The Bluewood - Jamie

Addi, you're awesome! Our poor blog is just starving for love, coughing on the dust. How could we neglect it like this, when 15 minutes is all it takes to make its day? And each others' as well! Thank you kindly for your duster and your encouraging speech!

So, I will gladly oblige. x)

__________________________

Ivian recoiled from the book, as though he had been stung. "What is this?" he demanded, looking up at the council gathered around him in the tent. A dozen pairs of steady eyes met his from around the table, candlelight flickering in their gazes. But no one ventured a reply.

"What is this?" the prince asked again, giving the book a slight shove into the middle of the table. "My father-in-law leaves me in charge of the army for two weeks, and this is the time you choose to present such a delicate item?"

"Ivian," said the man to his right, laying his hand on his shoulder in a warning gesture. "Hear them out before you jump to conclusions, not one soldier in this army would seek to create disunity."

The young man let out a sigh. "You're right. Please, will someone not explain?"

"I will speak," said a middle aged soldier on the far side of the table. "The prophesies recorded herein specifically indicated that this book would be found on a certain date. My daughter came across the book hidden in an abandoned basement on that very day. The writings also indicate the exact political scenario which we see before us today. There were even instructions on the precise time to share this with our leaders. We would have given it to King Arlion, you have my word. But inscribed within the prophesy itself were instructions to give it to the prince, and that's you."

Ivian swallowed apprehensively. "And what does the prophesy say we must do?" he asked.

"It's not so clear as that, you'll have to read it for yourself. But it warns us that attack is coming in a manner we least expect, for which we are not prepared. We're prepared for the rebel armies, yes, but something much worse will soon be loosed against us. And now rumor has it that Orchrilla has had dealings with the Bluewood..."

The legends concerning the Bluewood were sinister and dark, no one heard its name without a slight chill running down their spine.

"I alone of you have entered this forest," said another young man, Kywen. "When I was a child I travelled through it, and came out alive. I traveled with my sister and your wife, Ivian. And combining the rumors with the prophesy with what I saw therein... I think I can deduce what kind of darkness our enemies plan to bring down upon us."

*marches in*

*flings open the curtains to let sunlight burst through the dark, dusty blog*

*grabs a feather duster and dusts the bookshelves*

It has been... *counts* 42 days (I think) since the last prompt was posted. Now, I know we all have school and some people are probably traveling and there's homework and life happens, but it takes like fifteen minutes to write a free write. Our poor blog is feeling quite neglected. And unloved! T_T

So, if any of you could possibly spare fifteen minutes or so this week, the poor deprived blog would appreciate it. As would I. 

So! Write, my dear friends! Bring joy and love back to the blog! 

King of Legend - Addi

"Please, Jayson, " Alise begged. "Trust me."

I looked down at my half sister. Her eyes were wide with terror and hope, her clothes were torn, leaves were hanging half-heartedly in her hair. I'd never seen perfect Alise look like such a wreck. 

"Come in," I said.

She looked both ways and darted inside. 

I closed the door behind her and locked it tightly. 

In the living room, she had already started pulling the curtains closed. I felt self-conscious about Alise being in my house. She'd always seemed so... Perfect. And rich. And my shabby apartment seemed so tiny and insignificant. 

"What's wrong?" I asked finally, breaking the silence. 

She sank into one of my faded armchairs. 

"It's a long story. The short version is, I found this." She reached into her bag and drew out a book. It was thick, with a faded leather cover. The title was etched into it and dyed blood red. I leaned forward to read it. 
"The Amber Seal," I whispered. "But, that's..."
"The illegal book that the former King wrote," Alise said matter-of-factly.

I recoiled from the book, as though I had been stung.
"The former king of Legend," I pointed out. "No one really believes he was the real king."
"Then why is the journal illegal? Why does the emperor work so hard to extinguish any mention of him? Jayson, he is the real king. Trust me, the journal says everything."
"It's a fairytale, Alise. The king wasn't real and if he was, he's long dead. And I'd rather not die for treason, so please stop," My voice was sharper than I meant it to be. 
"But-" she started. 
I reached for the book, fully intending to throw it into the fire. She clutched it to her chest. 
"If you won't help me, I'll leave. I only thought you would want to overthrow the Emperor, you hate him so."
I was silent as Alise tucked the book back into her bag. She smoothed down her ragged skirt and marched toward the door. 
"Aren't you going to stay?" I asked, startled.
She turned back to me. "No, Jayson. I have work to do. Good-bye, brother."
Part of me wondered if I should explain, confide in her the truth. No, Sevan's men were watching me already. 
"Farewell, sister. Be safe."
That is the last I ever see of Alise Eryndaughter.

Ehhh. That was rough. Ah, well. 

Round 4 ;) - Jamie

So, I suppose it could work like this? At least for now. If over a week has passed and all the posts have been soapboxed, then anyone feel free to begin the next round. And each round may then last anywhere from one week to over a month... *nods* We can just roll with this and see how it goes... nu? We're all busy.

Oh... Addi and Josh... would you two mind adding your names to your freewrites? Seems to have been forgotten. Thanks. ;)

And would someone like to set us up with a new poll?

So, for the prompt!

I recoiled from the book, as though I had been stung.

Have fun! =D

The Dark

I clutched my suitcase tightly. Everything I owned was in my hands. Or rather, everything I wanted them to know I owned. My other possessions were long gone. Ever since the attack on my village, I had been running, both from the mechs and from the government's special "research gathering and civilian enforcement" squads, or as we magicians call them, "hunters". I can only be thankful it wasn't them that slaughtered everyone I knew. Now I'm truly on my own.  I'm one of the last shadow wielders and only person in known history (at least to my knowledge) that showed affinity to two separate classes of magic. I sat in the outdoor waiting area for the local transit station, having entered with a ticket the young man with the suit had foolishly kept in his hand. I never wanted to be a thief. None of us ever did. I would almost feel bad, if I didn't know he was part of their society. He deserved what he got. The night sky was cloudy, keeping the area slightly dark and very cold. I opened my suitcase hesitantly. Inside laid my two other sets of clothes, a few small books of magic, and my prized knives. The latter two would be especially useful and I knew it. Owning a book of magic was dangerous, and they fetched a high price on the black market. But only after I memorized their contents cover to cover. I tried to stay inconspicuous in the back corner, closing my suitcase silently and attempting to look busy with a string on my shirt. 

"Hey kid!" I looked up, and noticed two hunters approaching me.

"C-can I help you?" I squeaked, attempting to look scared. They usually leave you alone sooner that way.

"Well... I'm afraid we're in need of some extra funding." the first said. "And you can help. We'll just be taking your suitcase, and taking what we need, then returning the rest."

A robbery. Just what I needed. First day attempting to start anew in a civilized area and already getting mugged by the government. "I... This is all I have... Please sirs..."

They grabbed my suitcase, tearing it open. I smiled. The perks of the great outdoors... "You can drop everything right now." I said darkly, twisting my hands into a simple casting stance. "And that does include compensation for your troubling me. 

One turned. My smile turned into a feral grin. "Vengeance for my fallen friends, hunters. Nothing personal."

His gun came out of the holster, and his arm stopped suddenly. "What the-" 

"Shado-" the second fell silent as I cast my second favorite spell, binding him with his own shadow.

"Hush..." I said in the most derogatory voice my angered self could manage. "I just need a bit of metal. Your guns will do nicely." Taking their weapons, I gave their ranks a glance. "Fresh out of the academy, eh?" I put the barrels to their heads. "Pity. I suppose that explains your inexperienced attempts though." The fear in their eyes was disturbingly refreshing. "Best nobody knows this ever happened." I sent a burst of electricity through the guns, effectively knocking them both unconscious. They wouldn't remember this night well. If I was correct, they would only remember a vague bit about a magician almost killing them, and likely quit their jobs hunting my kind and move on. It will suffice. I thought as I collected my bag and moved on into the station. The time for me to show the enemy why the feared the dark was near.

  

Facing Futures Unknown - Bree

      I clutched my suitcase tightly. Everything I owned was in my hands. It felt strange being on my own. Before, I always had my parents with me, or my sisters, or my uncle, but now... no one was there to hold my hand as I stepped into my future. Literally.
      Five years ago, I couldn't wait for this moment. Now? I was terrified. I didn't want to be sixteen. It felt like I was too young to leave my family. To leave the world I knew.
      Everyone knows that on your sixteenth birthday you step into the portal. No one knows what happens to you afterwards. No one ever remembers. You just were to bring your few belongings with you, say goodbye to your family, and then... walk off into your future without knowing what you will face.
      A lady wearing a tight skirt and a frilly blouse smiled at me as she walked out of the building and gently grabbed my arm, leading me inside the building towards the portal. She was talking to me, but I didn't hear her. I was too scared, too sad to listen to anyone just then.
     The building was more like an empty barn at the edge of town lit with those boxy, white lights that flicker like a candle in the wind. I blinked my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Then I saw the portal.
     It wasn't what I had imagined it to look like - all colorful and swirly. It was sort of like an arched door with a grey wall behind it. It looked odd. But it was my future.
     A man was also there. His jaw was clean-shaven and he wore a black suit as if he was going to someone's funeral. My funeral. I blinked back tears.
     Nonsense, Ellyana. You're not dying. Just leaving, I told myself.
     Then, taking a deep breath and jutting my chin upwards, I closed my eyes and stepped into the portal.

I wrote two, but lost my first. This one's completely different. I like it better, though. v.v Ten minutes. ;)

At the Airport - Jamie

Leah clutched her suitcase tightly. Everything she owned was in her hands. She was tired of this... she had to admit. Three years ago she had sold all her furniture and everything unnecessary, canceled the lease on her flat, and vanished into a world of trains and airplanes and tickets. Her passport was well worn, and her most prized possession. Finding the correct gate, she took a seat and waited for the airline to announce boarding. The young woman took her passport in her hands and stroked it gently. “We’ve been through a lot together, haven’t we old friend?” she murmured to it. “But this will be your last stamp for the foreseeable future. I’m going home.”

Leah looked out the window at the vague outline of the plane hidden in morning’s dusk. She stared out the window, contemplating entirely unrelated topics like barking dogs and the mythical writer’s block and the debate about whether it truly existed or not. She’d been sitting there for twelve minutes, there was three more minutes until boarding began.

She lifted a book from her suitcase and began to read. How far can one get through in three minutes?

So It Began... -Addi

I clutched my suitcase tightly. Everything I owned was in my hands.
There wasn't much, now that I think about it, but then it was my whole world.
Part of me ached, I think sensing what was to come, but I was mostly excited. Thrilled.
I was free, adventure was on the horizon. I didn't look back on the orphanage where I had spent all my life.
Oh, how naive I was. Young, innocent still. I wish...
But I must get on with the story.
I skipped out the gate, the black iron fence glaring at my back as I left. It was sunny, I remember, the first sunny day in weeks. Everything surrounding me was the dull city grey. The buildings, the sidewalks, the street. Occasionally there were browns and blacks, but for the most part it was the same dreary grey.
How did I stand it? I suppose because it was all I knew.
The streets were almost bare in my old neighborhood. The old beggar man everyone knew stood at the corner. I'm ashamed to say that in the ten years I'd seen him, I never spoke to him. Not once.
A woman hurried a little boy down the street. I smiled at his freckled little face.
Once I got to the market, the streets were far more crowded. I held my suitcase closer to my body. I managed to dart between people, thankful once more I was small.
The noises almost overwhelmed me. Of course I'd been to the market before, on errands, but I never really got used to it. People yelling about what they have to sell, dogs barking, ladies chatting away... There was so much.
I slipped through, grabbing a bit of food on the way.
And then I was out. Breathing a sigh of relief, I kept walking. I knew where the city wall was, and I headed there. Almost out.
That city was small, but to me it felt huge. I had no knowledge of the world outside. It was a bit after noon when I got to the wall. The gates were open, but there was practically no traffic. It wasn't an important city at all.
I finally looked back. One more step, and I left it all behind.
I took a step.
The road stretched in front of me, and I could where it curved up ahead. I continued, musing over things. I don't remember what I thought about. Probably the girls back at the orphanage. I didn't get along with them, except Gretchen. I would miss her. Her and Andrew, the boy who used to deliver  groceries and stuff. But he had left about a year ago.
I was patient, back then. I just walked, all day. When nightfall came, I opened the suitcase and pulled out a blanket and curled up by the side of the road.
It was the third day before anything happened.

The Tree of Stories and Round Three! - Jamie

http://www.tolkienprofessor.com/wp/lectures/introduction/

You are all required to listen to this 28 minute lecture. U_U Absolutely mandatory. All SS folks MUST listen.

Because we are sub-creators. Because we're busy unfolding the leaves of stories. Because the rage for originality in our modern world eats away at us if we don't reject it. I want to hear more about why Tolkien thought it was a sign of the corruption of our age... it makes sense, it rings true, but I don't know why.

A predictable story is not less valuable, if it's well-written! If you predict how things will go, and the writing is poor, it's disappointing. But a well-written predictable ending can be very satisfying. x) Not that unexpected twists aren't necessary as well, but that's inevitable. There's no way the reader can predict exactly what each character will say and do, even if they have the general picture.

All tales derive from the Great Tree of Stories, not from the writer... they're all leaves. Undeniable. They're all leaves. Butttt! No two leaves are the same.

No two leaves are the same. It's impossible to write a story which isn't original. Just try to write a story exactly like someone else's! Impossible. Similar situations, similar plot elements, etc...? Of course. They're all leaves. But each leaf is unique. No one else has what you have to offer, no one else can unfold this leaf you have before you. If you don't unfold it, we'll never know. Stories have been told for thousands of years, and will continue to be told. Your story is just as valuable as the ones before it, and the ones that will come. No one else has what you have to offer!

We are made in the image of a maker. And we all have sub-creations to offer to the world. For us gathered here, our sub-creations are writing. We here are those who unfold the leaves. x) Not everyone sub-creates by writing. Not everyone writes, everyone has potential in different areas. But we gathered here are the writers! And I love that. ^,_^

So! Let's do another round of freewriting! =D

We can talk about soapboxing later. For now... just write. Just write.

Prompt:

I clutched my suitcase tightly. Everything I owned was in my hands.

Another Delivery- Josh

He held out his hand, fully expecting me to give the scroll back. I stepped back with a look of defiance, my blade in a guard, angled so the light glinted off back at him.

“Last warning kid. Hand the scroll over an’ I won’t use your insides as wall decorations” The gruff man scowled. “And believe me- I will.”

I fingered the trigger at the base of the cross guard. I was hesitant, knowing he could only looked unarmed. In this world, you never knew who was an ordinary guy and who was one of the psychos. I shook my head. “What even is it? This is just a job, and my employers are sure as heck is gonna pay a lot more than a simple threat.”

“Never is easy, is it?” He sighed. “If I tell you I’m going to need to kill you. Which, at this point, is soundin’ mighty pleasin’.”

“With what?” I feigned ignorance, already knowing his most likely answer. I shouldn’t have taken the job. The untraceable transmission, stealing a scroll from the Sigma-Omega vault (a red class vault I was told, and that was hardly something I would turn down). I was up to it. Everyone knows I’m the craziest transporter since that Ginon guy. Just like everyone knows Sigma-Omega is a bunch of freaks.

“Was itchin’ for a bit o’ blood anyhow.” He growled. His hands began to glow, and I pulled the trigger. My blade began to hum as the edge vibrated, gaining a glow of its own.

I swore more colorfully than the time where the rebels caught me snaking extra energy shards for Laz and Fin. I barely dodged the first punch, my enhanced frame all that kept me from getting floored- or losing my head. I looked critically at his arms, now completely enveloped in the aura. His hand seemed to smoke as it tore through the air. Finally, I saw what I expected. His hands began to change, from their fleshy tone into a dark grey. I let loose a few more choice words. “Cybermorph!” I hissed. “You’re a human ‘bot!”

“A man that can become machine… Funny things in those scrolls kid. Maps to more bits o’ power like this. Hand it over,  I’ll kill you quick. Don’t… And I’ll have some fun.”

I, of course, did the natural thing for an upstanding thief, delivery man, and fine human such as myself would do when faced with a lunatic. I sent my foot up, praying to every deity that came to mind that he hadn’t fully morphed yet. His grimace, cringe, and squeak answered me. I then completed my ingenious tactic as was only logical, tipping my hat and running like I was on fire. Which, from the looks of things, could be a very viable outcome.

The Four Nations - Jamie

          He held out his hand, fully expecting her to give the scroll back. She handed it to him slowly. "I can't read a word of it."

          "Nor can I," admitted Thystorm. "But once I give it to her, I'll have the funds for my education. We can go to school in Village Central together, Ammay!"
          The girl looked at him like he was insane. "Thystorm!" she growled.
          "The scroll is what he's been after since the very beginning," inserted Iydren with a reproachful glance at the young man.
          There they stood. Ammay, 16 and firm. Thystorm, 19 and desperate. Iydren, 10 and quietly strong.
          The young man instantly looked remorseful, turning an apologetic eye on Iydren. "I'm sorry, I really am. Haven't I tried to make up for it?"
          "For what?" asked Ammay.
          Iydren crossed his arms. "The scroll would never have been unlocked from the vault in the first place if Thystorm hadn't practically handed me over to the duke."
          With a groan of frustration, he clenched the scroll tighter. "I'm sorry! I said I was sorry. I wish I'd taken it away from our enemies sooner, before they managed to wreck such havoc."
          No one said the unspoken sentence... but Ammay and Iydren both said it with their eyes. Aren't you sorry you betrayed Iydren and let them take the scroll from the vault in the first place?
          "I need the scroll!" he said defensively. We'll lock the magic back in the vault, but not the scroll. Honestly. What good is the scroll's instructions if one has not the magic to use it on? It can do no further harm."
          "No," said Ammay, "It can't get much worse than that. Look!"
          They looked. Several miles away, they saw... that the sea was rising. A great tidal wave such as the four corners of the continent had never before seen. It would wipe out entire cities and villages. The nation of Niluin would soon be in ruin.
          "There goes your home country, Thystorm." said Ammay. She barely resisted adding, "Good job."
          The young man's eyes were wide, seeing that all his efforts were now vain.
          Iydren had tears in his eyes. "The rebellion of Shryuin... the epidemic of Trenkuin... the army's march on Malthire... and now this. At this rate, it won't be long before Algoth has all four nations under his sway!"

Scribe - Bree

-->

He held out his hand, fully expecting me to give the scroll back. I hugged it to my chest, eying his hand. Did he really think I’d just… offer him my life’s work so he could burn it?

“No. You can’t destroy it.”

He heaved a sigh and spoke softly as if to a child, saying, “Alicia, if we keep it here, the Royals will find it and-“ his eyes hardened –“they will take us. This is our home, Alicia, let’s keep it that way. I don’t care if you don’t like it, but the scroll must be burned.”

I shook my head adamantly, but before I could say anything, his hands reached out and tore it from my grip.

“No! You can’t!” I screamed, horrified. If he burned this… Ohhh, Protector, Holy One, don’t let this happen! I cried out in my mind. “Give it back, Zaan!”

He turned his body away from me and to the fire. I had to do something!

I clawed at his back, trying fervently to reach around and grab the precious document back, but my brother was taller than me and stronger. How could tending sheep give him such strength? I groaned with frustration. Tears streamed down my cheeks, but I didn’t bother to wipe them away.

“You can’t do this!”

“I can and I will. I must!” With those words, he tossed it into the hungry flames.

“NO!!” I yelled, rushing towards it. I felt a yank on my sash, and realized Zaan was holding me back. “You can’t! You can’t, I say!!” I screamed at him. My life’s work! The information that was being burned… Ohh! How could he discard it so easily?

Over my cries, I just barely registered the fact that he now held me in his arms against his chest, stroking my hair with a gentle hand, whispering soothing, calm words into my ear. I refused to hear them. The vile, evil man! How dared he call me his sister? If he loved me, wouldn’t he try to work for me and not against?

I couldn’t move, though. My muscles were weak and tired. My raging storm of emotions only made my head hurt more.

“Alicia, shhh! It’s all right, my little kardesh. I just couldn’t let them come and take you and mother away.” He patted my shoulder lightly.

Sniffing and still shaking with tears, I turned my head to look at the remaining ashes of my scroll. Burned. Destoryed. Gone.

How did this happen?   

Oh, by the way, Lace... "Kardesh" is "sister" in Turkish. xD 

The Tale of the Scroll - Addi

"He held out his hand, fully expecting me to give the scroll back." Jeremy's voice filled the room, weaving a story for his little charges. "I didn't know whether to laugh or run. I stared at the knight, my hands shaking." He held up his hands to demonstrate.
The children's eyes were wide as they stared at the Seeker.
"What did you do?" One little girl said impatiently.
"Shhhh!" The others protested.
Jeremy continued. "'I won't give it to you,' I told him. He glared and came closer to me." The young man glared at the children and tried to make his voice menacing. "'You will give me the scroll, boy. Willingly or not. I will get that reward!'  I reached for my sword, but I wasn't fast enough. He lunged for me, dragging me down."
The children all gasped, despite the fact they had heard the story several times before.
"I thought for sure he would get the scroll. Right when I thought all hope was lost, there was a shout from above. Enemies! I thought desperately. But I was wrong, which does not happen often." He winked and the children smiled.
"Who?" A boy said, pulling his thumb out of his mouth just long enough to form the word.
"The Keepers," Jeremy said dramatically. "Lord Cale and Lady Maria led the warriors down the hill. The knight ran for his life, scared just by the sight of the army. We got the scroll safe."
"What did it say?" Someone in the back asked. Everyone leaned forward. This was the best part.
Jeremy's voice echoed through the hall so everyone, not just the children, ceased their conversation and listened.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord : be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
The little wide eyes stared at him and he wanted to laugh. Beautiful peace and joy filled him in way only those words could. This was why he had fought those terrible battles and went through so much. So that these little children could hear the words of The Lord without fear, so they could tell stories and sing songs of His power and love and not be threatened by the government.
And it was worth it.

A little over twenty minutes... It looks a lot longer than it is because of that long passage. I tried to narrow it down but I loved those verses too much. :P 

Round Two Prompt! -Lace

"He held out his hand, fully expecting me to give the scroll back."

Lace will soapbox for Bree.
Bree will soapbox for Josh.
Josh will soapbox for Jamie.
Jamie will soapbox for Lace.

You have 15-20 minutes ;D GO!

Round One Completed! =D - Jamie

Woohoo! *jumps up and down and x)s muchly* I just love this!!! =""D

So, let's see... ^_^ It all worked out great, though it didn't go precisely as planned. Cece kinda... vanished. *looks around* *leans close* *whispers* She just turned sixteen, you know. Just last Thursday. Who can blame her for vanishing in her flash of green light and staying away all week?

I was to soapbox hers, and she was to soapbox Josh's. So, instead of doing hers (since there was none) I did Josh's for her. U_U And then there was the matter of Bree and Jessie... they both were part of the initial discussion of this blog, but had to leave before we put the final touches on it and drew lots for who was to soapbox for whom. Though.... I don't know the difference between who and whom. >:( Grrr. Well, I have some clue, but I don't quite get it. Which... is completely unacceptable. But it's late, I'm tired, and the party is in the morning. No time to go delving into it!

So, what was I saying? Ah yes! I emailed Bree and Jessie afterwards to let them know how we'd set it all up, and asking them if they'd still like to join. ^_^ They were to soapbox for each other. Didn't hear back, though, until... yesterday? Jessie's on vacation. U_U And then Bree... surprise! ='D Last minutes, and... =O Another post! Breee!!! ^_^ So that's good. x)

So all has been posted and soapboxed, and round one is complete. ^_^ Tomorrow at the party we can arrange for round two! =D Hopefully more of us will join in this time. :)

One note... I like how Lace identified herself in the title of her post. I wonder if perhaps we should all do that? So that in the Archive here, we can quickly see what was written by whom. (Did I use that correctly there?) Anyhow, I wonder if perhaps we might use a "- Name" format? For my presence of mind, you know. Of course it doesn't really matter. But I would be happy. x)

So, if you're all inclined to update your post titles with your name, then hoorah! ^_^

And then, about our poll. I'm sure there were three votes just the other day! D= Now, just one? I've seen this before on my poll. T_T Is this the same for all of you? Or can you see all 3+ votes?

...Not that it really matters. But hey, the countdown to the end of the poll makes a nice countdown until the next party! =D

All the unnecessary bells and whistles. xD But enjoyable, I hope? ;D

Of course what really matters is that we've written. We've soapboxed. We're all better writers than we were last week, and we've gotten to share in each other's experiences and secondary worlds, and help each other see how great are our leaves on the great tree of stories. =')

Ahh! I just can't get over how lovely this blog and its writers are! ='D Looking forward to another week. x)

...Not looking forward to getting up in the morning, though. >.> Party at 7:00 AM, like normal. I had hoped to be in bed by 11:15 PM... It's now 1:38 AM. U_U Brilliant. Forgive me for X_Xing at our greeting in the morning.

... xD But worth it! Won't take me too long to be convinced of that, come party. ;) So, I'll stop rambling now, and see you all quite soon! =D

-Jamie Leolani

Strange Happenings - Bree

Bree here. =P I didn't have time for a longer one, so I did an five-ish minute one. >.>



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Ripples spread across the surface of the lake, drawing nearer as she watched from the shore. She absentmindedly reached for another stone, but this time, instead of throwing it, she got lost in thought, rubbing her thumb over the smooth top.

Why has my real father never given me his name? Why has he hidden me away? she wondered. Is there something wrong with me? That must be it. Maybe he wanted a boy.

She felt something wet run down her cheek. Tears. She choked back a sob. Did he cry when he handed me to Uncle Drinias? Or was his heart glad he was finally rid of me? Another tear rolled down her cheek and dripped onto the stone she held. Maybe he- a gasp leapt from her and she looked down.

Her rock was glowing! She held it up to her face. Was it just the sun reflecting off of it?

The glow grew stronger. It held a faint purple tint to it. It began to feel warm in her hands. Her eyes widened with wonder.

“What in all the lands?” she murmured, her eyes mesmerized by the strangeness of it. A soft humming music drifted towards her, like a signal sent by a lighthouse. Could it be the stone?

Had she been able to think clearly, she would have set the stone down, but… there was something about it that captivated her very soul. She couldn’t even tear her eyes from it.

It feels so good in my hands. So right.

 The small rock hummed again, and she sensed that it, too, was happy. Its glow brightened, the reflection of the light dancing across the skin of my hands and arms.

The Chase - Lace

Ripples spread across the surface of the lake, drawing nearer as she watched from the shore. She swallowed, lifting another stone to pitch into the water, so that her reflection would be drowned out in its waves. She never wanted to see her own face again—to see anything that reminded her of who she had been.

“I’m different now,” she reminded herself, turning from the water and making sure her sword was secure in its sheath over her shoulder. “I carry this sword to protect, not to destroy.” To give herself another reminder, she reached into the bag she carried and ran her hand across the rough leather surface of the book. “I have purpose now.”

“Hey. You.” The gruff voice, unfriendly in tone, echoed from the woods at the water’s edge. She froze, hand on the sword hilt.

“Who is there?”

A tall man with a dark beard and long dark hair that hung untidily on either side of his face stepped from the shadows. “Hand over the book and I might let you live.”

“Never.”

He drew his own sword, a heavy, two-handed weapon that glinted as black as the tunic he wore, the symbol s of the Chasers etched menacingly along the surface of the blade. “I know who you are, and you are not worthy to guard those words.”

“The Council chose me,” she replied, her voice tight at the reminder of before. “I am more worthy than you are, at any rate. I am not a thief. I did not seek to steal the book—”

“You are no thief, true,” the Chaser snarled, a cruel smile stretching across his pale face. “You are a murderer.”

The word set her shuddering. “I never killed except out of self-defense.”

“You killed my brother.”

“He was trying to kill me!” she protested, aware that her voice had grown far too shrill. As her mind spun, she realized that she had not yet drawn her sword, and sought to remedy that. The blade slid from its sheath with a whisper, the silver blade hopelessly light compared to the Chaser’s dark one.

“You killed him. Killers cannot be Guardians.”

“The Council disagrees.”

“We all know the Council lies.”

Her face grew white. She knew that the Council wasn’t perfect…but they always sought to do right, didn’t they? The few times they’d made mistakes, they had realized them and sought to correct them…at least, that was what she’d been taught. “They…they don’t lie,” she replied lamely. Don’t sound so nervous! she chided herself. You can’t afford to give him any ground!

The Chaser advanced several steps. “They told you that you could carry the Book. That is a lie. And therefore, any pawn of the council ought to be relieved of such authority. Hand over the book.”

“No!” There. That sounded strong enough.

With a roar of anger, the Chaser charged, his sword lifted. She swung her own blade up to block his, the clash echoing off of the tree trunks and across the lake. Her arms shuddered at the impact, and her sword creaked with the strain of the man’s blow.

Quickly she spun to the side, striking at him. He parried her blow and struck again, his swings wild. She easily dodged backward, using some of the stones on the riverbank as points to launch herself lightly backward. As the Chaser continued to advance, she continued to leap toward the lake, step by step, until her feet splashed into the small waves on the shore.

Suddenly she switched direction and sped forward, under one of his unbalanced strikes, and sped toward the trees. The Chaser shouted after her, regaining his balance and running after her, his boots impacting loudly on the hard-packed dirt. Faster…faster, she told herself, finally reaching the trees and ducking behind one of them. In that moment, when he could no longer see her, she withdrew a second book—identical to the first, but empty—from a hidden pocket, and traded it for the one in her satchel.  As the Chaser advanced once again, she spun out from behind the tree and flung the bag onto the ground.

“Fine! Fine! Take it!” She squeezed her eyes shut. Got to make this convincing. “I…I don’t want to die.”

The man chuckled. “Smart. I suppose I can give you your freedom. You won’t dare show your face in any of the cities again, I’ll wager.”

She bowed her head, feigning sorrow and anguish at her ‘failed’ duty. Then she turned and ran off, sword still in hand. She would have only a few moments before he discovered her ruse, but by then she might be able to find one of the Guardian paths—

The man’s cry of anger echoed, and she knew she was almost out of time. He had opened the book, then, and discovered its empty pages. Gritting her teeth, she sped forward, once again urging herself to go faster. There’s a path just over here…through these trees…this brush…over this stream…Ha!

A bit of backstory :P

Ripples spread across the surface of the lake, drawing nearer as she watched from the shore. The boat slowly neared the shore, carrying what few survivors were left from the battle. Her eyes darted frantically from face to face, hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved. She knew she couldn't hope to see every face on the boat, but dearly hoped he would be on the deck. He was not. She ran to the dock as fast as she could, heart beating quick with fear. The sailors grimly secured the galleon, a few limping along the boat, a few of the healthier men swinging down and tying it to the dock. They lowered the plank and slowly, one by one, the warriors descended. Many were barely standing, and a few were even being carried by their fellows on stretchers- some as they let out strained breaths and grimaced in pain, and others as they lie still and cold, finally having accepted death’s embrace.

She ran to the commander, his arm a stump and a bandage covering his stomach. “Your… Your men… Is… Did Hedikan… Is he here? Where is he?”

The man looked at her sorrowfully. “Young lady… He… Hedikan was an honorable man. Braver than most of us, and a formidable soldier to be sure.” He looked down. “But out of the four hundred that I left with… only seventy three have returned. We meant only to put down the savages that inhabited our home, and start readying the land for our return…” He clenched a fist. “But… One of our own… On the path to battle…” he looked at the floor, teeth grit together in rage. “Our forward scouts… Only one of them did I have doubts about… And he was the one who betrayed us.” He looked up at her, eyes wide with fear unlike any she had seen before. “He looked human. He was one of us. But when that… That thing, appeared on his hand, that wound… He was no longer like one of us mortals. Hedikan was the first to attack him.”

“No…” she said quietly, taking a step back. “No… It can’t be…”

“He died bravely. We never even saw the savages. We only glimpsed our land. The scout killed over three hundred men before we could escape. And that only because of the wound Hedikan inflicted before he died.”

“I…” She broke down and sobbed. “That… What demon would…”

 “Aye… A demon indeed.” The commander said grimly before limping off. “What demon indeed...”

(Thinking of making this part of a flashback in my book :P)

The Second Son - Jamie

Jamie here. ;) Some prologue-ish glimpses from Eurivion...


Ripples spread across the surface of the lake, drawing nearer as she watched from the shore. Krista caught her breath as she peeked from behind the thick bushes to see what caused the ripples. A boat approached, rowed by four soldiers. In the stern of the boat sat, tall and sinister... the man who had murdered her oldest son, Arlion. So many years ago.

Krista stood up quickly, pulling herself completely out of sight behind the bushes. Her safe haven had been discovered! Panic thumped in her every heartbeat as she turned and ran through the meadow back to her cottage. For several weeks she had lived here with her children; a practical island. Hemmed in on four sides with nearly impassably thick forest, the lake was the only means of access.

Earvin! she called, mind-speaking to her husband, They've found us! What do I do? 

But there was no answer. Earvin must be asleep... she was on her own. Reaching her cabin, Krista took a few moments to calm herself before entering. It wouldn't do for the children to see her in a panic, now would it? With a deep breath, she pushed open the door and stepped in. Her eyes swept lovingly over her children for a few moments, and it was as if time paused and stretched out for hours within those few moments. Baula, the baby. Not such a baby anymore! Had they really celebrated her second birthday but a few months before? She lay so peacefully in the corner of the cottage, worn out by the morning's play. And Carri, such a little lady... seven years old, and sitting there reading a heavy tome as if she were already a great scholar.

Krista's eyes fell last upon Iydren as he sketched carefully. Was this the last piece of art he would ever draw into being? She caressed him with her gaze... ten years old. Just about the age Arlion had been... and unbidden, images which had long haunted her returned. The silhouettes dueling upon the hill as the sun set... the sounds of battle in the distance. It was her son up there! Fighting hand to hand with a grown man, a wicked duke. What was he doing up there?! Earvin was running up behind her. He saw. He knew. But before he had a chance to do anything about it... the smaller of the two silhouettes tripped. The sword came down. And the boy did not rise.

"Mother? Mother, is something wrong?" Iydren's concerned voice drew her back to the present.

Wiping away her tears, she put a hand on his shoulder and nodded, with new firmness. Yes, something was wrong. But all was not lost. Rovias... she prayed silently, protect my family. Keep my son far from his brother's murderer. Bring my daughters to a safe place. Hold my husband in your care as he completes his mission. And bring us all together as a family again in safety and peace. 

Welcome! - Jamie

This is Jamie here. ;D So, it would be a good idea to write out a lovely long post describing exactly what this is about and how it came about and how it will work. =D

...But we're not quite sure how it will work. xD Just testing it out.

Rules!

1) Post from your own account, if you have one.

2) If not, use the SS account, but don't leave yourself logged in when you're done... so we don't get locked out with a spam warning.

3) Don't forget to identify yourself if posting from the SS account. U_U (edit: And, on second thoughts, it might be a good idea to identify yourself at the beginning of your post anyway, so people don't have to scroll down to the bottom to see who it is. xD) (another edit: In fact, let's all just put our names in the title of our posts. ;D)

So, for this first prompt:

Lace is soapboxing for Jamie.
Josh is soapboxing for Lace.
Jamie is soapboxing for Cece.
Cece is soapboxing for Josh.

I wonder if we should be setting due dates or something? Um. Hopefully all the freewrites will have been posted and soapboxed before next Saturday, which is June 1st... that is, if we choose to do this weekly... which we may or may not. xD But I suppose that's good to start, yeah?

So, our first prompt comes from Cece! =D

Ripples spread across the surface of the lake, drawing nearer as she watched from the shore.