𝓥𝓲𝔁𝓮𝓷’𝓼 𝓞𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴

[FickleVixen]

Hello there. For as long as I have been a member of this site, this is the first time I have attempted to utilize the journals portion. In all honesty I don’t even know where to begin or what truly made me even want to start this thread of mine. If we have never had the opportunity to speak before, it is an honor to get a chance to meet you now. For those who might have been partners in the past or even just those I spoke to briefly, it is good to see you again.

I suppose an explanation would be the best place to start? I essentially fell off of the map towards the end of the year. I don’t want to delve into too many depressing details, but after my first book was published and I reignited my passion for writing, things in my marriage took a turn for the worst. Needless to say I am still picking up the pieces of my life, I’m still trying to learn how to live on my own, but I want to write now more so than I ever did before. Does that make me odd? Or I suppose maybe this is my coping mechanism to help me escape reality.

Regardless, I wanted to take this thread and use it as a space to offer up samples of a new book I have been thinking about writing. My inbox is open to messages should anyone wish to offer any sort of criticism to my writing, whether it be bad or good I accept it all. How else will I grow?

With that all being said, I hope you enjoy the pieces I share!

 

[FickleVixen]

"Are you enjoying the capital?" Neither sister had spoke while they had walked but after reaching their destination there was no need to remain silent under the cover of the waves.

"I am, it's not too different from here but my lessons are getting more time consuming. It's worth it though." She could feel Cora staring at her from the corner of her eye.

"How um… how have things been here?" For the first time in her life Natalia felt uncomfortable with the silence that stretched between them. It was answer enough unfortunately.

"I wish I could come with you this time. Father is getting harder to put up with, I overheard him talking to his aid the other day about arranging a marriage for me for when I turn 16. After all, 'a woman shouldn't inherit the Duchy.'" Even in the dim light of the night Natalia could see Cora's cheeks were flushed. Her voice had remained solid as she spoke so there were no tears brimming in her eyes, it was embarrassment that flushed her face. With her lips pursed Natalia pulled at the water from the ocean. It was nothing more than a few droplets of water that Natalia rested against her sister's cheeks to cool her off.

"You've gotten a lot better at that." Cora commented, what looked to be a wistful smile on her lips.

"You haven't seen the half of it, check this out." Natalia grabbed at the opportunity to change the topic, turning her attention to the waves she held her hands out in front of herself with her palms facing the sky. She took a deep breath to steady herself, allowing her to feel the push and pull of the current before curling her fingers. As they curled the next wave inched up the shoreline towards the girls. As Natalia moved her hands to her side, keeping her fists tight she parted the wave allowing it to pass by both of them without touching either one. The water was about waist high as it moved, while she opened her hands, she guided the water up as if she were creating walls of liquid.

"That's some controlled magic for a kid." The deep voice cut through the night and Natalia's concentration. The water crashed around them creating a cold spray before it rushed back to its home. Behind the girls were several grown men.

"Sorry if we bothered you, we're heading home." Cora grabbed Natalia's wrist and was about to walk off when the sand beneath them softened enough for their feet to sink. Any attempts at a quick escape would be pointless as they found themselves having to fight against the soft sand that would rather pull them in the more they moved around.

"Going so soon? Why not stay for a bit, show us more of those little tricks." The man approached the two girls, speaking directly to Natalia as he did. The others remained standing where they were, far enough away that they could tell from their builds they were men but unable to make out any detail of importance.

"Stay back!" Cora raised her voice, a hinted threat that she would scream if she needed to. With a smirk the man motioned to one of the men behind him. In just a split second the three were surround by a whirlwind that would undoubtedly eat up any sound made. Cora had begun to shake, her fear seemed to snap Natalia out of her observations which had frozen her to the spot. The man was dressed in a casual tunic and pants, nothing would have stood out about him if it wasn't for the large, curved sword at his side and the scent of the sea that wafted from him. When the cyclone closed in it had cut off not just the sounds around them but the smells too. This man wasn't from Arkala.