The Vaesteri family was among Milirevi's most important families. For generations, they've put their sorcerous prowess at service of the city and in the name of the Daliath religion. Their contributions were so notorious that they earned multiple awards and titles for it. Including the Dal-kanan-Dal (the blessing that multiples blessings), an honor granted to a single digit of families around the known worlds. The family ran a temple that was large, beautiful, a historical landmark, and a shelter to those in need.
Parafi is doing better than the children whimpering, he looks a little more angry than scared. (Even if he can almost feel the fear thrumming through him, can remember what it was like- He pushes it away. This is a film.)
For once, Maltadee's parents pay attention to her and ground her. She can't get to the library or try go to school again. It's very sad. Dramatically sitting by the window watching the rain levels of sad.
Luckily, Ms. Honey shows up at their home! And manages to convince the parents to let their daughter attend an advance class. They don't believe their daughter has any potential, but fear that the teacher was sent by Warspear, so Maltadee gets to go to school!
Maltadee is very happy about this. So happy that when she goes to her room she starts jumping around, her eyes are closed, and she doesn't notice the surrounding objects floating while the lights flicker. She jumps so high that she hits the ceiling and everything stays very still for a moment before falling to the ground again.
The scene ends with Maltadee blinking in confusion at her room. She raises a hand and a book inches closer.
Intermission!
"The movie is not over yet. This is just a break for people to go to the bathroom or buy more stuff. How are you doing?"
"I am good too." He turns to the kids on the other side of him. "Are you guys good?"
"I want more cherry snaps."
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Right, it is the bathroom break. Excuse me, Parafi?"
"You can go as well. Just a suggestion." Teronmas picks up the two kids by the neck and lifts them effortlessly, gently depositing them into the aisle.
That one that stayed asks. "Hey, can I get your popcorn?"
The kid greedly grabs the popcorn and starts shoving it in his mouth.
Feliaris comes over. "Hey, do guys want anything? I am buying stuff."
The kid, mouth full of popcorn and with more spilling in the ground, says. "Popcorn!"
"Okay, but try to keep it to your mouth."
A trailer to a musical plays during the intermission and then the lights go out. Feliaris and Teronmas are back shortly after, followed by the two kids.
The movie starts again. Maltadee is happy at her first day at school until Warspears shows up at the end of the recess. The kids run from her and Warspears grabs the slower ones and starts throwing them back into class.
This movie is a ride. Parafi doesn't know what to make of this - but it's a kid's movie right? It's going to have a happy ending.
Well, there is quite a bit of shenanigans: The reveal that Ms. Honey is Warspears' niece. Maltadee exploring her new powers and making new friends. An elaborate musical number that has no bearing in the plot (but at least alligators are surprisingly cute). The discovery that Maltadee's powers are a new kind of magic because she is Just So Smart. Maltadee's family having problems with the interdimensional police.
But after all of that.
Yes, there is a happy ending and Maltadee gets to be adopted by Ms. Honey, and they live happily ever after.
"I liked it!" One of the kids pipes up.
"The popcorn was really good."
"I am sure the studio is glad that you liked the popcorn," Teronmas comments. "I like it myself, but I think Nostalgia will favor the Earth version."
"Nostalgia always leaves the old ones favoured," a female voice declares. "But this was utterly delightful."
"Hey, I am definitely not complaining. I liked that the other kids had the chance to influence the plot. Also, hello."
"Nori Lasir," says the popcorn kid, "you are forgiven."
"Teronmas Vaesteri," he says after giggling. "Witty commentary is always welcome."
"Hopefully that means you are not annoying anyone," Fenrad says turning away from his group of kids. He stops a kid from running away while still looking at them. "Hello, you said Sauvesteri? I think we met your parents."