4,913 Words Down...

4,913 words done and that's only after I finished my second chapter. This is GOOD!!! So good. But... I'm not even a tenth of the way there!!! I'm so gonna die.

However... I have successfully finished the second chapter, which I would like you all to read. Please, enjoy.

Mel's Prompt Story (Chapter 2)

When Lorwyn woke the next day she realized that she'd completely forgotten to turn in the form that the Head Clerk had wanted. For a full two seconds she worried about it and then shoved it aside. What was done was done, there was nothing that she could do about it now. She rolled out of her cot and groaned as she hit the floor. Her workout yesterday had been too extensive, she should have held back a little. Now she'd waddle around for a few days until her legs felt normal again.

She sat on the hard stone floor and made herself stretch her stiff muscles and continued to groan. This wasn't getting her anywhere, she'd have to get her muscles warm again. Dragging herself to her feet she did basic exercises to work her legs, arms and shoulders. After about thirty minutes she stretched all over, wishing painfully that she hadn't worked her entire body.

When she felt herself again she grabbed a fruit to munch on and pulled the form closer. Upon examination she found it was just a check-up. They wanted to make sure she hadn't injured herself in anyway to prevent her from doing her job. Several of the questions asked about symptoms that could eventually lead to serious health problems but they didn't apply to her. She flipped the form over, on the backside were clearly worded questions about certain laws that would prevent her from being trusted in court or allowed to work. She snorted. Being part of the law made this sort of... unnecessary. There hadn't been any huge accidents that she had to report to the officials and nothing was on her record. And she wasn't about to confess to invading innocent's minds on a daily basis.

Taking a big bite she held the fruit in her mouth while she did a cursory job of filling out the form, then she pulled her hair out of her face and in a band, threw on the same thin, baggy material she had worn yesterday and ran down the stairs to the street. A quick glance at the clock tower told her she had twenty minutes before she had to report in. Juice ran down her chin and she wiped it away with her sleeve trying to figure out the best way to utilize the extra time she had. With a shrug she went to the fountain were most of the dead-beats hung out. It was an area of high traffic and a good place to start surveillance.

When she reached the fountain she threw a very sticky pit in a can designated for trash only. The fountain itself was a work of art that spoke of the city's talent. Huge statues of women, horses and warriors, decorated the city, but the twin goddesses of Diane and Theresa that mounted the clean water struck a chord with the tradesmen in the city, for Lorwyn, however, it had always been something more bittersweet. Diane and Theresa were sisters and represented the sort of brotherly, or sisterly in this case, love that a people could reach while working together. She gazed up at the fountain for just a moment, thinking of her many brothers and how they had given her a sort of reluctant security and love. Lorwyn sighed in relief, knowing that if all else failed; there was her family to go back to.

Turning she sat at the edge of the fountain and began to gaze vacantly in the distance and listened. There was always the steady buzz. Now she closed her eyes and listened to the deep emotions. One of the silliest things about human nature is the constant silent shouting. Always yelling but too insecure, polite, or angry to say anything. Behind the words are emotions and at the end of the day the words don't matter, feelings are what directly lead you to action.

Lorwyn had always wondered what other telepaths felt when they intercepted shout-thoughts, which were very different than the thoughts more hidden and secret. The strongest ones were chaotic pain or a desperate lash out at the world. It was draining, but Lorwyn had always felt it was important to monitor the people she lived with and to keep an eye out for red-flags. Over the years she'd gotten better at pin pointing suicidals, those with killing-intent and most importantly those who reeked from finding joy in causing pain and doing evil, but there were always the exceptions. The human mind was complex and people's thought processes more varied and confusing than anything else Lorwyn had ever encountered.

The bell chimed. Lorwyn's eyes snapped open and she tore her mind from the thoughts and troubles of others, breaking into a run. Only after she had stopped did her legs protest very, VERY loudly at her sudden sprint. Chest heaving she bent over and stretched again, feeling the burn in the backs of her thighs.

"Aaaggghhhh..." She groaned vocally.

"It hurts that much?"

Lorwyn stopped mid-groan and straightened to find herself face to face with a monster of a man. At least six foot four and not in anyway thin or lanky. He was like a bear. Stepping back, Lorwyn finally was able to see up into his face which could only be described as leathery and tough. If Lorwyn knew any better she would have thought it was the bark on a tree, it was so dark and lined. His eyes were light blue in deep contrast to his skin and his hair was long, thin and greying, with a shorter, thick beard growing wildly on his face.

Hurst (sort of)

At first his eccentric appearance shocked and even concerned Lorwyn, but there was something about the steady calm in his deep voice and in his expression that made her stay where she was.

He spoke again, this time a smile breaking his face in two. "My name is Hurst." He held out a hand in offering. Lorwyn took it and was again taken aback by the roughness of his hands and their grip. "I'm assuming that you are Lorwyn, my new understudy." He looked her up and down. "I didn't expect you to be so young... and are you always late?"

Lorwyn chuckled, surprising herself. It was clear by his tone that he was reprimanding her but it was the kindest chastizment ever given. "I lose track of time easily and I apologize. It's not something I do frequently, I promise. Had I known my Mentor was a giant I would have made sure to get here on time."

Hurst laughed appreciatively and Lorwyn again had to stop and replay what had just happened. She had just cracked a joke, albeit a horrible one, but a joke nonetheless. A frown crossed her features without her realizing it as she followed Hurst into the huge columned entrance.

Hurst noticed. "What are you so concerned about, my little Inquisitor?"

Lorwyn raised an eyebrow. "Just because I am a foot shorter than you does not mean that my height is so unbelievable. You are just too big." Lorwyn used the time she had gained to decide whether to come clean with her new mentor. She was uncomfortable with the fact that she was so comfortable around him. "If you don't mind me asking, sir--"

"Hurst. You will never call me 'sir'."

Lorwyn eyed her Mentor again not sure what to make of him. "Hurst..." and then realized she couldn't NOT add some sort of title of respect blurted out. "sir. " He glared and she pointedly ignored it. "What is your gift? If it's not too intrusive."

"I'm glad you asked actually, I'm a Healer. One of the best." His eye disappeared in the folds of his skin as he winked at her. "I can help you with that soreness if you'd like."

Relief saturated Lorwyn. A Healer was by far better than a Sniffer or someone with Foresight. They were trained solely on the manipulation of the mind to heal the body. In reality anyone could be trained to be a Healer but there were always those who had the perfect balance of persuasion and the raw power of joy. Plus the fact that he was a Healer explained why she felt so comfortable around him. It was just his nature.

"If you can take away this pain I would be in your debt." Lorwyn said quietly but earnestly.

Hurst promised to give it a try and then motioned her into a small office. As Lorwyn stepped in her eyes were drawn to the walls. There she found an array of colors and textures, feathers, paintings, shiny trinkets, small weapons, artifacts, pieces of art made out of wood and ebony decorated his desk. On one wall was a large map of their world. There was a large bookcase chock full. All in all it felt very, homey, lived in and somewhat cluttered.

He motioned to a cushioned chair. "Please, sit. This will take all day and you might as well make yourself comfortable." Lorweyn did so but continued to examine the hundreds of souvenirs. Hurst grinned at her wide eyes. "I'm glad you like my collection. I spent most of my earlier career with the Caradoc people overseas in Tredan. They were having a hard time adjusting to new rule."

Secretly Lorwyn was very impressed. The Caradoc people stuck to more primitive ways and were not easy to get close to and it looked as if Hurst had gone native in his attempts to help them make an easier life for themselves.

"Now let's get down to business. Your new position..." He sat back in his chair and searched for the right words to begin. "I don't need to tell you that being High Inquisitor is not an easy position, you'll have up to fifty gifted under you command depending on the cities and the demand. Your job is to gather reports from each of them, make sure they are doing their job, visit the cities every once in a while and watch the outer regions with a careful eye as they aren't under constant care. Every month you'll send your report to the Central Agency in Paxsalvador. Every six months you'll take your physical self and report directly. They'll scrub your mind for any information they think is relevant."

Panic stabbed at Lorwyn. "Am I allowed to keep... certain things to myself? More personal information, that isn't relevant."

Hurst shrugged. "I've never bothered to try and block their telepaths, they are very thorough and I don't have the right training. All I can say is if you block something be prepared for a serious interrogation. You know how they can get."

Oh, Lorwyn knew, and it was never pretty. While everyone said "report" what they really meant was "download." Everything you knew was handed out like flags at a parade. At the University you were trained to trust your superiors and teachers, they knew what was best and you didn't question their orders. If they said jump, you jumped. If they said give us all your secret hopes and dreams so we can crush them, you did.

Brecc had made her see that. You couldn't trust just anyone. When someone said "scrub your mind" it wasn't just to get an accurate report, it was a way to control you. They had their little fingers in your life. You couldn't do anything without them knowing at one point or another. Silently she cursed Brecc for killing the Head Inquisitors and the pale Head Clerk who had passed on the promotion "opportunity." Refusal had never been an option and Lorwyn knew it. She had taken careful precautions to prevent this sort of thing and it had all been for naught.

"Are you alright, Lorwyn?" Hurst asked, deep concern lining his face.

"I'm fine, I'm sorry, my thoughts wandered off." she assured him at the same time reprimanding herself. She would've never made this mistake in front of another official. Just because you feel comfortable doesn't mean you can get sloppy. If anything she had to be more on guard than ever.

Hurst sighed. "Well, your mind obviously has been on other things all day. You were late and now you can't seem to focus. Lorwyn," he sat up in his chair and leaned on his desk worry written all over his face. "is there something that you want to talk about? I've checked your files. You're a perfect member in the Paxsalvador Agency. I have never seen a cleaner slate and this just doesn't seem like you."

Lorwyn remained silent and looked down at her hands. Inwardly she was grasping at an answer. "It's just a lot of responsibility and I don't know if I can do it."

Hurst laughed. "Oh, this will be a breeze for you. In fact I'm surprised you weren't promoted sooner, but it all worked out in the end. You are a very mature individual, Lorwyn." She made the mistake of looking up into his light eyes and seeing the love there. It made her uncomfortable. "Anyone can see that you are very capable and I just want you to know if you ever want to talk. I'm here. It's what I'm here for." After a short silence that seemed to bother only Lorwyn, Hurst sighed and stood. "I think we'd better call it a day. You seem unfocused and you obviously need rest."

Hurst went to his bookcase and selected a freshly bound book and handed it to her. Lorwyn accepted it. "What is it?"

"It's some of the more detailed rules and obligations of a High Inquisitor. When you have the opportunity I suggest you study it. I think it will ease your concern. You'll find that High Inquisitors have many perks. You get to travel, even out of your district if you want and times are quiet enough. No matter where you are, you are treated as a royal guest with the best food and best rooms." He grinned. "I think you'll find you can come to enjoy this kind of life. It's not all hard work." He opened the door and motioned her in front of her. "Now go home and get some rest. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

Lorwyn walked home in a daze. The Head Clerk had to track her down for the form that she had forgotten. He huffed a lot and stormed away but Lorwyn didn't care. She couldn't believe what she'd just heard.

She could travel, she could get out Yevic.

She could find Brecc. 

Prologue to Mel's Prompt Story

Yello... It's officially NaNo day number one and I've tackled the prologue. I hope you enjoy it.

Mel's Prompt Story (Prologue)

When Lorwyn entered the dorm she knew that something was wrong. It was eerily quiet, there was always a group of boys up planning pranks of some sort. With a wary eye, she checked the ceiling or buckets and the floor for mouse traps. She'd been the subject of their jokes for the past month and it was started to wear on her. Moving slowly and with extreme stealthiness she made it to her room with three other girls.

"Mara? Do you know what's--"

Lorwyn

As the door opened she stopped short. Mara and two other bodies were on the floor or half out of their beds. Lorwyn swallowed and finally registered the dark figure, standing with the stillness of the dead. The panic that flooded Lorwyn increased dramatically as he turned to her and showed her his face, cold and unashamed.

"Brecc?" Her heart jolted to a stop. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Brecc, what are you--?" Her mind was muddled, trying to combine her image of her best friend with this cold blooded murderer. Her eyes went to his clothes and hands. Blood. Knives.

"You killed them." No matter how much she loved and cared for him, her mind could not deny her eyes.

Dread settled within her and purred contentedly. He wouldn't hurt her, she could talk to him. There had to be a logical explanation. Calmly Lorwyn squared her shoulders to Brecc and asked matter-of-factly, "What now?"

Brecc's dead eyes stared into her. Gently she probed him with her own mind, trying to make any sort of connection with the boy she knew, but he was securely guarded.

And then a smile twisted onto his stone features.

Lorwyn had never been so terrified in her life. This was not her friend, this person wasn't even human. This was a maniac who would hurt anyone who got in his way. Instinctively she stepped back, frozen like a deer about to take an arrow to its heart.

Brecc

Brecc lifted a knife to eye level, still grinning and started to walk toward her. When he spoke it was slow and softly, as if he had all the time in the world. "Now...Now, I'm going to leave you, alive and well. And for years to come, you are going to play this scene over and over again. You were too trusting Lori. Naive little Lori, you trusted me, your roommates, your superiors, anyone who greeted you kindly without giving it a thought." He paced around her, flipping the knife around as if trying to decide where to cut. "So weak, so submitting, so easy to manipulate." His grin widened as he placed a knife to her throat. "That's all your good for. Isn't that right? Entertainment, that's your roll. The butt of all the jokes." He laughed. Lorwyn shuddered, it wasn't his laugh. He jerked his face close to hers. "Poor, poor little Lori, can't protect your friends, can't beat me, can't protect yourself. Can't even use her powers to see that her friend is a killer." He shoved her away like trash.

After sheathing his stained knives he touched his forehead in a mocking farewell and lit a match. "Enjoy the rest of your existence."
It took a full twenty seconds for Lorwyn to realize that Brecc had left and the dorms were now in flames, her roommates were dead and her best friend had just betrayed everything they had believed.

Hurt and anger swirled together and tears pricked her eyes. She was going to kill him. She was going to find him beat some answers out of him and then kill him. When she finally came to herself, she was surrounded in flames. Gritting her teeth against the heat, Lorwyn locked on to the nearest window. Three floors up. It was either a couple of broken legs or being burned alive. With a hoarse scream, she rushed through the flames as searing pain licked her skin eagerly. Thunking into the wall, she coughed unable to get clean air into her lungs and kept her eyes tightly shut against the flames. By feel she found the latch and heaved the window open, crying against the pain and hurt. The cold air only seemed to make the burning room hotter. Lorwyn leapt and counted to two before she hit the ground her legs crumbling under her, she tipped herself forward and rolled.

The heat followed her, on her hands and knees she crawled through the grass until she could feel the damp dew. All the time keeping her eyes tightly shut, crying silently. She didn't want to open them. Inside she was screaming, her skin was screaming. Alternating between coughing out smoke and her body wracking with sobs, Lorwyn felt like a wreck and she was sinking fast. When she finally had control of her voice she knelt and screamed to rival the roaring fire.

CAMP NANO

Totally going to do it. I'm gonna do Camp NaNo during June with my new story that I've been working on. It's pretty epic and most of it is due to Melanie Green. May you all read her blog and love her stories cause she's awesome.

Tada!!! So far I've been calling this story that I've been writing Mel's Prompt Story. If I come up with a better name I'll let you know. But generally I have no idea where this is going to go. I'm just getting immersed in the world that I've created and my characters I really have no plot and it's EXTREMELY frustrating.

I will try and post regularly. If you feel the desire to read my brain barfs please do so. But seriously. I tend to wander if I don't have a very strict outline so most of this is going to be crap that I'll have to cut out and rewrite. Hehe... But I have some serious plot twists I'm ready to pull out of nowhere. HAHAHA I feel so evil. For now I will give you the first chapter. For those who don't know here is the basic synopsis. I'm still working on a prologue, it's not up to snuff yet so you're just going to have to deal with my explanation.

Lorwyn (My main character) is a very wonderful child, kind and innocent and a total hick from the prairie-desert. She finds out that she's a telepath (WHAT?) and is sent off to Paxsalvador where the gifted are trained and then basically recruited into helping keep the peace between the two warring countries, Tredan and the Noland Empire. You don't really have a choice in the matter... if you are gifted you have duties and until you are released you are stuck with you're assignment or you will be found and persuaded to do your assignment (this is more of an unspoken rule). Anyway... Brecc, who also happens to be a telepath and a student who has lived there since early childhood becomes fast friends with Lori and they grow up in the University together. Everything is happy and wonderful.

AND THEN.... Brecc kills a good amount of their classmates and dormmates, rubs it in Lorwyn's face, and burns down the building with her still inside. She escapes and lives but now is instilled with a need to find Brecc and kill him if she can manage it. The whole idea is that Lori then feels horrible and is motivated to become stronger in all aspects of life, first change she makes is that she now peeks into everyone's head  so they can't get the jump on her EVER again. (THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW!!! It's an invasion of privacy and if her peers or teachers were to catch her she would be sent to a horrible prison for life.) second change is that she becomes apathetic and very calculating and distrusting, third change is that she starts training physically as well... but... I'm talking to much.... Here's my first chapter.

Mel's Prompt Story (Chapter 1)

Lorwyn ducked into the street and wove through the crowd, not the easiest task but it was managable. Above her the skies were clear and the day was warm. Once she was clear of the throng she took a deep breath in and let it out slowly reveling in the heat. It reminded her of home, something that she was longing for more and more lately.

Chimes brought her attention to the large and extravagant bell-tower in the middle of the central square several blocks down the crowded street. It was ten til eleven, if she didn't hurry, she'd be late. Unbidden anxiety welled up in her belly. Instead of dwelling on the source of her anxiety she dove into the crowd, out-letting her adrenaline into movement. After a strenuous "walk" down the lane, she found herself flushed. Twisting, slipping, prodding and in some case shoving was not what she had been looking forward to when she got out of bed this morning.

With a hand she fanned herself and looked up at the imposing building before her. Huge letters were carved over the massive columns, "Paxsalvador Center of Operations." After taking several deeps breaths to not only slow her breathing but to control her wild emotions she smoothed her loose robe-like blouse and checked her hair. With a satisfactory nod she straightened her shoulders and strode into the main lobby.
Here she found herself surrounded by desks and desks filled with clerks, marble columns and rich wood doors that led to small offices and hallways. She had only been to this specific building twice since her beginning her assignment in the city. Her city, she corrected herself mentally, although it did no good. She could never come to see Yevic in a possessive light. Yevic was the third largest city in the Noland Empire, a center of tradesman and craftsmanship. It was also a pain to look after.

A clerk passed too close for comfort and Lorwyn back away apologetically, realizing that she had loitered inconveniently right in the doorway. Slightly embarrassed she went to the main desk and gave the clerk a quick smile. There was no reaction from him as he waited for her to state her business. Lorwyn was itching to get inside of his head, but she was surrounded by too many gifted and the chance that she would be discovered was too great. For all she knew that was why they were calling her in. She was going to be stripped of her title and privileges and sent to some hell-hole where she would be guarded and under constant supervision.

She smiled against the panic and rampant imagination. "Hello, my name is Lorwyn, telepath of Yevic. I have a meeting with the Head Clerk."

This time the clerk bent over his papers and shuffled out the one he wanted. "This is a form you will need to fill out by the end of the day. The Head Clerk is right through those doors and is ready for you." The little man spoke quickly and succinctly. A man of business, Lori guessed as she entered the Head Clerk's office knocking softly to alert him of her presence.

"Come in." Came the command even though she was already half way into the office.

In the split second between opening and closing the door Lorwyn examined the Head Clerk. He was young, much younger than she had expected. From the way that he kept his desk and shelves he was meticulous and obsessively organized. Thick hair, cut short, small nose, swallow face and big brown eyes.

"Sit down."

And commanding... Lorwyn sat but remained silent. She still had no idea as to why she was here and she wasn't about to offer any information, good or bad. It was always better to analyze the situation first than act prematurely. The Head Clerk didn't look at her as he continued to fill out what she assumed was a report of some kind.

Due to this, silence filled the room and allowed her to examine him more carefully.

A plaque caught her eye. It had been awarded just last month. Ahhh, he was new. No wonder he flaunted his power, now she could see the tell-tale signs. The way that he draped himself proudly over his desk and chair, like it was a throne of some kind. The way he held himself, full of power and self-importance.

Before she could determine anything more he raised his head and smiled thinly at her, then proceeded to air out the document he had just finished. "You must be Lorwyn the city's telepath?" He asked as he waved the page up and down, blowing on it for good measure.

At this point Lorwyn didn't think that speaking was a good idea. He seemed like the type of man who would criticize her for anything that came out of her mouth. So she simply nodded and hoped it was an acceptable response. At least no one was yelling at her yet.

"You should have been given a form at the front desk, it should cover any medical or criminal records you may have accumulated during your time in Yevic. Anything of the sort must be recorded in order for you to be promoted. You understand-"

Lorwyn began to cough, loudly. "I'm sorry, I swear I heard you say "promoted."" Promoted?! That couldn't be right, she had remained carefully notice free. Anyone who looked at her record would see a very nondescript telepath with no skills, awards or any sort of mark of recognition. Her entire career was carefully free of error and acknowledgement.

"Yes, promotion. You've been promoted to High Inquisitor. Obviously, the clerk who wrote your notice was not clear... I'll have to make sure to send out a message... we can't have this kind of slackness..." The Head Clerk scrolled something down on a pad of paper with elegant binding.

Still trying to process the information, Lorwyn took on a sort of dazed expression. In all honesty she wasn't sure what she preferred, prison or promotion. She had worked so hard to stay out of the lime-light, waiting for her chance...

"As a High Inquisitor you will be assigned not to a city but to an entire area, I believe that you have the twenty-seventh district. You will be under a man named Hurst. He will direct you and guide you through the basics." The Clerk stamped several papers. "Sign here, if you please."

Obediently Lorwyn signed and kept her mouth firmly closed. Something was wrong and she didn't like it one bit.

"Excellent. I'll need that form down by the end of the day. Tomorrow at eight you will meet your Mentor and you will receive the training you need for your new position." He paused and shifted the forms he had filled out together. "Do you have any questions? You seem a little dazed, no doubt you're speechless, eh?" He winked at her conspiratorially.

"Yes... ummm, no. Actually can you tell me how I got the position?"

Now the Clerk looked confused.

Lorwyn tried to word it in a way he would understand. "Why me and not another telepath? What qualifications did I have that allowed me to be promoted over another?"

He frowned and opened a drawer and quickly filed through the massive amounts of paper held there. With unnerving efficiency he pulled out a paper and read it over. "It seems that several positions have opened up in the last month, you had the required years of experience." He held out the sheet for her to look at.
Taking it from him, she looked it over quickly. He was right. She frowned and gazed and the paper with more fervor as if it would reveal it's secrets under her glare.

"If you don't mind, I have another meeting coming in soon. I'll need you to leave."

"Of course." Lorwyn muttered absently, her mind still entire focused on the sheet before her. According to it, High Inquisitor positions had been opening up regularly since earlier that year. It was like they were rotating them out, but that didn't make sense. It took time and money to train gifted and a High Inquisitor was always an exceptionally gifted person who could manage an entire district. They couldn't retire at this rate which meant they were being fired and if the higher ups were firing High Inquisitors...

A light bulb went off in her mind. The High Inquisitors weren't being fired or retiring they were being killed off, one by one.

Brecc.

It had to be. It was like he had come back, taunting her. Lorwyn's hand clenched, destroying the flimsy paper. She'd kill him, if she ever saw him she'd tear off his head. Hot anger was beating through her now and she wanted to hit something. In a whirl of faces and heat, Lorwyn found herself back at her loft. As she closed the front door, she began tugging off her light top and baggy pants. Within minutes she was dressed and her hands were padded. Still in an anger ridden daze she went to her back room.

On one wall was a map of the three countries, Tredan, The Noland Empire and nestled on the western edge, Paxsalvador. Small pins and ribbons littered the map and desk. Notes, scrawled in her handwriting were attached in certain places. On the other three walls were boards, knives, short swords, and a bow. In the center was a padded dummy. Without hesitation, Lorwyn twisted and brought her heel down on the dummy neck and shoulder, following up with several solid punches to the gut and head.

When she found Brecc, she would be ready for him.

Mourning the Passing of Rose Tyler (Spoiler)

*Only for those who have watched the first two seasons of Doctor Who.*

You'd think that a girl who absorbed the time vortex could figure out a way to get out of a parallel universe and into another one... but no. She's stuck. With her lame boy friend.

I take it upon myself to write her obituary.


... Rose Tyler, born in London, always saying 'fings' instead of 'things.' Stupid accent, now it's in me 'ead all the time. She was only what... nineteen? Twenty when she died?

A spunky young girl that gave the show sexual tension and ridiculous love triangles in EVERY episode. I swear... Everything they touched either ended up dead, in a ditch somewhere or with horrible deformations.

But she was so funny! Attractive, rude, always breaking the rules, stuck up for people, she got braver as time went on, started to throw herself in front of people, one of the only things damsels in distress can do really. I loved it. I loved that she cared about people, kept the doctor in line. Man you couldn't not love her.

My only problem was she never... did anything, by herself and she ALWAYS had to be rescued. If I were the doctor... it would've gotten on my nerves.

You'd think for a girl who traveled with the doctor, she would have learned how to drive the Tardis (We all know how many times she's been stuck with this problem.) and she'd have learned some self defense. But as damsels go... she was a good one. Comic relief, kept the doctor in check, always getting into trouble, and when he REALLY REALLY needed it. She'd always pull through and DANG that girl was loyal. I mean seriously...

This episode really made me appreciate her.


LOOK!!! LOOK at how awesome she is! Lookin into the freakin heart of the Tardis (That can fry you, by the by) and traveling back in time to save the doctor. I was so proud of her. Finally doing something on her own for once. Sigh...

NOW SHE'S GONE!!!! And a crazy lady in a wedding dress has replaced her!!! What is this world coming to?

New Story

Hey Folks,

To begin, was not conference the most inspiring thing you have ever listened to? I could sit there on the basement floor of my parent's house and listen to it non-stop and be perfectly content. But instead, I stole Jessica's throwing knives and played split with my little brothers between the Saturday sessions. They LOVED it. So thanks Jess.

SO.... Who else is ready to die? Ah, I see many raised hands. I'm glad we're all dying together at least.
School SUCKS!! Why did I ever think that I could get through college with a decent GPA? I dunno... Must of been smoking something...
This is all besides the point. I have an announcement.

Wait for it.


I'M WORKING ON A NEW STORY!

Hurray! So in between all my school work, work (which I love, I could go for hours about how much I LOVE my job) and all the media I have been reading/watching. I have been working on a new story.

Much of what I have right now is thanks to Melanie, her kind suggestion to steal one of her story starts was very much needed and very thoughtful. I'm super excited!!! But I don't really have the time to give it my full attention, so it's still very much a work in progress. I will however keep you updated. And maybe sometime in the future I'll try to tackle some of my old ideas.

I love you all! You can last through these stupid last weeks of school.

What Do I Write Now?

Dear Friends and Readers of my Blog,

I'm... so lost. You see I can talk about stories, I can form pieces of ideas. I can form scraps of characters that I like, I can do all sorts of stuff.

Let's be honest. Writing is tough and I'm not all that good at it.

You see, I've completed two novels (first drafts) had my sister read bits and say. "This is good, but you're going to have to throw out most of it." Which is both encouraging and infuriating. My brother has had his own problems with my story. So... I have decided to let the ideas settle for a bit. Let my mind recuperate for the next battle.

But now that I'm here... what do I write? I tried brainstorming a few days ago. I tried coming up with ideas half of which I threw out immediately, I can't latch on to something that I love. Something that I want to explore and convey to my readers. Why?

I'm desperate and I need to get my creative juices flowing. Who has ideas? Who has some good creative techniques to help me come up with some epic ideas? And why don't we have a writing party? I just want to start something new. Something I usually wouldn't try, you know?

Riva was supposed to help me get an idea of the flaws in my writing and in my characters. I did learn a lot about myself even and about how I view people. So I'm trying to branch out, but this is hard. Just hard. Help?

TV Shows... Why are you so addicting?

First... These stupid shows suck up ALL my time. Fortunately I do homework while I watch them... doesn't really make me the most efficient.

This post will contain my thoughts, critics and sassy commentary and all that good stuff. Please comment, I like hearing what other people think. The only reason I'm posting this is because this has been what I do when I'm not working or studying. Let's be honest, I'm bored...

To begin... Once Upon a Time. I think the writers are very clever. I love to see the twists they put on these stories. I think it gives these two dimensional characters something more. You know what I find interesting? That they don't really have a timeline. They jump around and fill in the blanks as they go. Smart but scary. The only episode I have to complain about is the Beauty and the Beast episode. I didn't feel that the "true love" was there. I totally saw the Red Riding Hood thing coming. What? I felt pretty special.

Before I say anything I must put out a viewer discretion... This show is... kind of sketch and AWESOME. It embodies the theater world and it really captures how modern society is... well. Not much fun, let's just say it's the best and the worst of society. But I'm telling you, this show is real. I WORK with people like this. This is real life drama, this is theater. If you don't like singing and dancing don't watch the show but... These people have flaws, they are so interesting and you hate them and you love them. SUCH good characters. I LOVE this show. GOOD show. If I could write something as good as this, I would be content. I ask you to give it a chance, this is the one show I feel very strongly about. It's good, but there is some serious... materiel. Seriously though, one of my favs.

This is a pretty good show. It's like a detective show, plus time travel, plus crazy science-y stuff. Just so you know it's from J.J. Abrams. The guy who did Lost, it's SO much better and actually has organization. It's only pretty good though. I could take it or leave it. Hurley's in it. He's really funny.

The Voice. A guilty pleasure, again, you kind of have to be into singing. But I'm a little obsessed. Seriously I've got it all planned out. I try and guess who's going to win before the battle rounds. I've got my own team on Facebook and I've got the winner all planned out. Yes... PLUS! Why is Kelly Blake's adviser? Nobody likes Blake. No one. Went to Kelly's concert. She does NOT disappoint. I would die happy if I could sing like her.

I am loving this show. So new, so different. You've got this guy with two lives and you aren't sure which one is real. It's another detective one. Sorry. I'm a sucker for mystery.

There are SO many more that I've been watching. I don't know where to begin. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Touch, Nikita, Burn Notice, Psych, Endgame (This one's fun), Leverage!, New Girl, Breakout Kings, Castle, Missing, Bones, Face Off... Why? So addicting?

Sooooo Predictable

Guess what...

I read a book yesterday. I read it in 5 hours. It was a good 300 page book too.
The False Princess.
It's surprisingly like my story, BUT this lady, by that I mean author, does a few things extremely well.

First, she captures the thought process, emotions and logic of a princess very subtlety. She does it in a way where you think that what the character is thinking is completely normal. And her actions make complete sense. Even though her actions were nothing like my own, I found myself agreeing with this character. I was very impressed. I kept thinking. "This is EXACTLY what she would think and exactly how she would do it."

Second, while the story was pretty straight forward and clear cut. Very cliche and very predictable, she did throw me for just a second in the middle of the book. It was like... two books in one. Very nice.

So while I was distracted for five hours and while the book was better than I had initially expected. I was NOT satisfied. While I had very little to complain about I was not really happy with the book.

She does this... I'm not gonna tell anyone my plans, which is not what she would've have done. It didn't fit with her character. A princess who had been brought up learning to respect elders and councilors would have known that the BEST action would be to TELL someone what was going on. Or at least bounce off ideas of people that she trusts. It bugged me the entire time.

The last problem... it was WAAAAAY too predictable.Within the first four pages I knew her secret and her love interest. I knew she was going to use a certain... thing(s) to save everyone. After the first "book" the characters and been established nicely and the romantic tension had been released, the second book had begun and I had been intrigued by a new plot twist. After I had figured out the plot twist... I felt ready to put the book down. I knew who the bad guy was, I knew how she was going to save everyone and it was just... blah....

Better than I expected... but only worth maybe three hours of my time. I'm determined NOT to let my characters and my story be like this. You will be blown away. Just wait.

Just an update on my life

Howdy.

Has anyone found that your mother feels like she is entitled to use any skills that you have because
1. She gave birth to you. (Not pleasant)
2. She paid for any related lessons, education and schooling in general.
3. You are in her house and have been her responsibility for the past 18 years. (in other words, she OWNED you at one point)
4. She feeds you... really good food.

These are all perfectly good reasons. Yes, I feel like I should repay my mother. Does that mean that she can snap her fingers and say... "Entertain me."... not so much.

This happened to me.

I obliged. And went bright red for my pains. Then I quickly ran from the house still high on adrenaline. I tell ya. She's gonna be the death of me.

Another small update. My sister is living with me. I cannot express my joy at having a kindred spirit in my house. As much as I love my room-mate there's nothing like having a sibling that so completely understands you nearby. And if I need to get out of the house there is always my second home... the HFAC.

I'm pretty sure I spend more time in the HFAC than I do in my actual apartment. Sad? Yes. Do I really care? No.

As for my writing. I hit a slump. I gotta focus on school and I will get back to it someday. As for now, I will ponder and stare outside wishing that it was sunny and I could soak up the warmth. I miss summer. I'm sick of school.

Okay, I'm tired. Time for bed. See you in a month or so.

Rewriting Process

I hate rewriting. I hate going through my works and saying... "This is ALL wrong." Then changing everything. It stinks...

So... I will not be posting for a while because I will be thoroughly rethinking everything about what I have just written.

YEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP....

But, it will get better. Much much better.

Sleeping Patterns... WHAT?

So. I've discovered that I HATE waking up in the morning. Heck, if I could I would stay in bed until 3 just looking at the ceiling or reading a book. Breakfast and my need to relieve myself are the only things that can get me out of bed on a normal day.

Yes... this is me.

BUT~!!!

I HAVE DISCOVERED GOING TO BED EARLY!!!! It's revolutionary and I suggest you try it for a week. Just give it a week, I'm telling you it changes your life!!!

I tried it one day. ONE day and I went to bed at 8:30 and my body (Being the annoying thing that it is) woke me up at 3:30 and said, "GET UP! GET UP!" So being unable to fall back asleep and realizing that I still hadn't completed my homework that was due that day, I got up and did homework.

It was actually productive. I'm telling you, I made some breakfast and listened to music and did all my reading for the day. Then at 5:30 I walked out the door and went to the Richard's Building singing my little heart out and probably annoying all of Provo.

Then I tried it the next day... and the next day AND THE NEXT DA

Y!!! I'm telling you. I've been prepared for all of my classes, on time, awake and participating and I actually get things done in the morning. I cleaned my kitchen and made some spaghetti because I have to work late today and I fell MARVELOUS.

Plus... I've been working out every morning for at least half an hour. I feel like this.

Well... maybe not that bad. But I hurt! My abs are killing me! It's hurts to laugh and my legs are SO gonna feel the work out I just did tomorrow.

I'm gonna do it guys, I'm gonna get back in shape. You know how I used to play basketball and volleyball in highschool and I could run up and down a court and never get tired? Yup. Wanna do it again. Gonna do it.

Things I Would Like to Fix (dicussion)

For those who have completed my story and wish to assist me with the feedback and rewriting project...

For everyone else, don't bother reading this. It's not for you.

So I've been going over my story, rereading bits, looking at my characters and my plot line. I see a lot of holes...

I'm going to give you a list of things that I would like to improve. If you have anything to add, please do so. If you want to give me ideas or just comments in general I need them.

Things I would like to Fix

• Lloyd of Gareth... Why is he even in the story?
• Jessaw and the blond boys. Very weak and not very pertinent to the story.
• Make it clear that the many people thought that the prince was going to be the child of prophecy because it says “clothed in royalty” but that doesn’t necessarily mean the two are related. The child could technically be anyone.
• Spy? rewrite story with a specific spy in mind. Perhaps create a new character.
• Fix that plot hole: the one that has to do with the switch up of babies. Go over every detail very very carefully. Make a timeline and make sure everything fits. Make sure the mother’s actions make sense, who is the grandmother? what happened? WHY IS THIS GOING ON? It feels wishy washy.
• Seer, integrate that into the story better. When does she have visions and why? What do the visions mean?
• Religion? Gods? who gives her visions? do you want to get into that?
• Change prophecy to include both of them?...
• Ergil, Kadric and helpers and their places in her system.
• What is her system? Map it out. How does she keep track of everything?
• Spy hunt: more specific, think of tricky ways to trap them
• Fall out with Glen... too much? Too quickly?
• First battle emphasise her difficulty with handling the situation, no one can take that very easily.
• Tactics and Strategy... Yeah... research that a bit.
• THEMES: what do you want to tell your readers? What do you want them to learn from Riva’s adventure?
• Bad guys and other characters, do they make sense? Do their actions fit their personalities?

I'm Done! (now I need some serious feedback)

So if you really want the rest of the story it's on the page. I'm not posting anymore.

SIIIIGGHHH.

I now I have to work on the second draft...

First things first. Feedback, Melanie I know you finished my book, I'd like some help. I already know most of the things I need to fix. BUT do you have anything to say about my characters specifically the antagonists. Do they make sense? What about my plot? Do Riva's actions make sense? ANYTHING is helpful at this point. I'm starting the rewriting process so I could use whatever you guys got.

Thanks guys.

Princess Rivalee (Sec 3 Part 6) I FINISHED!

Guys, I finished. Now I really want to post it all... should I? It's killing me.

Should I post it all... Should I give you the end? I dunno. It's so much so fast.

Sigh.

Here's the next bit.

If you want all of it I'll put it on the page.

Princess Rivalee Section 3 Part 6

With her room on a new floor, Riva felt that she wasn’t as limited as she had been before. She wandered the halls with abandon. Poking her nose here and there.If people were used to seeing her do so, perhaps they wouldn’t mind if she moved a little lower into the palace-

“Their army is moving steadily through Sealidan. Their goal is the palace here.”

Riva jolted to a stop and listened.

William’s voice muttered. “They don’t have a King or any kind of leader, will killed all of their officers. They can’t make it far. We’ve been harassing them every step of the way.”

“Even if they make it to the capital they’ll be surrounded and outmatched. We’ll crush them easily.”

“Good, thank you for the report. You may go back to your post.”

Riva frantically looked around, looking for a hiding spot. There were none to be had. Angrily she snapped at herself and stood up straight. Just like a Queen. She reminded herself. You belong here. With sure steps she strode forward to William’s quarters.

The messenger almost ran into her. He bobbed his head in apology. “S’cuse me, ma’am.” Then hurried off.

Riva watched him go and knocked on the door politely.

“Come in.”

A smiled spread across her lips more because it was what Riva the Bard would do than from actual pleasure at seeing him. At that moment, he was the enemy readying to crush her people in a mighty blow.

He looked up and a smile split his face instantly. “Riva! I see you found my study. How are you enjoying your new rooms?”

“Rooms? as in plural?” Riva asked incredulously.

He was pleased at her reaction, his grin only grew. “Yes, rooms. I’ll have one of the maids show you the others.”

She leaned against his desk curiously looking at what he was working on. “I came to thank you for your hospitality actually. Best night I’ve had in months.” She told him, a blissful expression on her face. It felt forced.

He burst into a laugh, taking her hand he kissed it tenderly. “I’m happy you are pleased. You know that you have but to ask and it is yours.”

Again a voice in her head whispered to ask, but she squashed it and just smiled. “You’ll spoil me if you continue this. Then all I’ll want is chocolates for breakfast and soft cushions for chairs. I’ll get fat and my poor Ettore won’t be able to carry me.”

Laughing long and hard William had to put down his quill. Riva felt a pang in her heart. He was beginning to love her. She could feel it in the way he spoke to her and touched her. He believed he loved her and she was going to have to tell him sooner or later how she truly felt and what she truly desired.

There was a knock on the door. “Enter.” William said breathlessly, still chuckling.

Riva recognized the drab cloth before William did. Quickly she turned her back to the messenger and hoped that he didn’t recognize her.

It was a messenger from the desert nomads.

She held her breath as adrenaline pumped through her veins. Her legs began to lose feeling and she clutched Williams desk to stay steady.

“Your Majesty, I have terrible news. Imad is dead and Racham has taken control of the tribes.” The messenger blurted out in a rush.

William froze. “Imad is dead!? I thought he was a shaman? How could he die on me?”

Riva could hear the messenger shake his head in helplessness. “I saw him die myself, your Majesty. He was destroyed by a witch of even greater power.”

Riva struggled to keep a loud cough from escaping her.

William rubbed his face in frustration. “The tribes were supposed to flank Alsteare when we made our move. Is there anything else?”

“No sire, I thought you should know about Imad as soon as possible. It took me a while to get away from Racham’s men.”

William swore quietly. “Thank you, you may leave. If you’re hungry you know where the kitchens are.”

The messenger left the room quickly and silently.

Riva let out a controlled breath very, very quietly. Remembering where she was she touched William’s shoulder in false sympathy. He took her hand and held it for comfort. She had to get Glen out soon, time was running out.

Princess Rivalee (Sec 3 Part 5)

Riding became routine for the two of them. Riva hadn’t had much of a chance to work on her horsemanship while in Alsteare and the King was an excellent rider. Before they began she warned him of her inadequacy and asked him to give her some tips only to find he was a superb teacher.

He treated her with the utmost respect and never spoke at her or down at her. If she stumbled or blundered he would laugh it off with her and correct her gently. It was so much like Glen that Riva found it hard not to like the King. No matter how many time she reminded herself that this man had declared war against her kingdom and that they were enemies, he was amiable and so desperate for her attention.

The only thing that worked was to remember that he had captured Glen. That always sobered her.

They would talk about innocent things. Riva suspected that he thought she was a spy. She had blatantly admitted that she had spent many years in Alsteare, it only made sense. She would describe Alsteare and the palace, the King, some of her experiences in the cities and out on the roads. His spies in Alsteare and without doubt already given his most of the details of her capital. She went on to described the library that she had spent most of her life in. They would discuss literary works, strategies and governments they had studied. Riva feigned ignorance with some of these, not wanting him to suspect her more.

She continued to sing and sing and sing. The more she saw of Court the more she despised it. It was more of a social event than one of discussion and coming together to right the kingdom. Everyone was dressed immaculately and the food was just as extravagant. It felt false. All of it felt false. Everyone dressed up and reported to the King. Riva’s sharp eyes picked up the fear and submission of the nobles. Riva knew that sometimes the use of fear and force was necessary for certain people, but all of them?

No it wasn’t fear, it was more like resignation. Woeful resignation. These people had no say, Sealidan would do what he saw fit. No one would change his mind. She had seen that side of him.

Whenever she was present at these events she took advantage of her closeness with the King and her new found fame. She talked with the nobles, learned their names, found out what was going on at the home front, who their families were, their interests, their beliefs and ideas. There was one thing she had learned: you could never have too much information. While Sealidan was similar in many ways to Alsteare the stark differences were in the details. The way a jury was run what a judge was allowed to pass by his own conviction. Little things that changed everything.

There were several members of the Court that Riva respected immediately, she could see their fierce loyalty to their lands and the people they governed. There were others who felt oily, their words slick with false promises. The women mostly seemed shallow and concerned with merely gossip, Riva still kept one eye on them. Gossip could be just as deadly as a knife.

“You know your promised me you would sing one of your favorite Alstearian songs, I have yet to hear it.” Sealidan observed one day while they headed back from a hard ride.

“I did, didn’t I? I’ll have to let Windleton know, he’ll want a full accompaniment with it. When would his Majesty like me to sing it?”

“William, my name is William, Riva. I’d like you to use it.”

Riva stopped dead in her tracks. “Your Majesty I really must protest.”

He whirled around to face her. “Why? Why must you protest? What is the harm of calling me by my name?”

She clenched her jaw. “Rumors are already spreading! And if I call you William in front of others, even the servants, it will only make them worse. You can’t be blind to this... You know why I can’t-”

“I don’t care.” He muttered stubbornly. “You are to call me William, at least when we are alone.”

Riva sighed. “You are only making more trouble for yourself.”

“I will make trouble for myself when I choose to. That is my decision.”

You aren’t the only one who gets into trouble. Riva thought, worry creeping into her mind.

*****

Later that night, after she had told Windleton about her special performance and she had gotten ready for bed, she headed for her quarters. Her things had been moved. Stopping a maid she asked, “Do you know where my clothes have gone?”

“Aye, Miss. They’ve been taken to a private room up on the next floor. I’ll show you if you like.” She curtsied once.

“Thank you, I would appreciate that very much.”

Her private room was huge, larger even than the one she had had at home. The bed was raised off the floor and full of feathers, pillows the softest she had seen. In a mad fit immaturity she flung herself on the bed and reveled in the softness, bouncing up and down. A hot bath was brought up and she was able to bathe in privacy. Ah, it had been so long. She stayed in the water until her fingers wrinkled and the water went lukewarm. She’d long ago sent the maids out, wanting only to be alone. It was the most glorious night she could remember.

Her thoughts drifted. The only thing her mind ever drifted to was Glen. She closed her eyes imagining his face and his infectious grin. It never failed to make her smile. She swallowed back tears, he was most likely hurting right now. Guilt made her face twist in anguish. While she was enjoying the spoils of fame and the attentions of a King he was in a dungeon.

After that Riva quickly readied for bed and curled up in a ball on the soft bed. Eyes painfully dry and wide open.

The next morning she was slow to wake, breakfast was brought to her. He’s spoiling me. She thought irritably. Trying to impress me with all the luxuries of a Queen. She snorted softly. As if I don’t already know them.

She attacked her food bitterly.

Just Some Food for Thought... Or Thinking...

Gyoza... BEST stuff ever.

Again. Be jealous of my awesomeness.

Sometimes I wish that I was the type of person who carried a camera around everywhere so I could share EVERYTHING with the world.

Sometimes good things happen and you just want to let everyone know how wonderful you feel.

YES? Raise your hand if you agree! Okay... that was just sad.

So one of my best friends from WAAAAAY back, like fifth grade, just got engaged and I am immensely happy right now. It also helps that I just ate a good pound worth of cookie dough, and the left over gyoza from me and Erin's excursion on Saturday. (They were all squashed together by the time I cooked them. But sooooo delicious.)

Also last night I finished one of my favorite books again. If you are reading this you are not allowed to judge me... cause I'm about to tell you. It's Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind, by far the best one in the series. I will warn you... it's graphic and you may have to skip some scenes. But... it makes me happy.

First. (SPOILER) The antagonist is misunderstood and eventually turns to the good guy's side. This will forever be my absolute favorite way to "destroy" the antagonist. I'm terribly optimistic and almost naively idealistic when it comes to things like this. Plus she's just... interesting. A fun character and kind of melodramatic.

Second. It's one of the few books that the main character isn't just killing people left and right. (The series covers the course of roughly three separate wars). There's just a lot of fighting. Instead the main character is creating something beautiful. I'm not gonna lie, it's always been mydream to make something with my own hands and show it off to the world and say... "Look at this. I worked hard on this and when you look at it, I want you to stop and feel a sense of awe." Dunno... just always wanted to do something that made a change in people. I've always been interesting in working with my hands, I think those skills should be treasured and respected. People don't seem to appreciate them as much. The brain is overrated.

Third. The message the book tries to send you is one that I very much agree with and I feel that people around me sometimes struggle with. There are several themes and I won't bore you by going into them, so we'll just stop at... the book speaks to me.

Some other things that that struck me:

Dancing is fun. I think I look silly, but I don't really care.

My tummy is a black hole. Don't put food in front of me. It will disappear.

Men in a box, wrapped in naughty paper. Yup. Alex's Birthday, Happy 19th.

I can now tell time with the moon. HA!

Okay... I'm done.

Princess Rivalee (Sec 3 Part 4)

I'm SO CLOSE TO THE END! It's not even funny! I can see it all! AND I'M SO TIRED!!! I just wanna finish this and call it good. Then I can go back and fix it all. UGHHHH

Tell you. I can taste victory. AH! I'm so close! Here's the next bit. Although I want to just give it all to you. But we'll go with bits at a time.

Princess Rivalee

The hardest thing about living in a palace again was having no power. It was like Riva had gone backwards rather than forward. She had no control over what happened and she had no idea where to begin. Constantly she ran over the problem, how to get to the dungeons and how not to get caught. There were times she wanted to tear the place apart, literally.

In order to avoid horrible mishaps she immersed herself into her new role, which was surprisingly enthralling. It was easy to get caught up the music, it was her life. The composer seemed to expel new songs from his being, Riva was hard-pressed to stay a step ahead of him. Often she would catch herself dreaming about staying here and just being a singer. She would live in comfort without anyone knowing the wiser. Fantasies crept up on her too frequently for comfort. She was still the ruler of Alsteare, just because she’d left didn’t change that. Her only goal was to get Glen and get out.

Apparently everyone else had other plans. Within a week, she had sung five times and she was thoroughly exhausted.

She was also very famous.

The only word she could use to describe the coming days is this: chaos.

Although she was flattered, she had never considered herself a very good singer, Riva was overwhelmed by the sudden popularity. The King’s attention didn’t help. While he kept his attention polite and pleasant, he was persistent. Riva tried to keep herself distant, truly, but he was so different from anyone she had ever met. He was a puzzle. What did he believe in? Why was he fighting? What were his plans after he’d won? How did he manage to turn so many of her people?

She found herself drawn to the enemy and rationalizing it as reconnaissance.

“May I borrow Miss Riva, Windleton?” Came a familiar voice.

The entire room turned to see Sealidan leaning casually against the door a small smile playing on his lips.

Windleton, unable to tell his sovereign ‘no’ straight out, bowed and motioned for Riva to leave. For a few moments Riva considered the situation she was in, she should stay, but they had been at it for hours, her voice needed a rest. With as much grace as she could muster Riva left the room with the enemy of her country.

The enemy of her country, the reason her people were at war. No, that wasn’t fair. Alsteare and Sealidan had been at war for generations.

The King offered his arm and she took it. Together they traveled in silence, gliding down the corridor and the servants stopping and bowing to the King as he passed. The servants had done that for her father when he was alive.

The silence let Riva’s mind wander to her late father. He had died fighting this man.

“Copper for your thoughts?” The King murmured watching her face.

Riva flashed him a smile, not wanting to seem impolite. Sealidan had only been a gentleman in her presence. It made her wonder what kind of man he was. Was he like her father? Just trying to keep his country safe?

“Why are we fighting?” It had slipped out without her permission. “Why are we fighting Alsteare?”

His expression became serious and aged. Wearily he sighed deeply. “Because I wish it to end. From the first time I can recall, we were at war with Alsteare. As you know my father and had maintained an uncertain peace but that ended a few decades ago. Once the crown fell to me, I promised that I would end it. Permanently. Every action I have made as King has been towards that end. The sooner we win the sooner it’s over.”

“When you win,” Riva didn’t dare argue that point. “what do you plan on doing? You’ll be the King of two countries... how will you get them to submit?”

He grinned roguishly. “People aren’t so hard to understand. They just want to be happy. Food, shelter and safety, that’s all their looking for. If I can show the people of Alsteare that I can give them that, what’s to stop them from joining me?”

Riva was dying to ask him how he’d turned some of her best men traitor, but thankfully was able to keep her peace. Instead she asked something a little simpler, “What was your father like? I mean as a father?”

“He gave his life for his people. Would have done anything to give them happiness.” Sealidan shook his head. “He would’ve emptied the treasury for them if he could, the fool.” The way he said it, made the title loving rather than insulting. “You know his favorite thing to do was to take me to the poor houses. I learned a lot there, about people and human nature.”

Riva was astonished, she tried imagining her own father going to the poor and just talking with them, hearing their woes and troubles. Her thoughts were interrupted as Sealidan continued.

He waved to the city outside the big windows. “I turned Sealidan into a country that could hold it’s own. All the shops, farms, and tradesman are unified in one goal: victory. Took me years to get it to this point.”

“Is that why there is no music?” Riva asked, she thought she remembered the Composer, Windleton, say something along those lines.

The King nodded sadly, “The palace is the only place that can afford such luxuries.”

No wonder Riva became famous so quickly, she had no competitors. The people were starved for entertainment. They worked all day and had no way to relieve their stress, to forget about their meager lots in life.

“Does it make you sad? That there is no music?”

“Of course it does, my living is made off of creating music. How can it not sadden me?”

The King smiled in sympathy. “Where have you been? Surely you’ve seen some amazing places.”

“Most of my childhood was here, but then I was sent to Alsteare, I spent most of my days there. I told you about performing before the King, didn’t I?” Sealidan confirmed that she had. “I’ve also spent some time in the desert, the Nurvian Desert.” Her fingers moved to the scars that peeked over her shoulders. “I’ve seen some amazing things... but I’ve also seen some very horrible ones.”

The King caught her hand and kissed her fingers, his blue eyes staring into hers. “I wish I could have kept them from you.” Sincerity was etched in every word.

His touch reminded her of Glen. Her dear Glen. Tears began to leak down her face. She wanted him to be safe. Oh gods, please let him be safe.

The King was becoming more and more concerned. “Riva?” He held her face in his hand and wiped her tears gently away. “What wrong? Please tell me? If it’s in my power I will give it to you.”

She shook her head. It was so tempting, so tempting to blurt out her wish to see the dungeons and to free the man he held down there, but it was too soon. She had to bide her time. The gods had given her this one chance, she wanted to make sure it counted. “It’s nothing, please forgive me. I don’t know what came over me.”

His face hardened, gently he touched her scars. Riva squirmed away, embarrassed that she had let the enemy get so close to her. She had to get control of herself.

“Can you tell me what happened? Is that why you’re crying?”

“No. That was just from a man who thought he owned me.” She wiped her eyes clear and straightened.

The King snorted. “Just? Who gave them to you? I can have him found and-”

“He’s dead.”

There was a few moments of silence.

“Please your Majesty, I would prefer to speak of something more pleasant.” She smiled to try and lift the heavy atmosphere. “Would you care to go riding? I’ve longed to be out and breathing the fresh air again.”

“Of course. I will have two horses readied.”

“I believe my horse will be just fine, I’ll come with you to the stables if you don’t mind?”

The King smiled his most exuberant smile. “I wouldn’t mind at all.”