I found this awesome site: Captain Picard's Journal that inspired me to write a bit about Star Trek. Seems they are throwing a holiday party on board the Enterprise and many were invited. Here's Part 1 of my tale:
Lyllandra paced back and forth in her quarters, trying to make use of the spare time. The party would be in a few hours, but she could hardly keep her excitement hidden. After so many years of running away, it was time for her to return to earth...
Three nights before, she prepared her clothing. A long, blue silk tunic studded with violet posies and pale green leaves was her first choice. Her own mother embroidered the garment and it was the last thing she had of her homeland. The blue top had matching pants that were wider at the bottom, to allow for boots, decorative or not. Silk is not very warm, but at least it would fool those at the party, let them believe she wasn't up to anything.
Although the Enterprise crew was kind enough to save her, and others, from a prison camp back on Romulus, her past history and run-ins with StarFleet kept her locked in her quarters. This would be her one and only chance to escape.
The invitation was sent around the ship on stardate 59345.8 for a Christmas Party at Ten Forward. She would be allowed to attend for two hours, and then return to her room for the night. That two-hour time frame was just enough time to be seen, and then slip away.
"Room unlocked," the computer chimed. The party had begun.
Lyllandra stepped from her room and made her way to Ten Forward. As others passed her, she smiled graciously, almost regally, as she looked the part. Just as she reached Ten Forward, someone grabbed her hand.
"Miss Wyntir, I'd like to remind you of the security measures for tonight." A gruff security guard warned her. "For the safety of everyone, please, behave."
His touch wasn't ungentle, and he was wearing a ceremonial security outfit, not a common one worn every day.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Even though she didn't know his name, his rank was easy to tell by the color of his uniform. "I'll do my best."
And with that, she entered Ten Forward.
The band was already jamming in one corner, Guinan was behind the bar, as always, and others mingled as they arrived. Lyllandra went to one of the several replicators and asked for a Long Island Iced Tea; she needed to keep her head clear, after all.
Few gazed her way, and she was thankful for it. A small corner seat concealed her longing gaze towards the planet Earth. Although she wasn't Betazoid, it was known that those from earth sometimes sensed things, other worldly things. This is one of the reason's why she stayed away from Counselor Troi. Lyllandra was always afraid that her true intentions would be known if she met this woman.
Her thoughts materialized when the Counselor entered Ten Forward. Cursing into her cup, she headed deeper into the corner, hoping not to be seen. Now that she was here, there was no way to escape, except to return to her quarters.
She passed by several crew members, hoping not to get their attention when someone bumped into her.
"Hey Lilly, where you going?" A familiar face smiled down at her.
"Not now Tim, I'm not feeling well," was all she could blurt out.
"You do look a little pale. Do you need to go to Sick Bay?"
"I'm okay, really," Lyllandra feebly responded.
"Well at least let me see you to your quarters, okay?"
And with a nod they left Ten Forward.
(End of Part 1)
Stardates taken from this site: http://trekguide.com/Stardates.htm
Friday, November 25, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
Saving the Phoenix
Sunlight spilled from the windows and onto a dark, hardwood floor. Sundust danced happily on the rays as the breeze blew in from the high windows. It was hard waiting for the doctor, especially when something so pressing was on her mind.
Being used to this office after only two weeks, the older location was haunted and she scarcely felt safe discussing her dreams with ghosts in the room, she laid down on the plush sofa and watched the sunlight. After ten minutes, it felt like hours, he came into the room, clipboard in hand.
"Thank you for seeing me today, Doctor. It's been a while since our last session, but the dream i had last night cannot be dismissed."
"Mm, hmm," he mumbled.
She had to admit he was handsome. His face was tan and radiant, she knew he was a runner and maybe that helped with the complexion. Dark hair was cut short atop his head and that complimented his dark eyebrows. Some might have called him short, but his confidence overrode any doubts of his ability.
When he sat down across from her, he took off rectangular glasses so she could see his eyes. They were brown with a warmth that offered trust.
After a moment of scribbling on a pad, he looked at her and smiled.
“Okay Kate, what’s been troubling you? Tell me about this dream.”
She nodded and began her tale.
“It’s going to sound strange. This time my dream was not in fluid scenes,” she looked down and folded her hands. “Each scene became more coherent as the dream went on,” now she was hesitating.
“It’s okay, go on,” he gently urged.
Kate took a deep breath. “We were in the water, two children and i. I was one of them, a child I mean. There was sand and a cabin next to the life guard station. It was kind of like a beach. At first we were wading in the water, but then I noticed something in the water.
“At this point, I knew I was undercover, even though I was a child. I had an adult brain.”
“What gave you that impression, Katie?” The doctor decided to go along with her child like feelings.
“I felt as if I knew more about the water than they did. That’s when I noticed the jellyfish. It seemed that they weren’t there before, so I grabbed the two children and asked them to watch out for the little jellyfish. That’s when I started to feel guilty,” as she stared at her knuckles, she noticed they were turning white from her own grip. She quickly released them and looked at the doctor.
“I felt as if I took their innocence away. They were happily playing in the water, until I ruined it with tales of these jelly monsters. They couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old, but I was bigger and a little older, so I took them to safety. That didn’t rid me of that sadness though.”
“Sometimes we must be the truth bearers. Go on, what was the next scene.” His soft voice never threatened her, so she went on.
“Next, I found myself in a gymnasium. I’d regained my adult body, to go with the brain, but there was chaos everywhere. I could sense that she was in trouble…’
“Who’s in trouble?” this surprised him. Her past dreams had been of a man in need of help.
“The Phoenix. I know this sounds weird… but recently the one in trouble has been the Phoenix. You know, the one from X-Men. Everyone was looking for her, or her followers, and since I was undercover, I decided to play along.
“The gymnasium was surrounded by artifacts, as if it was a bazaar from ancient Egypt. One fellow claimed to be the master of some unknown universe, and he’d forwarded all his efforts in trying to find the Phoenix, to arrange her hand for marriage,” at this, her eyes went dull and she was reliving the dream. The doctor sat forward, a little anxious, but watching her all the same.
“I simply tapped his upper arm with the back of my hand and whispered to him… ‘She IS the queen of the universe,’ and left him before he thought to catch me.
“I knew where she was, so I navigated through the maze of tents and posters to where she was sick in bed. Marvelous in her yellow outfit, she sat in a bed, speaking to her friends. ‘You are being hunted,’ I bowed, to show my courtesy. ‘Please excuse this intrusion, but I must get you to safety.’ I picked her up in my arms, with every intention to carry her away to a safer place. So many people were after her….”
“Katie, stay with me. Katie…” the doctor rose from his chair and kneeled next to her own. By now, her eyes had slipped closed and her breathing was shallow. He checked her pulse and was happy with the results.
“Go on Katie… what happened to the Phoenix?”
“I,” she swallowed, it seemed a labor to breathe, even. “I carried her away, and her alchemist came with her. She had a, a drawer, rings. Each,” another swallow, “each had a small marble ball attached. They were used as… as medicine when swallowed.” A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead, though she was cool to the touch.
“Melandra was her name and she had many piercings. Not uncommon for an alchemist. One of her own ball rings was in her lip. Anyway, Phoenix asked for certain medicines according to the maladies she felt. She swallowed one remedy and asked Melandra to throw another away. Although she wasn’t …. “
“Katie, just a little longer, please, keep talking to me.” This time, he grasped her hands in his own, her temperature was beginning to rise and more sweat beads dotted her head like diamonds.
“The Phoenix wasn’t showing any signs of pain, except in her eyes. It was like looking into the sadness of the world, and all it’s terrible power,” a shiver ran through her then, the sweat drops evaporating one by one.
“…joked for a while, the alchemist and I, and I dared to refer to a common friend that we all shared, but the magi ignored her, she was carrying me after all….”
As a smile grew on his face, Kate’s ruddy cheeks began to drain of all blood, despite her fever.
“I simply told her that wasn’t who we spoke of and laughed. I was weak and she was there to protect me. Then I told her she was my Queen, the Queen of the Universe.”
A sharp cry rang in Kate’s ears just then. Something had gone terribly wrong. She opened her eyes and saw a horrid site before her. The seat where her doctor once sat was empty, and next to her knelt a charred figure. Kate wasn’t afraid, however. It was clear what happened.
Her dream was no dream at all. Past nightmares were only so because the person was wrong. Her duty was to protect, however those she protected were never right. She woke up screaming from those dreams, for those that were under her care would always perish. Not until this last dream, could she see clearly.
She was destined to protect herself… the Queen of the Universe.
Being used to this office after only two weeks, the older location was haunted and she scarcely felt safe discussing her dreams with ghosts in the room, she laid down on the plush sofa and watched the sunlight. After ten minutes, it felt like hours, he came into the room, clipboard in hand.
"Thank you for seeing me today, Doctor. It's been a while since our last session, but the dream i had last night cannot be dismissed."
"Mm, hmm," he mumbled.
She had to admit he was handsome. His face was tan and radiant, she knew he was a runner and maybe that helped with the complexion. Dark hair was cut short atop his head and that complimented his dark eyebrows. Some might have called him short, but his confidence overrode any doubts of his ability.
When he sat down across from her, he took off rectangular glasses so she could see his eyes. They were brown with a warmth that offered trust.
After a moment of scribbling on a pad, he looked at her and smiled.
“Okay Kate, what’s been troubling you? Tell me about this dream.”
She nodded and began her tale.
“It’s going to sound strange. This time my dream was not in fluid scenes,” she looked down and folded her hands. “Each scene became more coherent as the dream went on,” now she was hesitating.
“It’s okay, go on,” he gently urged.
Kate took a deep breath. “We were in the water, two children and i. I was one of them, a child I mean. There was sand and a cabin next to the life guard station. It was kind of like a beach. At first we were wading in the water, but then I noticed something in the water.
“At this point, I knew I was undercover, even though I was a child. I had an adult brain.”
“What gave you that impression, Katie?” The doctor decided to go along with her child like feelings.
“I felt as if I knew more about the water than they did. That’s when I noticed the jellyfish. It seemed that they weren’t there before, so I grabbed the two children and asked them to watch out for the little jellyfish. That’s when I started to feel guilty,” as she stared at her knuckles, she noticed they were turning white from her own grip. She quickly released them and looked at the doctor.
“I felt as if I took their innocence away. They were happily playing in the water, until I ruined it with tales of these jelly monsters. They couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old, but I was bigger and a little older, so I took them to safety. That didn’t rid me of that sadness though.”
“Sometimes we must be the truth bearers. Go on, what was the next scene.” His soft voice never threatened her, so she went on.
“Next, I found myself in a gymnasium. I’d regained my adult body, to go with the brain, but there was chaos everywhere. I could sense that she was in trouble…’
“Who’s in trouble?” this surprised him. Her past dreams had been of a man in need of help.
“The Phoenix. I know this sounds weird… but recently the one in trouble has been the Phoenix. You know, the one from X-Men. Everyone was looking for her, or her followers, and since I was undercover, I decided to play along.
“The gymnasium was surrounded by artifacts, as if it was a bazaar from ancient Egypt. One fellow claimed to be the master of some unknown universe, and he’d forwarded all his efforts in trying to find the Phoenix, to arrange her hand for marriage,” at this, her eyes went dull and she was reliving the dream. The doctor sat forward, a little anxious, but watching her all the same.
“I simply tapped his upper arm with the back of my hand and whispered to him… ‘She IS the queen of the universe,’ and left him before he thought to catch me.
“I knew where she was, so I navigated through the maze of tents and posters to where she was sick in bed. Marvelous in her yellow outfit, she sat in a bed, speaking to her friends. ‘You are being hunted,’ I bowed, to show my courtesy. ‘Please excuse this intrusion, but I must get you to safety.’ I picked her up in my arms, with every intention to carry her away to a safer place. So many people were after her….”
“Katie, stay with me. Katie…” the doctor rose from his chair and kneeled next to her own. By now, her eyes had slipped closed and her breathing was shallow. He checked her pulse and was happy with the results.
“Go on Katie… what happened to the Phoenix?”
“I,” she swallowed, it seemed a labor to breathe, even. “I carried her away, and her alchemist came with her. She had a, a drawer, rings. Each,” another swallow, “each had a small marble ball attached. They were used as… as medicine when swallowed.” A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead, though she was cool to the touch.
“Melandra was her name and she had many piercings. Not uncommon for an alchemist. One of her own ball rings was in her lip. Anyway, Phoenix asked for certain medicines according to the maladies she felt. She swallowed one remedy and asked Melandra to throw another away. Although she wasn’t …. “
“Katie, just a little longer, please, keep talking to me.” This time, he grasped her hands in his own, her temperature was beginning to rise and more sweat beads dotted her head like diamonds.
“The Phoenix wasn’t showing any signs of pain, except in her eyes. It was like looking into the sadness of the world, and all it’s terrible power,” a shiver ran through her then, the sweat drops evaporating one by one.
“…joked for a while, the alchemist and I, and I dared to refer to a common friend that we all shared, but the magi ignored her, she was carrying me after all….”
As a smile grew on his face, Kate’s ruddy cheeks began to drain of all blood, despite her fever.
“I simply told her that wasn’t who we spoke of and laughed. I was weak and she was there to protect me. Then I told her she was my Queen, the Queen of the Universe.”
A sharp cry rang in Kate’s ears just then. Something had gone terribly wrong. She opened her eyes and saw a horrid site before her. The seat where her doctor once sat was empty, and next to her knelt a charred figure. Kate wasn’t afraid, however. It was clear what happened.
Her dream was no dream at all. Past nightmares were only so because the person was wrong. Her duty was to protect, however those she protected were never right. She woke up screaming from those dreams, for those that were under her care would always perish. Not until this last dream, could she see clearly.
She was destined to protect herself… the Queen of the Universe.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Dreaming of Death (some violence, be warned)
The day started like any other. I could picture it as if it were right before me. Now of course, i would never see it again.
I remember being in school. The long, winding stairwell (that i knew with my eyes closed) stretched before me as i descended. I looked at the metal and rubber steps and for a moment they floated before my eyes. Swimming through the hallway felt like a good idea, but my senses brought me back to reality. Catching the banister just in time, i saved myself from a very bad fall.
At first that worried me, as i'm not susceptible to fainting spells, but after walking for some time, it just became another memory. There were errands to run and my husband to meet.
I headed to the post office, trying to catch it before it closed. Three older men in t-shirts and ripped jean shorts watched me as i passed through the lobby. They looked a little frightening, since they were just sitting around talking, and all of them looked as if they didn't know how to shave properly. I paid them no mind and walked to the end of the hall, towards the clerk's desks.
My husband was already there, speaking with a younger woman. She was very nice and showed us how the doors to the post office worked. The window was divided into 4 sections. Three smaller windows opened individually like a rotating door. You could pass parcels and money through these sections.
Behind the glass i could see that the clerks were about 3 feet off the ground, sitting on boxes waiting to be shipped out. It looked hot back there, almost stuffy, but no one was sweating and there were fans twirling from the ceiling.
At first, the woman seemed frightened of me, but once i gained her trust, she showed me how to open the top, larger window. It slid up and down from a lever on her side. As soon as she opened it, my husband jumped in and the woman looked fearfully behind me. Just then, i turned around to see the three men approach the clerk windows. Fear gripped my heart and i knew then what they intended to do.
The one closest to me had a large wrench. It was dull, but bright white metal, and it was almost as big as his forearm. He didn't look menacing, just desperate for money. The second man was behind me, and behind the man with the wrench. I couldn't see him. The third man was who scared me. He held a gun and was pointing it directly at the window where my husband went in.
I knew that they saw the window open, and they were waiting for a chance to hold up the post office. I was scared, but glad that my husband was behind the glass. It was at this time i realized it was bulletproof. As they started yelling out their demands, i took my chance.
Ducking under the arms of the man with the wrench, i went to the back of all three of them, trying to run away. That decision was the most important one made in my life. Immediately after passing under the wrench, the gunman shot me in the neck. I could have run away, but at close range, he shot a second time, then a third, and a fourth. The second didn't hurt, the third took my sight. After the fourth shot, something wet covered me in a blanket of warmth from the neck down. As i laid there staring into the darkness, i realized, with a great sadness, that i was dead.
I remember being in school. The long, winding stairwell (that i knew with my eyes closed) stretched before me as i descended. I looked at the metal and rubber steps and for a moment they floated before my eyes. Swimming through the hallway felt like a good idea, but my senses brought me back to reality. Catching the banister just in time, i saved myself from a very bad fall.
At first that worried me, as i'm not susceptible to fainting spells, but after walking for some time, it just became another memory. There were errands to run and my husband to meet.
I headed to the post office, trying to catch it before it closed. Three older men in t-shirts and ripped jean shorts watched me as i passed through the lobby. They looked a little frightening, since they were just sitting around talking, and all of them looked as if they didn't know how to shave properly. I paid them no mind and walked to the end of the hall, towards the clerk's desks.
My husband was already there, speaking with a younger woman. She was very nice and showed us how the doors to the post office worked. The window was divided into 4 sections. Three smaller windows opened individually like a rotating door. You could pass parcels and money through these sections.
Behind the glass i could see that the clerks were about 3 feet off the ground, sitting on boxes waiting to be shipped out. It looked hot back there, almost stuffy, but no one was sweating and there were fans twirling from the ceiling.
At first, the woman seemed frightened of me, but once i gained her trust, she showed me how to open the top, larger window. It slid up and down from a lever on her side. As soon as she opened it, my husband jumped in and the woman looked fearfully behind me. Just then, i turned around to see the three men approach the clerk windows. Fear gripped my heart and i knew then what they intended to do.
The one closest to me had a large wrench. It was dull, but bright white metal, and it was almost as big as his forearm. He didn't look menacing, just desperate for money. The second man was behind me, and behind the man with the wrench. I couldn't see him. The third man was who scared me. He held a gun and was pointing it directly at the window where my husband went in.
I knew that they saw the window open, and they were waiting for a chance to hold up the post office. I was scared, but glad that my husband was behind the glass. It was at this time i realized it was bulletproof. As they started yelling out their demands, i took my chance.
Ducking under the arms of the man with the wrench, i went to the back of all three of them, trying to run away. That decision was the most important one made in my life. Immediately after passing under the wrench, the gunman shot me in the neck. I could have run away, but at close range, he shot a second time, then a third, and a fourth. The second didn't hurt, the third took my sight. After the fourth shot, something wet covered me in a blanket of warmth from the neck down. As i laid there staring into the darkness, i realized, with a great sadness, that i was dead.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
The Beginning of an End
A tall gentleman stood with a top hat and cane, staring at the black clouds coming towards them.
"It's the beginning of the end, my friend."
"Three signs, this is the first. Darkness to blind the foolish," a round man with bushy whiskers replied. "It looks like ash."
Their words were drowned out by silence. People all around lost hope as the black clouds surrounded them. Lacking wind, lacking sound, lacking movement, only darkness descended upon them. It seemed as if she was choking on it. Feeling around, she knew there was only one thing left to accomplish. She had to find him.
For years they were friends. She was always non traditional, especially in these times. Her partner was a woman, but things didn't work out. The town shunned her, but it mattered little. She lived life as she saw fit. They called her Elloisa.
He was conservative. Marriage was a serious and social affair. He married a beautiful woman of wealth, had three children, and a maid. Their finances were never in trouble and he spent money very carefully. It was almost a freak occurrence that he befriended the wild Elloisa.
If Elloisa came to visit, the maid never let her in. It wasn't until Henry came to the door and allowed her over the threshold that she could enter.
"Come in, dear friend," he would always say with a smile. "The little ones have missed you."
A faded smile crossed her lips as she felt her way along the street. His smile always brought joy to her heart, but it never felt lustful. He was handsome, she used to tease him about it when they were younger...
"All the girls will want you to win their hand, you know."
"Oh, Elly, stop that nonsense. Mother and Father will choose my bride, and we'll have the best wedding in town. Surely you'll be there."
"Of course," she almost whispered.
Although she was greeted with kindness at the Gibson Estate, Henry's parents weren't over fond of her. They smiled if in her presence, but Henry sadly told her what they warned him of.
"Henry, dearest, you know what company like her will do to your reputation. It's simply unheard of. Men attract women and visa versa. Women should never attract women, not in that way."
"Your mother is right, son. We are simply concerned about your image and how it will tarnish" 'Think of the Gibson name,' was his father's creed.
"If society has a problem with my compassion, then let them tarnish the name. Mother, weren't you the one that took in the homeless family, despite your parent's warnings, and helped them to freedom?
"And Father, don't you remember when you shared the same feelings of friendship with Elloisa? She was like my second sister until she told everyone what goes on in her bedroom. Really, I can't believe the two of you. Out of all the neighborhood, I would expect at least my mother and father to have a perspective of how things really are."
The darkness was getting thicker, if that's possible, but she was left with memories for comfort. Henry always defended her and it never tarnished his reputation. If there was an impact, it only made him more desirable.
Even so, she was forbidden to take part in the wedding. Henry's wish to have her as a Best Man was squashed. His parent's would have it, so long as they were footing the bill. She was allowed to watch, however.
"Don't worry, Elly. I'll get you in somehow," the smile was devious this time.
"I won't have it, Henry. Please, just this once, don't get in trouble for me. If i can see you take your vows, i'll be happy."
And when the day came, she was happy. Her friend knew the direction he was going in life. He had everything laid out for him.
"Oh my God. It's the second sign... RUN," Someone screamed down the block.
Elloisa turned around and noticed the darkness receded a bit. A pale sky stared at them, almost sad, as if it knew what lay ahead. A large mountain of blue capped with white began to grow in the distance. Every scream confirmed her own idea. It was a tidal wave.
For a moment, all she could do was stare. The massive wall of water didn't break even as it crashed through building after building. As the screams of the people taken by the water were silenced, new ones erupted closer to her. It wasn't until she could feel the cold spray of water that she remembered her destination.
Step by step she moved backward, caught onto the railing of the flat steps and flew down the stairs. Two floors down, she knocked violently on the door. Bryan, a small child with intelligent eyes opened up and smiled.
"Hi auntie Elly. Come on in."
"Not now, sweet one. Is your Father home?"
"He is," Henry replied. "What's wrong, Elly, you're shivering?" She gently brushed his arm away from her shoulders.
"Can i speak with you for a moment?"
"Yes, of course. Come inside Bry, your mother needs help in the kitchen."
Swaying back and forth, she tried to gather the words she would use. 'Saying it plainly would scare him away. Being subtle is just an annoyance. How will i ever...'
"What's got you so worried, Elly?"
"Come with me," she held out her hand and he took it.
It was warm and firm, and she never wanted to let it go.
They arrived at the first floor landing and looked out over the city. The tidal wave was just a few blocks away, moving steadily, but frighteningly slow. Henry frowned and looked to her.
"Is this all you wanted to show me? The whole town knows about this. We are safe in our flat. It's been protected, come with us Elly." His voice was sincere, she could hear the tears coming on, the hoarseness in his throat.
"Let's go back, please..."
He tried to lead her back down stairs. Elloisa followed a few steps, then leaned into him hard, pressing him against the wall. Her lips met his as tears streamed down her face. When she received no response from him, she pulled away,
"I love you..."
"It's the beginning of the end, my friend."
"Three signs, this is the first. Darkness to blind the foolish," a round man with bushy whiskers replied. "It looks like ash."
Their words were drowned out by silence. People all around lost hope as the black clouds surrounded them. Lacking wind, lacking sound, lacking movement, only darkness descended upon them. It seemed as if she was choking on it. Feeling around, she knew there was only one thing left to accomplish. She had to find him.
For years they were friends. She was always non traditional, especially in these times. Her partner was a woman, but things didn't work out. The town shunned her, but it mattered little. She lived life as she saw fit. They called her Elloisa.
He was conservative. Marriage was a serious and social affair. He married a beautiful woman of wealth, had three children, and a maid. Their finances were never in trouble and he spent money very carefully. It was almost a freak occurrence that he befriended the wild Elloisa.
If Elloisa came to visit, the maid never let her in. It wasn't until Henry came to the door and allowed her over the threshold that she could enter.
"Come in, dear friend," he would always say with a smile. "The little ones have missed you."
A faded smile crossed her lips as she felt her way along the street. His smile always brought joy to her heart, but it never felt lustful. He was handsome, she used to tease him about it when they were younger...
"All the girls will want you to win their hand, you know."
"Oh, Elly, stop that nonsense. Mother and Father will choose my bride, and we'll have the best wedding in town. Surely you'll be there."
"Of course," she almost whispered.
Although she was greeted with kindness at the Gibson Estate, Henry's parents weren't over fond of her. They smiled if in her presence, but Henry sadly told her what they warned him of.
"Henry, dearest, you know what company like her will do to your reputation. It's simply unheard of. Men attract women and visa versa. Women should never attract women, not in that way."
"Your mother is right, son. We are simply concerned about your image and how it will tarnish" 'Think of the Gibson name,' was his father's creed.
"If society has a problem with my compassion, then let them tarnish the name. Mother, weren't you the one that took in the homeless family, despite your parent's warnings, and helped them to freedom?
"And Father, don't you remember when you shared the same feelings of friendship with Elloisa? She was like my second sister until she told everyone what goes on in her bedroom. Really, I can't believe the two of you. Out of all the neighborhood, I would expect at least my mother and father to have a perspective of how things really are."
The darkness was getting thicker, if that's possible, but she was left with memories for comfort. Henry always defended her and it never tarnished his reputation. If there was an impact, it only made him more desirable.
Even so, she was forbidden to take part in the wedding. Henry's wish to have her as a Best Man was squashed. His parent's would have it, so long as they were footing the bill. She was allowed to watch, however.
"Don't worry, Elly. I'll get you in somehow," the smile was devious this time.
"I won't have it, Henry. Please, just this once, don't get in trouble for me. If i can see you take your vows, i'll be happy."
And when the day came, she was happy. Her friend knew the direction he was going in life. He had everything laid out for him.
"Oh my God. It's the second sign... RUN," Someone screamed down the block.
Elloisa turned around and noticed the darkness receded a bit. A pale sky stared at them, almost sad, as if it knew what lay ahead. A large mountain of blue capped with white began to grow in the distance. Every scream confirmed her own idea. It was a tidal wave.
For a moment, all she could do was stare. The massive wall of water didn't break even as it crashed through building after building. As the screams of the people taken by the water were silenced, new ones erupted closer to her. It wasn't until she could feel the cold spray of water that she remembered her destination.
Step by step she moved backward, caught onto the railing of the flat steps and flew down the stairs. Two floors down, she knocked violently on the door. Bryan, a small child with intelligent eyes opened up and smiled.
"Hi auntie Elly. Come on in."
"Not now, sweet one. Is your Father home?"
"He is," Henry replied. "What's wrong, Elly, you're shivering?" She gently brushed his arm away from her shoulders.
"Can i speak with you for a moment?"
"Yes, of course. Come inside Bry, your mother needs help in the kitchen."
Swaying back and forth, she tried to gather the words she would use. 'Saying it plainly would scare him away. Being subtle is just an annoyance. How will i ever...'
"What's got you so worried, Elly?"
"Come with me," she held out her hand and he took it.
It was warm and firm, and she never wanted to let it go.
They arrived at the first floor landing and looked out over the city. The tidal wave was just a few blocks away, moving steadily, but frighteningly slow. Henry frowned and looked to her.
"Is this all you wanted to show me? The whole town knows about this. We are safe in our flat. It's been protected, come with us Elly." His voice was sincere, she could hear the tears coming on, the hoarseness in his throat.
"Let's go back, please..."
He tried to lead her back down stairs. Elloisa followed a few steps, then leaned into him hard, pressing him against the wall. Her lips met his as tears streamed down her face. When she received no response from him, she pulled away,
"I love you..."
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
daily writing
this may not make sense, but i have to catch the rhythm of my writing.
puddles lined the sidewalks, no dry place to step. the rain hadn't stopped for a week and all gutters overflowed with the stuff from below. walking in the street wasn't an option, since cars floated down an avenue or boulevard. but it didn't matter anyway. her clothes were soaked to the skin. at least the friction burns kept her from losing consciousness.
it seemed like only hours ago she was going to work. taking a subway into the city, then coming home afterwards. her husband welcomed her every day with open arms and that moment was her reason for everything.
things could have been worse. he might be dead, her too, but with the rain pummling down, she couldn't see how. for a moment, all vision blurred and she swayed from one foot to another. with a clenched fist, she caught a nearby wall and leaned hard into it. The cool stone felt good, it was stable. turning her back to it, slowly she slid down and closed her eyes.
they tell you to always try to stay alert, not to go to sleep, but what choice did she have. her watch displayed June 29th and she started on the 19th. the accident was only a few days behind her and the bleeding stopped, so she was okay. at least that's what she thought.
her vision blurred again and this time she retched, unable to hold the ground under her. it didn't matter, though, because the neverending rain washed it down the concrete and into the river of 40th street. for a moment she slept.
when she woke up, the room was bright and yellow. the color was easy on the eyes, but it seemed strange because it was so dry. around her, as a bed with guard rails, to prevent falling out and a rolling cart with food. she couldn't smell it, but steam rose from what looked like mashed potatoes and mushrooms. no one was in the room, but people passed the window that showed out into the hallway. She would guess it was a hospital, but everyone who passed wore yellow, to match her room.
One young man looked in when he noticed movement in the room. His brow furrowed and he walked in the opposite direction. A short time later, two women, accompanied by the young man walked through the door. As they approched, she blinked a few times, adjusting her sight. It seemed as if the two women's outfits changed color as they stepped through the door. The man remained in yellow, but the other two were in red.
"How are you feeling Miss," the one on the left inquired.
"I... i'm really sleepy," she replied.
"That's fine. We had to give you a little something for your head. But you're all better now." Would you like to eat some food?"
"Sure!" why did she sound like a little kid?
The young man rolled over the food cart and for the first time, she realized just how hungry she was. The two women moved aside and spoke about papers at the end of her bed. He came closer to her bed, and she noticed that the mash potatoes weren't steaming anymore. Her shoulders slumped as she was looking forward to a warm meal.
"Let's go, time to eat."
He pulled a stool next to the food cart and was ready to begin feeding her when she held up a small hand. The mashed potatoes shifted before her eyes, they were moving. small, translucent figures danced under grayish gravy. Her stomach turned as she looked to the mushrooms and found only slugs in their place.
"How do i eat that? They are bugs," her small voice was quiet in the large yellow room.
"They're good for you, please don't fuss," he said in a firm, but kind voice.
"You're not going to make me eat that!"
"You'll have to to feel better, miss. You wouldn't want to make him angry," one of the women chimed in.
"That's right, he would think we did a bad job of making you better," the young man continued.
The silent woman looked at the food, then to her. With a smile, she gestured to the food with an open hand. White, fluffy mounds filled the plate again and next to the mushrooms, a brownie was there for dessert.
It wouldn't be so bad to eat this, it looks like food now anyway and i'm so hungry she thought to herself....
puddles lined the sidewalks, no dry place to step. the rain hadn't stopped for a week and all gutters overflowed with the stuff from below. walking in the street wasn't an option, since cars floated down an avenue or boulevard. but it didn't matter anyway. her clothes were soaked to the skin. at least the friction burns kept her from losing consciousness.
it seemed like only hours ago she was going to work. taking a subway into the city, then coming home afterwards. her husband welcomed her every day with open arms and that moment was her reason for everything.
things could have been worse. he might be dead, her too, but with the rain pummling down, she couldn't see how. for a moment, all vision blurred and she swayed from one foot to another. with a clenched fist, she caught a nearby wall and leaned hard into it. The cool stone felt good, it was stable. turning her back to it, slowly she slid down and closed her eyes.
they tell you to always try to stay alert, not to go to sleep, but what choice did she have. her watch displayed June 29th and she started on the 19th. the accident was only a few days behind her and the bleeding stopped, so she was okay. at least that's what she thought.
her vision blurred again and this time she retched, unable to hold the ground under her. it didn't matter, though, because the neverending rain washed it down the concrete and into the river of 40th street. for a moment she slept.
when she woke up, the room was bright and yellow. the color was easy on the eyes, but it seemed strange because it was so dry. around her, as a bed with guard rails, to prevent falling out and a rolling cart with food. she couldn't smell it, but steam rose from what looked like mashed potatoes and mushrooms. no one was in the room, but people passed the window that showed out into the hallway. She would guess it was a hospital, but everyone who passed wore yellow, to match her room.
One young man looked in when he noticed movement in the room. His brow furrowed and he walked in the opposite direction. A short time later, two women, accompanied by the young man walked through the door. As they approched, she blinked a few times, adjusting her sight. It seemed as if the two women's outfits changed color as they stepped through the door. The man remained in yellow, but the other two were in red.
"How are you feeling Miss," the one on the left inquired.
"I... i'm really sleepy," she replied.
"That's fine. We had to give you a little something for your head. But you're all better now." Would you like to eat some food?"
"Sure!" why did she sound like a little kid?
The young man rolled over the food cart and for the first time, she realized just how hungry she was. The two women moved aside and spoke about papers at the end of her bed. He came closer to her bed, and she noticed that the mash potatoes weren't steaming anymore. Her shoulders slumped as she was looking forward to a warm meal.
"Let's go, time to eat."
He pulled a stool next to the food cart and was ready to begin feeding her when she held up a small hand. The mashed potatoes shifted before her eyes, they were moving. small, translucent figures danced under grayish gravy. Her stomach turned as she looked to the mushrooms and found only slugs in their place.
"How do i eat that? They are bugs," her small voice was quiet in the large yellow room.
"They're good for you, please don't fuss," he said in a firm, but kind voice.
"You're not going to make me eat that!"
"You'll have to to feel better, miss. You wouldn't want to make him angry," one of the women chimed in.
"That's right, he would think we did a bad job of making you better," the young man continued.
The silent woman looked at the food, then to her. With a smile, she gestured to the food with an open hand. White, fluffy mounds filled the plate again and next to the mushrooms, a brownie was there for dessert.
It wouldn't be so bad to eat this, it looks like food now anyway and i'm so hungry she thought to herself....
Thursday, June 30, 2005
daily writing
okay so here it begins. this is not a free write because i'm editing it, but it is daily writing.
i have to write daily, i have to write daily. i wish i could come up with stories like other fantasy writers. i guess if i decided to make it my first job to write, i would be able to create something that magnificent.
there are too many instances of the letter "i" in my writing. could it be that the self is perceived way too much. is the subconscious trying to tell me something? it's easy to write without using the self reference, but often times, it's preferred to include it. maybe there is a need to use elementary writing because the brain refuses to exert effort. it can be quite tiresome!
if i were to make a world, it wouldn't be like any other. all commonalities we've grown to know would be thrown out the window, and no one would like the story, probably. gravity would be thrown upside down just so i could have my way. things could be explained that don't make sense here, but in my world it wouldn't matter. it's my decision anyway, right?
don't know. i really need to find a way to keep myself less stressed. it's starting to play on my health and i don't like that one bit. i'm getting sick too often, and i'm always tired. the reasons are clear, too much work... but it can't be avoided. unless i fall into a sickness so great, it would hinder me. but i can't wish for that to happen, that would give too much freedom.
anyway, let's start with a forest. one of my favorite characters i've created is a speaker of the trees. it's not really like the lorax, or anything like that, more along the lines of pixie's and silly fantasy stuff like that.
here is where i'm at an impasse. should i freely write my stories here online, when there is a chance that they'll be stolen? i could easily write my newly made stories without a problem, but i couldn't write my most beloved and true tales because they are too important to me.
so, i guess you'll have to read about Lylandra when it's on the bookshelves.
(wow, i forgot i had this. will post and start anew)
i have to write daily, i have to write daily. i wish i could come up with stories like other fantasy writers. i guess if i decided to make it my first job to write, i would be able to create something that magnificent.
there are too many instances of the letter "i" in my writing. could it be that the self is perceived way too much. is the subconscious trying to tell me something? it's easy to write without using the self reference, but often times, it's preferred to include it. maybe there is a need to use elementary writing because the brain refuses to exert effort. it can be quite tiresome!
if i were to make a world, it wouldn't be like any other. all commonalities we've grown to know would be thrown out the window, and no one would like the story, probably. gravity would be thrown upside down just so i could have my way. things could be explained that don't make sense here, but in my world it wouldn't matter. it's my decision anyway, right?
don't know. i really need to find a way to keep myself less stressed. it's starting to play on my health and i don't like that one bit. i'm getting sick too often, and i'm always tired. the reasons are clear, too much work... but it can't be avoided. unless i fall into a sickness so great, it would hinder me. but i can't wish for that to happen, that would give too much freedom.
anyway, let's start with a forest. one of my favorite characters i've created is a speaker of the trees. it's not really like the lorax, or anything like that, more along the lines of pixie's and silly fantasy stuff like that.
here is where i'm at an impasse. should i freely write my stories here online, when there is a chance that they'll be stolen? i could easily write my newly made stories without a problem, but i couldn't write my most beloved and true tales because they are too important to me.
so, i guess you'll have to read about Lylandra when it's on the bookshelves.
(wow, i forgot i had this. will post and start anew)
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
been a while
it's been a while.... but it's time i wrote again.
been reading george r.r. martin's book - game of thrones and it put me back in the mood of fantasy writing.
i went to his site to see what he had to say about writing and it's the same as all authors. read and write all the time.
although i say i don't have the time, maybe it's just because i'm not putting enough effort into it. i used to keep a diary and write fervently every night, making sure my memories were kept in the sacred books. dreams too, but that all went astray when i had to take on more responsibilities.
i should do my free writing again, but i don't feel like it.
maybe later. but i do want to start writing some short stories!
~wyn
been reading george r.r. martin's book - game of thrones and it put me back in the mood of fantasy writing.
i went to his site to see what he had to say about writing and it's the same as all authors. read and write all the time.
although i say i don't have the time, maybe it's just because i'm not putting enough effort into it. i used to keep a diary and write fervently every night, making sure my memories were kept in the sacred books. dreams too, but that all went astray when i had to take on more responsibilities.
i should do my free writing again, but i don't feel like it.
maybe later. but i do want to start writing some short stories!
~wyn
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