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TAKE WING!I
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TAKE WING!I
TAKE WING!
I know that several of you are on the NaNoWriMo Young Writers site. I wanted to share the story I'm writing on it with you all. (It's also on the Critiques and Novel Feedback" forum.) I know that you will never judge me or make fun of me. And I also know that even if nobody ever reads this story, I will have at least posted it here. I've also included a short section of it here, and a form from NaNo that tells you a little bit about it.
Length: 8,000 words so far, but more every day!
Language: English
Brief Summary: A teenage orphaned girl, Zoey, discovers her heroic destiny in a far-off land populated with dragons, Fae, unicorns, and so much more. But the more time she spends here, the more she realizes that not everything is as it seems. An evil is rising, and only she can stop it.
Known issues: Not everything makes as much sense on paper as it does in my head...
Critique would be much appreciated! While I do like all the "oh yeah it's great keep doing that", I also want honest feedback. If you think something could be improved upon, let me know!
This is an excerpt from the first chapter. There's also a prologue and several more chapters. If anyone posts that they're interested in reading the rest, I'll post it.
And the prince and the princess lived happily ever after. The End.
I sigh happily and close the book of fairy tales. I’ve always liked them. Fairy tales always end well-- even if my story doesn’t.
Case in point: middle school gym class.
I’ve been “excused” from “physical activity” because I’m, apparently, “malnourished”. That’s a fancy way of saying that all the rich parents of the rich kids at the oh-so-fancy Northbrook Academy don’t want me messing up their kids’ PE class.
I’m the charity case here at Northbrook, picked up out of the orphanage a year and a half ago. I’ve been here ever since. They want me here to show how “kind” and “generous” they are, by allowing a nobody like me to have an education as good as people like them.
Or so I’m told, only about, oh, one million or so times a day.
“Hey, charity case!” one of the other students calls as a ball rolls to a stop on the floor beside me. “Throw back the ball!”
I roll my eyes, and for a second I consider ignoring him, just out of spite.
“Fine,” I call back, and kick it vaguely in his direction. It lands at the feet of the most popular girl in the school, Shaina Wintermere. She cringes back.
“Eww! I don’t want to touch it now! The charity case touched it!” she shrieks. The class laughs, and some shoot me dirty looks-- apparently just for existing.
Shaina’s boyfriend, Justin Glendale, runs over to her.
“Kick it here,” he says, holding out his hands to catch it. The students are playing some sort of game that involves both kicking and catching.
Shaina half-heartedly nudges the ball with her toe, and he picks it up.
Justin nods at me. “Thanks,” he says, then runs back into the thick of the game.
I think the humid gym air must have muddled my malnourished brain. The most popular boy in school can’t have just looked at me, much less thanked me. I decide it’s a hallucination brought on by too many fairy tales.
By the time gym ends, I have re-read half the book of fairy tales, and the ball hasn’t rolled back over here once. When the bell rings and all the students pour out the door of the locker room, I stand up and stretch. My academy uniform-- a black pleated skirt, white collared top, and a blue tie-- is slightly too large for me, and it’s gotten all wrinkled from the folded position I’ve been in the last few hours.
I hear Shaina and her followers snicker as they pass me, their perfectly-fitting uniforms looking like they just came out of the bag. I tug self-consciously at my own uniform.
As I’m leaving the gym after the other kids, a hand lands on my shoulder. I whip around. It’s… Justin?
He falters when he sees my angry expression. That anger isn’t directed at him, exactly-- more like at Northbrook as a whole.
“I just wanted… to… um, to thank you, I guess,” he says, hesitating. “For, um, kicking that ball towards me.”
I snort. “You make it sound like some life-changing event. I kicked a ball. End of story. You’re welcome.”
Justin nods. “And, um…” Now he seems just flat-out uncomfortable. I raise an eyebrow.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I know your name,” he blurts out, then stares at his shoes.
I shrug. “Charity case. That’s what all of you call me, isn’t it?”
I start walking away. I’ll be late if I stay talking much longer.
“I’m sorry about that,” he says, and I turn slightly over my shoulder.
“What?” I ask.
Justin looks up from his inspection of his shoes to meet my eyes. He takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry for calling you a charity case all this time. It was really mean.”
He sticks out his hand. “Justin,” he says.
“I know,” I say. “Zoey.”
Then I turn and walk away, to Ms. Muiller’s English-Language Arts class.
I hope that shows up correctly... it might not. Oh well.
~Starseeker
submitted by Starseeker, age 156 moons, Enterprise
(September 6, 2017 - 5:53 pm)
(September 6, 2017 - 5:53 pm)
Hey guys! This is, uh, wow... this is the last update for a long time. NO! WAIT! I HAVE MORE SEQUEL STUFF LIKE A TEASER! HAHAHA IT'S NOT OVER YET GUYSSSSSS
*ahem* Sorry. It's just that I'm not quite ready for this while thing to be over yet. Friday will be a sequel teaser and the poem that will go into the front! Maybe by then I'll also have a cover to show you.
Anyways, without further ado... Character endings and a pronunciation guide! All of the characters who I think you might mispronounce their name or who have difficult names are bolded-- if you want, you can skim through the pronunciation guide and just check out the bolded characters. (And haha sorry for the long post... I probably should have split this up somehow but I don't know where I would!)
~~~
CHARACTER ENDINGS:
Fehnein Dhunne: fought on Zoey’s side during the palace battle, against Cisi/Cambrie and the shadow king (his former allies). Survived, but did not stay in the palace; although he made the right choice in the end, he made too many wrong ones to be pardoned fully. He did not contact the Griffons any longer. Male (he/him/his); straight.
Lia Kua: went on to be a world-famous public speaker and advocate. She joined Feroc on his country-wide tour for equal LGBTQ+ rights, but mostly was a loner. She stayed in contact with Sofna/Diernor and eventually they moved in together, living happily as friends. Female (she/her/hers); aromantic/ace.
Sofna/Diernor Cimmer: stayed in the shadows after helping in the palace battle; toured with Feroc for a short time, but decided the spotlight was not for them and left soon after. Eventually moved in with Lia, where they share ownership of a few pets (mostly dogs, but also lizards and a single cat) and a huge garden. Genderfluid (pronouns and name depend on the day-- they/them is acceptable); panromantic/ace.
Zafre Sunbigo: lost contact with the other Eagles when he moved back to his southern tribe. Eventually inherited the tribe leader’s position and was influential in forming an alliance between the southern tribes and the Griffon family. Settled down and married a nice tribeswoman. Male (he/him/his); straight.
Cisi/Cambrie Duzhdi: was killed in the palace battle. Never regretted fighting on the shadow king’s side, against Zoey and her allies. Female (she/her/hers); straight.
Sterling Griffon: after the palace battle, Sterling moved into a quiet home in the countryside. She sees Zoey, Jasak, and the kids regularly and enjoys their visits. She splits her time between her country home, Zoey’s house, and the palace. She finally learned how to have time to take care of herself as well as other people, and occasionally joins Feroc’s advocacy tour. She also is in therapy and is coping better than ever before. Female (she/her/hers); biromantic/bi, though she hasn’t been in many relationships and isn’t looking for one.
Icantre Rau: has left everyone and everything behind after the palace battle. She’s on a trip around the world after losing Melise in the palace battle. She occasionally sends a postcard and a trinket to Sterling, which is the only sign that she’s still living. Female (she/her/hers); lesbian.
Melise Aliaroma: died in the palace battle. Was a couple-- or getting there-- with Icantre. Maverique/aporagender (for ease, she uses she/her/hers pronouns, but does not identify as a girl-- this was not covered in the book, but is still important. She actually wanted xy/xyr/xys pronouns, but no-one but Icantre knew); panromantic/ace.
Feroc: was gravely injured in the palace battle, but pulled through. Started a country-wide campaign for equal LGBTQ+ rights. He toured the country with various members of the Eagles until he finally realized what was right in front of him and married Ty. He gave up the touring and passed it on to a transgender teen that he and Ty met while touring. He and Ty currently run a dojo for LGBTQ+ kids who want to learn self-defense against bullies. They haven’t officially adopted any kids, but the kids at the dojo are basically their adopted children. Male (he/him/his); gay.
Maylene: did not fight in the palace battle; rather, she healed the wounded. With Zoey’s help, Sterling created a magic prosthetic arm and hand for her to celebrate what she did for them. Maylene is now a respected doctor and resides at the palace, healing the wounds of the palace inhabitants and anyone who comes to see her. She also makes house visits for those who are unable to come to her. Female (she/her/hers); demiromantic/bi, but like Sterling, she isn’t looking for a relationship.
Morrowmist: survived the palace battle. Went back to Blaze Prairiefire and stayed with Chamarys. Was influential in forming an alliance/peace treaty between the Griffon royal family and the dragons. Female (she/her/hers); lesbian.
Grytenth: Became the dragon’s representative at the Griffon palace. Now lives there almost full-time, carrying messages of goodwill from the dragons to the humans. Male (he/him/his); straight.
Jelein: ended up becoming the next Elder Spark, after the current (corrupt) one died from sheer amount of fury. A much better leader than the old Elder Spark was. He isn’t perfect, but he tries. Male (he/him/his); straight.
Kelsey Cooper: after the palace battle, she went back to Earth. Dated Justin for a little bit; but they broke up as friends. She soon grew restless with her Earthian life and asked Zoey to take her back to Zentara. Now lives in the Griffon castle and is having the time of her life; still speaks with Justin through magical means and visits. Female (she/her/hers); biromantic/bi.
Justin Glendale: went back to Earth with Kelsey after the palace battle, but chose to stay on Earth when Kelsey left. Occasionally goes on “business trips” where he visits Zentara and reunites with old friends.
Analiese Forandra: dark brown straight hair and dimples like Jasak; pale skin and blue eyes like Zoey
Everie Forandra: dark skin like Jasak; pale blue eyes like Zoey; curly dark hair that’s almost purple-ish
Vyolette Forandra: dark brown curly hair and honey brown eyes like Jasak; Zoey’s light skin; has Zoey’s inability to raise an eyebrow
~~~
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Fehnein Dhunne: feh-neen duhn. A traitor among the Eagle’s fledgling ranks.
Lia Kua: lee-uh koo-uh. A fledgling Eagle.
Sofna -or- Diernor Cimmer: sohf-nuh -or- dee-eyhr-nor sihm-ehr. A fledgling Eagle.
Zafre Sunbigo: zahf-ray suhn-bee-goh. A fledgling Eagle.
Cisi -or- Cambrie Duzhdi: see-see -or- cam-bree duhz-dee. A traitor among the Eagle’s fledgling ranks.
Sterling Persephone Griffon: ster-leeng pehr-seh-foh-nee grih-fohn. Leader of the Eagles and Zoey’s sister.
Icantre Rau: ih-cahn-tray raow. Main Archer in the Eagles.
Melise Aliaroma: meh-leese ah-lee-uh-roh-mah. Main Navigator in the Eagles.
Feroc: fair-ohc. Main Defender in the Eagles.
Tyrian: tie-ree-ehn. Feroc’s boyfriend.
Maylene: may-leen. Healer in the Eagles.
Morrowmist: maw-roh-mihst. One of Zoey’s dragon kidnappers.
Grytenth: grye-tehnth. Morrowmist’s brother.
Zoey -or- Zoelaira Estebelle Griffon: zoh-ee -or- zoh-eh-lay-ruh ehs-teh-behl grih-fohn. Main character.
Jasak Forandra: jah-sahk fohr-ahn-drah. Zoey’s husband and main Stayman of the Eagles.
Zorinth Ronan Griffon: zohr-ihnth roh-nehn grih-fohn. Zoey’s twin brother.
Jelein: jeh-leen. A young dragon who helps Zoey escape the Blaze Saphona dragons.
Kelsey Cooper: kehl-see koo-pehr. Zoey’s friend from Earth.
Justin Glendale: juh-stihn glehn-dayle. Zoey’s friend from Earth.
Analiese Forandra: aeh-nuh-leese fohr-ahn-drah. Zoey’s eldest daughter.
Everie Forandra: ehv-ehr-ee fohr-ahn-drah. Zoey’s middle daughter.
Vyolette Forandra: vee-oh-leht fohr-ahn-drah. Zoey’s youngest daughter.
Shaina Wintermere: shay-nuh wihn-tehr-meer. Zoey’s enemy on Earth.
Lili, Jilly, Millie, and Ceilie: lih-lee, jih-lee, mih-lee, sih-lee. The E Squad.
Chaparral: chuh-pahr-uhl. One of Zoey’s dragon kidnappers.
Stratus: strah-tuhs. One of Zoey’s dragon kidnappers.
Catfish: caht-fihsh. One of Zoey’s dragon kidnappers.
Blaze Everdemia: blayze eh-vehr-dee-mee-uh. Pine forest dragons.
Blaze Pergillium: blayze pehr-jih-lee-uhm. Mountain dragons.
Blaze Isbaena: blayze isz-bay-nuh. Ocean dragons.
Blaze Fiera: blayze fee-ayr-uh. Cloud dragons.
Zentara: zehn-tahr-uh. The land all magical creatures call home.
Blaze Ilyaas: blayze ihl-yihs. Rainforest dragons.
Blaze Brissmai: blayze brihs-my. Swamp dragons.
Blaze Shacia: blayze shah-suh. Moor dragons.
Blaze Abayona: blayze ah-buh-yoh-nuh. Desert dragons.
Blaze Nalua: blayze nuh-loo-uh. Night dragons.
Blaze Ikasia: blayze ih-kah-see-uh. Ice dragons.
Blaze Saphona: blayze sah-foh-nuh. Prairie dragons.
Chamarys: kuh-mahr-iss. Morrowmist’s mate.
Eridmus: ehr-ihd-muhs. Grumpy Blaze Saphona dragon.
Khua’kahame: kuh-hoo-uh-kuh-hah-may. Peace treaty between the dragons and the humans; dragons can no longer eat, hunt, or threaten humans without due cause.
Recium: ree-see-uhm. An annoying servant of the Elder Spark of Blaze Saphona.
Avalon: ah-vuh-lohn. Home of the humans in Zentara.
Solara: soh-layr-uh. Home of the pegasi in Zentara.
Arcadia: ahr-cay-dee-uh. Home of the unicorns in Zentara.
Verasola: vayr-uh-soh-luh. Home of the pegasi, unicorns, and crossbreeds in Zentara.
Maurentia: mawr-ehn-tee-uh. Home of the griffins in Zentara. (The lion-eagle hybrid animals, not the human royal family.)
Verboten (Forest): vehr-boh-tehn. A forest that divides the mainland of Zentara from the ocean.
Dunaat (Mountains): doo-noht. A mountain range that divides the mainland of Zentara from the ocean.
Lydianzaa: lih-dee-an-zuh. An island far off the coast of Zentara; home of the Elites.
Avalona (Bay): ah-vuh-loh-nuh. The furthest part of Zentara that is still part of the mainland.
Kragan: krah-gen. Evil dragon who allied with Fane Zul.
Fane Zul: fayn zool. Took over the Griffon royal throne and kept Zorinth under his control.
Edmund Spenser Griffon: ehd-muhnd spehn-sur grih-fohn. Zoey’s father.
Serafina Daphne Griffon: sair-uh-fee-nuh dahf-nee grih-fohn. Zoey’s mother.
Ariadne Eleanora Griffon: air-ee-ahd-nee ehl-ehn-ohr-uh grih-fohn. Zoey’s eldest sister.
Nephim: neh-feem. A small Blaze Saphona dragon.
Airimium: air-ee-mee-uhm. Insane Elder Spark of the Blaze Saphona dragons.
Lanbai: lan-buy. Mirror monsters.
Abbah: ah-buh. Human village woman who helped Zoey.
Blaiyre: blayr. Jasak’s half-sister.
Lance: lans. Sterling’s dog.
Arlo: ahr-loh. Cook for the Eagles.
Celeise: seh-lees. Tells Zoey about Eagle life.
Amaryllis (Nectar): ahm-ehr-rihl-lihs. A sweet nectar that is fatal to magic-wielders.
Gristelle Catrice Lothwood: grihs-tehl cah-tris lohth-woohd. Leader of a convocation in the Eagles.
Carapace: cayr-uh-payce. Sacred magic weapon of the Elites.
Pieter: pee-tehr. Historian of the Eagles.
Peony: pee-oh-nee. First Elite Zoey meets; becomes her friend.
Scythe: siyth. Member of the Elites.
(Seeker) Avarice: ah-vuh-rys. Cruel member of the Elites.
Silvyre: sihl-vuhr. Leader of the Elites.
~~~
Anyways, thanks for reading these updates! If you're curious about a character's name or ending, and I didn't mention them, feel free to leave a comment asking! As always, I appreciate you all! <3
~Starseeker
(March 5, 2019 - 8:13 am)
I love this so much! The worst part of books ending is not knowing what happens to the characters you know and love, but it's all right here and aaaaaaaaaa! This made me smile. The thought you put into the endings for all of them is incredible. I look forward to the teaser!
(March 5, 2019 - 4:34 pm)
Okay, I actually skipped the entire pronunciation guide. :)
Question: which was the palace battle? I know you mentioned it in the last update, but I can't remember which battle was which...
(March 5, 2019 - 6:46 pm)
Hi. I recently found this thread and started reading all of the story's bits and pieces, but when I got to page 13/14, Starseeker said something like "I'm just posting summaries, and then the rest of the book in regular". Did she ever take the summaries and make them into actual written out stories? I'm a little confused.
(March 5, 2019 - 8:52 pm)
@Quill: ahh I'm glad you liked it!
@Kitten, yeah I was expecting people would skip it. Honestly, I never read those things in books either. XD The palace battle... ah, I see why you're confused. There were technically two palace battles, but I'm talking about the first one, where Zoey and her allies forced Zorinth off the throne and Zoey took his place.
@Admins, I noticed you changed some of my wordings for the characters' romantic orientations, and I'd just like to say that I acknowledge it and will keep that in mind for future posts.
~Starseeker
(March 5, 2019 - 8:22 pm)
Hmm, let me see if I can explain this. Every post is one chapter of my novel. However, there were several chapters that I skipped and posted summaries instead of the actual chapters, since I didn't actually write the chapters. I have not yet written the summaries into proper chapters.
~Starseeker
(March 6, 2019 - 10:31 am)
I'm, uh... I'm running out of things to update on, guys.
~~~
Poem for the front of the novel
She walks alone
Her steps unheard
Her tears fall unnoticed
Her laughter rings silent
Her beauty left unseen
But when she walks
She leaves behind
A shower of light and hope
When she cries
The sky breaks open
Her sorrows water the earth
When she laughs
The world lights up
Like nothing can compare
And if she’s seen
Though all alone
Her beauty is unmatched
If you see her
Make it wish
And maybe it will come true
She’s always out
Before your eyes
Just look beyond the darkness
You may find her
One small star
(By Black Alley; posted with permission from her.)
~~~
Sequel Teaser:
The girl sits quietly.
She pays no attention to the winged women with clipboards bustling around the room, muttering to each other and comparing notes.
She simply sits and stares at the wall, ice blue eyes unblinking.
One of the winged women steps into the girl’s gaze.
“How do they feel?” the woman asks.
The girl’s gaze flickers to the woman’s face and then back to the wall. The only indication that the girl heard is a wing sweeping forward.
The winged woman inspects the girl’s wide brown wing, running her fingers through the feathers and stretching it out to its full length. She walks behind the girls and tugs at the leather straps holding the wings in place, lifting the girl’s white jacket for a better look.
“Still not Bonded?” the woman asks, trying for a semblance of kindness.
The girl’s gaze flickers back to the woman for a quick second before flicking back up.
“It’s only been a few months,” the woman says, patting the girl’s shoulder. “I’m sure it’ll change soon.”
The girl doesn’t even deign to respond with a glance.
The woman turns from the girl and claps her hands once. The other women file out of the room and the woman turns back to the girl.
“Now, for the second part of your evaluation,” the woman says.
The girl does not look at her, but she pales slightly.
The woman cracks a small smile and reaches into her pocket.
The girl flinches, and the woman laughs.
“None of that today,” the woman says, and the girl relaxes slightly. “Provided, of course, that you cooperate.”
“I will. I always do,” the girl says, finally holding the woman’s gaze. “You know that.”
“Do I?” The woman taps her chin, thinking. “We’ll just have to see.”
The woman pulls a piece of canvas out of of her pocket. She holds it in front of the girl, close enough that the girl could grab it if she wanted, far enough that the girl doesn’t dare to try.
“Do you know who this is?” the woman asks, scanning the girl’s face.
The girl hesitates, looking at the blonde girl in the scrap of painting. “Yes.”
The woman nods. “And she is…”
“Sterling Persephone Griffon,” the girl intones. “Second in line for the former Griffon throne, daughter of Edmund Spenser Griffon and Seraphina Daphne Griffon.”
“And what is she to you?” the woman asks.
The girl hesitates again, staying silent.
“What is she to you?” the woman asks again, a hard edge entering her voice.
The girl simply lifts her chin, the only defiance she’s shown thus far.
“What is she to you?” the woman roars, her patience running out.
“My sister!” the girl screams. “She is my sister!”
That quickly, the woman is calm again. She backhands the girl across the face, sending the girl sprawling across the table she’s sitting on.
“She is your enemy,” the woman says calmly. “And I think you need another lesson for that to sink in.”
The girl flinches and pales, and the woman smiles a deadly smile.
…
Later, the girl is sitting on a cot on a small room, too used to the pain to waste precious water on tears. She thinks of the blonde-haired girl, and of a black haired boy who gave her flowers. She is unaware that just an ocean away, they are doing everything they can, calling in every favor, every ally they’ve ever had, for just a hint as to her location and kidnappers.
The girl just sits quietly.
~~~
~Starseeker
(March 8, 2019 - 8:30 am)
I must admit, I'm incredibly impressed with your determination. I don't know if I will be able to see my own story through, but, like you, I'm willing to push towards the end goal.
(March 8, 2019 - 6:41 pm)
Wow. That teaser is amazing! Now I can't bear to wait an indefinite amount of time for the sequel...
Poor Zoey.
(March 10, 2019 - 7:11 pm)
@Rogue: ah, thanks! I wouldn't say I have a whole lot of dedication (it's taken me six years to get my act together lol) but best of luck on your novel!
@Kitten: yeah, sorry about the wait haha... as I just mentioned to Rogue, it's taken me six years to finish this novel. Now I'm in high school and things are incredibly busy, busier than I thought a life could be. I'm even taking extra classes in my "free time" to better prepare me for college. (I have a few more years before I graduate but I have dedicated parents... RIP) (Currently, my computer is split-screened between this page and my financial literacy class.) I will do everything in my power to get Zoey's story told, though!
@Everyone
Hey guys, Star here! You probably noticed that there hasn't been an update in a week or so. That's because I've finally fun out of content to post! I actually do have a little short story in the works, but it's all handwritten and I'm a bit too lazy to type it all up (lol). It's a completely un-canon coffeeshop AU as well. So. Here's the plan!
I joined Camp NaNo and made it my goal to write 10 minutes every day. I'm trying to get some scenes wrapped up (mainly all of the scenes that I skipped, such as Chapter 4). I'll still be posting every Tuesday and Friday if everything goes well. I'll try to clarify beforehand which part I'm writing off of, but as always you can ask questions if something confusing happens.
Also, publishing details! I'm looking into the publishing rights to see if I could maybe publish in two different locations. The first of those locations would be my friend's father's printing shop, where he's offered to run me off some copies for free. I'd then give/sell those copies to people I know irl. But the second printing location would be a site like Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I don't think I could make it free for you guys then, but shipping and handling would be covered by the company, and it would be just like ordering any other product off of Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I would never see or even come into contact with your guys' addresses, credit card numbers, real names, etc. That seems to be the best option to me right now. It would be a bit expensive for both of us ($25 or under though, I think) but it seems to be the most logical choice, since you don't want to give me your info and I certainly don't want it. And again, don't feel pressured to buy a copy! If you want one, go ahead. But this digital version will be around as long as the CB is.
One last note before I sign off-- Camp NaNo (when I'll start posting again) starts in April. That's a few weeks from now. I'd like to let this thread sink until then. I want other people to have their chance to have their voices and stories heard, too, and not be cluttered by a bunch of people topping this (for two weeks) inactive thread. Thanks. :)
~Starseeker
(March 14, 2019 - 1:33 pm)
Your publishing solution makes sense to me. I, personally, wouldn't mind paying to buy the book, though I don't know about anyone else.
Um, I don't really have anything else to respond to from this post, so... yeah!
(March 16, 2019 - 9:11 pm)
New content coming tomorrow!
(April 1, 2019 - 9:02 am)
Guess what day it is!
That's right, it's the first Tuesday of April! That means the first catch-up update. Today's update comes from Chapter Four. Zoey has been taken from Northbrook by the dragons. They've rested the night on a mountain and are preparing to make the journey to their lands.
~~~
It was morning all too soon.
I sat up and stretched, wondering for a quick, sleepy moment where I was.
Then I remember.
Northbrook. Dragons. Mountains. Right.
Stratus’s tail stirs, and the blanket of his wing lifts off me, revealing the frostbitten world around me.
El vitur, Zoey, he says, bowing his head.
“Er, el vitur to you as well?” I say, my tongue tripping over the way he says it, all long vowels and smooth consonants. I know that he said the words in my head, but I can’t quite bring myself to say something mentally back. It’s just too weird to be handled this soon after I wake up.
It means blessings of the day, Morrowmist chimes in, touching her Astra to my thigh. A traditional morning blessing, where we’re from. It means we made it through the night.
“Is that-- is that rare?” I ask aloud, addressing either Morrowmist or Stratus, since both of them are in my head. It’s a funny, crowded feeling, and I’m not entirely sure I like it.
Morrowmist chuckles. No. It’s not rare any more. The dragonlands are at peace now. No need to be worried.
“I wasn’t worried,” I mutter. “Maybe a little concerned is all. I kind of like my head being attached to my body.”
Who said anything about decapitation? Stratus says with a small laugh. He laughs again when I blanch. I’m kidding, human. Nobody’s going to kill you.
“Then why the heck am I here?” I demand, putting my hands on my hips.
You volunteered, Morrowmist reminds me.
“Yeah, because I don’t really like the idea of someone dying because of me,” I argue back. “Not cause I, like, wanted to be kidnapped or whatever.”
It’s not kidnapping if it’s voluntary, Chaparral replies, joining the conversation my jabbing his Astra into my shoulder. He sounds pleased with himself.
“Fine! Not kidnapping then! You took me from Northbrook. And I want to know why.”
Stratus and Morrowmist exchange a glance. Chaparral scoffs.
You’re just a mortal, human. You don’t get to know why we dragons do what we do, Chaparral says, spitting out ‘human’ like it’s a dirty word.
“Even dragons can die,” I spit back. Chaparral lets out another mental laugh and shoves his head into my face.
I have lived millenia before your lifetime, human, he hisses menacingly into my mind, and I’ll live millenia past when you die. Shall we start measuring now?
His Astra flicks off my shoulder and to the soft skin at the base of my throat. I tense up but keep glaring at him.
“You wouldn’t,” I hiss.
What do you think they’re going to do when you don’t measure up to their stupid ‘prophecy’? Chaparral taunts, sliding his Astra across my throat menacingly. They’ll kill you quicker than a SkyFire diving from the sky.
Enough, Chaparral! Stratus roars, and I flinch from the volume. Chaparral growls, his Astra quivering with the force.
You are not my leader, he hisses, tail swishing. I answer to my Arthrum and my Arthrum alone!
Your Arthrum put you in my command for this mission, Stratus continues. He turned over direct control of you to me, until the sun sets on the third day. It is the second day. You answer to me, upon the will of your precious Arthrum.
~~~
To clear up some confusion, an Astra is a little pointy thing on the tip of a dragon's tail that allows them to speak through their minds.
As always, I appreciate you all and feel free to ask questions!
~Starseeker
(April 2, 2019 - 7:35 am)
Ooh, it's starting again? Wonderful!
I thought you got rid of the prophecy, though, so why are they talking about her living up to it?
(April 2, 2019 - 6:15 pm)
Yeah! Just filling in some gaps here and there.
*cough* uh, that's uh... that's an excellent question. Let me think about that. XD OH WAIT I GOT IT! It's the dragon's prophecy, not the land's. And it tells of a single human girl. I'll re-write the prophecy and post it here when I'm done. Basically, the dragons have an age-old prophecy about a human girl who will save them all. Remember all the fuss about Chamarys and Morrowmist being mates because they were both females and there weren't enough females? The dragons are dying out. They live for an incredibly long time, but less and less females are being born so less and less dragonets are being created. The dragons believe that this human girl will save them from dying out. The dragons regularly kidnap human girls from Earth, because of the "far away across the mere" line. (The Mere is Zentarian slang for the In-Between.) That brings up the question of, well, didn't the dragons try to take Justin first? And you'd be absolutely right-- they did! In one line of the rewritten prophecy, the human girl is described as being selfless. The dragons believe that the girl will not let someone else take the place she "knows in her heart is hers"-- notice the air quotes, these dragons are fanatically religious, what can I say-- and will step forward to take the chosen human's place. Make sense? That was all just a bunch of word splat as I thought of it. But it works!
~Starseeker
(April 3, 2019 - 10:00 am)