#10 A Quick Stop in Romania

[Lena]

Arriving in Romania, after their snow-infused Dust Travel from Hong Kong, was colder than expected. Wintry winds howled around them, as the family stood atop a hillside overlooking a large hamlet to the East -- and a snowy forest to the West. The rest was a blur of winter landscape.

Sadly, there was no glimpse of the Romanian Dragon Outpost from where they landed.

Their only saviour was a small tent set up and waiting for them, where the chimney issued cinnamon-scented smoke. Zareb and Irene ushered everyone inside, and gladly welcomed the warmth within the huge interior. Bags were dumped by the door, which magically closed itself to trap the cold afternoon outside were it belonged.

It wasn't as fancy as their main tent; as Taraji preferred to use the casual travelling one they were in now. It could be used for an overnight stay in a pinch, but was mostly just a main room for rest or work. And a few side rooms, as needed.

Ringwald, having woken at the cold winds and yowled for his life, fled his floating bed -- making his way along a sofa, then curling up on a fluffy rug in front of a fireplace. Which had purple fire, for some reason.

'Ah, my favourite nieces.' Taraji grinned, tossing aside a magazine she'd been flipping through by a kitchen counter. 'I've missed you.'

She hurried to Alora and Kamari, pulling them into a tight hug. Her clothes had a hint of Birch ash on them; Taraji had spent quite some time in the workshop recently. Irene got a hug too, though short as there were mugs of hot cocoa waiting for them that Irene yearned for to defrost her fingers.

Zareb wore a deadpanned look as his sister completely ignored him. 

'I'm all caught up,' Taraji added, her attention solely on the kids. 'Big gala tonight. Speech. Met a dragon, which someone has to tell me about in excruciating detail later -- oh, and of course, the orphanage it all picked out. I've talking to the caretakers as well. All that's left...'

With a casual display of non-verbal and wandless magic, Taraji summoned a sack of toys to the main room. She sat on the sofa in front of it, to answer any questions or help them choose -- but mainly to supervise the suddenly-quite-awake cat who came sniffing around.

'What sort of toys would you like to donate? Two each. Think about who it's for,' Taraji said, while Irene watched over a mug of hot cocoa. 'Bottomless bag, so whatever you have in mind... we probably have. Children are between ages six and ten.'

[Alora Sagemore]

As the snow from their surroundings had joined the magical dust for the Dust Travel, it looked even more beautiful than the day before. Though their arrival wasn’t as great. It was way colder and rather stormy.

Alora reached for Kamari’s hand to not get blown away, her face and fingers starting to freeze up, then hurried along with her family towards the tent – although she couldn’t help herself but to try to catch a glimpse of the Dragon Outpost, but to no avail.

She was glad when they reached the tent, and Ringwald seemed as well. She grinned at the sight of him while her pack at the entrance, then took a deep breath.

Was that cinnamon? Now she wanted to eat cookies…

A single glance was enough for Alora to recognise the tent as Aunt Taraji’s – and there she was already!

It took her only a second to get wrapped up in a tight hug.

“We’re your only ones!” Alora teased back with a giggle, though tightened the hug on her own end. “I’ve missed you too!”

While her Aunt greeted her Mama, Alora got rid of her jacket, but she didn’t miss her Papa not getting a hug. No can do!

A suspicious glance flickered between her Aunt and Papa for a moment, then she was with a step by her Papa’s side, giving him a short but big squeeze, before heading towards the table with the hot chocolate. That was exactly what she needed right now!

She settled down in front of Aunt Taraji with a steaming mug and listened to her accounts, grinning.

“Oh, I will!” she immediately promised. Talking about the dragon? She was all in!

Too bad the visit had been so short…

Thinking back to the beautiful creature, Alora wondered if there ever was a dragon which one could ride… That surely would be awesome, way more than riding a broom!

Her mind was pulled back by the questions regarding the toys for the orphanage. Oh, they could choose? Right, her Papa had something like that earlier today.

Alora didn’t think long as one kind of toy immediately came to her mind.

“Do we have something for them to train their balance? Either body balance or dexterity in general, like stacking blocs or something, just more interesting.”

Yeah, her proposal came from of her own experience, but that was exactly why she found it as important. And just because the toys hadn't worked for her, didn't mean it wouldn't work for other children!

“And something to build communicational skills! Between other children or just the language in general!” Alora nodded solemnly. “It’s really important for the future of the children. Proper communication is everything!”

That was something Alora still needed to learn, especially regarding the family business. How to properly talk to customers, when to not be too direct and how to hide the emotions hindering a sale.

But she was getting there. Her parents and Aunt were the perfect role-models regarding this. And her big sis was someone she could get ideas from as well, as Kamari was a few years ahead. Alora just needed to find and hone her own way of business talk.

With a wide smile on her lips, she looked up to her Aunt, then peeked inside the bag, hoping they had toys fitting to her wishes.

[Kamari Sagemore]

Dust and snow mingled together creating the most beautiful of curtains. It was a whirlwind of magic that she’d seen time and time again and yet never tired of. Mystical and magic, Kamari’s eyes tried and failed to follow the dust as it spiraled around them, her hand tightening against her sister’s hand to hold her closer.

And yet everything was a blanket of white within the whistling storm. Atop the hill, Kamari squinted into the snow seeing only a forest and wintertime.

The very definition of what people thought of a winter wonderland, she mused. Inhaling the crisp, clean winter air into her lungs and holding it there for a moment, taking the asking hand, Kamari made a point of wrapping a protective arm around her sister to tug her nearer to her, keep her from being blown away in the wild winter winds.

It was unspoken, automatic. Protecting her sister was her first nature and she’d not let the wind tear between them, instead keeping her steady and close to the adults.

She knew how clumsy her sister would be so keeping her near was all too important… Not that anyone would let anything happen but Kamari made her point to keep close.

They were ushered onward toward a tent. Cinnamon spilled across her senses as she allowed herself a moment to breathe it in before being ushered inside by Papa. It was warm.

Home like.

Kamari deposited her bag with the others on the floor after releasing her sister’s hand and glanced around, rubbing her hands together to create friction for warmth. The warm smell of cinnamon was a bounty she hadn’t expected, something to scare away the chill from outside.

Watching as Ringwald bolted for warmth, Kamari debated on doing the same. Instead, she stood still, eyes landing on her aunt and a brilliant smile tugging at her features as she set the magazine aside.

Then it was hugs all around… except… she watched with an arched brow as Aunt Taraji stepped around Papa and carried on about her business. She didn’t even say hello.

Curious.

Very curious.

”Alora is best to tell you all about the dragon… she was very interested in her.” Did Kamari mean the dragon or Alora? Both.

Surely it was astounding the focus the dragon had had on her sister but it had been returned. Or that’s how Kamari saw it.

Finally, there was a bag called in and they were talking about picking out toys. Two each. Between the ages of six and ten. She thought for a moment, glancing up at Papa and then Mama. Alora and then her Aunt with a thoughtful expression as her sister talked.

”I assume it’s an orphanage for witches and wizards, am I correct?” she tried to speak more formally… this seemed important. Something that she’d proposed and something that she and Alora were to do together.

And she had to make sure she did it right.

”If magical I say training brooms. Because those are some of my favorite memories – trying them out with Alora and learning balance and, eventually, the team work that comes with a sport.” She cut a glance toward Papa.

Yet something else they’d not had time to talk about. She’d have to shelf it and wait.

Patience was key and Kamari had nothing by time.

Besides, which magical child didn’t want a broom?

”Aside from that I believe we could do something that they can hold onto. Blankets and bears are common but I think if we had an enchanted doll in there it would be good. Or, because they’re older and younger, something that could work well for both age ranges.”

That was something to think about, wasn’t it? It was like the speech. Looming in her mind. A lot of thoughts running all at once.

Kamari steepled her fingers and glanced into the bag, pressing fingertips to her lip as she thought. This was important. That’s all she kept repeating in her mind.

Over and over she passed thoughts around before landing on something.

”What about toy wands?” Alora was peering into the bag so Kamari sat back, allowing her sister to have first pick.

[Lena]

Taraji listened carefully to the suggestions made by her nieces, smiling as she watched them think it over and try to come up with the perfect toys.

Adjusting her glasses, she checked a few things in the bag -- but casually, as she knew what was in there despite the large number of toys. An excellent memory was essentially to toymakers, but on the Sagemore level... well, even that took training and experience.

'How about these?' Taraji offered a wooden block set to Alora.

They needed no explanation.

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.

'As for communication...' Taraji rummaged through the bag, then sighed when it took too long to locate. She held her hand out, and a blue stuffed monkey popped up. 'Will this do?'

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.

--

Next up were Kamari's selections.

'Yes, it's a magical orphanage,' Taraji confirmed. 'As you know, this means their numbers are smaller and it's usually run out of someone's house, rather than given the proper space and resources.'

She did not move to sort through the bag. Instead, she gave Kamari a contemplative look. For a brief moment, there was a glimpse of disappointment. It was rare that they were ever truly disappointed in Alora or Kamari, unless they were caught misbehaving -- therefore it was likely a disappointment unique to their family. 

It was the kind that meant Kamari still had a lot of learning or training to do, before she was ready as a Sagemore heir.

Taraji straightened, and looked over to Zareb.

He nodded, and got up from his seat. Placing a hand on Kamari's shoulder, he steered her to the sofa for them to sit down. This was a teaching moment, and to a Sagemore... the feeling of needing one wasn't often a nice feeling, but they knew it meant something could be improved. That they were being guided to do better. To be better or more understanding.

'My child, think it through,' Zareb said gently, yet with a firm posture. 'An orphanage is not a home. It is a place to safeguard children who will, hopefully, one day find their true home. Would it be appropriate for a child to zoom around on a broomstick? Toy brooms can still travel, and may cause undue anxiety to caregivers. Heavy supervision is needed; orphanages are often understaffed.'

Irene nodded, placing a hand over her heart at the thought of such places.

'As for a toy wand, this can actually be dangerous. Particularly in certain cultures,' Zareb went on to explain. 'We visually distinguish them from real wands to help this, but from a distance an underage child with a wand may be seen as unlawful or a delinquent.'

'Orphaned children are not as fortunate as you and Alora,' Irene added, sitting with them, as to not stand over her during a teaching moment. 'They haven't been as nurtured. You understand toys like these, but they may not. Your ideas are good, but lacking proper context. It is, I must say, from a place of richness.'

'You are rich in love, wealth, and guidance,' Zareb clarified. 'Wands and broomsticks may also be too much for them. The flashier the toys, the more they may be reminded of what they don't have. You grew up with such wonderful options, and sometimes it can cloud one's view.'

Taraji nodded.

'We make toys for everyone to enjoy, but the heart of our business and our purpose is not for people like us,' their aunt added. 'It's for people like them. Simpler is not inferior, never forget that. Take a moment to reflect, then let's try again. Something they can hold onto is the right kind of idea. Follow that instinct.'

Finishing on a positive moment, Taraji gave Kamari a firm yet encouraging smile -- gesturing for her to leave the sofa and come have a look through the bag herself. Something simpler. For a child who was safeguarded, and who had less of life's riches, yet whose heart beat the same as theirs.

Though one glance at any of their faces revealed that an enchanted doll was out of the question despite being a good idea. Such a unified expression typically meant someone had something blown up in their faces recently, and that it was best not to ask.

[Alora Sagemore]

As a Sagemore, Alora very well knew how many toys the family had produced over the years: a lot. So many that in fact she naturally couldn’t know all of them. Yet.

She was quite determined to change that. Over time of course. But as she aspired to work as a Toymaker in the future, the sooner the better. Though she wondered how to go about it… Learning the catalogue by heart? That seemed sooo boring!

Alora was quite impressed as it didn’t take long for her Aunt to find the first toy.

“How did you manage to remember all the toys, Aunt Taraji?” she asked curiously while taking the wooden block set with a fond smile.

This was a toy Alora knew of course, from her own experiences when she was little, but also because it was still in stock almost everywhere. And she could fully understand why: they were simple, yet perfect in multiple ways.

“Oh, I remember those! They were so much fun! Do you, Kamari? I really hope, the children have as much fun with those as I did! They are perfect!”

Yeah, she had fond memories of the wooden blocks. Her favourite had been the colour-changing part – which had the greatest effect if the wall of blocks was knocked over. So of course, Alora had to constantly bring down her construction on purpose, though on occasion it had come down just because of her tripping. And Kamari’s creations hadn’t always survived either, through both means…

The next toy was familiar to Alora as well, too well in her opinion: It was her most-hated toy.

It had been quite some time since she had last seen it, and if it where up to her, it could have stayed that way.

The toy itself, the Monkey See, was great as a toy, she had to admit. Children could play and talk with it, and even got a response in turn! In addition, it was capable of multiple languages, under specific circumstances.

Overall, it was a great toy – for anyone but her.

Alora very well remembered the toy not answering her when waved at it, regardless how. She had tried for hours, days until her arms felt heavy, but she had never received an answer. Never a single 'hello' or 'goodbye'. Like she hadn’t the ability to properly connect with it.

Even though she had tried to spend as much time as possible with it, even took it with her to bed at night, settling it down right next to her.

At least the first night.

The goodnight-part had worked out as it should have, resulting in glowing monkey eyes. However, they were scary for little Alora, making her feel like they stared at her in the dark. She hadn’t been able to sleep the whole night.

But as she didn’t want to lose against the monkey regarding this part when she already had trouble with some of the other features, and still eager to prove she could get the monkey to respond properly, she hadn’t told her parents about it.

Instead, every single time they said goodnight to each other and the eyes illuminated her bedroom, Alora would stuff the monkey beneath a mountain of pillows, so no light would come out.

While in her opinion she had won against this feature, she still lost against the others, and therefore hated the toy.

She hated it with her whole heart because it was ingrained in her mind that she could overcome any obstacles in one way or the other, especially with hard work. But with this toy, it was the single time she had to truly give up. Give up her principles in always trying and being able to overcome any challenges directed at her, even if it involved changing the first approach.

For that, she bitterly hated the toy.

So yes, she still held a grudge against the Monkey Sees. It just made her feel like a complete failure.

…But maybe something had changed over the years?

Alora took the monkey from Aunt Taraji with a frown and stared at it, then gently but half-heartedly waved with one hand. She waited, but nothing happened. Of course not. Stupid monkey…

“Maybe Kamari should test it first…” Alora grumbled with a scowl and put the monkey next to the wooden toy set, then looked up to her Aunt.

“Yeah, it’s alright…” Alora gave out a heavy sigh. “Only because I don’t like it, doesn’t mean other children won’t! But are you sure about the blue one? I mean, it is the perfect one because we don’t know which language the children will speak, still… It’s one of the rarer ones, right? Do you think the children would fight about it?”

Alora would be more than happy with the children having such a prestige toy, though she wanted to make sure it was alright for her Aunt and parents too, as they provided the toys after all. And it wouldn't sit well with her to give a toy to children just to induce conflict...

---

Alora had listened to Kamari’s ideas for toys, and found them exciting. She would have loved to get a toy like this for herself! And she was proud of her sister to actually have already toys in her mind, not like her. Alora had mostly just presented ideas. Although, she liked hers. Simple yet effective. Perfect for any children!

So, in her mind nothing was really that wrong regarding the choice of toys from her sister, only that they perhaps felt a little bit much compared to her own choice. Alora even thought the monkey was a bit much, so training brooms would probably be too, right?

However, upon seeing Aunt Taraji’s gaze, Alora knew something was up. Something had gone wrong.

Alora tilted her head in confusion and watched as her Papa steered Kamari to the sofa and settled down next to her. Uh oh.

She immediately knew what was up and felt with her big sis: A lecture was in order.

Not that any of them minded the lectures. Yes, Alora always felt awful once she got one, but she also knew her family just meant well. It served to improve herself, to not repeat mistakes, and Alora was glad they spent the time helping her and her sister to do better.

But what had gone wrong this time?

Alora paid fully attention towards what her family told Kamari. And after hearing everything, it suddenly made sense.

An orphanage was not a real home to the children living there, just a temporary one. Thinking about it like this made Alora feel sympathy for them, for what they missed out on, for how lucky she was to have a home, a family.

And she was really glad they had managed to start the toy drive. At least the children would get something to enjoy on Christmas!

Also, her Papa made a point that they had to be attentive regarding different cultures and how they would see it.

Right, they had to remember where they were: Not in the UK but Romania! For all Alora knew, the laws and magical culture could be quite different compared to theirs. She tried to think back if they ever had been to Romania before and if she could remember anything about the magical background here. Well, it was the home of the Tamers and dragons…

Her attention shifted back to her sister as she was offered to try again with her choice of toys. Alora kept her finger’s crossed. Her big sis got this!

[Kamari Sagemore]

Everything went so smoothly for Alora. The blocks and the monkey sees. That was all well and good, she admired the choices, thinking they did wonders for the younger children. But ten? She had to think.

Distracted for a moment by Alora’s question, she shot her sister an encouraging smile.

”I do! And you’re right, I bet they’ll have a blast with them.” She had no doubts that the blocks would bring joy to whomever got them.

Kamari knew that when she was ten the blocks and the monkey see had been outside her age range, something that she didn’t mess with unless it was for nostalgia.

So, when she was given a disappointed look she felt the sinking feeling that she’d done something wrong. But what? Led by Papa to the couch and sat with him. She tensed up almost immediately, focused as he explained about orphanages and why both choices were wrong.

Through it all she remained silent, letting the words they spoke come into her hears so she could listen. Heed what they’d said and frown at only one comment. Toys for everyone. And yet some were the wrong choice.

Kamari thought, understood for the most part. But the lack of success had hit harder than she’d thought it would. What if every choice was a wrong choice? She understood that she’d had more than a lot of people – even in school she’d seen it but she had thought she’d understood.

She’d never thought that simple was inferior so the implication stung more than she’d thought it would.

Once they were finished with the lecture she glanced sidelong back toward the bag and, after a nod, she stood to make her way toward her aunt and stand before the bag.

Something that could be held onto. She thought about it, looking for something that challenge the mind of an older child – a puzzle or something similar. Something that was in one piece and a little more complicated for an older mind.

”A puzzle for the older kids,” she mumbled as she searched, ”Only one piece. Something like that, you know, the twisting puzzle thing?”

And then the second thing. She had to pick two and the puzzle she sought was one. She had to think of a second one, something that was fun. No toy wands or brooms, something they could keep with them.

She passed by a few things before she glanced up.

”Something comforting, too. It’s one thing to think and try to solve something but comfort is important too.” Those were her ideas. A puzzle and something for comfort.

”Do we have anything like that? Not a doll or a bear… but something warm and comforting?” That was where she was hung up. The puzzle would be easy enough to find, she was sure of it, but the comfortable thing... well that was something else entirely.