Red Sky in the Morning

This morning I was the witness to the most amazing sight, which I wish I had gotten pictures of, but did not.
It was about 5:30 a.m., and I was sleeping when I was awakened by a deafening crash of thunder that literally shook the whole house.  I do not normally enjoy thunderstorms when I am trying to sleep, but I noticed that there was an unusual light coming in through my windows, so I went and looked out through the blinds.  It was dawn, just as the round of the sun was coming over the horizon, which we can't see because there are woods in the way.  The Hidden Orchards, to be exact.
The sky to the south was filmed over with clouds and was blood red.  Literally.  It was beautiful and eerie at the same time.  Lightning and thunder crashed to the west.  This picture is close to, but not exactly like, what I saw this morning.  It was so weird!  Yet I don't think that  many could have seen a lovelier sky than I saw this morning.
In a few moments the grey storm clouds swallowed the red of the sky, and the downpour began.  It was over in a moment, but it will be very hard to find a sight so lovely or eerie again.
Funny how we travel all around the country in search of beautiful scenery, and it turns up right outside of our bedroom windows when we least expect it.
Thanks for reading!

Hanging my head in shame

As I stand amid the throng of of exultant ladies who actually finished their June Crusade novels, I can't help but be a bit ashamed that I did not finished.  My meter is right at the top for all to see.
However, I did try, and at least I have the excuse that I started late, over a week into the crusade, in fact.  And I was busy overall.  I must say, though, CONGRATULATIONS to all who completed the task.  You have only inspired me to push on.
And, by the way, I will never be able to finish the story with fifty thousand words.  Never.  It will probably take more than twice that, as it is getting to be quite involved and I have not even introduced all of the characters yet.
Thanks for reading.

Tag Interview

Here are my character's answers to Anne-girl's June Crusade Questions.  The characters answering the questions are Modran Lonish, Heleopolite Tajisscra, Elstav Hpetsen, and Nevarl Osrs.  These are the four biggest characters in my story, so they get the spotlight today.
Just so you know, Lonish is a Mortal Man, Tajisscra is a wicked, power-hungry Fairie, Elstav is the son of an elf lord and Lonish's faithful companion, and Nevarl is the daughter of another elf lord who tags along with  Lonish and Elstav, although neither of them knows why.

Do you want a hug?
Lonish: I would take one from my family, but my older brothers are more interested in teasing me, and besides, warriors such as us tend to be undemonstrative.
Tajisscra: There are none who would dare hug me.  The very thought is repulsive to me.
Elstav: I have never heard of such a thing before.
Nevarl: Neither have I.  Is it a pleasant thing, or do those wretched Mortals use it?

Do you have any kids?
Lonish: No, although Elstav's mother has predicted that I will be the ancestor of kings.  I guess that means that I will have to have kids someday.
Tajisscra: I have no children, but I hope for a son who will continue the war against Mortals with me.
Elstav: Nay.
Nevarl: And so say I.

Have you killed anyone?
Lonish: Yes, but only the enemies of my clan, the barbaric Amians.  I think I will be doing a lot more killing in this new land, but that is the way of the warrior.
Tajisscra: I have killed many, and will kill many more.
Elstav: There has been no war in my lifetime, and I have therefore killed none.
Nevarl: Nay, but I would kill the Mortals, for they spell our doom.

Love anyone?
Lonish: I love my older brothers and my friend Poldes, and I can't help loving Elstav and Nevarl for all the help they have given me, even though the elves really don't understand it.
Tajisscra: It is not in my heart to love.
Elstav: I know not what it is.
Nevarl: I feel many things, but love is a Mortal's feeling.

What is your job?
Lonish: Right now my job is to help my brother Kiltya establish a colony away from his rival, Rusalo.  I think this Land of Lucor is a good place for it.
Tajisscra: I live to serve my Lady, Diavla, but I want her place.  My job is to get it from her.
Elstav: I follow the good Master and help Lonish and defend my family.
Nevarl: My job is to become a ruler among the Cheol Ruvin someday, but I am more interested in finding out about the dreaded Mortals

What are you going to do when this tag is over?
Lonish: I am going to Legrolie to warn the Mortals that the Fairies will probably attack them.
Tajisscra: I am going to attack Legrolie.
Elstav: I am going to get my older sister, Birinin, to make me some arrows.
Nevarl: I am going to persuade Lonish and Elstav to let me come along with them.

What is your greatest fear?
Lonish: I am not allowed to know fear.
Tajisscra: Arglai, the younger sister of Diavla.  She is far more powerful, and where Diavla could never destroy me fully, Arglai could.
Elstav: I never thought about it before, but I think my greatest fear is losing my father's respect.
Nevarl: Mortality.

What do you think of your parents?
Lonish: I am honored to have the parents that I did.  My father was the greatest Blademan in the world and a wise ruler as well, and my mother was a beautiful lady who gave up her good family name to marry my father, a poor warrior.  She was also a really good cook.  I was very sad when they died in an Amian attack, but my brothers and I avenged their deaths.
Tajisscra: My parents?  Well, they had me.
Elstav: Father is a goodly warlord and mother is a lady of ancient knowledge.  They are the perfect parents.
Nevarl: My father expects the most of me because I am the oldest, and my mother never thinks much of me because she has several younger daughters.  I think they are good parents, but I wish they would pay a little more attention to me.

Any siblings?
Lonish: My brothers, of course.  I also have one sister, who married Kiltya's rival, Rusalo.  That broke up the family a little.
Tajisscra: No.
Elstav: I have one older sister and three younger brothers.  I think highly of Birinin and lowly of the others, but only because they are always playing pranks on others.
Nevarl: I have five younger siblings, but the youngest was kidnapped by Diavla long ago.  As for the others, I have one brother who gets rather annoying at times and three sisters I am not very close to.

Eye color?
Lonish: I have been told that my eyes are grey-blue.
Tajisscra: Any person who knows anything knows that a Fairie's eyes are black.
Elstav:  My eyes are blue.
Nevarl: As are mine.  All Cheol Ruvin have blue eyes.

Are you good or bad?
Lonish: I think I am good.  At least, I try.  I am fighting evil, so that is a start.
Tajisscra: I am pure evil and I know it.
Elstav: I, lie all the Cheol Ruvin, am good, but I am not perfect.
Nevarl: We have a problem with getting along with ourselves.  Otherwise we would be perfect.

Favorite season?
Lonish: Most definitely summer, when the days are ripe for adventure.
Tajisscra: I have no favorite season.  The thought would never have crossed my mind if you had not so impudently mentioned it.
Elstav: I prefer spring above the other seasons.  The new growing things remind us of the promise of Mortals who will someday defeat the evil Lucor.
Nevarl: Where you got that parallel I shall never know.  And my favorite season is summer.

Who is your best friend?
Lonish: Poldes.  Even if he is older than I, we have been inseparable for years.
Tajisscra: If you do not know that I would not deign to have a friend, then you have not paid attention to my previous answers to these insufferable interview questions.
Elstav: Devrogm and Lonish.  Even though Devrogm is your younger brother, Nevarl, and you have been extremely rude during this entire interview.
Nevarl: Well, I think this interview is an unspeakably dull idea in the first place.  And I don't think I have a best friend, although Birinin is usually nice to me.  She is about the only one, though.

Hobbies:
Lonish: Don't tell Kiltya, but his wife Laiarol has been teaching me to cook.  I really like it, but I know I will get teased to death when he finds out.
Tajisscra: I enjoy watching the monthly Dragon fights that we have at Ribigalitorre.
Elstav: My hobby is singing, even though Nevarl has a much better voice than I.  Singing makes me feel so happy.
Nevarl: If you said that to calm me down, I tell you I won't be calmed down.  My hobby is watching the stars at night, since we all seem to have such unimaginative hobbies.  I might as well join the rest of you.

Do you care what others think of you?
Lonish: Yes.  I want my brothers to be proud of me for the legendary fighting that I wish I could do.  I want to be respected as a great warrior.
Tajisscra: Yes.  I want others to tremble in fear when my name is mentioned.
Elstav: The only thing I want others to think of me is that I am a just creature.
Nevarl: I care nothing for the opinion of others.

Was this interview fun?
Lonish: Actually, it was.  I hope we can do this again sometime.
Tajisscra: I would prefer to use a different word to describe this interrogation process.
Elstav: I enjoyed telling others about myself, although I hope that I don't have to again.
Nevarl: It was NOT fun.  Whoever came up with the idea ought to be banished to the pit of Solmar.

Sorry this took so long to get out.  Nevarl and Tajisscra were pretty stubborn about giving their answers.  Actually, I have been extremely busy the past four days, and that is what is the real reason that this is out late.  Anyway, thanks for reading.

June Crusade stuff, I guess

I haven't really posted much about my June Crusade novel, Lonish the Swordmaster, so here is a little bit about it.

Favorite Characters
1. Laiarol of L'Osseilles--She's the sister-in-law of Lonish, and the daughter of a barbarian.  She really loves her husband, Modran Kiltya, the leader of the settlement, and she fights beside him because she cannot bear to be alive if he is dead.  I like her because she has such a varied personality.  She is both feminine and fierce, depending on the situation.  The main point in her character is that she does NOT want to turn back or give up, EVER.

2. Elstav Hpetsen--He's the eldest son of the Younger Lord of the Cheol Ruvin.  He goes with Modran Lonish to the encampment of Mortal Men in order to prove that the Cheol Ruvin, or elves, exist.  He prefers to be alone or with only one or two others, but he is very loyal to Lonish because Lonish saved the elves from a monthly curse.  I like him because of his strength and nobility.  The main point in his character is that he is a loner.

3. Oln--This character is not yet in the story, but I already love him.  He is a talkative, emphatic Cheol Equav, or unicorn.  Even though his kind are doomed, he is a very optimistic character.  He seems to be a vain creature, but he turns out to be a very brave fighter, always  good to have in a pinch.  I like him because he is so ridiculously talkative.  The main point in his character is his optimism.

4. Modran Kiltya--I really love this character.  He is the horribly disfigured older brother of my protagonist.  He is a steadfast leader, and he takes his job very seriously.  However, he is always ready for a good joke.  He loves his wife and wants to protect her, but he knows that her heart will break if he is killed, so he lets her fight beside him.  He can't stand cowardice, and he desperately wants to follow in his famous father's footsteps.  I like him because he is such a good leader.  When he is at a loss, he always listens to the advice of others.  The main point in his character is his desire to be a good leader.

5. Heleopolite Tajisscra--Even though he is the servant to the evil Lady of Ribigalitorre, he is the main bad guy, as well as one of my favorite characters.  This Fairie is desirous of the power that his ruler holds, so he tries to use Modran Lonish to defeat her.  He pretends to be good to gain Lonish's trust, but he only sees his destruction.  I like Tajisscra because he is a cunning character, easy to hate.  He is even worse than his ruler, and she is pretty bad.  The main point in Tajisscra's character is his lust for power.

6. Nevarl Osrs--She's the eldest daughter of the Elder Lord of the Cheol Ruvin.  Her character is enigmatic and contradictory, and Lonish and Elstav cannot figure her out.  She puzzles them throughout the entire story, and it is only at the end that her odd behavior is explained.  She is a timid of fighting at first, but she soon becomes skilled in the use of the javelin and a renowned warrior.  I like her because no one can figure her out.  It's always fun to have a mysterious character.  The main point of her character is that she is resentful against the Mortals, because their coming spells the doom of Lucor, which the Cheol Ruvin are a part of.

I am really enjoying writing this, and I am very much into it.  Please leave comments and tell me what you think about these characters.
Thanks for reading!

Last but not Least

Here is the third blog award I won from my very dear friend, Beth Grace of The Musings of Me, Myself, and I...And Other Such Fantastical Nonsense.  Thanks so much, my dear Beth!

I must list ten random things about myself and pass this onto six other bloggers.

Ten Random Things

1. My favorite book is The Little Minister by James Barrie, who also wrote Peter Pan.

2. I immensely dislike (I won't say hate) asparagus, zucchini, and mushrooms.

3. I never write out character lists or plot blueprints when I write a story, unless I am working on a mystery, and then only loosely.  I find it easier to write when I am not tied down to a stiff pattern.  It seems more realistic to me, although I am hardly a realist!  :)

4. I love music, especially epic music, such as the Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack, and beautiful music, such as Mozart.

5. I am probably the only one in the world, or at least one of three or four at the most, who listens to the playlist on Kiri Liz's blog, Lianne Taimenlore, while I am writing, which is about all afternoon!

6. I am fourteen years older than my youngest brother.

7. My favorite movie is Lorna Doone.

8. I like Charles Dickens better than Jane Austen.  Please, withhold the tomatoes!

9. I still read Laura Ingalls Wilder and Francis Hodgson Burnett.

10. I wish that old fashioned gowns, such as were worn by the ladies in the 1840s, were still in style, and that we went around in poke bonnets, gloves, parasols, petticoats, and high-button shoes.  Simply Delightful!

Here are the lovely bloggers to whom I am passing on this award:

1. Olivia Howard

2. Beth Grace (at her other blog, Modestly Stylish)

3. Kiri Liz (at her other blog, Bizarre American Holidays)

4. Marissa Kathryn

5. Anne-girl

6. Miss Laurie

Thanks for reading!

Second Award

I am doing these posts one at a time, because it is easier that way.
The second award I received from my very dear friend was this one:

Rules: 

1. Must state the rules.

2. Thank the awarded and link back to them.

3. Must pass this award on to five other bloggers

4. List their names with links to their award winning blogs.

5. Must notify the awarded bloggers by commenting on their blogs.

6. Share 7 unusual things about yourself.  Something that not many people could say about themselves.

  

Let me first of all say that this is ridiculous.  I don't think that there are seven unusual things about me.  Also, I am not exactly sure how to link the winners names with links to their blogs, so, things might not go as planned.  Sorry for sort of breaking the rules.

Here are the five winners.

1. Jessa Bri

2. Maria and Amanda

3. Miss Woodhouse

4. Charity

5. Kristin

Here are the 7 unusual things:

1.  I drink black coffee.  I would not have said that this was unusual, but I worked in a coffee shop for a couple months, and almost no one drinks black coffee, so I guess that makes me unique.

2. I am descended from a Swiss nobleman who fell in love with a village girl.  Since the family forbade the marriage, they ran away and got married in America.  I think I should research their story and write a book about it.

3. I read my entire Bible through in one month earlier this year.

4. I am a good shot with a gun but not as good with a bow and arrow.

5. My dad is a research chemist who has invented chemicals that were taken to space for testing.

6. I like mussels, which is apparently not usual for a young person.

7. I have made up two fantasy creatures, Dragyols and Pilhmoffs, both of which are mentioned in my June Crusade novel, Lonish the Swordmaster.

And that is that.  Thanks for reading.

I feel Rich today!

Guess what?  I was working on my book, Lonish the Swordmaster, when I recived an email from Beth Grace of  The Musings of Me, Myself, and I... And Other Such Fantastical Nonsense, stating that she had been awarded four blog awards and was passing three of them onto me!  WOW!

The rules for this award are:

1. Put a link to who gave you this award.

2. Put the award on your post.

3. Choose five blogs to receive the award.

4. Let them know you awarded them.

Here are the five bloggers that I am awarding.

1. Kiri Liz of Lianne Taimenlore

2. Miss Elizabeth of The Country Handmaiden

3. Miss Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog

4. Hayden of The Story Girl

5. Miss Abelaine of Miss Emma Woodhouse.