The Green Ember Wiki

READ MORE

The Green Ember Wiki
Register
Advertisement
The Green Ember Wiki

There was a rabbit named Smalden. He was young among his brothers and sisters but wise beyond his years. His father saw early his gifts, knew his gentleness, wisdom, and deep strength. He saw all this and gave him a gift, [the Green Ember].
 


King Smalden "Smalls" Joveson, also known as Jupiter Smalls, is the youngest son of King Jupiter of the Thirty Warrens and his chosen heir, and thus the rightful bearer of the Green Ember. After the War for All Natalia, Smalls takes his rightful place as ruler of Natalia. He also marries Heather, with whom he has several children, among them Maggie and Hanna.

Biography

Child of prophecy

Part of Smalls' destiny was foreseen more than a hundred years prior to his birth by Lander Whitson, his distant ancestor.

Early life

...there was always something unusual about me, even as a baby. Father knew something too. He was so convinced that he gave me the Green Ember before I was old enough to know my own name.
 
— Smalden to Heather Longtreader, Ember's End, pg. 187-188


Smalls was the last born of King Jupiter's sons, and never grew to the same physical stature as his brothers. However, according to Heather Longtreader, King Jupiter recognized qualities in his son worthy of the kingship of the Thirty Warrens, and thus bequeathed to him the Green Ember. Indeed, Smalls was given the Green Ember in his infancy, and thus grew up with little if any memory of his father. Few were present at this Bestowal of the Green Ember, but among them were Garten Longtreader.

After Jupiter was murdered by Morbin Blackhawk, Smalls' older brothers (including Winslow and Whitbie Joveson) were apparently ignorant of or unwilling to recognize his claim to the throne. Since they felt that they could not hold back Morbin's hordes, they decided to coalesce under his rule, (an action of which Whitbie later repented), at which point they effectively exiled Smalls along with his chosen guardian, Wilfred Longtreader, who had been a loyal servant of his father.

His younger sister Emma, an infant at the time, was committed to the care of Lord Rake of Cloud Mountain, and chosen to succeed Smalls if he should die without an heir.

Heather and Picket Longtreader

Following their banishment from the First Warren, Smalls and Wilfred made their way to Nick Hollow to visit Wilfred's brother Whittle and his wife Sween, along with their children, Picket and Heather. Unfortunately, they arrived only to find that they had been beaten to Nick Hollow by a pack of wolves under the evil Redeye Garlackson. They were unable to save Whittle, Sween, and their youngest son Jacket from being captured, but were able to come to the aid of Picket and Heather. Smalls was able to kill one wolf and help Wilfred drive off Redeye, after which Smalls entered the Seven Mounds in order to help Picket and Heather.

Smalls managed to carry the unconscious Heather through the mounds as they attempted to escape Redeye's minions, though he unwittingly inspired resentment in Picket against his various actions and mannerisms. The two eventually made their way to the seventh mound and, after Picket was unable to determine which path to take, Smalls chose a route that plunged them into a deep cavern with an underground lake. Smalls was knocked unconscious, but Picket and the revived Heather were able to get him into a boat that they found and escaped, rejoining Wilfred in the process. Smalls soon recovered from his injury, and held conference with Wilfred while the others slept, breaking it off when Picket woke up.

During the group's trip to Decker's Landing, Smalls' gloomy comments about the likely unfortunate fate of Heather and Picket's family caused Picket to voice his dislike of Smalls. Rather than become angry at the other buck, Smalls expressed approval at Picket's anger, and was even content with it being temporarily directed at him. The group arrived at the landing to find it ablaze with wolves patrolling nearby, and were thus forced to move into the nearby woods to seek cover. Smalls acted as a scout and informed the others when they could move safely, and carried Picket briefly after he tripped and injured himself. As the group moved through the forest to find refuge in Cloud Mountain, Smalls joined Heather in asking Wilfred for a stop for Picket's sake.

Heather, Smalls, and Picket in boat TGE

Smalls lies unconscious as he, Heather, and Picket flee the Seven Mounds.

The group eventually arrived at Cloud Mountain and were met by the Forest Guard under Pacer. Smalls bristled when they are denied entry until Lord Rake could approve them, but the citadel lord shortly arrived and welcomed the group inside. Smalls and Wilfred donned hooded cloaks to conceal themselves, as all Longtreaders (one of which Smalls was considered to be due to his concealed identity and his association with Wilfred) were held in suspicion among those rabbits who counted themselves a part of the Resistance due to Garten Longtreader's treachery against King Jupiter, which had resulted in his death at Jupiter's Crossing.

During this time Heather and Picket came to believe that Smalls was the son of Finbar Smalls, a great painter slain during the Afterterrors. Smalls later joined Wilfred and Lord Rake in coming to the aid of Helmer when one of the captain's training exercises goes dangerously wrong. They succeeded in saving his life, and despite sustaining an injury to his feet Smalls acknowledged Helmer with Blackstar's oath. He was forced to use crutches for a time due to his injury, and later came across Picket after the younger buck had an altercation with the Cloud Mountain guards. After helping Picket get out of trouble, Smalls rebuked him and advised him to change his attitude.

During his time on Cloud Mountain, Smalls spent a great deal of time in Lighthall in the company of Master Luthe Glazier, who was one of a handful to know of Smalls' true identity. Smalls also frequented the Standing Stones at Cloud Mountain, visiting them every morning and evening when he was able. During one such visit he meets Jo Shanks from Halfwind Citadel, and the two spoke atop the seventh standing stone for a time. Smalls' innate wisdom so impressed Jo that the archer confesses a great deal to Smalls that he had told few others.

In seeking to avoid further exposure, Jo questioned Smalls' own plans, and learned that Smalls had a doe in mind whom he wanted to marry. Smalls later intervened when the soldiers from Halfwind Citadel, Jo included, surround Wilfred with drawn blades. Smalls also came to be acquainted with Kyle, who informed Smalls that his mother was in danger and needed help. Smalls approached Heather to learn whether she trusted Kyle, and she responded in the affirmative despite some misgivings. With this confirmation, Smalls chose to depart Cloud Mountain alone to go to the aid of his mother, though he kept the Green Ember with him contrary to Kyle's counsel.

After saying farewell to Master Luthe and asking Heather to advise Wilfred of his departure, Smalls left the mountain and made his way to Jupiter's Crossing. He walked into a trap, orchestrated by Kyle on the orders of his father Bleston, and was captured by Redeye Garlackson and Garten Longtreader. However, Picket came racing to his aid after learning of Kyle's treachery, and in a miraculous display slew Redeye after defeating two birds of prey who had accompanied him. The two then led the arriving reinforcements from Cloud Mountain against an attacking force of wolves, driving them back.

At this point, Smalls disclosed his true identity to all and expressed his thankfulness to the loyal Longtreaders for their service. He later held a meeting of the lords and captains at their temporary camp. Smalls' force eventually returned to Cloud Mountain. From there, Heather's story of the events spread across Natalia.

An heir revealed…and fallen

After receiving intelligence from Captain Frye on the possible whereabouts of Heather and Picket's family, Smalls led a mission hoping to save them. He and Picket scouted ahead, only to find the camp deserted, and were attacked by a trio of birds. They were able to collapse an empty barracks on the three predators, killing two while the third was dispatched by arriving reinforcements. After the camp had been searched, Smalls had at least some of the recovered ore sent to Harbone Citadel and forged into a new sword for Picket.

Smalls hosts a council at Cloud Mountain EF

Smalls hosts a council at Halfwind Citadel.

Some time later at Halfwind Citadel, Smalls enjoyed a brief walk with Heather before Captain Frye arrived with news. Smalls convened a council in Lord Ramnor's ready room, inviting the Longtreaders, Captains Frye and Helmer, Lords Ramnor and Victor, and Coleden and Heyna Blackstar. There they learned of an approaching army of rabbits, larger than any ever seen and coming from an area in which Morbin was not known to have assets. At the advice of all his counselors, it was determined that Smalls should travel to Kingston for a conference with the various lords while Halfwind prepared for an attack.

At this time, Smalls revealed Emma's true identity to his council, and asked that they not tell her of her heritage for her own sake. After the council adjourned, he spoke in private with Picket and informed him of news. This turned out to be intelligence indicating that Picket's father was believed to be in a slave camp in the Shade Hills, which was on Smalls' way to Kingston. Smalls then informed Picket that all of his advisors had counseled him against attempting a rescue, despite his own wish to do so. Picket pleaded with him to make the attempt, and after vowing to do all that he could Smalls asked for Picket's sword.

Smalls fought like Whitson himself, like his father, as heroic as I've ever seen a rabbit fight.
 


The weapon proved to have a secret compartment in its hilt, and Smalls placed the Green Ember there, entrusting it to Picket as a precaution against his death. His concerns proved to be well-founded, as when his escort attacked the camp on his orders they were ambushed by numerous birds. Smalls and his forces fought bravely, but many were killed or carried off. Smalls himself was run through and then carried off (according to Wilfred) with both Wilfred and Lord Victor being convinced of his death. Word of his death brought tremendous grief to the Cause and guilt to Picket, who blamed himself for urging Smalls on.

Heather later had a dream in which she saw Smalls in a cavern. Bleston, having feigned a desire to side with Smalls in the war against Morbin, betrayed the Cause at the Battle of Rockback Valley, seeking to capture Emma. After this scheme was thwarted, Emma, recognized as the heir, thanked the soldiers for fighting on in memory of her brother. Overwhelmed by the weight of her newfound identity, Emma attempted to surrender herself to Morbin in order to give the Resistance rabbits time to escape. She was thwarted by Heather, who took her place; the Preylords later suggested that perhaps Heather should be buried with Smalls, much to her sorrow.

Not forgotten

Prince Smalls was the noblest rabbit I have ever known.
 


Picket grieved anew for Smalls after confirmation of his death arrives, with Emma sending her brother's scarf to Picket as a gift in token of Picket and Smalls' friendship. Picket later discussed Smalls with both Hame Smith of Harbone Citadel and Whitbie Joveson, one of Smalls' older brothers. Word of Smalls and Picket had previously entered the city via Heather's story. Whit later spoke to their oldest brother, Winslow, who expressed satisfaction at the news of Smalls' apparent death.

In Akolan, Heather shared the story of Smalls with her parents and the Seventh District. She made a silent pledge to herself that she would go throughout the remainder of her life as though she were Smalls' widow. Jo also remembered Smalls, and Lord Ronan’s refusal to acknowledge him, during his journey to Blackstone Citadel. After being thrown into the Tomb of Lander's Dragons on Forbidden Island, a mortally wounded Heather came across Smalls' body. Grieving over him, she laid her head on his chest, only to be filled with astonishment after a few seconds.

Alive in a tomb

Smalls and Aunt Jone's Tonic EE

Smalls finds Jone Wissel's True Blue tonic.

Having determined that Smalls was, miraculously, still alive, Heather attended to his injuries even as her own condition declined. Recalling the astonishing effects of Jone's tonic, she administered it to Smalls, who soon recovered only to find Heather on the brink of death. Nourishing her with mossdraft, Smalls appealed to the unconscious Heather and was finally able to learn which of her tonics she gave him. He used the remainder on Heather, who made her own miraculous recovery and awakened to a joyful reunion with Smalls.

Discussion of the means by which they had both been saved from death led Heather to recount all that she had experienced since their last meeting. Stunned by all that had been accomplished in his absence, Smalls lamented his foolhardy decision to attack the slave camp, and questioned whether he should remain withdrawn from the War for All Natalia and allow Emma to reign instead. Heather argued against this course, and insisted that they turn their efforts towards finding a means of escape. However, they were then interrupted by another inhabitant of the tomb: a dragon who introduced himself as the dragon keeper.

The keeper explained that his office was created by a treaty between Lander and the last survivor of the Dragon War, the latter being tasked with safeguarding the dragon seeds within the tomb. Leery of his intent, Smalls and Heather shared some knowledge of what was transpiring in the world outside. The keeper informed the pair that escaping the tomb without outside help was apparently impossible. After disclosing that he attended to Smalls during the prince's time alone in the cave, he left the pair to continue recuperating from their recent injuries. In whispered conversation, Heather expressed her distrust for the creature, and Smalls expressed his trust in her insight as a seer. The two settled down to sleep, and Smalls sang a song to help settle both their hearts.

Smalls and Heather encounter The Keeper EE

Smalls and Heather encounter the Keeper.

The following day, the pair discussed the need to find a means of escape, particularly as the tomb seemed to be growing increasingly unstable. Smalls also speculated on the history of dragons in Natalia, which he suspected was deliberately falsified due to their almost mythical status. He noted that Wilfred believed in their existence, but also that much knowledge was lost when King Jupiter was killed before he could instruct Smalls in the royal lore. Smalls then discussed receiving the Green Ember from his father as a small child, and how both Jupiter and Lord Booker sensed unusual qualities in him even at that young age. Heather screamed after seeing a pair of eyes observing them, but the two of them played dumb when the keeper arrived to investigate the noise.

After Smalls asked about the possibility of a cave-in, the keeper invited him to come and see the supports that had been fashioned to prevent the tomb's collapse and help with the project. Smalls agreed, reluctantly leaving behind Heather, who took the Green Ember for safekeeping. After spending some time waiting for him, Heather fell asleep, but awakened to find him sleeping nearby, though she felt a sense of worry at the sight. Later, either in a moment of semi-consciousness or a dream, she saw Smalls searching through her satchel. Unbeknownst to her, Smalls had fallen victim to the keeper's-or rather, the dragon prince's-toxic breath, the druglike effects of which caused him to seek to fulfill the dragon's desires.

Smalls comes to Heather's rescue with the Starsword EE

Smalls charges from the vault wielding the starsword.

Working to break into a vault in the depths of the tomb, Smalls was eventually able to gain access after a tremor opened a crack into the chamber. Smalls was able to shake off the effects of the breath in the process, and overheard the dragon prince disclosing his true identity and plans to Heather on the other side of the vault door. Finding the legendary Stone Sword of Flint within the tomb, Smalls used the Green Ember-which he took from Heather while intoxicated by the breath-to open the door. He then charged out and kills the prince using the starsword before urging Heather into the vault, closing the door behind them.

The last battles

Now your dominion is ended, Morbin! I am the son of Jupiter Great, descendant by blood and heir of Flint Firstking! I am Smalden Ender Preybane, and your doom is come.
 
— Smalls to Morbin, Ember's End, p. 373

Smalls revealed that the vault also contained an exit to the outside world, giving them the opportunity to escape. However, pointing out the crack by which he entered, he noted that the dragons would be able to escape as well. After Heather asserted that the dragons would make a pact with the Preylords, rather than fight against them, the two realized that they must insure that the dragons do not escape. The two examined the treasures of the vault, Smalls confessing that he had hoped to marry Heather one day, and outfitted themselves with various weapons and other treasures. Now clad in armor, Smalls led the charge out of the vault, cutting through the dragons as Heather destroyed the supports to bring the tunnels down behind them.

Reaching the cavern where they reunited, the pair wondered if they might remain there undisturbed for a time when a last flood of dragons charged in. Smalls confronted them while Heather destroyed the last support, with Smalls turning to look her in the eyes as they anticipated their death. However, they were unexpectedly rescued by Heather's father Whittle Longtreader, who had just arrived with the escaped inhabitants of Akolan aboard a fleet of ships. As Forbidden Island crumbled behind them, the rabbits sailed into the midst of the Siege of First Warren.

Heather and Smalls at the end of all things EE

Smalls and Heather meet each other's stares as the dragon tomb collapses.

Spotting Morbin flying above the city and laying waste to the battered defenders, Smalls urged Whittle's crew to sail to the Seven Standing Stones. After dispatching a bird with the starsword, he leapt to the first standing stone and ran to the top. He then began leaping across the stones towards the seventh to confront Morbin, whom he addressed defiantly. Picket, flying in using a glider pack, then attacked Morbin, blinding him in one eye only to lose his right arm in a second strike. Smalls rushed to aid him, only to watch in horror as Picket made a final lunge at Morbin and was knocked from atop the standing stone, badly wounded. Morbin, distracted and half-blind from Picket's efforts, failed to see Smalls making a final leap at him, and Smalls drove the starsword into Morbin's heart.

The sword's blade broke, signaling the end of all wars and the beginning of the Mending, as Morbin fell to his end in the flooded city below. Smalls then watched as Heather dove into the same flood to rescue Picket, who was swiftly taken to the old palace. Smalls reassumed his place as heir to the throne, receiving the Whitson Stone from Emma and soon being forced away from Picket's bedside by duties of state. Some weeks later, a note from Heather brought him back to the palace in time to witness Picket awaking from a coma and being reunited with his loved ones.

Smalls and the broken Starsword EE

Smalls holds the broken Starsword aloft.

The Mended Wood

A year after the final battle, Smalls presided at the first Feast of the Mending, an annual celebration to commemorate the victory over the predators and the heroic sacrifice of those lost in the war. Smalls announced his betrothal to Heather, adding that they would be married on the day he was crowned as king. He then called Picket up to a table of honor, accompanied by his family and closest surviving friends. Picket asked Smalls to join them, but the prince politely declined, instead donning an apron and joining those serving the meal to the happy throng.

Later, after Smalls had been crowned king and married Heather, he was interviewed by Whittle regarding his experiences, part of Whittle's preparation of The Rise and Fall of King Jupiter the Great. Smalls and Heather took up residence in Newcity, and in time were blessed with several children including Maggie and Hanna Joveson. The royal couple came to be regarded as a new Flint and Fay. During a visit between Heather and Emma, Emma mentioned seeing her brother with Cole Blackstar and their older brothers Winslow and Whitbie Joveson, who were leaving to check out possible sites for the Votive Sanctuary.

Smalls later attended a family gathering at Helmer's Farm, now home to Picket, his wife Louise, and their children. He gave Whittle's assistant Dote a present and his regards to Dote's son Stretch, before warmly greeting Whittle and Jacks. The trio were soon laughing in the midst of the party, with Smalls looking on lovingly as his children and their cousins sat listening to their grandmother Sween Longtreader. Elsewhere, Heather revealed to Picket that she was working on her own history, The Fall and Rise of King Smalden Joveson; the extended family subsequently settled down to dinner.

Physical appearance

Smalls is the youngest and shortest in statue of all of King Jupiter's known sons; however, he is much stronger than he seems, as is evidenced when he carried Heather through the length of the Seven Mounds. He has pure white fur, and is known to have a somewhat wise and regal air about him.

Personality and traits

Picket, stay angry. It's okay if it's at me, for now. If you aren't angry about the wicked things happening in the world all around, then you don't have a soul.
 
— Smalls, The Green Ember, pg. 114


Smalls is a kind, quiet, dignified rabbit. He has experienced a lot throughout his life, which caused him to have a great deal more wisdom than was commonly allotted to rabbits of his age, thus giving him a generally non-optimistic view of the future. He is, however, not quick to trust just anyone, as he had suffered betrayal from some of his closest friends and family.

Family tree


- The Royal Family of Natalia -
Flint Firstking
 
Fay
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnamed descendants
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whit
 
Unknown wife
 
Grant
 
Unknown wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whitson Mariner
 
 
 
 
 
Lillie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown wife
 
Lander Whitson
 
Lemual Whitson
 
Davis Whitson
 
Grant Whitson
 
Lucianne Blackstar
 
Lord Blackstar II
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnamed descendants
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walter Good
 
Unknown wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown wife
 
Bleston
 
Unnamed son
 
Jupiter Goodson
 
Lady Glen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kylen
 
 
 
Winslow Joveson
 
Whitbie Joveson
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emma Joveson
 
Unnamed children
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Naylen
 
Unknown wife
 
 
 
 
Smalden Joveson
 
Heather Longtreader
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maggie Joveson
 
Hanna Joveson
 
Unnamed children
 
 
 


Note: Broken lines indicate relation through affinity or adoption or distant relation; unbroken lines indicate relation by blood.


- The Longtreader Family -
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnamed ancestors
(possibly including
Forsythe Longtreader
and Whittle's father)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Garten
 
Whittle
 
Sween
 
Wilfred's first wife
 
Wilfred
 
Airen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 unnamed adopted children
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Smalden Joveson
 
Heather
 
Picket
 
Louise
 
Jacket
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maggie
 
Hanna
 
Unnamed children
 
Jo
 
Unnamed children


Note: Broken lines indicate relation through affinity or adoption or distant relation; unbroken lines indicate relation by blood.

Relationships

Jupiter Goodson and Lady Glen

King Jupiter was Smalls' father, and despite being his youngest son was seen as the most worthy to succeed him as King of Natalia.

Lady Glen is Small's mother but went into hiding when Smalls was young; despite this, he had great love for her that allowed him to be manipulated into traveling into danger at the thought of her coming to harm.

Winslow and Whitbie Joveson

Winslow and Whitbie are Smalls' oldest brothers, and for much of his life were divided in loyalty as well as by age. Winslow, as the eldest of the siblings, felt he was the rightful heir to the throne as did their uncle Bleston before him. As such, Smalls being given the Green Ember left him bitter and angry, and even willing to side with their father's murderer. Ruling as Morbin's puppet governor, Winslow usurped Smalls' rightful place as ruler over rabbitkind, and effectively exiled Smalls and his guardian Wilfred Longtreader from First Warren. He later expressed satisfaction at the news of Smalls' supposed death, but after being deposed and pardoned by Emma seems to have repented of his contempt for Smalls.

Whitbie, or Whit, had little interaction with his youngest brother, and sided with Winslow when his older brother accepted a place in Morbin's regime. In time, Whit came to see the error of his ways and returned to the allegiance of his father, thus acknowledging Smalls and later Emma as the rightful heirs to the throne. He thus condemned Winslow's rebellion, and actively worked to help overthrow him to make way for the Cause's reclamation of First Warren. After the war, Whit seems to have become a trusted associate of his youngest brother, now king of all Natalia, joining him in the task of investigating potential sites for a new Votive Sanctuary.

Emma

Emma is Smalls' younger sister and the last of their siblings, though for much of her life she was completely ignorant of this fact. Emma was entrusted to the care of Lord Rake after the death of King Jupiter, and a council of faithful rabbits decided, on the advice of Maggie Weaver, to withhold the truth about her identity from her. As he matured, Smalls agreed with this decision, feeling that it would make Emma a more suitable heir to him in the event that he died childless. He also wished to spare Emma the pain he had endured as a result of seeing their older siblings pledge their allegiance to the very tyrant who murdered their father.

Upon encountering Emma at Cloud Mountain after meeting Picket and Heather for the first time, Smalls smiled proudly as he heard her speak of the Mended Wood. Despite this, he seems to have maintained some distance from her, as she displayed little familiarity with him in their few interactions. After Heather and Picket were informed of Emma's true identity, Smalls swore them both to secrecy, insisting that she not be told the truth about herself unless the worst should happen to him. Fearing that very eventuality, he entrusted the Green Ember to Picket to deliver to Emma, along with a message expressing his love and regret at their parting. Later, the pair were happily reunited in the Mending, with Emma all the happier that she didn't have to shoulder the burden of ruling over Natalia.

Wilfred Longtreader

...for many years, I have been protected by the name Longtreader.
 
— Smalls about Wilfred, The Green Ember, p. 358


Wilfred was appointed as Smalls' guardian after the death of King Jupiter and Lady Glen's going into exile, and became a mentor and father figure to the prince who had known his own father so briefly. Wilfred dedicated his life to protecting Smalls, eventually traveling with him away from First Warren after Smalls' relationship with his oldest brother Winslow reached its lowest point. When Smalls was knocked unconscious during the attack on Nick Hollow, Wilfred became frantic and desperate to reach him. The following day, Wilfred did his best to gently advise Smalls against rash action and to reassure him, and later acted to calm his young ward when Smalls was angered by their welcome at Cloud Mountain. He would also tell Picket that keeping Smalls safe was his highest priority, even over his love for his niece and nephew.

Wilfred later saved Smalls' life when they stepped in during Helmer's training exercise, and angrily rebuffed Helmer when he came closer to check on Smalls. Later, Wilfred came to Smalls with news of Harbone's fears, and Smalls reacted sourly to learn of their lack of trust in Wilfred. Wilfred, however, felt that their suspicion was understandable, even as he simultaneously felt frustrated by their unwillingness to heed his counsel. Wilfred later shared his concerns over Smalls' behavior with Heather, later reacting with anger when she mentioned he might have left Cloud Mountain with Kyle. He was horrified to later learn that Smalls was heading into a trap at Jupiter's Crossing, and rushed to gather a force to rescue him.

Smalls, after his true identity became known to the rabbits of the Cause, vouched for Wilfred's loyalty and his role in keeping Smalls safe throughout the years. Smalls also did what he could to protect his guardian, previously acting to prevent a heated altercation between Wilfred and Captain Frye from turning into an actual fight. Unfortunately, he did not always pay heed to Wilfred's counsel, most notably defying him and other advisors in his attack on the Shade Hills prison camp. Though Wilfred recognized that Smalls had acted unwisely, he still blamed himself briefly for failing to save him. Wilfred also felt inadequate in terms of training Smalls for his future responsibilities, recognizing that there was much royal lore of which he was ignorant.

Heather Longtreader

Oh, Heather. You would have been a magnificent queen. Let's live like we are king and queen - just for now, here among our enemies - and finish an old task together.
 
— Smalls to Heather Longtreader, Ember's End, pg. 225


From the beginning, Smalls was attracted to Heather, even remarking on her beauty once, and Heather returned his quiet affection. Their love for one another grew gradually, though they never actually admitted it to one another. When Smalls and Heather were reunited in the Tomb, however, they professed their love for one another and fought against the dragon prince and his army like king and queen "among [their] enemies." After the War for All Natalia came to an end, Smalls took Heather as his wife and queen, and they had several children together.

Picket Longtreader

Smalls' relationship with Picket started out roughly, with Picket becoming jealous of the skillful prince and annoyed by his tendencies both to take charge and to address Picket as "lad". Though stern in dealing with the younger buck at times, Smalls did his best to be friendly, and in no way sought to provoke him. Unfortunately, despite managing to cooperate with him for the sake of Heather, Picket grew increasingly resentful of Smalls. When Picket exploded at him regarding his comments as to the fate of their family, Smalls sadly encouraged Picket's anger and even expressed willingness to be the object of it for the time being.

Despite Picket's dislike of him, Smalls carried him to safety after their arrival at Decker's Landing, and joined Heather in calling for a rest when he saw that Picket was suffering due to an injury. He later helped Picket get out of trouble with the Forest Guard, but berated him for his self-pitying attitude and urged him to repent of it. Picket would come to regret his treatment of Smalls, and later came to his rescue at Jupiter's Crossing. Having learned the truth about Smalls' identity, Picket became an ardent supporter of the prince. Smalls would later insist on accompanying Picket in scouting the deserted camp, though he would urge his friend to caution.

Against the advice of his council, Smalls later confided in Picket regarding intelligence suggesting that his family might be imprisoned in the Shade Hills camp. Picket urged Smalls to attempt a rescue, and when Smalls noted that all his counselors had advised against it, Picket claimed that his lack of action would shame him in Heather's eyes. Picket's pleas moved Smalls to follow his ill-considered plan to attack the camp, which led to his capture and later imprisonment in the dragon tomb. Picket would bitterly regret his role in Smalls' apparent death, and dedicated himself to fighting on in memory of his lost friend.

Smalls and Picket were later reunited during the final battle in the War for All Natalia, and Smalls was horrified when Picket lost an arm in an attack on Morbin, and rushed to his aid. He was further appalled when Picket, determined to fulfill his vows to Smalls and the Cause, made another charge that led to him plummeting from the top of the seventh standing stone. After the battle, Smalls was forced to leave Picket's bedside to attend to duties of state, but later returned on the day Picket awoke from his coma. The sight of Picket being reunited with his family moved Smalls to tears. At the first Feast of the Mending, Picket invited Smalls, his soon-to-be brother-in-law, to join the table set aside for him, an offer which Smalls politely declined.

Trivia

  • S. D. Smith made Smalls short because he felt that it would be funny for a prince to be the last hope of the Cause, yet small in stature.[1]
  • The surname "Joveson" is a reference to Smalls being the son of Jupiter Goodson, as "Jove" is derived from the Roman name "Jupiter."[2]

Gallery


References

  1. S. D. Smith's Green Ember LIVE; a Katy, TX, performance
  2. [1]


This article was, at one point in time, a Featured Article on The Green Ember Wiki's mainpage, meaning that it represents the best of what our community has to offer.
- The Green Ember Wiki -

Advertisement