#eemeli

Working on different POVs. This was honestly hard to write because I find episode 10 EXTREMELY cringy, and I have a lot of second-hand embarrassment for Jim in this episode.

Episode 1

Episode 9

Jim’s POV

I stumbled back as my footing gave out, River swinging Midnight down towards my head as Draal observed my stance. I brought Daylight up just in time to keep her from cleaving my skull open.

Draal gave out a huff, motioning for River to swap with him as he grabbed a short double-bladed mace, quickly lunging after me before I could recover. I slipped under his arm and swung Daylight towards him. Draal was able to catch my blade with his mace, knocking my balance off. I went spinning with the momentum he had used to rip the mace away. Daylight disappeared in a cloud of bright blue light as I fell onto my back. Draal smirked, lunging the mace towards my throat though he kept it from making contact with my neck.

I groaned, staring up at the weapon in Draal’s hand, River snickering beside us as she watched, “Uh, I think I just broke my butt.”

Draal rolled his eyes, “Were this an actual battle, Trollhunter,” he lifted the mace before swinging it down again using the handle to whack me, causing me to scoot back with a grunt, “you would have just been deprived of your right leg,” he whacked my knee, “three fingers,” he poked my left hand. He pulled the mace back and jabbed it towards my crotch, I pulled Daylight out to block before the painful contact could be made as Draal smirked, “and your gronk-nuks.” He finally finished.

I sighed standing up holding Daylight out, “Sorry, I guess I’m just a little distracted tonight.” I yelled as Draal swung the mace again, stepping to the right and using Daylight to block my left shoulder, before diving under Draal’s arm, kneeling behind him as he turned to swing again.

“Bular will use your distraction as an opportunity to cleave your head from your shoulders.” He lectured, swiping my legs from under me, my back slamming into the grass.

I blinked up at him wide-eyed, trying to sit up, “Oh.” Was all I could muster at the thought of being decapitated.

Draal sighed, extending a hand out to me, “What has you distracted this night?”

I shook my head taking his hand, “You wouldn’t understand.” I could see River shake her head out of the corner of my eye as I said this.

Draal snarled out a roar throwing me over him and pinning me on my stomach with the mace against the back of my neck. “I am the son of the former Trollhunter, Trollhunter.” He ground out, irritated.

“I’m a little preoccupied about kissing Claire.” I finally yelled out against the grass.

Draal blinked for a moment as his face fell into a look of pure confusion. “I don’t understand.”

River dropped Midnight hearing what I yelled. She snorted a laugh, though I’m not sure if it was at my expense or Draal’s. “I think I’ll start warming dinner up, it’s about time we had a break.” She smirked at me before heading inside, giving Draal and I space to talk.

I sighed as Draal released me from the ground, rolling over to sit up I began to explain, “The school play, Romeo and Juliet. We’re rehearsing the kissing scene and I have to kiss her tomorrow.” I groaned flopping onto my back again as I drug my hands down my face at the thought of rehearsal.

“Kissing?” Draal asked as he picked me up from the grass and sat me on a rock, taking a seat next to me. “What is this kissing?” He huffed, unsure of why I was distressed.

“Haven’t you and River kissed?” I asked confused, glancing at the back door of the house, wondering if that’s why River was so quick to leave.

Draal stared at me blankly, waiting for an explanation.

I sighed and shook my head at the situation I was now in, having to explain the concept of kissing to a troll twice my size that happened to be courting my sister, this could not get any weirder. “Alright, when two people like each other, they put their mouths together.” I brought my hands up to demonstrate the action, making two duckbills and tapping them together. “And depending on how much you like them, the longer the kiss. Sometimes for hours.” I explained, hoping he understood.

Draal’s nose scrunched at the explanation, he grunted looking to the side, “Disgusting. Killing sounds easier.”

“Then you’ve never kissed River?” I asked, not sure if I was more relieved or shocked at the thought.

“River’s done something similar but never on my mouth.” He tilted his head in thought, recalling when she would kiss his cheek after scenting, an action she seemed fond of.

“Oh, well it doesn’t necessarily have to be on the mouth, it can be on the hand which is an old gentleman greeting, or on the cheek, which is done by family and sometimes friends, but kissing on the mouth is for couples, or in my case rehearsing a play about a couple…” I sighed, letting the armor deactivate as I catch the amulet, “Draal, I really like Claire. If I blow our first kiss, I might not get a second or a third.”

“You’re afraid.” Draal pointed out.

“I know, I know.” I groaned, “The first rule, ‘always be afraid.’ But that’s with Trolls, not girls.” I explained, trying to think of how to get the point across, “Girls are… well they’re like the opposite of Trolls.”

Draal was smirking as I turned to face him, he hummed in thought rubbing his chin, “Now that I understand… I know of something that may help. If these ‘girls’ require you not to be afraid then you need a Grit-Shaka.” He grinned.

“Is that a protein shake?” I asked having no clue what he was going on about.

“A Grit-Shaka is a totem used by the Gumm-Gumms. If you wear it, it banishes all cowardice, makes you fierce and ready for battle.” Draal explained, making the Grit-Shaka sound like a good option.

I hummed in thought for a moment, “You wouldn’t happen to have one of these, would you?” I asked, ready to accept any help for tomorrows rehearsal.

Draal smirked, getting up and heading into the house, waving me to follow him. I waved to River as we passed her, heading down to the basement, I looked around, shocked at all the changes, “You two really made this space livable.”

Draal chuckled, going to a shelf holding different Troll artifacts and some weapons River had retrieved from Trollmarket at Draal’s request. “You haven’t been down here since we finished everything have you? Ah! Here it is!” He picked up a necklace with a glowing green stone placed in a set of sharp teeth. “This is a Grit-Shaka, wear it when you need to be fearless.”

I took the totem, turning it over before grinning up at Draal, “Thank you!”

River opened the door at the top of the stairs, peering down at us, “Are you ready to eat? Dinner’s going to get cold again if you don’t hurry up!”

Draal and I quickly returned upstairs to have dinner, I might have a totem that makes me fearless, but I’m not stupid enough to try it out on a cooking River.

River’s POV

The boys and I were heading to Strickler’s class, I groaned realizing I still needed to tell Jim that Eemeli had met Draal. “Hey, um Jim,” I grabbed his arm to pull him away from the classroom door before he could head in.

Jim looked at me confused, seeing my nervous expression, “River? You okay? Is this about training last night?” He asked, quickly thinking back to his kissing conversation with Draal, not wanting a repeat of the conversation.

“Well, I’m fine, and no it’s not about practice.” I sighed, as Toby and Jim crowded close, a worried expression on both of their faces, I decided to get it out as fast as I could, you know, like ripping a bandaid off. “EemelimetDraalandhenowknowsabouttrolls!”

Jim and Toby exchanged a confused looked. “River, that didn’t make sense,” Jim said, frowning, the only thing he could really make out was Draal’s name.

Yeah, ripping off bandaids is total crap. “I said… ‘Eemeli met Draal and he now knows about trolls.’” I winced slightly, waiting for Jim’s reaction mostly as Toby’s mouth just hung open, wide-eyed.

“He what?!” Jim almost yelled, glancing around before looking back at me, “How did that happen? Draal knew he was coming over, and that he was supposed to stay hidden!”

I chuckled, “Well, that’s kind of my fault, Eemeli wanted to spar, and I didn’t mention that might happen to Draal, so he thought Eemeli was attacking me and came running out trying to protect me.” I glanced seeing Eemeli walk into the class, giving me a small wave.

Jim turned to eye Eemeli before turning back to me, “Well, he isn’t freaked out… and he’s breathing so that’s a plus…” He sighed, “Does he know anything else?”

“Just that trolls exist and I’m not human. Nothing about Trollmarket or Trollhunting.” I explained, knowing if anyone should tell Eemeli about that, it was Jim.

Jim nods, “Alright, let's go before the bell rings.” We all headed in, taking our usual seats. I gave Eemeli a thumbs up once he nodded towards Jim with a questioning expression. Jim turned to whisper to Eemeli when Coach Lawrence started up Gun Robot 3. “So, trolls…” He tried to start, not sure what to say.

Eemeli chuckled, shugging his shoulder a bit, “Kind of cool, freaky when one twice your size is charging at you, but I kind of caused that.” He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

Jim smiled slightly, relieved that Eemeli is taking the news calmly. “Well, I guess this means you’ll be able to come around more often since you know now.”

Toby grinned at this, turning to face us, “Awesome sauce! Trollparty is gaining members fast!” He whisper-cheered, throwing his hands up a bit.

“Trollparty?” Eemeli asked, glancing at me.

I shrugged, “It’s the first I’m hearing about it.”

Mary stood up abruptly from her seat next to Claire, gaining our attention as she marched over to our group, stopping next to Jim with a smirk. “Coach Lawrence! Jim took my seat!”

Without looking up from the newspaper he was reading over Coach sighed, “Lake, give her seat back.”

Jim looked at Mary confused as he got up, tripping over his feet as he made his way to Mary’s old seat next to Claire. I narrowed my eyes as she sat next to Toby, “What are you playing at Wang?” I asked, not really trusting her, even if she had apologized for her teasing remarks in the locker room.

Mary turned back to me with a mischievous grin, “Just a little chemistry lesson,” she emphasized with a wink.

I peered over to where Jim and Claire kept exchanging glances, “Interesting, I knew she liked him, but for you to do this…”

Mary shrugged, eyeing Eemeli next to me, “What can I say, I’m a natural matchmaker. I already my next pair in mind too.”

Eemeli chuckled as I looked back at Mary confused, “You going to set Toby up with someone?” I asked.

“Tch, sorry, he’s not close to the top of my list.” She admitted with a glance to Darci, “But I think our new exchanged student could use a date or two.” She grinned.

I nodded to Mary as a green glow caught my eye. I watched Jim pull something from his bag. Eemeli, stiffened next to me, eyeing the object when I turned to check on him. “You okay?”

He nodded, glancing at the object again before smiling at me, “That just doesn’t look good. From the American movies I’ve seen, green is always a bad color. Well in your Dis-Knee movies.” He spoke.

I snorted a laugh, trying to keep quiet, I nod in agreement before turning back to keep an eye on Jim, tuning Mary out as she spoke to Eemeli.

Once Jim placed the glowing necklce around his neck his entire posture shifted. He cracked his neck seeming to shake off whatever nerves that had previously plagued him as he began to talk to Claire, cracking a few jokes it seemed from the way they began to laugh. I smiled slightly, happy to see Jim was finally able to talk with Claire easily.

After Strickler’s class we all headed to the lockers, Toby was struggling to open his locker as Jim came up and hit his own locker three times, causing it to open up. “Woah,” Toby watched, amazed as he continued to struggle with his own locker. “You opened it on the first try.”

“It’s all the Grit-Shaka Tobes,” Jim grinned, gesturing to the necklace.

“A Grit-what?” I asked, staring at the obvious troll totem, “Where’d you even get it?”

Toby looked at it in awe, “That thing has a name?” He asked confused.

“Grit-Shaka, it’s a courage totem. Draal gave it to me for the kissing scene today.” He grinned, “Man, you should’ve heard me in class with her, I was killing it!”

Toby shook his head, brow furrowed, “Wait, wait, wait. Time out.” He made a ‘T’ with his hands tapping them as eyed the totem wearily, “Draal, our Draal, River’s Draal, is helping you with chicks?” He gave Jim a disbelieving look as he gestured to you then out towards the crowd of students around the lockers.

“Why wouldn’t Draal be able to help him?” I asked confused, though I wasn’t entirely sure of the totem.

“No offense River, but you’re still not like human girls. You turned down ‘Tight Jeans’ Hank and started dating a Troll, how many other girls here would do that?” Toby asked with a deadpan stare.

Eemeli chuckled next to me, “He has a point, besides, Draal isn’t technically dating a human either,” he added quickly, causing me to puff my cheeks out slightly in irritation.

“Don’t worry River, all the Grit-Shaka does is make you brave. Man am I feeling good!” Jim exclaimed with a face splitting grin, “I feel like I can do anything.” Jim hit Toby’s locker as he began to struggle with it again, opening it instantly.

Toby’s jaw dropped, looking up at Jim, “Wow. It made you cool.”

I rolled my eyes at this, “A totem can’t make someone cool unless it had freezing capabilities.” Eemeli chuckled, though once he saw that I was being serious it turned to a cough.

“Maybe this is good for him, he seemed really nervous about rehearsal today, this might be what he needs to get through it, then he can put the totem away. No harm done?” He reasoned.

Jim smirked down at the amulet, turning to us again, “I’m just cool, I’m crispy.” He pointed finger guns at us then turned to greet Darci and Mary as he walked off towards the cafeteria.

My eye twitched in annoyance, “This is not going to end well.” I spat threw clenched teeth.

Eemeli gave me a sympathetic smile, “Maybe it works differently on trolls? I don’t think Draal would give it to him if he knew this would happen.”

Toby shrugged as we followed Jim, “Actually, this is how Draal used to act when he still hated Jim. Not the ‘crispy’ part, but the overconfident and cocky part.” He winced, watching as Jim asked for the chicken surprise, gasping in horror, “No one order that. It’s like a death sentence!”

Jim laughed, leaning against the counter, “Bring on the surprise!” He took his tray to a table where he began to scarf his food down. Toby ordered the same, still in shock.

Eemeli nudged me toward the counter, “Are you going to order?”

“I’ve lost my appetite. Draal did not act like this.” I glared at the table Jim and Toby were sitting.

Eemeli smiled, “Why don’t I walk you to class then? You don’t seem too pleased about hanging around this.”

I sighed with a nod, giving him a grateful smile. “I’d appreciate that.” We headed off to Ms. Janice’s class since I had math with her next and Eemeli’s class wasn’t too far.

“So what was he like?” Eemeli asked, giving me a curious look.

“What was who like?” I gave a confused look before my eyes lit with recognition, “Oh! You mean Draal, before Draal.” I laughed tilting my head in thought, “Well, it’s not so much that he was cocky, he was just… angry?” I frowned trying to think of how to explain it.

“So you like angry guys?” Eemeli smirked, knowing I wasn’t finished.

I huffed, giving him a crooked smile, “Not really, no. The situation is a little hard to explain to a human.” I sighed leaning against the lockers by Ms. Janice’s door. “He lost his father a day before we showed up in his… home town, so to speak. The reason we were even there was that Jim ended up being the one to receive his old job. Now the trolls didn’t take too kindly to us, well the boys, being there, since humans had never stepped foot in their home before.” I paused to see if Eemeli was keeping up. He smiled, nodding for me to continue, “Well, this job, Draal had spent his entire life training in order to be worthy of it, and a day after he lost his father, some human comes into his home and two trolls are claiming that it now belongs to him. I think you can imagine how upset he was. He lost his only family and his life’s purpose in one go.”

Eemeli’s eyes widen as he took in everything I said, “That’s… I can understand why Toby said he hated Jim then…”

I shook my head, “He didn’t actually hate him at first. Yeah, he was upset, but when I got to know him I realized the way he was acting was his form of teasing, trying to see how Jim worked.” I huffed, “Blinky’s actually the reason he almost killed Jim, he inadvertently insulted him for Jim, and well, when a Troll is challenged and their honor questioned, it ends up in a fight to the death. The reason he lives with Jim and I now was because Jim won the fight and refused to kill him, so he was cast out of his home…” I frowned at the memory.

Eemeli clasped my shoulder, giving me a small smile, “He’s lucky he had you and Jim, I’m surprised though. You’re dating someone that tried to kill your brother. How did he even ask after that?”

I laughed, shrugging slightly, “I actually asked him on accident before the fight.”

Eemeli stared at me with a confused face, “How do you date someone on accident?”

“Well… You know how he didn’t let you hug me the night you two met? Trolls court by scenting, something you seem to be able to do, which is what he was irritated by after things calmed down. I accidentally scented him one night, and after he explained what I did, it kind of grew from there.”

Eemeli laughed, waving off my disgruntled reaction to his laugh, “It is sweet, that something like that was an accident but grew.”

I smiled as the bell rang, “Alright, I’ll see you after classes.” I shook my head, still smiling at Eemeli’s reaction. I walked into class, taking my seat by Claire.

She smiled having seen me and Eemeli talking by the classroom during lunch. “He seems nice.” She began, as we waited for the final bell.

“Eemeli?” I asked, trying to gauge what she was talking about.

She nodded quickly, “You two seem close, didn’t he just transfer here?”

I nod, shrugging it off slightly, “Yeah, from Finnland. I’ve been helping him out with school and we’ve been hanging out quite a bit.” I paused to grab my textbook as Ms. Janice walked in.

While Ms. Janice began writing an equation on the whiteboard Jim came strolling into the class, took the marker from her and began writing all over the board.

Claire’s mouth dropped as she leaned over to me confused, “What is he doing here?”

I grit my teeth seeing the glow of the Grit-Shaka reflect off of the whiteboard. “I don’t know, but Draal better have a good explanation later.”

“Draal?” Claire asked, shaking her head as Jim flops in Ms. Janice’s chair.

“And that is how you solve for ‘X’!” Jim announced, setting the marker in Ms. Janice’s hand, smirking back at Claire and me.

I rolled my eyes, leaning over to Claire, “I’ll explain after class.”

Ms. Janice cleared her throat to get Jim’s attention, “Well, I admire your gusto, Mr. Lake but that is not remotely correct.” She adjusted her glasses, pointing out the door of the classroom. “And this isn’t your class.”

Jim shrugged and ran off out the door, not before pausing to give Claire and I finger guns.

I groaned, setting my head on the desk till the end of class. Claire nudged my shoulder after the bell rang. “So, what does a ‘Draal’ have to do to with Jim acting weird?” She asked me, packing her notes away.

I sighed, remembering my slip earlier, “Jim asked my boyfriend, Draal, for advice last night. Apparently, he’s taking it to heart.” I shoved my textbook in my bag before standing.

“Oh… Wait, boyfriend? What advice? Why?” Claire asked confused, not sure what to ask about first as different parts of my explanation caught her off guard.

I shrugged, “Jim’s nervous about practice today, the kissing scene specifically, and when Draal overheard he decided to give Jim some advice, not sure what he told him exactly but he’s been getting worse all day.” I ground out, as the loudspeaker blares and Jim’s voice sounds over the intercom, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“He’s really making a spectacle of himself.” Claire rolled her eyes.

“Just a quick reminder for everybody to keep it crispy. Also, I taught myself bass guitar in the band room-“ Jim began announced, the thrum of a bass guitar shaking the lockers as Claire and I both covered our ears, trying to block out the horrible sound of Jim’s off-key singing.

We heard Jim yelp as the loudspeaker was cut off, “Oh thank Deya” I spoke, rubbing my ears. “Remind me to cut his tongue out if he tries out for a musical.”

Claire laughed, “It was pretty bad. What kind of advice would make him do that?” she asked, putting her bag away in the locker, getting ready for rehearsal.

I sighed leaning against the lockers, waiting for Toby, “I’m going to find out, and I might just whack Draal with my Trig textbook depending on how terrible it was.”

Claire smiled as she shut her locker, “I don’t know, it’s sweet he even offered to give him advice in the first place. Not a lot of guys around here would take it seriously if a friend of their’s told them they were nervous about kissing someone.”

I nod, smiling, “Yeah, those two idiots are more like brothers honestly.”

Toby was running straight for Claire and I, “River! It’s getting worse!” He all but screamed as he faltered to a stop next to me. “He won’t stop saying crispy!”

“Sorry, Claire looks like you’ll be dealing with that mess in rehearsal.” I sighed, giving her an apologetic smile.

She waved me off with a smile, “Don’t worry about it, I hope you figure out what’s gotten into him.” She took off for the theater quickly, not wanting to be late.

“Alright Tobes,” I grabbed him by the arm, almost dragging him as we left the school grounds. “You’re going to Blinky and Aaarrrgghh, ask them how to get a Grit-Shaka off of Jim.”

“What about you?” Toby asked, running to keep up with my pace.

“I’m going to talk to Draal, if he’s the one who gave Jim the item, then he might know the best was to get it off of him.” I sighed, as we approached the canals. “I’ll call you if I get anything.” I took off for home before Toby could reply, worried at how far Jim’s ‘bravery’ would take him. I paused at the front door long enough to unlock it before ripping through the house and down into the basement. “Draal?” I called, almost tripping down the steps as I ran.

“River?” Draal’s arm came out to balance me before I could fall, “Why are you distressed?” He asked worried, checking me over for any visible wounds.

“That thing you gave Jim, the Grit-Shaka. What is it supposed to do?” I asked quickly.

“The Grit-Shaka? It’s supposed to erase fear. Make one brave and ready for battle. Why?” He asked confusion etched over his face.

“It’s made Jim into an impulsive wreak that won’t stop saying ‘crispy’!” I huffed, pulling at my hair in irritation, “He’s trying to flirt with all the girls at school, he went to every class but his own, he mocked the teachers, broke into the teachers’ lounge, stole Ms. Janice's marker and butchered a simple trig equation, and then he took over the intercom system and sang, off-key, while strangling a bass guitar.” I began to pace during my recount of the day, “I don’t understand how any of that has to do with Jim no longer having fear.”

“Well, he is a human, maybe he’s reacting to it differently. It’s also a Gumm-Gumm totem…” He suggested, rubbing his chin in thought. “From what Jim told me, ‘girls’ are the opposite of trolls and they require you to be unafraid. So I thought a totem that banishes cowardice would be the best option.” Draal explained as he watched me pace around the basement.

I sighed as I walked up to him, completely leaning against his chest with my head tucked under his chin, “Thank you for trying to help him Draal. Do you know how I can get it off of him?” I asked looking up at his face.

Draal ran his hand over the back of my head and he hummed in thought, “ He would have to take it off willingly, or one would have to break the totem.” He sighed, “With how you described his actions, breaking the Grit-Shaka sounds like the best course of action.”

I nodded and kissed his cheek, “Thank you Draal, I’m going to call Toby and let him know. Jim’s supposed to head over to Trollmarket for training after his rehearsal.”

Draal smiled, releasing me so I could lean back. I quickly pulled my phone out and dialed Toby, waiting for him to pick up.

“River! I’m so glad to hear from you! Have you seen Jim?” Toby asked as soon as he answered the call, sounding out of breath.

“He’s supposed to be in Trollmarekt for training. Draal said Jim has to take it off or we have to break it.” I answered quickly, glancing at the time on my phone. “He should be there already Tobes.”

“He was, then he got upset when we asked him to take the Grit-Shaka off and he took off. Blinky and Aaarrrgghh are running through the sewers looking for him and I’m on the surface. He said something about Bular.” Toby relayed quickly, yelling for Jim as he paused.

“I’m on my way. Where are you?” I asked, the hair on the back of my neck standing as I grew anxious and terrified for Jim in the state he’s in.

“By Alex’s game shop.” Toby paused, catching his breath, “I hear him!” The call cut out.

“I have to get town now, Jim’s running after Bular in the sewers.” I grabbed Midnight as I turned to Draal.

Draal nodded, “You go on the surface, I’ll try to intercept him from underground.” He took off through the door to the sewers, rolling as fast as possible to find Jim.

I took off up the stairs and out the front door, running as fast as I could to Alex’s game shop. I prayed to Deya that Jim wouldn’t be able to find Bular in the sewers, at least not until we could get to him. As I ran passed the game shop I spot Toby struggling to pul up a manhole cover. I reached him as he finally pried the cover from the ground. “Toby!” I slid next to him, my eyes widened in fear as I saw Bular circling a confused Jim. “Jim!” I yelled, gaining both of their attention.

Toby leaned into the manhole, I grabbed his belt to keep him steady. “Jim, grab my hand!” He yelled, trying to reach him.

Jim tried to jump, the armor weighing him down so much that he could only manage to get a couple feet off the ground. “I can’t reach! The armor! It’s too heavy” He yelled up at us before dodging Bular’s sword as he swiped for his feet.

Bular chuckled, a sickening grin splitting his face. “Pathetic that you meet your end in a sewer, Young Atlas.” He drew out the name as Jim stared up at him in shock.

I nearly dropped Toby into the sewer as I heard the name, “No…”

“Master Jim! You must get out of there!” I could hear Blinky yelling from further down the sewer tunnel, snapping me out of my shock.

Toby yelled as I tightened my grip again, keeping him steady again. “Jim! Grab my hand! NOW!” Toby screamed into the sewers.

Bular swung his blade vertically, hoping to cleave Jim in half only to have his blade lodge into the concrete floor of the sewer. He snarled trying to pry it out.

Jim deactivated the armor, coming back to his senses. “I lost the Grit-Shaka. But I can still be brave.” He glared at Bular, stepping onto his blade as Bular finally wrenched it free from the ground causing Jim to catapult up into the air, high enough to grab Toby’s arm.

Toby and I quickly pulled Jim out of the manhole as Bular tried to grab his ankle. Once I could let go of Toby’s belt I grabbed the manhole cover and slammed it over the opening, hitting Bular’s hand in the process.

Jim sat up, gasping for breath. “Strickler’s a changeling!” He yelled, eyes wide, still in a panic over the news.

I could hear a deep chuckle from the cover. I peered into the small hole to see Bular lock eyes with me, a satisfied sneer splitting his face as he turned to leave.

Toby groaned, sitting up next to Jim. “I never trusted him.” He glared, whacking Jim on the shoulder, “You’ve been a real turd today.”

Jim scoffed, pulling at his blue jacket, “And I smell like one, too.” He wrinkled his nose before looking over at Toby and me. “Thanks for saving my neck. I owe you one.”

“Yeah, great.” Toby huffed out, flopping onto his back as the adrenaline wears off.

“Don’t you ever say ‘crispy’ again.” I snarled out before giving him a smile.

He chuckled sheepishly, standing up as the cars began to honk. “Deal.”

Eemeli’s POV

The Changelings were called back to the museum in order to speak with Bular and Gunmar again. I shook off my human form, finally able to stretch as Not-Enrique and I entered the museum, heading for the bridge.

“Woah,” Not-Enrique smirked seeing me. “Didn’t think they’d be calling you in. What’re you here for anyway?” He asked as he climbed up onto my shoulder.

I smirked letting him perch for now. “Witch-hunting.” I answered, “Well, tracking is more like it. Strickler wants her alive.”

“Draal’s mate, huh?” He tilted his head in thought. “Doesn’t know much for being Merlin’s blood. Though she seems to be developing a soft spot for us Changelings. Doesn’t like that the Trolls look down on us. Tried to tell Mr. Trollmarket off.” He snickered.

“That could be useful,” I smirked at the very idea, a sorceress that actually cares? She was raised with humans for far too long.

We entered the room as Bular made a snide remark about calling Jim ‘Young Atlas’.

“But I call him that. Me, alone!” Strickler yelled at Bular.

Bular chuckled, sneering down at Strickler, “You should have seen their faces. His and the little witch.”

“They’ll know I’m working with you. They’ll know I’m a Changeling. Of all the idiotic things you’ve done, you imbecile!” Strickler began to rant, eyes glowing yellow.

“I gave the order.” A deep voice called out, Gunmar’s silhouette towering over bother Strickler and Bular. His single glowing eye trained on Strickler.

“Call it… a test.” Bular grinned, turning so he was next to his father.

Stricker immediately cowered, eyes no longer glowing. “A test?” He asked timidly.

“So that when the time comes, you will kill the boy and free me with his Amulet,” Gunmar growled out, eye shifting to me as he noticed Not-Enrique and me finally. “What are you doing here impure?”

Bular glanced to me, turning to face his father, “I had Stricklander bring him here. We found Merlin’s blood.”

Gunmar’s eye widens, shifting his focus back to Bular. “That doesn’t explain the impure presence.”

“The heir is female, and currently courting Kanjigar’s son, Draal. We brought Eemeli in to disrupt the courting and to keep the witch distracted.” He explained, taking credit for Strickler’s plan easily. I kept my mouth shut as I glanced at Strickler, seeing his glare focused on Bular’s back.

Gunmar was silent in thought at this new information. “How do you believe this will affect our plans?” He turned his eye on me, wanting my answer this time.

I cleared my throat, “From what I’ve seen she’s almost completely untrained, though she could handle her own against myself or someone of Draal’s skill in a fight. She’s able to channel her magic into a lance, as Nomura was unlucky to experience, and she can enhance her own strength doing this as well. Though I believe we Changelings will have an easier time manipulating her. She seems to have a soft-spot, so to speak, for our kind. She’s even gone so far as to talk back to Vendel when speaking ill of Changelings.” I explained, giving most of my information on River to Gunmar.

Gunmar’s eye narrowed as I spoke of her soft-spot for Changelings, snarling at the mention of Vendel. “You’ve been found?” He roared.

“No sire,” I quickly state. “The group still believes I’m human, though I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting Draal. He was willing to expose Troll kind in order to protect the witch from someone he thought was attacking her. I was assessing her ability in a fight and he came barreling out of their home. However, she now seems to trust me enough that she’s told me about their adventures and her studies.” I covered quickly, refusing to tell him about Not-Enrique, who had gone stiff thinking he’d be eaten by Bular tonight.

“The group?” Gunmar asked, thinking over everything.

“She’s related to the human Trollhunter.” Bular explained.

Gunmar went rigid, growling in thought. “If we can sway her to our side, we would have a tactical advantage over the Trollhunter. Eemeli, keep close to the heir. If you can’t convince her by the night the bridge opens, you will kill her.” Gunmar ordered, fading into the blue glow under the bridge.

Strickler had gone stiff at the mention of killing River, and I had as well. This was an easy job. Not the first time I’ve had to get rid of someone. So why do I feel sick?

I turned, leaving the museum quickly. Not-Enrique sighed, hanging on my shoulder as I shifted into my human form. “This sucks.” He growled out, glancing back at the museum. “Think you can convince her to join the Gumm-gumms?” He asked, keeping an eye out for the others as we spoke.

“Not really,” I sighed, feeling the pit in my stomach coil again. “Think you can play up the ‘woe is me’ role?” I asked, glancing at him, seeing an expression I couldn’t place take over his face.

“I sure hope so… she’s too bright though.” He sighed, hopping off my shoulder as we passed the Nunez household. “You feel it too? In your gut?” He asked, looking at me over his shoulder.

I nod silently, not sure how to respond.

“Yeah, this isn’t going to be easy.” He climbed up to the nursery window, disappearing inside.

Adventures in Trollsitting! Special thanks to @insanity6666 for the lovely idea of making the newest OC addition to the story a changeling! I will be posting drawings of Eemeli as a human and Troll after finals! Thank you to everyone who reads these, I have a lot of fun writing them!

Episode 1

Episode 7

Episode 9

     I awoke to the sound of a foghorn, my alarm. I groaned trying to roll over but I was pinned down by something heavy sitting on my waist. My bed began to shift under me. I was confused until I decided to finally open my eyes, coming face to face with blue stone. My brow furrowed before I recalled the events and shock of last night. Draal was subbing in for my bed so he could keep an eye on me last night. I nuzzle under his chin as he sat up, seeing that the heavy object I was pinned under happened to be his arm.

     Draal chucked at the gesture, handing me my blaring phone. “Good morning, does it always make that awful noise?” He huffed through his nose, rattling the ring in a disgruntled manner at the alarm.

     I smiled turning the alarm off, yawning as I snuggled up to him more, still tired. “Only when I need to be awake at a certain time. Jim, Toby and I are supposed to head to Trollmarket this morning. I need to speak with Vendel about armor designs.” I paused thinking over last night, “Sorry for… worrying you.”

     Draal nodded as I spoke of going to Trollmarket with Toby and Jim, peering down at me in confusion when I apologized. “You are my mate; it is now my duty to worry for you and take care of you.” He smiled, nuzzling my jaw with his nose. “It is not something you need to apologize for. The news last night was a ‘shock’ as Jim put it.”

     I smiled softly, hugging around his neck. “Thank you for watching over me then.” I pulled back, stretching before getting up. “For a being of living stone, you’re pretty comfortable as a bed.” I teased, heading upstairs with Draal, going up to the second floor to my room.

     Draal followed close, stepping into my room for the first time since he threw Nomura out of my window his first night here. He sniffed over the desk with a canvas about 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide leaning against it, with various spray paint canisters laying around. “What is this?” He asked, nudging the canvas with the beginnings of a dark figure in bright green and blue swirls.

     I was digging through my closet for a change of clothes, peeking out to see what he was asking about, I grinned. “That’s a piece I’m working on for an art show, it’s later on in the year but I’ve been working on it since the beginning of the school year. I’m hoping to be the first spray painter accepted into the show!” I pulled on black leggings covered in the same green and blue paint on the canvas and a black long sleeve with a silver spaceship on it. “Do you think I have a chance?”

     Draal chuckled, looking over the picture closely. “Human’s are… moronic, usually, but they’d be blind to turn this away, who is in the painting?” He traced the swirls of blue paint.

     “I’m not sure actually, it’s a scene I’ve dreamt about a lot growing up. He shows up a lot in them so I don’t know if it’s a tv character or someone I’ve met a long time ago and forgotten about. Usually, there’s a person wearing blue too, but I haven’t figured how to draw them yet.” I explained, standing next to Draal, staring at the painting.

     Draal hummed, tilted his head hearing a thud from Jim’s room. “Our Trollhunter has been bested by his bed it seems.” He smirked, waiting by the door as I grabbed my school stuff before heading out with him.

     I checked mom’s room to make sure she left for the day before going to Jim’s door, knocking. “Jim? You okay in there?”

     Jim groaned from behind the door. Loud shuffling could be head before he opened the door, yawning. “Morning River, morning Draal.” He greeted, trudging past us. “Remind me to never let Blinky talk us into visiting before school.”

     “We both know that’s not going to happen,” I smirked, following Jim downstairs, Draal right behind us.

     Jim nodded, grabbing his bag off of the banister, “Yeah, he can talk anyone into anything.”

     Draal laughed, shaking his head. “He’s not used to a Trollhunter that needs to sleep either. You’ll get used to it.”

Jim smiled up at Draal, “I hope so. You gonna be good on your own?” He asked, glancing between Draal and me.

     “I will be looking for Killahead Bridge while you attend your training and learning dungeon,” Draal smirked, content with his job for now. “I will return by the time your mother returns to guard her and the house.”

     Jim nodded, pausing to tilt his head in confusion, “Learning dungeon?”

     I laughed, “School, he means school.” I explained, realization crossing Jim’s face as he laughed.

     Draal nudged my cheek with his brow, “You don’t want to keep Vendel, or the fleshbag Tobias,” he nods to the window where we see Toby yawning, tapping his foot impatiently as he waits for us.

     I chuckle, pressing my brow to Draal’s before heading out with Jim, “Bye, Draal! We’ll see you later!”

     Toby waved to Draal as we left, snickering at me, “You’ve gotten comfy having Draal live with you.” He remarks, trying to tease.

     Jim shakes his head, chuckling, “Why wouldn’t she be comfortable with Draal there? They act like a married couple already!” He snickered as we headed into town for breakfast at Stuart’s Taco Truck, before going to Trollmarket.

     I smirked at both of them, rolling my eyes at the obvious teasing, “Seeing as he’s the equivalent of my fiancé, yeah, of course, I’m comfortable with him living with us. I’m surprised you’re not uncomfortable.” I remarked to Jim, elbowing him.

     Jim shrugged, “Draal’s like a brother already, he fits right in with us. Besides, like I told you, as long as you’re happy, I won’t have a reason to use Daylight,” he snarked back to me, joking about using Daylight. He would never use the sword on Draal.

     Stuart opened the Taco Truck window as we approached, “Morning my best customers! How was your date River?” He asked, starting on the breakfast burritos, knowing our usual orders.

     “Date?” Jim and Toby asked in unison, turning to me.

     I laughed, shrugging a bit, “I picked up tacos and burritos for Draal and me, Stuart put two and two together. It was great, he actually enjoyed raiding the scrap yard with me!” I grinned leaning against the window to converse with Stuart as he cooked.

     He laughed, wrapping the burritos, “Now that sounds like a keeper to me! Find anything good?” He asked, handing the bag to Toby as Jim paid. He still owed Toby from the fight with Draal.

     I nodded, “Yup, I found some old tech I’ll bring to the shop next time it’s open.”

     “Thanks! River, Boys have a good day,” Stuarts waved us off with a grin.

     Jim shook his head, “You make some really weird friends. Not that they’re weird, it’s just who you end up making friends with isn’t the usual for a high schooler,” He corrected quickly as I gave him the side-eye of disapproval.

     “You’re telling the non-human dating a troll, that who she makes friends with isn’t typical?” I asked, smirking to Jim as Toby handed out the breakfast burritos. I tore into mine quickly, waiting for an answer.

     Jim floundered for a response as Toby snickered, unwrapping his burrito, “You walked right into that one Jimbo.” He teased, biting into his burrito.

     Jim huffed, eating his food while sulking a bit. I paused outside of the Vespa shop, “Hey, Jim. Aren’t these the Vespa’s you’ve been drooling over?” I asked, finishing off my food.

     Jim whistled, stopping next to me, fighting the urge to drool over it. “Vespa 300 GTS Super. Single-cylinder. Catalyzed four-stroke Quasar engine,” he sighed. “Can you imagine me going down the road on that? Wind whipping through my hair, Claire holding tight to my back,” he trailed off, lost in his head.

     I rolled my eyes as Toby sighed, “Me, cruising in the sidecar next to you,” he spoke, interrupting Jim’s fantasy.

     I shook my head, snickering at Jim’s disgruntled look directed at Toby. “Tobes, that’s for a motorcycle,” I remarked.

     Toby pouts towards me before seeing Jim’s look, “Oh. You imagined you and Claire alone, didn’t you?” He asked Jim with a sheepish smile.

     “We both know the odds of mom getting you a Vespa for your 16th birthday.” I sighed, knowing Jim was hoping for one.

     “Only slightly worse than me winning the lottery and buying it myself, but still slightly better than you getting a motorcycle for your 18th birthday.” He snickered, teasing me back. I grinned ruffling his hair at the remark. Jim whacked my hand away glancing at the window, frowning. “Did you see that?” He asked, turning to quickly to see a goblin on a powerline holding a bundle.

     I turned, following his eyes, barring my teeth slightly, “Goblin!” I yelled as Jim and I took off after it.

     “What?!” Toby yelled, having looked at the window instead of the power line, groaning as he sees Jim and I running, “It’s just a bird!” He yelled after us, trying to catch up.

     “It’s a goblin, with a baby!” Jim yelled back to Toby, seeing little baby arms poking out of the bundle the goblin was holding, gripping a rabbit plushie.

     Jim and I followed the goblin to the alley behind Alex’s game shop, “Dead end.” I growled, heading to the back looking for a way up to the roof.

     Jim knelt behind me, picking up the rabbit plushie the baby had been holding. Toby finally caught up to us, trying to catch his breath. “Come on guys, it’s just a bird!” He groaned, not having seen the goblin at all. “Chill out guys, this Trollhunting is making you hallucinate,” He tried to reason, clasping Jim’s shoulder.

     “Two people don’t hallucinate the same thing at the same time,” I quipped back, frowning as I couldn’t find a way up, losing the goblin and baby. Sighing as I turned back to the boys. “The baby was holding that.” I nod to the bunny in Jim’s hands.

     “What would a goblin want with a baby?” Toby asked, shaking his head. Though his tone was filled with disbelief, he was obviously worried in the case it was an actual baby.

     Jim frowned, examining the rabbit plushie, “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.” He headed out of the alley, Toby and I following close. “Blinky should have an idea why, let’s get to Trollmarket,” he spoke, leading us to the canals quickly.

     I took out the horngazel, opening the entrance quickly, heading down to Blinky’s library with the boys. “I have to go see Vendel. I have my alarm set so I’ll come get you for school.” I waved to the boys before running to Vendel’s study. Steeling myself as I walked in, not having seen Vendel since I left Trollmarket with Draal. “Morning Master Ven-” I cut my greeting seeing Vendel.

     Vendel was facing the entrance of his study, gemstone staff pointed at me, “You’ve missed three days of training, run off with a disgraced troll after courting him in front of every troll in Trollmarket, and all you have to say is ‘Good morning?’” He scolded me, sounding like a disappointed parent.

     I winced, bowing my head slightly, feeling like a small child, “I wasn’t sure if I’d be welcomed back after everyone’s reaction to that…” I admitted, rubbing my arm. Not used to being scolded.

     Vendel sighed, lowering the staff, “You are my charge, of course, you’re still welcomed here… though I’ll be surprised if no one says anything about the display after the fight.” He shook his head, sitting at a stone table, gesturing me to the seat next to him.

     I sat quickly, snarling a bit, “If they want to speak ill of Draal they can fight me.”

     Vendel laughed, in a better mood after getting the scolding out of the way, “I shouldn’t be surprised considering your lineage.” He pats the top of my head with his large hand, as one would a child.

     I pout at the patting before I furrow my brow, registering his words, “Did you… You knew I was related to Merlin?” I asked, looking up at him from under his hand.

     Vendel hummed, realizing I hadn’t known from the confusion on my face. “I forget there is much you don’t know yet,” he sighed, pulling over a volume of ‘A Brief Recapitulation of Troll Lore’ opening to a page with an illustration of a woman clad in armor, holding an ax. She was surrounded in swirls of blue and white, similar to the painting I was working on. “This is Lady Ganieda, Merlin’s sister,” Vendel pushed the book closer to me, “Your mother I presume, from your magic.”

     I studied the picture closely, smiling softly, “She could wield daylight?” I asked, looking to Vendel as he hummed in answer. “Then, you knew I could too?”

     Vendel nodded, “I could tell from the burns on your hands when we met. That is why I am so insistent on training you. If you befriended trolls, as you have, and remained untrained…” he trailed off, shaking his head sadly.

     “The Forge wall I shattered could’ve been a friend,” I concluded, looking back to the picture. “I’m glad I finally have a picture to relate to her, I’ve never seen her before.” I smiled, running my fingers over the armor in the picture, pausing on the shoulder plates. “I want to design something similar, and since my arms and shoulders get hit the most, maybe I should make those pieces a priority.”

     Vendel smiled softly, nodding. “Take the book, uses it as a reference for your armor.” He spoke, placing his hand on my shoulder, “I’ll see if we have any more pictures of Lady Ganieda, you should have them after all.”

     I smiled hugging Vendel, “Thank you Master Vendel, I really appreciate this.”

     Vendel smiled softly, hugging me, “Of course,” he jolted as my phone alarm began to sound, looking at me confused, poking at my frame trying to find the source of the noise.

     I laugh pulling my phone out to turn it off. “Sorry, it’s time for me to get the boys and head to school. I’ll see you soon with plans for the armor.” I grinned, hugging him again before taking the book and running off to get Toby and Jim from the Forge.

     As we walked to school, Jim explained what Blinky told them about changelings being replaced with babies and growing up in the human world. We paused at the lockers, still hugging the book to my chest as I open my locker to put it away for now. “So, we have to find out which baby is missing?” I asked, tucking the book away, and grabbing my paint for art class, closing the locker.

     Jim nodded pulling the rabbit out, sighing. “I am going to find out who it belongs to and when I do-”

     Toby interrupted Jim, grabbing his shoulder, “Maybe you didn’t see what you thought you saw. You’ve been spending so much time in Trollmarket, maybe your minds are playing tricks on you.” He suggested, looking between Jim and me.

     Jim frowned, looking at the rabbit, leaning back against his locker, “Maybe you’re right,” he conceded to Toby making me groan, refusing to believe we hallucinated a goblin kidnapping a baby.

     “You have Suzy Snooze?” Claire’s voice startled the three of us as she approached, gesturing to the stuffed rabbit. “My brother’s bunny, I’ve been looking all over for him.”

     Jim handed her the bunny, “You’ve been looking for this?” He asked her, worry etched over his face.

     “Yeah,” she smiled, taking the bunny. “He’s been acting weird without it. Where did you find it?” She asked us, confused that we had it.

     “We found it in the alley behind Alex’s Game Shop,” I spoke up, worried for her baby brother.

     “What do you mean, he hasn’t been himself? Exactly how has he been acting?” Jim asked quickly, mind racing to changelings.

     “Easy, Jim.” Toby grabbed his shoulder, holding him back a bit. Turning to Claire, trying to play it off. “Always concerned about the children, but just for clarification, are we super sure this is his? I mean you could probably pick this up at, like, any store,” He asked, hopefully.

     Claire smile shaking her head, “I think I know the stuffed bunny I grew up with,” she answered to Toby. Mary ran up to Claire, yelling her name. She paused to catch her breath and began to explain that she wasn’t available to babysit Enrique for her tonight.

     Jim began to freak out as they talked, whispering to Toby and me, “She doesn’t know her brother is missing because he’s been switched with a changeling!” He waved to Claire, quickly interrupting the girls’ argument, “I can babysit for you,” he offered.

     “Tonight?” Claire asked, grinning. “Really? You would? Wait,” she paused, eyeing Jim, “have you ever babysat before?”

     “Uh, yeah,” Jim answered quickly, “Yeah, no. They call me ‘Jim the Baby-Handed,’” he remarked, using Bagdwella’s insult from when Chomsky stole his amulet.

     I snickered, turning to stand next to Claire, patting her shoulder, “He’s great with kids, a real ‘mother hen’,” I joked, earning a laugh from Claire and Mary.

     “Oh, my gosh, you’re a life-saver. I could kiss you.” She grinned, leaning up to kiss Jim on his cheek, “Come by my house at seven, no sooner. Thank you, Jim. Thank you,” She waved to us, heading off with Mary as the bell rang.

     “Time to go, I’ll see you two later. Try to behave.” I smirked, running right into someone. The impact strong enough to knock me on my rear, paint rolling out of my bag. I groaned shaking my head.

     “I’m so sorry,” a thick accent spoke in front of me. I look up to see a hand extended towards me, connected to a blonde male with dark blue eyes.

     I blink, staring at the hand for a moment before taking it, “No, I’m sorry for running into you,” I apologized as he helped me up, “I should’ve been watching where I was going. I’m River, I don’t think I’ve seen you before?” I asked.

     “Eemeli,” He introduced, picking up the paint that rolled from my bag, handing it to me. “I saw you had paint and figured you must be in an art class, I just transferred here and I’m a bit lost.” He admitted, scratching the back of his neck.

     Jim and Toby exchanged looks before waving to me, running to class. I nodded, “Sure, which class are you looking for, Eemeli?” I asked, waving for him to follow me as I headed to the art classes.

     “Ms. Harper?” Eemeli asked, reading off the schedule in his hands.

     I grinned, “Oh, you’ll be in my class then!” Quickly guiding the way, we walked into Ms. Harper’s class with only three other students.

     “Where are the rest?” Eemeli asked, gesturing to the mostly empty room, confused.

     “Ms. Harper tends to scare students off wither her… eccentricities. She’s amazing once you get used to her though, this will be the fourth year I’ve had her.” I explained grinning as Ms. Harper walked in, wearing a dress covered in paint and a neon yellow sweater.

     “Good morning class!” She greeted enthusiastically, pausing when she sees Eemeli, she grabs his shoulders, grinning, “You must be my new student. Oh, I’m so glad you’ll be joining us,” She turned to face me, “Ah, I see you’ve met River, care now, she bites.” She teased, letting Eemeli go. “What medium do you use?” She asked Eemeli.

     Eemeli looked like a deer caught in headlights, looking from Ms. Harper to me. I smiled softly, “She wants to know what kind of art you do.”

     He nodded, recovering his composure. “I, uh… I work with metal. Sculpting.” He spoke quickly.

     Ms. Harper hummed, hands on her hips as she tilted her head in thought. “River, are you still storing metal here from last year’s project?” She turned to me, a hopeful glint in her eye.

     “Of course! It’s in with the theater equipment.” I confirmed, “How about you and I go get it so you start working on something?” I asked, turning to Eemeli.

     “Wonderful idea River, just grab the hall pass,” She waved to a paint pallet hanging by the door.

     Eemeli grabbed the pallet as we walked out of the class, waiting till we were a good distance from the class before speaking, “I see what you mean, she’s very… excitable?” He tilted his head.

     I laughed nodding, “Yup, she’s also very involved in projects, so just to warn, she will hover,” I shook my head, heading into the theater storage room, “The metal should be back here.” I called, moving props out of the way.

     Eemeli helped me dig till we reached the metal, “I’ll grab a-” he began as I lifted a large portion of the metal onto my shoulder, “cart… or not.” He chuckled, picking up the rest of the metal, “You are stronger than you look.” He comments.

     I pause, looking at the amount of metal, chuckling nervously, “I, uh… train a lot?” I tried to state but it came off as a question.

     “I can tell.” He smirked, heading out of the storage. “What do you train for? Sports? Fighting?”

     “Well, it’s fighting I guess, but it’s for fun,” I explained quickly, following after him before taking the lead back to class.

     “We should spar,” He grinned, looking over the metal to me.

     “Spar?” I asked, worried about doing actual damage to him since I was used to sparring with Draal. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

     He chuckled, “Oh? Scared you won’t get a hit in?” Eemeli asked, his smirk growing.

     I huffed, leveling him with a stubborn stare, “No, you might be leaving with a few breaks if we spar is all.” I snarked, bantering with him as we entered the class, setting the metal down.

     “Now I really want to spar, I need to know if you can make good on that,” he grinned getting to work on sorting the metal.

     I smirked back, grabbing my paint as I head to my canvas near him. “I can, and will. You’re on Eemeli.”

     We continued teasing and goading each other about the spar till the bell rang.

     Ms. Harper approached us grinning, “I’m so glad you’re making friends. River, why don’t you work with Eemeli on the group projects this year? I know you prefer to work alone since most students don’t fit with your medium...” She trailed off.

     I look to the structure Eemeli began shaping during class. “Well, that would depend on if he wanted to work with me. I don’t mind.” I answered, putting my paint away.

     “Splendid, Eemeli,” She called to him, waving him over.

     Eemeli set the metal pieces he was working with down, approaching Ms. Harper cautiously, “Yes ma’am?” He asked, a bit nervous about Ms. Harper.

     “Each year my students collaborate in groups on a piece, I was hoping that maybe you and River would collaborate this year?” She asked hopefully, leaning in as she awaited his answer.

     “Of course,” Eemeli grinned, “with metal sculpting and spray paint we could make an amazing piece this year.” He turned to me, excited about the project.

     “Awesome,” I returned his grin, excited to have a partner that didn’t sneer at spray painting. “Why don’t you come over after classes today and we can start planning it?” I asked, walking out of the class with him.

     He nodded quickly, “Sounds like a plan,” he paused, looking over his schedule, “Do we have anything else together?” He asked, handing me the schedule.

     I looked it over quickly, “Looks like your last class with Strickler,” I smiled, “You’ll like him, nowhere near as excitable as Ms. Harper, but he’s really nice. Do you need help finding your other classes?” I asked, handing the schedule to him.

     “No, I saw my next class on the way here this morning, I’ll see you in Strickler’s class,” he grinned, heading off to his next class with a wave.

     I returned the wave before running to Spanish with Senor Uhl, trying to will the day to go by faster.

     Once the last class rolled around, Eemeli was introduced. Stickler sat him behind Jim, next to me.

     “Hello partner,” He greeted, whispering as Strickler began teaching.

     I chuckle, nodding to the front for him to pay attention, “Hello to you too, don’t get too distracted, I’ve already got one boy drooling off over here.” I remarked, nodding to Jim, hand still on his cheek where Claire kissed him.

     “Has he been that way all day?” Eemeli asked, having seen the exchange at the lockers.

     Toby looked back to Eemeli and me before looking at Jim, “This is actually an improvement…” he sighed, shaking his head slightly. “I’m Toby by the way. Drooly here is Jim, River’s brother.” He introduced himself and Jim.

     “Eemeli,” He nodded, to Toby.

     “Cool accent, where did you transfer from?” Toby asked, trying to keep the conversation quiet as Strickler was either unaware or ignoring us so Eemeli could become acquainted with the students.

     “I’m from Finland, moved here to live with my uncle,” He offered, tuning back into class.

     We stayed focused on the class until the final bell rang. I stretched, shaking my wrist out from the amount of writing. “Ready to head out?” I asked Eemeli as I packed up.

     Jim snapped out of his day, turning to me, “Head out?” He asked confused, jumping slightly as he noticed Eemeli sitting behind him, “Oh, uh… Hi, I’m Jim,” he held his hand out to Eemeli, smiling.

     Eemeli grinned, shaking his hand, “Eemeli,” he offered, amused that Jim completely missed everything. Toby shook his head at Jim.

     Jim looked to me, confused again, “Where are we going?”

     “Eemeli and I were partnered for the group art project so I was asking him if he was ready to come over to start planning it,” I explained, smirking at Jim.

     “Oh,” Jim laughed, “Don’t you usually do that on your own?” He asked, shoving his notebook in his bag as we left to the lockers.

     I nodded, switching the paint out for the troll lore book, hugging it again, “Yup, but Eemeli here is a metal sculptor and agreed to work with me on something.”

     Eemeli grinned, interjecting, “I’m actually looking forward to this project, I’ve never painted my works before this, so I can’t wait to see what we make together.” His grin turning into a smirk as he emphasized making something together.

     Toby and Jim exchanged glances, Jim speaking up, “So, uh, isn’t your boyfriend visiting today?” He asked quickly, glancing at Eemeli.

     I looked at Jim confused, unsure why he was bringing Draal up, “Oh…” My eyes widen realizing I couldn’t bring Eemeli in without letting Draal know someone else would be in the house. “I’m so sorry, Eemeli, I got really excited to plan this project, it slipped my mind.”

     Eemeli smiled shaking his head, “It’s not a problem, we can start planning it in class tomorrow. I’ll see you later.” He hugged me, side-eyeing Jim as he walked by, throwing him a smirk.

     Jim shook his head slightly, hoping he was just seeing things. “That could have been dangerous.” He remarked as we headed home.

     I groaned, nodding “I know, what if Draal thought Eemeli was someone sneaking in or trespassing. Not to mention that could drag Eemeli into this craziness,” I sighed.

     Toby looked at me confused, “Are you serious?” He asked me, pausing near the house, “I’m more worried about finding out if Draal’s the jealous type, he could snap Eemeli in two.”

     I furrowed my brow, looking between Toby and Jim, “Jealous type? Am I missing something here?”

     “Okay, I know we joke about you being dense, but you honestly can’t tell me you didn’t notice that?” Jim exclaimed, gesturing in the general direction of the school.

     “Notice what?” I asked exasperated at the situation.

     Toby sighed, grabbing Jim’s shoulder, “Maybe we should leave it be, it’s not like anything’s going to happen.” He spoke.

     Jim sighed, “Yeah, it’s probably nothing River, sorry. I think I’m just on edge from this morning.”

     I smiled, nodding, “It’s okay, I don’t know what’s okay, but it is.” I shook my head, going inside. “Have fun at Claire’s tonight!” I called, heading straight for the basement.

     Walking down I grin seeing Draal stuffing some pillows, I set my bag next to the stairs. As I approached, Draal’s nose twitches, sniffing the air as he looks at me confused.

     I frowned, “Draal? What’s wrong?”

     He got up, sniffing close to me, “New scent.” He growled softly, picking me up.

     I looked up at him confused, not sure what he was doing. “Uh, Draal? What’s going on?”

     He sat down where he was, nuzzling his nose against my neck. “You have a new scent on you, it’s unsettling.” He huffed, smelling Eemeli.

     “Oh, that!” I laughed, “There’s a new guy in school, my art teacher paired us up to work on a project. I needed to talk to you about that. He might be coming over to plan it here,” I explained, petting Draal’s horns as he continued to scent me.

     Draal growled, “Why did he scent you?” He asked, purring at the petting.

     “Uh Draal, he’s a human, he doesn’t know what scenting is. All he did was hug me as he left. No courting gestures.” I smiled softly at the purring. Hopefully calming his irritation.

     Draal hummed, considering my explanation, “Does he have to come here?” he asked after a moment, uncomfortable with the idea of an unknown male hanging around, human or not.

     I chuckled, “Well, I figure it’s better than working somewhere else, at least I have control over this space.” Draal tilted his head in confusion at my statement, making me grin, “I can kick him out of the house whenever I want or need to. Though it should only be once or twice, we’ll be working on the actual project in class. This is just for planning.” I explained.

     Draal hummed, nodding. “Then I am okay with this. Though, human or not, it’s unsettling that he was able to scent you, you hug the Toby fleshbag and this never happens.”

     I tilt my head thinking, “Maybe it’s cologne or body spray? Something that would affect someone’s scent and cling to other people they come in contact with?”

     Draal considered this, sniffing again, satisfied with his removal of the scent. “I suppose it’s possible,” he conceded. He looked up at the ceiling of the basement, realizing it was silent beside us. “Are Jim and Toby out?”

     I nod, snuggling in his hold now that he was finished scenting, “Toby is introducing Aaarrrgghh to his new home since he’ll be protecting Toby’s home with the rise in changeling activity, and Jim is heading to Claire’s house to babysit her baby brother, who we believe has been switched with a changeling.” I explained, tracing the markings on Draal’s arms as I spoke.

     Draal frowned at the mention of a new changeling. “We should go keep an eye out, in case this baby is an impure now.” He stood, letting me sit on his arm. I nod in agreement, making sure my lance was hooked to my belt. Draal left through the basement exit, as I directed him, using my phone’s GPS to find Claire’s house.

     “Alright, we need to exit here, the sunset so we should be good.” I pointed to an exit, “We’re almost there,” I cut off getting a call from Jim. I answered it as Draal exited the sewers. “Jim, are you okay?”

     Jim groaned, “You put it in the diaper bin, didn’t you?” He asked, someone on the other line, “Hey River, Toby is getting another gaggletack, apparently ‘Enrique’ decided to hide the one I brought with me.”

     “I’ll be there soon, Draal and I are close by I’ll help you look for it.” I chuckle, pointing to the Nunez house.

     “Thanks, River, the back door is open.” He hung up, losing sight of ‘Enrique.’

     Draal climbed the fence into the Nunez backyard, entering the house before setting me down.

     I nuzzle under his jaw before heading upstairs to find ‘Enrique’ at the top of the stairs babbling, “Hey there cutie, why don’t you come with me while Jim rifles through your diaper bin?” I cooed, picking him up. “Jim, I’ve got the baby, I’ll be downstairs,” I called out as Jim ran to the bathroom to wash his hands. I head down to Draal, holding the possible changeling out to him, “Look, I found a squish,” I grinned, joking as I cradled him, being careful in case he wasn’t a changeling.

     Draal huffed before sniffing Enrique. “I forget how tiny fleshbags are at first,” he chuckled as Enrique blew raspberries at him.

     I smile, snuggling him, “Are trolls ever tiny?” I asked, sitting on the kitchen counter.

     Draal nodded, poking at Enrique’s stomach, trying to tickle him, “Yes, I was only slightly bigger than this as a whelp.”

     My eyes widen, holding Enrique up, grinning, “I’m trying to picture you all tiny, it’s not working.” I laughed as Toby came running in with the gaggletack.

     “Oh, hey River, Draal.” He greets, “Awe, is this Enrique? Has Jim been a big bad trollhunting-man?” He asked, setting the gaggletack on the counter near my leg.

     Draal snarled, flicking the gaggletack away from me to the end of the counter, leveling Toby with a hard glare.

     Toby wince, realizing what could’ve happened, “Oh, right. Sorry River, I forget those could hurt you too.”

     I waved him off as Jim ran down the stairs, “There you are,” He grabbed Toby’s shoulders, “did you bring it?” He asked as Toby rolled his eyes, pointing to the gaggletack down the counter.

     “Word of warning, don’t get close to River with it, Draal is guarding.” He joked, stepping out of the way of Enrique.

     Jim grabbed the gaggletack, “Can you get him though, it won’t hurt him. I just want to make sure.” He asked Toby.

     Toby nodded as I began to hand Enrique over. When he looked up and saw Toby was taking him, he began to cry, clinging to my arm. “I don’t think that’s happening.” I sighed, pulling Enrique back to me, bouncing him to calm him down. “Just do it while I’m holding him, it’ll just be a small burn if it touches me. I shrugged, Draal growling at the suggestion. “Draal, I can heal myself if I get burned.” I nuzzle his cheek before nodding to Jim.

     “Alright, here we go.” Jim got close and Enrique began to cry harder. I winced as he started climbing up my shoulder. Jim was trying to be careful not to touch me but with Enrique climbing, it was getting difficult.

     “Don’t worry about me and just do it!” I finally yelled, pulling Enrique down in front of me with a firm grip. Jim lunged, hitting Enrique and my hand. I yelped at the burn, trying to keep my hold on Enrique.

     A snarl came from ‘Enrique’, I turned him around, seeing a tiny troll in my hand, “This… is much cuter than Enrique.” I grin, hugging him close.

     “Stupid flesh-thing!” He yelled, swiping at the burn, forcing me to drop him with a yelp.

     I held my burnt and now scratched hand close, glaring down at the tiny green changeling, “You may be cuter, but your attitude sucks.” I growled out, baring my teeth.

     Draal snarled, slamming his fist down as Jim and Toby try to catch ‘Not-Enrique,’ as Toby keeps shouting. Growling still, Draal picks me up, pulling me away from the chase as the house gets destroyed.

     Jim’s phone rang and he answered, finding out that Claire and her parents were on their way home early. “Oh no,” was all he got out as Not-Enrique began to blast music. Utensils were thrown into the back door, we heard Blinky yell to Aaarrrgghh before they broke the door down, chasing after Not-Enrique.

     As Not-Enrique shot peas out of his mouth, Toby drew the fire away from us and Aaarrrgghh punched up into the ceiling, squishing Not-Enrique and catching him on a plate with a smug little grin. He brought Not-Enrique down so he was level with us, Jim approaching him first. “All right, enough! Where’s the bridge?” Jim asked, irritated.

     Not-Enrique sat up on the plate smirking at Jim, “What bridge? London Bridge? I hear it’s falling down.” Aaarrrgghh began to squeeze him, Not-Enrique tried pushing his hand off, “Ow! Fleshbags… no sense of humor,” he sneered.

     “Where is the bridge?” Jim asked again, getting in his face.

     Not-Enrique began to wheeze as Aaarrrgghh squeezed slightly harder. “Give me a break! I don’t know anything. It’s me first day,” he tried to reason.

     Blinky came to stand next to Jim, glaring at Not-Enrique, “Squeeze him till he pops!” He directed to Aaarrrgghh.

     Aaarrrgghh began to squeezes harder, and Not-Enrique finally snapped, shoving his hand away, “Okay, okay, okay!” He yelled, relieved that the pressure was gone. “Can’t blame a guy for looking out for himself.” His ears drooped and he crossed his arms over his chest, “But you can’t tell anyone I told you. I got a pretty sweet deal going here. If the bossman hears I squealed, he’ll feed me to Bular.” Not-Enrique tried to negotiate quickly.

     “Bular’s working with someone else?” Blinky asked confused, only knowing of Nomura until now.

     “Who?” Jim asked, looking to Not-Enrique, “Who is Bular working with?”

     Not-Enrique cleared his throat, stammering, “Oh, er- forget I said anything.”

     A car pulled up out front and we all looked at the windows, “Draal, we gotta go.” I nod to him. He took off out the broken door, carrying me as the others argued over Not-Enrique before leaving him with Jim for now in Enrique form.

     I sighed, seeing Jim get in trouble with the Nunez family. “This complicates things, we can’t do anything with Not-Enrique or the Nunez family will freak out that their baby is missing.”

     “He is missing though.” Draal interrupted, holding the hand I wasn’t sitting on palm up, wanting my injured hand.

     I sighed, placing my hand in his so he could look it over before I healed it, “I know he is, but they don’t…” I began the healing incantation, the wound glowing a soft blue before healing over.

     Draal hummed, checking over my hand again once it was healed. “No more changeling hunting, you keep getting burned,” he frowned, not okay with how tonight was handled.

     “Hey, it was my choice, I told Jim to get it over with because I can heal myself,” I pouted slightly, knowing he was just being protective.

     He paused his steps, nuzzling my cheek, “One day, it won’t be a small burn. What am I to do with you then?”

     “Hmm… let me heal myself because I’m stubborn and never back down from a fight or challenge, which is part of the reason you knew you wanted me as your mate.” I smirked up at him.

     He chuckled, continuing home, “You’re damn stubborn,” he snarked back, grinning.

     “I have an excellent teacher.” I giggled, snuggling in his hold as we make it home. “Can I stay with you again?” I asked, yawning softly.

     Draal chuckled, taking me upstairs, “Change, then we can go sleep.” He yawned, finally to the point that he needs to rest.

     I smile hopping off his arm and running into my room to change into pajama shorts and a tank top. I grab the pillows and blankets off my bed heading out of my room to Draal. “Ready,” I smiled up to him.

     Draal chuckled, scooping me up and heading down to the basement where the finished nest was set up. “I returned early and finished the nest, just in time for resting.” He got in the nest/bed we built, laying back into the pillows.

     I smiled, laying along his chest, keeping my pillows close in case I needed them. “Do you like it?”

     Draal hummed, wrapping my blanket around me, resting his arm over my waist as I curled up. “It’s an excellent nest,” he smiled, nuzzling the top of my head.

     “Good…” I began to nod off, nuzzling his chest as I give in to sleep. “Night Draal, love you.” I smiled, passing out quickly.

Tried drawing Eemeli again

I promise I'm still working on the fanfic this guy's from

‘Ei se mitään!’ sanoi Eemeli

Pösökylän posteljooni Taneli Torvi jää kiinni turkismetsästäjä Eemelin sudenrautoihin ja loukkaa jalkansa. Mökissään koko talven nukkunut Eemeli herää Tanelin avunhuutoihin. He päättävät, että Taneli saa jäädä parantelemaan jalkaansa Eemelin majaan ja tämä puolestaan ryhtyy hoitamaan posteljoonin virkaa.

Esa Pakarinen & Eemeli (Esko Olavi "Eemeli" Toivonen) Kuvia Säkkijärveltä

 Säkkijärven Polkka

some things i never finished due to “uuugh this is boring”

i didn’t even notice before making this photoshet that i. paint. blood. everywhere nowadays.