didn't seem to do much to alleviate their worry. When Mary left them, they had turned to the book, trying to take in every word and learn of all of the perils their daughter had faced.
It was obvious that they weren't involved in the publishing. Even though they were always insisting that Mary should share her talents with the world, they wouldn't do that behind her back.
There was only one more person Mary could think of who'd want her to be seen as a great hero. She opened her 'Book of Shadows' and flipped to the last page.
"Gillean? Are you there?"
she wrote.
"Yes. Hello, Mary!"
"Hello! I wanted to ask you about something."
"Yes?"
"There is a book that somebody has written about our adventures.
It's very accurate, as if that person had read through my notes or
had followed us through all our travels."
"Oh, how interesting!"
"I know that you've been watching our adventures.
Do you have anything to do with the book?"
"Me? Oh, no, I don't even watch you ALL the time.
But I'd like to read the book if I can.
It sounds really interesting!"
"I'll make sure to hug a copy when you send me
a dream invitation next time. Thank you."
"No problem. Take care, Mary!"
"I will."
Aurum appeared on grandma Mona's doorstep one evening.
"Maaary!” he exclaimed. “You look lovely! The new hairstyle suits you nicely!"
He reached his arms for a hug but Mary just stepped aside and went back into the house.
"Bruno!" she called out. "He's back!"
The dwarf's feet thundered down the stairs.
"Where were you?" he said when he reached the front door.
"On a secret mission. Didn't you read my note?" Aurum scoffed.
"Oh, we read it all right," Bruno murmured. “What did you do?!
"Oh, I had such a great time, I'll tell you all about it!" Aurum said. "Can you help me with the luggage?"
The bard stepped aside and revealed several big suitcases and a couple of young boys he had obviously hired to carry them up ‘til now. While they moved them in and up the stairs, Mary just stood back and watched.
She was… Happy? Sad? She wasn't sure.
Aurum looked good, he was wearing a new set of travelling clothes and some jewelry he hadn't had before he'd left. He was babbling about a gryphon and some girl called Reina and Mary started to get annoyed. Why was he acting as if everything was all right? He had abandoned them!
She turned around and walked up the stairs without saying a word.
"What's up with her?" she heard Aurum say behind her.
Sooo, neither Lilly and Bramble, nor Gillean are that ‘Flamingo’ person. Who else might it have been?! It’s a real mystery. Unless you solved it. It took us a while when we were playing. And the result was really unexpected.
Our DM is a devious person!
Also! Aurum is back! Aurum is BACK! Finally, the trio is together again! Tell me honestly, is the sexy bard your favourite character, too? :)
If he is, there's a real treat for you in the next chapter!
Until then,
Take care and be well!
P.S. Also also, I won't get tired of sharing the cover of the book. I really like how it turned out!
(Also, here's a link to the Chapter Guide and the Glossary for the series. You're welcome!)