Fear Not the Darkness

Three Word Wednesday-The Cuckoo in the Nest -Part 4

2012-05-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Three Word Wednesday-The Cuckoo in the Nest -Part 4

if you missed Part 1 click here
if you missed Part 2 click here
if you missed Part 3 click here
Others Three Word Wednesday offerings here

Error; noun: A mistake; the state or condition of being wrong in conduct or judgment.

Jingle; noun: A light ringing sound such as made by metal objects being shaken together; a short slogan, verse, or tune designed to be easily remembered, esp. as used in advertising; verb: Make or cause to make a light metallic ringing sound; (of writing) be full of alliteration or rhymes.

Vindicate; verb: Clear (someone) of blame or suspicion; show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified.

Three Word Wednesday-The Cuckoo in the Nest -Part 4

Marcus began the exercise, his mother had taught him to calm himself. He counted over and over to twenty. The man who had harmed his mother shook Marcus. but Marcus continued counting calming himself to defeat the man he now thought of as a monster.

“Marcus calm yourself can you not see I wish you not harm?”

“I do not know you. YOU HARMED MY MOTHER!” Marcus yelled.

“She is unharmed, she but sleeps. I would not harm one hair on her head. She is your mother and once upon a time I had feelings for her.”

“You loved my Mother then why did you harm her?” asked Marcus puzzled.

“Marcus you wound me. I am your uncle Ragnor. Your Father Olaf. is a fool. He has made a huge error in judgement. He set you his greatest treasure aside. I would not have done so. I told your father he was being a fool; that you were his son, the fruit of his looms and therefore you would show your worth. Lo and behold I was vindicated your worth has been shown, the King himself brought you here.”

Marcus was not swayed by what this man might say. He claimed he was his Uncle but if he wasn’t anything like his brother, (Marcus’ Father) Olaf, he was not a good man. His father had kicked him in the street when he was but a small boy. His mother was asleep, his Uncle claimed, but she did not wake. What if she never woke? Marcus just glared at the man.

The man grew angry at Marcus continued his defiance.

"I wish you to help me, for has not your mother taught you to help family?” the monster asked.

Marcus next thought was of escape but how with his mother like this, he could not take her with him. She would not leave him, he could not leave her.

Marcus’ thoughts were interrupted by the rooms’ only door opening and two men entering the room.

“Tis past your time. Where have you been?” asked the monster, he now knew as his Uncle Ragnor.

“Sorry Master, we did not want the King to see us.”

“Help with this man, but handle him gently he is valuable.”Ragnor demanded.

“Master shall we dispose of the woman’s body?”

Marcus let out a gasp of air. that he didn’t even know he had, at hearing this. Surely his Uncle needed his mother if only for his cooperation in whatever he wanted and they would be safe?

“Give him the tea, than we will handle the woman.”

“Master?”

“The tea is drugged, the woman is not dead but sleeping. Now do as I have ordered.Hold him down and pour the tea into his throat.”

Then turning to Marcus Ragnor explained, sounding regretful.

“I am sorry it has to be this way Marcus but when you get to know me, I’m sure you’ll see I’m doing this to protect you. If the King found out your worth, he’d keep you forever imprisoned.”

Uncle Ragnor wanted him to drink the tea? But mother said do not drink the tea. Marcus wasn’t fooled he didn’t trust this man no matter how much he tried to be nice. His Uncle was forcing him to drink the tea.

Marcus readied himself to fight back but the men were big. The two men combined, weighed as much as four men his size. He was unable to stop them, try as he might, from pouring the tea down his throat. In a few minutes he became tired. He prayed they wouldn't harm his mother and they would both be safe, as the men still held him waiting for something.

As he drifted off to sleep, he felt the men’s grips lessen and he heard a jingle sounding like keys being taken out of a pocket.

“Pick up the boy and the woman but don’t forget the book. The King must never know my crime. Take them to the hut and keep them there until I come. I must appear blameless in this crime and the King must see my grief at the disappearance of my nephew.

“So you want us to kill him?” asked one of the men.

“No I have other plans for him.”Ragnor answered “Remember the princely sum you receive for this and do not betray me or you will regret it.”

To be continued next week.
©Sheilagh Lee May 30,2012

Birthday Wishes

2012-05-28T11:23:00.001-07:00

Birthday Wishes

It was my thirtieth birthday. I really wanted to go home and hide, until it was over. Here I was in my apartment listening to a serenade of a generic Happy Birthday, from a few friends on my answering machine. Not one came in person. Was I really that bad?

My significant other had forgotten my birthday too. A cupcake I picked up at the bakery that I blew out the candles on and a bottle of champagne in my hand took out the sting. Quite a few glasses later I was feeling quite mellow. At some point I passed out.

I awoke to a frog looking at me.

“Why was your birthday wish that I was a frog?” my boyfriend Trevor asked.

I looked at him in surprise then I remembered he’d forgotten my birthday and smiled. Prince charming he was not but he’d have a nice new home in a terrarium I bought the other day.

©Sheilagh Lee May 28,2012

(Don't worry I really don't have the power to do this today not would I want to.This is just the gift of a story for all my loyal readers in honour of my Birthday.)

Three Word Wednesday-Child of the Cuckoo's Nest -Part 3

2012-05-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Three Word Wednesday-Child of the Cuckoo's Nest -Part 3

if you missed Part 1 click here
if you missed Part 2 click here

Others Three Word Wednesday offerings here

Flesh; noun: The soft substance consisting of muscle and fat that is found between the skin and bones of an animal or a human; the pulpy substance of a fruit or vegetable, esp. the part that is eaten; the skin or surface of the human body with reference to its color, appearance, or sensual properties; verb: Put weight on; add more details to something that exists only in a draft or outline form.

Novice; noun: A person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation; a person who has entered a religious order and is under probation, before taking vows; an animal, especially a racehorse, that has not yet won a major prize or reached a level of performance to qualify for important events.

Sear; verb: Burn or scorch the surface of (something) with a sudden, intense heat; (of pain) be experienced as a sudden, burning sensation; brown (food) quickly at a high temperature so that it will retain its juices in subsequent cooking.

Child of the Cuckoo's Nest -Part 3

Emelie continued to be worried about Marcus. She felt the need to caution Marcus about his find, when he confessed he had found the hidden discrepancies. She felt she must sear this knowledge into his brain, to trust no one, but the King.

“Marcus dear you must share this information with no one but the King.”

“But mother I found the information should everyone know?” asked Marcus proudly.

“My son, there are some things people will harm you for. Do you remember the children in the village who would kick you and hit you when you were young?”

“I remember they put bruises on my flesh.”

“There are people like that here. Whoever has taken the King’s gold, does not want to be discovered. They are not novices they have been stealing probably for along time.”

“I don’t understand. Why would someone do that?”

“Marcus dear, do we have much money?”

“No, mother.”

“Do you remember when you asked me for the parts to make your equipment?”

“Yes, but you said we didn’t have the money for it.”

“Exactly some people who do not have enough money take it.”

“Like the person who took the King’s gold? But that is wrong and they should be punished.”

“Yes my son but not everyone thinks as we do. This person will not want to be caught, for they fear the punishment. So you must not tell none but the King, that you have discovered the trick of how the money went missing.”

”Very well Mother, but if I am asked what should I say?”

“The first time you are asked say I am working, but I cannot find this problem yet.”

“And if they ask again what will I say?”

“Tell them the problem is vexing and that even with your genius it is difficult.”

“But it isn’t Mother.” Marcus protested.

“I know but they won’t.”

“I will do this.”

Their conversation was interrupted as the doors to the room opened and an unknown person came into the room. He was followed by a servant carrying food and drinks, who set the food down on the table then promptly left.

Emelie stared at the man who had entered with the servant. He seemed familiar but she knew no one at court. His hair was dark almost black his eyes were a most peculiar dark brown almost black.

Emelie began to worry, this man had entered without the King and had now dismissed the servant. Why would he do that? His gaze when he looked at Marcus was one of suspicion put Emelie even more on edge.

Marcus pretended to work on the problem staring at the ledger and turning the pages to Emelie’s relief. Marcus even answered the questions the man asked in the correct manner. Emelie breathed a sigh of relief.

“Wouldn’t you like to take and have some tea? The servant has brought some cakes and drink.” the man offered.

Emelie wanted to refuse but she knew they were both thirsty and hungry. She took the offered cup and drank it down. Marcus was more hesitant and continued ignoring the man as if he was examining the ledgers.

“Don’t drink or eat anything Marcus.” Emelie managed to say as she felt faint. As she drifted under she heard Marcus’ painful wails of ‘Mother.” and the rocking he did when he was upset. She wanted to wake up and help him but it seemed it was impossible as she was taken further under and into unconsciousness.

To be continued next week.

©Sheilagh Lee May 23, 2012

Three Word Wednesday-Child of The Cuckoo Nest -Part 2

2012-05-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Three Word Wednesday -Child of the Cuckoo’s Nest-Part 2

if you missed Part 1 click here
Others Three Word Wednesday offerings here

Prompts:

Fawn- to seek notice or favor by servile demeanor: The courtiers fawned over the king., (of a dog) to behave affectionately.

Juggle to throw and catch (several objects) continuously so that most are in the air all the time, as an entertainment, to arrange or manipulate (facts, figures, etc) so as to give a false or misleading picture, to keep (several activities) in progress, esp with difficulty, an act of juggling

Navigate-to move on, over, or through (water, air, or land) in a ship or aircraft: to navigate a river.

Child of the Cuckoo’s Nest-Part 2

Marcus had never been in along carriage ride before and he didn’t feel well with the constant rocking of the coach. He moaned then he cried loudly then he rocked himself back and forth. Emelie was worried the last time Marcus had acted this way he made himself so sick he was sick for two weeks. He didn’t eat he didn’t sleep and Emelie had feared for his life. The doctor had drugged Marcus and he had slept.

Emelie tried to comfort Marcus now in the carriage but he would not be comforted. Instead it was like he was juggling everything in the carriage and not catching any of it. It was then she resorted to her last measure, she did what she had sworn she’d never do to Marcus, she drugged him with laudanum again as the doctor had done. Marcus slept the two days it took them to get to the palace. When they arrived they will spirited through a back door of the palace.

Emelie worried about all the secrecy. People could disappear this way. This could be a ploy just to rid the all of their presence, she only hoped it wouldn’t be. They would fawn over the King and perhaps that would protect them.

“King Eric will see you soon Lady Bjelbo, Master Magnusson.”

“My son is fully grown and therefore must be addressed as the honourable Marcus Magnusson, as my father is Jarl.” rebuked Emilie.

“If your father is Jarl, why do you struggle to live.” the servant asked.

“I make my own way, my father makes his.”

“Very well mistress, you can explain this to King Eric.” The servant replied leaving.

Looking around the large room Emilie was surprised to find a table that had an engine and some small parts. Marcus noticed it at the same time and wandered over to it. Once there his dexterous fingers began placing the small parts into the machine within a few minutes all the parts were in the machine and he was able to fix the small cuckoo clock.

A man limped into the room on his good leg and navigated straight to the cuckoo clock. He was dressed in fine clothes and followed closely by the servant. The limping man examined the cuckoo clock and smiled.

“Lady Bjelbo, honourable Marcus Magnusson?” asked King Eric.

Emilie dropped into a deep curtsey and made Marcus bow beside her.

“Yes sire.” Emilie answered raising her head and smiling, a little but Marcus just nodded his head still bowed.

“Does your son, not speak Lady Bjelbo?”

“I speak when it is necessary, but mother speaks for me.”

“Your son is indeed as different as I had heard, but unlike I had perceived he is not addlepated.” King Eric stated

“My son is not addlepated. How dare they?” then blanching as she realized what she had said so harshly to her King she exclaimed” Forgive me sire.”

“I understand the need to protest my dear. The usurper sought to use my difference against me. He succeeded for three years but I prevailed.” King Eric explained indicating his left leg shorter than the other.

His aid gasped at the King’s frankness.

“Sire we rejoiced when the true King, yourself reigned again.”Emelie waxed.

“Of course you did. You are my subjects.”

“Yes they are sire and you need not concern yourself with this duty. I can handle this for you.” whispered the King’s servant.

“Quiet Ander. When I want your opinion I will ask for it.” King Eric.

“Sire, I am so sorry. I overstepped my bounds.”

“Leave now Anders .Wait, outside the doors.”

“But sire.”

“I am not in any danger.” King Eric exclaimed angrily “You will leave now.

The King’s aide then left the room closing the doors.

“You passed my test by fixing my cuckoo clock. Marcus I have a great task for you. Perhaps it is a simple task for you. Perhaps not! But I am hoping that you are up to the task. None of my advisors nor my Uncles’ advisors have been unable to uncover the culprit.”

“Culprit?” Emilie asked.

“Do you speak for your son? I realize you have protected the boy for all time but he is now a man, give him time to answer for himself.” rebuked King Eric.

“Have I done this Marcus?” Emilie asked “Have I kept you from your manhood?”

“Mother you have spoken for me, but I was willing.” Marcus answered

Emilie was worried had she tried to so much for Marcus that she had not allowed him to be the man he so obviously was? She would try hard to give him his freedom and treat him as his age while still protecting him.

“What would you have me do Sire?” Marcus retorted in a quiet respectful voice.

“I have a troubling problem that I think you can solve.”

“Me?” Marcus answered.

“Yes, young man, I think you can or you wouldn’t be here.”

“What if my son cannot achieve this?”

“Marcus, I ask much of you, but as your King I demand you try hard to solve this. Your country needs this as much as your King.”

“I’ll try Sire.”

“That is all I ask.”

“The problem?”

“I have a number of tasks for you. The most urgent, someone is stealing monies from my coffers. The ledgers appear to have no money missing, but I know for myself that I had more money than the books show. That money was set aside for helping the people with their needs and now someone has stolen from your King. I don’t know how they have done so never the less the money is missing. I understand you have great skill with numbers as well as your abilities to fix things. I would have you find the discrepancy so I can name the culprit. ”

“Where is the book?”

“Here and a pen and ink.” King Eric responded. ”If you succeed there will be great reward.”

Marcus began reading the ledger immediately. He was so obsessed with the ledger he did not see the King leave.

Emelie watched and waited. She knew what happened when Marcus became obsessed he would not eat or drink until he found what the King needed. She only hoped he would find it.

Two hours later Marcus closed the book , Emelie knew that Marcus had done what the King’s advisors had not found the discrepancy. She must protect him until he told the King.

To be continued next week.
©Sheilagh Lee May 16,2012

M is for Mother

2012-05-11T09:43:00.002-07:00

M is for Magnificence

Her beauty well known, but inside and outside my mother was beautiful. She shared with everyone her four tips for being a good person. The four tips tolerance, compassion, empathy and courage.

O is for the Optimism she taught so well. That even when times were bad things would get better.

Many times when I was young my mother scrambled to find the money for food but she always found a way to have the food on the table. We never went hungry and if any neighbour needed some food she found some for them.

T is for the Tolerance she gave to all.

My mother would say to me whenever I wondered why people were mean, try to put yourself in their shoes. Did they have a bad day? Do they have a bad home life? Has anyone ever been nice to them? Is there any way you can make their day better?

H is for the Happiness she spread

Everyone loved my mother. I know a lot people say that about their mothers but with mine it was true. Total strangers became friends to her and she showed them kindness. Her friendship was valued as she would help if needed and just be there.

E is for the energy she always had

She had an inner energy that burned brightly like a candle that seemed like it would never go out.

When I was a child we went on nature walks for miles (km for Canadians now) that she would make so much fun. Talking of the types of trees foliage and in summer picking berries by the side of country roads (you’d never do that today but then you could pick berries).

R is for resilience that she had

She had a lot of strife and many hard times that would have broken most people but she never gave up, she just continued on showing her children that belief that things would get better and that there is always a solution. If those don’t work that make your peace and accept what you cannot change with grace and love. Always be there for your children.

This was my mother. I was fortunate, as was all my siblings to have the best mother ever. Even though she’s gone, I know she’s not far away

Happy Mother’s Day Mom
©Sheilagh Lee May 11,2012

Three Word Wednesday- Child of the Cuckoo's Nest

2012-05-09T09:42:00.001-07:00

Three Word Wednesday-Child of the Cuckoo's Nest -Part 1

Prompts:

Dampen; verb: Make slightly wet; make less strong or intense; reduce in amplitude.

Keep; verb: Have or retain possession of; put or store in a regular place; continue or cause to continue in a specified condition, position, course, etc.; continue doing or do repeatedly or habitually; provide for the sustenance of (someone); honor or fulfill; make written entries in (a diary) on a regular basis; noun: Food, clothes, and other essentials for living.

Tremble; verb: Shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or frailty; be in a state of extreme apprehension; shake or quiver slightly; noun: A trembling feeling, movement, or sound.

Other Three Word Wednesday writer's offerings here.

Child of the Cuckoo's Nest -Part 1

The mother toiled long and hard, bringing the child into the world. The child that was born was handsome, his hair, curly blonde and tight, to his little head. The mother cooed over him and her husband Olaf was proud to call him son.

The other women in the small village fawned over him and envied the woman Emelie. Her husband gave her riches and now he gave her a son? Not any son either but a baby with winsome smile and blue eyes that gleamed like diamonds. It was not fair they claimed, she had everything.

Emelie bathed in the adulation. She had given birth to a child all adored. She would wait until her husband Olaf slept and then creep into the nursery.. Emelie loved to look at the baby, when all were asleep. It was their quiet time just mother and son to be together. She would suckle him at his breast, as she talked to him of all he would accomplish and he would look up at her with his big blue eyes, gurgling.

One night Emilie heard a noise in the nursery as her husband lay beside her trying to go to sleep. Emelie dismissed the noise, even as her breast dampened with the milk waiting to be suckled.Her husband bid her go in and check on the child. When she went into Marcus she thought he looked different somehow but dismissed the idea as preposterous. She got him to lie down and went back into her husband missing her chance to be with her boy that night.

The boy grew and his mother Emelie wondered why he did not walk yet, or talk yet. He could not feed himself and he would not be trained to not wear diapers. He certainly didn’t speak. What had happened to the boy? Then she remembered the noise when he was a baby. Could someone have stolen her child and replaced him with this broken child? Had she been too proud of her son? Emelie thought of how foolish this was. This was her child there was no doubt not in her heart. Even if it was not she would fight to keep this boy. She loved him.

The boy Marcus was slow to walk, finally walking at four years of age, but by then others were noticing, how truly different he was. He could play a harpsichord and sing beautiful pieces and yet he spoke, no word he did not sing. If his father’s accounting books were put before him, even at four years of age; he was able to compute all the sums to totals, faster than any normal full grown man could. He read books in his father’s library beyond his years and yet he did not speak. Others in the small village were afraid of him because he wouldn’t speak or look them directly in the eye. Marcus screamed and trembled, an unholy noise was heard when he was touched. Emelie was careful to protect him and make sure no person touched him but she worried that she had not done enough for the child.

Olaf’s heart grew cold towards the boy. He found him annoying and didn’t hesitate to tell Emelie that he wondered where this child had come from. He began at first to suggest Emelie must have broken their marriage vows to conceive Marcus. Emelie protested that this was not possible begging him to love the child, but Olaf saw only failure in the child and he would not. Finally Marcus told Emelie it was obvious to him that the noise that they heard in the nursery, was a fairy placing her child in Marcus place. Emelie tried to convince him otherwise but Olaf wouldn’t budge. He began to treat the child as if he was a stranger. Emelie grew angry with him and her heart hardened against Olaf, to the point where she kept him from her bed. Finally Olaf left her obtaining an annulment from the priest citing the defective child, as he called Marcus.

Emelie struggled to feed herself and her child.She took jobs cleaning homes of those who took pity on she who had once been the lady of the village. They even allowed her to bring Marcus.

Meanwhile Olaf married another woman in the village. She was pregnant with his son. Carl. Carl was spoiled by Olaf .Olaf said he was grateful now to have a normal child and not one from the cuckoo’s nest. He tried to sour the village against Marcus, but Marcus’ good deeds fixing things that others could not made him well liked in the village.

Marcus learned to speak and was soon speaking the languages that traders brought to the village. Emelie still protected her son he was her world and she did all she could to make him succeed. She sought books from traders spending any spare monies to obtain them for Marcus. These books opened worlds of knowledge for Marcus. Emelie could see that Marcus learned much from them as he began repairing things he found broken and talking of things she'd never heard of.

When her employers well stopped working, Marcus at twelve years of age, conceived a way for it to work again. Marcus was ingenious ,solving problems in the village that even grown man could not. He grew older and Emelie continued to watch over and protect her son.

When Marcus was a mere twenty, the King who had heard of his brilliance begged him to come to his court to solve a problem of great secrecy. None in the village were to know where he went. Marcus however told his mother of the strongly worded request. Emelie was afraid for her son. There were many people at the King’s court and Marcus did not do well with people. Emelie convinced the King’s messenger that she was necessary for Marcus to complete his task and she was able to go with him.

When they went with the messenger all in the village thought the King was punishing them. Olaf was glad. His boy Carl now sixteen, could now succeed without being compared to the cuckoo in the nest Marcus. There were those in the village that rejoiced that the man who made them so uncomfortable was gone. They rejoiced and said a curse was lifted. Others in the village were frightened who now would fix what couldn’t be fixed if Marcus wasn’t there?Marcus was a saviour of their village why couldn’t they see how they had prospered since he started fixing problems in the village?

Emelie was just worried about how to protect her son in the King’s court. Marcus was excited about the books he would be able to read there and did not seem to understand how many people might be there. She would protect her son as she always had he would be safe in this world. She would make it so.

To be continued next week

©Sheilagh Lee May 9,2012

Three Word Wednesday- May Day

2012-05-02T09:10:00.002-07:00

Three Word Wednesday- May Day

For Other Three Word Wednesday Posts click here

Prompts: Generous; adjective: (Of a person) showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected; showing kindness toward others; (of a thing) larger or more plentiful than is usual or necessary.

Just; adjective: Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair; (of treatment) deserved or appropriate in the circumstances; adverb: Exactly; exactly or almost exactly at this or that moment.

Penalize; verb: subject to some form of punishment; (in various sports) punish (a player or team) for a breach of the rules by awarding an advantage to the opposition; put in an unfavorable position or at an unfair disadvantage; law make or declare (an act or offense) legally punishable.

May Day

It was Beltane, the first of May but these savages didn’t seem to celebrate the coming of summer. Tuatha missed the festival, the dancing and the joy of the coming summer. Tuatha would have been able to join the dance of fertility this year and pick a husband; instead she was condemned to be a slave by these conquering peoples. There would be no bonfire, no singing, and no feasting, for Tuatha this year. A ship had transported her to foreign land to slavery.

Had she been penalized by the Goddess for her vanity? If so that wasn’t just she hadn’t been as overly vain as other maidens in her village. She hadn’t been generous with herself as others had. She was still a maid and what was her reward? She had been dragged to these strange lands and now served her mistress fetching and carrying and fending off her mistress’s lecherous husband Adalbert. She would keep herself pure and escape to her people one day that was her dream.

Home! Would she find any of her peoples there, or would they all be with different tribes, as she was serving their masters? The language of her masters was not one she had mastered, having been with them for only a month. How Tuatha missed her sisters. Her mother’s soft voice as she woke them in the morning. Even her father’s scolding would sound good to her right now. She wanted to be in her father’s dwelling, but she feared that would never be possible. Tuatha finished preparing her mistress and master's food and placed them on a tray.

Tuatha crept into her mistresses’ room with the drink and food. She bent to wake her and found her mistress dead. She turned to wake her master and found that he was also dead. She became afraid lest she be blamed for the deaths. Granted her mistress and master appeared to be old, most likely she had been sixty years or more on this earth. However they both died at the same time and the slave was always blamed first lest they have poisoned their masters. But where could she flee? If she fled they would take it for a sign of her guilt. Surely that would make things worse. Tuatha knew there was no escape. She raised the alarm, letting them know in sign language her mistress and master was dead. They nattered on in their language but she didn’t understand. She was seized by rough hands and shaken then bound. Her hands and feet were wrapped in rope

They placed her in a boat alongside her mistress and master. Then the boat was set ablaze. She should have run she thought.

As the flames grew higher and Tuatha knew there was no escape she closed her eyes. Bidding her life goodbye and she left her body and her spirit travelled to her home Brigantia, but as she looked around she saw nothing but ashes. Brigantia was gone. It had probably been burnt in the same raid they had taken her as a slave. Did that mean her family had been taken prisoner too? Or were they like her now dead.

She felt a tug and a pull as a light appeared before her she followed. There she saw her mother’s face, her sisters smiling .She touched her mother’s face as her mother smiled. Her father was there too. Tuatha was home.

©Sheilagh Lee May 2, 2012

Three Word Wednesday& Motivation Monday Post

2012-04-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Since it’s been a very bad week and I haven’t had time to write anymore since Monday I’m combining my #MotivationMonday

& Three Word Wednesday Post this week (click on writing name posts to read more posts at site.)

#MotivationMonday prompt “It’s too late to apologize.”

Three Word Wednesday prompts:

Bloody; adjective: Covered, smeared, or running with blood; involving or characterized by bloodshed or cruelty; verb: Cover or stain with blood.

Kinky; adjective: involving or given to unusual sexual behavior; having kinks or twists.

Tender; adjective: Showing gentleness and concern or sympathy; (of food) easy to cut or chew; not tough; (of a part of the body) sensitive to pain; young, immature, and vulnerable; requiring tact or careful handling.

Forgiveness?

It's too late to apologize. Too late for them to say I’m sorry. Life goes on they say but it doesn’t for me. They are gone and I am alive. If you can call this being alive .I am a shadow of my former self.

The driver that struck my car was drunk. He had more than one beer before getting in front of the wheel. It was probably closer to six beers. I guess that is his kink drinking. My husband and my children are separated from me. I can’t touch them .I can’t tuck my little boy and girl tenderly into bed and kiss them goodnight. He can kiss his wife every day and be with his children. I hate him with every fibre of my being. I would wish vengeance upon him. A biblical curse on him of a plague of locusts, or some such evil visited upon him; if it didn’t touch his family. It’s not their fault he drove drunk and killed. Starring at his children I know they love him, as does his wife, my sister. She’s glad he is alive, in the hospital and will get well again. Walk again; live again with her and their children. She wipes away tears I know are for me, but then she smiles as she looks at him.

“I am so sorry.” Derek keeps muttering like that will help. I note his bloody head underneath the bandage but I have no sympathy only burning rage.

I don’t forgive him as I prepare for the funeral. I am dressed in my best dress. It does wonders for my eyes. People are crying all around me and I feel like I should gulp back tears, but I can’t I too angry. I hear gasps as Derek has entered the church in a wheelchair being pushed by his wife. My sister begs my forgiveness and I bend a little. She has done nothing to me.

Someone else comes up to me and whispers

“Forgive.” in my ear but I ask “How?”

I stare at the people at the funeral and I feel their pain as well as mine. If I am to continue I must lose this pain, this anger. I must accept what I cannot change. It is time for them to take the coffin to the grave .I must tell them goodbye but I don’t want to.

“I am so sorry Charlene. I will never drink again.” Derek retorts crying and touching my arm.

All eyes upon Derek as the police interrupt the service and handcuff Derek to take him to jail. I should be happy, but I am not; all I see is my sister Karen’s pain and the children crying for their Daddy.

I whisper in Derek’s ear “I forgive you “and I am instantly encompassed in bright light, a corridor before me. As I travel down the lit corridor, surrounded by the illuminating glow which feels like love I hear...

“Goodbye Charlene.” my husband exclaims touching my coffin.

“Goodbye Mommy” my little girl and boy retort throwing a rose before they close my coffin.

I am at peace.

©Sheilagh Lee April 25, 2012
When I originally wrote this Monday I had no idea by the afternoon my BIL would die suddenly and unexpectantly.I dedicate this story to him.

RIP Darcy Lee

Three Word Wednesday-Forever

2012-04-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

Three Word Wednesday -Forever.

Click image for more Three Word Wednesday offerings from others
Prompts:

Dependence; noun: The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else; reliance on someone or something for financial support; addiction to drink or drugs.

Kept; past and past participle of keep.

Rumple; verb: Give a creased, ruffled, or disheveled appearance to; noun: An untidy state.

Forever

She had kept her promise she was back. Olivia put her key in the lock and turned it entering the house quickly. She looked around all was quiet in the house. Olivia was glad to be home but tired from the long drive, she swept up the stairs and went to bed.

“Livie you’re here. You’re finally here. You ‘ve been away so long I missed you.” Olivia heard waking from a sound sleep.

“Mere?” she asked.

“Yes silly who else would it be. I’m so glad you’re home. Will you play dolls with me and games ...and” Meredith rattled on.

“Later. There is lots of time.” Olivia answered.

“Please Livie.” begged Mere.

“Okay then one game of hearts, after my shower. I still have to go into town and get some things.”

“But you’re coming back, right Livie?”Mere pleaded.

“Yes. Mere.”

Olivia passed the next hour with Meredith playing hearts with her sister and even giving in and playing Barbies.

“I have to go honey, but I’ll be back.” Olivia promised.

“Don’t leave Livie. I’ll be good, please don’t leave me again.” implored Mere.

“I’ll be back, I have this dependence on food you see.So I must go buy some.” Olivia joked.

“You’re funny Olivia.”

Olivia went out through the kitchen door, but her parents sitting at the kitchen table never even looked up.

Arriving at the grocery store, Olivia went up and down the aisles picking up cereal, bread, cold cuts and fruit.

“Olivia Hunsuckle. Well as I live and breathe. How nice to see you again.”

“Hello, Mrs. Franks.”

“You’ve been gone a long time. I’m so sorry for what happened to you.” Mrs. Franks stated, looking like she was searching for something in Olivia’s face, she couldn’t quite see.

“Yes I have been gone awhile.” Olivia replied, not committing herself. Olivia really wanted to get away from Mrs. Franks, as she was a known gossip.

“Would you like to borrow my iron? Your skirt is rumpled from all that travelling you’ve been doing. Now, where was it you were staying?” Mrs. Franks continued probing.

“I didn’t say where I was staying, but thank you Mrs. Franks, I’ll be fine. I don’t need to borrow your iron. There’s one at the house. I have to go now.” Olivia replied politely.

Olivia then went to the check-out paid for her groceries and got into her little red Hyndai. She stared at the old church in the square as she passed it. So many memories of her and her family, going to Sunday services there. She passed the public school she attended and glanced over quickly at it. She remembered playing on the school ground with her friends and skipping during recess. As she rounded the bend near her house ,a truck came at her and she had to jam on the breaks and swerve to avoid it hitting her.

“Whoo, close call.” she thought, as she continued driving arriving home a few minutes later.

Entering the house she went to the kitchen hoping to get a glimpse of her parents once again.

“Mom ? Dad?’ she called

“Olivia?” her mother asked sounding surprised.

“Olivia?” her father enquired.

“Daddy? Mommy? Oh I’m so glad to see you.” Olivia uttered.

“Oh, Olivia.” Her father stated sadly.

“We’re glad to see you too honey but we didn’t think we’d see you so soon.” her mother replied.

“Why I was here this morning.”

“Did you tell her yet?” Meredith asked excitedly.

“Tell me what Mere?” questioned Olivia.

“Hush Meredith. Let your sister adjust to this.” the mother bade.

“Adjust to what seeing you as ghosts? I saw Meredith this morning, when I woke up and then I saw both you and Dad in the kitchen, this morning.” Olivia explained.

“You have to tell her Laura.” Olivia’s father exclaimed.

“No.” Laura, Olivia’s mother argued whispering loudly.

“Just tell me and get it over with.” Olivia demanded. “How much worse could it be, then you all being murdered, when I was at summer camp?”

“This is worse.” Olivia’s father claimed.

“Daddy it should make her happy .She’ll never ever have to go away again and she can stay with us forever.” Meredith pronounced.

“What are you saying Meredith?” Olivia queried.

“I’m sorry Olivia the truck hit your car.” began Laura.

“No it didn’t I avoided it.”

“That was two days ago Olivia. You’ve been dead two days.” Her father answered.

“I’m not dead. You are all dead, don’t confuse the issue.”

“I thought you’d be happy, now you never have to go away Livie. You can stay with us forever.” Meredith cried happily.

Olivia didn’t want to believe them, but as she thought about what they had said, she found herself reliving the accident.

Her little red car went around the bend and the truck was coming straight at her. She jammed on the brakes and the car swerved, but the truck kept coming .It was then she felt the bending metal and heard the grinding sounds, the shattering of glass, as her head hit the windshield. The next thing she knew, she was standing outside of the car looking in at the crumpled car. She peered in and saw a body lying there bloodied and battered. They had told the truth she realized as she floated back to the house.

“Oh good, you’re back let’s play Barbie’s.” Meredith replied, taking her sister’s hand. “Now we can all be together forever.”

“Yes, Mere. Forever.” Olivia agreed, climbing the stairs to Meredith’s room and smiling.

©Sheilagh Lee April 18,2012

Titles of your book and why they matter

2012-04-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

So you wrote a book. Did you think long and hard about the title? The title you picked is going to be with you and your book for a long time.That title along with the blurb of your book and its cover, may decide whether the reader decides to buy and read your book.
Would readers have read 'Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen if it was called Mr.Darcy?
Would readers have read 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott if it was called Orchard House?
Maybe to both questions but would their titles have as much impact.You spent all that time writing the book so spend some time thinking of a title that the reader will like and how it applies to the story in your book.Remember though not everyone will like your title, but as long as a few people do its a good title.
Just to back up this argument more consider movie titles a lot of thought goes into them because a bad title can mean movie viewers won't come and see their movie.So think about that title and if you get really stuck run a contest and/or get some help from your fellow authors who can help.

The Fairy Stones -Conclusion

2012-04-11T08:21:00.001-07:00

The Fairy Stones -Conclusion

If you missed Part 1 of the Fairy Stones click here

Part 2 here

Part 3 here
Part 4 here
Part 5 here
Part 6 here
Part 7 here
Part 8 here

The Fairy Stones -Conclusion

I was taken to a building nearby where I stayed for the week as around me orders were given for the wedding. A dress was carefully made for me. Silk from the finest silkworms, gold fillets and jewels were sewn into the dress by eager fairies. Gauze and lace layered over the dress to make me appear a beautiful fairy bride.

The morning of the wedding at the crack of dawn I sprang out of bed looking out of the room’s windows I was appalled to find a rare rain falling down in Fairy land. Where was the wedding to take place? All the preparations had been made for an outdoor wedding.

I took a huge breath.it was early yet the wedding wasn’t to take place until noon. I got up and decided to paint a picture of the wedding I envisioned. I carefully replaced the rain with a rainbow .I pictured a cathedral grove of trees as my aisle reflecting sunlight throughout. I had painting for some time when I realized it was getting late. I put my paints aside and was helped into my dress. It was then I noticed the sun was now shining.

As I was taken to the wedding I saw something that left me speechless. My painting had come alive this was where I would be married among trees of green a rainbow above us. Jaime, my father took me down the aisle decorated with garlands of flowers. My mother sat in the front row smiling at me.

Robin had procured a priest from Scotland to preside over our wedding and when he asked who gives this woman it marriage. Four people chimed in in unison.

“Her mither 'n' ah do.” Jaime stated.

“I do.” the reply came from Kings Petru, Aleferic and Fáelán.

I smiled as they shouted this but then I worried where would we live that they wouldn’t fight over us?

The ceremony was soon over and the partying began. It was a magical day but I still had fears as we danced I asked Kellen.

“They will all argue over where we will live.”

“We wull travel from land tae land spending our time throughoot the lands.” Kellen announced wisely to all the Kings

“For in the forest lies a land bordered on all, Elfin, Fairy, and Goblin. If you need us we will come.”

Cheers erupted. They were all sure we would bring them peace. The night was soon upon us and we bid our adieus to begin our married life.

I know you think this is a fairy tale all wine and roses but no life is so and I was not a foolish girl with such silly illusions. Without strife, without argument or love lies dying. We would have our fights, our triumphs our sorrow, but the one thing we now had together was all our tomorrows’. I was content in Kellen’s life and arms.

Three Word Wednesday- The Fairy Stones -Part 8- i)-The Goblin King

2012-04-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

Three Word Wednesday- The Fairy Stones -Part 8- i)-The Goblin King

check out the other 3 Word Wednesday posts by others by clicking picture above.

If you missed Part 1 of the Fairy Stones click here

Part 2 here

Part 3 here
Part 4 here
Part 5 here
Part 6 here
Part 7 here

Draft; noun: A preliminary version of a piece of writing; a plan, sketch or rough drawing; compulsory recruitment for military service; a current of cool air in a room or other confined space; verb: Prepare a preliminary version; pull or draw; adjective: Denoting beer or other drink that is kept in and served from a barrel or tank rather than from a bottle or can.

Locate; verb: Discover the exact place or position of; place within a particular context; establish oneself or one's business in a specified place.

Serenity; noun: The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

The Fairy Stones -Part 8- i)-The Goblin King

Walking down the long dark path I began to falter. How was I to defeat a Goblin King and get back Kellen? No I was determined whatever it took I would get Kellen back. He was only in this position because he had let me go.

“So Robin tell me anything you know about the Goblin King.” I demanded

“What do you know about Goblins?”

“Nothing. I’ve heard of them but that’s all.”

“Goblin’s ur thieves though they prefer tae think o' themselves as borrowers. They ur quick sae ne'er can turn yer back oan them or you’ll lose yer purse. They like tae negotiate. Ah think they like the arguments. They like tae align themselves with maist powerful especially if thare is a deal in thare fur thaim. Thay lik' tae kick back a draft of the mead or twa They have a strict code if someone saves thair life they ur indebted tae that being fur life. That being becomes part o' the Goblin clan.”

“So you get on their good side. We will try that Robin. Maybe give them something in trade for Kellen but what have I to give them? How can I locate him?”

“Did ye bring jewels? They like gold, silver 'n' braw stones.”

“I have my pearls and my grandmother’s ruby necklace she bequeathed me.”

“Ah then th' rubies wull have tae do. Come noo we have miles tae go 'til we reach their encampment.”

We marched for hours and when I grew tired it was then we stopped as we came into a copse that enclosed the path, I saw a lake hidden amongst the trees. The lake was bordered by two cliffs and the path I was now on.

What an idyllic place for a picnic I thought taking out my packed food and the bread and cheese I had. It was if serenity had completely overtaken me. I sat down then handed some food to Robin. Would we have to swim to the edge to climb the cliffs and continue our journey? Robin sitting next to me suddenly shouted to me, oddly enough I heard it as a whisper.

“Hide behind the tree. This is a dangerous steid”

I scampered to hide from whatever had frightened Robin. I peered out and to my surprise saw figures high on the cliff top above the lake.

Robin uttered something I just couldn’t quite hear as I saw figures fighting up on the cliff. Two massive creatures seemed to be fighting with the smaller one. They were hideous to look at with wrinkled gangly bodies, the colour of dried earth, eyes hidden in their long tangled dirt filled hair the length of their body. Their noses were pink and long hiding their mouths, and feet the size of newborn babies. They shook the other creature red in colour. It’s ears pointed and erected close to its skull, It’s eyes pleading with the heavens for its life were yellow. I noticed its mouth was filled with numerous spikey teeth as it pleaded with the monsters not to harm it. The monsters took the small creatures’ long gangly arms tied them behind its back and then tying his feet also with rope threw him into the lake with a huge splash.

“I cannot swim.” cried the figure as his head bobbed up and down in the water but they laughed and ran away.

My heart went out to the creature. This seemed cruel he was terrified of the water.Before I had even thought about it I dove in. I had been swimming in the locks since I was a child every summer at my grandfather’s .I could swim better than most men. Grandfather had marvelled at it but told me to keep it to myself as some would think me a witch for my prowess.

The being struggled as if he thought I was trying to drowned him but I managed to wrestle him to shore after he passed out. I began to breathe life into his mouth, as I had seen the horse doctor breath into the newborn colt.

“Do ye ken who ye have saved?” asked Robin, shocked when he saw the face of the creature life I protected.

“I’ve never seen him before. It is a he right?” I asked seizing my breath sounds into him hearing his lungs fill with air.

“Aye, tis a he. He's...”

“He’s glad to meet such a beauteous lassie.” the creature I saved replied his yellow gold eyes now starring up at me.

“Hello I’m...”

She’s Bess. Future Queen o' th' fairies 'n' future Queen o' th' Elfin 'n' nae fur th' likes o' ye .” Robin answered.”

“Bess? The great legend Bess?” asked the creature before me then started reciting...

'Fairy and queen.

A child named Bess

We do confess

Will save the fairies

When she marries

From war and doom

When a fairy seeks a boon

She will fear and run away

But coming back another day

After calling her ring

Will save Goblin King

From nasty Trolls who seek to kill

Save of her own free will

And thus achieve immortality

As Goblin King sees the reality

Goblin kin acknowledged now

Bess shall be of tribes all three

And all shall attend her on bended knee.'

“I’m King Petrus of the Woodland Goblins.” He responded speaking to me as he concluded” Thank you for saving my life fair Bess. Now marry me.”

Ugh, why was it that the first thing out of these men’s mouths, even supernatural men’s mouths was ‘Marry me?’

“I can’t marry you. I’m already married to Prince Kellen of the Fairies.

“Nonsense he’s not married. He would have told me. He was supposed to marry an Elizabeth, but she ran away.”

“I did not run away. I went home to tell my otherworld family. We are married.” I insisted.

“Have you said the marriage vow before witnesses?”

“We have.” I lied.

“My son shall celebrate your reunion then this night “King Petrus commanded. “And I shall give you your bridegroom, if that is what he wishes.”

“Your son? No I am married to Kellen.”

“Kellen is my son. I made him so when he saved me from the gargoyles. I offered him his choice of bride but he has not picked one.”

“Is he well?” I asked ignoring this.

“Kellen is well. I must caution you though Kellen is my son and now my heir under goblin law, if he doesn't want to be your groom anymore then i will decide your fate. Now come we head to the Goblin woodlands.”

We followed the path. Hidden beyond some trees I saw the path went around the lake. I would see Kellen soon and I looked forward to it but would he still want me? I cringed as Petrus looked over at me in a look akin to lust.

“She is merrit tae Kellen ye best forget her except as yer daughter.” Robin pronounced sounding annoyed.

“You must still prove your marriage when we arrive and' if your free then instead we will marry.” Petrus suddenly stated.

“As ah said she is merrit 'n' beyond yer reach except as faither.”Robin responded putting me beside him and out of Petrus’ reach.”

“We shall see.” Petrus countered.

We arrived at the Goblin enclave to cheers from all the many goblins. Eyes of yellow and red starred at me

There were some red skinned ones, yellow skinned ones and forest green and they all clamoured around their King.

“Where is Kellen?” I demanded.

“Kellen went to save Petrus for the Trolls.” answered one Goblin.

“Thank you Aertrius.”Petrus answered.

A huge shout rang through the air and I turned and saw Kellen. Kellen’s hair gleamed as black as midnight .His hair was curly but it had grown out long and luxurious. His eyes gleaming sky blue looked at me like I was his favourite food.

“I’m not dreaming Bess, my wife and my life you are here?”Kelland exclaimed running to me.

He took me in his arms spinning me up above his head.

“So this fairy is your bride Kellen?”demanded Petrus looking dismayed.

“Bess is ma guidwife ah claim her under Marriage per verba de praesenti. She is my guidwife.”

“And he is my husband.” I declared back knowing that this was a declaration under Scots law of marriage.

“You wound me I thought to make you my bride.” Petrus exclaimed.

You forget the prophecy.” Robin claimed.

“I recited it for you all ready.” Petrus whined.

“You forgot the most important part of the prophecy.”” Robin declared.

“A daughter born of fairies fair,

A son born of elfin rare,

True love will bloom

As passions zoom

Child of passion

Not fairy, human or elfin

But all three

So shall he be

He will cross the divide

And to his love he will abide

To make a true alliance of elfin,

She’ll declare she is his wife

And so together they’ll make a life

As he declares her life shared

His life in her hands paired

A lasting peace for all not some

For all eternity to come.

“I have not heard this part before. You are sure ?They bring peace in their union?”

“Yes.” answered Robin.

King Petrus looked over at me and then at Kellen and a slow smile came over his face that relived my worry.

“Very well who am I to argue with prophecy? You two are very clever and most suited for one another. Since I would see Kellen happy and because you both saved my life, I would see you wed before all. Robin Goodfellow can find someone to do the honours. Shall we invite all of fairyland, elfin and Goblin kin, my beloved daughter?”

“Thank you Petrus.” I replied, breaking out of Kellen’s grip and kissing Petrus on the cheek as Petrus blushed.

“The wedding will take a week to prepare .Your declaration must hold, so for one week you shall not see each other. This shall make your marriage day and night all the sweeter.” Petrus declared, as we were pulled apart and Kellen was spirited away.

© Sheilagh Lee April 11, 2012

Vimy's Valour- The 95th Anniversary/ Remembrance of #Vimy

2012-04-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's been ninety- five years since the battle of Vimy Ridge but Vimy was a key battle in the birth of our nationhood of Canada. Instead of just feeling like British subjects, our troops coming together to achieve a great victory and not only help the world but save our country from the enemies tyranny made the people of Canada proud to be Canadian. These young men had families like us and lives but they gave their blood and many their lives so we could have peace.So ninety five years alter we thank them. My poem of thanks for them below.

Vimy’s Valour

On Vimy’s ridge they made their stand

To take back the ridge and all the land

By nightfall after three battling long days

As around them as they did gaze

Three thousand five hundred and ninety eight

Died for country and kin their fate,

While lying wounded seven thousand and four

Did rally wounded evermore,

John George Pattison, Lance-Sergeant Ellis Wellwood Sifton

And William Johnstone Milne

Crawled over hill and dale

To save their men

Dogging bullets and to hell they did send

Killing the enemies one by one

And stopping the gun

From killing their troops

They gave their lives to try it all again

Thain Wendell MacDowell did the same surviving a wounded hand

Thwarting seventy seven German forces taking back the land

As they surrendered and held despite his gash

All four received Victoria’s Cross.

One retained their life

And continued obtaining a wife

But we remember their valour still

And celebrate their lives

Though ninety five years have passed

We forget you not

Canadians all brave, and true.

You made Canadians proud

And we thank you.

© Sheilagh Lee April 9, 2012

Quoted From Wikipedia: The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a military engagement fought primarily as part of the Battle of Arras, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the Canadian Corps, of four divisions, against three divisions of the German Sixth Army. The battle, which took place from 9 to 12 April 1917, was part of the opening phase of the British-led Battle of Arras, a diversionary attack for the French Nivelle Offensive.

The objective of the Canadian Corps was to take control of the German-held high ground along an escarpment at the northernmost end of the Arras Offensive. This would ensure that the southern flank could advance without suffering German enfilade fire. Supported by a creeping barrage, the Canadian Corps captured most of the ridge during the first day of the attack. The town of Thélus fell during the second day of the attack, as did the crest of the ridge once the Canadian Corps overcame a salient of considerable German resistance. The final objective, a fortified knoll located outside the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, fell to the Canadian Corps on 12 April. The German forces then retreated to the Oppy–Méricourt line.

2012-04-07T20:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter

Crucifix

“We tried to be like him but I don’t know if I can do this.”

“A few more weeks until Easter and Good Friday. Let's keep it going.”

“No I don’t want to. I’m too tired”

“You need to be ready.”

“I’ll try to be ready.”

“You need to be in condition to carry the weight.”

“I know. I’ll try to be ready.”

“I bought you some new weights.”

“Thanks.”

“These can help you lift up 600 pounds.”

“I said thanks.”

“When will you start working out with them?”

“Tomorrow will be soon enough.”

“You can never practice enough “

“I am ready now.”

“I’ll tell you when you’re ready.”

“How did you get ready for it?”

“I didn’t prepare enough and barely survived. It is a great sacrifice.”

“I gave up sugar for Lent.”

“This is the ultimate sacrifice you are recreating the walk of our saviour.”

“I will be ready.”

“Good enough. A few more weeks until your crucifixion.”

© Sheilagh Lee April 7,2012

Three Word Wednesday -The Fairy Stones -Part 7

2012-04-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Three word Wednesday -The Fairy Stones -Part 7

check out the other 3 Word Wednesday posts by others by clicking picture above.

If you missed Part 1 of the Fairy Stones click here

Part 2 here

Part 3 here
Part 4 here
Part 5 here
Part 6 here

Prompts :Growl; verb: make a low guttural sound of hostility in the throat; (of a person) say something in a low grating voice, typically in a threatening manner; noun: A low guttural sound made in the throat; a low throaty sound made by a machine or engine.

Hype; noun: Extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion; a deception carried out for the sake of publicity; verb: promote or publicize (a product or idea) intensively, often exaggerating its importance or benefit.

Justify; verb: show or prove to be right or reasonable; be a good reason for.

The Fairy Stones -Part 7

Evening dawned and I dressed in the garment, my mother had quickly procured for me. She had had a seam stress come in and alter it so it fit me like it was made for me. It was white and delicate with lace throughout it like gossamer. A fine golden thread was woven throughout lighting it up like a ray of sunlight. The neck however was indecently low. The newest fashion hype was to bare one’s bosoms. I found myself picking up a needle and thread and sewing in a panel made from a handkerchief, to hide my charms from Laird MacCormack. I felt fully justify as I must not make myself appealing in any way to Laird MacCormack. I would wear it tonight then remove it and pack it carefully to take with me. It would make a wonderful wedding dress to marry Kellen.

I waited in the drawing room escorted there by the butler and a guard of servants at the door. It was clear, I still was not trusted. If I hope to escape tonight, they must be convinced I would agree to their wishes and marry Laird MacCormack. Robin had promised to come back this evening when I called and help me escape to save Kellen but I couldn’t do that with all these guards watching my every move.

The doors to the drawing room opened and Mother ushered herself in followed by a man .This man was tall over six feet but old .He had to be near fifty. He stood very erect reminding me of a military man. His hair was graying at temples, thin and sparse in places. This couldn’t be Laird MacCormack? Technically I was nineteen since I had spent four years in the fairyland but I still felt fifteen. They couldn’t really expect a girl of fifteen to marry someone in his mid-fifties?

Mother carried on a conversation with him.. Mother had put on a dress that made her look younger and beautiful. It matched her blue eyes perfectly. She smiled and preened. I’d never seen her so animated. She seemed enamoured with him She should be the one marry him I thought, then a light bulb went off in my head. I could convince them they should be together and solve everything. My mother would be happy and rich and I could feel I wasn’t leaving my family in the lurch to marry Kellen.

“Elizabeth plays the harpsichord.” Mother exclaimed interrupting my thoughts.

“Mother.”

“Now Elizabeth you could always play the piano. She has a lovely voice.” Mother growled continuing unabated.

“We haven’t met I’m Laird Bruce MacCormack.” He introduced himself to me.

The thing was I liked him. He was a very kind man but too old for me and not Kellen. He would make a great stepfather even if I never saw either of them again. He must see me as a child and my mother as the woman he should marry.

I was feeling naughty and I began to play ‘I Would I Were a Fairy’ by R.F. Houseman and Miss Augusta Browne.

“Elizabeth that song is not appropriate. Really quit acting as a child.”

“How old are you Elizabeth? I thought you were nineteen years of age but you don’t look older then fifteen.”

“My mother has incredible genes she’s passed on to me.”

"Aye ah know. I met yer mither when she wis thirteen.” then turning to my mother he asked “Do ye mind Ainsling? Your horse wis a gied the pitch 'n' ah stopped it?"

“Aye. I remember,the horse shimmied, I fell and you caught me.”

“Do you remember the kiss Ainsling?”

“Laird MacCormack you forget yourself. You are engaged to my daughter.”

“Aye but twas nae I that signed th' contracts but my Father.”

“So you will not honour your word?”

“We shall see I shall surely marry a Yarbourough,”He replied vaguely. He starred straight past me seeing my mother not me. My plan was working he saw me as a child not the woman he should marry. He was thinking of marrying her. I knew it. I smiled back at him conspiratorially then I picked out a sheet of music.

“Sing ‘Oh! Susanna’. The song came out last year and its very pretty.” mother encouraged taking the sheet of music I had picked and placing back on the piano below her choice.

“Not last year mother it was written way before I was born it came out in 1848.Why that’s over forty years ago.”

“Oh, a song from mah youth.” Laird MacCormack commented. ”Please go ahead 'n' sing it.”

I knew he was older than I thought. Maybe he was fifty five? No his hair was white, but I was starting to believe he was closer to mother in age perhaps only seven or eight years older than her, especially after his story. If I could only get them to dance together my plan would work.

“I shall sing and play the song, but you and mother must dance to it.”

“Aye Ainsling it wid be fin tae dance tae sic a song.”

“Very well then, one dance wouldn’t hurt.”

My mother and Laird MacCormack danced across the floor. My mother seemed like but a girl in his arms. Delight showed in her face. When I finished the song she looked embarrassed and flushed and sought to gain back her composure.

“May I have a few minutes alone with your daughter?” asked Laird MacCormack.

My mother’s face showed pain that she quickly hid, as she ensconced to his request leaving the drawing room.

“Elizabeth?” began Laird MacCormack.

“I can’t marry you.” I finished.

“How did ye ken that wis whit ah wanted tae say?” Laird MacCormack asked in surprise.

“It’s in every look you give my mother. How long have you loved her?”

“I fell in love with her whin bit a laddie o' nineteen 'n' she wis thirteen, to young tae court 'n' marry. Ah waited two years bit whin ah cam back she wis married to yer faither.”

“You love her still?” I queried.

“Aye ah do. If she'll huv me wull ye be mah daughter.”

“You know I’m adopted? What if she can’t have nay children?”

“"If we huv na bairns mah nephew Fergus wull be mah heir."

“Then you have my blessing Father.” I exclaimed.

“Now to git mah bride and convince her she is.”Laird MacCormack pronounced.

I only hope Grandfather would be as willing of his suit. I watched him leave then slipped up to my room collecting everything I wanted to take with me in a small burlap bag. I write out a letter to my mother and Laird MacCormack

Love is rare and worth its weight in gold. I seek my love and will be reunited with him. If I can ,I will come back to visit you someday. Until then be happy together.

Your loving daughter Elizabeth

I summoned Robin once more with the ring and he appeared.

“Urr ye ready tae put right yer wrong 'n' save Prince Kellen?”

“I am we shall save him and then ...”

“'n' then thare wull be th' finest fairy bridle we've ever seen.” Robin interrupted.

“Aye the finest fairy wedding anyone has ever seen, but first we must save my beloved Kellen. How are my parents Jaime and Eolande?”

“They ur merrit 'n' living happily in th' Elfin world. Eolande 'n' Jaime huv baith asked fur Kellen release bit th' Elfin Laird hears thaim not.”

“Tell me all Robin, where is he being held?” I begged.

“Mistress th' elfin King Aelfric wis angered by yer disappearance 'n' he blamed Kellen. He teuk him foremaist tae th' elf world 'n' then he sent him tae th' Goblin King Petrus .He lies in a Goblin jyle.”

“Then we will conceive a plan and save him for I am of elfin blood and fairy and I can save my beloved.” I claimed shaken but determined.

We sneak out of the house. Walking over some hills what seem like hours we reach a place I’d never been before near some falls. Robin points to behind the falls and utters...

“Here is th' gate mistress, step o'er 'n' we shall tarry tae th' Goblin King's world.”

I follow his advice stepping through and we trudge towards the Goblin village. I stop and consider a plan to save Kellen. I would succeed he would be free. He saved me I would save him.

To be concluded next Wednesday.

© Sheilagh Lee April 4, 2012

Three Word Wednesday-The Fairy Stones Part 6

2012-03-28T08:31:00.004-07:00

check out the other 3 Word Wednesday posts by others by clicking picture above.

If you missed Part 1 of the Fairy Stones click here

Part 2 here

Part 3 here
Part 4 here
Part 5 here

The Fairy Stones -Part 6

Prompts:

Fragrant; adjective: Having a pleasant or sweet smell.

Jostle; verb: Push, elbow, or bump against (someone) roughly, typically in a crowd; struggle or compete forcefully for.

Remnant; noun: A small remaining quantity of something; a surviving trace; adjective: remaining.

I couldn’t believe this. I had been locked in my room the last three days but I’m getting ahead of the tale.

After I came to my grandfather’s home he told me that I was to marry Laird MacCormack. I tried to ask questions about who Laird MacCormack was.

“Whit does it matter tae ye? Ye will mairie him. Your once faither has died 'n' yer mother is penniless. Yer mother the hauf wit thinks wi' her looks tae capture a husband in London. Her looks are not whit wee she had. She's one and thirty now efter all'.”

“My father is dead?”

“Aye. 'Twas th' shock o` yer disappearance. He hud an apoplexy 'n' then he died three days efter. Yer tae blame.”

“I’m to blame? Who fed me to the fairies ring?”

“Ah have decided tae forgive ye, provided ye mairie Laird MacCormack.”

“I will not old man, you are to blame for this predicament. You take responsibility for your actions. I will not marry someone I don’t know.” I angrily demanded.

This uncharacteristic outburst from me rewarded me with a slap across my face, so hard I fell to the floor. I was jostled as my arms were seized by servants and I was hustled to my room. Locks were hammered into the other side of the door and I heard their clicks as they latched against me. My grandfather had decreed that I would stay her until I conceded to his wishes. I was grateful the servants had thought to welcome me home with fragrant fresh fruit and a pitcher of water, for that is all I had the last three days.

I heard a knock a t my door and then heard...

“Dearest? It’s mother.”

“Mother? Will you let me out?”

“Nay I cannot but I will come into to talk.”

Mother entered and did look older than her thirty one. Her hair had streaks of silver that she had tried to cover but didn’t succeed. Wrinkles now appeared beneath her eyes, so like mine and more creases beside her mouth.

“You must do your duty child and marry Laird MacCormack.” my Aunt/mother commanded

“I am only fifteen and not ready for marriage besides you are my Aunt not my mother.”

“I raised you I rocked you as a babe. I comforted you when you fell down and skin and your knee. I am your mother not she who did not want you whose people cast you out.” mother said hurt.

I felt bad she had raised me, then I remembered the servants had rocked me and comforted me not her. But maybe she did have sliver of love for me though I feared not. She only really cared about her needs and her wants after all. I had seen that time and time again growing up as she treated my father with disdain and cruelty when she didn’t get what she wanted. Any remnant of my feelings for her then fled. She wouldn’t fool me with this feigned love. I must have looked at her oddly for she continued...

“You’ve been gone for four years which makes you nineteen. I married at fourteen. You are not too young and your family’s fortune depends on your marriage. You will do this. He will make you a good husband he is wealthy.”

“Is he kind and gentle? Will he talk with me? Share his life with me? Tell me stories and make me laugh.”

“You are a foolish girl, money triumphs all of that.”

“You would say that.”

“Have you ever wanted girl? Have you wished for something beautiful to wear and the plants not to fail? That the sheep would yield a huge crop of wool? Have you worried the bailiff would come take you from your home for taxes to the King? I have suffered so, you have never wanted. But you will, if you don’t help your family by marrying Laird MacCormack. He will be at dinner this evening and you will be a lady. You will not refuse his proposal and you will marry him on Saturday. Is that understood?”

“You can’t make me.”

“I can. There are other men whoa re not as nice. I could sell you to and get much more of a dowry. Be happy that this man will treat you well. He won’t beat you and has promised a generous allowance to you. And once you bear his son and heir you may go your separate ways.”

“You expect me to sell my child to this man?”

“You are a foolish child. It’s time to grow up. You will have wealth position and your own life as long as you are discrete.” my mother continued.

“All of this if I marry a man I don’t know and love. Then give him a son.” I said sarcastically.

“That’s correct dear now you are thinking clearly.” My mother replied thinking I was agreeing. “I’ll let you think on it until tonight. The servants will come this afternoon to make you comely for your fiancée. Think hard Elizabeth and you best do the right thing. Father can be very cruel when thwarted.”

I thought about my Mother and how she had been married at fourteen. Was that the reason she was so bitter? She didn’t really love my father but had been sold to him as I was now being sold to Laird MacCormack? If she hadn’t escaped her marriage how could I? The windows were barred the door locked. If I could convince them I would marry him, maybe I could take refuge with Kelllen? I realized while talking of marriage what I wanted. Kellen had offered me all of these things. He was kind, gentle and caring. He talked to me, listened to me, and he cared about my needs not his own. Good grief, I was in love with him. I had to see and be with him. I pulled the ring from my around my neck and chanted.

“Kellen fairy prince of Scotland true,

My affianced until I say I do,

I call you once I call you twice,

I call you thrice,

To bring you to my side,

For in your heart I do abide.”

Nothing happened. Kellen didn’t appear.

What had happened to him? I wondered. Could he have paid for my escape? Had his father imprisoned him or was it the elfin King?

“You cried missy?” Robin Goodfellow a short burly unlikely looking fairy stood in front of me.

“Where is Kellen?’

“He lies in jyle by yer hand.”

“Jyle?”

“Aye what you call prison.”

“Prison where? Who has him?”

“Ye dae nae care” Robin answered.

“I care, or I would not have tried to summon him.”

“Wull ye risk yer lee tae save him frae th' elfin jyle?”

“I will.”

“Then it be true looove. 'n' ne'er say Robin Goodfellow doesn't hulp th' coorse o' true looove.We wull sleep oan it 'n' in the earlie morrow we shall gang tae save him.”

“I have to go to dinner with the Laird and play the simpering maiden tomorrow though we shall save Kellen.”

“Wha is this Laird? Shall ah slay him fur Kellen?”

“No I’ll handle him then we shall rescue Kellen.”

“Very weel then bit if he tries anythin' Robin wull be there.”

It seemed I had to escape and do the rescuing. I would play nice get them to let down their guard. They would believe I was the simpering maiden, set to marry Laird MacCormack for my family’s sake. I had a prince to rescue because I believed Robin only his imprisonment would keep Kellen from coming to me.

© Sheilagh Lee March 28, 2012

Continued next Wednesday conclusion in two weeks

Three Word Wednesday-The Fairy Stones Part 5

2012-03-21T08:28:00.002-07:00

Three Word Wednesday - The Fairy Stones -Part 5

If you missed Part 1 click here

Part 2 here

Part 3 here
Part 4 here

Prompts: Amateur; noun: A person who engages in a pursuit, esp. a sport, on an unpaid basis; a person considered contemptibly inept at a particular activity; adjective: Engaging or engaged in without payment; nonprofessional.

Diligent; adjective: Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.

Nurture; verb: Care for and encourage the growth or development of; cherish; noun: the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something.

The Fairy Stones -Part 5

I wanted to flee but where could I go? I didn’t know the way out of this land of the fairies. Yet if I refused to marry there would be a war between the fairies and the elves who claimed to be my kin. I was an amateur when it came to politics I knew no way out. Then there was the matter of my parents. they had never nurtured me or raised me but I had grown to care about them. I would also put them in danger. I was between a rock and a hard spot. Maybe my parents could help me with this?

I looked over at my parents behind me and to my dismay saw that whatever had caused them to be invisible to others had now dissipated. I couldn’t leave my parents to the punishment King Fáelán would mete out. I wouldn’t ask them to help me decide. I really didn’t have any choice but to agree. I opened my mouth to tell them so when I was interrupted.

“I seek a boon for myself 'n' Elizabeth, Father. I ask that we have a week tae get tae each other afore the ceremony.”

“Whit say ye Aelfiric. Aye or na?” King Fáelán responded.

“A week to get to know the elfin fairy you’ll spend your life with? It seems a fair trade. I shall return in a week’s time for the weddings.”

“Weddings? I don’t ken” King Fáelán asked.

“Aye my grandson shall marry his fairy love.”

“I didnae gree tae that.”

“My grandson has been grievously wronged, Kept prisoner for sixteen long years would you deny him his heart’s desire?”

“Na.”

“You will agree it is what I require of the peace treaty.” King Aelfric demanded.

“She is fairy she cannae bide in his world 'n' he cannae bide lang here.”

“Aye that is why I invite them to live in the elfin world protected from what would harm them both. My great granddaughter Elizabeth can exist in either world so she may remain here.”

“If ah must gree then in a week's time ah shall see ye fur th' weddings.” conceded King Fáelán.

“Jaime and his fairy Eolonde will come with me for safe keeping and you shall prepare a great feast for the weddings, worthy of elf and fairy union.”

“Aye then.”

I was happy for my parents they obviously loved one another, after all I was result of their love but they were leaving me alone here. I didn’t want to remain here, could I visit my former parents occasionally if I had to marry Kellen? The afternoon I had spent with Kellen had been fun and even romantic at times but he had lied to me. He pretended to be his father and didn’t enlighten me and this was the man (or should I say fairy) I was being forced to marry? At least he had bought me a week to get to know him but could I ever trust him again? I looked sideways at him and some of my mistrust must have shown for he said to me.

“Elizabeth I ken it's a pernicketie situation but can’t we at least get tae know each other afore we fin' another solution?”

“Very well.” I agreed

I was assigned a room in the palace and found lovely clothes to wear in the closet. I was fitted for a dress that would be my wedding gown and then I was able to spend time with Kellen. If I was the kind of girl who was swayed by fine clothes and wealth I would have married him then and there- but I was not. I wanted love and someone who loved me back.

Kellen, however went out of his way to show me the beauty of the fairy world. He was nothing if not diligent in his attention to me. He showed me his people working hard to harvest the food we ate. He showed me fairies spinning materials they made into clothing. Our days were full. On the sixth day he knocked at my bedroom door at sunrise. I opened the door and as he requested.

“Hurry and get dressed Elizabeth or may I call you Bess?”

“You can call me Bess.” I responded. ”What is your hurry?”

“I want to give you a day you’ll never forget but to do so we have to leave in the next few minutes.”

I was curious but also a little wary. Tomorrow I was expected to marry him and although I had gotten to know him better, was I ready for that step? My stomach was doing cartwheels just thinking about the ceremony they expected me to go through with. Maybe his day that I’d never forget would distract me if only for a little while?

As soon as I was dressed I stepped outside of my room,

"I'm taking ye to yer foremaist surprise." Kellen claimed as he blindfolded me.

He led me through the palace and out the front doors and some distance away. I could feel the soft grass under my shoes and smell the honeysuckle in the air and knew I was in the meadow. Kellen lifted my blindfold to show me a picnic breakfast laid out before me. There were succulent grapes and honeydew melons cut in quarters.

“I am not fond o' porridge but ah ken you are so I had them make this for ye. "It's sweetened with honey from oor bees.” Kellen offered to me holding out a bowl that had been covered to keep it hot.

I was flattered he cared enough to find out what I liked for breakfast. I knew he liked berries and cream with a touch of honey. We sat eating on the grass, a blanket spread out with foods and fairy mead in wine glasses. A deer appeared at the side of the forest.

“That is a deer trapped in neither world. He cannae enter our fairy world but he is a majestic buck is he na.”

“I wish he could be set free.” I retorted feeling like the buck trapped in the in between.

“Come we wull go to the fairy spring Bess.” Kellen exclaimed sensing my mood change.

We walked a great distance across hill and dale until we entered another meadow. There in the distance was not a spring as I had pictured but a glorious waterfall spouting out of a cliffside. Kellen led me to the waterfall and held out a ring that he took off his finger and put it on a golden chain he pulled from his pocket. The ruby ring had a symbol in either side that I had seen on the King’s throne.

“You are unhappy and you don’t want to marry me. I know this, so I set you free. Behind this waterfall is a place were fairy and the human world meet and the veil is thin enough for you to cross. I will keep your parents safe this is my pledge. If you should decide you want to come back just call my name and put on this ring I give you freely and whisper

‘Kellen fairy prince of Scotland true

My affianced until I say I do

I call you once I call you twice

I call you thrice

To bring you to my side

For in your heart I do abide’

“But would that not mean I must marry you at some point.” I asked.

“Bess ah wid nae force ye. If at ony time you'll waant tae be free from oor troth call me thus 'n' I wull free ye”.

I was being offered my freedom and protection for my parents. Should I take it? I felt too young to marry even if I did have affection for Kellen. I kissed him gently on his cheek and replied...

“Thank you Kellen.I realize how great a sacrifice this is Perhaps one day I will return to marry you.” Then I stepped through the waterfall and was once again in the Scotland I knew.

I recognized the waterfalls on Scotland’s human side as a spring near my grandfather’s home. I walked briskly to his house. When I arrived at grandfather’s house I brushed the mud from my shoes and entered the house.

“Is it you granddaughter? Have ye brought back yer faither Jaime?”

“You were willing to trade me for my father Jaime. Did you not fear for my safety?”

“Ye huv th' fairy blood. They wouldn't nae harm you. I needed mah wee jimmy back.”

“And yet they cast me out.” I lied angry at his deceit.

“Whit have ye dane lassie that ah shall nae see mah Jaime again?”

“Maybe it is what you have done grandfather.”

“You were gone four years. Whit did ye dae tae make thaim hate ye so?”

“Four years? But I’ve only been gone a week.”

“Na lassie 'twas four lang years bit ye come back in time tae save yer fowk. If the fairies wull nae have ye for mah Jaime then mibbie a wean from yer union with Laird MacCormack kin save him. The mairriage contract kin now be fulfilled and the dowry paid tae save oor homes. We go then tomorra tae make Laird MacCormack honor the contract signed afore ye disappeared. 'N' dinnae think aboot escaping ye wull mairie him even if ah huv tae bar yer door.”

I had left Kellen and the fairyland for this? Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Would he believe me if I told him Jaime didn’t want to come back? I truly believed he would not. I now appeared destined to be some man’s bride and my child stolen for the fairies gift so my grandfather could get his Jaime back. What could I do?

Continued next week

© Sheilagh Lee March 21, 2012

Lucky charm

2012-03-17T14:51:00.005-07:00

“This is one stupid excuse for a holiday.” Brett stated

“It’s not a stupid holiday; St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland.” I answered.

“Do you believe that nonsense?”

“No but I enjoy the beer.”

“Why aren’t we drinking beer?” Brett whined

"Because we have a death to solve."

"So what did his friends say?"

“He chased a leprechaun, he claimed was his lucky charm and tripped down the embankment. Fell into the culvert, face first drowning in the shallow water.”

“You’re joking. You can’t believe that?” my partner retorted.

“Oh I believe he was drunk too much of that green beer, he and his foolish friends all thought they chased a leprechaun.”

I scrambled down the embankment to get a better look going into the long dark tunnel. A few seconds alter I came out and said

“I wish I’d been drinking some green beer because here’s the leprechaun “

The leprechaun came out grumpy and sullen.

“You disturb me rest again? All I wanted was some Guinness to wet me whistle but I forgot the craiceáilte people come out their shells on St. Patrick’s Day. Is it me fault da crazy Sassenach followed me back to me abode? He kept asking for me gold. I suppose you’ll want the same?

“No just an explanation about his death.”

“He chased me down the embankment, fell into da water, afore I could pull him out he was gone. I said me prayers and summoned the likes of ye.”
“So how are we going to write this up?” asked my partner.

“Death by misadventure. Just another St. Patrick’s Day.” I wrote in my casebook.

© Sheilagh Lee March 17, 2012

Three Word Wednesday- The Fairy Stones -Part 4

2012-03-14T09:22:00.001-07:00

if you missed Part 1 click here

Part 2 here

Part 3 here

Prompts: Baffle; verb: Totally bewilder or perplex; restrain or regulate (a fluid, sound, etc.); noun: A device used to restrain the flow of a fluid, gas, or loose material or to prevent the spreading of sound or light in a particular direction.

Elegant; adjective: Pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.

Negate; verb: Nullify; make ineffective; deny the existence of (something).

The Fairy Stones -Part 4

The King’s guard dragged my mother Eolande and my father Jaime letting them stand unchained before the monarch.

“Ye have defied your King. Has hochmagandy teuk place again?” the King asked of my parents.

My mother looked like she would open her mouth but my father put his hand on her arm and she said nothing.

“We found thaim wit' there clothes oan yer majesty.” the guard answered.

“That does negate that we found thaim together.” the other guard argued.

“They are in love, show some compassion. Please let them go.” I begged running up and throwing my parents behind me.

“You do not command a King.” King Fáelán answered.

I looked at him in surprise this didn’t even seem the same man I had sat and talked with and yet he looked the same.I was baffled.

“Step forth 'n' take yer punishment.” ordered King Fáelán “Or do ye cower behind yer wean?”

Anger so fierce came over me, to my surprise sparks flew out my fingernails. Overhead thunder rumbled and the sky grew dark overhead of me. Yet the sun shone in the rest of the sky. Fairies looked at the sky directly over me, in surprise. Fog then seeped over my parents completely covering them.

Was this my doing? Had I tapped unknown fairy ability? Growing confidence I retorted through clenched teeth. “You will not harm them.”

“Harm thaim? Thay have disappeared. How kin I harm thaim? Who has done this? Ah ken Eolande isn’t strong enough tae do this.”

I couldn’t believe the King was unable to see them. I looked behind me. My father Jaime and my mother Eolande were clearly visible to me although fog still surrounded them. My mother smiled and my father put a finger to his lips, as if to say don’t give them away.

To my great surprise I could see the King standing behind them, although he was still unable to see them. How did he move so fast? I looked back to see where his guards were and saw him standing behind me. I turned slightly to view both back and front and discovered there were two of him. How did he divide himself in two? I wondered.

“Kellen ah should have known. What have ye done? Where is Eolande and the interloper?” asked the King of his double.

“I have done nae Father. Ye do not give Elizabeth credit.”

Father? But this fairy looked exactly like the other even to his age. How could they be father and son?

“Elizabeth is halfling. She could nae have made thaim disappear.”

“And yet she did!”

“Robin Goodfellow.”

“Yes sire.”

“Can ye tell how fur muckle fairy blood this halfling has?”

“Give me a moment sire tae judge.” Robin Goodfellow said staring hard at me.

Robin Goodfellow a short burly unlikely looking fairy stood in front of me and I grew afraid.

“Ah will nae harm ye lassie. I seek tae find oot your lineage with a wave of my hands. ” Robin said to me as if I’d spoken.

He then waved his arms from the top of my head to the tip of my feet. The first time he looked puzzled as if he had done it incorrectly. The second time he looked completely dumfounded.

“Well Robin?” The King asked.

It is shocking sire. She is not a halfling at all she is almost a full blooded fairy.”

“How can this be?” asked King Fáelán “Who is th' faither o' Eolonde's wean it's nae the interloper. I go away fur a few weeks n’ unknown fairies come home?”

“Father! We agreed you would not tell the subjects.” Kellen censored “As for her parentage, ah think the interloper is her father and has fairy blood.”

“Ye think th' interloper is fairy. No we'd have known. As fer the other maiter dae not worry wee jimmy the subjects can know now. There wull be noo war with' elves .King Aelfric haes given me his word.”

“We have bin deceived Kellen wis acting as our King.” the fairies whispered all around me.

“He is oor King he kin dae as he pleases.” answered another and they all then seemed to reluctantly agree.

I was baffled. Kellen had been acting as the King? Had it been Kellen all along?

“I am sorry Elizabeth that I couldn’t be honest with you. I spent the day with you. Father left at the beginning before we went to the festival. I switched back with father as the guards came to tell him of your parent’s disappearance.”Kellen whispered to me as he came to stand beside me.

He looked contrite and I almost felt sorry for him but then I remembered once again his deceit. I frowned at him.

“Who ur yer grandparents?” demanded the King breaking my thoughts.

I scowled at the King, even if I knew I didn’t feel like answer him. He had threatened my parents and now he wanted to know my family. Did he seek to harm them too?

“I would ask a boon of you Elizabeth. My father would know who your grandparents are. Could you ask your father his lineage on his mother’s side? “I will see he harms them not.” Kellen whispered.

“You know I can see them?” I whispered back.

“Of course you can. You made them invisible. I can give you my power to speak with them telepathically and then no one can hear.” Kellen offered still whispering.

Should I trust him? I wondered. I wanted to trust him but he had pretended to be his father. He smiled at me and my heart turned over. I nodded and I was able to hear and talk to my parents in my mind.

“Daughter ye wish tae ken yer Grandmother’s name?” asked my father.

“Yes.”

“My mother wis Alvina. She disappeared when ah was a wee jimmy. Mah father said th' fairies took her back.”

“The fairies took her back?’

“Aye. Her mother wis took first when Alvina was a baby.”

“What was her mother’s name?”

“Twas Lorelle.”

“Lorelle?”

“Aye, Lorelle was her name. His grandmother Shaylee wis kidnapped by an elf cried Elden and Faither said Lorelle came from an elf 'n' a fairy 'n' wasn't his grandfather's wean at all..But 'twas juist a story.”

I was shocked this meant I had human, fairy blood and elfin blood if the story was true.

“Her great grandmother was Lorelle.” Kellan announced. He must have been able to listen into our conversation I surmised.

“Did you say Lorelle, Kellen? Are you sure?” the King demanded.

“Yes.” Kellen responded as I glared at him in his betrayal of my trust.

A man dressed in elegant clothing like he was going to a ball, suddenly interrupted the proceedings. His hair was long and black but braided and tied up with a colourful ribbon.

"Tis the Herald." the other fairies cried out.

“Sire there is a prophecy about the granddaughter of Shaylee.” the Herald announced.

“Shaylee? What has Shaylee to do with this once thought halfling?”

“You know the lineage Father. Lorelle daughter of Shaylee, shall give birth to a great queen of the fairies.”

“You are trying tae tell me that this lassie this fairy we though a halfling is part of the legend...but wasn’t the legend’s name Bess?” asked the King

“My nickname is Bess.” I answered in a whisper but they heard anyway.

“Tell me the legend now.” King Fáelán commanded.

The Herald then began to recite:

“A daughter born of fairies fair,

A son born of elfin rare,

True love will bloom

As passions zoom

Child of passion

Not fairy, human or elfin

But all three

So shall he be

He will cross the divide

And to his love he will abide

To make a true alliance of elfin,

Fairy and queen.

A child named Bess

We do confess

Will save the fairies

When she marries

From war and doom

When an fairy seeks a boon

“Nonsense it’s just a legend and a coincidence. You will unveil the interloper now girl.”

“Have you broken our peace already King Fáelán?”A voice asked interrupting.

I turned to spot a tall man with elfin ears. His hair was long a golden, his eyes a sherry brown. He was surrounded by a crowd of fifty elves with bows and other weapons.

“King Aelfric? Why was I not informed you had arrived?”

“You were too busy thinking up a punishment for my grandchildren.” King Aelfric answered drily.

“The peace we brokered has nae bin broken, even by yer presence here with' armed guards.” King Fáelán countered.

“Is it not true my grandson Jaime has been a prisoner for sixteen years? And you continue to threaten my grandchildren?”

“The person who held him has been dealt with.”

“And yet I find you threatening my grandson and great granddaughter. This means war.”

“Please King Aelfric, we can settle this can we not?” asked Kellen.

“How can we make peace Aelfric?” King Fáelán queried.

“There must be an alliance between our houses.”

“An alliance?”King Fáelán asked.

“Aye an alliance, to bind the two houses.” King Aelfiric demanded.

“So shall it be so shall it be written.” King Fáelán agreed.

“What have they agreed to?” I asked Kellen trying to understand

“They have said ...”began Kellen

“Kellen will marry you my beloved great granddaughter Elizabeth Moragh.” commanded King Aelfric.

“But I haven’t agreed to this.” I protested.

“You will!” both Kings responded.

To be continued next Wednesday

Three Word Wednesday -The Fairy Stones Part 3

2012-03-07T05:06:00.004-08:00

Three Word Wednesday -The Fairy Stones Part 3 (changed to make easier to read)

if you missed part one click here

if you missed part two click here

Prompts:

Deviant; adjective: Departing from usual or accepted standards, esp. in social or sexual behavior; noun: a deviant person or thing.

Minuscule; adjective: Extremely small, tiny.

Trivial; adjective: Of little value or importance; (of a person) concerned only with trifling or unimportant things.

The Fairy Stones -Part 3

The man who stood before us was tall with hair as black as midnight .His hair was curly and tight to his head like he kept it clipped short. His eyes were a piercing sky blue and he appeared no more than twenty five years old.

“Yer th' half-ling that wis taken frae us by him.” the man yelled grabbing Jaime.
“I am beginning to believe that I might be a half-ling, but Jaime didn’t take me, and I wish everyone didn't speak with such a thick Celtic accent.It makes it hard to understand you all.” I protested.
To my surprise all of a sudden their language was clear as if they were speaking the King's English.

“If this is the Jaime ye speak of he took you from your mother and gave you away. Is that not correct Eolande?

Before my newfound mother could answer a man large and overbearing reached out and pulled her to his side.

“Tell the truth daughter. Tell them how the deviant snatched the babe from yer arms after she was born.” Her father said as he pinched her arm.

“No Sire it's not so.This was a story conceived by my father that protected himself from your Father's wrath.”

I was amazed at the courage of my newfound mother she stood up to her King and told the truth. As I thought this however he father struck her across the face and said.

“You would lie to your King, daughter?”

“Hefeydd you dare to lie to your King? Do you think yourself beyond punishment?”

“My King, I only sought to save our world from the taint she brought to it.”

“You lied to your King, my father.You kept that lie for sixteen years. My Father punished the other worlder and ye said nothing.”

"Father do not protect me." woman said appearing out of almost nowhere. She was tall and thin her hair was red and ringlets cascaded down her back covering tiny wings. She wore a pale mint green dress.

“You, of course, it was you Rhiannon. Ye took my child and gave her away like she was a kitten.” Eolande shouted grabbing a handful of her sister’s hair.

“I did the right thing Eolande. You know I did. This wasn't a trivial matter sister.” Rhiannon responded. “That hurts let go of my hair.”

“Let go of your sister at once.” Hefeydd demanded.

“Eolande you will let yer King handle this.” King Fáelán retorted.

“I am your servant King Fáelán.”Eolande replied obeying and letting go of Rhiannon's hair.

“What have you to say for yourself Rhiannon?” asked King Fáelán.

“My sister is a harlot. She entices men with her dimples and her smiles and draws them in. She went willingly to the other world years ago and chose this man and hochmagandy took place. She bore a baby that is more human than fairy. I did what was necessary to protect us all.”

“You took on what was not your place and you lied to your King. How would you have me punish you Rhiannon?”

“A don't know sire.”

“Should I let your sister Eolande or your niece decide your punishment?”

Rhiannon didn’t answer.

“Take her into custody.” King Fáelán said to his guards who promptly did so. “I shall decide her fate tomorrow.”

Turning to my mother he said “What should I do with the interloper Jaime?”

“Sire my father has been punished. For sixteen years he has been cast in fog. Can he not be set free?” I begged.

“What will you give your King for this boon?"

“Do not promise anything daughter. I can survive in that fog again.” Jaime cautioned me.

“Would ye give me this evening? Spend time with me eat, drink and celebrate the festival of Belltaine? Even now my people prepare for the grand feast.”

“Why do you call it Belltaine is it not Beltane?”

“Do ye recognize none of your Celtic roots or your fairy blood? Even the brute who is your father would call it Bealtaine. Your Aunt Rhiannon has done you a great disservice raising you among the Sassenach. "

“Do not insult the people who raised me.” I defended my parents.

“You are loyal but mind what you say about your true family the fairy folk.” King Fáelán cautioned “Come Elizabeth I call ye that as a courtesy though, as that was your fairy name. It's a minuscule thing for your King to ask of you.”

“You say that Elizabeth was not my birth name? Then who named me Elizabeth and what was I really called?”

“Elizabeth is not your fairy name. Who would give fairy folk such name?” King Fáelán insisted almost sounding insulted.

I looked at him but he still didn’t answer what my fairy name was. He did however look at Eolande.

“I called you Orlagh, after my mother.” Eolande answered quietly. “Jaime's sister renamed you Elizabeth.”

“Can I call you Orlagh?” King Fáelán asked.

“Do not agree with anything he asks. He's a trickster.” Jaime cautioned.

“No you’ll call me Elizabeth.”I demanded.

“It's not a trick. Come eat drink and be merry Elizabeth Orlagh. Eolande and even the interloper can join us for the feast. Tomorrow will come soon enough for decisions to be made. We will sup and drink of Spring's labours and just celebrate.” King Fáelán said taking my hand and to my surprise I found myself walking agreeably beside him.

We walked into a land of green lush grass. Trees that hung heavy with fruit as a stream flowed gently through it. We stayed on path that seemed to weave through the entire village. We reached a staging area where two gilded chairs rose above other chairs. One was slightly higher than the other. King Fáelán pulled me up to the slightly lower gilded chair and placed me in it causing gasps from the other fairies there. My parents sat further below Jaime’s smile wide as he held my mother’s hand.

“Sire she shouldn't sit there. She's a halfling.” protested one of his guards.

You dare to question me?” King Fáelán demanded his eyes narrowing and even I became frightened. He then turned and smiled at me putting me at ease.

Some fairies danced an intricate dance for their King with ribbons and flowers thrown in the air and all about celebrating the festival of Belltaine. King Fáelán explained the celebrations to me and was an interesting conversationalist. Okay so it wasn’t just his sparkling conversation I enjoyed. He had a magnetism about him that made me want to spend more time with him and get to know him better. I ate drank and made merry, enjoying the King’s company. He handed me grapes and his hand swept my lips. When his hand clasped mine I felt chills and wanted more I wasn’t quite sure what. Just to have him near me perhaps. His smile was enchanting and bewitching. I looked at him through my eyelashes as he swooped in for a kiss and wondered

“Oh no, could it be that was he using his fairy abilities on me?”

These thoughts and the kiss were interrupted by the King’s guard who exclaimed loudly “Sire they've disappeared.”

“Who has disappeared?”

“The interloper and the fairy princess, Eolande.”
I was alarmed to realize I hadn't even noticed. What would the King do to my parents?

“I give them amnesty and this is how I am rewarded?” King Fáelán shouted angrily.

“Please your Majesty. They love one another. Why can’t they be together?” I dared to ask.

“Find the interloper and the princess, Eolande and bring them to me.”

to be continued next Wednesday

Up Close and Personal with Author Ashlynne Lane

2012-03-04T14:30:00.009-08:00

Interview with Author Ashlynne Laynne of The Progeny

Buy Links

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328127665&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_2

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-progeny-ashlynne-laynne/1108540255?ean=2940014108355&itm=1&usri=the+progeny+by+ashlynne+laynne

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128489

Allromance E-books: http://bit.ly/yPJO9l

The Progeny Blurb

“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher - a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.

Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.

The Interview:

Hi Sheilagh, It’s so nice to be here with you. Thanks so much for hosting me today.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve written poetry and songs since I was twelve years old. Poetry is my therapy—a way that I get my feelings out. The epilogues for book one—The Progeny—and book two—Blood Bonds—are both my original poetry. It’s funny because I wrote these two poems three years ago before I ever knew that I wanted to write novels.

How’s that for destiny?

Sheilagh: Poetry is such a wonderful form of storytelling I think I can certainly understand that as I too write poetry for the same reason.

Please tell your readers about your current release.

At its core, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love. The fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccan human are secondary factors. It started as research about the Salem witch trials, some rough sketches of a special family heirloom that my guys would wear and two names—Ascher and Shauna. In the beginning, of the book, Ascher is grumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold and careless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone— and he feels conflicted about his existence.

All of that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguing and possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A war immediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as he craves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to control his urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins. His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus. Kidnapping, some steamy love scenes between our hero and heroine and Wiccan rage complete the plot.

Do you have any plans for a sequel?

The sequel—Blood Bonds—is set to release in June. I’m currently working on the third book in the series. The title may change but at this time, it’s Blood Lust.

Has someone helped or mentored you in your writing career?

I’ve had so many angels along my journey. My biggest support has been my involvement with the Paranormal Romance Guild. They are phenomenal. Many of the friendships I’ve forged started in this group of amazing authors. You can’t imagine how I suffered, in the beginning, with wanting to write paranormal characters. I thought others would think I was “weird” for wanting to write this genre. Now, I figure if I am out of my mind, I have a group of fabulous writers to join me. I recommend that anyone pursuing paranormal writing to check them out on Facebook. It’s made all the difference to me.

Who is your favorite author?

Stephen King, to me, is the epitome of what suspense and horror should be.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

I try to write at least two to three hours a day, usually after work. This doesn’t always happen, though.

What does your significant other and/or family think of your writing career?

I think my husband thought I was crazy in the beginning. But when he purchased a laptop for me for my birthday last year, I knew he was on board.

Who are your books published with?

Novel Concept Publishing

How do you describe your writing style?

I teeter between romance and erotica. I have a couple of rules that I tend to stick to in writing. I never write love scenes between characters unless there is a love element there. I adore a good hardcore erotica but, for me, it makes it easier to capture the essence of scenes. I tend to focus more on the mental aspects of a love scene more than the physicality of it. The female emotions are obviously easier for me to capture, but my husband usually helps me when I need to identify with the male POV.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me, I want to be sucked in by a book. If it makes me stay awake at night, because I can’t put it down, it’s safe to say it’s a winner!

Tell us about your family.

I’m not one to stock pile friends for the sake of saying that I have them. I have a platinum friend, Tabetha, whom I’ve known since seventh grade (most of my life). I’m married and live with my husband of nine years and my autistic son.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?

Ashlynne Laynne is my pen name. It’s very similar to my given name. I use a pen name to protect my identity and that of my son. I came up with it after someone suggested that using my initials and my last name might not work for writing romance. I’d been advised that women were less apt to buy a romance novel if they thought a man penned it. I’m still not sure how true that assumption was but I like the name Ashlynne. Besides, it being close to my hero’s name, it means “dream” in Gaelic.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

I definitely use music as a tool in writing. What I listen to depends on what I’m writing. Most of the fight scenes in The Progeny I wrote while listening to Rob Zombie, White Zombie and Muse. I so love them even though I’m not considered their “target audience.” For love scenes, I like to listen to softer, more romantic type music. I’m particularly fond of Maroon 5, Rihanna; Foster the People, Beyoncé, Lady Antebellum, Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Adele. As you can see, my musical tastes are very eclectic. I’ve even written a country song or two in my younger years.

What book are you reading now?

Right now, I’m the BETA for a dear friend and I’m reading her upcoming release. I’m also re-reading Blood Bonds and writing Blood Lust. My plate’s full!

What are your favorite TV shows?

Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Property Brothers, Bitchin Kitchen, Secret Circle, Vampire Diaries and my guilty pleasure of any Lifetime movie.

Where can your readers find you?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/qlane

Facebook: Book Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Progeny-Series/129418917161599?bookmark_t=page

Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ashlynne-Laynne/118945981513261

Google+https://plus.google.com/102489030801377466225#102489030801377466225/posts

Author Blog: http://ashlynnelaynne.blogspot.com/

Email: ashlynnelaynne@aol.com

Buy Links

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/zJVnJq

Amazon Kindle UK: http://amzn.to/zRF0VF

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://bit.ly/AuEj9J

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/yldEqe

Allromance E-books: http://bit.ly/yPJO9l

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

“Thank you so much for loving Ascher and Shauna as much as I do. You make this whole process worthwhile. I hope you love Blood Bonds just as much.”

Thank you for your candid answers Ashlynne. Now go check out her book readers.

Three Word Wednesday-The Fairy Stones Part 2

2012-02-29T08:35:00.005-08:00

Three Word Wednesday-The Fairy Stones Part 2

If you missed part one click here

Crinkle; verb: form small creases or wrinkles in the surface of something, especially. the skin of the face as the result of a facial expression; cause (something) to make a crackling or rustling sound; noun: A wrinkle or crease on the surface of something.

Demand; noun: an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right; verb: Ask authoritatively or brusquely.

Navigate; verb: Plan and direct the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transportation, esp. by using instruments or maps; find its way, esp. over a long distance; (of an animal or bird) find its way, especially over a long distance.

The Fairy Stones Part 2

I opened my eyes slowly a thumping pain still behind my crinkled eyes. A heavy fog was everywhere and I couldn’t see or navigate two feet in front of me.

'ere noo wha urr ye lassie?” a strange voice at my elbow demanded.

“Who are you?” I demanded frightened but hiding it I could now see the six foot tall man with a shock of red curly hair to his shoulders. His eyebrows were also thick and fuller then most and red over bright eyes the colour of my favourite emerald necklace,

“A'm Jaime Ferguson.”

“Are you the Jaime grandfather pleaded for the return of?”

“Is yer Grandfather a rid headed Ferguson wha doesn’t blither a lot?”

“Yes I guess that’s Grandfather.”

“Then a'm Jaime. Would ye be Elizabeth?”

“How do you know my name?”

“I ken you.”

“But how do you know me?” I asked but he didn’t answer.

“Mah faither main hae begged th' fairies fur mah return .Ah huv bin 'ere alang time, whit year is it?”

“It is the year of our lord eighteen hundred and fifty two.”

“Tis bin sixteen years 'ere in this netherworld and den in dis fog. I cannae hawp tis bin sae lang. Ah cam athwart oan a body ay th' days, 'at th' spirit warld considers sacred, a leap day in 1836.”

“You are claiming you’ve been here at the fairy stones, in the fog for sixteen years? You’ve been there since the year of our lord eighteen hundred and thirty six? ”

“Dae ye ken whaur yer Elizabeth?

“I am in the circle of the fairy stones.” I answered.

“Aye ye wur in th' fairy stanes bit nae anymair.”

“Then where are we?”

“We ur in th' netherworld, halfway atween th' real world 'n' th' fairy world. Time moves fest in th' netherworld.yoo coods hae aw ready bin haur almost a year.”

“Nonsense what has bewitched you?”

“You hawp in witches bit nae th' fairies?”

“I believe in only what my eyes tell me.” I answered annoyed.

“Is this a normal rowk? 'n' whit dae yer een tell ye”

“My eyes tell me it’s a thick fog that makes it hard to see.” I insisted but somehow I was worried. The fog was thicker then I had ever seen it, and where was Grandfather? He wouldn’t have just left us. Where had Uncle Jaime been that Grandfather thought he must sacrifice me?”

“Whaur is ma sister?”

“My mother?”

“She isnae yer mither.”

“Of course she’s my mother.” I answered angrily.

“She’s mah sister 'n' she teuk you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Ah cam tae th' stanes 'n' met a maiden 'n' we made a baby. Her faither wis heich in th' fairy court 'n' he wis angered that mah wean wis noo sharing his bloodline. He cast me intae th' netherworld 'n' then tae punish mah fair Eolande. Fur yer birth he cast th' wean oot. Ah hae bin haur in thes fog since yer birth.”

“You are saying you had a child with a fairy named Eolande but they gave that child away and placed you here this place you call the Netherworld?”

“Aye bit ye dinnae ken. Mah sister wis barren 'n' she cam tae th' fairy stanes tae beg fur a boon o' a child. Eolande's faither thought it a fit punishment fur me 'n' Eolande tae lose oor wean tae th' sister ah loathe.”

I was stunned did this explain my mother’s coolness toward me? She wanted a child but she didn’t understand me. But what of the man who had always been my father? He loved me I know he did. This couldn’t be true. No one truly believed in fairies. They were just tales told to the gullible. Weren’t they? I starred around I still couldn’t see anything around myself but heavy air and fog. I became frightened.

“A've frightened you. I'm sorry. You ur a wean o' th' fairies as weel as mine. They dae nae listen tae mah plea fur release bit thay wilnae keep ye a prisoner.”

“But there’s no one here. It’s like we are in a land of nothingness.”

“Aye tis bit thay come wance a day tae lea mah fairn, 'n' thay wull tak' mah plea tae thair King, or mah name isn’t Jaime Ferguson.”

“Have we long to wait?” I asked beginning to believe him.

“Not long., thay come soon.” He said turning as if he heard something I didn’t in the fog.

A light burnt away the fog as if a door had opened. A figure appeared light from within as well as without. She was beautiful to behold her hair like mine gleamed like spun gold in the light. Her eyes were the same odd violet colour as mine. She spotted me and her eyed grew wide as saucers. She blinked away unshed tears and walked arms out stretched towards me. I wondered who she could be and then I saw Jaime’s face. He looked like man who had seen steak after going hungry. She pulled both our hands and we stepped into a land like I’d never seen before. It was lush and lovely. Greenery was everywhere and flowers. I felt a peace and contentment come over me. Then a figure stepped in front of us on our path and I could sense the fairy who greeted was frightened. I too became frightened but Jaime, the man who claimed he was my father, stepped in front of us in a stance of protection.

to be continued next Wednesday

Happy Leap Day

Spring

2012-02-27T11:29:00.002-08:00

“Did you see that Mother?”

“Yes my dear. I saw the sprout. Even the ants are awakening from their long winters nap.”

“I still don’t understand where will Winter go? Is he dead?”

“No my child he will slumber until he is needed again. Now do you feel the change?”

“Yes, I feel more alive. What is happening to me?

“It’s almost time for the strange and fantastical happenings in the garden.”

“I don’t understand Mother Gaia.”

“You will my dear child, this is your first time as Spring.”

“Spring?”

“Yes my child now go forth and spread your magic.”

Three Word Wednesday-The Fairy Stones Part 1

2012-02-22T09:09:00.002-08:00

The Fairy Stones Part 1

Cancel; verb: Decide or announce that (an arranged or planned event) will not take place; annul or revoke; abolish or make void; noun: A mark made on a postage stamp to show that it has been used.

Elastic; adjective: (Of an object or material) able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilatation, or distortion; able to encompass variety and change; flexible and adaptable; noun: Cord, tape, or fabric, typically woven with strips of rubber, that returns to its original length or shape after being stretched.

Labor; noun: Work, especially hard physical work; such workers considered as a social class or political force; the process of childbirth; verb: Work hard, make great effort; work at an unskilled manual occupation.

Ceann Hulavig (Callanish IV)

Stone circle

Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Callanish IV lies on a hill near Garyanine.

The Fairy Stones -Part 1

My name is Elizabeth Yarborough. When I was little, I wished for a world where I didn’t have to live the life of a pampered society daughter, or wife. I’d seen what had happened to my sister after her marriage, and I wanted none of it. But opportunity to escape is not given to daughters. We are never allowed out alone, so escape is futile. We are pampered taught the fine arts of how to please our husbands, then sold to the highest bidder as my sister had been. But escape is what I wanted. I wanted more then to be a wife and mother. I wanted to see the world and most of all I wanted to write. I hated the restrictions of this society and yet I was glad I did not have to labor as the servants did.

It neared my fifteenth birthday and already my mother plotted to find my husband. My mother wanted the highest in the land for my husband, someone full of pocket and high in title. My father who loved me deeply wanted me to be happy. Father was sweet and kind but also easily thwarted by my much stronger willed mother. He wished for a husband who would treat me well but I knew she would always win. . My father asked if I wanted something special for my last birthday with him. I chose a trip to visit my grandparent’s in the Highlands, but I knew mother would cancel my wish. Mother hated the place of her birth Mother surprised me however when she agreed. We could go (Father and I) while she would remain behind. I was very afraid that this meant she had found the man of her dreams for me, and was readying him for his agreement to marry me.

My grandfather, my mother’s father, was so much different than she. He told me stories of other places. and of a woman who led soldiers into battle. His tales had made me happy as a child and had kept me dreaming that there could be another future for me.

So here I am its early May, but the snow lays heavy, in the higher elevations here. Flowers are budding and the grass is growing green, high and long. The rains come but so does the sun which awakens the birds, and the flowers. I yearn to visit the fairy ring Grandfather took me to once when I was five. Yesterday it was raining, today the sun is shining and the dew is drying on the grass, as the sun burns it off. I am up an unheard of time in society circles. It is seven in the morning. Grandfather is up and says to me.

“I knew ye wur th' granddaughter efter mah ain hert. Ye dinnae primp an preen th' wey yer mither does, 'n' ye aren't feart tae bide yer lee.”

“Thank you Grandfather.” I answered not sure where he was going with this.

“Wid ye be up tae gaun tae th' fairy ring wi' me this mornin'?”

“Aye I would Grandfather.” I answered eagerly. My heart’s desire and he was offering it to me almost like he could read my mind. For a moment I wondered if he could read my mind?

“Wid ye lik' tae mooch a pair o' breeks 'n' some bits? Yer dress wid be ruined by th' lang grasses 'n mud we mist travel thro' tae git thare.”

“What would father say?”

"Do ye pure care whit yer Faither micht say.We kin keep it a secret atween us.You kin lea a hain dress in th' shed thare 'n' chaynge whin we come back."

“I love Father but he would frown on such clothing. Thank you Grandfather.” I said hugging him and he sent a servant to fetch the clothes I would wear.

“Thae ur yer Uncle Jaime's auld claes frae whin he wis a wee jimmy bit thay shuid fit ye.”

"Uncle Jaime,who was Uncle Jaime?"I asked but no answer came.

Grandfather gave orders to the servants should Father wake before his customary noon arising that they were to say we’d travel to a neighbours for lunch and would be back by three pm. That gave us a whole day to spend at the fairy stones. I was so excited.

“Ye'v grown intae a bonny lassie bit ah fear ye'll nae be satisfied wi' th' usual husband. You need someone wha wull let ye be th' body yer. Ah huv tried tae mak' yer mither 'n' faither listen bit thay hear me nae. Sae th'day wull pat they cares aside 'n' ye shall gilravage yer day at th' stanes.”

“I will enjoy my Day .Thank you Grandfather.”

We traipsed through long wet grasses and over hills and marsh and around the bog until we almost reached the fairy stones. They gleamed brightly in the sunlight and I smiled as I saw them. I could almost hear them singing a song to me. a song with such longing that I ran the short distance left to them and their standing in the stones I felt a peace come over me that I didn’t know I had longed for.

“Ah brought th' lassie as promised. She haes reached her sixteenth birthday. Noo ah huv fulfilled oor bargain. Will ye let mah son gang?”

Had the one person I trusted betrayed me? Who was he fulfilling a bargain with? I saw no one. What did this mean for me? Was the grandfather I trusted giving me away to someone? And of what son did he speak as far as I knew he only had one child, my mother. Except a short time ago he had mentioned an Uncle Jaime. I thought maybe this had been his brother but now...I must flee and protect myself.

I stepped forward as if to leave the singing stones and a light enveloped me. I felt dizzy and my head pulsed to the music. My skin felt like elastic stretched beyond its limit. When I thought I could bare the light and sound no more I closed my eyes and was soon unconscious.

To be continued next Wednesday

Three Word Wednesday-Olive’s Hero

2012-02-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Prompts: Angelic; adjective: Of or relating to angels.

Foster; verb: Encourage or promote the development of (something, typically something regarded as good); bring up; adjective: Denoting someone that has a specified family connection through fostering rather than birth; involving or concerned with fostering a child.

Ruin; noun: the physical destruction or disintegration of something or the state of disintegrating or being destroyed; the remains of a building, typically an old one, that has suffered much damage or disintegration; the disastrous disintegration of someone's life; the complete loss of one's money and other assets; verb: Reduce (a building or place) to a state of decay, collapse, or disintegration; reduce to a state of poverty.

Olive’s Hero

Henry had friends growing up, but none as strong as his friend Clarence, who lived three farms over from Henry’s parents the Klein’s. Clarence supported Henry and protected him from bullies at school. They were the best of friends. Henry was grateful to support his friend, when he lost not one but two brothers, to farm accidents and then his beloved mother. Clarence's father had not taken the loss of those two sons well or his wife. He dove into the bottle and was a tyrant to his loved ones.

When Clarence as the oldest reached eighteen, he expected him to take over the farm but Clarence had stood up to him, and said that he was going to work in the bank industry. There had been a fight and Clarence moved to town. They had made an even peace when Clarence married Mary at twenty -six, but Clarence’s Father, really wasn’t happy with his son’s career choice. Clarence however soon moved up the ranks, and now at thirty one he was the vice president of the bank.

Henry too had enjoyed his career farming and growing fruit. Running the farm after his parents died had kept him going, but the one thing he missed was companionship and someone to talk to every once in a while. He missed someone to make his meals, and keep his clothes clean after a long day tending the fruit trees. He wasn’t a saint he’d been out with a few women, but none had captured his heart. He envied his friend and Clarence’s growing family to who he was Uncle Henry. Henry begged his friend Clarence to help him find a woman to marry. Even Mary started introducing her friends to him, but none were a woman he felt he could marry and stay married to. It was really too bad he couldn’t find someone like Clarence’s angelic sister Olive. She cooked cleaned and she would make some lucky man and great farmer’s wife; but the great drawback was she was much too young at only sixteen. Henry respected his friendship with Clarence too much to go after his little sister. He had even confessed this to Clarence just the other day. Clarence had laughed and said it was too bad his father had told him just today, that Olive had gotten engaged. Clarence admitted he would have been happier to have Henry as his soon to be brother-in-law. Clarence didn’t know the fellow that Olive was marrying all that well, and when he had met him he had taken a rare dislike to him. He had spoken to his father but his Father told him he was just jealous, because his new brother-in-law would be a partner in the farm. Clarence told Henry he was still worried he just didn’t like the man, and felt that in some way he was taking advantage of Olive. Clarence explained to Henry that he felt that his mother’s death had made his father’s alcoholism worse. Clarence was sure Olive had gotten engaged just too get away from their father. He only hoped it wouldn’t be the ruin of her glowing spirit, His Father refused to speak to him now, and he couldn’t even see his sister as he wasn’t allowed on the farm. He wished he could help but Clarence’s father wouldn’t even speak to Henry either.

Now it was six months later and still Clarence and his Father weren’t speaking. Henry felt bad for Clarence. He knew what it was like to be torn from family, but at least he had his foster family. Clarence was lucky to have his wife Mary and his three children, Henry was sure that helped.

Henry had made plans to go into town and meet Clarence and Mary, who had yet another candidate to be his wife. He’d dressed carefully as Clarence had said this one was refined and a school teacher. As he drove his wagon towards town; he said a silent prayer to God, that he would soon find a woman who could make him whole and give him the family he so desired. Time was getting short after all he was now thirty-one.

He drove a short distance from his farm, he saw in the distance what looked like a bag of rags by the side of the road. When he got closer, he realized it was a not a bag of clothes, but a person. He got down from the wagon to see if there was anything he could do to help them, and to his surprise he found it was a woman. And not just any woman it was Olive, Clarence’s sister who lay there battered and broken by the side of the road. He lifted her up carefully as to not jar her, and take her to the hospital in town when he noticed that she was pregnant. Who could have done such a thing?

“Hewy?”Olive said through cut lips and a broken jaw.

“Who did this to you Olive?” Henry asked enraged.

“He was so mad like I did it. Why?” Olive replied the words hard to understand

“Who Olive?” Henry asked again.

“Daddy. Was so mad. I didn’t know he would do this. Why did Amos steal and leave me?”

“Are you saying your father beat you Olive?”

“Yes.” Olive answered then started crying.

Henry tried to comfort Olive and get her to the hospital. Arriving there he was met by a police officer who kept him, until they got the story from Olive. Olive it seemed had been beaten and battered by her father. Poor innocent Olive had fallen for the oldest story in the book. A traveling salesman had wooed her, gotten her dowry in farmland from her family, sold it and left with the proceeds. The monster had left her to face the consequences and had made her pregnant. Olive’s father had blamed her and beaten her within an inch of her life. Olive would recover and her baby seemed to be okay, but social services because of her age and her unmarried status, wanted to take her into custody. She would be placed in an unwed mother’s home when she left hospital.

Henry told Clarence what had happened and Clarence not only rescued his sister taking her into his home, but saw that his father was charged. Unfortunately a judge who thought Olive’s father was within his rights to discipline Olive for getting pregnant, let him off with a fine. Olive’s father disowned her and Clarence, their siblings refused to speak to either Olive or Clarence. They sided with their Father, saying Olive had brought in this man who took valuable property from their Father and sold it. They claimed they also had brought shame and ruin on the family, with the pregnancy and the subsequent court case for the assault.

Olive was suffering and Clarence though he didn’t say anything, was angry at the siblings who sided with his father. Henry’s heart went out to Olive and Clarence. Henry found himself visiting Clarence’s home more often over the next few months. Olive was a sweet girl and tender hearted. Henry looked at Olive and saw a Madonna. She was petite barely five feet tall weighing all of 110 pounds even heavily pregnant. Her stomach though pushed out with the pregnancy, looked like a small ball. She’d cut off her long light brown hair, and wore it in the new fringe style of the twenties. It suited her delicate features making her lovely blue eyes sparkle. Olive loved to cook like his foster mother Frieda and she made amazing food. When Henry would drop by the house she worried about his well-being, and that he had enough to eat. She was exactly what he needed in a wife he decided, but she was embarrassed to be bearing another man’s child and even though he got the courage to ask her to marry him she continued to refuse his proposals. Clarence was very encouraging, he wanted Henry for his brother-in law, but Olive wouldn't seem to budge.

Henry continued to woo her despite her refusals. Henry was even there in the waiting room when her son was born. The nurse was sure he was the father and invited him in to see the boy. As Henry held the boy, he felt his heart was totally lost. This boy might not be of his blood, but he was his son in the same way he had become the Klein’s son. He knew he could be not just a foster father, but a real father to this boy. Olive looked over at man and baby boy and smiled. When Henry asked again she agreed to marry, and they put Henry’s last name on the boy’s birth certificate. A year later they had a daughter and three years later, a boy they would call Henry Jr. Henry Jr. who would go on to have six children of his own. One of them me.