Hello, my trolls fans and pals. It has been a long time, I know, but lately, this pandemic that we're in, not to mention the major writer's block, job, and life has been keeping me busy and away from writing. I had this idea for a while and wanted to write it down before I forget. I want to try to finish this tale before focusing on the others.
I hope that my pals, including Black Raider, Reby Montana, Ashwheeler, BornOnTheBreakOfDawn, and all of the other troll authors are doing well during these difficult times and still online to read this as well. In case you're wondering, don't worry. I haven't forgotten my other trolls stories. I just have to put together the huge load of ideas I've received and created and organize them if I want to add them to my tales.
Disclaimer: I don't own Trolls, but I do have the film "Brother Bear". Don't know if that counts as owning the film.
A/N: Before we start, I just want to inform you of some things in case you ask:
Due to the rules of (Which this one rule where lyrics are not allowed is a total load of garbage), I will no longer add music in order to avoid trouble. However, I will be putting indicators as to where the music begins and ends so that you will have a little imagination in how the story will proceed.
There will be many types of creatures and even humans whom had to learn to coexist with magical creatures as a rite of passage.
I've made up an OC whom will have a special role in this tale.
I can't say much now in case of spoilers and I'll just let you read from here.
Song choice: "Great Spirits" by Tina Turner
So, without further ado, enjoy!
Brother Bond
Chapter 1: Three Brothers and a Totem
In the beginning, the land was pure, blissful, and full of wonder. And the creatures that lived on this land learned to live symbiotically despite their differences and each living being has a story, stories that speaks across generations.
One cold, beautiful night, inside a human village, an elder man attempts to lit up a fire using flint stones. Sparks lit up every attempt and after the third time, a fire grew and burned brightly. All the humans in the village, both young and old but all equally curious, gathered around the campfire and silenced their voices so that their wise elder could begin his story.
This man carried a small totem in the shape of a hippocamp around his neck and in his native language, he gratefully began a story that he knew oh so well for it happened during his youth and he was a part of it. He even drew paintings on a stone wall as he continued his tale.
"Bisa iksis iā vestriarzir hen bōsa ago, skoriot se uēpa creatures iēdrosa glaestan īlva tegor..."
"This is a story from long ago, where the ancient creatures still lived our lands. It's the story of my two brothers and me. When the three of us were young, we were taught that the world is full of magic. The source of this magic is the ever changing lights that danced across the sky."
The story took place many years ago, before the elder even became the leader of his village. The magic the elder speak of comes from an aurora borealis that travels through day and night above them. In this land, there is a specific mountain where the aurora can be seen close to it and it's a scared place because this mountain is the only place these lights can touch it.
But this aurora isn't a regular phenomenon. These beautiful lights are actually the earthly form of the spirits of all the creatures that had completed their role in this world. You see, when someone dies, whether they be animal, human, or magical beings, their bodies disappear and their souls transform into a part of the aurora where they spread their magic over the land and watch over their loved ones from above.
Climbing up this very mountain was the shaman woman of this said village. She was a sweet and wise elder woman whose wisdom was legendary and her kindness could brighten up any soul. She had light gray hair with white streaks, green eyes and wore a pale yellow dress, a red and pink knit cardigan with a glittery heart pattern, and a light green coat to keep her warm while traveling to the peaks. Her name was Rosiepuff and today, she had a mission, a task that she's privileged to have as leader. Her smile grew once she arrived at the top and glanced at the aurora practically dancing in front of her. She even saw the various spirits of every creature traveling across the lights as if they're still living their lives despite passing on.
"The shaman woman and leader of our village, my grandmother, told us that these lights are the spirits of our ancestors and that they have the power to make changes in our world. Changes like small things become big, winter turns to spring, one thing always changes into another."
Blue streaks of magic stretched around Rosiepuff and watched in awe as the snow around her was transformed into a small patch of beautiful flowers and fresh blades of grass. Bending down, she picked up a small rock and presented it to the spirits. She watched as the lights surrounded the rock with their magic and it slowly began to form into a new shape the spirits desired.
"But the greatest change I've ever saw was that of my brother, a boy who desperately wanted to be...an adult."
A young man, whom just reached his 18th year, was running away from something behind him. He had bluish black hair, sky blue eyes and wore a teal shirt with a green coat, brown pants and camo boots and goes by the name of Branch. Despite his age, he can be quite energetic and serious sometimes, but today would be the last day he gets to stay a boy.
"GET DOWN!" Branch shouted out as he ran towards two other guys who were waiting by their canoes.
"What?" The older man named Soren looked up when he heard Branch's cries. The other guy, Creek, whom was meditating, raised his head in confusion and both guys saw Branch running down the hill, shouting out his warnings.
"GET DOWN! GET DOWN!"
When Branch reached the bottom, the two guys gasped when they saw a huge herd of Swag Stags with its king in the lead coming towards them in a stampede. There were so many at once that once could be flattened by their hooves in a matter of seconds.
"Branch!" Creek quickly followed Soren in taking cover behind their canoes and ducked their heads. Branch quickly joined them in time to see the herd leaping over them. Branch glanced up with awe at the flying hooves leaping over them unlike the other two, whom watched in fright hoping to escape this unharmed. Creek, unfortunately, felt a hoof his head but no major injuries were given. Soon, it was all over and all the Swag Stags galloped away. The three males panted heavily, trying to recover from this scare that Branch had caused.
In case you haven't realized, Branch, Creek, and Soren are actually brothers. Soren is the eldest of the three, being 22 and all. He had long red hair, which was less messier than Branch's, green eyes, and growing facial hair around his chin and mouth. He wore a long sleeved green shirt with dark blue pants, a brown coat and boots. He's the most responsible, loving, and can be strict when needed but extremely supporting. The middle one, Creek, is only 20 years old and he has indigo blue eyes and smooth brown hair with teal streaks. He wore a purple shirt with a navy blue coat, long yellow pants and brown boots. Creek spends his time meditating when he's alone but with his brothers, he tends to have some fun and help around. However, he tends to wrestle with Branch, teasing him, treating him like he's still a baby, and can be insensitive sometimes. Those three grew up together in their village under the watchful eye of their leader and grandmother, Rosiepuff, since the loss of their parents when Branch was only a boy.
Soren rose up and turned to his young brother. "What did you do, Branch?"
Branch chuckled nervously as he sat up. "Never try to bag swag from the King. He's never in a good mood."
"You idiot!" Creek angrily tackled Branch to the ground while Soren sighed, shaking his head at their childish behavior. Branch was trapped in a neck hold by Creek's legs and struggled to escape. "You just earned a one way ticket to the Wet Willie express!" He then put his finger in his mouth, moisturizing it with his saliva and threatened to dip it into Branch's ear.
"No. No, don't. Don't! NO! Come on! Don't! No-no-no!" Branch pleaded for him to stop as the finger closed in to his inner ear. Luckily, he was saved by Soren whom grabbed Creek's shirt and placed him in a neck hold. He also held Branch and kept those two apart from each other to avoid another fight.
"Will you two knock it off?" Soren struggled to keep his brothers under control. "You're both are acting like spoiled children. Act your age for once!"
"It's alright, Soren, because after today, Creek won't treat me like that anymore," Branch said, glaring at Creek.
"Oh, right. The big mystic ceremony," Creek teased, pretending to be excited. "Doesn't matter what the spirits say or what age you become, you'll always be our baby brother, at least, to me."
"Oh yeah? Just wait til' I get my totem and then we'll see who's the child now," Branch retorted.
"Baby brother!"
"That's it! Let's see how the ladies see you when I fix your face, pretty boy!" Branch growled, trying to get his hands on Creek.
"I told you never to call me that!"
Both younger males tried to tackle one another. Soren had enough of their fight and headbutted their heads together. "Hey! I said knock it off! Now the quicker we get these fish, the faster we're gonna get to your ceremony. So, for once, can you two please try not to kill each other for the next few hours and we can all get along just fine? Okay, Creek?"
"Whatever you say, big bro," Creek struggled. "Also, can't breathe here."
"Okay, Br-" Soren couldn't finish when he noticed his brother escaped his grip. They both saw that Branch was already in the water inside his canoe. "Man, he's slippery!"
"So, what are we waiting for?" Branch urged them to hurry, excited to get to his own ceremony on time.
Soren chuckled and released Creek. Grabbing his canoe, he laughed and when he reached the water, he hopped on with Creek following behind with his canoe. Once the three were ready, they set off on their task to the wilderness.
xx(Music Begins)xx
The wilderness was filled with wondrous sights and beauty. The sun shone across the horizon where its light glimmered on the river's surface. Various herds of animals either grazed, frolic, or traveled on the lands while birds of all shapes and sized flew in flocks through the sky. But it isn't just humans and animals living together on the earth. Magical creatures such as dragons, fairies, ogres, and even trolls live side by side with all creatures and respect their ways, even if some of them remain hidden from the other.
Across the wilderness the three brothers traveled on across the river, through great icy glaciers while carefully avoiding the falling melting pieces of ice, and over waterfalls. Even though the brothers are different in personality, age, and size, they equally love one another. They're all each other's got and are a great trio nature has ever seen.
Whenever they had time to spare, Branch, Creek, and Soren had fun like when they used their canoes as sleds to slide down through the snow until they landed on the river below. They shared laughs and cheers along the way, enjoying the sights and creatures around them.
Meanwhile, after climbing down the mountain, Rosiepuff trekked towards her way home without a care in the world. She needs to get to her village but she was no hurry. Not because of her age, but because she also wants to enjoy the scenery, the exercise, and the fresh air she rarely gets these days. She carefully passed through a herd of dragons whom were sunbathing. One dragon curiously sniffed her but she wasn't afraid and gently stroke its chin with a smile as it moaned softly. She then continued on.
Back to the brothers, Soren and Creek worked together to gather fish for their people. In the shallows, they lowered their handmade net and waited for the fish to come. They quickly caught a small batch, but then suddenly, the net was destroyed when a charging moose ran through it, sending the fish back into the water. The two drenching brothers saw Branch riding on it with rope tied around its antlers as the moose bucked up like a raging bull. Soren chuckled at the sight unlike Creek whom rolled his eyes over Branch's stunt.
Once they gathered everything they need, the brothers headed back home to their village which was located by the river's edge. Above the village was a great opening on the cliff's side. It was there where everyone was gathered to prepare for Branch's ceremony. All members worked together to make this event a success, some painted the rocky wall and some gathered firewood to prepare the bonfire. A few kids played with the paint, whether painting on the wall or at each other, and others, with their parents help, made traditional pendants and jewelry.
It wasn't long until Branch and his brothers had finally reached home with all their stuff and gathered food where he was quickly greeted by the children. While the children carried baskets for the three brothers to place the food, they all surrounded the young man as if they're giving him a hero's welcome.
"Hey Branch's back!" One boy called out when he stopped playing with his friend.
"Branch! Branch, are you excited about getting your spirit rock today?" One girl eagerly asked him.
Branch chuckled as he covered the basket. "It's not a rock. It's gonna be my totem, even though it is made from a rock." The kids became amazed by his words while Branch prepared special traps near the food once the baskets were tied up on the trees. He was a trap expert, keeping their catch safe from being taken from unwanted company. "See, I'll probably get a dragon or maybe even an animal like a wolf for bravery, strength, or greatness. You know, something that fits me."
"Really? I have a suggestion," Creek popped by. "How about a Bergen for your fat green head?" The kids laughed at the joke but Branch only scowled. "So do us a favor and make sure the traps are set. I don't want to share my food with some animal or goblins before we eat."
"Relax. I'm an expert of the wild and my traps are flawless. Believe me, no stupid animal or even a troll is gonna get anywhere near our food," Branch assured his brother.
"Just set them up," Creek ordered before walking.
"Just set them up," Branch mocked him and continued with his traps.
"She's back!" Someone from the village called out, alerting the brothers and the children. "Hey, everybody, Rosiepuff's back!"
"Come on!" Soren urged as he and Creek ran ahead. The kids followed behind while cheering on.
Branch tried to pick up the pace. He didn't want to be late for his own ceremony after waiting so long. He set up a bear traps below and nets with bells near the food in a hurry.
"Come on, Branch! Let's go! Your grandma's got your rock! Come on!" One kid cried out.
Branch finished quickly and ran up. However the rope holding the nets snapped and the nets fell to the ground which set off the bear traps below. Branch heard the sounds and looked back. He should have went back and reset them, but thinking of the ceremony in his head, he shrugged it off and headed towards the cave where everyone were. There was no way he's gonna miss this day and also thought that there was no way their food is going to be taken so easily.
Inside the cave, a huge commotion was set in motion. Drums were being played and maracas were being heard along with it. A group of dancers dressed in costumes representing animals and mystic creatures performed in the center in front of the audience. This is an event which every member of this village goes through as a coming of age ceremony where young men and women receive their totem from their elder. These totem take the form of the creature they represent and in order to become adults, they have to follow their totem and the ways of the creature the form represents.
The adults quickly formed a path for Rosiepuff, holding a flaming torch, to walk through. Reaching the collected wood in front of her, she threw the torch, igniting the bonfire as the flames grew bigger. Everyone cheered on, watching the fire lighting up the painted wall before them.
xx(Music Ends)xx
The music and dancing ended and everyone quietly sat down besides Rosiepuff as she prayed for the blessings of the spirits. She was softly interrupted by a curious little girl whom escaped from her mother during the ceremony. "Rosie! Rosie!"
Rosiepuff chuckled and happily picked up the sweet thing. "Well, hello there, sweetheart. What a big girl!" Rosiepuff had a soft spot for children of all ages. She then playfully moved her until she hoisted her up on her shoulders as she faced her people.
"When each of us comes of age, the great spirits reveal to us a totem that helps guide us through our lives. And the totems provides us entrance to live symbiotically with the creatures of which our totems take form. Some of us use courage to guide us..." A proud, brave man stood proudly when the elder mentioned his totem. "Others patience..." She handed the little girl back to her mom and three siblings and hugged each other. "And then some of us...beauty." Rosiepuff finished with a laugh. She then faced the one person she need for this ceremony and called out. "Branch, please come."
Branch nervously but eagerly stood up and sat in front of his dear grandmother. She then proceeds by gently placing some paint on his face. "You nervous, sweetie?" She asked.
"Excited," he whispered.
"Oh you should be. Between you and me, it's a good one and a great honor," Rosiepuff shared this information. Branch remained quietly as she continued. "Branch, my loving grandson, I have been to the mountain where the lights touch the earth and the great spirits have revealed to me your totem. And this totem is unique because it has not one but two things for you to follow. To become an adult, your actions must be guided by these things."
Soren and Creek quietly watched as their grandmother pulled out the cloth covered totem in her hands.
"Your totem is..." Branch's smile grew bigger with each passing second that felt like eons as Rosiepuff slowly revealed his totem. Imagine his surprise when Rosiepuff finally said ...Happiness and love."
Branch's smile immediately dropped when he glanced at his totem which was shaped like a troll. He didn't know how to react. "Uh, what?"
"Yes, happiness and love," Rosiepuff nodded when she placed the totem around his neck.
"The Troll of Happiness and Love?" He asked, glancing at his totem with confusion.
"Yes, a happiness that comes from inside all of us which brings out a love that connects and unites all living things, including ourselves," she explained.
Branch looked back to his brothers with disgust. He didn't know which upsets him more: the fact that he had to follow happiness and love, a trait he didn't feel as important in order to become a grown up or the fact that his totem is a troll which is not one of his favorite creatures. Creek snickered at his misfortune while Soren only shrugged.
"Who wants to trade?" He whispered to them. Unfortunately, his grandmother heard him and pulled his ear hard.
"There is no trading!" She snapped and slapped the back of his head, hoping to make him respect his gift. She then calmed down and softly stroked his cheek. "Oh, my angel. This may sound new to you, but you must know that our happiness isn't just about smiling or laughing. It's about feeling where we belong and whom are we with. Happiness leads to a special love everyone hopes to seek. Love is the most precious of totems for it reveals itself in unexpected ways and from unexpected places. Let your heart be filled with happiness and show you your place in the world. Let love guide your actions and one day you'll be a man...and we'll place your mark next to those of our ancestors for all to see."
She showed him the cave wall which was covered with many painted hand prints of the village members before him. There were all in different colors and sizes. He even noticed his grandmother's purple mark, then his late parent's in green and pink, Soren's red mark and finally, Creek's yellow print. Branch wants his own mark in the wall with his family and prove that he is a man.
"And as tradition, our dear Branch will seek out the trolls and learn to live with them and learn their ways until he is ready to earn his mark!" Rosiepuff then raised Branch's hand and everyone cheered for the young boy, celebrating his starting journey to live by his totem. Rosiepuff then happily hugged her grandson which he returned. "May the spirits look after you and may you follow your heart. It will never fail you."
Branch heard her words, believing that he will succeed. But deep down, he was unsure about his totem. No solution popped in his head for the questions that swarmed around his mind.
"How does happiness and love make me a man? How can tiny trolls teach me what I need to know? Why did I get a troll totem? What good are they?"
Hope you like it! So, what do you think so far?
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Neomoon585