Category: Trolls

Who are they???

7/6/2020

As Hewy, Cornelia, Efem, Parsley and Sprout started their trek through the Woods on their way to see the Sleeping Sisters, Hewy had his head bent down looking at his hands trying to figure out what was happening to him. He had started his day with just trying to find a song and now here he was going to meet with the Sleeping Sisters. Slowly, he turned his head towards Efem and asked, "I have no idea what Petal Posts are about and will admit I am confused why I would get one. Can you tell me more about them or what you think this is all about?"

Efem, taking the petal post from Hewy, was silent for a moment as they continued walking on the trail. Finally she replied, "They don't go out to just anyone. They are the special messages sent by the Sleeping Sisters and only someone who knows the Language of the Flowers can read them. You were fortunate enough to have brought your Petal Post to us, but then again, the Sisters normally do not leave much to chance."

"Mom, who are the Sleeping Sisters? I've seen you get Petal Posts before, but you never say much about who sends them to you," asked Sprout. Taking a slight breath, knowing that her son was just bored and was trying to keep his mind off of food, Parsley decided it just might be time he learned a little about the Sisters who watched over the Realms and were all powerful.

"The Sleeping Sisters, were in the beginning, just four sisters that each had a unique ability," Parsley told Sprout. "One sister had the ability of clear seeing. That is where she could see things in her mind. Another sister had the ability to have clear feeling."

"What does that mean?" Sprout interrupted. Before Parsley could answer, Cornelia replied, "That is where she could feel things. Do you ever just act on a feeling but don't know why?" Sprout could understand that as he often went with his gut feeling of things. "Not that it always was right," he muttered to himself as he remembered the times when it sounded so good at the moment but turned into trouble later.

Cornelia continued the story with talking about the third sister, "And another of the Sisters had clear hearing." Looking at Sprout to make sure he was paying attention, "Which meant she would pick up on messages with songs or vibrations. This is who the Hummingbird Express and the Bee-Gs report too."

Parsley completed with "And the final sister had clear knowing. This is where she would get information through dreams or visions and can foresee an event as it will happen."

Hewy, who had been listening to the conversation and sorting through what had been said, wondered about the thought that was still in his head since he first held the Petal Post. "I once lost my heart to a ganome who said she could know things through dreams. I wonder if there is a connection to this message," he told the others as they continued following the bird that was leading them further down the trail and hopefully to the Sleeping Sisters.

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Hewy, Sprout and the Petal Post

5/5/2020

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Hewy pondered about all that he had heard from Nemmer as they had shared a meal at one of the local pubs. "A Dragon on the loose," he mumbled to himself. "It has been a very long time since one of them have been seen." Nemmer had left to continue the search telling Hewy as he departed that if Hewy was still hungry, and if THE CAT showed up, he could eat him if he wished. "UGH! How revolting..." Hewy thought, but since Nemmer was smiling as he said it, decided that he must have just been kidding.

Again, realizing that he still did not have any music for the festival written, Hewy continued wandering around the village for an inspiration. Occasionally he just stopped and listened to youngsters singing or the sounds being made by those still preparing for the celebration. Normally the sounds of each day would inspire his melodies, but for some reason, today it was not.

As he was about to leave the village and see if that elusive inspiration was hiding somewhere else, a large magpie swooped from the sky and landed near his feet. As Hewy looked at the bird, it appeared to be staring back at him! "How strange," Hewy thought. "It is carrying something in it's beak. It looks like a big flower."

The magpie appeared to Hewy to have decided something as it hopped closer to Hewy's feet and dropped the flower before flying away. Picking up the flower, Hewy noticed that it had strange markings on it's petals. "I have never seen that before," he thought. "I wonder what they are for?" Not knowing what to do with it, he decided to take it with him. "Maybe," he decided, "it will help me to find my musical inspiration today since it certainly is hiding."

Again, Hewy started on his way out of the village on one of the many well used pathways, when he saw Sprout carrying one of the biggest muffins he had ever seen. "Good afternoon Sprout. What's with the giant muffin?"

Sprout smiled at Hewy, telling him that for the May Fair the bakers at the Sugar Plum Bakery had made a special muffin just for him. "I just need to eat it before going home to mom," he laughed, "or she won't think I will be hungry for dinner."

Hewy just shook his head, wondering how this young stripling kept so slim with all of the food he ate.

"Oh, I see that you got a Petal Post. My mom gets those too," Sprout said as he broke off a piece of the muffin and stuffed it into his mouth.

"You know what this is?"

Having to swallow before he could answer Hewy's question, Sprout continued, "It's a Petal Post from the Sleeping Sisters. Mom, Efem, and Cornelia talk about them all of the time. Must be about something important cause that seems to be the only time a petal post shows up."

Now Hewy was really intrigued. Could it be a note from Awena? She did leave to become a Sleeping Sister after all. "Do you think your mother can read the strange markings?" Sprout only nodded because he had another large chunk of muffin already in his mouth.

And with a nod, Hewy decided that today's music writing would have wait. He had to know what the Petal Post said and if the message was truly for him. "Will you take me to your mother?" he asked Sprout.

"Sure. I should be able to have the muffin gone long before we get there and if we start now, we could be in time for dinner!" Sprout replied as he started to eat another piece of the rapidly shrinking muffin.

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Ten for a bird, you must not miss...

4/28/2020

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The sun was up and it was a beautiful day. As Hewy was strolling through the countryside, he noticed the small signs that indicated the locals were preparing for the day which falls midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Soon it will be May 1st and Beltane celebrations would begin, not just in the Shadows' Realm but also for the townsfolk in the Village on the Wall.

The celebration honors spring at its peak and the coming summer but also gives everyone a terrific reason to be outside after the long winter months. Singing, dancing, and Maypoles will be everywhere. Then, of course, there will be the big bonfire when it starts to get dark where stories and more singing occurs.

"And I don't have any new music written still," he mused to himself. "What good is a master musician without a song?" This was not the first time he told himself this and it probably won't be the last. Seeing a tree stump, Hewy decided to sit for a while and work on the latest tune that was stumbling through his head. He used the word 'stumbling' because the tune was still jumping from here to there and usually falling flat.

As he worked on the tune, he pulled out his drumsticks and started tapping them on the stump. A magpie bird that had been sitting in a tree looked down on him when he started thumping on the stump, but realizing he did not have any food to share, promptly began to ignore him.

Lost in his creative thoughts, Hewy did not notice the even larger blue bird approaching up behind him. "Ahem... Hi Hewy," the blue bird said as it cleared his throat to get Hewy's attention. Startled, Hewy turned and finally noticed Nemmer watching him tap on the tree. "Oh, hi Nemmer. What brings you out this fine day?"

"I hate to disturb you Hewy, but have you happened to see anything peculiar or hear of any rumors of something strange being seen in the forest lately?" asked Nemmer. (If you remember, when we last saw Nemmer he was still searching for the Wish Dragon, Hungry.)

"No I haven't heard of nor seen anything out of the ordinary recently," replied Hewy, "other than your CAT." Nemmer replied as he stomped his foot, "It's not my CAT! If it wasn't for the stupid Petal Post from the Sleeping Sisters, I could be back at my cottage practicing my archery instead of looking for Hungry."

Petal Post and Sleeping Sisters - now that sounded like an interesting story Hewy thought. "You're hungry? I will help you find something to eat while you tell me all about it," Hewy offered Nemmer. Now Nemmer was one to never turn down a meal when offered even though he knew that Hewy had misunderstood him. But he was really too hungry to care.

"It's a deal. Put away those drumsticks of yours and lets go see if we find some real ones to eat," Nemmer answered hungrily.

As they walked off to find lunch, Nemmer could hear Hewy humming a song. "What's that your humming," he asked.

"Oh, it's a little something that I heard the other day and seeing you reminded me of the little tune. It goes something like this."

One for sorrow,
Two for joy,
Three for a girl,
Four for a boy,
Five for silver
Six for gold,
Seven for a secret,
Never to be told.
Eight for a wish,
Nine for a kiss,
Ten for a bird,
You must not miss.

Nemmer started chuckling causing Hewy to ask what was so funny. "Well, of course I have to be the tenth bird that you shouldn't miss!" replied Nemmer. "There seems to be a prophecy hidden in your song, Hewy. What do you think?"

As Hewy and Nemmer walked off discussing the hidden meaning to the song, the magpie that had been sitting in the tree flew off to report to the Sleeping Sisters.

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Hewy's thoughts run deep...

4/21/2020

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Thinking back to that day, Hewy touches the stone heart hanging from around his neck and looks at it again. Awena had written something on it in her own language that fateful day. The words he could read, but the symbol in the middle had a secret meaning that she had never had the chance to tell him. "Someday I will discover what it says," he thought as he leaned on his staff and stared into the pale blue sky.

Hewy's hair did not have any grey back then and his clothes were much newer so long ago, but inside he still felt like that young troll-odyte each time he thought of Awena. She had loved his hairy vest. It was part of his new look he had felt he needed before finding a rock band. It tickled her nose she had told him each time they hugged.

The staff was something he started using after she had left. In his travels, he found that it was a useful tool when he walked the trails... thinking. He had put a large red stone on the head of the staff when he first made it. Now that stone was the size of one of his fingers from wear.

Besides the vest, stone heart, and staff, the only other item he still carries from those days long-ago are the drumsticks he never got to use (except when he finds a suitable rock to tap a tune one). He had realized after Awena left the songs were not the same. The music before her were nothing more than ditty's... now he composed complex symphonies in his mind. Hewy is now a master musician who writes some of the greatest compositions the Realms play. He roams the villages and hamlets as he composes his masterpieces and now others play his music instead of him playing theirs.

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Heartbreaker....

4/14/2020

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It was many years ago when Hewy was the young troll-odyte who wanted to be in a rock band. He remembered all the things he did to get his new look. He also thought back to what, or more accurately who, had changed his plans. That faithful day when he first met her and how quickly things changed.

It had all started when he found the barber in the village. Hewy was happy and whistling the tunes that he loved the most as he entered the barber's shop. He was about to embark on his rock and roll tour, but first, his hairstyle. "Or at least that's what I thought," Hewy mumbled to himself as he reminisced of that day. He was about to take a seat in the barber's chair when he looked out the window and saw her. Without even realizing what he was doing, he stood up, not even noticing the barber anymore and walked out the door to follow the vision he had seen walk by.

Hewy had seen a few Gahnomes before but never had he reacted like he did on that day. He knew of the tale of the troll that had learned the meaning of love*** but never believed it. Now, before he even realized what he was doing it, having never being so bold before, he was approaching the Gahnome. Blushing, Hewy shyly asked, "Oh, Sweet Petal what could your name be? Mine is Hewy."

If Hewy lived to become an Ancient One, he knew he would never forget her answer. "Awena Buttorfleoge," she told him. Had Hewy known the meaning to her name he might have been able to forsee his own future. For 'Awena' meant 'seer' and Awena was soon to become one of the Sleeping Sisters.

Memories came crashing back to him on how she had broken his heart and the loneliness that followed. It was then when he had the tattoo placed on his hand so he would never forget her. 'Heartbreaker' was what he called the tattoo for it was a symbol of a stone hammer. "The hammer that broke my heart," he mumbled to himself. Still, after all of these years, each time he looks at the tattoo, he only sees her face and never the hammer.

Trolls are not known to have hearts or if they do they are made of stone, but if a troll does discovers his heart, he will wear it on his sleeve. When Hewy discovered his broken heart he instead chose to wear it around his neck. With the hope that one day Awena will see it and understand how much she still means to him.

***Those of you registered for the MisPlace Dolls newsletters should have received the story of the First Troll's Heartbreak. If not, you too can sign-up and receive a copy just by contacting us at [email protected]. Please include your name and email address in your request to be added to the newsletter.

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Only Shooting Stars Break the Mold...

4/7/2020

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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."