#and the book is continuation to thornwood

[balkanradfem]

"Like all stories do, it begins with a woman.

Her name was Varsha. She was blessed by all of the nature, the sky and the winds, the rain and the clouds, the soil and the rivers, even the sun gave all of their powers to her. She was called "Varsha the Powerful, since she was born. The sky would light up at the movement of her fingertips, the rain would fall if Varsha turned in her bed, the earth would tremble if Varsha turned her anger upon it. But, Varsha also had a kind heart, and she loved others just as much, if not more than her powers. Varsha would use her powers not to gain advantage, but to nurture and grow. She would direct the sun at the gentle spring crops, she would let rain fall in the worst summer drought, she took care of the soil and the women. And she was loved and praised, almost as a Goddess, for some felt she had reached that level, and came to see her, to thank her, to admire her power and her kindness.

Varsha prided herself on her power, she felt her capacity was to do good, so much  more good than others could, and felt it was her duty to use her powers every day, not denying them to any living creature who might find use in what Varsha could give. It was on a starry evening, just like this, when Varsha's hands started feeling cold. That night, the Moon spoke to Varsha. 'My daughter' said the Moon, 'Your powers have been yours for so long, you have forgotten who you are. Please remember, my child, you are not the power you wield.'  Varsha spent the night sleepless, trying to understand what the Moon wanted her to know. But the next morning, there were dry fields and hungry crops, and Varsha couldn't spend her day thinking, she called the clouds and the rain, and spent her day being the most powerful being in the world. That night, Moon spoke to her again. 'I can see now, my daughter,' the Moon said 'That the powers given to you have took something from you. I will return them back to the sun, back to the sky and to the river, the soil will stay still under your fingers, and the sky will sleep, and you will be Varsha, my daughter.'

This scared Varsha, and she begged the Moon not to take her powers, for who was Varsha the Powerful, without her powers? That night, she could not sleep, she turned around in her bed restless, and a thunderstorm raged outside. Varsha didn't call it. Varsha couldn't stop it.

Varsha didn't leave her home next day, or the day after that, or the day after. She could not face the world not being who she was, not being able to do as much as turn the sky bright. She mourned her powers, and she mourned the love she was no longer receiving, for nobody would come see Varsha the powerless, nobody would come thank her, or admire her. Varsha no longer felt she was needed by the world, and wished not to be a part of it. Every night she cried to the Moon, and Moon only shone on her brightly.

One night, a small girl found Varsha crying, and asked her why she was sad. Varsha said 'I lost all of my powers, and I am no longer myself.' Small girl said to her, 'Don't be sad, here, I will play with you.' And the girl came every day, teaching Varsha to play games. Every time Varsha would get sad because she couldn't bend the sun and the sky, the girl would laugh and say 'Neither can I! We can still play, and you wont be sad.' And it was true, and Varsha grew to love the girl, just as the girl loved her back, and came to see her every day, even if Varsha could do nothing but play. The girl wouldn't stop at games, she was soon teaching Varsha to play music with her, to dance and grow flowers and sew and tell stories. Varsha learned every day, there were things she could do without powers, things that made her heart feel warm. 'Warmth in women's hearts is more powerful than warmth of the Sun' the girl would say, and hug Varsha close. And Varsha understood, because Sun had never warmed her heart as much as the girl's embraces did.

When Varsha's heart was light again, the girl took her to the village, and women recognized their old Goddess, and admired her once more, but Varsha told them she didn't want to be remembered as Varsha the Powerful. She wanted to be known as 'Varsha with a warm heart.' And she hugged each and every woman who came up to her, and they all could feel her heart radiating power, stronger than the sun. Since then, Varsha was never alone, the women gathered at her house, singing and playing and dancing together, the small girl watched it all with a smile. 'You are now yourself, Moon's daughter. I've been sent by the Moon to help you.' The girl said. 'You are not going back, are you?' Varsha asked, fretfully. 'I am not. You are yourself when we are together. Hearts can only be warm when they're surrounded with other hearts. I was sent instead of your powers, and I will stay by your side, for you needed me more than you needed your powers.' And Varsha saw it was true, and never cried for her powers again. The end."

 - excerpt from “The Forest of the Falling Sky”, all lesbian book (still in writing)

#fairy tale #lesbian tale #feminism #female separatism #story #i wrote this! #and the book is continuation to thornwood #i'm currently on page 57

[bitletsanddrabbles]

Thornwood Manor: A Travelogue, pt. 1

With our trip to the UK postponed for the second year running, my parents asked if I wanted a ‘place holder’ trip. Pretty sure they were thinking Disney Land or something like that, but I went closer to home - and decidedly more British - and chose two nights stay at Thornwood Castle in Lakewood, Washington.

Actually a manor house rather than a castle, and probably a smallish manor house as far as these things go, Thornwood is still a worthy piece of architecture, a lovely place to spend the night, very photogenic, and a popular wedding venue. There was a wedding going on when we arrived and another the second day of our stay. It’s also been used as a filming site a time or two, the most recent - and famous - being Stephen King’s “Rose Red.” There were copies of the DVD liberally lying around in rooms and a poster in the upstairs ‘Movie Room’.

I stayed in Anna’s Suite, located on the second floor in the north corner (upper right in the above picture, right next to the balcony) and my parents took the Grand View right across the hall. They got the full kitchen, dining area, and balcony access.

I got the soaker tub with air jets.

Yes I took a bath. Then I got out, drained the water, and immediately found the button for the air jets. So I took another the next day. This was one of the three very modern features of the room. The others are the kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig machine; the portable air conditioner, there for the season; and the big screen TV, tactfully hidden in the wardrobe.

I got the BBC miniseries of “Pride and Prejudice” as my complimentary, “here’s one you don’t have to fetch down from upstairs’ movie. My parents got - you guessed it - “Rose Red.” I didn’t watch it, but felt I got the more appropriate of the two options.

Anna’s Suite, along with being an amusing choice for Downton Abbey lovers just for the name, was the room of the original lady of the house. It is currently the honeymoon suite and home to one of the manor’s many ghosts. It is one of the few actual rooms that is considered haunted, specifically.

I didn’t see any ghosts, but one made off with one of my coat hangers. Then it brought me a different coat hanger which was, admittedly, much nicer than the one it took, and that I felt compelled to leave there because, well, it wasn’t mine. Goofy ghosts.

I really should have written about that in the guest book.

The room itself is lovely! Light blues and creams with matching curtains and wallpaper, a great view of the front drive and the garden, and furniture that’s so pretty you almost don’t dare sit on it.

The only part I really could have done without was the doll of Jackie O. sitting on the mantle of the fireplace.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice enough doll, but. Um. If I actually was there with my newly-wed wife, I would have carefully relocated her to the walk-in closet/dressing area/water closet for the duration of the post nuptial celebration.

The rest of the manor did a splendid job of living up to expectation. It had a large, open,  dark great hall with lots of lovely windows.

It had a winding stair case with another lovely window on the landing, complete with large, expensive, vintage looking objects d’art.

It, of course, had a library. The reading selection was widely varied and, to my amusement, colour coded.

And, upstairs, the a fore mentioned movie room where you could get movies to take down to your room, sit and watch them there, and, of course, enjoy the vintage movie posters......

...the vintage being 2002. Actually, there were posters for a 1923 silent film called “Eyes of the Totem” that had recently been rediscovered and they had posters of that too, but they weren’t nearly as prominent.

Upstairs there’s also a game room with pool, ping pong, foos ball, a bingo cage, and a few antique toys of low-level creepiness.

You can’t tell from here, but the dolls have neither glass eyes or carefully sculpted teeth....thank God. ...that and I think they’re paper mache rather than porcelain.

Then there’s the hall of mirrors, leading the way to the Casablanca room, which is just cool.

Outside measures up just as nicely, with a couple of surprises tossed in. There is, of course, a fountain in the middle of the drive. You could get a great shot of it from my room, so I took pictures of it in every available lighting. I will not post them all here, I promise.

The door is guarded by lions, as it should be.

And here I seem to have run out of room.

To be continued.

#thornwood manor #travelogue #holiday #vacation #manor house #lots of picture #lakewood #old building #historic building #stephen king #rose red miniseries #thornwood castle

[shandaumath]

Master

{The following is a retelling of RP that occurred largely between Vynlorin and @cerusaniduskbinder with a few points from @aredhelvaltieri and @barirnshadowwind, and @sparrow-of-arnud​ and @nivathostin​ for mentions. 

Very little has been altered from the original RP only for the sake of storytelling flow.}

[A simple parchment was posted on the notice board in the late afternoon. Very few words were written, but the words posted there were large and elegant and demanded attention. The seal of House Shandaumath sat at the bottom of the notice.]

WANTED: Hemomancer

Any who can provide reliable information on the whereabouts of a hemomancer will be handsomely rewarded. Further inquiries should be redirected to Master Vynlorin Shandaumath.

Search with haste. Time is of the essence.

...

“Master Vynlorin. When you have time I have information you are looking for.”

Cerusani’s voice rang out through the communication device that Vynlorin hated so much. He set aside the scroll of hemomancy that he had been researching and clicked the little button on the device attached beneath his shoulder pads.

“I have time now.”

“I am finishing up an appointment. I will be available in about ten minutes.”

He pursed his lips and wrinkled his nose. Another meeting with Cerusani, and it would end with just as much disappointment as the rest. But he couldn’t risk not seeing her. The fate of the sickly Ithildir depended on this hunt.

“Find me in Thornwood.”

Vynlorin left his books and scrolls in an organized mess and retreated from his study only to greet Nivathostin who had been standing outside as patiently as ever. The man had few interests and fewer words, and the master of the house had grown fond of him.

“Come, Nivathostin. We have a guest tonight.” As if being beckoned like a dog, the blue-haired ren’dorei following behind his master, and the pair made way into the dining hall for preparations.

....

It wasn’t long before Cerusani made her way into the room with classical Cerusani confidence. Her shoulders were back with her head held high even though she knew who she was meeting.

“Master Vynlorin. I made it here as quickly as I could. Thankfully I was just across the way and not in the city.” She did not dare take a seat anywhere as she waited for the man to acknowledge her presence.

The table was empty except for the bottle of Dalaran Red and two glasses beside it. One had already been filled and teased by the master of the house while the other remained cold and empty in anticipation of the coming guest. Aside from the usual servants that stood idle along the walls, Vynlorin was not alone. Next to his seat stood a thin ren’dore who, although far too skinny, seemed in decent health. The man boasted short blue hair and steady eyes that were unwavering in their inspection upon Cerusani when she arrived, but Vynlorin met her with a curious gaze as he waved to the empty seat nearest to her.

“Of course. Have a seat.”

A servant peeled himself from the wall with quick feet and reached for the bottle of wine and empty glass, pouring the woman her drink as she settled in.

Cerusani wasted no time in taking the offered seat with grace as she sat upon the wood which made a small noise. The servant who had poured the wine offered it up to Cerusani and she took it by the stem. “Thank you.” The two small words were offered to the servant before she began to swirl the delectable wine that they both enjoyed. However, Cerusani did not look at the wine but instead flitted her violet eyes between Master Vynlorin and the unknown man.

“Is he the one you need the hemomancer for? I thought it was Ithildir. That would be odd though as I told Ithildir what I knew two nights ago.” A brow arched as she shifted around the thoughts within her head. Politely she took a sip of the wine.

Vynlorin quirked a brow. “Did you? So you’ve already discussed it with Ithildir while he made no mention of it to me.” His finger gently tapped against the glass, and he entirely ignored the question she posed to him. After a moment of silent thought, he sipped and continued.

“What did he say about it?”

Cerusani sucked in the side of her cheek for a moment, contemplating.

“He said nothing but thank you. I gave him two names. Baron Herke Kruger and Lord Tion Harrowmire.” She relaxed back into the chair as she crossed one leg atop the other. “Baron Kruger once told me that Harrowmire had asked about learning hemomancy after a House of Nobles meeting. That is all I have. Though since it is frowned upon and illegal within Stormwind I am unsure if either are practitioners. It is better a lead than anything else.”

The wine within her glass swirled as she eyed the gaunt unknown man. “Did he want a glass of wine perhaps?”

Vynlorin twisted his lips and pursed them in displeasure as he received the information, but they soon pressed into a line at the attention sent toward the other man. A dismissive hand waved it off as Vynlorin looked up at the other who still remained as still and steady as ever.

“Perhaps Nivathostin’s biggest flaw is his tongue. He is a whiskey man and scorns wine whenever I offer it to him.”

There was no hiding the surprise on Cerusani’s face as she set the wine down on the table. Her eyes directly stared at Nivathostin as if seeing a made up story one only hears about once in a few moons.

“Nivathostin. Aredhele’s Nivathostin? I thought he was dead. Aredhele has always spoken of him as if he was dead. Not that she did it often. One time.” The words were low and wonderous.

Nivathostin couldn’t help but sneer at the name while his nose raised high as if he had just been insulted. “Perhaps it was always her goal,” he mused quietly with malice thick in his voice.

Vynlorin returned his gaze to his glass and allowed a snake-like grin to spread wide against his lips before chiming in. “I wasn’t aware you knew of him, Cerusani. How curious.” The master then motioned for Nivathostin to sit while waving the servants forward. “Do get a bottle of whiskey for Nivathostin here.”

With the command, the younger men scurried to the liquor cabinet, retrieved a dark bottle, and brought it to the table where they poured it into a glass and offered it to the blue-haired man taking a seat.

Cerusani finally broke her gaze away from Nivathostin and brought the eyes down to her wine glass. The ripples from the swirling radiated outward to the edges as she thought.

“I do not know much. Just the name. I know better than to ask more right now. Even if I did you would not tell me, Master Vynlorin.” As if the words parched her throat like Tanaris, Cerusani brought the wine to her lips drinking a healthy portion of it. As the glass was brought down she shifted in her seat, seeming as if she was no longer comfortable in the room. “Ithildir is dying. He had me run across Stormwind last night to fetch a potion for him. He is in no condition to fight on Sunday.”

Vynlorin shook his head at Cerusani, and Nivathostin fell silent once more as he sipped at the sweet escape of whiskey now snuggled within his hand.

“Nivathostin has had a rough few years, Cerusani, and we will do our best to make sure he’s comfortable. Let’s leave this as our little secret for now, yes?” The warlock’s predatory gaze fell heavily against the woman as his own silent threat, and the look only softened after he sipped back another dose of poison. “Ithildir is dying, yes, which is why it’s important that we find someone or something that can cure him quickly. You would do well not to fight him just as I must stay my own hand until he can recover.”

Cerusani knew the gaze that he cast upon her with the words of warning. Silence fell between the trio for a while with the only sound coming from Cerusani being the tapping of her nails atop the table.

“You want me to keep a secret for you. What do I get out of it? You’ve cast me aside. You call me a cat. You call me a disappointment. What do I get from this arrangement?” She rolled her shoulders back trying to give her the look of confidence she had when entering the room. “From your request I surmise that Lady Aredhele does not know he is here. Perhaps no one but you knows.” A brow arched as the words were pointed directly at the man.

Nivathostin paused his sip as he stared steadily at Cerusani, his breath remaining stuck in his lungs as he awaited the master’s response. Vynlorin too paused as his gaze fell into slits at the dare, and it was as if the room grew colder with a devilish curl of his lips.

“Quite simply, Cerusani, you get to keep your freedom.”

Cerusani set her wine glass down atop the table.

“I want more than that.”

Arms crossed beneath her chest as the two seemed to be in a stalemate. “You can do better, Vynlorin.” This was the first time in months that she had dropped the respect of his title.

All the servants in the room froze, stuck as statues as the tension in the air gripped their rapidly-beating hearts. Nivathostin too could feel the wrath of the master despite his innocence in the conversation. Vynlorin curled that devilish grin wider, and his wicked thoughts flashed before his eyes and danced in his mind as he considered his next move.

“Cerusani. I understand you enjoy being beaten. Perhaps you would like to demonstrate for everyone in this room what it’s like to be the subject of a lesson in disobedience.”

Cerusani should have known better and did know better but still she doubled down.

“No. I do not think I will be the subject of one of your lessons.”

The defiance flickered in her eyes as she took a moment to look from the Master to Nivathostin. Her right hand uncurled from underneath her chest and dipped into her pocket. As the hand came up from the table she held tightly onto her small communication device, finger pressed upon the button. “Lady Aredhele.”

“Yes, Cerusani?” Lady Aredhele’s voice rang out.

She took her finger off the button and cocked her head to the side once more looking at Master Vynlorin. “You can do better. Pick your next words carefully because there are different pieces to this puzzle I could pull out and say to Lady Aredhele right now.”

There was no going back. Cerusani had put this into motion.

Vynlorin squinted at the device as he heard the woman’s words ring out against his own ear from beneath his pauldrons. A soft sigh flooded from his nostrils, but he didn’t pity the woman’s fate that she had just sealed.

“Very well.”

And then, with a gentle utter beneath his breath, the shadows beneath Cerusani’s seat wriggled to life and crawled up the back of her chair only to wrest the woman’s neck backwards with its long, gangly claws. The shadowfiend crawled with tendrils and inches of nails that fashioned into claws, and it sought to squeeze the air from her neck while threatening to pierce the flesh. Nivathostin watched with dark eyes that were far too curious to hold sympathy for the woman, but the servants all sent their gazes downward and held their frightened breaths.

Cerusani pressed the button of the communication device. With all that she had left in her she squeezed out a sound.

“NIVAT-”

The word did not finish as the clawed shadows dug deeper, crushing her throat even more. With that the device fell out of her hand as the woman’s body began to grow limp.

When the radio clicked on again, the sound of broken glass was heard. Then, all was silent. Too silent. The radio connection opened after a long pause and the melodic buzz of static replaced Aredhele’s voice. There was too much emotion. Too many thoughts rushed to her mouth and she spat out with all the passion she could muster. “Where. Is. He?”

Vynlorin slammed his glass against the table and pushed himself to his feet with more fury than she would have ever seen before. His face grew dark like the very demons he commanded, and a quick flick of his wrist snuffed out every torch in the dining hall.

“Cerusani.”

That one single word dragged against the infinite dark of the shadows that now wrapped around them with the weight of every vile thought that had ever crossed the warlock’s mind. Nivathostin inhaled a deep breath that hitched itself in his throat with all the others who were unfortunate enough to be trapped in the cage with the beast and its prey.

“I am so disappointed in you.”

The woman’s eyes fluttered for a moment, taking in the darkness as it came. The little breathing that she was able to manage began to slow, become shallower. Her body limper with each passing second.

"It seems she has not responded. Would you like for me to find her, Lady Valtieri?" Barirn’s voice called out from the device.

“No no, that is alright. I will find her myself tomorrow.”

The shadowfiend grew stronger in the darkness, but its life was short-lived and soon dispersed into the rest of the room only to be replaced by the warlock’s own hand wrapped tightly around her neck. He held her firmly but allowed her breaths to trickle through so she could feel every word he uttered against her ear, his breath hot and heavy beside her.

“You could have shown me that you were capable of doing anything right, but now you’ll just be another pet to hang on my wall.”

The darkness flooded through her nostrils and reached deep into her soul, transcending flesh and breaking the barrier between life and death. His other fingers reached into his robes and pinched an empty soul shard that now glowed with anticipation for its new prisoner, and he muttered a dark and vile language as the ritual continued.

Everything within Cerusani began to twist and ache as her very source of life broke apart from her while the warlock reeled it out, slowly, slowly, until it screeched when it broke into the air and was dragged into the little shard. With nothing to see, the rushing wind that whirled within the room struck hard against the dulled senses of everyone within it, and the cold of the Nether skittered like static across their flesh.

Cerusani felt every little part of her body as Vynlorin worked his magic upon her. Her long lashes fluttered open to see the darkness of the room while the violet orbs looked as if the woman was in the depths of pure agony. Each passing moment Cerusani’s soul left her and entered the shard within Vynlorin’s grasp until there was nothing of it left inside her. Her throat beneath his hand moved as she swallowed to get out anything but nothing came.

The thoughts. The words. Everything stuck within Cerusani as her eyes fluttered closed once more. Nivathostin shuddered at the sensation of the Twisting Nether breaking through into the room, and the familiar touch of death and lost souls made his stomach churn.

Once the shard had fully sealed the soul within it, it sparked in a brilliant flash of light before falling into a soft purple glow that revealed the suffering soul within it. The anger mingling with the unnatural magics gave rise to Vynlorin’s own nausea, but he ignored it as adrenaline still pulsed within him and forced his hand to backhand the woman who had riled him so.

“You are no longer a student. No longer an acquaintance. You are a worthless animal who will learn her place.

The backhand from Vynlorin sent Cerusani’s slumping body to the stone of the floor. For a long while she laid on the cool stone before she began to come about. Her body convulsed as her skin began to glisten. The first attempt at righting her body failed with her body crumpling to the ground once more.

A retching sound came from her throat even with it being so dry. The dark floor was spewed with the wine she had consumed, and a mixture of her dinner of stew one of the villagers had made for her. The stench just before her nose prompted her to try to get up once more. Her weakened body managed to sit up as she looked around, finally settling on Vynlorin.

“Yo-.”

She had to pause a moment.

“Take everything.”

It made no sense perhaps to the men before her but it did to Cerusani. Shaking hands grasped at the chair trying to pull her to her feet, and after a few moments Cerusani was upon legs that felt like a baby deer.

“Ca-can I go now?” The view of the woman now was scant but a memory of the woman who had walked into the room with confidence.

Vynlorin stepped through the darkness, pushing the chair with his foot so he could take another step closer. That wicked hand rushed to the back of Cerusani’s neck to slam her head down against the table like a prisoner beneath his grip.

“You will address me properly.”

While keeping her head steady with one hand, the warlock returned the filled shard to its place in his robes before flicking that wrist to spark the torches alive again. The darkness fled with the flames so that Cerusani could see her captor looming above her.

Cerusani felt the impact of the wooden table against her face. Once more her stomach began to retch but there was no longer anything to give. Her body radiated with shivers as she looked up to the imposing man she had goaded into being the demon she knew lived somewhere in him. With the grasp of his hand on the back of her neck it felt as if she was his puppet when the words came out next.

“Ma-may I go now, M-m-master Vynlorin?” It was a struggle as every fiber of Cerusani ached.

Vynlorin kept her there a moment longer as he considered her plea.

“No.”

He responded with the same confidence that she had uttered to him when she damned herself to this fate. “Guards!” he barked, and the two men who had been guarding the outside of the door rushed in. “Take her to the dungeon. I’ll be along shortly.”

Each bulky man gripped an arm and yanked Cerusani with them, seeking to drag her along if her own feet couldn’t keep up. Vynlorin brushed the filth of the woman from his hands and waved Nivathostin to follow along.

Cerusani could not keep up as her feet dragged across the floor.

“Master Vynlorin. I wo-won’t say anything. Pleas-please.”

The words were the last things that left her lips as one of the guards smacked her on the back of her head, and she fell silent while they descended the stairs.

#from oblivion #roleplay #wow #ren'dorei #just warlock things

[preoccupiedpens]

Dream Hunters Chapter 14: First Four

HAMMER IS HAVING A HARD TIME to land a blow to Torai. Not only is Torai quick, but he could also fly for a short time and short distances.

           When Torai is up on the air, he would use his Thundercloud power to strike Hammer with lightning. Hammer manages to dodge and block the lightning though with his hammer.

           “Damn brat! Stop flying and fight like a man!” said Hammer who is already frustrated.

           “Why don’t you fly over here and fight like an ability user?” Torai mocked.

           “Hammer!” shouted Shakrsfin. “I could use a hand here!”

           Sharksfin is still fighting Daisuke with his special fin blade. His fin blade is sharp enough to cut through concrete, but he is still unable to land a fatal blow to Daisuke. Thanks to Daisuke’s wooden arm, any attack that Sharksfin release only lands on Daisuke’s wooden arms.

           “I will not be defeated by some elves again!”

           Hammer charged Daisuke. Torai is striking him with lightning, but he was able to block them. When Hammer is already at the striking distance, he tried to smash Daisuke from behind. But Daisuke caught the hammer with his right wooden hand.

           Sharksfin tried to slash Daisuke while he was occupied with blocking the hammer of Hammer, but Daisuke caught the blade with his left wooden hand. Daisuke then broke the blade and crushed the hammer.

           “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!” Sharksfin and Hammer were astonished.

           “What does even an elf doing here?!” said Sharksfin.

           “It doesn’t concern you. Now, just surrender quietly.” Said Daisuke.

           “Like I will!” Sharksfin took two runestones that became two fin daggers. He attacked Daisuke, but Daisuke simply sidestepped and tripped Sharksfin, bumping with Hammer.

           Daisuke then punched the ground, and from where Hammer and Sharksfin is standing, a gigantic cherry blossom tree emerged, wrapping around the two.

           “For the man who kidnaps men and children, you are a disappointment.” Said Daisuke.

           Sharksfin is struggling from the tree he got entangled with. “Damn it! Damn it!”

           From the distance, Sharksfin and Hammer saw the other ships of Sharksfin blow up. Sharksfin tried to struggle even more, but Torai have had enough of him.

           Torai then created a massive thundercloud, then released a lightning with roaring thunder that hit the tree, frying brothers, and scattering the cherry blossoms all over the harbor.

 The battle at Port Royale is now over. United Alliance took all the Great White Sharks and Fishbone Hunters in custody. The fishermen tried to save the remaining fishing boats that are not burning.

           Daisuke walked towards Raijin and Riku, who are sitting at the harbor, looking at what remains in Raijin’s boat.

           “Hey Raijin.” Said Daisuke as he sat beside Raijin.

           Raijin looked up. “Oh. Daisuke.”

           “I’m sorry about your boat. We know how much it means to you.”

           “Yeah. This is my fault. I should have not attacked that Sera in the first place.” Riku interject.

           Raijin sighed. “Well, at least I have no debt to pay any more. It’s not like I would still pay those loan sharks now that they are in custody.”

           “Heeeey!” Jack shouted, paddling his lifeboat towards the three.

           “Jack! Where have you’ve been?” shouted Riku.

           “Well, long story.”

           Jack went out of his lifeboat to join the three and told them about going near the headquarters then decided to join the U.A. fight the Fishbone Hunters on the sea.

           “Wow. It’s great that they’ve let you join them on their warship.” Said Daisuke.

           “Well, I told them I’m a power user so I could help them.”

           Torai went towards them and sat with them. “What’s going on, guys?”

           “Just, sitting.” Said Daisuke. “By the way, these are Riku, Jack, and Raijin. Guys, that’s Torai.”

           They exchanged greetings as Daisuke introduced them.

           “Thanks to you guys we are able to defeat those loan sharks and hunters quickly.” Said Torai. “But, I never thought that elves could do so much damage.”

           All of them simultaneously looked around and saw the trees and plants that scattered all over the place.

           “Hey, that’s Riku’s and Daisuke’s doing. I was fighting at the sea.” Jack said.

           “Hahahaha! That’s okay. But we could use a hand fixing the streets and making fishing boats for the victims.”

           Everyone agreed.

 Three days later, the harbor of Port Royale was fixed. Daisuke provided more woods to be used for the fishing boats of those who had their boats destroyed because of the explosion. Although just a temporary replacement, the shipwrights, with the help of Boris’ knowledge in imbuing ordinary objects with magic, managed to make good fishing boats that could withstand stormy seas and are even fireproof.

           Larger warships of United Alliance came to pick up the hunters and loan sharks to be sent to Union Gates, an island prison between the continents of Aria and Montagna.

           Daisuke, Riku, and Jack are at Maelstrom Tavern, celebrating with the fishermen for the victory three days ago.

           “I never thought that our stay here will be extended.” Said Riku.

           “Yeah. But at least we get to drink good ales again.” Jack said as he chugged down his mug of ale.

           “So, what are your plans now that you’re free from the debt?” Daisuke asked Raijin who was staring at his mug.

           “I’m not really sure. I guess I’ll just become and ordinary fisherman.”

           Riku finished her mug of ale. “I was thinking. If you don’t mind, we could have someone who is knowledgeable here in Aria.”

           “Of course. Why not just join us? Besides, it’s Riku’s fault why your boat got destroyed ---”

           “Hey! That’s uncalled for!” Riku protested.

           “--- so, Raijin could join us to help go to Sicilia, then we could also pay him for his boat.”

           “Good call. He could use the money as well to get new electric weapons.” Daisuke added.

           “Well, I could use the money. I do enjoy the life as a fisherman. Maybe I could even get better tools to catch different kinds of sea monsters. That’s my dream after all: to catch different sea monsters around the world.”

           “Then it’s settled! Raijin, welcome to the party!” Daisuke yelled.

           The four of them cheered and celebrated the new addition to their adventures.

 The three larger warships that came from Union Gates were led by a powerful, veteran U.A. high ranking officer named Bolt.

           After Torai contacted the United Alliance Aria Main Headquarters, they decided to send Bolt, who was previously assigned to monitor the activities of Fishbone Hunters. Bolt and his men were escorted to the meeting room personally by Torai.

           “Captain Torai. Thank you for having us.”

           “Please, don’t mention it, Rear Admiral.”

           “Well then, let’s get down to business. I believe there is more than just handing us the Fishbone Hunters.”

           “Yes. A colleague of mine who is a member of the elite group Chasers told me that an avatar is here in Port Royale.”

           The crew were astonished, even Bolt, to the words of Torai.

           “Wait, are you positive to this intelligence?”

           “Yes. There’s no reason for my source to lie regarding an avatar. The avatar is an elf named Daisuke, and he is the avatar of the Wood Ishavara, Ariyani.”

           “Have you seen him use his avatar powers?”

           “No. He simply used normal elven powers to create trees when I fought with him three days ago.”

           “Sorry, but I’m a bit skeptical. May I know the name of your source?”

           “You may look him up on our database. His name is Jack. Jack Thornwood. An elf from Maria Island as well.”

           Bolt tried to recall the name Torai mentioned. Then he remembered something oddly familiar.

           “Thornwood? Don’t tell me he is related to Knave Thornwood? A member of Chasers?”

           “That’s correct. Knave is the older brother of Jack. Jack joined the Chasers to find his brother whose status is MIA after a battle against the Eclipse Hunters two years ago at Yamakabe’s outer wall.”

           “Tell me, why would this Jack give us a valuable information regarding an avatar? His own kind even. And why not just hand over the avatar?”

           “I guess it’s like you said, I guess he is torn between being of the same kind and being part of United Alliance.”

           Bolt thought about it. It is an opportunity for them to catch another avatar. But causing another incident in Port Royale might tarnish the image of United Alliance.

           Torai told Bolt more about what Jack told him. He told Bolt about the reason why the elves are in Aria mainland, about the strength and weaknesses of Daisuke, and route of the journey Daisuke has decided.

           “We cannot act without more information. If what you are saying is true, then kindly tell this Jack to keep in touch with us and keep an eye to this Daisuke. When the right time comes, we will act.”

           “Duly noted, Rear Admiral.”

           The meeting continued to evaluate if Torai will be given more manpower in Port Royale. They talked about other topics, and after the meeting, Bolt and his crew left Port Royale to take the Fishbone Hunters to Union Gates.

 The next day, Daisuke, Riku, Jack, and Raijin finally bid farewell to Boris. The fishermen and even Mr. Manta also gathered in Maelstrom Tavern to thanks the elves and say goodbye.

           As the four of them walked out of the alley to town center, Torai, with a couple of U.A. footmen greeted the quartet.

           “Hey guys! I heard you are all leaving today, so I decided to bid farewell.” Said Torai.

           “Torai! Thanks for coming. And thank you for letting us stay here.” Said Daisuke.

           “Umm, here, take this. It’s just some rations of United Alliance, designed to last for years. I’m not sure where you guys are heading, but having emergency foods when there’s nothing to buy or hunt could help.”

           “Thanks, we’ll use this wisely.” Jack received the foods from Torai. He looked at Torai and nodded.

           “Very well, we still got to patrol the harbor and keep our fishermen safe. Have a safe trip, guys.” Torai waved as he left the quartet.

 After saying goodbye to Torai, the quartet begun their journey.

           “Well, from here to Sicilia, it will take at least four weeks on foot.” Said Raijin.”

           Daisuke opened his book to see the map of Aria. “Well, we can’t walk straight through it. There are mountains and uncharted forests. And a wide river here. Should we just follow the road?”

           “Yeah. So which country is the nearest?” asked Riku.

           “That would be Colosseum Empire. A kingdom known for their gladiator fights.” Said Daisuke.

           “Then from here to Colosseum Empire, that would be a day and a half. Still a long journey.” Said Raijin.

           “Well, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” Jack claimed.

And so, the quartet made their way to their next destination: The Colosseum Empire.

 --- End of Port Royale Arc ---

On an island called Prologia.

           “Attention everyone, the general of United Alliance Aviation has arrived.” Sounded the P.A.

           From the large airship came down a man with salt and pepper hair and braided long beard. He is wearing an all-white long sleeves and coat with gold necktie, white slim pants and white shoes. He is also wearing a gold-colored sunglasses.

           The man was greeted by United Alliance footmen and three Chasers.

           “Sir Zeus, we welcome you here in Prologia.” Said a woman who has red long hair and is wearing a red blazer on a white shirt, red pants and a low-cut shoes. She and the other Chasers bowed to Zeus.

           “Oh please, no need for formalities, Raya.” Said Zeus smilingly. “Please everyone, at ease.”

           “Sir Zeus, what made you come here personally in Prologia?” asked one of the Chaser. He has a large build, dark skin, and was wearing a green tank top, camo pants, and military boots.

           “I heard you managed to finally control them, Bivon.”

           Bivon and Raya exchanged gazes “Ah. Yes, sir. The avatars of Vakura, Indaya, and Yahima are finally under control.”

           “Did we lose any men during the apprehension?”

           “Lucky sir, we didn’t. Luna managed to cast her powerful healing spells that healed most of our men, even those with fatal wounds.” Said Raya.

           “Good thinking, Luna.”

           “I am just doing my job, Sir Zeus.” Said Luna who bowed her head again. She has a long black hair with a hint blue and violet. She is wearing a magical blue and violet linen robe.

           “So, shall we see the avatars you’ve got?”

 The four of them walked towards the building. They continued down on a certain floor where the strongest hunters that were caught by United Alliance are imprisoned.

           At the end of the hall, two guards opened the gate. As they entered a wide chamber, they saw three people encased inside a crystal-like object.

           “So these are the avatars. You guys must have struggled to control them.”

           “It wasn’t easy.” Said Bivon. “They all transformed into their full Ishvara form.”

           “Melody did most of the job actually.” Said Luna. “I guess the avatars, even in their Ishvara form, struggles with people who have reached enlightenment.”

           “Enlightenment. Quite rare for anyone. Are you enlightened, Raya?”

           “Yes. But I haven’t mastered it yet.” Replied Raya. “Melody has been enlightened ever since she was a kid. She really is a powerful Chaser.”

            “Very well. Continue to experiment on properly controlling these three. I don’t want any incident to happen that will backfire against us when we use them.”

           “Yes sir. We’ll make sure that these avatars are at your disposal.” Said Bivon.

           “You guys did a great job. I am sure that those at the throne will be proud of you three once they’ve heard the news about your progress. Anyway, I have to go. I still have to meet Hades and Poseidon.”      

           Raya, Luna, and Bivon saluted to Zeus. Zeus then turned into a lightning and quickly disappeared back to his airship Olympia.

#DreamHunters #Chapter14 #StatueOfMariaSaga #PortRoyaleArc

[solaciummeae]

Did You Doubt the Curve of the Earth | Part 4

MOOD MUSIC

It had been a long night for everyone. The house was so full of people it was hard to know when one was actually being helpful or if they were simply in the way. Zoey had found that she’d begun to fit in the latter category, thus when Addison had arrived finally, Zoey had taken over for Mark with Adam. She sits with the little boy in her lap looking at story books while waiting for the appropriate time to take him to meet his little sister. “Wow bud, you have some really cool books– would you mind if I borrowed this one?” She asks the sleepy looking child softly.

“You can borrow my book Aunt Zoey.” He tells her craning his neck to look up at her. He knows that he’s getting a little sister but he’s very tired. He begins to wonder when he’ll be allowed to go to bed.

“Well thank you, that’s very considerate little man.” She smiles. She can relate to how tired Adam must be but knows that it’s going to be a while yet.

He watches her interact with his nephew for a while before he even makes his presence known. From her sweet and spicy scent, he isn’t sure what type of fae she is. But then, he knows he saw her eyes flash blue earlier, narrowing down the options. If he had to guess, he’d say she were a succubus but never the less the smell is just as pleasant as its owner seems to be.

He’s snapped free of his thoughts as his younger brother enters the room in a hurry. He watches him speak quietly to his younger son and nod toward the elder. He waits for them to leave again, still watching the other fae on the couch. As instructed, she wakes up the elder titan king. “What?!” The old man rouses in annoyance.

“Sorry Lee.” Zoey fires back, her own voice laced with irritation as her eyes flare. “Your granddaughter just entered the world-- thought you’d like to know.” She snarks, seeming completely unafraid of the other fae that could kill any of them soon as look at them.

Emma’s father seems to come to his senses, shooting the succubus an apologetic smile. “Guess I better get up there--” He heaves himself out of the other easy chair in the room. He mutters an apology under his breath as he follows after the others who left the room moments ago.

When they’re finally alone, he clears his throat. “You must be brave.” Aryn teases airily.

There’s a jolt of movement from the fae as Dyson’s mysterious older brother emerges from the shadows. She’d met him a few times in the past long ago but she’d never been able to get a read on him. Emma seemed fond of him even if Dyson seemed to despise him. There was an obvious power struggle between the brothers, both of them too much of an alpha and too far gone down the path of being a lone wolf. “I’ve known that family since I was a girl-- he doesn’t scare me.” She counters nonchalantly.

Aryn laughs from behind her, with such a sense of warmth she’s not sure what to think anymore. Then again, she hasn’t always been the biggest fan of his little brother because of all he’d put Emma through. She supposes after everything though, maybe it was time to forgive. She turns to the elder Thornwood and offers a fatigued smile before rising from the couch and stretching. She isn’t sure what she should say to him if anything. She hardly knows the man and Dyson always seems so wary of him. 

“Guess you made it just in time for all the excitement.” She comments conversationally. 

Aryn is relieved that if she shares similar sentiments toward him as most everyone else, she remains polite. The corners of his mouth tug upward again with a slight nod. “I’ve been around for more than it would seem at first glance. But no doubt I missed plenty of ‘the excitement.’ However, if you ask me, this occasion is long overdue.” He replies vaguely.

Zoey’s eyebrows pull together at his words, her head tilting to the side in thought. “How do you mean?” She asks, stifling a yawn. She knows that they should probably both be upstairs with everyone else but she’s so exhausted the idea seems overwhelming. That and she can’t resist the good mystery the wolf before her presents. In truth, her question encompasses far more than she lets on-- call her a creature of curiosity.

He forgets her question for a minute and reaches out a hand toward her. “Please, you’re tired. Sit, I’m sure they can spare you.” He offers moving closer to her. Leading by example he takes the seat next to her previous place. He waits for her to join him before glancing over his shoulder in the direction of the master bedroom. 

Zoey watches him, reminding herself that even terrible people can seem charming and have exceptional manners. As she sits back down facing him she pulls the hair from her face. She gives him an expectant look and tries not to look too rigid as she sits with him. “So?”

Aryn pushes out another short laugh and brushes a hand through his hair. He grips the back of his neck and clears his throat. “What I am about to say might not be any of my business to tell and forgive me if I seem too forward– this is merely the truth…” He begins leaning toward her ever so slightly. He then lowers his voice so as not to be heard by ears that shouldn’t be hearing the things he has to say. “You might have noticed that Emma and I share a bond that seems extraordinary if not given all of the pieces of the puzzle.” He goes on. 

“Just because I haven’t made known my presence doesn’t mean I haven’t been around. I’ve always been relatively close in case my brother had need. It was a promise I made my parents long ago when Dyson went through a-- how shall I put this-- rebellious phase soon after our youngest brother was killed by human hunters.” He explains carefully. 

“I’ve known Emma lifetimes-- when she first met my brother she was favored by our family as his mate. You see, I love my little brother– in fact I’d say that I’m one of the few people who are truly on Dyson’s side.” He continues. “One other such person– is Emma Harper…a truly magnificent woman– perhaps the strongest I’ve ever known.”

As she listens to him speak, she feels as if she should probably cut in with something but she’s almost entranced by his voice. When he speaks of Emma she’s surprised to say the least. She wasn’t aware that they even knew each other, nor that he had such a high opinion of her best friend. She supposed if their family had wishes for a union between the nymph and the wolf shifter it would explain why this would all seem overdue.

“I must confess that I feel my brother a fool for his dealings with her. Did you know that before that succubus came waltzing into his life– he had one– with Emma.” He shakes his head in disappointment. “Again, forgive me,” He wipes at his mouth. “I know you’re a good friend of hers, I’m sure she’s confided in you about such matters so you must know of what I’m speaking.” 

And she does-- well some of it. At least she’d known of the troubles between the two of them. Zoey knows exactly what he’s talking about. Again, she has to conceal the shock. This goes beyond what she’d initially thought about him being acquainted with Emma. It seems he knows intimate details she wouldn’t have given him credit for before this conversation.

“I can’t imagine her dad favoring that union--” She snorts under her breath before she can stop herself. She squeezes her eyes shut and grimaces when she realizes what just came out of her mouth. “I’m sorry-- he’s your brother-- I shouldn’t be so blunt.” She looks down. “Really-- your history is beautiful-- I didn’t mean to knock it.”

Aryn chuckles lightly as she tries to apologize. “Ah-- you seem to forget-- I already said that this was the truth. You needn’t apologize for that.”

She offers him a timid smile, nodding in agreement as her lips pull back more. “Does Dyson know you’ve been watching his back all this time?” She inquires, finding a sense of comfort in this deeper discussion. She wants to know more, making a mental note to ask Emma about it later on.

“No-- and if you wouldn’t mind-- I’ll tell him that in my own time.” The elder wolf confides.

“Of course, I might be abrupt but I’m not tactless, your secret’s safe with me.” She replies, the dimples in her cheeks dipping into the sides of her cheeks. She tenses and relaxes her muscles again. “You should probably get up there-- ‘uncle’ is a pretty big role. We already know how Adam feels about you.”

He must admit that he has little desire to leave the quiet space of the living room where he sits with her. He glances toward the bedroom upstairs again and chews at his lip as she finishes. “Meaning?” He inquires.

“Oh come on-- that little boy couldn’t be more disappointed he’s not going to grow up to be a wolf if he tried.” She quips. “I think he loves you even more than his father.”

The other fae huffs a laugh. “I’ve just been around more.” He takes one final jab at his brother’s expense. He stands and gives a stretch of his own before heading off toward the stairs. Just as he leaves her sight he looks back to toss her a wink and a smirk before disappearing around the corner.

Zoey sits there with her mouth hanging open. She’s more than a little bothered by certain revelations that had come to pass. Suddenly, she isn’t sure that she can blame Emma for being so in love with Dyson. Apparently the wolves in that family had a way with women. She swallows and leans back into the couch, needing a minute before following after him.

#lost girl drabble #lost girl rp #indie drabble #muse: zoey #muse: caelan #muse: lee #muse: adam #series: theres no point now in starting something new; the heart wants what the heart wants #i cant even call this a starter #drabbles: zoey #drabbles: caelan #verse: lost girl

[topmediumreadersclub]

Psychic in Thornwood NY 10594

  The following article goes into detail about psychic in Thornwood New York 10594 After conducting psychic readings, numerology readings and tarot card readings for over 20 years now, I have gained a definite perspective not only as an advisor but as a client. As a client, I have been able to see exactly how psychics who are not real work their magic. After getting a psychic reading from dozens of so-called psychic advisors, you may find yourself intoxicated by the things that the psychic tells you. If it sounds too good to be true, most likely it is. You have to understand the origins and purpose of psychic networks. Their job is to make lots of money, not to help you. Granted, there are real psychics who are gifted and working on psychic network lines, but I have found that most of the people working as psychic advisors period, are not real at all. I'm sure you have heard by now that many fake psychics use scripts and certain formats in conducting their psychic readings, but for the most part, it's really simple what they tell you that gets you hooked. For example, if after getting a psychic reading, you find yourself feeling intoxicated almost, then they have done their job superbly. To be told that the one you love, loves you and that you will marry them and be together for the rest of your life is intoxicating. They give you hope that keeps you calling and calling until after you see that you have been lied to, you begin to face reality and the truth sinks in, you now realize that what they said was not true when they said it nor will it ever turn out to be true. You will find yourself hurt and disillusioned beyond the ordinary disillusionment experienced from your own life's complications. You may even find yourself broke or in debt. It's unconscionable that people could prey on others' vulnerabilities and pain in this way. But that is exactly what they do. And in the end, there is only more pain. And the inevitable distrust of psychics. It's this "fake" paradigm, which has its roots in the first elemental phone psychic networks, that dominates the public's perception and legitimate scrutiny is reasonable. But real psychics around the globe are out there and you should make it your business to find a foolproof way of determining who is real and who is not until such time as this paradigm is changed to ensure that your advisor is authentic by virtue of their credentials as it is for any professional practitioner.

Now you may frequent sites where the advisor is given feedback after your call. This is a good thing but, it is not foolproof. I have seen fake psychics who will have almost perfectly glowing feedback that goes on and on for pages. Perfect! You may wonder why this occurs. Simple. After you hear exactly what you want to hear or want to believe verified, well, this is where that intoxication comes in, you tend to reflect your glorious feelings with equally glowing feedback! But when things don't happen the way were told, you never come back. So, others following in your footsteps will call this advisor because "they too want to believe." Another thing to watch out for is fake feedback. This is also a tactic used by fakes to fool you. On sites where feedback is left, an authentic psychic advisor has to have a very high level of integrity in order to be comfortable telling the truth despite the fact of what the client wants to hear. If the psychic does not tell them what they want to hear in a reading, the client may leave very bad comments and a bad rating. It's the price you pay for being real. In my experience when I tell a client something they didn't want to hear, for the most part, they don't leave any comments. The fact is, they will most likely go find another psychic who will reflect their own feelings about the situation. A reading can be truthful and uplifting without bringing the client down but you have to ready to hear the truth. So how do you know who is real and who is not based on feedback! That is not to say that an authentic psychic is not going to have great feedback. They do, but sometimes they will be the ones to receive bad ratings and feedback mixed in with the good. Life is all about taking the good with the bad. Honestly, it's very hard to tell. The proof is really in the reading and outcomes and developing a relationship with a few trusted advisors who have been able to connect with you and your energy and have proven that their insights and predictions have been accurate for you. But, just remember, if it sounds unbelievably good, it probably is not really true and the psychic is not real and only setting up a line to take your money and setting you up for emotional failure. So be careful of perfect feedback. It's really not always an accurate gauge of the psychic advisors true abilities; except of course their ability to fleece you out of your dollars. Of course, really consistently bad feedback is a good indication that the advisor is probably just very bad and should think about going into another line of work.

Another point, you need to understand that even if you are speaking with a gifted, authentic psychic, you and that particular psychic may not connect that well. That is different from the psychic being fake. There a many reasons why a particular psychic may not connect with you. They may not be rested and ready to take calls, or you may not be relaxed and ready to receive truthful information or in some other way blocking the flow of what is being channeled thereby skewing the information on either side. Psychic readings are not an exact science. Intuition is relied upon to conduct an accurate psychic reading for a client. The reading goes much better when both the psychic advisor and client are relaxed and ready to receive. I personally find it difficult to connect with a client who wants to hear a certain thing. I have experienced many times my client trying to guide the reading. So see your authentic psychic advisor as someone who wants to help you and be ready to assist in the flow of information. To spot a fake psychic is not impossible, but if there was a way to quantify the statistic of fakes out there, I would be willing to bet that most (due in large part to large networks hiring script readers) are not real. Unfortunate, but through observation and experience, I feel this to be true. One of the Oldest Tricks in the Book. First Warning Sign That You Have Got a Fake! One of the oldest tricks in the book and something which continues to surprise me because people are continually taken in is when a psychic tells you someone has put a curse on you or there is a negative block on you which only they can remove for some exorbitant price, HANG UP! Say goodbye, because this person could not care less about you or your problems. Psychic parlors are notorious for this kind of activity. It is not for real, the curse nor the psychic. I have always believed that having a good doctor, a good mechanic and a good psychic are all professionals that are worth taking the time to assess their skill, experience and credentials to see if they are the one for you. There is nothing more satisfying than actually making a positive difference in someone's life and their continued use of your service over many years. A walking, talking testimonial is very gratifying for this psychic advisor.

Originally Published Here: Psychic in Thornwood NY 10594