Category: Story

Only Shooting Stars Break the Mold...

4/7/2020

As Hewy left the potter's cave, he decided to head back to the village by his bridge.

"Now that my complexion isn't so drab anymore and I have added this new tattoo, it's time for my hair. How should I have it cut?" he thought. In his mind, several styles started to flash before his eyes.

"Maybe the Elvis look? I don't think I can shake my pelvis though while playing the drums," as he remember seeing this King once in Jailhouse Rock.

As he strolled on the trail to the village in hopes of finding a barber to cut his hair, he continued thinking of what hair style would work best for his 'new look'.

"Maybe just shave the sides and leave a tuff in the middle? It does looks good with the sunglasses making me look like a Rock Star. He thought a moment more and said "Nope..." His ears would get cold and since he liked being in caves and under bridges, he might just stumble around too much with sunglasses on.

Then he remembered recently he had heard about a singer who also said he was the 'Troll King' - which Hewy knew was ludicrous as trolls don't have a king, they only have the Ancient Ones. He thought about the wild and shaggy look the singer had for a hair style which inspired Hewy. The troll, happy with his selection, started humming a song he had heard recently and broke into a magic dance as he continued on his way to the barber.

Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

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Into the Runes....

3/31/2020

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Last week I asked if others thought Hewy should have a tattoo and it has come pretty evident that the majority of people would love to see one on Hewy. Why did I feel like he needed one?

Tattoos have a way of creating a feeling of belong to something bigger than ourselves. They tell you something about the person and what they believe in. They are also like you name. You can draw on the power associated with them (click here to read more about tattoos from Atian).

I love serendipity. It is what inspires me and adds the breath of life to what I create. So which came first, the image in my mind or searching Pinterest for inspiration? I have been doing so much research I have forgotten. I just know that when I spied these Rune designs that when combined looked somewhat like a hammer to me, I knew that Hewy needed something like this on him. Here is the serendipity because Thor's Hammer (Mjölnir) is based on Viking myth, Runes are from the Viking and Icelanic history and Trolls originated from the Viking/Scandinavian area. You could say Hewy was calling on his roots... if trolls have roots.

So, what are the runes I found? They are the runes for 'A' and 'D'. There were many definitions for these runes, but the ones I liked the most were:

Ansuz (A: One of the Aesir; signifies a god as in Odin) (serendipity) Signals inspiration, enthusiasm, true vision and power of words (all good qualities for a troll).

Dagaz (D: Day or Dawn) Denotes a breakthrough, awakening and awareness. Daylight clarity as opposed to nighttime and uncertainly. A time to embark upon an adventure and have the power of change directed by his own will.

I thought that these described Hewy and his desires and at the same time, when put together, created the Thor's Hammer design that inspired me. So, without further ado, here is Hewy's tattoo.

(Rune definitions from sunnyway.com)

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Getting a little spit and polish...

3/24/2020

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To start at the beginning of this story, click here.

Hewy entered the potter's shop, not for the last time did he wonder how a potter was going to help him with his 'look'. He noticed the cave was extremely warm and wanted to compliment the potter for keeping it so nice and toasty when he spied a doorway in the back of the cave opened. He could see various ovens and fires glowing red with heat behind it.

As Hewy continued to look for the potter, he spied different pieces of pottery in all sizes and colors encircling the space he was standing in. Then a small Gahnome appeared from somewhere in the shop rushing from shelf to shelf and pointing to the pottery.

"Whatchaneed? Wegottalotsofstuff. Youbuywesell," she said. It took Hewy a minute to realize what she was saying, it was all so fast and without any spaces. As he paused trying to piece it out, the Gahnome continued as she pointed towards the exit, "Gotslotstodo, soifyouain'tbuying, outsie."

As the Gahnome started to turn and scurry away (scurry is the only term Hewy could think of since she moved so fast), Hewy knew that he would need to speak quickly or lose his chance. "I have been sent here and was told you could help me get a new look," he told her. For the first time the Gahnome stopped and stared at him. It was an analytical type of stare, one that when the starer is done, you feel as if you have been taken apart piece-by-piece and examined with nothing left to hide.

"Ihavenotdonethisbefore - butIcouldtry," the Gahnome snapped with her quick decision to help Hewy. "Drinkthis, Iwillgettapaints." She handed Hewy a cup of hot chocolate (how she had it to give to him he still doesn't know - but it did taste good), turned and disappeared to the back of the pottery shop.

"I wonder where she is going?" As Hewy sat drinking his hot chocolate, pondering his problem, his cup caught his attention. It was a ceramic cup that had been clay at one time (like himself) that was now a different color. Maybe that was his answer. When the Gahnome returned, she was carrying several bottles of colored powder paint, a brush, and a small trowel. She then started to tell Hewy, (in her rapid fire speech), about the special paint that was applied to clay and then fired in a kiln to make it permanently stick. This was the answer to his problem and since trolls don’t mind a little heat, he made a deal with the potter to color him up.

After several hours of being painted and then warmed up in the kiln (to Hewy it was the best sauna experience he had had in a long time), the results were astonishing. He now had a new look, a little more split and polish appearance, and did not appear so drab anymore. But was he done?

He felt heady with his new look but was this enough? Shouldn't he have some type of sign to capture this fire ritual he just experienced? Maybe even a tattoo?

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I want to be a Rock Star... (continued 2)...

3/16/2020

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To read the first part of this story... click here...

As Hewy the troll continued to remember those events that shaped his outlook on life, he let his mind roll back the stones of time. He remembered how he had started out on his adventure with his head in the clouds and a pocket full of dreams. Hewy knew that to find the right beat to get into a band, he might need to start by getting a new look.

As he kept rolling those thoughts around in his head as to what that look could be, it had become late in the afternoon. Questions continued pounding around in his head looking for answers, but the sun was beating down on him and the babbling brook running along the path did look so inviting... what would it hurt to stop for a short rest? Sitting down by a cool pool of water, he tried to answer one of those nagging questions. “Am I too plain to play music?" he asked himself aloud. "What type of spin am I going to have to put on this pointy head of mine in order to find my rhythm?” Wanting to look at his face to determine what would it take for his new look, Hewy leaned over the edge of the brook.

As he leaned over to take a look at the reflection of his face, he heard a voice.

"Yep, you do look a little bland,” the voice said.

Hewy jumped and looked around but there was no one there although he could hear something that sounded like bubbling laughter.

Again he bent over to look into the stream, and again the voice spoke to him. “Go visit the Potter. She will help you find what it is you are looking for.”

Hewy suddenly realized that maybe the voice was coming from the brook (after all, they aren't called babbling brooks for nothing). Nodding his head, he decided to test his theory by asking what direction this potter lived.

“Go down the stream until coming to a bend. Take the high road to the left and over the next knoll you will find the potter." Realizing that the brook was indeed helping him, he thanked the brook and set off to find the potter. (Incidentally, it wasn't until many years later Hewy found out that the brook did not really speak to him, it was two Pyksees hiding in the cat-tails trying to get him lost (pyksee-lated)... but that is another story).

After many hours of walking down the stream and still not finding the bend in the brook nor the high road or the potter, Hewy figured he was truly lost.

Deciding to rest his tired feet for a few minutes, he chose a large rock near the stream to lean against. As he put his hand on the rock, he heard a loud voice holler "What are you doing putting your hand in my ear?"

Startled, Hewy looked around, but again did not see where the voice was coming from. "If you touch me again young troll-odyte, I will not be very happy," Hewy heard the voice again say. Walking around the rock, Hewy discovered his mistake. Instead of leaning on a rock, he had found another troll, and not just any troll, but an 'Ancient One'. After apologizing several times to the 'Ancient One', Hewy explained he was lost and could the Ancient One help him find his way to the potter. With a rumble and a roll, the Ancient One told him the directions and sent him on his way. (Actually, I think the old troll just wanted some peace and quiet and figured that was the fastest way to get rid of Hewy).

After crossing a field and turning at the edge of the forest, Hewy found the trail to the potter's shop. "Right where the Ancient One said it would be found," he though. "I wonder how the potter will help me with my look? Oh well, I won't find out by standing at the door step. The sign does says that the potter is in, so in I go."

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I want to be a Rock Star...

3/2/2020

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When the wind blows, the ripples across the pond bring the tales of the Trolls upon them. The river sprites and creek faeries are very familiar with the trolls for they often come across them as they travel under bridges. One of their favorites is the troll called Hewy. He may be grumpy on the outside but they know him to have a heart of gold.

The sprites and faeries have known Hewy for ages but then time doesn't means the same thing to a faery as to a human. Time moves even slower for a troll for where do you think the saying "old as the hills" came from.

When Hewy started out, he was just a piece of clay that was molded and shaped by Mother Nature and Father Time. He rolled around for a quite a while before settling down under the bridge that he now calls home. Though the Wind and Rain liked to beat on him and wear him down a bit, he has stayed strong.

But when Hewy was just a troll-odyte, he wanted to be in a band. It was a dream to be on the cover of the Rolling Stones. So he left his hometown of Boulder and hit the road. He knew it was going to take a lot of hard work to get himself to the top of the heap and he had to have the right look. That might take a little more than spit and polish. It might be a trial by fire that brings Hewy to the level he needs to be so he can shine. But then one of his favorite sayings is "a rolling stone gathers no moss". So no time like now to begin, and that is how Hewy ended up heading out on his adventure.

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Searching for Trolls...

2/24/2020

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In my recent travels, I had heard about a unique and strange race of beings called ‘Trolls’. I could discover little information except for a few rumors and reported sightings. But after studying one of the journals that Furnace the Mayor left behind from his travels as a youth, I was able to gather enough clues as to where they may be found and I decided to find them.

According to Furnace’s journal, he had met a troll who had lived under a bridge. This troll would require any traveler wishing to cross the bridge to answer a riddle correctly. If the traveler did not, they were in danger of being eaten by the troll (unless the traveler had something else to give). Apparently hungry trolls love the taste of goat's milk and Furnace had a travel bag with some. He did not say in his journal if he answered the question correctly, but somehow he was able to spend some time with the troll since it did not have too many visitors and apparently was lonely.

After several days of travel, I was able to finally locate the bridge and speak to the troll. His name is Hewy and he does love goat's milk. But what he loved more was being able to spend hours talking to strangers as lonely as he is. We spent several days together and he told me much about his ways and of the trolls which I wrote down in my journal. He also surprised me when he told me about a story of ‘Love’ and his discovery of what the word meant.

I left him the goat's milk I had brought (just in case I needed it) with a promise to return and learn more about him and his kind. As I was walking back from his bridge, I did notice that several foresters were clearing away a new road towards his bridge and hopefully this lonely troll will start having new visitors that he can meet (and hopefully not eat)... I did tell the foresters that they may want to carry an extra bottle of goat's milk when working near the bridge.

To read about trolls in Passporte's Journal - click here.

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How to find a growing Sprout? Think with your stomach...

2/11/2020

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“Too bad this place is so far away from the house,” mumbles Sprout as he is halfway to the Sugar Plum Bakery. “It takes so long to walk here that by the time I get back home, I am hungry again.” Strolling through the bushes, thinking about those sweet muffins he will shortly be eating, he starts singing a little ditty about sweets. He decides to take a shortcut that he has used many times hoping to get to the bakery that much quicker. As Sprout approaches the edge of the brambles, just before the bakery, a loud noise catches his attention.

“Growwwlll…”

“Who’s there?” he stammered. With only hearing another loud growl, he slowly starts to back away from the bushes. Just then a long snout pokes out! It was a long purplish nose that had two dark eyes above it looking back at him. Stumbling as he continued moving backward, Sprout glanced down and also saw some very large feet sticking out of the bushes. This was definitely not a tree or anything he had ever seen before!

Just as Sprout was ready to scream and run away, the purple nose pushed through the bush and Sprout found out that it was attached to a Dragon. A Dragon that was licking its lips. “I’m Hungry,” the Dragon told him. At this moment, Sprout decided this would be a really good time to run like the wind.

Now, keep in mind that Sprout had not been told about the Dragon that everyone was looking for, so he was not too happy to find a Dragon standing in front of him, especially one that was licking its lips.

Hungry continued, “Do you think they would share some of those delicious smelling cakes you were singing about?” Now this surprised Sprout, first a talking Dragon, but secondly, one who was wanting the same thing he wanted. “You are not going to eat me?” asked Sprout.

“Do you taste good?” answered Hungry. “I normally don’t like green food. I would rather try some of the delicious smelling treats instead.”

“I have never thought about if I taste good or not. I don’t think I do, so, let’s get some of the Sugar Plum Muffins instead,” he told the Dragon. “By the way, my name is Sprout. What’s yours?”

“I am Hungry. You remind me of a friend of mine. Do you know Meen? I was with her before the Shadow King sent me with a Nytemare to find my teacher here in the Shadows’ Realm. I got hungry on the way and somehow lost my guide.” As Hungry’s stomach grumbled some more, louder than before this time, Sprout was starting to realize that maybe he had found someone who had a sweet tooth as big as his.

“Let’s get some muffins and you can tell me more about your travels here. Maybe Meen will come by while we are at the bakery. Sometimes we meet there before we go out for some fun,” Sprout told the Dragon as they started off to the bakery.

A little while later as the two of them walked down the trail away from the bakery.
“… as I was saying before," Hungry continued his tale, "then the King sent Meen on an errand and I have not seen her since. Scarlet showed me that Nytemares have shoes and then the King told me that he was going to send me to a teacher and that I could keep my pillow, which I lost in the woods,” Hungry explained to Sprout as he smacked his lips while eating the muffins from the bakery. “By the way, where are we going to now?” asked Hungry

“It’s getting close to dinner time. I am taking you to my home to see if dinner is ready and I am sure that mom would like to meet you. Maybe she can help you find your teacher,” answered Sprout.

“And maybe help me find my pillow? I really miss it…”

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And just where is Sprout?

1/7/2020

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Parsley has been looking for her son, Sprout, so he can help in the search for the Wish Dragon. So far she and the Mushroom Line have not been able to find him, making them wonder where he could be off to...

"Oh that delicious smell! They must be making a new batch of Sugar Plum Muffins!

I just can't get enough of those sweet delights," thought Sprout as he waited for the next batch to be put in the window to cool. He could see the baker standing in the doorway hoping he would be placing the muffins in the window soon.

The Sugar Plum Bakery was his new favorite place (especially when they were cooking) to hang out. He licked his lips in anticipation as he waited for the muffins to appear. "Ah, the sweet smells of all of those goodies just waiting to be eaten," as he licked his lips once more.

"I wonder how many I can carry home? It isn't like the bakery isn't that close to my house. Oh... if he would only put them in the window soon. I should really be heading back home," he decided. "Maybe mom will have lunch ready. After all, I am just a growing sprout and need my nourishment. I just hope she doesn't have any chores or errands for me to do so I can still make it back before the bakery closes their doors for the day."

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The Tea Reading...

12/3/2019

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The muffins were gone and the tea had been sipped and Efem was starting to get anxious again. “I have enjoyed this catching up but we need to start doing something to find the Wish Dragon,” Efem told Parsley. “He could have been found already and we are just sitting here drinking tea and eating goodies. Have the mushrooms found anything yet?”

“Don’t worry,” Parsley told her as she stood and began to clear the table of dishes. “We will be informed when they do, but in the meantime, our next step is to do a little magic of our own. Finish up your tea and remember to leave just a little in the bottom so that we will see what the tea leaves tell us.”

Both Efem and Cornelia had heard about Parsley’s ability with the tea leaves being second only to Chamomile (if you like a tea reading... check out the link by clicking on the highlighted name). Maybe it was because Parsley created her own blends of tea which gave it that extra power or because she was an herbalist, either way, Efem finally felt like they were doing something to find the Dragon. “What can we do to help?” she asked their host as she started to rise from her chair.

“Stay put Efem and finish your tea,” Parsley told them. “I will be needing your cups shortly. Think about the Dragon before you finish drinking. That will help when I read your tea leaves.” It only took a couple of minutes before Parsley had the table cleared and returned to her seat. “Now, let’s see what we can find out.”

Flipping each of the three cups over onto their saucers, then turning them counter-clockwise three times, Parsley touched each of the cups and mumbled some words that the sisters could not hear, she then turned Cornelia’s cup over first to see the leaves. “Ahh... I see here two faces going in two different directions. They will have to learn to work together if they are to find the missing young Dragon. If they do, then Nemmer and The CAT will find him, but the question remains - will they be the first to find the Dragon?”

Next, it was Efem’s cup to read. Turning the cup over, Parsley looked closely at the leaves. “Many are looking for the Dragon. That bit of information we already knew, but this tells me that there is some who are wanting the Dragon more than just to find him.

"See how he holds his arm out to the right? Almost like a wizard or a warrior. In his other arm he seems to be carrying something. I don't know if it is a shield or a baby Dragon. The message is muddled with how strong this searcher is and I cannot see what it is he wants from the Dragon.” Frowning, Efem started to worry even more than before.

Parsley could see that Efem was getting concerned. “Let me see if my cup can tell me more about the searchers." Closing her eyes, she placed her hands on her teacup. As she opened them, she turned the cup over and looked in. "One of the searchers is not of the Fae nor of the land while One is the land.”

“Parsley, I am confused,” Cornelia said. “What does that mean? One not being Fae nor of the land can only mean an outsider I would assume, but how can one be the land?” “I don’t know,” replied Parsley. “I am just as confused as you are. Efem, any ideas?”

"Give me a minute to think about what you have said,” answered Efem. “You have given me hope knowing that Nemmer and The CAT will find the Dragon at least. The problem is being the first. We must increase our efforts. Cornelia, you need to contact the B-Gs and have them looking also and I will connect to the Root Connection. We must be the ones that find the Dragon first.”

Parsley stood and started to the cottage door. "I'm going to run down Sprout! He needs to join in here to help look too!" Efem and Cornelia looked at each other. "Who's Sprout?" they thought.

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Of Tea and Muffins and Dragons...

11/20/2019

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“Please sit while I brew some tea for us to drink. Afterwards we can see what the leaves can also reveal to us,” said Parsley as she motioned for Efem and Cornelia to sit at her table. “I have a nice herbal tea here I would like you to try. It is my own special blend I call Chameleon as it changes flavors as you drink it."

“We don’t have time for tea,” replied Efem. “We need to be finding the Wish Dragon,” as she looked at Cornelia for confirmation. Efem saw that Cornelia was already moving towards the table though and pulling a chair out to sit on. She gave Cornelia a glare as she was sitting down. Efem was anxious to be doing something other than sipping tea. Corneila glanced back at Efem and motioned with her head for her to sit down and be quiet.

It is amazing how by not saying a word, volumes can be implied thought Efem. Taking a calming breath and the hint, she sat down at the table to await the tea.

Parsley turned away from the sisters and stepped over to the stove where she had a pot of hot water already simmering. She then took down her teacups from the cupboard and reached for her special blend. This she added to the steaming water and stirred in a silent wish as she turned back around with the pot of tea. Pouring the tea to everyone and taking a sip, she started the conversation. “Now, from what you have told me of the young Dragon, you both think the first problem is to find him before anyone else does. Is this correct?”

“Yes, we need to find him right away before anyone discovers he is a Wish Dragon,” answered Efem, frustrated and impatient to be started and not sitting here talking.

Cornelia continued to sip her tea and decided to try one of the muffins that Parsley has brought with the tea. Efem looked over at her wondering why she was not agreeing with her. Cornelia continued nibbling on her muffin and just smiled at her as she turned her gaze to Parsley. "Parsley, these are delicious. Mind giving me the recipe? I am sure Nemmer and The CAT would love some of these." Efem was starting to simmer and about to boil over from their apparent lack of concern, when finally Cornelia, taking mercy on Efem, asked Parsley "What do you think we should be doing?" “Finally,” thought Efem.

“Oh, I have already started. The Mushroom Line has been informed to find the Dragon as a priority news item. Anything involving the Dragon is to be reported immediately. They already have a few reports but nothing substantiated yet,” replied Parsley. “Do you really like the muffins?” she asked Cornelia. “They are one of Mrs. C's recipes. I just whipped them up for Sprout. He really likes them.”

“Enough of the small talk! What do you know about the Dragon?” an exasperated Efem demanded. “We should be out there looking!”

“Enjoy your tea Sister,” answered Cornelia calmly before Parsley could reply. “Parsley has already started the search and you know we came here to ask her help. This way we aren't wandering the woods hoping to get lucky enough to run into the Dragon. Nemmer and The CAT are already doing that.”

Parsley smiled thinking that Efem really hadn’t changed all that much over the years. “The Mushroom Line confirms your report that the Dragon was sent to a teacher by the Shadows’ King and was originally traveling with a Nytemare guide. They say that Scarlet has reported that the Nytemare was separated from the Dragon and has since returned to the stables.”

Taking another sip of tea, she continued, “The Twitter network reports several sightings of the young Dragon in several different places but as you know, the birds are not the best at hard facts. They have substantiated that others do seem to be searching for the Dragon as well since they have been asked by others if they know where the Dragon is. Now this could also include Nemmer and The CAT, but that is unknown.”

Efem was stunned. These were just the things she needed to hear. That everyone was working together to help find the poor lost little Dragon. She also realized that she truly had missed her old friend and started to glow with joyful feelings.

Parsley, seeing Efem starting to glow at her words, started to blush. She too had missed her childhood friend. To hide the blush, she lifted the pot of tea. “I will get us some more tea. Then we can see what the leaves also have to tell us about this young Dragon."

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<<Previous

Only Shooting Stars Break the Mold...

Into the Runes....

Getting a little spit and polish...

I want to be a Rock Star... (continued 2)...

I want to be a Rock Star...

Searching for Trolls...

How to find a growing Sprout? Think with your stomach...

And just where is Sprout?

The Tea Reading...

Of Tea and Muffins and Dragons...

Greetings

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