Groping through the inky black suffocating, smothering void. Following a tiny flickering star, a writhing rose of illumination casting a milky glow on the way ahead, the heaps of crumbled masonry, sudden yawning chasms on one side or the other – or both- of the path ahead. Once, long ago, the way had been lit by a cleverly placed system of mirrors, many of which were still in place. For even orcs cannot see in utter cave darkness.

(December 24th, 2015)

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This is related to the following:
A Merry Yule To Everyone! (Grand Order forums)
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(Previous chapter: Sun and Stars)

"Open the gate!

Open it!"

Yesterday, in the evening, I was at Mr. Brablo’s library.
Upon arriving, I was actually quite shocked: I found him sitting down in his chair, sleeping. Waking up, it seemed as though he had slept since noon, or so, but I did not say much on the matter: his sleeping habits are his own, of course.

It was yesterday that I had visited Mr. Brablo’s home.
His burrow was grand, and every piece of furnishing inside seemed to bring the other pieces together: paintings, sculptures, and maps. Several bookshelves lined the walls, also, which sparked a great deal of joy in me – I was standing in the burrow of an author that I admire, and everywhere his books were.

My home in Barleywick is quite something: the locals are already questioning my odd habits, I do believe. Though I have yet to swim, or boat – for which I fear I shall receive a great many stares.

Mimzi and Trimzi

The Story of Two Brothers

There once was a brother named Mimzi,

His beard was strong and smart,

A special "Thank you" to Brablo, who made this all quite possible. Many of the ideas to come in this chapter, and future chapters, were created, fixed, or polished by Brablo.