Is it true mister? Is the mountain really the top of the world?

Is it true miss?

The world is a big place. There may be higher peaks yet.
Really? Mama doesn’t think so. She likes to say it’s a small world. But maybe it just seems that way because she’s so tall.

Of course it is. When you climb to the top, your head hits the ceiling.
There’s a ceiling? Hm…I didn’t know that. That must mean there’s spiders up there too.
I’ll need to bring an extra jar if I’m going to take them home with me.

It sure is kid. Want me to throw you off it?
You’re mean.

Maybe, but I’m here to find the bottom of a bottle, not the top of the world.
You like mead, mister? An innkeep gave me a sip once. It was okay.
Mama says it’s best to have a proper drink, like juice.

You like mead, miss?

What are you doing in Ivarstead? Where are you parents?
They went to climb the steps. I wanted to come to, but they said it was too dangerous.

The air is thin the higher you go. You could collapse.
Is that why? Then wouldn’t it make sense to just feed it? I have a marshmallow in my pocket, do you think that would be enough?

True, but trolls need to eat to. If you stay here, they’ll starve.
But Mama doesn’t like it when I feed the animals. She says if you feed a bird it’ll drop a poop on your head.

It’s not dangerous at all. Not unless you’re a milk-drinker.
Well, I don’t drink a lot of milk. I like carrot juice because it’s good for my eyes. Mama says they need to be real strong if I want to draw good maps.

That’s good advice, and smart of you to take it.
Thanks! Mama says I’m real sophista-macated for my age. I think that means I’m smart.

Is it safe for you to be here by yourself?
I think so, but my parents asked Uncle Wilhelm to look after me.
He’s not really my uncle, but Mama says to call him that.
He said it’d make him less lonely, and Mama says lonely people start to see ghosts.

 

Why are you so interested in the mountain?
Because it’s neat, and tall. Mama says I won’t know how tall until I climb it.
Have you climbed it mister? Will you look at my world map later and make sure it’s big enough? I hope I brought enough crayons.

Have you climbed it miss?

Parents enter

Now child, I’m sure the nice man has better things to do than help you with your map.

Now child, I’m sure the nice woman has better things to do than help you with your map.

Aw…but mama…

No buts girl. It’s time to leave. Say goodbye to Uncle Wilhelm and thank him for looking after you.

Goodbye Uncle Wilhelm! Thank you!

My Mamas like to spend a lot of gold. They say life is short. But I like to save my allowance, just in case it isn’t.

Mama met Mama in a cave. It was love at first sight. Good thing Mama brought a torch.

I wish I had a tail like Mama. But I think I still have time to grow one.

We’re taking a boat to Black Marsh. It’s too dangerous here, which is saying something.

I met Feldi in a cave. She said I saved her life. But the truth is, our marriage saved mine.

I used to adventure on my own. Now I realize it’s best to have company.

Fuki made a map of Black Marsh for us. I don’t think it’ll be much use, but I like to encourage her.

We didn’t make it all the way up the 7000 steps. I told my wife I was worried about the girl, but truth is, I got a little winded.

The child likes to be prepared. She saves her money, draws maps, things she got from her Imperial father.

Her father was a mutual friend of ours. It was a kind gesture, to give us this child.

I’m going to miss my homeland, but I think it’s good for Fuki to get some culture.

The child is named after the both of us, because without our love, she would’ve never been born.