Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Okay before I begin, let's go over some things.

1. This is an small town wingfeather Au, meaning some things won't exist, or will be switched
around. For example, Gnag and The Fangs don't exist, but Esben is still dead because I said so.
Anniera is not a thing and no one is royal.

These are normal people. However, other creatures do still exist such as Sea dragons or
Toothy cows.

2. I think this will be more like my last Fic, short and sweet. I love writing angst but
sometimes it's nice to write a happy ending.

3. I will keep this Fanfic in Glipwood for convince. (also, Characters will be aged up but not by much.)

4. Shameless plug, but I wanted to let ya'll know, I started a tumblr focused on WFS!
I'll be putting up some of my own Janara headcanons when I can figure out how to post lol.
(@KappariaisWritting)

(Chapter 1 coming soon!)

Chapter Text

"Sara, dear, you're staring again." Mrs. Cobbler chided.
"Huh? oh! um..." Sara looked down at the sad looking dough in her hands. She and her mother had been kneading some bread, but Sara couldn't seem to focus on anything at the moment, anything besides Janner Igiby, that is.

Janner had been offered money to help Mr. Cobbler with his garden, Janner took him up on it and now here he was, in Sara’s garden, right outside the window. Sara was currently on cloud nine, Janner Igiby, at her house!

She had been watching him all evening, daydreaming, Mrs. Cobbler had noticed. She had been noticing for quite a while.

The way Sara would blush at the mention of Janners name, the way she talked about him, the way she laughed at all his jokes, Sara was happier when she was with Janner. Not that she wasn’t happy with her other friends, but it was clear that this one was different.

Mrs. Cobbler tried to bring it up with her husband, but Mr. Cobbler didn’t seem to want to discuss the topic.

“Do you like Janner, honey?” Mrs. Cobbler asked, “Mama!” Sara flushed red. “You know it’s not like that!” Mrs. Cobbler smiled and nodded, “Of course not, dear.”

“Now, quickly let's finish this bread, I would like to give a loaf to the boy before he leaves.”
Sara nodded and went back to kneading.

It had been a long day for Janner Igiby, Digging holes, planting the flowers, pulling out weeds, even making sure thwaps wouldn’t get into Mr. Cobbler’s small vegetable garden. But at least now, he had some more book money.

Janner had just planted the last of the tulips when he felt a hand on his shoulder. “You did a fine Job today, young lad.” said Mr. Cobbler. He fished a pouch of coins from his pockets and gave them to Janner, “Here you are.” “Thank you,” Janner beamed.

“Janner! Wait!” Sara came running out of her front door, bread pan in her hands.
“Sara?” Janner said.
“I want to -” Sara tried to catch her breath. “I made this bread - as a thank you.”
“Oh! Thank you,” Janner took the fresh bread from her hands. “It looks delicious!”
“I - I hope so,” The two stood in silence for a moment. Both blushing,

“So, I have some money now, do you want to go to books and Cranies with me tomorrow?” Janner asked.
“Yes! of course.” Sara blurted. “I - I mean, I would love to.”
“Cool!” Thanks for the bread.” And with that, Janner walked away.

As Mr. Cobbler watched this interaction, he finally understood what his wife had been telling him for the past few years, Sara DID have a crush on Janner. And he (as her father) wouldn’t stand for it. “Sara, go inside.” Mr. Cobbler said.

Chapter Text

Sara has a crush?
His little girl has a crush!?

Mr. Cobbler lay next to his sleeping wife, wide awake. He couldn’t sleep, not after this. Mr. Cobbler played his memories with his daughter over and over again in his head. He still remembered the day Mrs. Cobbler told him she was pregnant, He was overjoyed. And when Sara was finally born, he felt the whole world wash away.

Then more memories came, Sara’s first steps, her first words (papa), her first loose tooth, teaching her to ride a bike. Sara had always been a daddy's girl, and Mr. Cobbler couldn’t be happier.

But now, some snot nosed boy was going to whisk his little girl away from him, forever.

“Malara?” Mr. Cobbler turned to his wife, shaking her a bit.
“Hm? W - what is it, Kallan?”
“Do you think - do you think Sara has a crush?” Mr. Cobblers voice strained.

Malara hit her husband with her pillow. “Does she? Really?” It was dark, but Kallan could almost HEAR the smirk in her voice. “I’m being serious!” he whisper yelled. Malara laughed.

“What if he’s the one?” Kallan asked his wife. “What if they fall in love and get married? That Igiby,” he sneered, “Is going to take my baby girl away from ME! - i - i mean US!”

Malara rolled her eyes, Maker have mercy. “You need to calm down dear, Sara is 14, she's not going anywhere for a while.” She said, “Besides, who’s to say Janner is ‘the one’? I had plenty of crushes before I met you.”

Kallan thought for a second, then shook his head. “He is the one! I just know it!”
“Your overacting honey, Besides, Janner is a fine boy.” Malara lay back down, holding her husband; who was now curled into a ball.

“Get some sleep.”
“But Malara - “
“Now.”
“Yes, dear.”

Chapter Text

“Janner, My boy! You're here early.” Oskar N. Reteep greeted.

“Good Morning, Mr. Reteep!” Janner gave the old man a smile.
“Ever the early bird, are you here for another book already?”
Janner laughed sheepishly, “Well, I did just get some new book money. But, that’s not the only reason,” Janner looked around the room expectedly. “Is Sara here?”

“Sara? No, I’m afraid not.” Mr. Reteep replied.
“That’s ok, I guess it is a little early.”

Janner hadn’t been able to sleep the other night, Too excited for his outing with Sara. He had shown up to Books and Crannies with the energy of an excited puppy, He got to spend a few hours in his favorite place with his favorite person.

Was this a date? No. Just a nice outing with a good friend.

Janner and Oskar sat in the small bookstore for a few more hours, talking about general life events and such, Laughing and joking along. Time had indeed passed, Janner was no longer a young 12 year old boy, but a 16 year old young man. And Oskar was getting older in his own right, but their bond never diminished. In fact, it only grew.

Suddenly, the door opened and the bell chimed.
“Hi Mr. Reteep! Is Janner here?”
“Ah! Sara, in the words of Finnigis the plain, Welcome!”

Sara smiled, and turned her attention to the boy next to him, “Hey,” Janner greeted.
“Hi, Sorry I would’ve been here sooner, but my Dad was being weird…” Sara said.
“That’s ok, Do you wanna start - looking?” “Yeah!”

“I’ll be in the back if you need me.” Oskar said, leaving the teens to browse by themselves.

Sara and Janner walked around for a bit in silence, both were happy to be there. It was just a little awkward…

“So… I tried some of your bread, It was really good.” Janner said.
“Really?” Sara’s heartbeat sped up, “I’m glad.”

Chapter Text

That morning was one of Sara’s oddest, she had woken up a little later than usual, quickly slipping out of her nightgown and into her day dress. “Mama! Why didn’t you wake me up?” Sara asked as she rushed through the house, looking for a hairbrush. “I’m late!” she exclaimed.

Malara Cobbler, looking exhausted. Hairbrush in hand, yawned. “You aren’t late Sara, if anything you’ll be the first one there.” She sat her daughter in the nearest stool and brushed through her hair. “I’m sure Janner is having breakfast with his own family at the moment.”

Kallan Cobbler sat in his favorite armrest sipping his morning coffee and reading today’s paper, looking up at his wife and child. “Or maybe he forgot.” He said,
“Kallan -” Mrs. Cobbler spoke in a warning tone.
“Just a thought,” Mr. Cobbler stood, putting aside his coffee and paper.
“In fact I’m certain that Janner forgot, boys aren't the brightest thrawp in the garden, Sara.” He approached his daughter with a smile.

“Janner never forgets anything papa, besides this was his idea.” Sara laughed, unable to detect the daggers her mother was currently staring into her fathers very soul. “Yes, yes, well I have a better idea!” Mr. Cobbler said. “What if, instead of taking you to a boring library, I take you to the horse race in dugtown this weekend!” Sara’s father offered.

Sara smiled, getting up from her chair, her dark hair now brushed and braided beautifully. “That’s sweet papa, really, but the answer is no.”
“But you love horses!” Kallan exclaimed, the hurt evident in his voice.
Sara kissed her papa on the cheek, “Loved, I loved horses, but I’m not 5 anymore papa, I’m 14. I like books now.”

Sara started to make her way towards the front door, “Bye! I love you guys! Be home by -” But before Sara could finish her sentence, Like a baseball player sliding in for a home run, Mr. Cobbler ran in front of his daughter; Holding the door shut with his whole body.

“Papa!” Sara Exclaimed.
“KALLAN COBBLER!” Mrs. Cobbler screeched, “YOU LET GO OF THAT DOOR OR I”LL MAKE YOU!”
“Oh please don’t grow up honey,” Kallan pleaded to his daughter. “We can go to the bookstore together some other time, maybe make it a daddy daughter date. O - Or -”

“No! Papa, I am going to books and Crannies with Janner whether you like it or not!” Sara was becoming increasingly confused and angry at her fathers strange behavior; he never acted like this when she went out with other friends.

Finally seeming to Realize that he wouldn’t win this fight, with a defeated sigh, Mr. Cobbler relinquished his hold on the door and let his little girl go.

Sara quickly hurried out of the cottage without another word, what in all of aweirar had gotten into her papa?

Chapter Text

A few more awkward moments of silence were shared between Sara and Janner, they both wanted to break the ice but weren’t sure how to do it, or how to go from there. It didn’t help that both kids could feel Zouzab watching them from above the bookcases.

Ultimately, it was Janner who spoke first. “So, What books do you like to read?”
The sudden noise caught Sara by surprise, “Oh! Well, I like fantasy…”
“Really? Me too!” Janner laughed, (Mostly out of relief.)
“Yeah! And books on bugs and baking and Herbs.” Sara smiled.
“Have you read Pembrick’s creaturepedia?” Janner asked, “No, sorry, but I do read Loocia’s creaturepedia.”

“Oh, well they are very similar. You should really check out Pembrick’s though, it’s a lot more detailed.” Janner said, “Y- You don’t have to of course! Loocia’s version is great! I just thought -” Sara laughed, “I get it, maybe we can find a copy here?”
“Yeah,” Janner smiled,

—-Narrator voice here—-

Long ago 2 children were born to Mr and Mrs. Boonscotch, A boy and a girl. They named the boy Pembrick and the girl Loocia, growing up the two were never close and constantly competed with each other. Pembrick developed a love for the various creatures in Aweirar and wished to study them. While Loocia had a love for writing and hoped to one day publish poems.

In the two’s latter years, Pembrick compiled his study’s into a book he named, “Pembrick’s creaturepedia” ; it was a near instant success. Loocia had been publishing her own poems for years and had developed a ‘fanbase’ of her own right. However, she quickly became Jealous of her brother, and in spite, wrote “Loocia’s (better) creaturepedia: a guide to Understanding the Makers many creatures” a much less detailed copy of her brother’s work.

Loocia received many angry handwritten letters for this embarrassing blunder.

—-End—-

“I Just don’t feel good about it.” Kallan Cobbler shook his head, pacing around the kitchen, back at Sara’s home. “Not one bit!” Across the Room at the dining table sat his wife Malara, who was absentmindedly stirring her tea. “You don’t feel good about anything Dear.” she sighed, “Your anxiety always gets the best of you.”

“I mean what could they be doing?” Kallan exclaimed,
“Buying books?” Malara replied deadpan, “Why don’t you sit and have some tea? It would probably help.” She motioned towards the two mugs on the table.

Kallan looked at his mug, considering the offer for a second. Before returning to his incoherent ramblings. All Malara could do was slump in her chair and enjoy her tea.

Sara and Janner made their way to the back of the store, where the books on creatures were kept. Some other potential customers had entered the store, occupying Mr. Reteep.

“That’s weird.” Janner whispered, looking at the spot where the creaturepedia’s would have been kept. “I swear we had a few more copies…”

“That’s okay Jan -” “My sincerest apologies young igiby!” Zouzab Jumped down from who knows where, startling the kids. “Ah!” Sara exclaimed, “Zouzab?”

“I’m sorry to scare, but I’m afraid we sold the last creaturepedia yesterday.” The ridgerunner explained. “But that doesn't make sense,” Janner said, “I just helped Mr. Reteep restock them the other day!” “Yes, well, time flies as they say…”

“That’s alright Zouzab I didn’t need -” “But…” Zouzab cut Sara off yet again. “I could get you a copy, - for a price…” The elf-like creature offered a rather unappealing smile.
“I don’t -”
“I have no use for Janner’s pocket money, I want fruit…Fruit!” Zouzab drooled at the thought of a Juicy plumyum.

“Uh…” Janner started to slowly inch away from him, signaling Sara to do the same.
“That’s okay, really, we'll be going now.” Sara laughed nervously, The ridgerunner was still frothing at the mouth when the two left books and Crannies.

“Sorry, we didn’t get any books…” Janner said, as the two walked down the dusty path, back to their respective homes.

“That’s okay, I probably need to get home anyway.” Sara replied, “But I did have a nice time, would you wanna do this again? Ya’know later?” She flushed, trying her best to not come off as weird.

“Definitely! Maybe you can pick the place next time?” Janner turned red, “Oh! And you can borrow my copy of Pembrick’s creaturepedia! O - only if you want, t- that is. The teen cleared his throat.
“That - sounds great.”

Chapter Text

“Mama? Papa? I’m home!” Sara entered the main room, only to see her father sitting at the dining table, Keeping himself busy with a book. “Ah! Sara, you're home early!” Kallan rushed to hug his daughter. “Where’s Mama?” Sara asked, Kallan rubbed the back of his neck.
“Your mother left to meet her friends…”

Malara had grown tired of her husband's ramblings. So, she had left to meet up with some friends for Lunch.

“How did it go?” Kallan almost didn’t want an answer, but he had to know.
Sara blushed, “It was nice, we were mostly talking.”
“About?” her father prodded.
“Books…?” Sara gave her Papa a confused look. “Well, we were until Zouzab came along.”

Kallan walked to the stove to make some stew for lunch, still listening intently to his daughter's story.

“Zouzab? You mean the ugly looking elf?” Kallan asked.
“Ridgerunner.” Sara laughed, “We were looking for a specific book, but they were out of stock.” She explained, “Zouzab said he could get us another copy for the price of….fruit.”

“Fruit?” Kallan repeated, Chopping some carrots
“Yeah, Zouzab will do just about anything for fruit.” Sara said, “But we didn’t have any fruit on us so we decided to just leave, he was starting to creep us both out anyway.”

Kallan thought about this for a moment, quickly putting away the thought for later. As he served his daughter some hot totatoe stew.

“So Janner, how did your date with Sara go?” Kalmar asked, lifting his eyebrows.
“It was NOT a date!” Janner insisted for what felt like the millionth time. “It was a hangout between two very good FRIENDS.”

“Sure…” Kalmar laughed returning to his bow, trying his best to hit the makeshift targets.
It was a peaceful day at the Igiby household. Podo, Kalmar, and Janner were outside. While Leeli and nugget helped Nia with Lunch.

Janner made a frustrated noise and continued his reading, he had gotten home and immediately pulled out his creaturepedia. Re - reading it yet again. Janner had a habit of writing small personal notes in his books. (Mostly to himself, about his personal theories or feelings on the creature.)

Now that Sara Cobbler was going to read this, Janner found most of these annotations to be…embarrassing -

He had spent the better part of an hour hunched over on the porch. Erasing the incriminating evidence.

Podo had been watching his grandsons, sat in his rocking chair whittling away at some bark. “Whatcha got there lad?” he asked.

“My creaturepedia.” Janner replied. “I’m gonna lend it to Sara.”
“Oh, that’s kind of you Lad.” Janner was very protective of his books, never letting anyone borrow them, let alone his favorite. Podo was surprised.

The old man looked to his other grandson, who was still distracted with his archery.
“You know…” Podo began, beckoning Janner to his side. “When I was around your age, I also had eyes for a girl. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one -”

“Grandpa -” Janner protested.
“Hush. Now, I had gotten a tip that she fancied flowers of all kinds.” Podo whispered, “So, wanting to get her attention, I stole some Hoesy posies from buzzard willies garden.”

“You stole flowers?” Janner repeated.

“Yes, yes, but that’s not the important part.” Podo shook his head.

“Anyway, the next morning, I gave them to her, And asked her on an outing. It was one of the only times I felt true fear. But She was so flattered she accepted.”

“What happened then?” Janner asked.
Podo chuckled, “It didn’t work out.”
“Oh…”
“But, It was nice while it lasted.”

Podo sat back in his chair. “What I’m trying to say is, even though I was scared, I tried.”
“And maybe it won’t work out in the end, but at least I can grow old knowing I did it.”

“Grandpa, If this is about me and Sara -” Janner said.
“It’s not, but it is clear you care a lot for this lass.” Podo replied.
“Sara is Just a good friend.” Janner retorted.
“Do you really want that? Or is there something more on yer mind?”

The two stirred in silence for a moment.

“Do - Do you think Sara likes flowers too?”