The Pink Journal

 Episode 3 (prompts from July 21, 2012)

Two soldiers came forward and held out a scroll. Lady Starr took it and read it then handed it to Grim Ranger. “When does he want to meet?” She asked the soldier.

 

“Now. The man said and indicated for her to follow him.

 

“It may be a trap.” Endora whispered.

 

“I’m sure it is.” Lady Starr said softly. “I will not come alone. These two will come with me.” She indicated Endora and Grim Ranger.

 

The soldier shrugged and motioned again for her to follow. Lady Starr followed them. Grim Ranger and Endora looked at each other and then followed along.

 

They walked through the camp of the enemy to the largest tent. Inside was Bartamas. He was a rather large man with dark hair and a full beard. He was sitting at a makeshift desk smiling when they entered.

 

“Welcome! I hope you will find my terms to your liking.”

 

“No one is surrendering here.” Lady Starr walked up to the desk and smiled. When Bartamas saw her fangs he swallowed hard. She leaned forward, her hands on the desk. “Where is my son?”

 

“So that little abomination is your offspring? What is he exactly?” Bartamas leaned forward.

 

“By now I’d say hungry.” Lady Starr leaned closer and smiled wider.

 

Bartamas sat back in his chair. “I will give him to you if all of you leave with all of your kind and never come back.”

 

“There are many in this Realm that was born here. What gives you the right to order them to leave?” Endora asked from the door way. “You have magick.”

 

“I have no such thing.” Bartamas said with disgust. "I have a companion, let me tell you about her."

 

“It’s of no importance to me who your companion is; my son will feed on anyone that is near him. So if you don’t want someone to die…..”

 

A painful scream filled the air. Lady Starr smiled. Bartamas looked like he was going to be sick.

 

“Well that’s one less we have to deal with.” Grim Ranger said under his breath.

 

“Grim, I can’t feel them.” Endora said quietly as she looked at the soldiers that had led them here. “It’s like they aren’t even here. Could he be fabricating this delusion?”

 

Grim Ranger sent one of his shadow hands out over the ground and tried to grab the ankle of one of the soldiers. The hand went right through him. “They are illusions!”

 

“Not all of them. There is no more than a dozen that I can sense.” Endora said quietly. “We have to let Lady Starr know. But if he’s not doing the magick then who is?”

 

“That companion of his must be responsible for all of it.” Grim ranger turned to looked at the door. “Starr, do you smell smoke?”

 

“Kyo must have set the body on fire.” Lady Starr said. “It’s the only way to keep it from rising.”  

 

Bartamas flinched at the statement.

 

“Where is your companion?” Endora asked as she stepped forward.

 

“Ah! Someone who is interested in her finally. She will be here in a few moments. “ Bartamas grinned.

 

The tent flap fluttered and Kyo ran into the tent. “Mama!” He ran to hug Lady Starr. She held on to her son tightly until he wiggled free.

 

“‘Dory and Uncle Grim too!” Kyo ran up and hugged them both. Kyo looked at Bartamas and then at his mother. “I’m still hungry.”

 

“Did you hear that?” Lady Starr threatened the man. “Now where is this companion?”

 

“Here I am.” A voice on the air said. A dark haired woman appeared out of a puff of smoke.

 

Lady Starr pushed Kyo behind her. “Who are you and what do you want? Why make all of the magickal beings leave this realm?”

 

“I am Xalanthra. I want to rule here and they are not wanted.” The sorceress said. “I will not associate with creatures that are freaks of nature, just like you.”

 

Endora walked over to the sorceress. “I am not a freak.”

 

Suddenly there was a swirl of silver shimmer. When it cleared Dulcina Leeas and Zoren appeared.

 

“We were tired of waiting.” Dulcina said with a shrug.

 

Grim Ranger cleared his throat and motioned them over to where he was standing. Dulcina and Leeas came over to where he was standing.

 

Zoren stepped forward. “Xalanthra! I thought you were dead.”

 

“No but you wished it true, didn’t you?” Xalanthra said sadly.

 

Endora moved back to stand with Grim Ranger. The two mages obviously had history. The others listened and watched.

 

“You are my daughter. I would never wish that.” Zoren said as he reached out to her.

 

She stepped back. “You left me for dead when the creatures came. I haven’t seen you since.”

 

“I didn’t know. Please forgive me.” Zoren tried to reach out again but Xalanthra moved away again. “The house was burning, falling in. I thought you were inside.”

 

“I was hiding in the woods. Why didn’t you search for me?” Xalanthra said tearfully.

 

“I had no idea that you could have survived that. I stood there and watched it burn when I returned. Let’s put the past behind us and start over.” Zoren said holding out his arms to her.

 

“I don’t know if I can.” A tear started to fall down Xalanthra’s cheek.

 

“You can start by reversing the magick you have done.” Lady Starr said.

 

“Now wait just one minute.” Bartamas started to say. Lady Starr hissed at him her eyes burning red. Bartamas cowered in his chair. 

 

Xalanthra raised her hands and the tent they were in disappeared. They were standing in the middle of a field of wildflowers. Bartamas hit the ground with a thump. Nearly a dozen men looked at each other confused now that the enchantment had been lifted.

 

“Thank you, Xalanthra.” Zoren said. His daughter ran into his arms crying. Zoren looked over her shoulder at the group. “I’m sorry for all the trouble we caused. Please accept my apologies.”

 

“It is over and we will leave.” Lady Starr said. “Ah…about what Kyo did.”

 

“It was understandable. He is young.” Zoren said. “I will make amends in his place.”

 

“Thank you.” Lady Starr said.

 

There was a rustle in the tall grass. A large dog came running at them. It ran straight for Kyo. He fell onto his back as the hound pushed him over and licked his face enthusiastically. Kyo giggled merrily.

 

“Do you see what that is?” Leeas said. “That is a hell hound.”

 

“That was why he wandered off.” Lady Starr sighed. “Kyo let’s go and bring your puppy. Zoren if you need us….”

 

The mage nodded.

 

Lady Starr, Kyo and Kyo’s puppy disappeared in a wall of fire.

 

“Goodbye all.” Grim turned into a shadow and slipped into the ground.

 

Leeas shrugged and turned into a silver and blue dragon and flew off.

 

“Dulcina? Coming with me?” Endora asked as she held out her faerie crystal to form the swirling magick portal.

 

“Why the hell not.” Dulcina walked over and went through the portal ahead of Endora.  

 

Endora nodded to the old man and his daughter and stepped through the portal.

 BATTLE FOR CRAYNOR

CHARACTERS: Princess Endora, Lady Starr, Dulcina Thottie,  Kyo Starr, Grim Ranger, Leeas Wyvern, Zoren, Bartamas, unnamed soldiers, Xalanthra  

RATING: PG-13 (Strong language and violence)

SUMMARY: Princess Endora comes to the aid of her friends

A/N: I took up the sentence challenge again and invited my friends to play along

This original story is part of the “Faerie Fantasy of the Questing Princess” series

Some characters have been borrowed from friends because I miss our adventures together.

From Lisa: Lady Starr, Kyo Starr, and Dulcina Thottie

From Ray: Grim Ranger

PROMPTS: muse_prompts Saturday sentence prompts

Episode 1 (prompts for 7/7/12)

Episode 2 (prompts for 7/14/12)

Episode 3 (prompts for 7/21/12) 

TOTAL WORD COUNT: 3115

 

EPISODE 1 (prompts from July 7, 2012)

The portal of swirling magick opened into the desert. Princess Endora walked through and looked around. They were supposed to meet her but no one was around. This did not even look like the right place. She didn’t remember a desert in this Realm. Craynor was lush and green this must be the wrong place, she thought.

 

“Hello?” The small Fae called out. The heavy white cloak was making her too warm. Her knee length pale blond hair was starting to get damp with her sweat. She scanned the sand once more with her dark gray eyes.

 

Just then a voice behind her spoke. “Quiet you silly faerie. They will hear you.”

 

She whirled around to see her old friend Grim Ranger. She jumped up and hugged him around the neck.

 

The tall dark shadowy masked man in the purple vest with the phoenix on the back and dark trousers gave her a squeeze.

 

“Good to see you too but we need to get the hell out of here. It’s too dangerous.” Grim put her down. "Why are you cloaked so heavily?"

 

“I always travel in my cloak.” Endora went to untie it.

 

Grim shook his head. “Leave it on. It will hide you in the white sand.”

 

“Where are we? I thought I was coming to Craynor. That was where my crystal was supposed to take me.” Endora looked around again, confused.

 

“This is Craynor or what’s left of it.” Grim Ranger said as they walked across the sand. “There has been a war going on for the last year.”

 

“But there is sand everywhere. I don’t remember sand. It used to be green everywhere.” Endora said sadly.

 

“The wizard we are fighting used some powerful spells to turn all the dirt to sand.” Grim Ranger explained as he led her across the sands.

 

“He sounds very evil.” Endora said. “How will the people feed themselves without crops?”

 

“He is a bastard that doesn’t give a shit about the people. Everybody is waiting in there.” They arrive at a cave in the side of a mountain.

 

“Great another cave.” Endora scrunched up her nose. “Are there fire spiders in this one too?”

 

Grim laughed. “Naw! Just one or two regular ones. They are awful big though.”

 

“Gross!” Endora said.

 

Grim laughed. He led her deep into the cave and through a passage to a large cavern. “She’s here!”

 

Lady Starr and Dulcina looked up and smiled. There were some new faces that Endora didn’t know. The Draconian Warrior was new to her. There was also an old man with them.

 

Lady Starr stood up and came over to Endora. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t know if the message got to you. Most Fae have no idea about fire magick.”

 

“I have some experience in fire magick. Aura taught me. She’s sends her love, by the way.” Endora removed her heavy cloak and laid it across a nearby rock. She put her travel bag down beside it,

 

“It sounds like Aura has taught you well.” Lady Starr said.

 

“I did have some problem getting away. My grandmother wanted to know every little detail. I told her I was visiting friends but not the purpose of the visit.” Endora admitted.

 

It’s best not to worry Queen Taralen.” Lady Starr nodded.  “This is Leeas. He’s a …”

 

“Draconian. I know. The marks from your scales are still visible.” Endora said as she smiled at Leeas.

 

“What do you know of the Draconians, little girl?” Leeas said.

 

“My sister, Aura is half Draconian.” Endora told him.

 

“So you know my kind. So far I have not much respect for yours.” Leeas looked over at Dulcina, who pouted at his words. But Lady Starr says you are a fucking good fighter. I will enjoy seeing your skills.” Leeas leaned close to her. “All of your skills.”

 

"I would take that as a compliment if I thought concern for me lay behind its rough language." Endora said.

 

“Oh, you’re a proper one. Not like that one.” Leeas indicated Dulcina with a nod.

 

“I have my priorities.” Endora said as she walked away to where the old man was sitting. “Do I know you?”

 

“No child we have never met. I am Zoren. I am here to help in the fight against Bartamas. He is the wizard that did all of this evil magick.” The old man said with a sigh.

 

“Are you sure? You look so familiar.” Endora repeated.

 

“All old wrinkly wizards look alike.” Dulcina giggled.

 

“Hush there none of your impertinence.” Leeas said.

 

“Make me scaly ass!” Dulcina stuck out her tongue at the Draconian.

 

Leeas blew a stream of fire at Dulcina.                              

 

Grim Ranger sent his shadow hands to grab Dulcina and move her out of the way. She cried out and would have fallen in shock had he not seized her shoulders.

 

Zoren was angry. He jumped to his feet, appalled and confused by what he had witnessed. “We must fight together not each other.” A lightning bolt shot out of his outstretched hand towards Leeas.

 

Leeas fell to the ground. He buried his head as far as he could under his arm and gave a muffled squeak. The old wizard being the only one he was afraid of in this cavern.

 

“Zoren is right. Bartamas is our enemy. We must join forces to defeat him and his sorry ass army.” Grim Ranger said.

 

Lady Starr looked around the cavern. “We must stop fighting. He has Kyo.”

 

Endora felt a knot in the pit of her stomach. It was even more personal now. Endora was very fond of Kyo.   

 

EPISODE 2

 Characters: Byrdie

Rating: PG

Summary: Bydie talks about an old house

A/N: Some themes are controversial.

Prompt: (muse_prompt photo prompt b 7/13/12)

Word Count: 395

WE WERE YANKEES

Pretty ain’t it? That is part of one of those old southern plantations. We had them here too. There ain’t too many left though. Most of them were burned or tore down to make room for new houses. 

It’s a shame that so many of those old places have gone to ruin. You can tell it was a beautiful house once. The historical people came through and picked some of the places to preserve. This wasn’t one of them. I wish they had been able to save them all but some were just too far gone.    

The slave quarters are gone now. They were over the hill. They were probably the first to go. They were never built very sound. They may have even been burned after the war by the slaves.

Awful thing slavery, it still affects people generations later. It amazes me what one human can do to another. Then these people turn around and call themselves a ‘Christian.’ I don’t think Jesus would agree with them.

The old woman gives a short laugh and then sighs. 

We were the South once but we went with the Union and President Lincoln during the war. That’s right, we were Yankees. I know it’s hard to believe. Brothers fought against brothers in that war.

There is a graveyard behind those trees full of soldiers from both sides. There are women and children in there too from that time. I’ve read some of the grave stones. Whole families were killed at the same time. That war was bloody. No one was spared.   

It’s sad when history is lost. Stories of what was never to be told again. That’s why I tell you these things, so someone will know what was. I’m sure I bore you silly.

Now my Granny, she was a storyteller proper. She could tell you about anything. I have her stories in a journal. When she started to get sick she wrote them all down. She didn’t want them all to be lost. Someday I’ll read you a few. I believe she may have had one about this place here. Not that Granny was that old but she remembered stories that her Granny told her. You could say that storytelling is a tradition in my family.  

You have to go so soon? Well come back anytime and I’ll talk with you some more.  

 Writing 7/16/12

Dealing With Writer’s Block

I have writers block often. I write so much that you would think I didn’t. I find that if I have a block on one story that changing to another helps.  Eventually the block seems to resolve itself after I work on a few other things.

 

I often go back and forth from fandom to original writing. I have yet to set up a specific day for fandom writing but Sunday is my ‘original’ day. On that day I do anything original from art to poetry to prompted stories. Planning ahead seems to keep me out of trouble there.

 

Deadlines sometimes push me to finish a story that I have been blocked on. I tend to have a lot of fandom deadlines. I think I do this on purpose so that I feel the need to write and finish stories.

 

Prompts help to guide me on the way to bigger projects. I’ve been using some from here to get parts of my old book written. I enjoy prompts. The more obscure the prompt the better I like it.

 

Sometimes nothing works and a story will sit in my ‘to be finished’ file for months before I finally start writing again. I have at least two like that now

 

 Episode 4 (prompts from 6/23/12)

They walked for a while and came up on an old woman washing clothes in a stream. The old woman looked around confused. "I have no clothes! Every time I do my laundry I end up with less clothes!"

 

“Hello? Maybe they are just down the stream.” Endora said.

 

The old woman looked up started then smiled at the two Fae. “Oh you may be right. I’m sure that’s where they are.”

 

Endora bent down to help the old woman put the clothes that were there in her basket.

 

“I’ll go check.” Paddrick volunteered. He walked a ways down the stream then stopped. “Endora you need to come here. Now!”

 

“What is it?” Endora turned to Paddrick.

 

Paddrick was staring ahead with a frightened look on his face. “I think we found the dragon.”

 

“Oh.” Endora said simply. She walked up to where Paddrick was standing and saw the blue dragon lying with one of its wings outstretched. She started to walk toward it.

 

Paddrick grabbed her arm. “Don’t get near it.”

 

“Paddrick, I’m going to see if I can heal it. Then we can look for the sheep and the missing men.” Endora said.

 

"I like how you constantly ignore my wishes." Paddrick said. “It may be dangerous.”

 

"Have you ever considered group therapy?" Endora looked at him. “You have some serious fear issues. Let go of me.”

 

Paddrick let go of Endora’s arm and watched as she walked up to the blue dragon.

 

The beast whimpered when Endora approached. It had a deep gash on its wing that looked infected.

 

“There, there sweetie. I can fix you up.” Endora patted the beasts head and said a healing spell over the infected gash. Her hands glowed gold as the wound healed. “There isn’t that better?”

 

“Yes.” The dragon said. “Thank you very much.”

 

“You are welcome. What is your name?” Endora asked.

 

“I’m Saturia.” The dragon raised its head to reveal another deep scratch on its chest. “Do you mind little Fae?”

 

“No. I don’t. I’m Endora.” Endora’s hands glowed again and the scratched healed. “Is that better?”

 

“Much.” Saturia gave her a toothy smile. “You’re nice. I like you.”

 

“I like you too.” Endora stroked the dragon’s head. “Saturia we need your help.”

 

“You helped me I will help you.” The dragon purred.

 

“We are looking for some sheep and two men. Have you seen them?” Endora asked.

 

“Oh the fluffy ground clouds are in the valley beyond that ridge. I put them there. I like to collect pretty things.” Saturia said.

 

Paddrick finally gained enough courage to approach the dragon. “What of the two men?”

 

“They are there with the sheep. There is no easy way out of that valley. One of them did the hurts to me. I had to knock him out. The other fell off his horse. He hurt his leg.”

 

“They aren’t hurt too badly, are they?” Endora asked.

 

Saturia looked ashamed. “No but they are in the cage.”

 

“What cage?” Endora asked.

 

“The cage I was locked in until I managed to escape. A sorcerer locked me in. He tricked me.” Saturia looked sad remembering what he had been through. His bottom lip quivered.

 

“Everything is all right now. We need to take the sheep and the two men back to where they belong.” Endora said.

 

Saturia nodded. “I will put them back. I promise.”

 

“Thank you.” Endora said as she stroked the dragon’s head.

 

Paddrick looked at Endora patting the dragon and he was angry. “Endora, can I speak to you a minute?”

 

“Sure.” Endora looked at the dragon. ”I’ll be right back.”

 

Paddrick pulled her back to where the old woman was still standing. “You healed him! Aren’t we going to kill that thing?”

 

“No! You heard him he thought the sheep were clouds and the men are still alive. They were there to hurt him. He was defending himself.” Endora was angry now. “Everything I've done I've done for our cause."

 

“Our cause was to kill the beast not coddle it.” Paddrick said. “We should kill it so it isn’t a nuisance anymore.”

 

“Dragons are sacred. You just can’t kill them without a reason.” Endora explained.  “He promised to put the sheep back.”

 

“He may have already eaten them.” Paddrick said.

 

“He’s an elemental. They are vegetarians.”

 

“This is not Ogham-Duir. He may not be like those dragons. Besides who ever heard of a veggie eating dragon?”

 

“Most dragons are not like the stories told to frighten children.” Endora looked back to see Saturia munching on some water cress. “See he eats veggies!”

 

Paddrick shook his head. “Fine but we have to make sure those men are all right.”

 

Endora walked up to the dragon. “Saturia, can you take us to the men?”

 

“Yes. Follow me.” The dragon rose into the air and took flight.

 

Endora dropped her cloak and shook out her wings and followed him.

 

Paddrick followed them even though he wasn’t happy about it.

 

They flew over the ridge and saw the sheep and a large iron cage. They all landed in front of the cage.

 

Saturia pulled the heavy door open and the two men stood there staring at the two Fae.

 

“Are you both well?” Paddrick asked.

 

“My leg is hurt.” One of the men said as the other helped him out of the cage.

 

“We are looking for Darren and David. Is that your names?” Endora asked.

 

“Yes. The beast locked us in there. I’m Darren and this is David.”

 

“You hurt me!” Saturia said. “That wasn’t nice.”

 

“Let’s just get them back to their families. Can you carry them both?” Endora asked.

 

“Yes if they will say they are sorry.”

 

Endora looked at the two men. “Well?”

 

“I’m sorry.” David said. He was the one with the hurt leg.

 

“I’m sorry too.” Darren said.

 

Saturia lowered himself so the men could get on his back. “Hold on please.”

 

“There now let’s get going.” Endora said. “When we get them back I want you to put the sheep back.” Endora lifted off.

 

She and Paddrick flew to the house of the old man and dropped off David. Before they left Endora healed his leg with an ancient spell.

 

They took Darren back to Gwynne who was so happy to see him she started to cry.

 

One by one the sheep were returned. It took most of the afternoon and it was late when Saturia finished.

 

Endora went back to the creek to get her cloak and bag. Paddrick and Saturia joined her there.

 

“I should be going now.” Endora said. “You are welcome to come with me Saturia. There are several dragons where I come from.”

 

“May I please? I don’t want to stay here after I caused so much trouble.” Saturia looked ashamed.

 

“I’ll take you to Aster Cliffs. The Matrons will find you a companion to live with.” Endora said.

 

“A companion?” Saturia asked curiously.

 

“A magickal being that will serve as your protector and friend.  You may even get to stay at the hatchery and help with the little ones if you want.”

 

Saturia grinned. “I’d like that.”

 

“Good. Stay here and I need to say goodbye to Paddrick.” Endora walked over where Paddrick was standing looking at his feet.

 

“Thank you Endora.” Paddrick said as he looked up. “I’m glad you came to help.”

 

“Anytime. I’d love to come back. Call for me anytime.” Endora smiled. "Just once I'd like for you to call me when there isn't a global emergency."

 

“I’ll try to remember that.” Paddrick said.

 

Endora gave Paddrick a hug then went back to Saturia.

 

Paddrick blushed as she walked away.

 

“Ready?” Endora held out her faerie crystal and created a portal to Aster Cliffs. She turned to Saturia. “Don’t be afraid of the portal. All you have to do is walk through.”  

 

The dragon nodded.

 

Endora turned and waved to Paddrick then walked through the portal. Saturia followed her.

 

Paddrick sighed. He would miss her more than she knew. 

 

 Episode 2 (prompts from 6/9/12)

The next morning, at first light, Paddrick and Endora headed out to find the beast. The morning sun is sharp on the rolling hills. It was heard to believe that there was a beast terrorizing the country side.

 

“Are there any humans in this area?” Endora asked. She looked around and didn’t see any cottages. The area was fairly remote.   

 

"They are there, but they are harmless enough." Paddrick said. “They really haven’t been that affected by the beast. It’s mostly going after the Fae herders’ flocks.”  

 

“I wonder why that is. Maybe it’s afraid of the humans.” Endora said as she shielded her eyes in the sun. The sun was making it difficult to see distances.

 

“Most likely.” Paddrick agreed. “Endora, why do you do this? You’re a princess. You could just send an army. Most princesses would.”

 

“My father was a warrior. I try to follow his example. It is my duty and honor to help anyone that asks for it. I quest mostly to gain knowledge about the world because that knowledge creates wisdom. It reminds me of something my father said. ” Endora said. “He had always believed that you cannot be a good judge of anyone or anything you haven't seen for yourself.”

 

“Sounds like sound advice. Where was it he fell?” Paddrick asked.

 

“In the Northern War, he was fighting against the Fomors.” Endora told him. “He was leading the army sent by Queen Taralen to help the Northern Sidhe. That war took many fathers and sons.”

 

“There was some Tylwyth Teg in that battle too. My uncle on my mother’s side fell there. Your father was brave to fight so far from home.” Paddrick said.

 

“He was. I try to be just as brave on every quest.” Endora smiled. “Sometimes it isn’t easy but I try anyway.” 

 

There was a funny spluttering noise from behind them.

 

“What was that?” Paddrick looked behind them towards a copse of trees. He had a sensation of fear wave over him. He looked at Endora.

 

Endora seemed unmoved by the strange sound. She had a curious look on her face.

 

The trees moved and some fell over. The noise was getting closer. It was definitely a large beast and it was moving fast.

 

“There’s a hut over there. I think we can make it.” Paddrick started to run. He didn’t look back to see if Endora was following.

 

Endora looked at the trees then back at Paddrick running for the hut in the distance. She shrugged and followed Paddrick to the hut. She really wanted to get a look at the beast but she didn’t care to do it alone.

 

They reached the hut and burst through the door closing it swiftly behind them. They leaned against it breathless.

 

“I thought you wanted to kill it not run from it.” Endora said.

 

“Did you see how big that was?” Paddrick locked the door.

 

“All I saw was trees.” Endora looked annoyed.

 

“If it is the beast ye seek why you are in my hut?” An old man said from his seat by the hearth.

 

“That’s a good question. Do you want to answer it Paddrick?” Endora gave him a pointed look.

 

“We need to observe it a bit more.” Paddrick gave a sheepish grin.

 

“I hope you don’t expect that old lock to keep it out.” The old man said.     

 

"True the lock might not stop him, but this will." Endora unsheathed her short sword.

 

Paddrick looked at the sword in her hand. “Do you know how to use that?”

 

“Yes I do.” Endora looked Paddrick up and down. “Did you come out here with no weapons at all? Did you think that you were going to twinkle it dead?” Endora started to laugh.

 

“I thought I’d sparkle it then twinkle something to kill it.” Paddrick said in his defense. That was his plan until he saw how big it was.

 

“Sparkle doesn’t always work on beasts.” Endora informed him. “I’ve seen it fail several times.”

 

“What?” Paddrick thought he was going to be sick. He didn’t know that about beasts. He wondered why he didn’t know that. He just tried to breathe.

 

“Listen to her she knows her stuff sounds like.” The old man picked up a book from the floor by his chair.

 

“Thank you.” Endora smiled at the old man then glared at Paddrick. “I do know my ‘stuff’. I’ve been to several Realms and seen several different kinds of beasts.” 

 

The old man nodded and began to read. He let the two Fae work it out between them.  At least one of them knew something about beasts.

 

“Now what do we do?” Paddrick asked.

 

“Well, we wait again unless you want to go out there now.” Endora said. “I would be happy to join you.”

 

“No. I think we should wait.” Paddrick said nodding. He wasn’t ready to face that thing.

 

“Fine but we go at first light.” Endora said. She turned to the old man. “Unless you want us to leave.”

 

“No. You can stay.” The old man said without looking up from his book. There’s a pot of stew there on the hearth. Help yourself.”

 

“Thank you. You are very kind.” Endora said.

 

Paddrick was already dipping into the soup. He was hungry. All the walking they did gave him an appetite.

 

Endora took some soup and a piece of bread and sat down by the fire. She watched as the old man started to nod off.   

 

Episode 3

STARTS HERE
Episode 1

CHOOSING CHARACTER NAMES

This is one of the most mysterious parts of the writing process for me. I never seem to choose names the same way twice. Most of the time there is a message or reason behind the name.

 

I started writing a book several years ago about a mythical land near Atlantis called Ogham-Duir. (I have yet to finish that book) Most of those character names I still use or I have changed over time to fit the character traits I want to emphasize.

 

I started with a genealogy. I picked names that seemed to fit my view of that universe or aspects related to it.

 

My Faerie Queen, Taralen, was named after Tara that was built by the Tuathe de Danaan. Princess Cara needed to sound similar but not too similar.

 

The three sisters were Aura the Dark, Dionne the Bright, and Gaylen le Fae. All are daughters of Cara.

 

When I had major writers block a friend suggested role playing in the universe. So we did. Maybe we shouldn’t have. Some of the characters have changed and names have been shifted around. The biggest change was Dionne from a priestess to a maid. Her original role is now with Victra, (named after my sister)

 

I chose a name recently for a series of stories about Vandalia (little known name for a real place) I used the name of one leaders of that place to give Byrdie, my old woman, a name.

 

Some names are easy and some are not. Some come from thin air and others are meant to mean something. Naming characters is a truly mysterious thing.

RIBBON CANDY

Ribbons of sticky sweetness

Stripes of color and flavor

Delicate and crushable

Special treat and special day

Ribbons on the packages

Ribbons scattered on the floor

Ribbons of sweetness for me

(Muse prompt word prompt Candy 6/20/12)