DISCLAIMER: I do not own Wings of Fire. It and the characters within (Qibli, Winter, Thorn, Moon, Riptide, Kinkajou, Capybara, Cobra, Vulture) are Tui T. Sutherland's. Falcon, Oleander, Arid, Pearl, Moor and Morass were created by me.
After a couple months I finally have a cover! I created it myself so if there are any criticisms of the teeny tiny preview you can barely see, let me know!
In terms of the chapter, woo more adventures! Theres not much to say up here other than I hope you enjoy! If there is any criticism, please feel free to let me know! This could be inconsistencies, or tips for flushing out the story.
The journey back to the palace was shorter since they didn't have to inch their way down the coastline. After flying west until the silhouette of the horned cliff was just a distant memory, they cut inland and flew directly towards the palace. Once they saw the rocky cliff sides transform into the windblown sand dunes, the sun was rising over the Jade Mountain range. Eager to bring the news back, the two of them refused to rest and flew through the morning.
By the time they were soaring over the cramped streets of the Scorpion Den, the sun was already arching high into the air, heralding the various merchants scurrying away and destined for distant settlements.
He wanted to believe that the absence of Vulture's presence in the Scorpion Den allowed life to ease and calm, but he knew it was more than likely that, like Vulture rising in Thorn's absence, a new threat would dominate the shadows. It would be no easy task though. After Vulture's failed coup. Thorn had sent out warriors to organize the Scorpion Den, similar to when she was running it with her Outclaws. Even so, this was on the surface. Thorn knew better than anyone that the Scorpion Den had a rather attached lawless nature. It would take a lot of time and effort to change. If it was even possible without driving all the dragons out.
Gazing down wistfully, he saw the rough streets he would travel through as a dragonet. He saw the merchants he would frequent, and the dragons he would protect. Even though there's so many painful memories, I can't forget the good ones. The marvelous scents of scorched meat and jubilant sounds wafted up to him, wrapping around his wingtips. They called to him, and drew his mind into the wonderful feasts Thorn used to throw.
In fact, it was shockingly similar. Peering closer, he saw the familiar scenes that preceded a large festival. Of course! I can't believe it slipped my mind, the moon festivals! There were already colorful banners adorned with three full moons being lifted, and dragons desperately sweeping the streets, trying to make them as presentable as possible. Even in the cutthroat tumult of the Scorpion Den, moon festivals were always a sacred weekend where dragons came to dance with their neighbors, instead of dismembering them.
Even with Vulture's presence that clung to his scales like moonlight, Qibli felt the upbeat drums begin to bang life throughout his tense body. It was irresistible. The memories of clapping talons and vast bands strumming out a soulful serenade coursed through his veins. He didn't even need the alluring music absent from the streets below. He already felt an irresistible urge to drop down and find the nearest musicians. Instead, he directed his energy to swinging in the air, sweeping like the notes in his head.
A matching sigh pierced the air as Winter followed him with his tired eyes. "Do I even want to ask what's gotten into you?"
He threw him a wholehearted smile. "It's the moon festival! The best celebrations all around the Sand Kingdom. It's full of dancing, laughter, music and food. Everything a dragon could hope for!"
"Doesn't sound like something I hope for. Sounds loud," Winter declared. "And unsanitary."
"Nonsense!" he exclaimed so flabbergasted that he faltered in his flight. He dove forward and looped through the crisp air around Winter. "It's one of the most exciting experiences you can experience, ever! You really can't get anything like it anywhere else in Pyrrhia."
"I heard Scarlet threw parties which were to die for." Winter replied unimpressed.
He let out a howl of laughter and nudged Winter's wings. "Good one!" he said, shooting him another smile.
The glare that shone back at him made him wonder if dying for a party was commonplace in the Ice Kingdom. "Do you mind? I'm trying to fly here."
"Oh you can't expect me to coast calmly when you of all dragons make a joke." He beat his wings and flipped in the air. "A true breakthrough!" He shouted to no one in particular.
Winter looked as if he wanted to dissociate himself from a crazy dragon. "Care to act any more childish about it? I don't think it's normal to get so excited about a joke."
"It is when that someone is you," he said pragmatically. "Now, did you have a lot of celebrations in the Ice Kingdom?"
Winter glanced down towards the decorations dotting the streets. "Well, we had parties, typically for military victories during the war." That I can imagine.
There was a long pause and he turned towards Winter when it became apparent he wasn't continuing. "Aaaaaaaaaaand…?"
"And what? We did have celebrations. Question: answered," Winter huffed grumpily.
Qibli merely rolled his eyes. "Aaaaaaaaand… was there music? Dancing? Food stalls? Activities? What was it like? Just a reminder if you've forgotten, but I've never been to the Ice Kingdom given your big poky wall of death. All in all, I don't really know what life was like for you."
"Well you just asked if we had celebrations," Winter snapped.
"Oh, well," he yammered, "I mean, by now you should know that I'd ask you to elaborate!"
"One can dream of miracles." Winter mumbled in response, a dreamy look overtaking his eyes.
"Hey! Rude!" he exclaimed. In response Winter just flicked his nose lightly with his spiny tail.
"We had fantastic celebrations. Everything was orderly and immaculate, held in boundless ballrooms as wide as an iceberg. The servants carried pristine platters of food between the spotless shining guests while crisp music rang through the air. There were also performances by some of the best dancers on Pyrrhia." Winter looked wistful as if he found himself in the middle of the vast ballroom. Probably a lot cooler and more bearable than this heat.
In response, Qibli wrinkled his snout and asked what was really on his mind. "So did you dance?"
Winter glared at his amused look. "No, it was not my place."
"So what was your place? Standing beside Queen Glacier like a statue and looking pretty? Perhaps, specifically as her nephew?" He wasn't able to hold back a snort as he said it. Then, as the image played through his head, he couldn't hold out his heartfelt laughter.
"Yes, as the Queen's nephew I was to stay near her and converse with her guests."
He squinted at Winter's face and each serious scale on it. "You're joking. You spent all the time at this fantastic party, standing around and talking? That's not a celebration! That's a boring meeting!"
"It was not!" Winter argued. "It was very prestigious to have been invited. Not to mention it had the best food in the whole kingdom!"
He gave Winter a doubtful look. "I'm sorry, it just sounds like a lot of standing around and talking. Not a lot of personal expression."
A shadow passed over Winter's face when he said this. "The IceKingdom wasn't very hot on the whole 'personal expression' or 'emotional expression' for that matter. But that doesn't mean it wasn't interesting."
Qibli let out a cheerful laugh "I swear! The longer you hang around me, the more jokes you crack! But you know what that means. We have to explore the moon festival at Possibility. You haven't truly lived until you've experienced how fun they are! You're going to love it! Lots of personal expression!"
Winter grimaced at that. "Seeing how excited you get about it, I can only fear for my life and integrity. Is it too late to go home to Sanctuary? Or, perhaps we have more important things such as releasing your mother and tracking down a criminal mastermind."
"I'm patient, if not now, fear not! There are many moon festivals in the future." His optimism was met with a grouchy groan. "Besides, it can't all be doom and gloom, we need some time to enjoy our lives. Boosting morale?"
"Funny, I thought you were the one who was so intent on tracking down your grandfather as soon as possible," Winter pondered, and Qibli decided to ignore him. I am definitely not avoiding my grandfather by finding distractions, nope!
As the Scorpion den faded into the background Qibli tried to remember the last time he celebrated the moon festival. It must have been shortly after Thorn became queen. With the war over, relations between kingdoms and within them were much more relaxed. That meant they were able to host a festival right in the Sand Palace without the fear of assasination or attack. Of course, there were celebrations back in the Scorpion Den as well, but with the constant threats looming over them, it became very difficult to properly enjoy it.
Thinking about it further, taking his mind off of his family could be beneficial. Peering at Winter, he thought and it would be very entertaining to see Winter singing and dancing. His amusement rose and fell just as quickly as the palace rose out of the shimmering desert heat. What's not so entertaining is letting my mother go.
Touching down in the courtyard, Winter walked straight for the sheltered grand hall. Qibli glanced around for Capybara before following him in. The guards outside had sent word for Capybara but he must be preoccupied.
"This weather has to be the worst. Why would anyone put up with this heat?" Winter complained looking around, presumably for water.
"It's not that bad, just a bit warm. I much prefer this than freezing to death."
"That doesn't count, you're a SandWing," Winter said irritated.
"And you're an IceWing" He shot back.
"Yes, but at least with the cold you could live by wrapping yourself in blankets. What can I do? Jump in your scarce oases? I can't exactly shed off my scales." Winter glared at his scales as if he blamed them for making him uncomfortable.
"I suppose you can cool yourself off with your frosty personality" he said shrugging.
"I agree!" came Capybara's amused voice. "Good news, Thorn sent a letter approving."
Qibli pivoted to see Capybara approaching down the hall. "Perfect! Because we went to the coast and Cobra was telling the truth."
"So you found the hideaway?"
"Not just that, we saw my grandfather," he said grimly.
"Or a dragon that looked like your grandfather," Winter interjected.
My brother and sister, he thought, giving Winter a shocked look. I hadn't even considered that, I didn't even think it could be a different dragon. "It's possible, but either way, some random black tatooed SandWing on the edge of the continent is too much of a coincidence. Even if it's not my grandfather, it could very well be my brother or sister."
"Why don't we send an army there now? We could capture Vulture." Capybara interrupted stopping in his tracks.
Qibli shook his head. "My mother said that Vulture moves from compound to compound spending less than a day at each. He'd be long gone by the time we get there."
"So we release Cobra? And then what?" He gestured with his tail and began leading the way back down to the dungeons.
"We really hope she's on our side."
"Wonderful. Thank you Qibli for coming and releasing one of our most dangerous criminals on the basis of hopes and dreams."
Putting it that way seems a lot more awful. He continued uneasily. "I know, I don't like it either, but she's our best shot at taking Vulture by surprise."
Capybara let out a sigh. "I really hope you're right."
"As do I," Winter commented.
"Hey! You were the one who convinced me that this was the right thing to do!" Qibli accused.
"Well, yes, but in case this goes poorly, I just want the record to show that it was still your idea." Winter gave him an uncharacteristic smile and kept walking after Capybara.
He stared after him before he realized that he was being left behind. "Not helpful!" He hollered, hopping after them. Once they began the trek down, they faded into silence, as if the dark ate their words.
When they reached Cobra's cell, she was still asleep on a ledge. Clearly her assassin instincts have softened being stuck in this hole. He tapped on the bars and her eyes crept open.
"Satisfied?" She asked roughly, assuming they found what they were looking for. She rolled over lazily. "Because I sure am satisfied with my nice nap." She let out an overexaggerated yawn as she kicked out her legs, in no rush to get up. Winter just rolled his eyes but thankfully kept his snout shut.
"You were right." he said reluctantly.
She peered at him through piercing eyes. "So do you trust me now? Have I proven my worth?"
"Not entirely, but we don't really have a choice so you get what you want. We'll release you but don't forget, you're not free until we capture Vulture."
The tiniest spark of hope flashed through her eyes but Qibli wasn't sure if that was his own hope clouding his vision. She stood up and said "Well, do thank the Queen for the lovely accommodations." She eyed the cell distastefully.
"Hold on, first I want to know where you're going, what you're going to do, and how we can find you." The distasteful look fell on him even before he'd finished talking.
"I'm going back to the scorpion den. I can reach out through an old contact." pointing a threatening claw towards him, she said "but you should stay as far away as possible. If they see you snooping around they won't be able to trust me." Glancing at Winter she added "and keep your sparkly friend away too." That makes sense, there are eyes everywhere in the Scorpion Den. If we got anywhere close, we'd be spotted immediately.
"Um, hello that sparkly friend has a name." Winter prompted.
Qibli snapped towards him in shock, eyes wide open to catch his attention. 'Wow, friend' he mouthed at him silently. Then he shot him a big grin filled with excitement. 'So great.'
"Do you really want to get into this now, Qibli? I already told you it's easier to say friend than pain-in-the-tail." Winter snapped.
"Oh yes, you hate me and wish you weren't here, and would prefer it if you never met me right? Or maybe, perhaps it's the exact opposite? Maybe I'm irresistible." He winked at him and Winter gagged.
"Alright, and with that I'm going upstairs. Whenever you're done inflating your big head, come find me and we can leave for Possibility." Winter's tail disappeared down the corridor drawing Qibli's disappointed eyes along with it.
"Ahem, not to interrupt your lover's quarrel but we are getting me out of this, yes?" Cobra asked innocently, rattling the rusty cage.
"Mother!" Qibli groaned and Capybara let out a chuckle which surprised him. He forgot about the spymaster, but it made sense for him to be down here. The cells were locked and he sure didn't have the key. Qibli stepped back and gestured towards the cell. "So where and when should we meet you?"
As Capybara fiddled with the uncooperative lock, Cobra replied. "Meet me by the sandstone arch outside of possibility in three days at midnight. I understand you spent a lot of time waiting there for your… friend."
A shiver traveled along his spine while his face flushed in embarrassment at what she was implying. Was she spying on me when I was alone with Moon? What did she hear? How often was she spying on me? What does she know that she's not telling me? Wait! Does she think I'm in love with Winter? "Um, yes, alright," he stammered. 'Ahem, three days at midnight. Right! Capybara, the door? The sooner the better!"
"I don't understand how Smolder can stand this." Capybara grumbled under his breath, juggling the large ring of keys. "No wonder he entertains that scavenger, he's probably lost his mind."
Qibli let out a laugh. "You probably don't want Thorn to hear what you've just said."
Capybara let out a gasp and covered his mouth with a free talon. "You didn't hear that from me," he whispered horrified. Once the cell swung open and he released Cobra's tail hesitantly, the three of them climbed up the stairs in search of Winter.
Rising out of the dungeouns, the damp and stuffy air was replaced with the clear and refreshing air of the grand hall. Capybara quickly excused himself while Cobra headed straight for the front door. Glancing around, Winter was nowhere to be found. "Winter?" He called confused. He said he'd be in the grand hall right? Did someone mistake him for an enemy? I hope I didn't scare him off, I was just joking around!
He hesitated before stepping outside next to Cobra. She had her face towards the sun, eyes closed. He felt a pang of sympathy strike his heart. No SandWing should be kept from the sun, even my murderous mother. He wondered if he should say something. Maybe this was the time to make amends? She would be grateful I released her right? Maybe she can stay here for a little before leaving, he thought hopefully.
"Well, I'm off. I'll see you cursed dragonets in three days," she grumbled, and blasted into the air on powerful wings without waiting for his reply.
He stood there with his mouth opening, words on the tip of his tongue. He watched her receding shape through the dust swirling around him. I guess not.
"Are you waiting for someone to feed you?" Winter asked, walking up beside him. He patted his talons on his chest as if he was searching through imaginary bags. "If I do, will you roll over for me?"
Qibli shoved Winter and he stumbled into the sand. "Gah I'm not a pet!" he howled, but that only caused Winter to laugh harder as he shook the sand off his wings.
"I take your soulful expression to mean that Cobra is gone?" Winter asked as he got up.
He nodded and pointed south. "She left just a moment ago. You just missed her."
"Truly a shame." Winter paused and lowered his head. Then without missing a beat, he exclaimed "well! Now we can finally get going to Possibility. We still need answers for Riptide."
Before Winter could take off, Qibli reached out and put his talon on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Winter looked at him, confused. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well," Qibli began, twisting his claw, "you keep storming off. I'm just worried I keep offending you."
"You always offend me. Your mere presence offends me and I simply needed a reprieve."
His instant response stunned Qibli and he gawped at Winter before his eyes softened slightly. "Don't worry, you're a good friend. It'd take more for you to get on my bad side."
Qibli gave him a shy smile and Winter barked, "but not much more! Now quit your moping and let's get on with it." He whipped into the air and shot towards the north and Qibli had no choice but to follow.
He couldn't help but smile as they flew through the bright sun. Friends with an IceWing Prince, building a new town, and chasing down my grandfather. No seer would have believed a situation like this could ever be possible. And yet it was. An ordinary dragon like me in the unlikeliest situation with one of the best friends a dragon could have. The thought amused him but also reminded him of the friends he left behind at Jade Mountain.
"Would you want to go visit Jade Mountain," he blurted.
Winter fumbled in the air, clearly dragged out of his own thoughts, but responded quickly. "Of course. It would be nice to see our winglet again."
The warm air whipped past them before he asked "all of our winglet?"
Winter sighed. "Yes, all of our winglet. I thought we already talked about this."
Qibli surveyed the rolling landscape ahead of him. "We did, but then you went off to the Ice Kingdom, and my grandfather tore his way back into our lives, and then that thought tumbled to the bottom of the dune."
Winter stared at him in confusion.
"Um, that is to say, fell to the back of my mind." He corrected himself. "I totally forgot about it."
"Ah, well I would say we have more important things to do than catching up with old friends," Winter argued.
"We could ask them for help?" Qibli considered. "I mean, having a mind reader could be helpful when my familial ball of doom is in hiding and has forgone talking. Not to mention Turtle's magic, could help us track down Vulture!"
"You and I both know that Turtle isn't using his magic."
"He would for this! For me!" Qibli said hopefully.
Winter looked unconvinced. "I don't think so, sorry Qibli. He wouldn't even use his magic to kill Darkstalker when he was released." A drop of anger entered Winter's voice and Qibli wondered if he blamed Turtle for any of the plague. But it isn't his fault! Would Winter kill a dragon just for the stories about them? They hadn't known the extent of Darkstalkers evil when he just came out of the mountain.
But Turtle wouldn't make me an animus, so maybe he wouldn't want to help with this either. He knew that wasn't the case. Turtle didn't want a repeat of what might have happened with Anemone, but familiar doubt wormed into his mind.
"Let's just find out what happened to the shipment and what they know in Possibility. If there aren't any more leads, we can go find help at Jade Mountain. The founders wouldn't be happy about us spiriting away their students. Again."
"I suppose I just miss our friends. It's really nice to see you again but we haven't gotten together with Turtle, Kinkajou, or Moon in so long."
Winter twisted in the air, "am I not enough for you?" he wailed. Then he shot forward.
"You're all one could want!" Qibli gushed, sweeping up behind him. "Oh forgive me!" He promptly tackled Winter in midair and held onto him. "I'm so so so sorry, do you forgive me?"
"QIBLI" Winter roared, as they tumbled towards the ground. "Let GO of me!" Winter beat his wings valiantly, trying to stay afloat while Qibli clung on for dear life. When Winter was finally able to pry him off, he flew away again and Qibli gave chase once more. They played around in the air as they continued north, each trying to catch the other off guard.
Even though it wasn't as efficient, and definitely much more tiring, his previous heartache for his friends lifted with each loop and lurch in the air. This must be what it's like to have a brother or sister who isn't intent on killing me.
Eventually, the two of them were tired and gasping so they flew calmly to catch their breath. Qibli took the time to explain more about the wonders of the moon festival while Winter made the occasional sarcastic comment. Before long, the splashing river gave way to the sprawling city. The sunlight had also dimmed which definitely made Winter happy. This city always filled him with hope for a better future. A place where multiple tribes could get along and prosper even during the War of SandWing Succession.
He turned to Winter. "You've never got the chance to explore the city have you?"
Winter was peering intently at the different districts. "Not when we had to go chase down Peril. But I have been back a couple times on Sanctuary business."
"Oh." Of course, he was the 'diplomat' of the group after all. And I sure don't know where I'm going, so I assume he does. Just as he thought it, Winter banked around a large tower and towards an open marketplace. Touching down in an opening, he noticed that, similar to the Scorpion Den, banners and festive items already dotted the plaza.
He grinned at Winter and pointed to a nearby banner. "See, you can't escape it."
"Watch me," Winter quipped. He swung around and scurried away from the bustling noise and down an idyllic alleyway.
"Hey! Get back here!" He called and gave chase until he fell in besides him. "Well, if we're going to shake down a dragon, is there anything I should know before?" His eyes darted instinctively ahead of them. He picked out the shadowy corners, and planned his escape routes if a dragon jumped out of a doorway. The sandstone walls on either side of them felt coarse and too close for comfort. But this isn't the Scorpion Den. While there was bound to be criminals here, the city fell under the protection of both Queen Thorn, and Queen Ruby. It's probably one of the safest cities on Pyrrhia.
"We're not shaking anyone down." Winter replied. "We're going to talk with Arid like reasonable dragons."
"Oh you're right" Qibli teased. "When I think 'talk reasonably' I definitely think of you."
Winter drove him into the wall before scoffing "I'll have you know, I was trained in diplomacy."
"One could be fooled…" he trailed off suggestively. After about the tenth corner, they finally stumbled into a small hole in the wall. The entrance was a narrow wooden door frame, but it opened up inexplicably. Stepping through the doorway also had a complete and utter change in atmosphere. Where the streets were cold and unforgiving, the interior radiated warmth from the bright lantern lights and scent of thick incense.
While Winter wrapped his tail around his talons and sat near the entrance patiently, Qibli skipped forward to look at all the various items in the warehouse. Near the front sat various pots full of different preserved goods, all in crystal clear glass vases clamoring for a buyers attention. As he followed the narrow rows back, the vases traded places with large wooden cases, storing unbelievable quantities of dried goods. Finally in the back, there were large piles of construction materials.
"Can I help you?" came a sharp voice that instantly made him want to apologize. He jumped and a couple rows down, saw a pale brown MudWing giving him a critical look. He had a large muscular build but a relatively thin neck. His darker wings were also thrown over a muted red and yellow pattern that ran along his back and down to his tail.
"Oh sorry!" He cracked an innocent smile. "We're looking for Arid, are you Arid?"
"Depends on who's asking." The MudWing narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Because I sure don't recognize you."
So maybe poking around this store wasn't a good idea… He dipped his head respectfully, trying a different demeanour, and added "my name's Qibli. I'm here with Winter."
The MudWing looked towards the door and noticed the bright IceWing and grunted disapprovingly before walking over. "Winter!" He growled. "You might do well to teach your friend some manners. It's uncivil to rummage through someone's stuff." As he finished, he turned his piercing gaze towards Qibli.
That's not fair! I was not rummaging. I was just looking at what you were selling! He held his tongue to prevent himself from making the situation worse. "I'm sorry…?"
"Morass," the MudWing grunted.
"I'm sorry Morass," Qibli finished.
"Well I do try," Winter said ruefully. "But nothing sticks. It's just in one ear, out the other. It's quite hopeless."
"ExCUSe me, that's not true!" he cut in. "I — "
"And he interrupts others too!" Winter continued over him.
Qibli just kept his mouth shut but glared at Winter. This would be a good time to perfect my 'IceWing' glare. Maybe he would feel guilty. He arranged his wings and sat grumpily next to Winter in his best imitation of the pose he'd seen Winter use countless times. See? Respectful!
Now Morass looked slightly amused at his posture but directed his attention towards Winter. "So back for more already?"
"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. We never received the first shipment."
"What?!" Morass roared flicking his tail. "Are you accusing us of something?"
"No, of course not." Winter continued pleasantly. "Let me finish. We found the remains of a couple carriages on the outskirts of woods. We wanted to see if Arid had any information as to what might have happened. I understand she was taking care of transportation?"
Now Morass' anger transformed into worry. He began pacing between the aisles. "Yes, but she's not here. You missed her for the day, she is off taking care of another order."
"Is there any way you can call her back? It's quite urgent we find out who attacked our shipment."
"What do I look like, an animus?" Morass snapped and Winter let out a laugh. "I can't just will her back! She'll be here tomorrow morning." Hmph, I don't get it, he thought bitterly. Animus dragons don't look any different from normal dragons. He made sure to keep that thought to himself.
"Tomorrow?" Winter flared.
"We're busy Winter, I'm sorry about the attacked shipment. Believe me, I want to figure out what happened to our dragons, but we have to keep our other clients happy. Relax. Unwind, I'm sure you can find a way to kill some time around town."
Qibli's sour mood completely vanished and he sat up excited. He nudged Winter's shoulder with his elbow and Winter just closed his eyes, dropping his head.
"Winter," Qibli pined. "Winter… you know what this means, Winter?" He didn't get any response from his frozen friend.
"Why have you forsaken me Morass." Winter mumbled tragically.
Morass just regarded them completely puzzled. "I assure you I have no idea what you mean Winter. But if that's it you can see yourselves to the door." He stormed off towards the back of the warehouse.
Qibli leaned in close and whined into Winter's ear. "You know what this means? Winter? Can you hear me?"
Winter got up, brushed past him, and walked into the bright alleyway. When he jumped after his friend, he saw that Winter was walking in a trance down the alley. Jumping next to him and wrapping his wing tightly around Winter's back, he shouted "moon festival!"
Looks like Qibli gets what he wants! Which also means you can probably guess what happens in the next chapter. Sufficive to say, it's going to be very fluffy. If thats not what you're here for... we'll, I'm surprised you got this far into the story!