unforgiving dusk || trollhunters

Chapter 1

Worried eyes looked around the room at the anxious faces of his friends, he has to do something to keep their, and his own, spirits up. He would be lying if he said his own hope wasn't dwindling away hastily, but he has to have faith that Master Jim will return from the Darklands in one piece.

"No need to worry, I'm sure Master Jim is right around the corner!" his voice was as sharp as always and Blinky hoped the two young humans wouldn't see through the cracks of his facade. He knows he's going to be a hypocrite until Jim has returned, but he has to make sure these two don't end up in worse health than when Jim left.

He never thought he would adopt two humans for a short period of time, but if needed he will act as a figure for guidance and safety until Jim's return.

"It's already been two weeks," Toby said, leaning against the solid remains of his late friend and fidgeting with the fetcher, "How do we know he's even alive at this point?"

"The amulet would have called someone else if he was dead, wouldn't it?" Claire asked, hopping out of her seat and striding her way to the amulet that laid on the table.

Of course! How could Blinky forget this important detail? He had been teaching his pupils that the amulet only calls to one Trollhunter at a time; how come he hardly remembers it in times like these?

"Indeed it would have! Master Jim is still alive, and hopefully, hasn't run into Gunmar or his guards."

"How do we know he isn't being tortured right now? What if he doesn't get our messages and thinks we won't come to rescue him?" Toby frowned, placing his hands on his head and his voice rising in pitch with every word.

"All we can do is hope he's okay Toby, but we know he's still alive, so that's something, isn't it?" Claire was trying to cheer Toby up, even if she was trying to do it to herself too. She couldn't give up on Jim, he is going to come back alive.

"You're right, I-- we can't give up on him yet. We have to be an emotional anchor to him on this side of that portal. He might not know we're looking for him after two weeks, but he will know once we get him back."

"And you say you don't like speeches, Tobias. Truly motivational." Blinky praised Toby, smiling slightly as he stepped closer to the amulet itself, a single hand placed on his chin as he inspected its odd glow.

It had yet to change in brightness or flicker at all, meaning Master Jim was still perfectly alright. Blinky hoped he had been looking after himself and not just carelessly run around into every cave he finds. He should know there are monsters lurking in caves in the Darklands!

His only regret at this moment was not teaching Master Jim about them all; their weaknesses and strengths that he could use in a battle. He regrets not looking after the first human Trollhunter and if the boy dies, Blinky isn't sure how good he-- they would take it. Toby and Claire are his best friends, he dreads to think what Jim's death would bring upon them.

He closed all six of his eyes, sighing as he placed two of his hands on the table, mumbling a soft whisper in Trollish, "Master Jim, please be alright."

"Any news from the Trollhunter?" Vendel's voice startled them all, even knocking Toby off his seat in front of Argh. How is it that a troll that big, with such a large staff too, can be so silent when moving around?

After Blinky regained his composure, he hurried a reply, "Nothing as of yet, but the amulet has yet to call to another hunter. Master Jim is still alive in the Darklands."

"That is wonderful to hear. How have you three been with this?"

"I miss Jim," Toby mumbled, "Like a lot." the hand Claire put on his shoulder comforted him somewhat. Claire felt the same as Toby, she's just trying to keep him from going into another crying session. It was bad enough last time.

"And what about you, Blinkous?"

"Me? Oh, I'm fine, I just hope Master Jim hasn't wandered into one of Gunmar's many traps, or worse, to the Skull Crusher himself."

"The boy is strong, he has done much in the past and I believe he will carry through this one as well as he had with the others."

"I wish I could have taught him more of the Darklands, so he could have a better chance of surviving it."

Vendel's eyes adjusted only slightly as he turned his head from the remains of Argh, "How would you know of the creatures in the Darklands, Blinkous?"

"From books, of course! The facts might be vague and the details scarce, but it still would have helped Jim to know what he so carelessly charged into."

Vendel let out a low hum before continuing, "Upon his return, you may teach him. May I speak to you alone, Blinkous?" he turned in place and walked out of the room quietly.

The six eyes on Blinky all blinked at once as he watched him leave, "Of course, Vendel." he made his way around the table and followed the pale troll, the amulet in hand.

It was a rare occasion to hear Vendel speak in Trollish, much more so in such a gentle tone, "Tell me the truth, old friend."

"His will is fading," he replied softly, holding up the amulet as the glow dimmed momentarily, "And fast too."

"At this rate, I fear he has little time left before his armour vanishes and his only means of protection goes with it."

"We must go to find him before he gets himself killed."

"And risk the lives of everyone in Trollmarket? No, absolutely not."

"Please Vendel, I know it will take a great risk, but this is the Trollhunter that needs us all to help him. If he loses his will, you know what Gunmar will do."

The elder took a moment to think, "Find a way to cure Argh of the Creeper's Sun, then take him with you into the Darklands. Do not attack, it will be rescue-only." At this, he turned and began to walk away, his staff making light clicking noises as it tapped with every step.

"Thank you Vendel, I-- we are in your debt." Blinky closed his eyes with a thankful nod, watching Vendel leave after a moment and praising himself for his quick and witty replies to hide his secrets.