aveyond references

Originally posted by Amaranth on January 29, 2010 as "Interview with June."

This week, we are catching up with June, our youngest party member ever, to ask her about her new role in The Lost Orb.

I hear you're quite young. How old are you? I'm 13 3/4. Until next week. Then I'll be 14.

What is your profession? I'm an apprentice magician, but I'll be a journeyman soon. I just have to get my certificate. Did you know that I have the best marks in my class? I got a 106% on my last test. I even beat Macy Frith's best score.

Who is Macy Frith? Macy graduated from Peliad Primary Magician's School faster than any student in history. I have to do better. It's the only way I'm sure to get into Bookminster's University for Magicians in Sedona.

Wow, it sounds like you're a clever kid. So tell us, how did you get involved with Mel? No offense, but she doesn't seem your type. June blushes. I er... made her take me. I've got this problem... To get my magician's certificate, I have to learn three new magic tricks on my own. I decided I could do this faster if I left school and attached myself to someone who er... seemed trouble-prone.

So, what do you think about your companions? Mel is cool. Sometimes she's a bit delusional, but in general, I like her. Edward is soooo cute! Yvette is plain strange. Ulf is teaching me about plants. He's pretty smart.

Originally posted by shaz on January 24, 2010 as "Interview with Ulf".

Ulf, you seem to have made yourself quite at home here. Yes, I like this place.

What makes it so special? Well, in the Orc Kingdom, I was despised because of my size. In human kingdoms, people run from me because they think I'm big and scary. It isn't like that here. Everyone is different, and I don't stand out.

What do you do with your time? I study. Orcs don't value magic, and there is plenty of that here. There is even an alchemist, who has taught me a few things.

I see. Ulf, I believe you were one of the few eyewitnesses of Gyendal's escape. Yes. Everyone else was in the throne room, but I couldn't bear to watch, so I stayed outside.

Now that he's human, do you think he is still a threat? Oh yes. As he left the castle, I heard him say he was going after Mel. He is determined to take revenge.

You've been searching for the lost orb for quite a while. Has there been any sign of him? No, not so far. I only hope we find the orb before Gyendal finds it, and before he finds Mel. At any rate, when he comes, we'll be ready.

I sure hope so. Er ... Ulf, ... is there any chance you like to wear pretty dresses? Ulf erupts in a fit of laughter. Apparently, he was not expecting such a question and finds the thought amusing, to say the least. I give him a few moments to regain his composure, but any further attempt at continuing the interview results in further bursts of laughter. Now, an Orc having an attack of the giggles, with tears streaming down the side of his face, is a sight I never thought I'd see, but it is quite cute nonetheless. I'm going to assume his answer to the question is no, and it's looking like this is the end of the interview.

Originally posted by shaz on January 3, 2010 as “Interview with Yvette (Take 2)".

Once again, we find ourselves in the village of Harakauna, making another attempt to talk with Yvette. You may recall the last one was unexpectedly cut short.

Yvette, I'm told you're a familiar. Is that correct? Indeed, I am.

Can you explain exactly what that means? A familiar can change into different forms. Some of us can change into human forms.

I see. Do you have a favorite form? I like to use bird forms. Flying is fun, and birds are so pretty.

So all the ... people ... in Harakauna are shapeshifters? No, not all. Some are animals. Sometimes there are people here, but they only come to visit the apothecary.

How did you come to be involved in this adventure? The cute boy was looking for a familiar. They needed one to solve a puzzle.

The cute boy? Yes, the one called Edward, though all the human boys are cute. But not as nice as familiars, and humans are very strange sometimes.

I see. So you agreed to help them, even though it puts you in danger? Oh yes! Vampires, evil wizards, magical orbs, puzzles ... familiars are drawn by these things. It is such fun!

Fun?! Okaaaay. Is there anything you want to achieve on this adventure? I would like to learn more bird forms. I look for other familiars as I travel, who can teach me new things.

One of the readers wants to know if you like to dress up. Dress up? You mean in costumes? Yes, that sounds like fun - a costume party. Perhaps we could invite all the friends who were with you last week!

*I shudder at the memory*

No, I mean dressing up in pretty gowns. Oh, I see. Why would I wear uncomfortable gowns when I can adorn myself with beautiful, silky feathers?

I guess that's a 'no' to gowns then. Thanks for your time Yvette. Welcome, you are. Now, do you want to play a game?

Originally posted by shaz on January 3, 2010 as “Interview with Yvette".

Yvette, thank you for your time. Please have a seat, make yourself comfortable. Welcome, you are. All those other humans will need seats too, yes?

Other humans? Yes, the ones behind you. Waving to us, they are. Perhaps they want to have a party?

I turn around, to see who Yvette is referring to. There, steadily advancing up the hill, is a throng of Amaranthians, shouting, waving their arms in the air, some carrying picket signs, all looking none too happy. They were too numerous to count, and after seeing what looked to be a noose in someone's hand, I had no desire to take the time to count them.

Uh oh ... Something is wrong?

That, my friend, is not a party. That is a lynching mob! Listen, if you don't mind, we'll do this interview next week instead. For now, I suggest you find somewhere to hide.

Yvette giggles, then shapeshifts into a bird and flies safely out of reach.

I take one more look at the crowd, turn, and run, wishing I could be a shapeshifter too ...

Managing to stay just out of reach of the angry mob (it's true what they say - fear, wings, feet, all that stuff!), I dodge around barrels, between buildings, around the corner of the store, and run smack into Spook! Slightly dazed, it takes me a moment to formulate a plan that might allow me to live to see another sunrise.

I grab Spook's arm and swing him around, into the open area, to face the onslaught! Still in a state of shock, Spook offers no resistance.

"Look everyone, it's Spook!"

Instantly the crowd freezes. Arms are lowered, signs and other objects for inflicting pain are dropped, and faces are transformed from anger to awe.

"Spook!" I repeat.

"Spook ..." the crowd murmers in a subdued tone. Their eyes have all gone glassy. It worked!

Spook (quiet, but miffed): "What do you think you're doing?" Shaz: "I'm doing an interview with you." Spook: "I've already told you, no." Shaz: "I don't care." Spook: "If I refuse?" Shaz: "Then things are going to get ugly. Besides, this isn't multiple choice. I'm not asking you." Spook: "Very well, you may have your interview. But be warned, you will be in debt to me."

Yes! It worked! My having Spook's arm twisted into a potentially painful position behind his back may have been a contributing factor. Spook (slightly nervously): "What's wrong with them?" Shaz: "Don't worry - they're fine. Just smile and wave, and no-one will get hurt."

Everyone, Spook has finally found time in his busy schedule to grant us an interview. So, without further ado, I present:

Interview with Spook

Spook, can you tell us your occupation, and where you live? My occupation changes to suit my needs, and my home is wherever I need to be to do it.

Er ... okay. Folks, that translates to "I'm a thief, and I live in Peliad". Spook smiles and raises an eyebrow.

I believe you met Mel by helping her out of a tight spot? The kid was new in town and having a bit of trouble, so I gave her a hand.

Out of the goodness of your heart? Even someone in my occupation is capable of doing selfless things. It led to several more opportunities to help her, so I did.

Mel already has a number of companions helping her on her quest. What do you offer that they don't? Trust. Respect. A chance to grow. June and Yvette have their own reasons for being here. The Orc and the Prince are here because they think Mel needs to be protected. They think she's weak. She's capable of much more than they give her credit for, and I'm the only one who accepts that.

You don't think she needs protectors? No. To find this item she is seeking requires speed and stealth. Nothing more. Mel and I excel in those areas. If we didn't have the others slowing us down, we could complete her quest and move on.

What would you move on to, after this quest is over? I've been thinking a great deal about that. Mel is tough, and smart. She and I could do great things together.

So you envision a future with Mel? You know about Mel and Edward, right? Yes, and I know the Prince is jealous. I represent everything from her previous way of life - a way of life he is trying to take her away from.

That's very ... insightful of you. You don't mind, then? No. Mel can have more than one best friend. She is happy with that. The Prince is taking longer to accept it, but he will.

Well, you certainly have interesting views on things, and I would not have expected to hear this from ... From a thief? No, I suppose you wouldn't. Perhaps there is a lesson here, in not judging people based on their appearance.

So true. Well, Spook, I thank you for your time and your candid responses.

I release my more-relaxed grip on Spook's arm and allow him to leave. He glances back at the crowd, smiles a little nervously and waves, then turns to walk past me. As he passes, he whispers into my ear, "Remember, you owe me. Be prepared to deliver when the time comes."

I watch Spook leave, then turn back to the crowd, still standing, glassy-eyed, and staring after him.

Originally posted by shaz on December 26, 2009 as “Interview with Edward Pendragon."

Prince Edward was kind enough to spend some time with me today, to discuss events that have occurred since Gyendal was defeated.

Prince Edward, it's nice to see you again. Thank you for your time today. That's okay. But you probably shouldn't call me Prince now.

No, of course not. A great deal has happened since you returned from Ghed'ahre. Yes. The wedding, the coronation, my parents retiring.

Gyendal? Yes, Gyendal escaped. We don't know how, but we know he's after Mel. Thankfully, Ulf and I found her first.

What does your wife think of you leaving your responsibilities in Thais and going on this quest? Lydia?!

A sound comes from Edward's throat. It could be a growl ... or a sob.

Things are ... complicated ... with Lydia. And Mel. As soon as Gyendal is behind bars again, we'll go back to Thais and sort everything out.

I see you have several new companions. I wanted to ask you about Spook. Edward frowns.

Did I say something wrong? Spook is a thief. I don't know what his intentions are, but I don't trust him.

He seems ... interested ... in Mel. Do you think you might just be a little jealous? Jealous? Maybe. This is not a good time for anyone to be seeking Mel's attention. She has enough to cope with already, with Gyendal and this missing orb.

Well, thanks for your time, Prince ... er ... Edward. Good luck on the rest of your quest. Thanks. I think we'll be needing a lot of that.

Originally posted by shaz on December 20, 2009 as “Interview with Mel Darkthrop"

I managed to catch up with Mel when she visited Thais recently. It is, perhaps, not unusual, that she wasn't very talkative. I did manage to glean a few details about her current activities.

I heard your wedding day was very exciting. I suppose that's one way to describe it.

Would you care to tell us about it? Hmm, no. Thais Times pretty much kept up with everything. You can read about it.

I heard you've left Thais for a while. Can you tell us where you're staying these days? No.

Okay. Maybe I'll ask Stella. Ugh! I'm on Eldrion.

Eldrion? Why? I'm looking for something.

Oh, the lost Orb? What makes you think it's on Eldrion? Can't I do anything without the world knowing about it? Nox told me.

Who's Nox? Er ... just someone I dreamed up. Never mind.

Is Nox helping you? No. Forget I said that. June is helping me. She's a bit annoying, but I needed her help, and had to agree to let her come along. And Yvette. She's strange - thinks having a vampire breathing down your neck is fun. And Edward and Ulf are helping me ...

Edward? He's left Thais too, and ... er ... Lydia? Mel scowls Let's just say Edward has a few things that need to be sorted out.

There's another guy with you. Young. Kinda cute. Mel blushes That's ... Spook.

Spook? He seems fond of you. I can see Edward doesn't like him much though. Like I said, Edward has a few things to sort out.

It doesn't bother you that he's jealous? No, not now. Royalty and commoners don't mix. I should have accepted that long ago. Edward needs to accept it too.

Hmm. I do have arrangements for an interview with Edward. Maybe he'll tell me a little more. Good luck with that. Look, I have to go. Got a world to save, unborn descendants to protect, all that...

Sure. Thanks for your time Mel. Hope you find that orb you're looking for.

Originally posted by shaz on December 11, 2009 as “Interview with Lydia Rupert"

I was privileged to spend a very short time with Lydia Rupert, and we chatted about some post Gates of Night events:

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us again. I'm very busy. What do you want?

Busy? Er ... you're looking at yourself in a mirror. Yes. I'm choosing a dress for my coronation. Do you think this one will look good when I'm wearing a crown?

Lydia turns around

Ugh! Why am I asking you about fashion?

Your coronation? You're going to be queen? Lydia rolls her eyes Yes, that's what usually happens when you marry a prince.

But ... Edward is already engaged - to someone else - isn't he?

if Edward + Mel If you think I'm going to allow Prince Edward to marry a rat-catching street urchin, then think again!

if Edward + Stella The butterfly girl? Please! Thais needs a queen with a backbone, not a conflict-hating animal lover.

if Edward + Belf The Orc? Ha! Princess or not, an overgrown Orc will never sit on the throne in Thais.

The wedding is tomorrow. Do you think you can change his mind by then? Edward doesn't know what's good for him. It is my duty to help him make the right choice, even if he disagrees.

Mmm, okay. There's a rumor going around that you're working for Gyendal. Is there any truth to it? Gyendal? That has-been vampire mage? Ha! His power pales in comparison to mine, now that he's human. I don't do his bidding, or anyone else's.

Right. Well, thanks for your time. I'll let you get back to your outfits. Guess I'll see you at the wedding tomorrow - you know, the one where Edward is marrying someone else? I wouldn't miss it for the world. Excuse me.

Originally posted by Amaranth on July 15, 2009 as "Interview with Ulf"

What is your name? Ulf the Fifty-Sixth.

Where are you from? The Orc Empire.

You are the smallest Orc I've ever seen. How does it feel to be so tiny? I used to see it as a burden. When I was younger, I couldn't compete against my brothers for food and nearly starved to death. Luckily, I learned I had a brain.

Most Orcs never leave the Orc Empire. What encouraged you to go? Besides being framed for murder by my brother and escaping from prison? Hmm... well, I feel that the world has given Orcs a bad name. I have always dreamed of traveling around the world and teaching people about the kind and gentle ways of the Orcs.

I've never thought of Orcs as kind and gentle... We'll maybe I exaggerated a bit. Still, an Orc will always tell the truth.

Oh really? Oh yes. Orcs don't like politics. If an Orc is going to eat you, he will tell you. In fact, most Orcs will describe in detail how they will eat you so that you understand the full process before they begin.

Wow, that is... disturbing. It depends upon how you look at it.

Do you have a name for your er... cause? The name of the cause is Orcs have Feelings Too. Orcs may appear to have tough exteriors, but they don't like being laughed at.

Have you cleared this "Orcs have Feelings" project with your emperor? No way. The Emperor would never agree to such a thing. I'd be thrown into prison... again.

Interesting... very interesting. Well Ulf, It has been a pleasure chatting with you. I hope we learn more about your homeland in the next chapter of the game. Thank you. Oh here, can you hand a few of these out for me?

Ulf gives Amaranth a large bag of "Orcs have Feelings Too" picket signs.

I would appreciate if you would hand these out to all of your friends.

Originally posted by Amaranth on May 6, 2009 as “Interview with Stella"

What is your name? Stella.

Where are you from? I don't know exactly...

That's odd. You don't know where you live? Unfortunately no. I don't remember anything before my fall.

Oh, okay. So, can you tell us a little about yourself? No, not really.

Hmm, do you have a favorite color? Sorry, no.

A favorite food? Hmm... Edward gave me a Star Peach yesterday. It was much better than the Haunch that Mel tried to make me eat last week.

Do you have any aspirations in life? Edward tells us that you are a healer... Yes, it appears I can heal things. I'm constantly cleaning up after Lydia. Don't tell her this, but I think she is obsessed with blowing things up.

Okay, I won't tell her that you think she has a... problem. So, how do you feel about Edward? I hear that he is a real ladies man. Edward? He's sweet. Stella blushes.

Uh oh, we're running out of time. Let's close up with one last question. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? That's a good question. I'd like to have my own peach orchard and bunny farm. Bunnies are so cute.

Well, er, strange aspirations, but cute. Stella, it was a pleasure chatting with you. Thank you, it was fun. Bye now.