Recorded by Time himself, who also goes by the name Jack, among other names. This was written after the entire story had been lived, but has been compiled for you here so that you may be inspired by the story so far: Perhaps, you will begin some great and daring quest of your own, as you read what is in this book, and what may follow.

Do you know the brilliance of interludes? Often in fine works of literature, or masterful pieces of music: the interlude provides a break from the build; a step away from the story. They are a parallel, moving with all motion and drive of the work, but without moving it at all - like a dream of a day you've had. These are things called interludes.

They are brilliant, because they are fabricated moments - drawing you in and leaving you lingering for satisfaction - which has already been contrived. Do you remember the wonder of moments? Time passes by fleeting, but a moment changes the heart forever. And why? It is because moments hold far more than what should naturally fit within them. They do hold it all, nonetheless... This interlude was crafted to better connect you with the far off feeling of, "once upon a time," and leave you: a participant with valiance and whimsey. Brimming with those things, you will bring much wonder to the world in which you live.

Though you may not feel this way: the story has only just begun, and this beginning is not so different than ones belonging to your own tales. Like them: there is no "once upon a time" here. The caper has been called, and steps are in motion. Now, whimsy and its adventures begin in a way much more relevant to you than those other once-upon-a-times.

The beginning has not been in the setting or development so far. It was not even the strange events of the night before first steps were taken. Just like in your own tales: unusual circumstances precede defining moments. It is only after the unusual has happened, that a response can be made; and the moment of responding is the moment which defines every beginning.

Sophie, Fin, and Leon are a trio of friends who have been gifted revelation, which demands resolve. Their response to set out is the defining moment. Like a tale you'd tell from your own life: the journey began with intent to pursue resolve, on a normal day. Beginnings happen by choice, not by circumstance, because they are a response to things which are often obscure.

The choice for the trio to follow the red ribbon was an obscure beginning. It was a choice made abruptly - as true defining moments are made. And all beginnings are abrupt. Every tale worth telling starts with a sudden change of paradigm: a revelation demanding resolve.

For instance: the revelation of some dark wispy man - a thief of joy and life - and the knowing that some less-than-famous orphans are wrapped up in a quest to defeat it! A mysterious wizard draws the trio to find him, and for what reason? They are unsure. But he is good, and guides them. Lofi is good, and the dragon is not. Because they know these things, they must allow conviction to propel their first steps. Perhaps we've last seen them a little obscured by confusion and sorrow, but determined nonetheless. And many beginnings are this way.

With the following of obscure feelings come first steps. First steps are often into the unknown - and there is a moment before every beginning when we are presented with the choice: ignore the revelation which brought conviction, or step. Many of us ignore what we know... Perhaps we believe we cannot take first steps, for fear of tripping ahead. Perhaps, we are held in comfort by the soothing voice of apathy, which speaks to our dauntless hearts, that they need not be so.

In all this talk of beginnings, remember: hope is present at every start. It is there, because it is often the only means to resolution. When there are frightening things in appearance, hope glistens brilliantly at our side! And in beginnings, when terrifying things lie in wait ahead: we trust that one day hope will be a memory. At journey's end, where the path has seen us through to victory: there, hope will be a memory.

For now, hope is glorious light, now burning within Sophie and Fin. It speaks to their very will: "This dragon of injustice may no-longer thieve, as it did from our friend,". It speaks to Leon's will: "This beast may no longer take wives, daughters, or throw men of my likeness into grief,".

Hope beckons at the beginning, but with what other means by its side? Perhaps there is curiosity. Certainly the dark man, Fear - the dragon, the monster of darkness - is there too. You see, these things are common motives; means used to reach ends. But the most worthy means among them is hope, glimmering in brilliance at the start.

Though danger lie in wait, one thing is certain: all darkness of Fear must be torn away! Its immanence is yet early in looming! The beast can still be defeated, if the journey begins abruptly. Discomfort becomes our trio, in their knowing what must be done, but not how; and certainly not knowing the price each will pay. Beginnings are often discomforting.

And let these words impact your soul, as they should. For we know not what lay ahead, but only that we must begin abruptly. We must begin, under the veil of obscurity at the changing of paradigms. We must begin, feeling uncomfortable, because we are bothered by the unveiling of things which ought not be so. We must begin, hoping to make a change in the patterns of ourselves, and the world for that matter. There is present darkness under the rising sun, and it must end. And so you find this beginning much more relatable than those ,"once-upon-a-time's,". Thus, you find the reasons to begin not different than your own, in any tale you might tell.

Whimsically, this tale begins on a sunny day in Luca village. It is a day, not different than most, and not different for many surrounding. Like your beginnings: this one is only different for the ones who chose to take the first steps. Like you, they began responding apart from those around, to newfound conviction of startling and wondrous truths: there is a beast. It destroys, and threatens all. There is also a wizard, who may know how to end it. The good Lofi beckons with a riddle that implies, "It'll all make more sense if only I can explain everything in person,".

And it is not to be overlooked, that like the villagers of Luca: some would shame or completely dismiss your whimsical first steps. They don't know what you know... You'll tell them later, when it's over. Then, you won't be angry for a moment at their apathy, because your focus will not be on their judgement, but only on your accomplishment... So you leave, knowing they don't understand the path you'll trod. Beginnings are abrupt. They seem as obscure endings to those who bid you farewell.

Most importantly: all who begin dare to take with them whimsey. This is because beginnings are defining moments, veiled in obscurity. And to face obscurity, one must be whimsical. So beginnings are whimsical, and whim is mighty and rare!

Now, wonder with me if you will: What if you had never known Fear? If the world existed without that dark thing, it would be delightful. Won't you chase a scarlet ribbon, and see if it can be true? Perhaps you'll hear the caper's call. Hear the whisper: "Come and bring the wonder back to the world,".

The beckoning of a caper quietly rages against all Fear, with its softness - and its speaker is truer than darkness. Glimmering moments lay waiting, where hope will be a memory, at the end of a long road. But steps must begin, if there will be trodding on any such wondrous road...

And steps do begin by those whose hearts are lofty to achieve, striving that sorrow must not be allowed further; and that Fear certainly must be banished! And we acknowledge our Trio: A king with two wild royals, leaving a peaceful river-village. Two pairs of scratched feet bristle through grass, beside a noble friend striding in his boots. The choice has been made. The beginning is now. I hope you see it is more relevant to you than those other once-upon-a-times, because now you understand.

And before you leave this interlude, lingering, be attentive closely now: Most people call me the sandman, giver of good dreams, but you can call me Jack. Good friend, I promise this tale of two siblings will make you ever-more brave. We may continue the story now, or at some other time. I will leave the decision up to you, but please do continue. And while you may feel lost in troubles of your own days, you will be found better after being here in this magical land.

As for your days and of living in them: Having narrowly what you need, step. I urge you to step, because of conviction! You will find the tools given to you are enough, even if they only amount to will. And with a glimmer in your eye like silver, and beating in your heart, like some powerful thing that it is: feel the good first steps as the worthy path is trod, perhaps for the first time under your own feet.

Turn the page, and be welcomed back to Pinnikle.

- Jack