When the Moon Hatched Episode 4: Chapters 37 - 44

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast

When the Moon Hatched Episode 4: Chapters 37–44

Hosts: Nicole & Lexi
Date: April 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this rich, lore-filled episode, sisters Nicole and Lexi go deep into chapters 37 to 44 of When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, focusing on new fantasy lore, key character moments (especially Rave, Khan, Elowyn, and the Fate Herder), fan theories, rich worldbuilding, and major plot revelations. The episode dives into themes of fate vs. freedom, cultural tradition, and the setup for coming wars. Highlights include detailed play-by-play of the dramatic Tuca trial, speculation on prophecies, and a thorough fan breakdown of tribal customs—all delivered with signature humor, candidness, and sisterly banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap & Chapter Summary (06:07–10:28)

• Nicole summarizes chapters 37–44—A wild stretch featuring Rave’s river escape, the introduction of the Tuca trial, her confrontation with the Fate Herder, the gladiatorial fight, a prophecy about world-saving offspring, Khan’s rescue, and Elowyn’s dire journey toward a forced political bond.
• Memorable Summary Quotes:
  • “Before she can row, row, row your log gently down the stream, Rave is yelled at by strangers... one of which jumps into the water and saves her drowning ass. Thanks, stranger.” (06:32)
  • “She watches as Hawke and Zarin fight it out for her ... Hot slices off Zarin's head and holds it up for Rave. Thanks, I guess. She is rightfully appalled.” (07:54)

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2. Entering the Tribal World: Fate Herder & The Botanic Plains (16:51–23:32)

• Rave wakes up in strange company, is “herded” by an almost-mythical beast called the Fate Herder, and is brought into the center of a dramatic prophecy.
• The Fate Herder: Mystical silver creature that can turn invisible, nudging people toward their “fate.” Hosts compare it humorously to Totoro, Derpy (K-Pop Demon Hunters), and Diego from Ice Age—“it's like Totoro and Derpy had a baby” (21:22).
• Tribal World-Building: Clan members use clever camouflage, live inside a massive dragon skeleton, adapting ingeniously to their harsh home.
• Dragons & Moons: The fallen “Orva” moon is a centerpiece, sparking speculation about its past significance.

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3. Prophecy & Lore: The Role of “Kalu” and the Fate Herder (27:04–39:29)

• Rave is called “Kalu”—Through research, “Kalu” might combine “mother of the prophesied” and “sheep” (which implies innocence and peace), paralleling Mary/Madonna archetypes.
  • “This is literally one of the highest honors someone could undergo. And it doesn’t really register... that Rave would be thinking any different.” (44:45)
• Prophecy: Rave’s offspring are foretold to “tether the moons to the sky forever” (31:12). Hosts theorize about the relation between Kazari, Kahless, and world changes.
• Direct from Sarah A. Parker: Author is tight-lipped but drops emoji-laden hints when asked about the true meaning of “Kalu” and the Fate Herder’s real purpose (“the Fate Herder has reasons, that’s all I’ll say. Winky face.” – 38:17).
• Emotional Analysis: Rave, whose greatest fear is attachment, is the center of a fate-driven plot centered on forced connection and loss of autonomy.

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4. Cultural Clash: The Tuca Trial (42:26–47:11 & 51:08–109:40)

Setup:

• The clan's highest honor—the Tuca trial—is a brutal contest to decide who will “claim” Kalu for a world-saving union.
• Rave is furious at her lack of agency, highlighted humorously: “My body is mine and I will do with it as I please. Nothing more. Wow, how interesting. And not at all close to home.” (54:45)

Fight Breakdown:

• Hawke vs. Zarin: Hawke brutally decapitates Zarin (53:48–53:57).
• Rave Fights Back: Instead of submitting, Rave declares, “she will fight for herself. Gasp.” (55:40) Supported by the tribe’s queen, who quietly helps her.
• Hawke vs. Rave: Rave performs admirably even when Hawke resorts to dirty tricks, including poisoning her—a “stinky cock” move, per hosts.

Khan’s Dramatic Entrance & Epic Duel:

• Khan interrupts via dragon-backed entrance, insists on honoring clan customs, and, in a landmark moment, kneels to Rave, making her his “Greater”. This is analyzed as both a personal and political masterstroke:
  • “He is basically announcing that she is his Greater. So should she accept ... his title will be passed to her should he die today.” (69:11)
  • “In a world of boys, be a conveyor [Khan].” (71:34)
• The final duel: Khan beheads Hawke to save Rave (80:48–81:12), cementing alliances and triggering Rave’s internal struggle between longing for freedom and the safety/affection Khan represents.

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5. Character Analysis & Relationships

• Rave: Fiercely independent but forced into destiny and connection. Struggles with feeling worthy of love and autonomy.
• Khan: Respects Rave’s agency, offering his own power to her (“He is literally making her his greater... if you've been listening... you know I have just a weak at the knees spot for when the MMC steps to the side or steps behind the FMC... Khan here could run.” (71:34))
• Elowyn: Faces deep loss and enforced powerlessness, mirrored by her loyal moonplume dragon, Slotra, risking herself to stay near. Parallels drawn between Elowyn’s and Rave’s core personalities—both quietly subversive and relentless.
• The Fate Herder: Still mysterious. Possibly manipulates events for world-shaping reasons beyond immediate prophecy. Host theory: “I think that the Jacqul clan will come back into play next book as we are setting up for a big war. And this is the Fate Herder making chess moves for the future of the world.” (39:29)

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6. Foreshadowing & Theories (94:54–100:55)

• Multiple Moons Falling: Lexi predicts one more moonfall, Nicole thinks maybe “hundreds of moons falling, falling, falling...” (96:01–96:20). They make a friendly bet.
• Implications of Rave as “Kalu” and the Fate Herder’s Moves: Strong clues that these events are world-changing and set up for war.
• The Soul of the Clan: Unanswered mysteries about her prophecies and connection to Rave/Kazari.
• Slotra’s Spirit Within Rave: Confirmed as headcanon by both hosts.

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7. Worldbuilding Deep Dive—The Jakuhl Clan & Tuca Trial (101:07–109:40)

• Detailed cultural walk-through: Hierarchy, symbols (tattoos, chest-pounding patterns), gender roles, custom weapons, blood rituals, and the clan’s deep respect for prophecy.
• Malmer Pendants: Engagement-symbols carved uniquely by each male supporter, central to the mating ritual.
• Role of prophecy: The “Soul” of the clan holds all-important status as the voice of the creators.

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8. Favorite Moments and Notable Quotes (109:40–111:57)

• Nicole: On Elowyn’s anger: “In Elwyn’s diary entry she writes ‘cowardly fucks’... this is exactly what Rave would think, you cowardly fucks.” (109:54)
• Lexi: Admiring Sarah A. Parker’s language invention, reads the author’s quip: “Honestly, it’s an entire TED talk... my audiobook narrators probably hate me, because I certainly hated myself...” (110:18)

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Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “Before she can row, row, row your log gently down the stream, Rave is yelled at by strangers... one of which jumps into the water and saves her drowning ass. Thanks, stranger.” — Nicole (06:32)
• “My body is mine and I will do with it as I please. Nothing more.” — Rave via Nicole (54:45)
• “He is literally making her his greater... in a world of boys, be a conveyor [Khan].” — Nicole (71:34)
• “This venom makes Rave dizzy and lose her coordination... Hawke is finally able to land a blow to her shoulder, but Rave is still able to dip low and slide past him while whipping her out, axe out and slashing it through Hawk's calf muscle. Hawk's ego is really taking a toll during this fight because he cannot believe that she was able to land another hit on him.” — Lexi (62:51)
• “In Elwyn's diary entry she writes ‘cowardly fucks’. We've been pointing this out all deep dive. The similarities and glimpses of the same character in Elwyn and Rave... this is exactly what Rave would think, you cowardly fucks.” — Lexi (109:54)
• “[Sarah’s response on inventing Jakuhl’s language:] ‘Honestly, it’s an entire TED Talk, so I will just say thank you… my audiobook narrators probably hate me.’” — Lexi quoting Sarah A. Parker (110:18)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Recap & Chapter Summary: 06:07–10:28
• Fate Herder/Lore Introduction: 16:51–23:32
• Prophecy & Theories: 27:04–39:29
• Tuca Trial Setup & Fight: 42:26–47:11, 51:08–64:20
• Khan’s Duel & Agency/Love Themes: 64:20–84:37
• Elowyn’s Arc & Thematic Parallels: 85:13–94:54
• Foreshadowing & Worldbuilding: 94:54–100:55, 101:07–109:40
• Favorite Moments/Listener Q&A: 109:40–111:57

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Overall Tone & Style

The conversation is irreverent, theory-driven, bustling with pop references, self-deprecating humor, and emotional candidness. Both hosts balance scholarly speculation with relatable analogies and deep empathy for the characters, making complex fantasy worldbuilding feel personal and engaging.

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For Next Time

• The sisters tease that next episode (covering chapters 45–57) will reveal Elowyn’s full alternate identity, crucial plot advancements in Dom, and more dragon/character lore.
• “I can’t wait. Ah, it’s been finally time!” — Nicole (112:30)

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Useful for New or Returning Listeners

This summary encapsulates all crucial narrative, character, and world-building information, including explanations about prophecy, the Tuca trial, and the Fate Herder, with a strong sense of how these events will matter going forward. It is peppered with timestamps and quotes for direct access to key moments and preserves the podcast’s signature tone, banter, and passion for the fantasy genre.

Transcript

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[A]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, character themes, theories and more.

[B]

I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy lore nerd.

[A]

And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.

[B]

And today is episode four as we deep dive when the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, covering chapters 37 through 44. As always, please listen closely to our spoiler warning. Every episode, including this one, has spoilers for all of when the Moon Hatched.

[A]

We Meet the Fate Herder this episode, which is laden with all sorts of foreshadowing goodies. If you don't know why, then please go finish this book. We will be here when you're done.

[B]

Next, We a Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is

[A]

rated R. We get a vision and oh, it's a spicy meatball. So please be mindful of those little listening ears.

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Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events.

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We are so happy to be partnering with Tattered Cover and Book and gather again for a very special release party for Ballad of Falling Dragon on May 18th in Denver, Colorado. Then this Wednesday we are partnering with the Denver Nuggets and Rebecca Yarros for a very special fourth Wing themed basketball night at Ballerina.

[B]

We cannot wait to do a live show at the neptune Theater on April 19th in Seattle. Tickets are on sale. Now for you to dive deep into how to Train youn Dragon with us, Nicole the Complete Series of How to Train youn Dragon. Because yes, it is a series just got delivered to my door. I'm so excited.

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Oh I'm so happy for you. I can't wait for you to read 3,000 pages for April 19th. It's gonna be great. All of the links are on our website or below in the show notes for more information. And keep an eye out because we've got some more events coming soon. Like you know the ACOTAR release party that we just dropped on social media.

[B]

Last thing before we jump into this when the Moon Hatched episode. If you love fantasy fangirls and want more events, more content, more community and so much more, please check out Fantasy Fan Club.

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There are three Fantasy Fangirl specific tiers. Number one is the Hive Mind which includes access to our Boppin Discord Live Q and and community events, book clubs, author interviews, promo codes for live events plus 20% off and access to exclusive merch. That is all for $6 a month or you can join the Spice Watchers which includes everything from the hive mind level plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month and last but not least, we have the Feral Fans which includes everything from the previous two tiers plus more behind the scenes content, a welcome gift giveaways, private Discord channel, and your name shouted out on the podcast. That is for $25 a month. We also have more tiers with benefits for all three shows under the Fantasy Fangirls Media Network.

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Check out all the tier details and join the party@fantasy fangirls.com fanclub. The link is also in the show Notes and really and truly, thank you so much for supporting us as we turn this podcast into a dream come true. It is all because of you.

[A]

And now it is time to go to the Tuca Trial. Dun dun dun.

[B]

I'm so excited.

[A]

I love the Tuukka Trial.

[B]

To start off every episode, let's get a Parchment Lark Delivery where Nicole does us the honor of summarizing what happens in chapters 37 through 44 of when the Moon Hatched.

[A]

Chapter 37 diary entry in the middle of the night, the Tri Council comes for Elowyn. They claim that they are doing this for her protection, but it's mighty sus that her family was just killed and now she's being forced to bond with the guy who her father said over my dead body to oof. Too soon. Chapter 38 Rave regains consciousness, and thank the gods her subconscious doesn't have a death wish because she's clutching to a floating log. Down the stream she goes, and she's still in the burn. Damn. Before she can row, row, row your log gently down the stream, Rave is yelled at by strangers speaking a language vastly outside her Duolingo range, one of which jumps into the water and saves her drowning ass. Thanks, stranger. Just when Rave is about to yeet herself back into the water, a huge silver beast steps in her path. The Fate Herder has arrived and it's here to corral her to go with these two warriors. Can't a girl just escape in peace? Chapter 39 rave is brought to the tribe and before Twin Bloodstone Thrones, a couple is seated there, obviously in charge, but Rave is still in the dark because she can't speak their foreign words. And now there are two hulking men swaggering their way to her. An animal is then killed and its blood is caught in a bowl. Well, it's a good thing that Seiza shows up because she can explain what the fuck is going on. Turns out Rave is part of a prophecy and her offspring will tether the moons to the sky forever. Hooray. Oh, and all of this other stuff? Yeah, it's to decide who will be the father of said child. Gladiator style.

[B]

Welcome, Rave, to the Tuca trial.

[A]

Chapter Rave is herded to a crater, the fighting pit for the trial. She watches as Hawke and Zarin fight it out for her for the honor of binding to her. It doesn't take long before Hot slices off Zarin's head and holds it up for Rave. Thanks, I guess. She is rightfully appalled. And instead of accepting her fate, Rave decides it's time to fight for herself. Chapter 41 Hawke is pissed. Rave is pissed. The clan is shooketh, and the fight hasn't even begun yet. Once Rave is painted, the fight does officially begin. Hawk makes the first strike, but it's Rave who draws the first blood. And, well, calling Hawke upset would be a severe understatement. Nothing like a male wounded ego. Is that a snake in your pocket or is he just happy to see Rave? It's a snake, and its venom works fast. Hawke has Rave pinned to the ground, but homegirl has zero intentions of submitting to this corrupt motherfucker. But fate must be on her side today, despite the fate herder having yeeted out of here because Khan has arrived. Chapter 42 rave is definitely 100%, not at all relieved that Khan is here to save her. She is a strong, independent woman who doesn't need no man. But maybe, just maybe, he might make her situation a little easier. So, like, I guess he can help or whatever. Hawke has slightly different plans now that he's mad enough to challenge Khan for his position in the tribe. Apparently, being told no is very difficult for Hawke to hear. While these two duke it out, Seiza gives Rave the antidote for the venom, and the soul makes an announcement. Rave must not leave this crater unclaimed. And to top it all off, Khan announces that Rave is his greater. So should he fail, she has the right to make her own damn choices. Swooned. Chapter 43 Khan orders Rygon to stand down should this battle end in Khan's death. Rhygon doesn't like that shit one bit and roars a blast of dragonfire into the air, causing Rave's runes to light up like a glow stick. Hawke and Khan's battle is rough. They are well matched. But at the end of the day, it is Khan who beheads Hawke. Rave can't help the emotions that bubble up. One she's damn well gonna bury deep, deep down after this. After dropping off Hawke's head at her feet, Khan swoops Rave up and carries her away as she promptly passes out. Chapter 44 diary entry on Elwyn's way to the Burn, Slasher follows her, even though Elowen begged her dragon to stay behind. When they finally get to the Imperial Stronghold, Slatcher's body is bubbling and bursting in the sun, and no one, not even those damn blue beads, seem to be helping the poor moon bloom.

[B]

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[B]

it's time to listen to the elemental songs to explore key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and oh so much more. Let's orient ourselves after Rafe blacked out after her escape last episode when she attempted to climb down a cliff over a riverbed but a blast of rushing water tore her away with the current. She wakes up on a log floating down the river Oct. Unfortunately still in the burn. Damn, she didn't make it as far as she wanted to. She thinks to herself that maybe if she just takes a little nippy nap, she will wake up closer to the Fade's wall before Rave can tempt death with her questionable napping Location. A large male calls out to his companion in a language that Rave has never heard before. When Rave slips off the log and is not able to swim due to how utterly exhausted she is, the male jumps in to save her, pulling her ashore.

[A]

Yay. Yes, yes, quite the gentleman here. This male is huge and muscular and covered in pale scars with long red hair. He's wearing leather pants and a leather strap across his chest. It's holding an array of weapons, including dragon scale blades that look a lot like the one that Khan has. Hmm. I wonder why. While Rave is puking her guts up and attempting to make out literally anything these males are saying, she catches a glimpse of a tattoo on one of the men, and it finally clicks. These males are warriors of the Botanic Plains, and there's a very good chance this is the exact same spot that Khan spent his adolescence. Instead of the moon tattoos that Khan has, this male has some sort of bird with its wings fully stretched around his ribs, like it's giving him a hug. I love that. But between Firelark and the Elding bird, am I literally about to start bird watch here? Have I entered that era of my millennial age? I'm on bird watching. I wonder.

[B]

You know what? I'm actually very surprised it's taken this long, to be honest. No, there was bird watch in Quicksilver

[A]

in a different way, actually.

[B]

Not really. Tattoos.

[A]

Yeah, that's tattooed bird watch. Yeah, this is. This is the second time. Okay, okay, okay. Birds aside, I do wonder here, because he's. This man is, like, touching Rave's head and he's asking what Rave assumes is some version of, like, did you hit your head? Are you okay? And I wonder if this male has dragon sight, because he's looking very intensely at her head, and I'm like, does he see the runes that she has from, like, head injuries, or is he literally just asking, did you hit your head?

[B]

She says that there is a line later where she was, like, bleeding from her head, from where she was hit and knocked out. So I think that might be it, but.

[A]

Okay, then we'll go with that. I think I went. I looked a little too close. Back it up, Nicole.

[B]

When Rave attempts to nope the fuck out. The two males might not be having it, but they're not the only ones. Right before Rave leaps into the river to leave something on the opposite side catches her eye in the rock. There are claw marks scoring down the cliff, but there is nothing visible on that side to make these claw marks. Something invisible is climbing down the cliff, and the Two males notice too suddenly a metallic figure starts to form into a fluffy silver beast with metallic saber tusks protruding from either side of its upper jaw. It leaps across the river and positions itself between Rave and the water, very clearly keeping her from leaving. This is about to be a common theme, this stretch of chapters, because what in the world is this creature? The Fate Herder. The Fate Herder is a large silver feline like creature that is more legend than reality, as they are rarely ever seen. Those who have seen it are often considered crazy or delusional, boasting stories about the beast, nudging them to make a different decision than the ones they'd intended. Like, ahem, not so subtly nudging Rave to go with these warriors and not jump back into the river. Rave eventually complies when the Fate Herder makes it very clear she does not have an option, but she's definitely not happy about it. So, yes, a Fate Herder is a creature that can be transparent, but it literally herds one to go with their fate. The fact that a Fate Herder appeared and is making Rave go with these men is a prophecy starting to be fulfilled. Although much more on that here shortly. These males are in awe of what they are seeing and look at her with a whole whole new perspective and respect, which we will talk a lot more about shortly.

[A]

Okay, question for you. Am I the only one who sees the Fate Herder as Totoro from my neighbor Totoro and Derpy from K Pop Demon Hunters? Like, the two of them, Totoro and Derpy had a baby. That is the Fate Herder in my mind.

[B]

That is so funny because here I was, I was definitely thinking K Pop Demon Hunter, Derpy, like glow colors, like a panther. But you're right about the fluffiness there, right? So, yes, and I'm going to add one more with D. Diego from Ice Age with his tusks.

[A]

Oh. Oh, my God. That is a character I have not

[B]

thought of in so long.

[A]

Wow. Oh, that takes me back.

[B]

So between those three, it's like a baby.

[A]

The fluffiness of Totoro. And I also think like, the, like stoic because I don't know, I just see like the Fate Herder, very stoic and just very like blank face and just like walking like Totoro. That was a formative movie in my youth. Anyway, okay. With the Fate Herder Totoro herding Rave into wherever she's stuck next, this small crew begins walking along a crack like pathway through the Botanic Plains until they reach a lofty entrance framed by colossal bones. The bones of a dragon. It's important to note that as they're walking through the entrance, which is like a literal rib cage, what you think

[B]

about is the Lion King.

[A]

I know, See? And the elephant graveyard. Rafe notes in this ribcage that the size of this dragon must have been four times the size of Rygon. Rhygon is huge. Who the fuck was this dragon? I wish I had thought of this while we were sending Sarah our questions, because I absolutely would have included this. Like, who was this dragon? What happened to them? Oh my God.

[B]

I wonder if dragons over time, not unlike with House of Dragon, where they do get smaller over time, like the more that they are tame.

[A]

Domesticated.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Domesticated. I wonder.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, I love weird.

[B]

Because they have such distinct hatching grounds, just.

[A]

But something to think of. Yeah. Then the village opens up and Rave notes the animal hides that are stitched together to look like a scorched terrain to any winged creatures from above. I love these little notes here. Like, this is why this world is so, so freaking rich about like cultures and how they adapt to different environments. Like, oh, it just makes this world so rich. The Takal clan is massive and resides inside a crater, but not any ordinary crater. This was made from a recent fallen saber scythe Orva. Previously the clan lived in the mountains, but eight phases ago, after the Orva moon fell, they claimed this crater and outside of it as well. But the calcified mood did not break apart on impact. And I found this interesting. And I wonder if it's because like, for instance, Slasher was so cold for being in the shade. She's literally ice. So when she fell, she broke apart because she's made of ice, whereas saber scythes are more like rocks. And so I wonder if when this saber scythe Orva fell, since it was so rock, like, it didn't crash as much. I don't know. Rocks can still break apart. But you see, you understand my meaning. Orva is now pushed to the side of the crater. It's black and bronze and still scaled, looking much more like a dragon asleep rather than a fallen moon. Later, when Rave goes to honor said dragon, she'll notice how small Orva is, only just being big enough to support a writer. Another pause. Because if Slotra is a moon that fell, and that is a very important moon to Kazari, do you think that this moon could also have been important to Kizari as well?

[B]

Not necessarily. I think that her mother's moon was what caused the Chain reaction, so to speak.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Because, yeah, Kzari was, like, again, indirectly involved with her mom's moon coming down, but I think that she is still indirectly involved with these other ones. But it's almost like the floodgates have kind of opened up a little bit.

[A]

Okay. I have an idea, though. What if Orva is somehow related to one of the. A member of the Vhagor family? Like, for instance, what if this was Tyroth's adolescent dragon when he was young and then Orva died, went up into the moon, and I mean, we don't know if Tyroth has a dragon, but I'm just, I'm wondering if it means anything to Kizari.

[B]

I don't think it would be a Tyroth's dragon because SLA gets really sad here soon, seeing this dragon, and I think it's because she's reminded of it being an adolescent very much like her own child. So. And I'll get all into that here soon, so.

[A]

That's a good point.

[B]

No, I, I don't think it's important to Kazari because I also have to realize how sheltered she is. And that dragon would have been up there for a while too, probably because

[A]

this was only eight phases ago.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. One thing I do want to note, though, is because I looked up the meaning of Orva, and it's a French. It's a. Well, it's a French name meaning as

[B]

precious as gold and a courageous friend.

[A]

And you don't think it means anything special to Kazarian?

[B]

I'm not saying it does. I, I, no, I, I, I, I'm not saying necessarily to Kazari. I don't, I don't, I don't know.

[A]

I don't know. My eye is on you, Orva, and it's on this, this conversation right here. Anyway, as Rave is brought to the leaders of the clan, the Oa and the Oa I, the king and queen, basically, they are surrounded by the clansfolk entering the tent, all kissing the ground she's walking on, whispering to one another over and over the same word, all in reverence to Rave.

[B]

Everyone here is calling Rave Kalu. This is some kind of identity she was labeled as when the Fate herder wanted her to come with the warriors back the river. So I looked up the name meeting, and there's several variations here that we are going to go through, but one that seemed specifically connected to this is from the landlocked country Lesotho in southern Africa. Kalu was the mother's name of the first king of Lesotho. And from my Google search, understanding Kalu can translate to big, large, immense. So I wonder if Kalu in this context means some kind of combination. Mother of the prophesized, mother of the Savior, mother of the great, of the powerful, like the one who creates this immense presence that will keep the moons tethered to the sky.

[A]

Okay, so this is interesting. I like your answer way better than what I found, because when I did some Googling, I found that Kalu in Southern Sotho, which is one of the languages spoken in Lesotho, means sheep in English. But I don't think that these are not connected, because what do sheep symbolize? Innocence. Peace. Peace is huge here. I think it might be stretching a little for me at least here, but considering that Kalu is the one who is bringing the era of peace through their offspring, it could literally be them calling her a sheep. I also, like. I don't know how big of a connection this is here, but, like, Mary had a little lamb. This is all about the Virgin Mary and how she is the mother of the mother king of the Savior. Yeah. Yeah. So I. I really, really like. Oh, God, I really like this. So, yeah, I. I definitely think you're on to something with it being the mother of that first king. Oh, that's so good.

[B]

Well, luck. It was like her actual name, as I understand.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Luckily, we can ask the source. We signaled to Sarah and asked her what the name Kalu means in this context. And here is what Sarah said. Quote, I'm sure this will come as no surprise, but no comment. And then some cute little emojis, the

[A]

little crying, laughing, and the kissy face. Thanks, Sarah. I am going to officially go on the hill that we are on with. This is what it means is like that there. This is the symbolism behind what it means. I mean, it might have, like, another meaning.

[B]

I think that we could honestly even have conferred that, like, we didn't need to go off on our crazy Google

[A]

search to confer that either, to confirm that probably not. I don't know. It was fun to research sheep for

[B]

a little bit in an outlook.

[A]

All right, let's get into why everyone is calling Rave Kalu. A woman drifts forward wearing copper body paint and black beaded cloak. Interesting how the Oa Khan and this woman are all wearing black beads. I'm assuming that it's some kind of, like, status symbol, but I'm keeping my eye out for that. Something is rather off about this woman, though. Her eyes are completely white. Unseeing. And she says something that we can infer is Kalu has come. She says, kalu afkama. Kalua. Okay, lady, what gives you the right to say this? As we learn from Siza later, this woman's name is Sol, and she is quite literally reading the will of the creators. What does that mean? We're not entirely sure, because does that mean that she can speak to all of the creators? If so, that's a really big fucking deal. Because knowing that Elowin's dad. Oh, oh my God. Knowing that Elowyn's dad grew up in the Botanic Plains, I wonder if he's related to Sol and if he could hear multiple Creator songs. And that was one reason he was determined powerful enough to become the King of the Shade. Very possibly I'm going to go with that. But I digress. No matter what, here in this clan, Sol's word is final. It takes a moment before one of the few people who speaks Rave's language, AKA Siza, steps forward and discuss what the hell it means to be Kalu. Quote, it was foretold that the Fate Herder would bring you to us, that your offspring would tether the moons to the sky forever. Oh, we've got a prophecy.

[B]

And not just a prophecy, but one that has already been in motion for 123 phases. Rave's offspring, aka Elowen's daughter, the princess of the Shade named Kazari, will tether the moons to the sky forever. Within the story that we know so far, Kazari has stated to Khan that she hears the imprisoned Creator named Kahless and she wants to free Kahless from the Aetherstone because she has fallen in love with him. She is convinced that there has to be a way to free him from the Aetherstone without causing her own death. Determined to figure out a way and that Kazari and Elowen's family line was blessed with the power to contain him. And according to Khan, Kahless has to be trapped in the Aetherstone for a reason. As we readers know, the reason is inconsequential now has been for 23 phases, because the reason was to keep the moons tethered in the sky. But when Khazari started to listen and understand Kahless's language, learning too much as she put it, her mother's moon fell and two more have fallen since then, including Orva. So it's plausible from this prophecy that Kazari will find a way to keep the moons tethered in the sky. Much like we theorize she's the cause of them falling, at least inadvertently. And she is the first that we know of who can hear and understand Kahless, who has always yearned to be heard. I love reading this with the knowledge we have on a reread about Kazari and seeing all of the puzzle pieces laid out here, like they're not quite being put together. But oh, my goodness, it's so much fun to, like, just see it all and be like, oh, my goodness, there's a great story coming here. As we were talking about last episode, we were really wondering what it means for the familial line that has to pass down the Ether Stone. Now that Kazari has given herself to the creators, she will not be having offspring. Now, all the other context with her and Kahla's aside, but she will not be having offspring to continue passing down this responsibility of the Ether Stone. So we asked Sarah what would that mean for the. For the future, because that's breaking traditions across generations. And so this is what she said. Nicole, would you like to do the honors?

[A]

Absolutely. She said, quite. There has always been an offspring, yes, but the family line is fragile and at this stage frayed down to a single thread. K' Zari does not intend on having children to pass the diadem down to. She intends on freeing Kahless from the Stone. Now, because we're us, we also decided to ask if there's any way, any way Sarah could give us some teasers about this prophecy playing out. Like, on a scale of 1 to 5, how connected is the fact that Kazari is in love with Kahless and how much does that have to do with this prophecy coming true? We didn't ask percentage. We asked on a scale of 1 to 5. And Lexi, what did she say?

[B]

She literally gave the emoji with the zip over the mouth.

[A]

I love emoji. Sarah signal. A Sarah emoji has just become so fun. I love it. All right, so as much as we on fantasy fangirls love a prophecy, much to Sarah's dismay, Rave does not love a prophecy, especially one such as this. Think about how much Rave hates letting people in. Hates isn't even the right word. She just doesn't. She believes the moment someone is in her heart, their death is imminent. It's a death sentence. Then multiply that with a child. I obviously do not have children, but from what I have heard, they wedge their little way into your heart and

[B]

just a little bit, just a little bit.

[A]

It doesn't all consume you and make you love in a way you've never learned to love before. That's terrifying to Rave, given what she's experienced with other loved ones in the past. Also, Rave craves the one thing she has never had. Freedom being. Freedom. Freedom being, quote unquote, tied to another being or at least responsible for them, as one is with a child. That is not in alignment with Rave's version of freedom. She is in fact religious about taking her birth control. This is just one more pair of shackles for her as she sees it. And I do not blame Rave for being so angry that she is suddenly in this position.

[B]

Oh, I don't blame her whatsoever. No one's blaming her at all.

[A]

No, not at all.

[B]

But then, of course, there is the irony, the rich, rich irony that she already has a child who they will warn later on to Khan that Kazari will be used as leverage against Rave slash Elowyn if the Vagor twin kings discover Elowin Rafe is live a daughter who has already written to her saying, I need you. Rave does not want to be needed. Like Nicole is saying. We know how much she was terrified of being needed just by that letter. She had no idea that it was her own child needing her like that. And of course there's also what we've been highlighting all deep dive about how Rave does not want anyone to trust her because it only spells death for them. So much setup for this big reveal that we'll be getting, I assume, next book. Also, some foreshadowing in the stretch with the Oa and Oie's baby. When the babe's father kisses the baby, it is strangely painful for Rave to watch. I bet it's because Elowyn wished Khan could love their baby, know it was his, and share a life as a family together where he would be able to give his own child a kiss.

[A]

Oh my God, rip my heart out and stomp on it, why don't ya? The one thing I do want to flag here is about the Fate Herder and this prophecy. Because the clan is all bought in on the fact that this is why the Fate Fate Herder brought her here. But Rafe thinks, quote might just be me. But I get the potent sense that it the Fate Herder doesn't want me here for that. Lines like this are not written by accident. Like that is a direct Easter egg for us. Especially when later when Khan arrives, the Fate Herder is, oh, I don't know, suddenly mysteriously absent. That feel feels so suspicious and like there's this whole other agenda for the Fate Herder. What are you doing?

[B]

My theory is that the Fate Herder needed Rave to warm up to Khan more. And what unfolds with his arrival and his fight for her is all these pieces coming together for Rave to receive his Malmo to be proclaimed as above even Khan. I think that is huge. And also him really securing that. That she is greater than him, that he is still greater than Hawk, that they are two powerhouses together. And this is what the Chakula clan is seeing right here. Which brings me to my second reason that I think that the Fate Herder is orchestrating all of this. I think that the Jakul clan will come back into play next book as we are setting up for a big war. And this is the Fate Herder making chess moves for the future of the world. But specifically getting Khan and Rave together.

[A]

So I love this and I absolutely agree. I also wanted to shoot my shot and decided to signal a Sarah and ask her if just if there was another reason that the Fate Herder brought her here and if she could even just give us a little hint. And she said, quote, the Fate Herder has reasons. That's all I'll say. Winky face. Okay. So then I decided to go one step further and ask. I know I'm jumping ahead a little, but when Khan arrives, the Fate Herder is suddenly not in sight. And I thought that was weird. And I asked if there was a specific reason that the Fate Herder yeeted out of there. And she said, quote. Can't answer the first part. Where did the Fate Herder go? Because spoilers. But yes to the second. There was a specific reason it grew less and less solid as its intended outcome. What she's putting quotations around. That was becoming more and more likely. It disappeared once more. Its presence is no longer needed. It's not just one to continue hanging around unless it feels like its job is done. Not unless. Nope. I'll stop there. Sarah. Wiki face. Sarah. Oh my God. Okay.

[B]

But that just cements. What I'm saying is once when Khan arrives, once when he is fighting for her, once when the Malbor is handed to her like that. All was necessary to happen, I'm gonna say, for their love story. But it's so much bigger than that. Their love story is only the domino effect of. Of the change in this world. The Kazari and all of this. And.

[A]

But now where do you think the Fate Herder went? Because she literally says she can't answer that because of spoilers. We know it was running off in the distance as Raygon, Khan and Rave are all flying away. But where was. Where were you go? Is it going to the Elding? Is it going to the. The.

[B]

I don't know, but it's just cemented for me that Rave will be seeing the Fate Herder again. And I wonder if the Fate Herder will herd her to her destiny, so to speak.

[A]

Yeah. What if. What if the Fate Herder is going to Kazari? I hope so, because she needs help. She needs help right now.

[B]

I don't know if that's the Fate Herder's purpose, though.

[A]

She needs a derpy. She needs to snuggle with Totoro. It's okay.

[B]

She at least has knee right now. Kind of. I think knee's dead.

[A]

Pretty sure. Okay, sounds good. All right. The clan has found their clue, so they need to figure out who's gonna be the world's saving baby daddy. How do you do that? A Touka trial, that's how. Two men step forward. Here we have Hawk, who is a gigantic men with many dot tattoos on his back in the shape of a serpent. Slippery snake. Then we also have Zarin, the smaller of the two, and his tattoo is a funny caw, which are flying creatures similar to basically giant bats and a Bartok. Can you imagine? Just a giant Bartok and a key cursor. Now. Good times, good times. They're not blood for our Acotar coverage. Aw, I miss him, man. Now, the Fanikas are not the size of Bartok. They're instead about half the size of a molten maw, which are the smallest of the dragons. But Fawnikaws tend to be very popular in the burn as they blend into the rust like tones of the terrain. Now these two men, Zarin and Hawke, are then painted in coke. Blood, Fresh blood, literally. The animal's throat is slitted right there. And the two men step forward. That was not cool. Not okay. Mean Rave, who the Tuca trial is obviously over, is also painted in that blood. Then they are all led to the crater where the saber scythe Orva fell, which is basically like their battle ring. Within the crater, the sand is coarse and it contains little shards of iron to make sure every fighter is on equal playing field and no elemental songs are allowed. I freaking love that. Now, wouldn't that get stuck in their toes though? Because aren't they barefoot? I feel like that would cut up your feet.

[B]

I think that they have some pretty strong feet considering they.

[A]

Okay. Dungeon crawler Carl See, here, I was

[B]

thinking of, like, the hobbit. Obviously, not. Not actually like the Hobbit. Like, my man Khan does not have hobbit feet.

[A]

I didn't even put it into context with Khan.

[B]

But, like, this is their terrain. I don't think they have your feet, Nicole. That's what I'm trying to say.

[A]

My feet.

[B]

Why do you think they got calluses on their feet? That's what I'm trying to say.

[A]

Why don't you call it my feet? My feet are normal. That's what I mean. No, that's literally my point. We're not charging for feet on this podcast. I never said we were. Rave must accept each contestant's malmer. The way I see this, these are necklaces that are basically like engagement rings, and they are used in this clan to court the other person. But here it's for her to wear only one once the trial is over and has deemed a victor. How does a victor happen? It's just, you know, a simple fight to the death. Just a simple one. One must behead the other and hold it up in. In victory style.

[B]

Wait, real quickly. I bet that's where Khan had his whole thing, where it's like, you gotta behead them, because if you don't behead them, then they'll come back to haunt you.

[A]

Yes. Oh, my God. That's. And also, he beheaded his father, but he also fed it to Raygon as a snack. So this is an extra precaution.

[B]

There. Like that. I think that is, like, a cultural thing. It's like, no, you got to behead these people.

[A]

Yeah. Now what will the victor win? They will be bound to the great Kalu to fill her with many babies, and their offspring will save the world by keeping the moons tethered to the sky. It is a great honor that Rave absolutely hates. But I do want to look at this from the Jaco clan side of things real quick, because I do think that's a really important part. Whenever we're looking at different cultures. This trial is an incredible privilege when you are part of the Jaco clan, especially a trial as important as to be bound to the Kalu. So when Siza and the rest of the clan are so excited about this trial, it's because this is literally one of the highest honors someone could undergo. And it doesn't really register on their minds that Rave would be thinking any different.

[B]

Well, and I love how Seiza will say a little bit later when Rave is just like, no. Like, no, no, no, no, no. I will fight for myself, like I need to do this for myself. And Seiza will say we cradle different values. I apologize for overstepping. And goes to show, from their perspective, yes, this is the highest honor. And Seiza, I will say, really deserves some credit for recognizing these differences and apologizing for trying to push their agenda, their values on her. Poor Rave just wants to be free so she can go seek her revenge on Rexaros in the Fade, but she keeps getting pulled into confinement, which yes, unfortunately I do have to include Khan in this. No matter his reasoning, this is fate literally hurting her in a different direction from going and seeking her revenge. It's hurting her toward Khan, toward her. I'll call it destiny here. If you've been with us at FFG for a while, you'll know I'm always fascinated by the concept of fate in these fantasy stories. On this reread, I'm really starting to wonder if there is a, I'm going to say fated mates situation going on between Khan and Rave, but I don't mean it in the usual context that we think of. I'll save that for a few episodes. But staying on this path, Rave will end up in Dom and what do you know? Wreck will arrive in Dom later and she'll get her revenge in addition to all the rest. On this path toward self discovery, connection with our past and plans for the future. Change is on the horizon with Kazari and Kahless and the moons falling with the three Vhagor brothers and preparing for war with Elwyn still being alive and shaking things up without even knowing it yet. There's so much change coming and the Fate Herder is literally making sure that Rave goes down. I'll call it the right path to open up all these possibilities here, but Rave doesn't want any of that. She wants to be free of expectations. And her fate that she is refusing to even consider, but it keeps following her and not letting her live in the darkness anymore. Fate brought her and Khan to the Hungry Hollow on the same night, and then again him to her cell. And here I find it so interesting how fate is tangibly nudging her in the supposed right direction. Like this creature that Sara has created to embody fate is just really cool. Before Rey fights in her own Tuca trial, we appreciate your support so much as we take a quick break.

[A]

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[A]

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[A]

let's get into battle before the fight begins. Rave is led to a raised dais that is thankfully in the shade. Remember, the burn is hot as hot. The two males fighting for her kneel before Rave, each holding out a necklace. This is the Malmer. Once Rave accepts both Malmers and places them on the rug beneath her feet, then, and only then, when can the trial begin? Xarin's weapon of choice is a partially curved sword, while Hawke chooses a bludgeoning stick with metal spikes coming out of its bulbous head. This sounds like something Hawk would choose. When the gong's gong sounds, signaling the start of the trial, Zarin is first to attack. Go Zarin. And he slashes violently at Hawk's guts. But Hock throws Zarin back on his ass and Zarin just barely rolls out of the way before Hawk slams his club down on the ground. Go Zarin. Go Zarin.

[B]

But then Hawk takes Zarin's own blade and gruesomely takes Zarin's head from his body. And he's dead. Like dead dead.

[A]

Are you sure there's no one coming back?

[B]

Don't even bring that up to me, Nicole.

[A]

But are we sure we saw the body?

[B]

Yes, we have the head of the body. And this is not really a good thing though, because we don't like Hawk. Later on, Veya Khan's sister will confirm that Hawke is bad news by calling Hawke a brute and being glad that Khan kills him with some show don't tell clues that Veya might have her own history with Hawke. We know Veya won her own took a trial. So while I assume she would have had to kill the male she fought against, maybe one of the reasons she gave herself to the creators to prevent being forced into any future TUCA trials as well, was because Hawke wanted to bind with her. Yes, I think she's got some kind of weird history with him.

[A]

I absolutely think so. Too much like Veya, Rave is not okay with the outcome of this trial. Have we mentioned she wants her freedom, damn it. And here is this man who is the embodiment of everything she hates about males in this world. He feels like he has Ownership over her. Then add on top of this that the the Fate Herder is suddenly making all of her life decisions. And as Rave says, my body is mine and I will do with it as I please. Nothing more. Wow, how interesting. And not at all close to home. Ah. The feeling of being out of control is amplified only times a million when Hawke puts his own Malmer around her neck, which Rave describes as a shackle. Nope, that's it. No, no, no. She has had it. And Rave declares she will fight for herself. Gasp.

[B]

But for us, of course she will fight for herself. We wouldn't expect anything less from this fierce, independent woman. She's had a really shitty few days and dammit, she is ready to take back some control before this little window of freedom is truly gone.

[A]

For something this special, this is sacred to the clan. This is very abnormal. So the clan members all look to the OA for this decision, but it is not the OA I want to focus on here. The oa. The Queen whispers over to Rave in Rave's own language, using Claude, basically using the wind to carry her over to Rave so they can converse silently again. Go Queens. Helping Rave when the Kings are maybe not the best. The OA here gets a lot of points though, because after Rave says, quote, I do not choose this, the OA leans over to her bound. And it is the oa, not the oa, who announces that Kalu can enter the ring if and only if, the Fate Herder allows it. Literally. This is the first time in this book that a woman Queen is held with respect and gets to make the decisions for the Massive. Maybe I'd actually, you know, I'd say, like, I'd be living in the Burn. I'd be living in the Jacob clan. This sounds really nice. Except for the bare feet thing I

[B]

was going to say.

[A]

Now, I personally.

[B]

Nicole, I know how sensitive you are with sand.

[A]

I don't like sand. It's like, even she just gets everywhere.

[B]

So annoying.

[A]

But I love beaches. Anyway, I really wanted to know what it was about the OIE that made her step into Help Brave. And while I signal to Sarah, she actually said that this is a question she would not be able to answer. Which leaves me with 40 million more questions. I think we're gonna see the OIE again.

[B]

Oh, absolutely. Like this. Because I've actually wondered when I was first reading this book, it's kind of like, okay, this kind of feels a little side questy, right? And I really do think, though, because of the Fate Herder's influence here and how it does end up disappearing and stuff. I think that this whole stretch of scenes is really going to come. Come back in a big way in the future of the series. Yes. Because again, book one is all set up. All set up.

[A]

Yes. And this is book one was supposed to be part one of book one. And Ballad of Falling Dragons was supposed to be part two of book one. So I definitely think we're gonna see them again because I agree. I hear a lot of people mention how this is one of the parts that feels very side questy. I'm not gonna lie. I never felt that way. And, and I even.

[B]

Oh, it's still one of my favorite parts. But as far.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I do. I definitely feel like on this read of the deep dive, side quest is not the way to describe this because this feels like it's going to be so important later on. Yes, yes.

[B]

Ultimately, it's the Fate Herder's decision. If the creature lets Rave enter the trial, then sure, who are they to prevent fate? And of course, the fate Herder allows Rave to go into the arena, once again raising the question of what is she really here for? And again, I keep coming back to the fact of bringing her and Khan closer to have his presence here as he declares to the whole clan that she is above him as the greatest. That's huge.

[A]

That's huge. All right. Now this fight is going to look a little bit different. It's not technically a fight to the death since Hawke has already done that. He's already proved his victorship. Instead, all Hawk must do is to get Rave to submit to him winning. However, Rave has not claimed ahead today. She hasn't checked that off her to do list. Rave will need to.

[B]

It really is part of her daily to do.

[A]

To be honest, that's true. I joke, but you're right.

[B]

You're right.

[A]

So Rave will have to kill him and cut off his head in order to win her own freedom, her own Tuka trial. So, after being repainted with Hulk blood, this poor Kolk. I'm so sad for him. And choosing her weapon, which is a small iron axe with a leather bound pommel that comes in extra handy, she slowly circles the outer perimeter of the fighting pit, waiting for Hawke to make the first move. And he does. With a bellowing roar, he charges at Rave with so much power, she can feel the vibrations of his his steps as he approaches. Sidestepping his attack, Rafe counters by whipping around and slashing her axe into Hawk's side. Ha ha. Through his skin. And flesh so deep that she nicks bone and draws the first blood. That's an understatement. Hawk is utterly shocked.

[B]

A woman.

[A]

She was able to land a blow on him. Dirty. And he funnels that shock into pure rage. While he's examining the injury and coming to terms with the fact that he has a little wounded pride. So small, little Hulk. Rave scoops up a handful of sand, and when he attacks next, Rave tosses the sand into the air. And even without singing to the creators, the wind gusts and the sand goes straight into his eyes. Rave thinks that it's Claude helping her. I think it was the Oie who helped her.

[B]

I don't know if she'd be able to help her in the arena because of the iron in the sand.

[A]

But the iron is only in the crater. It's not on the outskirts. Right?

[B]

True. But in the crater where?

[A]

True.

[B]

So, like for instance, when Rave was outside of the battle arena, the Oie was able to communicate with her through Claude. But because Rave is inside, no one else would be able to wield to give anyone an unfair advantage. Only Clothe would be able to do something on her own. That's how I interpreted that.

[A]

At least that's fair. Okay, that's fair. That's fair. That's.

[B]

Although I do like. I. I don't know. Claude, I think, just totally did that on her own.

[A]

I could totally see clothes doing it. Like helping out a bestie, you know? But I also. I just love the idea of the Oie also stepping in to help. I just love a woman Queen stepping in to help another woman Queen again in this book. Like, that's just. That's a trope I'm learning. I really love. Now that Hawk is double distracted. He's got a wound in his side and he's got sand all in his face. Rave jumps on his back, wrapping one arm around his throat, and her axe is ready to slash open his neck. But before she can, he grabs her arm and pulls her off him. She quickly rolls to the side, barely avoiding being bashed by his mace. During this altercation, though, Rave did manage to slice his master neck just a tiny bit, but not enough to kill him, sadly. Darn. The fight must continue.

[B]

This is when Hawk pulls out a small volley serpent from his pocket and throws it at her. The second her weapon hits Hawk's thigh, the serpent bites her left booby and falls to the ground, disappearing into the sand. Bad. Bad, Bad. This is bad. Such a dick move, Hawk. You are a stinky cock.

[A]

A stinky cock. Stinky. He probably is a stinky, because who knows how much these people shower. There's not a whole lot of water here unless you go to the the Zelda pool a few miles down the way.

[B]

This venom makes Rave dizzy and lose her coordination.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

She can't dodge his attacks. Hawk is finally able to land a blow to her shoulder, but Rave is still able to dip low and slide past him while whipping her out, axe out. And slashing it through Hawk's calf muscle. Hawk's ego is really taking a toll during this fight because he cannot believe that she was able to land another hit on him. But her luck comes to an end, and when she attempts to make another charge toward him, she stumbles and falls to the ground. When Hawk rushes toward her, Ray switches tactics and throws her axe at him. He dodges. She launches herself at him and digs her foot into his slap sliced calf. When he roars back in pain, Ray takes her leather strap and wraps it around his neck to choke him. He goes limp, but Rave is still under the influence of volley venom, so by the time she eventually locates her actual ax, it is too late and she's hit in the head. Turns out, strangling someone twice her size is significantly harder than Wraith expected while under the influence of snake venom. When she tumbles to keep fighting, Hawke screams at her to submit. With one final punch, Rave is officially down for the count, and Hawke uses this advantage to straddle her and attempt to beat her into submission. We hate this guy. Giant walking L of a person. But Rave would rather die than be bound to the stinky cock against her will.

[A]

So she laughs in his face.

[B]

I'm not afraid of death.

[A]

Suddenly, a shadow blocks out the sun and a roar echoes through the air. Who could that be? A bird? A plane? Planes that don't exist in the world? It is the one, the only conveyor pist. Not pissed at Rave, but definitely pissed at the situation. As we learned last week from Sarah, Khan was terrified when he walked upstairs and found Rave missing. He's lost Elowen before, and it was quite literally like his own death. He will not let that happen again. To walk in, though, and see her in the middle of a tuca trial against a male he does not enjoy. Wow, there's just. Yeah, no way he steps down off of Rhygon. Literally. His steps are vibrating and splitting the ground. Boulder. I have a headcanon about Boulder. All about dramatic entrances like this. This. God, yeah, it's the quiet ones. It's the quiet ones, they love the drama. I feel like he's. He's. I don't know, he. He gives me.

[B]

I give me dramatic presence with Khan and just like they are this big, immense, sturdy presence, I think presence.

[A]

I think that he is really echoes that in Khan. I don't know. I just. You cannot convince me otherwise. Stop trying to. Rave is overwhelmingly relieved to see Khan. So much so that she is shaking. Quite a different reaction than when she was literally fleeing him less than a day ago. But he is the devil she knows, at least in her mind. So gods, yes, please get her the fuck out of here. But small Cock Hawk is refusing to back down. He's claiming he won, damn it. But Rave did not submit to him. And Khan is adamant that she is not free to be claimed by anyone. He's like, no, I've waited too damn long for this. But he also. That's obviously not his reasoning. He says instead that it's because Rave did not grow up in the tribe, so this trial should have been avoided in the first place.

[B]

So it's important to know, before Khan became the King of the Burns, he was actually Oa here. But once he killed his pa, he offered the position to the current Oa, who was the second greatest. The irony that Khan is doing a tuka trial now to prove to have the honor of bearing Clue's offspring when the strongest, the former Oa, AKA their king Khan, is already unknowingly the father to the offspring, destined to tether the moons to the sky. Again, destiny, fate, all of this here. So when Khan enters the crater, everyone pounds on their chest four times to show respect and acknowledgement of the greatest. Except Hawk's not cool with this. He is the third greatest fighter to this clan, so he is second greatest to their current king. And he wants to challenge Khan for the greatest position so he can have seniority over Khan. Because Khan would be dead. He is challenging the Rosker Order. Roskar means the greatest. So he can overcome Khan and replace him as the Rosker as the greatest. Which means as the greatest, Hawk's rule would be law and he would get to claim Kalu Rave as his. I'm not entirely sure where the Oa, their king, fits into this, though.

[A]

I concur. But we'll come back to that. Because there's actually another person whose word means more than even the Oa or even Khan's. Here, here. Before these two males can have at it. Sol, the woman with white eyes from earlier who called the Tuca Trial. Her head tips back and she has a moment again of speaking with the creators. Then she announces. Tough luck, King of the Burns. Sucks to suck. Since blood has already been spilled in Rave's honor, she cannot leave this crater unclaimed. If she does, more moons will fall in this place of. Of spilled blood and the Jakuh clan will lose their place of sanctuary. So they have no choice. Now, either Hawke claims Rave or someone else has to. Yeah, this is not happening under Khan's watch. He's been through enough, damn it. This here just shows how much of a separate entity the Botanic Plains are. Even the King of the Burn does not have final say here. Khan, because he's Khan, though, he does not force that kingliness, that King of the Burnedness onto these people. He follows their customs. So offer.

[B]

I bet it was very freeing for him to be their Oa.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So he was not even technically under his father's rule. I mean, like, in so many ways he was, but because the Trikul Kalan is so separate.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He was able to live that separate life there.

[A]

Yeah, I agree completely. Yes, yes, yes. Khan offers Rave his Malmer. But even once she does take it, he does not get up from kneeling in front of her. He stays crouched, waiting for her to touch her own hand onto his tattoo. In the Jakuh clan culture, what Khan is saying right now is that he respects her above himself and above his very own honor. This is a big deal because he is King. His honor is very fucking high. In doing so, he is basically announcing that she is his Greater. So should she accept what he is offering, put her hand on his tattoo on his back, then his title will be passed to her. Should he die today later on in this section, Khan will even pound his chest six times right before fighting with Hawk, which is unheard of. Like, Siza doesn't even know what this means. £4 means it's for the greatest. Basically, 5 is for their OA, their king. 6 has never been seen before. And what I'm assuming, or at least how I'm taking this, is that this £6, it's for rave. He is literally pounding his chest one more time than the Oah for her, like, again, making her the Greater. So what does this all mean? Because. Because this is really, really important and good book boyfriend material here, so we're not going to brush over it. Should he die, Rave is, like we said, his Greater. But that means that any decision that she makes, it will not be allowed to be challenged. So even if Hawk wins and Khan dies, she can leave the crater and receive no dishonor. No dishonor on her cow, on her cold hulk. Because Khan here is literally making her hawks greater. If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you know, I have just a weak at the knees spot for when the MMC steps to the side or steps behind the fmc. Screw that, because that. That was walking. So Con here could run. Khan is literally saying with six pounds, nice. That he is making her the greatest in all the land. In a world of boys, be a conveyor.

[B]

Okay, so I have a question.

[A]

Gimme.

[B]

If Con just announced to everyone that Rave is his greater, so therefore, no matter the outcome, she is in charge, why would Hawk follow through with this

[A]

teeny, tiny, little stinky cock? Ego.

[B]

That's why Wins. His claim over Rave has just been nullified by Khan. So he is in a lose, lose situation. He either loses his life or he loses the girl.

[A]

I think that two things are true here. One, Hawk does not give off the kind of man who would back down from a fight vibes. And number two, we all know the type of guy thinks he is so godlike that he can make any woman, any partner a week at the knees or bow down to him, whatever.

[B]

Yeah, that foreplay of fighting her was really great. In this snake.

[A]

Well, in the Jacqueline clan, it really. Oh, okay. Yeah, the snake is one thing. And I'm not talking about his penis. Like, I. I really do think that it. He is so in this culture, obviously that he believes, believes this is all kind of gonna work out for him. Like, this is what a man does to court a woman in the Jakul clan of the highest honor. So why would she not? Should he win, get with him.

[B]

She didn't the first. I am sorry. I am trying to have.

[A]

Being an idiot. He's being an absolute idiot. Okay, I'm not defending him. I'm. I'm not saying he's making any sense. I'm saying in his mind, I think that this is okay what. What he has grown up to believe. However, this is a very classic also case of, you know, you could have just listened to her and you could have figured out what was wrong from the very beginning.

[B]

My guy.

[A]

I mean, to be fair, there's a language barrier, but actions speak louder than words. I will say that in all serious note, this act from Khan with making her his greater, it means so much to Rachel. Rafe, who have I mentioned above all, craves freedom. He sees that deepest desire and wish and wants to give it to her, even if it means his own death. So, yeah, as Rafe says, this man is so easy, Much too much easy to care about. But she still accepts the gesture. And oh, my God, quote, Khan trembles all over, the motion vibrating up my arm and into my heavy heart, Heart making my breath hitch, literally. When she puts her hand on him, he shivers because he's like, we're one step closer. We're one step closer. Sweet God.

[B]

Assuming that the series is setting up for war between the Vhagor brothers, I bet the Jacquil clan will be an essential ally, slash extension of Khan's forces. They're expert warriors. They respect him. And now he has declared Elowin, Rave, Navon that she is, is his Greater. More than anything. I could see Khan being in a sticky, inaccessible situation in book two, or even book three. Like, he's got three brothers who hate him very much, one of which is a half brother who is the scavenger king. And Rave is one who has to rally the Jakuh clan because she will be able to leverage that title he is bestowing upon her right now. While holding Khan's Malmer, Rave is hit with a vision. Little does she know, in the moment, it's actually a memory. In this flash of a vision, his mama is resting between her naked breasts and she's writhing in pleasure. Oh, my. When Ravelyn looks down at her body in this vision, she sees Khan going to town, down on her, one might even say feasting on her like it's his own personal buffet.

[A]

Okay, so this is steamy and hot. Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot. But it also begs the question, why now? Why now? I have a few ideas, and my top guess is that as Rave is accepting this from him, accepting his Melmer, putting her hand on his tattoo, her walls are crumbling down. Especially with the gesture from Khan that she is his Greater. With the crumbling of that hardened exterior, I think that it's actually Slotra, who, literally, from her icy lake, shoved up this vision through it like Matchmaker, Moonbloom style. Literally. Right before this vision comes about, Rave's blood turns to ice.

[B]

I never even imagined Slasher would be part of this. I think it's Rave's walls really coming down, and she's being introduced to instances and objects, in this case, that have deep emotions and memories tied to them.

[A]

So I definitely think that could be part of it. So I'll throw out a few other options that could have, I'll say, triggered this vision. She still has poison coursing through her like the antidote is slowly making its way. But I wonder if, because her brain was already fuzzy, if it, like, activated the memory somewhere in her brain. I also wonder if the Fate hurter could have triggered it, although this feels doubtful. So since it's in, I think it's

[B]

a Melmer that triggered it.

[A]

Well, okay, hold on. I'm not done. Sol clearly has visions. This came right after Sol made her declaration. Can she trigger visions in other people? Or literally, was it just her holding the Melmer and I don't know, memories are powerful or whatever. The. Yeah, me. I'm like, what's the con?

[B]

She has a very deep emotional connection to this object. After commanding Raikon to stand down in case Khan is killed, which is not comforting, Khan joins Hawk in the battle pit and they charge immediately. Skin is splitting, blood is flying. Their weapons are clanging. There is no rhythm to their fight. It is pure chaos of muscle and rage. Oh, my. Hawk lands a hit to Khan's abdomen.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

Causing Raven myself to cry out. As more and more strikes hammer down on him. She's crying out because deep down she loves him so much and is terrified he might be killed. By this point, Rave is clutching Khan's Malmir like it'll protect him. But the universe has other plans. When Hawke's spiked club lands a blow directly to Khan's chest, Rave is in

[A]

full panic as she screams his name and orders him to live, Khan, live. Okay, while we're on then. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I had to. Soon now, because we were talking about this earlier. I do want to hit on this real quick because do we know if mates exist in this world? All we know is a few mentions from specifically the dragons in the chapter of the Other the Other Slash. Probably Slotra thinks about the possibility of Fae mates, but it's never confirmed. It's always talked about in the maybe sense. So I could see this as one of two things. One, there are mates in this world, and obviously 1000% Khan and Rave are mates. Or two, if Khan is Daggamorc with Raigan and Rave is very special super bond with Slatra. What if Slatra and Raigen are mates and that could surely create some kind of special connection bond between Rave and Khan if there are not Fae mates in this world.

[B]

I had totally forgotten that about the Other, which at this point it's just canon, that slatcha. The way I see it is I don't think that there are Fae mates in this world. We haven't really heard.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah, I don't think so. Especially, like, Elowen never mentioned it either or anything like that. But what I do think is there is something very different and powerful about Khan and Raith Elowen and that there is a force larger than themselves. So when I say faded mates, it's not so much in the traditional sense of faded mates, like, I'll say like a traditional soul mate, but it more is kind of like a prophesied sort of faded mates. I. I know there's. There's a big difference of that in my head. I don't know if I'm explaining it at all here.

[A]

No, I'm. I'm picking up what you're putting down. I feel like maybe they won't say the word mates itself, but there is definitely some prophecy, some fate that is. I mean, literally, the fate herder is.

[B]

Yeah, like there is fate that is like almost like a link between them and it is so powerful because there are. That it's love and there is a force much bigger than themselves at work here.

[A]

Are you saying through love all is possible?

[B]

Yes, I absolutely am. I think that this sense of their. Their. Their love for one another is so deep and pure and impactful and consequential that it is kicking off this whole domino effect because it is so strong. And maybe that's also just because it is so strong and destined to be together.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Yep. Mating bonds aside, though, through clenched teeth, Khan drags his weapon down Hawk's inner biceps, severing it and forcing Hawk to drop his own weapon. Thank God. Both males roar as Khan grabs Hawk by the hair, forcing him to expose his neck.

[B]

And with Hawk completely at his mercy, Khan takes his serrated blade and starts sawing through Hawk's neck. Oh, dear. And Hawk's body drops to the ground with Khan holding his head. Huzzah. But damn Khan. Although Hawk was a stinky cock who sucks, so Khan has some rage revenge to get out. Yeah.

[A]

And who knows what happened with Veya. So this is now two women in his life that Hawk is fucked over. Yeah, Stinky cock Hawk. After quite literally stepping over Hawk's corpse and dropping the decapitated head at Rafe's feet, Khan drops to his knees in front of his lady. And he does not relish in this victory. No, it's Khan. Of course he doesn't. There's nothing but overwhelming relief for both him and Raev. But when Rave puts his malmer over her own neck, Khan's relief is all consuming because it's that Gesture of her accepting him. Given that literally a day ago she was running away from him, that's kind of a huge deal for him. So as Khan tucks her into his chest and takes her over to Raigun, Rave expects the King of the Burn to be angry. I mean, she ran away from him.

[B]

That's.

[A]

I wouldn't be surprised if he was. Or I'll say more. So she tries to talk herself into believing he would be angry because then he would match the tyrannical Vhagor brother and all of that.

[B]

She would truly have been his prisoner.

[A]

Yep. But there's no room for anger for him. Anger could not be further from what Khan is experiencing here. And when Khan says, quote, moonbeam, please don't scare me like that again, oh, my God, my heart breaks. This please got layers. It's an onion, it's got layers. Khan has already mourned Elowyn once. He lost her in such a painful way. I mean, really, twice the letter and then her death, he cannot literally, he refuses to lose Rafe.

[B]

And he is so haunted by the scene. He came upon she was getting beat by this cruel male determined to claim her. When we'll be in Khan's POV again, like that will be burned into his memory. Poor Khan was terrified to find her like this.

[A]

Well, and so when he's saying, please don't scare me like that again, he's not only talking to Rave, who escaped from Ma's retreat, he's also talking to Elwyn, please don't scare me like that again. Oh, my God, Khan.

[B]

Like I mentioned, a big takeaway from the scene where Khan gives Rave his Melmer, shows her the greatest respect, fights to the death to save her. It's all establishing feelings within Rave. It's fundamentally changing her narrative of Khan. Yes, that absolutely started happening at Ma's retreat. And this takes it over the edge from I want to want to kill you to I can't imagine you dying. However, one little problem with these feelings, it means connection, which Rave is allergic to. I don't need to explain her aversion to worthiness, to care, to understanding, to attachment to her. Khan is displaying all of these things to her. And as much as she feels herself starting to reciprocate feeling these emotions that she refuses to identify because it's too scary to admit, she needs to push him away for his own safety and because she doesn't believe that she deserves anyone feeling this way about her, saying these kind words to her. So in her venom, blurry haze, because, yes, she might have taken an antidote that just kind of put a band aid on it. She shuts Khan down, and when she shuts him down, she's really shutting herself and her feelings down too for him. And she does this by saying, quote, you should say them nice words for somebody special.

[A]

And I want to highlight real quick because Khan after that, growls in. She says it's frustration, but I personally don't think it is. It's like it's more growl of grief. This is the grief of a man who is watching someone he loves more than anything in this world refuse to believe that she is worthy of being loved and cared for while he stands there knowing with brutal and painful clarity exactly how precious she is to him. So he's like, God damn it. Like, just see that you're great. Rave. Oh God.

[B]

All right.

[A]

Shifting our focus entirely to Elowyn and her diary entries. Oh God. Poor, poor, poor Elowyn. After losing her parents and Hadean, she's watching her parents moon plumes cremate her parents and Hadean and Elune going up into the sky and then donning the Ether Stone and losing her connections to the four creators. She is then taken by guards from the Burn, the Fade and the neutral city of Botham. Note how the guards of the Shade are not mentioned in there. That's because her guards and her parents aides are bound and on their knees from this invasion when they say they

[B]

aren't here to conquer her kingdom. The horde of molten moths threatening the city folk certainly feels otherwise. This entourage has been sent to the Shade to help ward her kingdom until she's able to bind with the male the Tri Council has chosen for her. And whaddaya know, it's Tyroth fucking Vhagor. The Tri Council is so sus. They say they're neutral, but it sure seems like King Oster and Vhagor has a tight grip on this Tri Council or is in collusion with them. I should say that moreso so his bloodline can rule over all three kingdoms.

[A]

Ugh.

[B]

They probably think their strength and tribey power is who should be ruling this world. I do not trust this Tri Council in the slightest for how they seem to be colluding with King Vhagor to eliminate other crowns and marry his twin sons to the Fade and Shade daughters veiled like tradition dictates and shackled in iron. Elowen is taken to Dom, the capital of the Burn, where King Ostron rules, where she will spend the next three phases until she reaches the coronation age of 21 once when she's 21 phases, she will be bound to Tiroth. But until then, it's unbecoming for her to live under the same roof as the male now ruling her kingdom. So while they say, you know, you can't live under the same roof roof, apparently that extends to her entire kingdom, because I gather that she is not trusted to stay here whatsoever. Get the princess out of here and under the watchful eye of King Austrian. Although he'll be in the Shade helping his son establish a presence here. And oh no, only Khan will be around anyway, while his son Tyroth, her betrothed, gets a head start to begin ruling the Shade. The patriarchy. It doesn't matter that it's Elowyn's kingdom, her homeland, her birthright. She's a female wearing the Ether Stone. She is not considered strong enough mentally or physically. The Ether Stone might be a great honor, but it comes with it literally sucking the life out of you. And I just love also how Elwyn will become such a badass in the Burn with Veya and Khan. But that'll be next episode.

[A]

So I was really curious because Tyroth has three phases in the Shade on his own, where Elowon is in Dom and you know, waiting until she's coronation age. But we don't know anything of what happens in those three phases. And he could. A dude could do a lot of work in three phases. That's 3,000 days. So because of that, I signaled to Sara and asked her what all Tyroth was up to in the three phases. Why Elowen was in Dom. But this was the other question that she said she couldn't answer because she needs to let the mysteries unfold. So. Darn it, I'm assuming that this is where the clipping in the Shade came about. Yes, but that's really all I can think of that we know of right now.

[B]

Yes, I. I imagine something similar to what Kadok is doing. We know how obsessed he is with building a military, with taking nine phase old children who can hear the elemental songs and. And starting to brainwash them into his soldiers. And we haven't really gotten a lot from the Shade.

[A]

Well, because it seems that Tyroth is a heartbroken king.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Mourning his wife. Yeah, exactly.

[B]

But obviously they knows that's not the case, so. And we all know that's not the case. He's a bad guy. So I do think that he's a lot more, I'll say subtle than his brother. But I wonder if his Brother is more of like the military might and Tyroth is more of the political savviness. So he's more of like the strategist and the cunning maneuverer and then Karak is more of the might.

[A]

I'm scared.

[B]

I am too.

[A]

To see more of Tyroth next book after years of having Elowyn's father supporting her and her own autonomy over her life in ways of allowing her to swear and go unveiled, now because she's 18, she's a woman without a man to speak up for her. Remember, women are supposed to be silent and veiled at all times. Like this poor Elowyn has literally lost all autonomy over her own life. She is being dragged now across the world, told to marry a man she does not want to marry and that her father didn't want her to marry. But on their way to B. Elowyn luckily sort of is not alone and I'm not talking about her captors. Silhouette, unwilling to let Elowen out of her sight, follows her rider. But remember, this is extremely dangerous for moonplumes to leave the shade or else their skin will blister and burn and they will literally go blind.

[B]

This illustrates how deep their bond is, how protective Slotra is of Elowen as she follows her north. Elowen lets Slotra have her rage the first night that they're in the fade, and Elwood like to think it's because she knows her moon plume well enough that she needs to feel like she is doing something for her person. But Elwyn wants Slatcher to go back to the shade tomorrow. She needs her to stay safe, and the further north that they travel, the closer to the sun they are and the more deadly it is for Slotra. Elowen has already lost her family. She's all alone in this world now, except for Slotra. They are all each other has. Elowen writes, I'd rather die than watch her turn to stone. SLA will turn to stone after Elowen dies. She'll scoop her up and go Calcify as a moon. Now in the present day with Rave, Slhajra is still technically gone, but Ravelen is now here again. Although we are convinced that their bond is so deep, closer than Dagamort, that Slatra is absolutely the other within her, SLA will keep following her bonded all the way to the burn. And she does indeed become blind. And the sun burns too many holes in her wings and she can't fly anymore. Poor Siltra. And then she crawls across the dunes to where Elowen is staying so they can find shelter together in a hutch and cuddle my heart. I want a dragon so badly. So, so badly. And then Elwyn writes, I almost begged her to solidify around me and take our pain away. Foreshadowing the way Elwyn will never forgive herself for bringing Silotra so much pain when the dragon trusted her all those phases ago. It's so, so similar to Rave's perspective on love and support. Trusting her might as well be a death sentence for Silotra with Elowen, for Essie with Rave, and so on. I do wonder if this line about Elowen never forgiving herself for creating this bond with Silotro will come back into play in book two. Like Rave will have to do some real inner healing self forgiveness for the sake of the other, AKA Silotra within her. And I do think that her new moon plume that she's going to be nursing back to health is going to heal a little part of her because she's able to take a moon plume who has been damaged and abused by wreck, but also by the burn and be able to bring her back in a good way and to be able to give something versus always feeling like she's take, take, take.

[A]

Oh, I can't wait to see more Leary. I can't wait one instance.

[B]

I keep forgetting that she's got lyrian.

[A]

I know, right? Same one instance I do want to note from their travels is that they stop in the Fade and the Fade Queen visits Elowyn and helps her from her injuries like a literal fucking iron pin in her shoulder. And again, I love the Rave parallels there, but I hate that for Elowyn in this scene, Elwyn specifically takes off her veil to let the Fade Queen see her whole face face. This right here is the moment seeing Elwyn's face. That's how the Fade Queen knew who Rave was when Rave was about to be eaten by molten maws back in episode two. And she's like, what the. Like don't. Don't let that happen.

[B]

Yes, yes. And just like because I've been editing your book and so aware of plot holes lately and having to fix them.

[A]

Thanks asshole. No, I don't think that's just starting to feel like

[B]

sorry with my story as well. That was not a blanket statement for you. What I'm trying to get at is like this is totally just my headcanon. I have no idea if this is the case, but this line here about how Elowen Showed herself to. The fade queen was not originally in there. And editors were like, hey, how would the fade queen recognize Elowyn if she always had to have her veil on? And Sarah, in my headcanon, is like, oh, shoot. Well, I better add this in in the diary entry. Now she has surveillance for her new friend.

[A]

As someone who literally got my edits back, and I can already think of four different places I need to add little. Not for. Not for plot holes, you asshole. But instead for, like, oh, a little explainer line. That's definitely a thing.

[B]

I love you. Let's tap into our dragon sight and turn our full attention to important foreshadowing moments for the rest of this book and speculations for book two. Ballad of Falling Dragons.

[A]

All right, so this first one's more general. Just as we were talking about Orva and the falling moons, do you think we're gonna get another moonfall or multiple moonfalls next book?

[B]

Yes, I think we'll get one more moonfall. And the reason that I'm so. I'll say positive about that for myself is it feels like it would be such a big deal for this world.

[A]

World. Yeah.

[B]

And there is so much kind of, like, bubbling up right now in this world, a lot. Like the. The chess players are all getting their pieces all together, and I think that another moon falling could really kick things off. It could be a real instigator in what is to come. And there are, like. I just think about from a plot point of view. Oh, my gosh. The possibilities of another moon falling. I do think that it would probably be, like, maybe the later part of book two, and then the consequences of this moonfall is what they're gonna have to deal with in the third book.

[A]

Okay, I'm gonna tweak that, because I'm definitely in agreement that at least one moon will fall next book. But I'm actually wondering what would happen if Kahless got so fucking pissed off, because I don't know if something or other happened with Kazari, and then she

[B]

didn't text him back soon enough, you know?

[A]

Well, he seems like that kind of fuckboy, I'm not gonna lie. And I just see vividly, like, hundreds of moons falling, falling, falling, and everyone's like, what the fuck? Like, I think that would be so dramatic and so visually.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Do you want to make a bet? I'm realizing we don't really have many beds, and we're getting into the second half of our coverage here real soon.

[A]

Let's do it. Yes.

[B]

Okay. I believe that in book two, we will have one moonfall.

[A]

Okay. I believe that in book two, we will have more than one moonfall.

[B]

Okay. And then nobody wins if it's nothing.

[A]

Correct? Yes. Okay, great.

[B]

There's an interesting line about Seiza, one of the Jakuhoul Clan females who can speak the common tongue. Quote, her sunburst eyes warming, reminding me of Ruse. Ruz was the shopkeeper at the Fades, Curly Quill, and is a Fear Duath member. In fact, she's mentioned twice in the stretch of chapters. The other time is in reference to the Armory and like, oh, wow, that's even better than Ruse's. This line in particular about, you know, her sunburst eyes reminding her of Ruse could easily just be a nod to what Rave is familiar with. Or that Ruse is from this area. But I'm also wondering, if Ruse is from this area, could Ruse and Seza be related? Which brings me to wondering if we should connect Ruse with the Jacquil Clan and specifically Seiza. Crack theory. What if this is an Easter egg? That it'll come back to Ruse that Rave is alive.

[A]

Yes. Hopping hop bored board. Hop it on.

[B]

There's two mention of Ruse in this adapter. I really think it's going to come back to the Fear to add that she's alive.

[A]

The Plea, that's actually really bad. Ruze could tell Serene, and then Serene has the scratchy vial. She can make Rave do something like come back to the Fear to ask.

[B]

I'm so convinced that proximity has to be there a little bit.

[A]

Yeah, that makes. That makes sense. But also, this is a very dense world and I could see proximity actually not having an issue.

[B]

So, yeah, I just wanted to pull that out there. I thought that was very interesting. When Rave is looking at Orva, the adolescent dragon moon that fell eight phases ago, she feels this gentle plea from within her to stop looking at the fallen dragon. Like, this plea from within her has to be Slotcher. Right? I think that she feels especially sad because the small dragon reminds her of her own baby dragon, who flew up with Elwyn's brother to become a moon when she was only an adolescent. I am so convinced that the other Islatra, her spirit, is within Rave. She gave her her life force, and that is the deeper bond. One million percent convinced. Nicole, I will make a bet with you about this.

[A]

I also am 1 million percent convinced that slaughter is damaged. I'm so sorry to cry. Express your hopes. That is. That is canon in my head. But I appreciate the oomph Da for bets. This episode makes me very happy. As Raigan arrives, he roars and breathes a shit ton of fire into the air, illuminating Rave with, quote, the remnants of a million wilted runes. It will be next episode that we see some of these runes and what they mean, including one on her chest that should be a death blow, but is magically silver like slaughter is.

[B]

Well. And it wasn't healed the same way that the other ones were? No.

[A]

It's almost like a dragon healed it

[B]

instead of exactly like a dragon's life force. The soul of the Takua Clan reads the will of the creators. And I'm curious if this is also who foresaw the prophecy along long time ago. And what else might be the will of the creators. Especially how they want to keep their brother Kahless entrapped in the Ether Stone. I don't think that we've seen the last of the soul by any means. And I'll be very curious to see if we see more about this will of the creators. Maybe they will make some kind of comment about Rave and Khan and the faded mates sort of thing there. I don't know.

[A]

See, I'm even leaning towards what if they meet Kazari and they learn that Kazari wants to free Kaylis and they're like, girl, just because he tells you he loves you does not mean that he loves you. He could just be playing with your heart.

[B]

I want to make a bet that Kahless actually is in love with Kazari, but I'm not going to because I don't trust how that could really and truly come to light. That would be a Sarah question after the series series is done.

[A]

I think we're gonna know the answer to that by the end of this series. God, I. I think so. I think that kaylis is just 100 boy.

[B]

I think that he is in love with her.

[A]

Never trust a man.

[B]

He's been craving attention. It's an unhealthy for sure, but it still is there. Yeah.

[A]

Oh my God. Now it is time to inf infiltrate the Tri Council. Where every episode Lexi guides us through a world building topic to help us deepen our understanding of this world and its magic.

[B]

Today's infiltrating the Tri Council topic is tribal cultures. Specifically the Takul Clan and the Tuuka trial. There are many clans scattered across the Botanic Plains which is the southernmost part of the Burn. These tribes thrive in the harsh environment where no others tend to live live. The way of life for many of these clans is more mysterious. And unknown the further they are from the Burns capital. These clans are renowned for producing strong and gifted warriors with unmatched fighting abilities. The Jakkuul clan, the strongest of them all and our primary focus in today's segment at least. The Jakuhl clan has their own language. Though it's not clear if they share a common language with the other tribes or if this language is Jakul specific. Speaking of the Jakuul clan, let's go ahead and dive in. The Jaquil clan is one of the many warrior clans that reside in the Botanic Plains. But they are known to be the strongest. Like I said, they are located off the river Akt near the mountains. Again, this is the southern side of the burn according to the map, which puts them fairly close to the northern wall of the Fade. That's why Rafe's plan was pretty realistic. To float on the log down the river till she reached the Fade. In more recent years, the Jakuh clan has claimed the crater that was formed when the saber scythe moon Orva fell eight phases ago. When the small adolescent moon crashed and formed the crater, it did not shatter upon impact. Because of this, the clan placed the moon in a large domed tent just to the side of the crater and created a place of honor for Orva. In this tent, tribe members are able to take a flower from the basket outside and place it at the dragon's base as a sign of great respect in hopes that no other moon will fall on the their place of living. The clan lives inside and around a saber sized skeleton that is approximately four times the size of Raigon who remember is gigantic. So that gives you an idea of how extra huge this dragon was. Remember that not all dragons can fly up to become moons. Some unfortunately die too soon here on the earth before they can get up to the sky. The chest cavity of this massive beast has been mostly hollowed out with with holes in the ceiling in between the ribs that allow for light to enter. The people of the school clan live in domed tents made of different animal heights that have been stitched together and painted to look like the scorched ground. This allows them to be camouflaged from anyone flying on a dragon above who might happen to look into one of the many skylights. This is really showing their cleverness with blending in and working with the environment. Each dwelling has elaborately carved stone arches that showcase different creatures. Predominantly dragons of course. Carved in exquisite detail. The women here wear silk bands around their chests, whereas the men are typically topless. Naked bodies are not something to Be shy about here. No matter their shape or size, remember that the people of the Burn, where it's really hot, they don't feel like flesh is some big secret to them. Breasts are worshipped for the way they nourish the younglings of their clan and are not viewed as sexual objects. As a mother who has needed to breastfeed but been so scared to in public, yes, to this. The Oja, or king, which I'll get into in a minute, wears a black cuff in his ear as well as has copper rods hanging on strings draped over his shoulders. He also wears a crown of bones and has a throne of dragon bloodstone. The Jakuh clan's hierarchy structure is based on how many dots someone has on their Radi Reedi is the dotted text tattoo on the back of a warrior where each dot represents a victory won, and a heavily tattooed back is a show of great strength and honor. Because they've won that many victories, the person with the largest rei holds the position of Oa or King, and their bonded is the Oa I or Queen. This person is also known as the Raska e, which translates to the greatest. Technically, the Raska e is Khan, but when his PA died, he offered the position to his Uber, Uth Rusker. Uth Rusker is the title for the second greatest. So Khan, he gave the king title to the second greatest here because he had to go be King of the Burn. But he has not given up his title as the greatest, only as the King. I know it's a little bit confusing. In these tribes, the kingdom crown like the Burn King mean little to nothing to them as his clan does not claim to be part of the kingdom. Along with these titles of status, they also also pound their chest a certain number of times as a sign of respect, depending on someone's rank. For example, three times I assume is acknowledging another warrior before they fight, as Hawke does with his first opponent. Four times for the greatest, the Raska e, which is Khan five times for the Oa, AKA their king. Yes, even though in this case Khan is the greatest, is higher than their Oa. Khan pounds his chest six times. But remember, this is unheard of as we talked a lot about earlier. So let's go into the Tuca trial. What is a Tuca trial? A Tuukka trial is when two warriors fight for the privilege to bind with another. This trial is also a fight to the death, unless it is the female who is fighting because she opposes the winner. In this case, she would have to kill him, whereas he only needs to get her to submit. This is what Veya would have had to do. But just because a female wins her Tuuka trial does not protect her from having another one. One. But the females here generally don't view Tuka trials as a negative thing like we're talking about with that real cultural difference there. They want to bond with one deemed worthy to give them strong younglings. But again, that is just a generalization. So now that we know what the trial is, what does it look like? In the Chukua clan, the Tuuka trial takes place in Orva's crater where gongs are hit in a slow beat. Before the fight begins. The female is tended to by the other females of the tribe behind a silk curtain. Her clothing is removed, she is washed from head to toe and then she is painted with colt blood. After this is done, a long strip of blood red silk is draped as a skirt and piece of silk is wrapped around her breasts along with a necklace made of copper rods. Then we have the warriors who will fight for her, both of which have also been painted as coke blood and wearing a malmer. Malmers are hand carved pendants that are offered to whoever the warrior is cording, but again it's more like very symbolic of like an engagement ring. These Malmars are often made from things like dragon scale, bone, copper or stone and carved with something that is relatable to the male that is very connected. Designs we have seen include hawks, which is a black pendant engraved with a serpent. Of course it's a serpent Xaurons, which is a tawny diadem bearing an embossed fawnica. And then of course there's Kant, which is a dark saber scythe and silver moonplume embrace racing. During the Tuca trial, the males kneel before the female and each offer her their malmer which she then must accept and place on the rug before her. Once this is done, the males are then permitted to select their weapon of choice. Options include, but are certainly not limited to batons with a length of chain attached to the end, topped with spiky balls, giant hooked swords, small flat blades with serrated teeth and bludgeoning stick with metal spikes strikes. At this point, the warriors will step into the ring and fight until the death. The crater in which they are fighting has iron mixed in with the sand to prevent anyone who can hear any of the Creator's songs from using them during the fight. It's all equal footing here. When one of the warriors is slain, the victor will then cut off his head and present it to the female. After the trial is complete and the victor is determined, the clan throws a great celebration. But we don't know quite what that entails, just that they have one. After the celebration, the victor will then escort his new female to his tent and show her the pelts of his kills. This is their version of Netflix and Chill, Upon which they will hopefully make many strong sons and daughters, and the bound couple's bond will grow strong and sturdy. Another extremely important aspect of the clan's culture is their belief in prophecy. The Jakuh clan has a member that is known as the Soul. This female has milky white eyes and the ability to see and tell prophecies. She does this by reading the will of the creators, which all we know involves chanting, reaching toward the sky and grabbing and throwing sand. The Kallu prophecy in particular is that many cycles ago the Soul foretold that the Fate Herder would bring Kalu to the Chakua clan and that the Kalu's offspring would tether the moons to the the sky forever. They believe that Rave is Kalu. So when they arrived at the clan, they held a Tuuka trial, which we talked all about this episode. And there we have it, friends. That is the Takuul clan and the Tuca trial.

[A]

Let's close out this moment with shopping at the Curlic and talking about our favorite moments from this stretch chapters.

[B]

When Elowyn is taken from the shade, she is shot with an iron pin

[A]

because the great moment Lexi so favorite.

[B]

At least it's better than Haiti on dyes. So she shot with an iron pen because the beaded guards knew that she would put up a fight. And in Elwyn's diary entry she writes cowardly fucks. We've been pointing this out all deep dive. The similarities and glimpses of the same character in Elwyn and Rave. And this is definitely one of those moments because this is exactly what Rave would think, you cowardly fucks.

[A]

Cowardly foxes. Also, just such a good saying. Like it's satisfying in the mouth, if you know what I mean. Can we talk about the fact that Sarah A. Parker created another fucking language? I am in awe of this woman and I had to ask how on earth she went about creating the Jakuh clan's language and if she pulled from any other specific languages for inspiration. And in my signalless era, here is what she says. Quote, I would love to answer this, but honestly, it's an entire TED Talk, so I will just say thank you and let you know that my audiobook narrators probably hate me, because I certainly hated myself when I got a list of hundreds of forged sentences that I had to verbally pronounce for recording references. God, I love it.

[B]

I feel this so deeply because I've been struggling all episode

[A]

and we're not even saying the words. Words? Why not? They're speaking. Oh, my God. That would be me just creating a

[B]

whole other language, just thinking, I'm so cool. And then it'd be like, oh, you mean I have to actually pronounce that? No, no, I can't do that. I literally hand it over to you and be like, nicole, can you please do my recording references for me?

[A]

Well, I literally have recordings of me saying almost every single word in my world that I've created. That, like, would be hard to say. And I've already corrected multiple friends who are like, oh, so it's this? And I'm like, no.

[B]

When Rave prints blood upon Khan as a symbol of accepting his offer that she is his greater, she prints upon the small, wonky moon tattooed on his back. And I just find that so sweet and so symbolic. Yes.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

All right, friends, thank you so much for tuning in to this episode four of our when the Moon Hatched Deep dive.

[A]

Next Monday is episode five, where we are finally covering chapters 45 through 57. It is time to figure out Elowyn being Rave. We're going to Dom. We're meeting Veya. We're learning. We're gonna see.

[B]

We're gonna see Slotra.

[A]

Oh, my God. Yes. It's like Lexi. We saw Slotra this episode. She went blind, Right? You're right.

[B]

You're right.

[A]

I'm so excited. Oh. Oh, my God. I can't wait. Ah, it's been finally time.

[B]

We would love to give the biggest warm welcome, welcome, welcome to our newest feral fans and deep divers. Thank you so, so, so, so much for being here.

[A]

Welcome, welcome, welcome. Rachelle Raquelephant and Melissa W.

[B]

And if you're like, hey, I want my name, shout out on the podcast. And be shouted with all this love, too. Join our Fan Club at fantasyfangirls.com Fan Club link is also in the show.

[A]

Notes. Thank you as always to our favorite mind Weft, AKA our content researcher, Brooke. Our executive producer slash sanity manager slash co host of the Fantasy Fan Fellas podcast, Hayden. But Hayden's on a boat this week, so. Actually, he's on a boat. He's on a boat.

[B]

I can't wait to just send him memes all week. He's gonna.

[A]

He thinks he can get rid of us.

[B]

We are in the killer bosses.

[A]

We are leaving him the fuck alone. But because of his flippy floppies and autoboatness, we have the wonderful, the amazing, the always putting on every single hat that she possibly can. Peyton, who is editing this episode in the background. You are a goddess. What would we do without you? And I'm so sorry.

[B]

We are very active on social media with weekly trivia, book guides and so much more. So please be sure to follow us on Instagram and slash or TikTok at fantasy fangirlspod. And if you're watching this on YouTube or want to watch on YouTube, pretty please hit that subscribe button to keep following along.

[A]

While you're smashing buttons, go ahead and hit that rate five star button on whatever podcast platform you are listening on. And if you want to go a little above and beyond the like Khan always does for Rave, making her his greater, you can also leave a little love note in the review section. You don't have to make us your grader though.

[B]

That's exceptive.

[A]

Please don't do that. You are a wonderful human being. And while you're also

[B]

While you're at it, we're powering down as we do this as we speak.

[A]

Share this episode with the friend who you would go to a Tuka's Farm Mario 4.

[B]

They love this. I'd go for a Tuka trial for you, Nicole.

[A]

Really?

[B]

I think I'd go to one for

[A]

you too, but I'm not gonna lie,

[B]

I don't think I'd do very well.

[A]

But I would go to a Tuka trial for you, that's for sure.

[B]

I love you. Okay, goodbye everybody.

[A]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the. That was weird. Hated that. Okay, now it's go time. Lexi. I'm talking the stinky cockhawk with the sneaky sneaky.

[B]

Never mind.

[A]

Continue.

[C]

Leadership used to mean having all the answers. But today's best leaders embody a more human approach. I'm Jack Myers. And I'm Tim Spangler. Tim and I have spent our careers inside media, market, marketing and culture and we partnered with the ACAST Creator Network to start Lead Human to answer one simple question. What does it really look like to lead in this AI dominated world? The biggest tip for being a creator. It's a job. What I learned from Michael Jackson. Here's a man who understands precision. It's about answering the questions that are hard, not about answering a bunch of teed up questions that are fake. What we're looking for are real stories and practical advice that you can use with your teams right away. Subscribe to Lead Human with Jack Meyers and Tim Spengler. Wherever you get your podcasts,

[B]

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[C]

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