universal guardianship

by Bill Tiepelman

The Gnome's Dragon: A Mythical Bond

The Misadventures Begin "Ah, the burdens of being unfathomably powerful and irresistibly charming," grumbled Griswold, the gnome, his words heavy with sarcasm as he deftly dodged a puff of dragon's breath. "Do try to keep up, Searwing," he teased, casting a sardonic glance over his shoulder at the mighty dragon trailing behind. Searwing, with scales that shimmered like a sunset trapped in onyx, huffed indignantly. His massive head lowered to Griswold's level, eyes gleaming with an intelligence and annoyance only a creature of his majestic stature could possess. "I could incinerate you with a sneeze, little one," he rumbled, the heat of his words tickling the gnome's pointed hat. Griswold smirked, twirling his broom like a bard with a lute. "And yet, here you are, playing nanny to a gnome. Fate has a sense of humor as twisted as a goblin's spine, eh?" Together, they ventured through the twisted canopy of the Enchanted Forest, their banter a melody amidst the symphony of the wilderness. Griswold, with a step light and mischievous as the morning dew, led the way with the confidence of one who could talk his way out of a dragon's maw—mostly because he had, on more than one occasion. They were on a quest most peculiar, to retrieve the Whispering Acorn, a seed of legend said to sprout wisdom itself. Many had sought it, drawn by tales of its power, but Griswold sought it for a reason far more personal. "If I'm to be saddled with a dragon-sized conscience," he had declared, "it might as well be one that offers decent conversation." As day gave way to the silver caress of moonlight, the duo reached a clearing. The air buzzed with magic, the ground was carpeted with glowing mushrooms, and at its center stood the oldest oak in the forest, its branches cradling the stars. "Behold," whispered Griswold, a rare reverence threading his voice, "the Sentinel of Secrets, where our prize awaits. Now, let's nab that acorn before something nasty decides to interrupt." Searwing's tail swept the ground, his gaze alert. "Your propensity for trouble is unparalleled, gnome." With a grin and a wink, Griswold replied, "Why, thank you, Searwing. I do pride myself on my talents." A Twist in the Tale Griswold approached the Sentinel, his fingers dancing in anticipation. But as he reached out, the tree's eyes—previously unseen—snapped open. "Ah, another tiny thief come for my treasure," boomed the tree, its voice like the rustling of a thousand leaves. The gnome recoiled, feigning shock. "Thief? I am Griswold the Great, friend to beasts, defier of odds, and charmer of... well, everything. I merely seek an audience with your esteemed acorn." The oak rumbled with laughter. "Many titles, tiny one, yet none proclaim you a listener. The Whispering Acorn cannot be taken—it must be earned." Griswold's brow furrowed, his snark momentarily misplaced. "Earned? And pray tell, how does one earn the right to conversate with a nut?" "By facing a trial," replied the oak. "Succeed, and the acorn is yours. Fail, and you shall become a permanent resident of my boughs." Without hesitation, Griswold accepted. "Let's get on with it then. I've got places to be, dragons to irk." The trial was a riddle, one that echoed the complexities of nature and the simplicity of truth. Griswold listened, his mind whirring with thoughts, quips, and retorts. Finally, with a glint of triumph in his eyes, he gave his answer, infused with his characteristic wit. The tree paused, the forest held its breath, and then—laughter, rich and deep, filled the air. "Correct, gnome. Your wisdom is as sharp as your tongue." With a flourish, the Whispering Acorn fell into Griswold's waiting hand. It hummed with potential, and for a moment, Griswold's facade of jest wavered, revealing the earnest curiosity beneath. "Well, Searwing, it seems we've won the day," Griswold beamed, pocketing the acorn. "Now, let's return before this blasted nut starts giving me lectures on morality." The dragon snorted, a plume of smoke curling from his nostrils. "I suspect it will have much to say about snarky gnomes and their mischievous ways." Griswold chuckled, patting the dragon's snout. "Then we'll make quite the pair, won't we? Come, let's away. Adventure and merriment await!" And with hearts light and spirits high, the gnome and his dragon set off, their shadows cast long by the moon, their legend only just beginning to grow.     Explore The Gnome's Dragon Collection Unfurl the legend in your own space with "The Gnome's Dragon" exclusive collection. From the vivid strokes of our posters to the interlocking tales of our puzzles, each product is a gateway to the fantastical bond between Griswold and Searwing. The Gnome's Dragon Poster Transform your walls into a canvas of adventure with our The Gnome's Dragon Poster. Rich colors and exquisite detail turn your living space into an enchanted realm, a perfect tribute to Griswold's audacity and Searwing's majesty. The Gnome's Dragon Jigsaw Puzzle Piece together the mystique with our The Gnome's Dragon Jigsaw Puzzle. Each piece is a fragment of the tale, inviting you to step into the gnome's boots and share in their adventure and humor. The Gnome's Dragon Mouse Pad Let every scroll and click be a whimsical journey with The Gnome's Dragon Mouse Pad. Work and play over the very landscape our heroes tread, accompanied by Griswold's snark and Searwing's wisdom. The Gnome's Dragon Throw Pillow Rest upon the lore with our The Gnome's Dragon Throw Pillow. Cozy up with a tangible piece of the tale, and perhaps dream of your own mythical quests and cheeky banter. The Gnome's Dragon Fleece Blanket Wrap yourself in the warmth of our The Gnome's Dragon Fleece Blanket. Soft, luxurious, and enchanted with the essence of camaraderie, it's perfect for those nights when the air is chill and the heart longs for tales of valor. Discover these treasures and more at Unfocussed, where every product is a chapter in an ongoing saga of magic and mischief. Visit us to bring home a part of the legend today.

by Bill Tiepelman

Orb of Origins: The Hatchling's Hold

The Hatchling's Awakening Once upon a time, in the velvety darkness of space, amongst the tapestry of twinkling stars, there emerged a tale as old as time itself. It was within the swirling nebulas and dancing auroras that a cosmic egg hummed with the promise of life. This was no ordinary egg, for it bore within its shell the potential for uncharted beginnings, a future written in the stars but yet to unfold. In the heart of the great cosmic nursery, amidst the harmonious choir of pulsating celestial bodies, the egg began to crack. It was a moment that the universe itself seemed to have paused to witness. A tiny snout, dusted with the glitter of stardust, nudged its way through the crack, followed by a pair of wide, curious eyes that held within them the birth of nebulae. This was the birth of Astra, a dragon hatchling whose scales shimmered with a cosmic hue, a mirage of the universe that birthed her. She was a creature born from the stars, and to the stars, she would forever belong. Astra unfurled her delicate wings, still tender and translucent, and gazed upon the radiant orb that lay nestled within the remnants of her cosmic cradle. The Orb of Origins, as it was whispered amongst the constellations, was said to contain the very essence of the universe’s creation. It was the heart of all matter, the core of all energy, and the seed of all life. The Orb pulsed gently, in rhythm with Astra's own heartbeat, and with every pulse, a new star blinked into existence somewhere in the endless ocean of space. As Astra cradled the Orb, she felt a connection to the cosmos that was both empowering and humbling. She understood, without knowing how, that she was now the guardian of this Orb, the keeper of potential, and the shepherd of the universe’s secrets. Her journey was just beginning, a path that would lead her through the mysteries of creation, the forging of worlds, and the nurturing of life. The Dragon's Dominion With the Orb of Origins warm against her chest, Astra rose upon her coiled tail. Her eyes, vast as the void yet warm as a sun's core, flickered with newfound purpose. The galaxies around her were not merely sights to behold; they were her charges, her play, her responsibility. As she moved, so did the fabric of space, warping in delightful patterns that tickled the edges of black holes and cometed past pulsars. Time passed in a manner unbeknownst to mortals, for time in space is as fluid as the celestial rivers that flow between stars. Astra grew, her scales hardening like the crusts of cooling planets, her breath becoming a solar wind that fanned the flames of distant suns. She was becoming part of the cosmic dance, a choreographer of celestial symphonies. But with great power came a solitude that hung heavy upon her heart like a black dwarf star. Astra longed for kinship, for another soul that shared her stellar lineage. It was then that the Orb of Origins, sensing the yearning within the dragon's heart, pulsed a deep crimson hue and began to hum a melody that resonated with the frequency of creation. Drawn by the melody, forms began to coalesce from the stardust—other beings, each unique in shape and hue, yet kindred in spirit. They were the Astrakin, born from Astra's longing and the Orb's boundless magic. They danced around her, a constellation of companions, each with a small orb of their own, a fragment of the original that continued to bind them to their dragon mother. Together, they soared across the universe, weaving new stars into the firmament, shaping nebulas, and whispering life into being. The Orb of Origins remained with Astra, its luminescence now shared amongst her kin, a reminder of their sacred duty as guardians of existence. In the heart of space, where dreams are born and time weaves its enigmatic tapestry, Astra and her Astrakin became the eternal shepherds of the cosmos, the dragon's dominion ever expanding, ever enduring.     As Astra and the Astrakin forged their legacy across the cosmos, tales of their guardianship and the Orb’s magic spread far and wide, even to the distant and imaginative realm of Earth. Here, in a world teeming with creativity, these stories inspired a series of exquisite items, each capturing the essence of the cosmic legend. The "Orb of Origins: The Hatchling's Hold" Sticker became a treasured emblem, finding its place among the possessions of those who cherished the wonder of the universe. It served as a constant companion, a reminder of the boundless universe that awaited beyond the sky's veil. The majestic Poster, with its vibrant display, turned plain walls into gateways to other worlds, inviting onlookers to step into a realm where dragons soared and stars were born at the gentle whim of a hatchling's dreams. On the web of commerce, a unique Tote Bag emerged, allowing earthlings to carry the enchantment of the cosmos on their shoulders, while the comfort of the stars was brought home with a Throw Pillow, each a soft throne fit for any dreamer. And for those who sought warmth under the same stars that Astra tended, the "Orb of Origins" Fleece Blanket wrapped them in a celestial embrace, as if the hatchling dragon herself had folded the fabric of the heavens around them in a tender, protective cocoon. Thus, the legend of Astra and her cosmic kin intertwined with the lives of those on Earth, the dragon's dominion extending beyond the stars to inspire, comfort, and ignite the imaginations of all who believed in the magic of the universe.