Eloran the 2nd

I am happy to announce I finally know what The Elven Prince 2 is about. I have beginning, middle and end in my head. I don’t know all that will happen, but I know what kingdom kidnaps Garett. I know how it happens and I know why no one stops it. I now have to go about placing the thoughts onto paper. Or, you know, word doc. The world is open to me again and I am diving in head first.

For those of you who don’t write, this doesn’t mean the book will be done any time soon. I am still battling writer’s block but I know what the world looks like. It is a familiar place and is awaiting my attention. I am debating on whether or not to do the same thing with Eloran the 2nd (working title only) as I did with The Elven Prince. With the Elven Prince, I decided to write from beginning to end and not work on anything else until I was done. It took me under 60 days to finish writing it. I don’t remember how long any more exactly and don’t want to look it up. At any rate, I finished it in one fell swoop.

Part of me wants to do the same with this one, but part of me understands my heart might not be in it. Either way, the door to the world is open and I have stepped through. Chapter one is complete and I am in the midst of writing chapter two. I just wanted to take a moment to tell my friends and fans.

And yes, I am still working on Enter the Maze: Shorts, Poems and Thoughts; and I am working on editing my next project, which I may or may not have announced. Since I’m not sure, I will leave that one alone and bid you all a good night.

Enter the Maze: Contents

Hello!

Below are the titles of the works included in Enter the Maze. If there is an asterisk  before the name, that means it has been published on my WordPress page. If you haven’t read the works yet, check it out! If you have, then you know what to expect.

I thought about adding the links to the titles below, but realized that I like the idea of people searching out the stories and finding all the work that is already posted on my WordPress page, instead of leading you to the exact  story only.

Without further ado, the contents of “Enter the Maze; Shorts, poems and thoughts”

* Beautiful World
Riding the Maze
* Magic Bookstore
* The Virus
* Theraphose: an Origin
* Secret Fog
* Liquid Warm
The Usual
Lost & Found
* Plant Life
Abstract Thoughts
Hungry
* Seven
* Petocalypse
Pixie
* Follow the Lights
* Old Cross Bridge
Dragon Bike
* Naked Chocolate Torte
A Snowflake for Mia

Update on books and things

I thought I was going to do a Kickstarter project to gain some funds to get my book printed. Turns out, the cost of shipping, and extras is way more expensive than just getting the books printed. Therefore, there will be no Kickstarter. There will however, be a book release/signing party at Wired Cafe’ on August 2nd. Event page to come. I will have books there, but if you prefer, you can get a book now, either paper or electronic. Here are the links:

Paper book (that can be signed if you live near me or feel like sending me your copy):

Electronic copy if you like that better:

 

Have fun reading and thanks for your support!

Chapter Two: part three

“Hello, mother.”

Queen Camilla turned and smiled to her son. With her long white hair and green eyes, she looked almost nothing like her child. She held out her arms and embraced him. “I was so worried about you.”

“I’m sorry.” He let go and sat beside her on the bench. He found his mother in the gardens, in her favorite spot, by the violets. “It was foolish.”

She tilted her head and looked at her son as if for the first time. “What changed? The last time you did this, you spoke harshly of your father for not allowing you your desires.”

He shrugged and tried not to smile. Camilla saw it though, and smiled warmly.

“Who is she?”

Prince Eloran gave an almost embarrassed laugh. “Is it that obvious?”

She placed a hand on his cheek. “It is to me, but then, you always had a hard time hiding your smile with me. What is her name?”

“Anan.”

“How did you meet?”

“She helped me to Gateway when my horse threw a shoe. She took me to her home, fed me and allowed me to spend the night. She gave me some tea and I had the most amazing dream.”

Camilla tried not to look too surprised, as she wondered how much her son knew about the woman. Anan was not an uncommon name, but the Queen knew who held the Guardian of the Gate position. Camilla also knew a bit about the Finaran dreaming tea.

Camilla’s mother was an elf, and had passed down some information to her daughter. No one knew Camilla was half elf. Other than her ears looking slightly pointed, she had no obvious physical elven features, and none of their abilities.

The Queen knew how to find certain plants and how to use those plants to help others. She had not had the dreaming tea in quite some time though, as the plant did not grow on the castle grounds, and she didn’t want to ask for it. There were some in the Royal Family that did not like the Finarans or their abilities.

“What was your dream, son?”

He sighed happily and looked towards the flowers. “Anan and I were sitting on a blanket, by a river, talking and eating. I placed a flower in her hair.”

“What type of flower?”

He frowned, then shook his head. “It was purple, but lighter than your violets. I think we have the plant in the garden.”

Camilla stood and held her hand out to her son. “Walk with me. Show me.”

Eloran took his mother’s hand, and stood. “Is this important?”

“I’m curious. My only child seems taken by this woman and I would like to understand more.”

Mother and son walked quietly into the gardens, lost in thought. Eloran did not know Camilla was part Finaran, and neither did King Falk. They knew she understood plants, it was one of the reason Falk married her, but they did not know her lineage. Lora, King Falk’s last wife, taught her child, Laurence, to fear the Finarans. For her own safety, Camilla kept her lineage quiet. Now she wanted to tell Eloran, but felt it was not the right time.

Eloran thought mostly of Anan and when he might see her again. He wanted it to be soon. He liked her. He sighed and looked about the garden, letting his eyes fall on random flowers, trying to see the one from his dream.

He didn’t know the names of most of the flowers, but the colors, vibrant reds, greens, blues and yellows, subdued purple and orange, didn’t reveal the right flower from his dream. They walked slowly, but eventually, they came to the end of the gardens. Eloran sighed.

“I didn’t see it.”

Camilla faced her son and smiled. “It’s all right. I had a pleasant walk. Did you?”

He gave his mother a warm smile. “Yes, I did. Let’s get back to the castle. It’s probably dinner time.”

Camilla smiled and they walked back to the castle arm in arm.

Chapter Two: part one

A knock on the door woke her from her doze. Anan took a deep breath and looked toward the side of her house that faced Finara. She shook her head when she realized it came from the Grenlacks side. Anan stood and went to the door that led to the human world. She recited a spell, just in case, but did not release it. She held it as she opened the door.

Four guards stood in front of her door, all sporting the crest of the King of Grenlacks. Castle guards. To their left, there was an older man, with long white hair. He wore fine dark clothing and looked like a nobleman. Anan locked eyes with him and curtsied.

“Greetings, Klaes. How may I be of service?”

The old man smiled. “Anan, we are here for the Prince. He did not tell the King or Queen where he was going.”

She looked to the curtained area behind her. “He is still asleep. Come in, Klaes. Leave the guards outside, please.”

He nodded, walked past the guards and shut the door behind him. As Anan walked to the bed, she told Klaes what happened.

“I found him in the woods. His horse lost a shoe. He stated he was headed to Taren. Considering it was close to dusk, I brought him here to protect him.”

“Did you give him anything?”

As she drew back the privacy curtain she nodded. “I did. We ate rabbit stew, and I gave him a choice of tea. He chose the dreaming tea.”

Klaes nodded, but did not speak. He looked to the Prince, still sleeping on the bed. Anan went to the boy’s side, sat on the bed and reached out to caress hair out of his eyes. The gentle gesture spoke to Klaes. He clenched his jaw, but said nothing.

“Eloran?”

Though she spoke his name softly, he woke without further urging. The tea also aided in waking the sleeper. Eloran stared up at the beautiful woman above him and smiled foolishly.

“I dreamt of you last night.”

The smile made her heart beat faster. “What did you dream?”

He squinted as if remembering. “We were on the bank of a river, talking and eating, but I don’t remember what we were talking about. I then reached out and placed a flower behind your ear.”

He reached out and ran a hand through her hair, his fingers lingering at her ear.

“Prince Eloran, why didn’t you tell me that you left without your King’s knowledge?”

Eloran frowned. “What?”

Anan pointed to the door, where Klaes still stood quietly. Eloran cursed softly under his breath, then sat up. He nodded to his father’s advisor, but did not look happy.

Klaes bowed. “We have your horse outside, Prince. We will be leaving as soon as you are ready. Your father expects you by the end of the day.”

Anan still sat on the bed beside him. Her soft voice drew Eloran’s attention. “What were you doing, Eloran? You were headed to Taren without a guard. There are many bandits in those woods. You might have been hurt.”

“I was curious about the bandits. I wanted to find out more about them. I didn’t think there would be trouble. I didn’t plan on fighting them; I was going to give them what they wanted. They would never have known who I was.”

“You forgot to take your pin off before you left the castle. They would have seen it; captured you.”

“I could have gotten away. My steed is swift.” He seemed put off.

“There are rumors they use stolen Finaran magic. Can you protect yourself against that?” She stared him down until he averted his eyes.

“No, I cannot.” He looked up again when he felt her hand under his chin. They gazed at each other for a moment before she spoke.

“Leave this to the people who can protect you and who can help the best Prince. I would be upset to hear you were harmed.”

He nodded and licked his lips. She was so close. He started to lean in to kiss her, when Klaes cleared his throat. Eloran cleared his own throat and pulled away. He left the bed from the side away from Anan and pulled on his pants quickly. He wore only his tunic to bed. Once his pants were on, he sat on the edge of the bed to slip on his shoes. Satisfied the Prince would do nothing foolish, Klaes nodded.

“I will be waiting for you outside, your highness. Please do not take over long.”

Eloran nodded as Klaes left. Once dressed, Eloran found that Anan stood at the closed door with his bags. He walked to her and smiled. She reached out and touched his cheek.

“Perhaps we can have that picnic by the river soon.”

He placed his hand over hers. “I look forward to it.”

She laughed softly. “The next time you come this way, tell someone.”

“I will. Thank you, Anan.”

She handed him the bags and they stared at each other for a moment. Before he could do anything else, Anan opened the door and let him out. Eloran looked back once before leaving.

Chapter One: part one

Eloran stared at his horse’s hoof and cursed himself silently for not bringing tools to replace the lost horseshoe. He sighed heavily, ignoring the scent that threatened to calm him. There was too much to think about.

Taren, where his brother lived, was more than ten miles away. He could not expect his steed to carry him that far with one missing shoe over cobblestone roads. He sighed and continued to stare at the hoof, willing the shoe to reappear.

“Good afternoon.” A gentle voice spoke from behind him.

Eloran quickly straightened and turned toward the voice. There was a light gray horse a few feet away. The rider wore a gray cloak that matched the steed well. Her hood was up, hiding the color of her hair, but making her stunning blue eyes shine. He smiled and licked his lips, a sly glint in his eyes. She was rather beautiful.

“Hello.”

“Are you in need of assistance?”

He smiled wider. He liked her voice. It was soft, pleasant and promised kindness. “I am. My horse lost a shoe, and Taren is miles away. Do you happen to have a kit with you?”

She gave him a quizzical look. “I don’t usually carry one with me. Do you?”

“I…usually travel with more people. Someone always has a kit and extra shoes, in case of emergencies.” When the odd look did not leave her face, he gave an embarrassed smile. “Our blacksmith makes extra when we go on a long trip.”

She smiled and tried to keep the recognition off her face. “Ah. I see.” She looked him up and down then seemed to come to a decision. “There is a town closer than Taren.”

“There is?” He looked confused and happy at the same time.

“Yes, Gateway. Have you heard of it?”

An interested smile came to his full lips, bringing light to his hazel eyes. “I didn’t know we were close to Gateway. I’ve heard of it, but have never had the pleasure.”

She gave him a lovely smile. “Come with me. I’ll take you.”

He nodded, spellbound by her eyes.

She giggled when he did not move but continued to stare up at her. “You don’t have much on your horse, but you can move the saddlebags to my horse, then you can sit behind me. We’ll go slow, to allow your horse the time it needs.”

Eloran nodded. Of course he should move his things. He moved his light bag to her horse, as she moved her cloak to allow him access. He caught a glimpse of her light blue dress and closed his eyes to his thoughts. He shook his head to clear it and continued moving his saddlebag. Once it was moved, he grabbed the reins and frowned. Her hand appeared in front of him and he looked up.

“Give me the reins. Then you can mount behind me.”

A sly smile appeared on his face at the word mount. She was a beautiful woman, perhaps if he played his cards right, he would be in her bed tonight. He frowned as he handed her the reins.

“What is your name?”

She smiled. “Anan.” As he was traveling by himself and did not have any obvious indications of his title, she decided to pretend she didn’t know who he was. “And you are?”

“Eloran.”

He said it with confidence, and she wondered if he did or did not want her to know who he was. Though it was a common enough name, most knew the king’s youngest son carried the name. She smiled. “Beautiful name.”

The complement pleased him and made him stand taller. “Thank you.”

Anan smiled again and indicated the spot behind her. “Come Eloran. We should leave. It won’t take too long to travel to Gateway, but we need to go slow.”

He nodded and mounted on the back of her horse. He immediately slipped one arm around her waist and took his horse’s reins with the other. She allowed him to settle into a comfortable spot, then leaned against him. He sighed and tightened his arm around her. Anan did not comment, but signaled to her horse to walk.

Eloran sighed again and this time, allowed the scent of the forest, and of her hair, to brighten his mood. The forest smelled of pine and lilacs. Her hair smelled of roses. His arm tightened around her waist again and brought her a touch closer. Anan gave a small chuckled and leaned even further against him. She kept the horses moving, indicting to Eloran that they were not stopping, despite his desires.