(This serves as an official canon backstory for my Wattpad story ‘Dual Metal.’ You may find the book here.)
Varia Jinkar lived in the halfling colony of Short Man’s Hollow. The Hollow was home to the bronze gnomes and the feather halflings. Varia often walked around the Hollow into the gnome’s territory. There, Varia learned about cogs and gears, and joints. She learned how to put them together to make things move and come to life! Varia was happy in the hollow.
Then one day, Varia came across a fountain. The fountain glimmered in the summer sun as she looked. The shining fountain looked magical. Varia took a sip from its waters and became filled with vigor and energy. She rushed back to Short Man’s Hollow and locked herself up in her room. There, she toiled for 3 days and 3 nights. Only coming out to gather parts and bits that she would use.
On the 4th day, Varia came out with a curious little contraption. It was a clockwork robot. The robot was named Mouse for its diminutive stature. Mouse was so small, he could fit into Varia’s pocket. Varia was happy in the hollow.
Varia and Mouse were sitting on a log atop their subterranean hill house on a nice summer day. Varia was sipping a cup of water while Mouse stared at the sunset, its vibrant colors filling his head with thoughts.
Mouse suggested to Varia that they explore the Whisper Woods to the east. Varia wanted to stay in the Hollow, for she feared that she would miss curfew, but it was the request of her only friend, so Varia and Mouse visited the Whisper Woods.
The Whisper Woods was a calm and peaceful forest. Mouse fell into what seemed to be a tiny pit, only 2 feet deep. Varia braved the pit as she was just as tall as it was. She fished her friend out as he tried to scamper out.
Varia noticed something. The pit was shaped irregularly. She and Mouse looked around and saw that it was a footprint! A footprint 20 feet long and 10 feet wide! Varia and Mouse contemplated this. The footprint’s size alone was enough to tell the two that this creature was utterly foreign to the Whisper Woods. Mouse suggested that he and Varia follow the trail. Varia was yet again hesitant, but Mouse convinced her yet again.
Varia and Mouse were led to a crumbling, ruined tower. The remaining light became darkness as the sun finally vanished from view. Mouse’s built-in lamp activated and served as a light source for Varia and Mouse. Varia braved the dangerous tower with Mouse, although she was frightened to the bone. She had heard rumors that the Whisper Woods was especially dangerous at night because of the manner of beings that lurked within. Including a mysterious winter wolf that was creeping around the woods, ready to strike at any given moment.
Varia made her way up as she discovered what was there. Treasure! Piles of treasure as far as the eye can see! Piles as high as 20 feet and as wide as 30 feet! Varia and Mouse collected as much as they could, but still, piles were full to the brim! Varia then made her way to the top of the tower. There, she saw a flying figure that looked to be as large as 50 feet flying through the sky. Varia then saw it fly towards her at an incredible speed! The figure looked like a dragon!
Varia ran as fast as she could, carrying Mouse in her pocket. She had to tell her family about her discovery! Varia dashed and sprinted around the trail leading back to Short Man’s Hollow.
The dragon had beaten her to it.
Varia discovered the Hollow on fire. The evil, red dragon, burning down the hollow and eating halflings and gnomes alike alive. Varia watched as Mouse tried to rescue them, but he burned.
Varia escaped the Hollow and moved to a different region. She swore never to go near the Hollow again.
About the Author
James Trayton is 14 years old. He’s in Grade 9. He loves to eat Blueberry Cheese Cake. During his free time, you’d catch him playing D&D, writing, programming, Worldbuilding, or watching cartoons. He’s a BUBOTS Writing Academy advanced level student.