TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.
Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with Yvette. It goes better than the last one.
Originally posted by shaz on January 3, 2010 as “Interview with Yvette (Take 2)".
Once again, we find ourselves in the village of Harakauna, making another attempt to talk with Yvette. You may recall the last one was unexpectedly cut short.
Yvette, I'm told you're a familiar. Is that correct?
Indeed, I am.
Can you explain exactly what that means?
A familiar can change into different forms. Some of us can change into human forms.
I see. Do you have a favorite form?
I like to use bird forms. Flying is fun, and birds are so pretty.
So all the ... people ... in Harakauna are shapeshifters?
No, not all. Some are animals. Sometimes there are people here, but they only come to visit the apothecary.
How did you come to be involved in this adventure?
The cute boy was looking for a familiar. They needed one to solve a puzzle.
The cute boy?
Yes, the one called Edward, though all the human boys are cute. But not as nice as familiars, and humans are very strange sometimes.
I see. So you agreed to help them, even though it puts you in danger?
Oh yes! Vampires, evil wizards, magical orbs, puzzles ... familiars are drawn by these things. It is such fun!
Fun?! Okaaaay. Is there anything you want to achieve on this adventure?
I would like to learn more bird forms. I look for other familiars as I travel, who can teach me new things.
One of the readers wants to know if you like to dress up.
Dress up? You mean in costumes? Yes, that sounds like fun - a costume party. Perhaps we could invite all the friends who were with you last week!
*I shudder at the memory*
No, I mean dressing up in pretty gowns.
Oh, I see. Why would I wear uncomfortable gowns when I can adorn myself with beautiful, silky feathers?
I guess that's a 'no' to gowns then. Thanks for your time Yvette.
Welcome, you are. Now, do you want to play a game?
And thus concludes our interview with Yvette, who apparently likes to have a lot of fun and live in the moment. I believe I saw Ulf earlier, when I first reached Harakauna, so I will see if I can arrange an interview with him for next week.
TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.
Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with Yvette. Sort of, you'll see.
Originally posted by shaz on January 3, 2010 as “Interview with Yvette".
Yvette, thank you for your time. Please have a seat, make yourself comfortable.
Welcome, you are. All those other humans will need seats too, yes?
Other humans?
Yes, the ones behind you. Waving to us, they are. Perhaps they want to have a party?
I turn around, to see who Yvette is referring to. There, steadily advancing up the hill, is a throng of Amaranthians, shouting, waving their arms in the air, some carrying picket signs, all looking none too happy. They were too numerous to count, and after seeing what looked to be a noose in someone's hand, I had no desire to take the time to count them.
Uh oh ...
Something is wrong?
That, my friend, is not a party. That is a lynching mob!
Listen, if you don't mind, we'll do this interview next week instead.
For now, I suggest you find somewhere to hide.
Yvette giggles, then shapeshifts into a bird and flies safely out of reach.
I take one more look at the crowd, turn, and run, wishing I could be a shapeshifter too ...
Managing to stay just out of reach of the angry mob (it's true what they say - fear, wings, feet, all that stuff!), I dodge around barrels, between buildings, around the corner of the store, and run smack into Spook! Slightly dazed, it takes me a moment to formulate a plan that might allow me to live to see another sunrise.
I grab Spook's arm and swing him around, into the open area, to face the onslaught! Still in a state of shock, Spook offers no resistance.
"Look everyone, it's Spook!"
Instantly the crowd freezes. Arms are lowered, signs and other objects for inflicting pain are dropped, and faces are transformed from anger to awe.
"Spook!" I repeat.
"Spook ..." the crowd murmers in a subdued tone. Their eyes have all gone glassy. It worked!
Spook (quiet, but miffed): "What do you think you're doing?"
Shaz: "I'm doing an interview with you."
Spook: "I've already told you, no."
Shaz: "I don't care."
Spook: "If I refuse?"
Shaz: "Then things are going to get ugly. Besides, this isn't multiple choice. I'm not asking you."
Spook: "Very well, you may have your interview. But be warned, you will be in debt to me."
Yes! It worked! My having Spook's arm twisted into a potentially painful position behind his back may have been a contributing factor.
Spook (slightly nervously): "What's wrong with them?"
Shaz: "Don't worry - they're fine. Just smile and wave, and no-one will get hurt."
Everyone, Spook has finally found time in his busy schedule to grant us an interview. So, without further ado, I present:
Interview with Spook
Spook, can you tell us your occupation, and where you live?
My occupation changes to suit my needs, and my home is wherever I need to be to do it.
Er ... okay. Folks, that translates to "I'm a thief, and I live in Peliad".
Spook smiles and raises an eyebrow.
I believe you met Mel by helping her out of a tight spot?
The kid was new in town and having a bit of trouble, so I gave her a hand.
Out of the goodness of your heart?
Even someone in my occupation is capable of doing selfless things. It led to several more opportunities to help her, so I did.
Mel already has a number of companions helping her on her quest. What do you offer that they don't?
Trust. Respect. A chance to grow.
June and Yvette have their own reasons for being here.
The Orc and the Prince are here because they think Mel needs to be protected. They think she's weak.
She's capable of much more than they give her credit for, and I'm the only one who accepts that.
You don't think she needs protectors?
No. To find this item she is seeking requires speed and stealth. Nothing more. Mel and I excel in those areas. If we didn't have the others slowing us down, we could complete her quest and move on.
What would you move on to, after this quest is over?
I've been thinking a great deal about that. Mel is tough, and smart. She and I could do great things together.
So you envision a future with Mel? You know about Mel and Edward, right?
Yes, and I know the Prince is jealous. I represent everything from her previous way of life - a way of life he is trying to take her away from.
That's very ... insightful of you. You don't mind, then?
No. Mel can have more than one best friend. She is happy with that. The Prince is taking longer to accept it, but he will.
Well, you certainly have interesting views on things, and I would not have expected to hear this from ...
From a thief? No, I suppose you wouldn't. Perhaps there is a lesson here, in not judging people based on their appearance.
So true. Well, Spook, I thank you for your time and your candid responses.
I release my more-relaxed grip on Spook's arm and allow him to leave. He glances back at the crowd, smiles a little nervously and waves, then turns to walk past me. As he passes, he whispers into my ear, "Remember, you owe me. Be prepared to deliver when the time comes."
I watch Spook leave, then turn back to the crowd, still standing, glassy-eyed, and staring after him.
I have no idea what favour Spook will ask, or when, but I'm not too concerned. Spook, I can handle. A crowd of crazed Amaranthians ... that's another matter entirely.
