Kamari's Plotter

It was wonderful to hear from you, especially when you took the time out of a Quidditch day to write home.

Everyone's doing well, though Ringwald was in a no-treats time out yesterday for having stolen your Mama's favourite scarf.

We've already sold out five of our new toy stocks, so we've been busy making more and getting those distributed. Thankfully, no one seems to realise or mind that the new balloons are made of a material non-harmful to the environment. They will disintegrate if deflated / popped; another of your Mama's genius ideas.

I'm pleased to hear you're making friends. We'd love to hear more about them. I trust they are treating you well?

As for trying out for Quidditch, we don't see why not? If this is something you'd like to do, and it won't negatively impact your studies or mental well-being, then you have our full support. Unfortunately, work prevents us from being able to attend matches as often as we'd like -- but if you make it onto the team, please let us know. We will, of course, also purchase a broomstick of your choosing, should you then need one.

All those training broomsticks you tested out growing up would surely pay off now, huh? In fact, we might have you test out some more now you'll be getting a feel for an real broomstick.

Keep us updated; we always love to hear from you.

Dearest Papa, 

I apologize for my failure to write. There is no excuse for it aside from my getting into potions kits and trying my best to make more friends aside from my dorm mates. They're amazing, absolutely, but I am so excited to be able to call others from different houses my friends, too. 

I received your letter at breakfast and had Alora read it to make sure that she was refreshed on the plan. She remembers and we will abide by the plan without deviation. I can't tell you how excited I am to see the family tomorrow. I've missed you all terribly and would love nothing more than to talk about what's happened with Quidditch and the Team and everything in person. 

I know you said that I could join the team but I wanted to offer details face to face because, honestly, I think it's better that way. (Kamari doodles a little smiley face here) 

As for the Founder's Ball I hadn't thought about it. I don't have many friends to go with that weren't already going with someone else but this morning I was asked to go by a new acquaintance. I'd love to attend but I am aware that my poor time management, decision making, lack of writing and planning would be the reason I couldn't attend this year. 

I understand that there's little time and that getting something tailored properly is impossible but if there's any chance at all of getting a set of dress robes I'd be grateful. I understand if it cannot be done but... without asking the answer is always no. I do, regardless of the answer, agree to be better with writing in the future. 

The bags you sent were beautiful! Thank you very much for sending them. I will be packing away what I need tonight and helping Alora get her things together in the morning so that getting to the train is more efficient. I will keep an eye out for the body guard as you instructed. I can't wait to hear about the Fundraiser Ball and would like to speak with you tomorrow evening about an idea I had if at all possible that is on the same note. 

I love you, miss you, and am eagerly anticipating coming home to you, Mama, Aunt Taraji and Ringwald! 

insert quote here

○ Kamari and Alora had barely set feet down on the grass just beyond their family wards, when Irene swept them up into a warm and soothing hug. Her hugs were always the best -- as if nothing in the world could touch them there, and everything would always be okay.

○ It was cold and there was a bit of snow in the air, but the grounds itself were a nice break from the stark white they were used to at Hogwarts and around London. The climate was a bit different at the Hollow, for whatever reason. It was a rare sight to be blanketed with snow, and this year didn't include it yet again.

○ It wasn't strange that Papa and Aunt Taraji didn't come greet them, as they would surely be spending a lot of time together as family these entire holidays anyway. Some space wasn't a bad thing, especially when it was the busiest time of year for a Sagemore. It was perfectly normal for them.

○ That was a bit of an unspoken thing at the Sagemore cottage, unlike when they were off elsewhere; never, during a slow moment, ask about the plans. Doing so almost always tempted fate. The last time this happened was over the summer. Irene was bored and asked if anyone had plans... not five minutes later, an enchanted fishbowl's spell backfired and flooded the workshed.

No one was even in there at the time, though Kamari still swore she'd seen Ringwald fleeing the scene.

○ One of the benefits (in their opinion) in being toymakers is that no one ever really outgrew that young child stage of imagine play. Sagemores were a playful lot, though it had taken Zareb a long time to remember that. Irene was a blessing to them all.

○ Only Alora had ever managed it, at the tender age of five, when she'd envisioned a blanket that changed its pattern and colour everyday. They'd said it wouldn't work, because it would be too easily confused with other blankets or get lost. And a bunch of other reasons. So began her month-long mission to swap out their blankets, pillow cases, and bath towels as often as she could.

With Kamari, her co-conspirator, of course. Both girls made a point of saying how lovely it was that a blue towel with fish was now red with lizards. It drove Zareb and Tarji crazy, especially as it felt like nothing was ever given the chance to get used or not knowing what was clean -- but Irene was won over, and they settled on the idea of not using whole blankets but something small and most children would likely only have one of.

The idea evolved from the concept, but Alora had won.

○ Dust Travel was extraordinarily rare, but was essentially a global passport. The Sagemores perfected the method and created their own dust (even patenting its chalk form), which enabled them to freely travel anywhere in the world they needed. It had the bonus of being far more pleasant than Apparition or Portkeys, though a Sagemore's upbringing included regular exposure to many forms of magical transport to ensure they adapt to any situation or in case of emergency.

The circle had to be as neat as possible, and with enough space around them to not have anything crossing the line or getting too close. Yet not too big that there was a lot of empty space. The destination had to be written very clearly, similar to Floo Powder -- but with worse consequences.

Kamari and Alora knew the story well -- of a Great-Uncle several generations back who accidentally dropped himself, and two sacks of water-activated fizzy-bangs, into the middle of an ocean.

Not that she had such pressure now, as the circle and the writing didn't do anything on its own; it required use of a wand; her parents would surely check everything over before anything were to happen. But this was a big moment, regardless. It was a sign of her growing up, to the point that her training as a Sagemore Heir was becoming more focused and no longer just about learning things -- but also doing them.

It meant they believed she had a solid enough foundation now, and was old enough to gradually become more hands on. Kamari knew the basics -- now it was time to be tested on them, and to be entrusted with new tasks. She knew that also meant there could be consequences depending on her actions or words, and that meant failing or making mistakes would also be her own mess to clean up. With their guidance, if necessary, but this was it.

This was the point every Sagemore waited for.

○ Last summer they had a bit of an experiment with a thing called a lightbulb. Aunt Taraji explained it was what Muggles used to light things, rather than relying on wands or candles / lanterns. They worked by something called electricity, which was a type of energy that Muggles harnessed in the place of magic.

It was all still quite beyond them and very confusing, but had made for a fun experiment... despite them using magic rather than electricity to show how it worked. And that would explain why it then exploded and issued a lot of smoke. They'd anticipated it though, so there was already a protection spell around it. Not one was hurt just got a mighty big fright -- which even Ringwald survived, despite his shriek and falling from the counter.

But Alora and Kamari were fortunate in their upbringing, to have seen more Muggle electronics than most magical folk.

○ Near the entrance to the mine was a huge, pale dragon. Its appearance was about what one might picture when hearing it breathed ice. As if the frosty (not snow) ground around it wasn't clue enough. It bellowed at anyone who got within a certain range of it, puffing cold air from its nostrils in warning.

Zareb sighed in exasperation at the sight. While their parents were clearly far more used to such a predicament, this was only Alora's third dragon (not counting the one that flew over Hogwarts). It was Kamari's fifth. Most of those were from a distance or the dragons were more contained. The memories were a big vague, mostly wrapped in awe and a sense of it being more of a dream than reality.

Apart from Kamari's vivid memory of her third dragon when she was nine, which was a juvenile spikey thing that thrashed a muddy village it had been set loose on. Its tail hit a basket of cabbages, which had flung at her and smashed directly above her against the hut wall she was backed against. A close call, and why she hadn't seen much of if for the rest of the trip since then.

Strangely, she couldn't remember why she was out there alone in the first place. She'd been safe enough away from the dragon itself, but close enough that fling debris could reach her. Kamari just remembered that her Aunt had found her in time, and they rushed back to the group on the other side of the village. Alora and Irene hadn't been on that trip. The rest was hazy at best.

But there was no mistaking the dragon they saw now. The best view they'd ever had of one, though perhaps too good a view -- as there were clear scars on its legs and neck, as well as a croak to its roar as if its voice was strained. Nothing seemed fresh, but the dragon was clearly on guard. And it simply refused to budge from the entrance to the mine.

○ Meals were unpredictable when travelling; sometimes they had local dishes or used local ingredients, and other times (like today) they just made whatever they felt like having. This breakfast was a rather typical Sagemore meal -- with Zarebs favourite chicken and onions, and Irene's favourite pastries. There were also goblets of thick, frothy milk to enjoy.

○ When it came to things like this, while of course Alora and Kamari were less experienced and still young, their family never treated them like kids when it came to sharing their thoughts and ideas. They never just humoured them; they always listened, and took it seriously.

○ They'd done a couple interviews over the years, but usually only a question or two about their opinion or something generic -- new toys, what sort of things they'd like to influence the business for when they grow up, and what it's like being in the public eye. Nothing as personal as their own project -- where they were the main focus, not their parents.

○ Dragon Breed: Classified

Sagmores were brought up with this knowledge. A classified dragon breed means that its genealogy has odd indicators or its origins are under investigation. Quite common for dragons from illegal breeders, rescued during various nefarious cases, or found in places outside of their usual territory / flight pattern.

Essentially an unknown dragon in unauthorized circumstances or of suspicious origin. During the period it is marked as classified, speculation or discussion of its breed / where it came from is considered disruptive to the process. Or generally disrespectful of a Tamer's work.

○ Colour-Changing Blocks were one of the most familiar Sagemore products, with both kids having played with them growing up -- and saw them everywhere in stock lists or on shelves. It was one of the oldest products, but still very popular. Timeless, flexible, and a nice balance of practical fun.

Perhaps so loved because of the simple design, yet with beautiful magic; when a block was successfully stacked, all its blocks changed colour. If they're knocked over, they become a rainbow mess that toddlers in particular enjoyed. Those blocks reminded both kids of fond memories growing up in the warmth and safety of their family, no matter where in the world they were.

Of little Kamari poking her tongue out, intensely focused on carefully placing blocks onto a tower almost taller than herself. It was as though the fate of the world depended on her careful precision and architectural ambitions. There were even a few photos stashed away somewhere, of her grander designs that survived to completion.

And of tiny Alora, who was her polar opposite -- giggling as she speedily finished stacking a wall of blocks, for the satisfying desire to charge into them like a Muggle monster destroying a city. The noise of toppled blocks scattering on the floor was embedded in her family's memories.

○ The Monkey See, Monkey Speak toy. Though they were more commonly referred to as the Monkey Sees.

It responded to gestures or expressions, and a few words. Such as if a child waved, it said hello or goodbye. If a child said their name, it said it was nice to meet them. If the child was sad, it would ask for a hug. And there was the bonus spell of if the child said goodnight, the monkey's eyes would glow as night lights.

Those were rather exclusive products, as Sagemores sold toys worldwide; there existed an endless variety of languages. It had to be specially enchanted on a client-basis, and with the assistance of a translator -- for languages the adults weren't as familiar with, despite their impressive list of fluency. The blue Monkey See was the rarest, with its expanded vocabulary and being capable of more than one language.

Five-year-old Alora held a grudge against the the Monkey Sees. Taraji gave her youngest niece a curious glance, wondering if that grudge persevered -- even as it had been at least two years since Alora had seen one.

For some reason, despite many improvements made of the years, Alora could never successfully get one to say hello or goodbye to her, no matter how she waved. Then if Kamari tried (as they only respond to children), it immediately said hello. It baffled the Sagemores to no end, as none of the spells were faulty.

○ Twist Puzzles from the bag, having known exactly what Kamari was referring to. They had a range of difficulties, and countless solutions. Kamari had a whole variety to choose from, though Taraji encouraged only picking a few.

These were easily forgotten in a list of more colourful or magical toys, even when painted to a theme, but there was special a Sagemore fondness for the Twist Puzzles. And a lot of history. There was one for every generation of Sagemores who became heirs. Taraji and Zareb made one when they took the lead, which had a cosmic theme. One day, Alora and Kamari would design their own to be added to the pile.

Yet even with some of their earliest memories being watching these be made, using a complicated bamboo and magic weaving process -- they were still yet to fully learn which Twist Puzzle was made by who. It was not something they were outright told; it was simply part of the process of growing up, and they'll learn them all in time.

It was one of the tests they'd have to pass as an heir.

○ Home Mat. Both Alora and Kamari had one in their tent bedrooms. It was a soft rug that changed temperature when needed -- warming on a cold day / cooling when it's hot. It was impossibly soft, being made from the wool of an Ewol. That meant it couldn't be enchanted; all the magical properties were from the wool itself, and the way it was weaved.

It was a reoccurring childhood memory for Sagemores to spend some time at an Ewol farm. Those large, magical sheep (similar to their Muggle counterparts, the Valais Blacknose) were a lively bunch, which the kids learned to help out with caring for them and brushing that impossible wool. It was so soft it almost felt like a cloud or silky liquid. They hadn't yet seen the farms in action with shearing them or herding -- but were promised that one day they'd be old enough to give that a try too.

Apparently, the shearing required very precise and trained actions -- and the herding was a nightmare all in itself that the farmers claimed could cause madness. It was unclear if they meant in a literal or emotional sense, but all adult Sagmores wore an expression of utter disdain at the mere thought of herding Ewol.

More than once, Alora and Kamari were under the impression that the Ewol looked rather proud of themselves for being the bouncing troublemakers they were.

And yet, their wool was highly valuable. The Home Mats were a rarer product, but one of the few the Sagemores didn't make themselves -- there was a partnership contract with the prestigious farm they often visited in Switzerland. It took twenty years to master the traditional magical art of Ewol wool weaving. Taraji had about two years experience, needed just to handle and sell such products.

○ France was a familiar place. The dingy little pub was run by a funny bar owner who always welcomed the kids with free palmiers. He was no stranger; referred to only as Monsieur Soulard, having forgotten his real name during a rough childhood and some memory loss from misadventures, he'd known the Sagemores for decades. It was hard not to, though the kids didn't really know what that meant.

○ A term of endearment for Alora and Kamari, spoken in French (mon petit lapins "my little rabbits" was basically a name to them now). Luckily, French was something they knew enough of to keep up with him, as Monsieur Soulard had a habit of mixing English and French.

○ The Christmas Gala was a fundraising and networking event, held in Paris and hosted by a noble family. It was a showy, international event that basically swarmed with reporters. It was one of the places where the Sagemore public mask had to be meticulously upheld.