Hoppers Hopper's Arc

Chapter 2 of 3

Hoppers Hopper needed to start somewhere. He gathered his courage and visited Master Chen's shop at the edge of the village. The old craftsman agreed to show him the basic folds. Hoppers watched the master's paws move across red paper, creating sharp creases that would become a lantern's frame. Master Chen sent him to the library next. Hoppers pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside. Colorful lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting warm light across rows of shelves. He found the section on ceremonial traditions and pulled down three thick scrolls. Each one showed different lantern designs used in past celebrations. He studied the diagrams carefully, tracing the lines with his paw. The history stretched back hundreds of years. Back at his workshop, Hoppers needed to prepare his materials. He carried wet paper panels outside to the wooden drying rack. The afternoon sun would set the paint and strengthen the fibers. He arranged each piece carefully so air could flow around them. Near the rack sat a red and gold water bucket. He filled it from the well and brought it inside. The clean water would mix perfectly with his adhesives and paints. Hoppers set up his workspace with everything within reach. The scrolls from the library lay open beside him. The bucket of water sat ready. His tools lined the table in neat rows. He picked up a strip of bamboo and began to shape it, remembering Master Chen's steady movements. Each small step brought him closer to understanding the ancient art. Tomorrow he would practice the folds again. For now, he had learned enough to begin his real training.