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thebibliomancer · 2 years

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Flames of the Dark Crystal liveblog pt 31-32 FINAL

Flames of the Dark Crystal by J.M. Lee because the last two chapters are really short so I’m going to knock them out at once rather than have just one post next week!

Last times in book: The fires of resistance are lit, the Gelfling clans are united, Thra has provided a prophecy of Gelfling’s ultimate victory over the Skeksis, and the Skeksis have run away to hide in the Castle of the Crystal. In the aftermath of the battle, the Gelfling recover, pay respects to the dead, and make plans for the future. After Naia confirms that Amri is as interested in their romance subplot as she is, she heads off to find Kylan.

Chapter 31

Goodbyes.

The wall with the five figures was in the center of the ruins, out of sight from the campfires that flickered along the perimeter. The stench of the battle with the Skeksis had cooled, replaced by the indigo scent of the night and starlight. Naia followed the orange glow of a torch, finding Kylan kneeling at the base of the wall, clearing away vines and recording the figures on the wall in his book.

“Kylan. There you are!” She crouched beside him, nodding a second hello to the crystal spider on his shoulder, shining in the light of the clear sky. “And Tavra.”

“The etchings go on for what seems like forever,” Kylan said. He sighed and looked into the pages of his book. “I’m never going to be able to record them all. Especially not if we’re leaving in the morning. We may know the final outcome, but we can’t deny that hard times are yet to come. For all of us. The Skeksis may try to destroy the wall. The song of prophecy must be preserved. But...”

Apparently when Thra gets talking, its a chatty planet.

The iconic prophecy about what was sundered and undone? That’s a small, small part of the total amount of text that spontaneously burst into existence at the end of the battle.

I wonder what it all says.

Naia recognizes that Kylan is connected to all this prophecy somehow. And, I mean, he was the impetus. Showed up and tooted on his firca and gave Naia the idea of a plot resolving sing a long. Plus, his firca is a super magical one that resonates with the Crystal.

Given all that, Naia tells Kylan that he should just stay in Stone-in-the-Wood and study the lore as much as he needs to.

It’d be too dangerous for a full clan to stay here but a couple Gelflilng shouldn’t be a problem. Especially since Kylan is familiar with the area now.

Tavra offers to stay with him and volunteers Onica to stay as well. Although, to be fair, she mentions that Onica is drawn to the etchings like Kylan is.

Kylan asks Naia if she’s sure and she says she is, like a liar.

Naia laughed to hide the opposite feeling that was burrowing in her chest. Even deciding Gurjin and Rian would go to the castle hadn’t felt like a farewell. Not really, and certainly not like this. Naia wasn’t sure the time would ever feel right to say farewell to Kylan of Sami Thicket. Her friend the song teller.

;__;

I’m feeling feelings.

Writing down the prophecy is just one part of the task Kylan would be taking on as best prophecy boy. After that, he’ll need to decipher and interpret it with Onica’s help.

Naia even suggests that after they’re done in Stone-in-the-Wood, for them to visit the Valley of the Mystics and get the urRu’s insight on any parts they can’t figure out.

Being best prophecy boy is a full time job and Naia doesn’t know when she’d see him again.

But its him becoming his best boy best self. Definitely the greatest song teller since Gyr.

TANGENT: during this scene, Kylan holds his bell-bird firca and the narration notes that resonating with the crystal has scorched the bone a clay or earthlike shade unlike the bone white color it had before what with being made of bone.

The implication being that this is the firca that Jen eventually has and its why the Crystal Shard resonates with it.

I’d personally prefer if any firca could have done what Jen done did in the movie, provided the Gelfling play the right note.

But this isn’t an establishing movie thing and implying bad thing for prequel character thing like Rian and Gurjin’s mission with the shard.

Kylan is already going to the valley. Maybe he leaves his firca with urLii or urSu for safe-keeping.

And from there, Jen gets it.

Also tangent: Tavra doesn’t mention Tae staying with Team Prophecy so I guess that answers my question about her and Tavra’s deal.

Anyway.

“I’ll make sure one day all Gelfling know the song of how we endured the Skeksis. Forged the prophecy and healed the Crystal. And in that song, your name will ring. As will Rian’s and Gurjin’s. Tavra’s and Onica’s and Amri’s.

“And yours,” Naia said, tears pricking her eyes. She tried to capture his face in her memory. The path ahead was unsure and uneven, and even though the Gelfling were united in spirit, there was still distance between them. It was likely it would be a long time before they saw each other again.

Kylan chuckled. “Don’t be silly. It’s poor taste for a song teller to insert himself as a hero in his own song... I’m glad to have met you, Naia.”

“Same, Song Teller,” she said, and wrapped him in another hug that she hoped could last until the next time they met.

;__; Frens.

Chapter 32

Morning came softly and quietly.

Naia woke to the smell of the fires being put out, the gentle murmuring of the Gelfling saying their goodbyes to one another. It was time to leave.

Dang.

I know its not safe or enjoyable to hang out in the ruins of the village that the Skeksis destroyed but I thought that the great Gelfling gathering would last longer than that.

And if they take the plan to relocate the clans to swamp, ocean, and desert, there’s probably not going to be another great gathering for a while. Traveling is going to be dangerous.

Oh and apparently Aughra just ghosted the Gelfling at some point. Just took off without saying goodbye.

That tracks.

Naia speculates that she has her own work to do.

Rian and Gurjin head off for their crystal shard mission.

Since Gurjin is about as good at goodbyes as Naia, instead of hugging her, he punches her in the arm. Just refusing to acknowledge that they might not see each other again. And since she’s about as bad at goodbyes as Gurjin, Naia socks him right back.

Ah. Siblings.

Naia gets on a Landstrider with Amri and sets off with a group of other Landstridered Gelfling swampward.

“I’ve been thinking,” Amri said suddenly. “Do you remember what skekZok said, back in skekSa’s ship? About how our descendants might not know the names of the clans?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, take a look around. Maybe he was right.”

Gelfling surrounded them. On foot and some on Landstriders, the Drenchen and the Spriton and the Stonewood. There were even some Sifa and Dousan with them, and silver-haired Gelfling, though whether they were Grottan or Vapra, Naia couldn’t tell from the lofty saddle of her mount.

It didn’t matter, anyway. They were one clan, now. No matter what else happened, that was something the Skeksis could never take away from them.

One clan. And some of them have gills but that’s alright.

With the Sog ahead of them, Naia feels that even though she’s going home, it’s like she’s stepping into a brand-new world she’s never been to.

“It is new,” Amri said. “It’s new every morning. It’s only our memory that ties us to yesterday. Everything else is different every time the suns come up.”

Naia closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the three suns as they brightened across her face. She took in the moment, the fresh air across her shoulders. Amri nearby, holding her waist. The Gelfling waiting below and all around. Listening for her signal.

To continue. To go on. To survive.

She opened her eyes. Kicked her heels and whistled, letting the moment pass as her Landstrider raced first into the awakening day.

How far Naia has come. She went there and back again and there and back again.

I really loved this book series!

Sure, it wasn’t perfect. I still think the final battle feels tacked on after the natural climax of the book. I wish the Arathim had gotten something like they got in the show.

But the characters, the expansions on the Dark Crystal setting and lore, each Gelfling clan getting some time in the spotlight, the creative places the plot went. It was a trip I’m glad I took.

Now to be sad that I ran out of Dark Crystal things to read.

Saaaaaaaaaad.

#dark crystal #the dark crystal #liveblog #Flames of the Dark Crystal #Naia #Kylan #Tavra #Rian #Gurjin #Amri #The End

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etherealemptystage · 4 years

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The Golden Cage Chapter 1

I’ve been working on this fanfiction since Age of Resistance came out! I’d really appreciate it you would read it here or on my AO3 account! Thank you all so much! This means the world to me!

AO3

Chapters 2 and 3 coming soon~

Chapter 1: Melody Behind Bars

The cavernous hall was meant to be a short walk to the scientist’s lab. Just a few steps past the many cages hollowed out in the stone, and you were there.

But for the two fugitive gelfling that bobbed and weaved through the passageway, it felt more like a towering maze.

From ducking behind corners to narrowly sneaking past the watchful eye of the Skeksis’ many minions, Naia and Kylan’s small journey felt like more than a hundred trine.

Naia’s paranoia increased with every echoing step. She attempted but failed to calm her rapidly heaving shoulders.

She checked behind herself every second to make sure they weren’t being followed and that Kylan was still close by.

Why did Gurjin have to be so stupid? Why did he throw himself in front of Rian, of all gelfling?

Feelings of anger and rage bubbled within Naia’s gut like a sinister potion; anger toward Rian for leaving her brother behind, even though he had no choice, toward Gurjin for sacrificing himself to be tortured by the Skeksis, towards herself for letting her brother join the castle guard without her.

As distraught as she was, she wasn’t surprised.

Ever since they were childlings, Gurjin had always been protective of Rian.

The two of them were seldom seen apart during the brief periods they spent time together; playing small pranks on the villagers of their respective clans, sparring practices which usually turned into giant laughing fits, or just talking on the roof late into the night.

Naia had never fully trusted Rian, mostly out of overprotectiveness on her end, but Gurjin was always happy whenever he was with him, and seeing Gurjin happy in turn made her happy.

Her thoughts and memories tangled in her mind like a spitter’s web, becoming more twisted and chaotic until she was snapped out of the tailspin by reverberating footsteps that were not hers nor Kylan’s.

She grabbed Kylan’s arm and ducked around a corner just as two of the castle guards passed by.

“That idiot!” Naia hissed under her breath when she was sure they were safely hidden, punching the stone wall. Kylan looked at her with a worried expression.

“Not you,” she said. “I… I don’t know who it is that I’m talking about.”

Kylan knew, and he understood. He felt contempt for his Drenchen friend as well, but those feelings were almost completely snuffed out by crippling worry for Gurjin’s life.

Gurjin had been his most trusted friend; always there to offer a hug or encouraging pep talk ever since they met six trine ago.

He knew how Naia felt because he felt the same way. They couldn’t take the death of a gelfling so important in both their lives.

Not since-

“Let’s go, it’s clear now.”

Naia pulled Kylan from their hiding place.

“The lab is just over there,” She pointed to a dimly lit doorway. Odd sounds emanated from the chamber, electrical buzzing screeches from unknown animals, grinding cogs and gears.

It all felt inhuman to the two gelfling; intimidating and scary.

Naia unsheathed a small dagger from her belt and slipped it into Kylan’s hands.

“If anyone sees you, scream,” she told him. “Scream as loud as you can.”

Kylan nodded and tucked the dagger under his tunic.

“Be careful.” His voice was low but held a worried tone.“I don’t want to lose both of you.”

Naia’s serious expression softened slightly. She placed her hands on Kylan’s trembling shoulders.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” she replied, her lips forming something that Kylan almost perceived to be a smile. “I’d stuff my essence and Gurjin’s back into our bloated corpses before I’d leave you alone.”

Kylan didn’t even have a chance to respond before Naia was gone.

Kylan stayed safely concealed behind the stone pillar but occasionally peeked out to make sure they were not in danger of being caught.

He trained his ears on the silence of the hallway. A single drip from stalagmites on the ceiling could have made the young Spriton jump and tighten his grasp on the dagger. The fear and worry in his system were all but forgotten as concentration overtook his mind.

He could hear quiet shuffling and the clinking of metal chains from the lab behind him.

‘Hurry, Naia,’ he thought.

All of a sudden, a small noise floated down the hallway towards the lab’s entrance. Kylan quickly unsheathed the dagger and partially stepped out.

Though he tried to be brave, the dagger visibly trembled in his hands, and beads of sweat ran down his face, gluing his bangs to his forehead.

The sound was soft, melodic. Something, or someone, was singing. And whoever it was, they were coming down the hall. Fast.

Kylan darted back behind the pillar, just as the Ornamentalist came sashaying down the corridor.

The soft singing seemed to follow the towering Lord as he narrowly brushed past the terrified gelfling into the lab. A large golden cage covered with a patterned tapestry was clutched in his gnarled claws.

Kylan now could tell that the singing was emanating from the cage. Was it a bird? Some other kind of creature? To Kylan, it sounded like a gelfling. Almost like-

“Oh, Scientist!” the Ornamentalist crooned in a piercing shriek that made Kylan’s ears flatten against his head.

The scientist groaned exasperatedly. “What is it, now, SkekEkt? I cannot afford more interruptions!”

“Oh, no! Of course not! This is merely a simple favor!” his voice held a sickly sweet tone, similar to that of the Chamberlain.

He abruptly slapped the underside of the cage. A small yelp sounded from its interior before falling silent.

“You see, my little pet has been developing beautiful hollow cheekbones! Your idea of only feeding her only water and essence was genius! Buut...”

The scientist groaned internally . The machine was already down enough as it was since the torture of that horrid Drenchen. If SkekEkt needed the crystal’s power for his little pet, it was out of his control. SkekTek shuddered as he remembered the last time SkekEkt was told “no”.

“Her skin is still that horrific color! Is there any way you could whip something up so that it will dull faster?”

SkekEkt flipped up the cage so SkekTek could see the process. Yes, the pet’s cheekbones were becoming very hollow, but the skin, though very pale, was still a very faint shade of beige.

SkekTek sighed and shuffled over to a cabinet, pulling out a small vial of Nurloc venom.

“Put this in the water you give her. The venom will dull her flesh.”

The Ornamentalist tucked the small bottle into his feathered cape and swiftly exited the lab with hardly a thank-you.

He slapped the cage once more and the singing began anew, quieter this time.

Kylan’s heart was pounding, lungs working overtime, though he tried to keep his breathing quiet. The Ornamentalist’s feathered cape roughly brushed against Kylan’s cheek as he sashayed once again out of the lab.

Fear overwhelmed him at that moment, so fiercely that he grabbed the wall to steady himself. He looked up at the cage just before the tapestry fell over the golden bars.

Kylan didn’t have to look twice.

It was a gelfling.

They were on their knees in the cage, their arms wrapped around themselves.

They looked at Kylan for a split second before the tapestry fell once again.

Large sunken black eyes stared back at him.

Before Kylan could even think, the tapestry fell over their form, and they were gone.

♢

Sami Thicket was bustling with activity.

Vendors called for customers to see their wide range of goods, carts full to the brim were pulled by gelfling big and small, and childlings chased each other through the streets.

Their laughter rang out through the air like tiny bells, mixing beautifully with the joyful music emanating from the many song-tellers and musicians that roamed the streets.

An aura of happiness filled the Spriton village as everyone anticipated their upcoming celebration.

Naia gazed out the window of their carriage, the contents of her stomach shifting uncomfortably.

“Remind me again why we’re here, mother?” she asked, turning to Maudra Laesid, who sat opposite her.

“We’re hoping to be on better terms with the Spriton clan, so we will be staying with them for a few weeks.” she smiled softly.

“Maudra Mera has twins as well, so I’m sure you will have a good time.”

Naia sighed and returned her focus to the front window, watching her brother direct the baby landstriders pulling their carriage. He looked back at her and gave a reassuring smile.

Naia couldn’t return it. She knew the real reason they were staying with the Spriton royal family, but Gurjin didn’t. He just thought she was nervous.

“Mother, look!” A small cry sounded from the streets. A young childling tugged on her mother’s skirt, gesturing towards their carriage. “The Drenchen are here! They’re here!”

“Nili, don’t point,” the woman was quick to apprehend her daughter, but she couldn’t help but stare as well.

Naia could see other Spriton women gathering as well.

‘Probably a family,’ she thought, suppressing a small chuckle as the little gelfling jumped up and down in excitement.

“Afternoon, ladies!” Gurjin called out to the women. “Lovely day, isn’t it?” Naia internally face-palmed. Her brother; ever-so chatty.

“You’ve certainly arrived at a wonderful time, your majesty!”

Another young woman approached. Her arm was linked with that of another girl who looked away shyly; a small basket of wheat was clutched in her arms.

“Oh, please! Call me Gurjin!” he replied, to the admiring exclamations of the other gelfling. “What’s the occasion?”

The conversation was interrupted by an abrupt thud against the carriage. Maudra Laesid withdrew her walking stick.

“If we could move sooner rather than when the last sun sets, that would be lovely!” she called out.

The group of women burst into giggles as Gurjin blushed.

“Sorry to cut our time short,” he said. “Perhaps another time!”

With that, the carriage swiftly continued its trek to the Spriton castle.

Naia could hear the other gelfling as they fell apart into laughter once more.

“Did you see his hair? And his armor? So handsome!”

“Rivka, you think every gelfling is handsome!”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I wish he could stay, Mother!”

“Well Nili, responsible gelfling know when to listen to their mother.”

“Lua is so lucky!”

Naia’s happiness diminished the moment that name was uttered.

#The Dark Crystal #the dark crystal age of resistance #fanfiction #rian #gurjin #brea #deet #kylan #naia #tavra #seladon #skeksis #gelfling #podlings #hup #fizzgigs #aughra

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