Resurrection

So, I’ve moved to Portland, Oregon. I absolutely love it here! However, I am having trouble keeping in touch with my loved ones back home. It isn’t a lack of interest in my part, or that I don’t even have time. It’s the time zone difference. Once my day has wound down and I have the time to call, it’s too late to call the people back home. I’m honestly not the biggest fan of the phone, anyway. I’m on the phone all day for my job, so the last thing I want to do once I’m off work is yak away at the phone some more.

So I am repurposing this blog, somewhat, as a way to not only express myself creatively, but as a way to reach out to my Central Time Zone people. I rarely have anything interesting to talk about, at least as far as I think, but I can at least keep people up to date in a way that is more in depth than stupid Facebook.

Oh, yeah, I’m also sick of Facebook. It doesn’t show me the people I want to check in with on my feed, so to weed out the actual important stuff is next to impossible, among all the stupid memes and funny pictures and “we’re on a desert island, the first five people are the ones with you!” junk. I would delete my account all together, but I know it is the main way for so many of my friends and family to communicate, I know if I delete my account, it’s like deleting their friendship. I can’t do that.

Novel, Day 29

I did it! I finished the novel, with a total of 51,388 words! I don't want to put the last thousand up here, since that will spoil the ending, so I'm inserting a thousand, including word number 50k, hilighted for your reading pleasure. =)
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Elliot was at least impressed with how the arena had been transformed into a ballroom. Every square inch and been cleaned, and the original stone floor had been polished to a mirror shine. Candelabras circled the outside of the floor, as did tables covered in embroidered cloths. The announcer’s podium over the main door had been hung with ornate banners representing the different kingdoms participating, and more pendants were hung on the walls of the floor, down from the bleachers. The bleachers had even been given cushions, and one section of them had been corded off, for the musicians. Elliot and Marshall shifted nervously as they waited to be announced. Their father, of course, was completely relaxed. This was his element, after all. Elliot had been right, his father had packed a formal, highly embroidered and gem studded doublet, silk shirt, silk breeches, and knee high polished boots. When he had entered the room, Marshall was just finishing getting dressed himself, and they both had to sit through the torture of having their hands scrubbed, nails buffed, and hair done. Their father hadn’t given any more information about what to expect tonight, except that Luther would probably not be joining them. Which was good. Elliot was still barely holding himself together. He could handle the idea of Marshall being with Ivy better than Luther, but not by much.

Elliot fiddled with the gold stud in his ear. He hated wearing metal in his skin, but it was an ancient tradition that his father insisted on following. This was probably because it was another way to flaunt his wealth, just like the thin circlet of gold upon both his and his brother’s head, and the ornate gem covered crown on their father. It was finally their turn to be announced, and the brothers officially entered the ballroom in step behind their king. He took them around the room for a while, introducing them to this person or that. As soon as it was fesable, Elliot excused himself to find a glass of wine. As he stood against the wall, he watched his brother fidget, pulling at his collar. At least he was also nervous.

He was half way through the glass when the crier called out the name he had been dreading. “King Alexander de Trow of the kingdom of Kildarka, with daughters Ivy and Willow, and guests.”

Elliot looked up to see Alexander enter with his daughters, Meredith and Adina. Elliot had to look twice. Alexander looked the king now, dressed in complex embroidered blues and greens. His crown was silver, with a nautical look to it, emphasized by the pearls and opals set strategically in the piece. The crown, as well as the King, was classy and elegant. Elliot felt like a gaudy peacock in comparison. Willow was wearing a dress, and noticeably unhappy about it. And Ivy…

Her arm was still in a sling, and Adina was holding her good arm, giving her some support. She was dressed in a slim ball gown of satin, layered over with sheets of sheer fabric in pale light blues and greens. It flowed around her like water, like a breeze, and was breathtakingly beautiful.

Elliot finished his wine in one gulp, and disappeared into the crowd before she had the chance to see him. There were enough people on the floor that groups were moving into the halls or into the bleachers for conversation space. Elliot knew it was hiding, but he kept an eye on the group from as far away as possible. Thankfully they seemed to come in and give quick greetings along the way as they made a straight line to the stairs to the back areas, probably to prepare for the crowning ceremony. They were near the end of the alphabet, as far as the guest list was concerned, and shortly there after the announcements were done, and the music began. Groups that were involved in the different ceremonies drifted off to their own preparation areas, leaving enough room for a few people to dance to the music. Elliot saw Samuel sitting at a table, eating some fruit, so he crossed the dance floor to join him. He sat, but they sat there in silence, people watching.

After their second glass of wine, Samuel spoke up. “So… found out I get to keep my job. The guy who won the purple is an Earl, and too busy with his breeding ranch to be hired out as a trainer.”

Elliot nodded. “Good to know. Congratulations.”

Samuel reached under the table, patting Elliot on the knee. “Thanks.”

N’Yami glided by, saw the boys, and stopped to say hi. She was dressed in the long tunic and breeches that was traditional for her people, but she had fancied it up with accessories, mostly consisting of gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces, all layered on each other. Her hair was done in rows of tight, tiny braids with charms tied into the ends. They clinked together when she moved.

“Samuel! Elliot! How are you both doing?”

Samuel stifled a yawn. “Bored. How are you?”

She smiled her infectious smile. “I am good. Did Elliot tell you I am to be mated?”

Samuel gave Elliot a sideways look, but Elliot was too busy hiding behind his wine glass. “No, he hadn’t. Do you know anything about him?”

She laughed. “Not really, no. My uncle is overseeing this, since my mother is not here, and he says the man has a reputation for being surly.”

Elliot looked up, concerned. “Surly?!”

She laughed. “Do not worry. I am not worried. In my culture, women run things. I am used to keeping the men in line.” She smiled, Elliot thinking her teeth suddenly looking sharp and dangerous. “I can handle myself.”

Samuel laughed, patting her on the arm. Before he could reply, trumpets sounded.

“Ooh! Time for the show to begin. I will be seeing you both later!”

Novel, day 28

At this exact moment, I am within 2000 words of my 50k word goal! This is now the hard part, cause I don't want to give away the end of the book, but I still want to give 1000 words a day. These are the last thousand I wrote tonight.
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The final morning of the festival dawned a beautiful, crisp fall day. Elliot wanted nothing to do with it. He had drunk the night away, in an attempt to drown the horrors that today would bring. All he succeeded in doing was add a hangover to the list of horrors he had to face. He tried to hide in his bunk, but the sunshine wouldn’t let him sleep, the sounds of talking and scent of food from the main room finally roused him from his bunk. He got dressed enough to be considered presentable and walked out into the main room.
Meredith and Adina were finishing their breakfast of bacon and sausage with pancakes. As soon as Elliot opened the door, Samuel threw together another plate and set it on the table for him.
Meredith looked at him with her head cocked to the side. “Good morning, sunshine.”
Samuel grunted. “Eat this. You look like shit.”
Elliot shoveled a mouthful of greasy meat into his mouth. “Thanks. I love you, too.”
Everyone else continued where their conversation had left off when he entered. Plans for the day, mostly. There was a mass funeral to be held in the main stadium before the ribbon ceremony. Since Meredith was the only member of the group not getting a ribbon, she was planning on spending it in Alexander’s quarters, watching from his box with Ivy and Willow. Elliot was half way through his meal when he bothered to talk again.
“So, are we all going to act like we didn’t hear what Willow said last night?”
Everyone else at the table shared quick glances. Meredith looked Elliot in the eyes. “Yes, pretty much.”
He shrugged. “Ok, just wanted to make sure.”
She let the concern she held enter her voice. “Are you going to be ok?”
He chewed for a moment, and then washed it down with fruit juice. “Nope. Don’t think so.”
“I can’t Look for you, it involves Ivy.”
He nodded. “I know. Didn’t ask you to.” He took another drink. “I am asking you to stop talking about it, though.”
She nodded in understanding. “Fair enough. Samuel, do you want me to braid your hair for the ribbon ceremony?”
He spared a concerned look for his friend a few moments longer, and then nodded to Meredith. “yes, that would be lovely. Nothing complicated like you both wear, just something simple, to keep this fluff out of my face.”
They each bathed and dressed in nice, clean clothes, so they would be presentable at the ceremony. Elliot and Samuel both dressed in browns and reds, a nod toward their home kingdom, while Adina dressed in her competition attire, though only sporting a single braid down her back, and Meredith dressed in a beautiful forest green and silver gown. As they were leaving the cabin, a man approached with a child on his shoulders. The lighting was such that he was hard to make out at first, but once they were closer, the voice of the child betrayed them.
Adina broke the group’s silence. “Hello, Trouble! What are you and your father doing out here?”
“Hello! Father was showing me the midway! And now he said I get to see your cabin!”
Alexander gave Meredith a quick sideways hug, as the child transferred herself from her father’s shoulders to Adina’s arms. “Ivy sent me here to collect a few things she said she needed. Could you help me? I have a list, but I have no idea what any of these things are.
Meredith laughed. “As the father of three girls, you should know this stuff.”
He shrugged. “I prefer to remain ignorant, for my own safety.”
She nodded. “Ok, but only if you help me.”
They disappeared into the building, leaving everyone else outside. Willow was fascinated by the trees butting against the back of the cabin, and the ivy covering it. Then she squirmed in Adina’s arms. “Hold still, you little wild thing”
Samuel asked, “Why not just put her down?”
“Cause she’s a powerful plant talker. There is no way she can hide that out here.”
Willow could wine with the best of them. “Put me dooooowwwn. There’s no one around here to see. Please? Samuel, I could show you a neat trick, wanna see my trick? Put me doooown!”
Finally Adina gave up. “Oh, you little brat. Fine. But if your father gets mad at you I’m not to blame.”
She let go, and Willow plopped onto the grass. The child giggled maniacally as the grass near her exposed skin began to grow. She jumped up and began running around and around in the grass with her bare feet. Every place she touched, the grass instantly grew thicker, brighter, and noticeably taller. Flowers sprouted and bloomed in her wake, each inside a foot shaped oasis of bright, healthy grass. Samuel and Elliot watched in amazement as the girl circled them repeatedly, and eventually ran to the nearest tree, which she flew up and around, like a squirrel. As soon as she disappeared from view within the canopy, the tree began to move. It’s leaves grew vibrant, twitching in the sunlight. They could even hear the wood groan as it visibly grew.
Adina cocked her hip, frustrated. “Don’t hurt it, Willow! Crazy wild thing!” The only reply she received was joyful laughter.
Samuel focused on the footprints of tiny flowers in the grass. “That, that is one impressive trick.”
Adina huffed. “She’s been in training enough now, she should be able to control it. She should be able to keep that” she gestured at the footprints “from happening. But she refuses to. It’s going to be hard for her to blend into society if she can’t walk around without sprouting flowers.”
Elliot asked, “She wasn’t sprouting flowers in the infirmary.”
“Stone floor.” Alexander answered, as he and Meredith exited the cabin, a bag in Meredith’s hand. “The plants, or the potential of plants, need to already be there.

Novel, Day 27

I'm publishing yesterday's thousand, because I didn't quit writing yesterday till my laptop battery died.  However, I must say, that this entire novel writing experience has been one heck of a wild ride. I know this might sound odd, but I'm shocked and suprised by my writing every day. Supposedly I'm the person in charge, since I'm the one putting the words in the computer, right? WRONG! Characters take personality quirks I never anticipated. New characters write themselves into the story, without even asking my permission first! I specifically set out, with the rules of the festival, to make political intrigue next to impossible, yet the blasted stuff keeps showing up! I try to diverge away from it, it comes back with a vengence! I am humbled in the knowledge that this is obviously being written by someone, or something, else, and I am just a conduit. And I'm loving every moment of it.
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When Elliot came out of the arena, his group of friends were waiting for him. Samuel was pleased, and kept thumping Elliot on the back, nearly knocking him over. As soon as he could, Elliot asked about Samuel’s completion. It turns out that Samuel finished second overall in the gauntlet competition. Meredith insisted the only reason the other person scored higher was because they had a smaller horse with a tighter turning radius. Samuel insisted it was a fair competition, and he was more than happy with the probability of getting a blue ribbon in the ceremonies the following day.
Partially in celebration, and partially so Ivy could join, the group had dinner at one of the many food booths within the midway. The one they chose this time was like a min tavern. ‘Oberon’s Luck’ had a small fence around it, separating the small building and the dining space from the rest of the midway. Tarps of various colors stretched between the poles and rafters without a roof, letting the evening light and cooling breeze down to the tables surrounded with both benches and chairs. They took a spot, and a waitress came by, to take their orders. While they waited for her to return, Elliot reiterated his adventure of the day.
Adina didn’t act surprised. “Huh. After meeting Luther, I’m not shocked that he and Jareth walk in the same circles. They probably struck up a friendship in the same gambling house, or the same brothel.”
Ivy groaned, rolling her eyes. “Can we please not talk about my ex suitor’s love of women. Please.”
Meredith laughed. “Sorry, hon. He made himself the topic of discussion. Anyway, you should be proud you didn’t fall for his wily ways.”
Ivy barely responded with a scoff, which caused everyone to smile. She was handling the teasing quite well, though Meredith and Adina knew she was secretly, honestly, appalled.
Samuel was smart enough to shift the subject. “But seriously, what would two of them be doing together?”
“I don’t know, but it seems fishy. Luther knew father would be at the main stadium watching your competition. Probably assumed I would be there for you as well. I don’t think he even knew Adina was competing there. He probably didn’t recognize you, between your competition outfit, and how high up we were. They were meeting in the one public place where they were least likely to be seen. It has to mean something. I just don’t know what.”
Meredith fidgeted at the table. “Can we please talk about something else? I’m horribly tempted to Look, and I don’t want to ruin my dinner.”
This garnered laughter, and the conversation was quickly interrupted with the delivery of massive amounts of food. They were mostly done with N’Yami wandered by. Meredith and Adina saw her, and waved her over to help finish the rest of the meal. Elliot hadn’t given it much thought, but as she sat with them, he realized she was probably the person he was being engaged to. He had not seen any other Deltans. He had to find out more information, to try and be sure.
“So, N’Yami, I haven’t seen any other Deltans here besides you, and the two gentlemen yesterday. Are there any others here?”
She shook her head. “Not that I am in the knowing of. The ‘gentlemen’ are my brother and uncle. Traveling this far is difficult, but they were the insistent that we come.” She paused to take a drink. “Travel from the Deltas to here is difficult. There are only three ways.”
“Two, actually.” Elliot was surprised he had cut in.
Ivy retorted. “No, there are three. The Great Pass, the Navaro river, and through the southern sea.”
“But the southern sea route is too dangerous. Those are coral filled waters. No ships have safely made the journey.”
“Not true.” N’Yami wiped her mouth with her napkin. “We traveled here by the Sea Route.”
Elliot was floored. “What? How?”
“It was very difficult. Our boats are shallow skimmers, they are not so deep as to hit the coral. I ride in front, feel the earth beneath the waters, and steer the boat.”
Ivy smiled. “I had heard that it had been done, but didn’t know how, myself. That is very impressive.”
N’Yami nodded in agreement. “We have made the journey three times. Once from the Deltas to Tardif, once from Tardif home, and one more from Delta to Tardif. Bad thing, though. Not worth the effort.”
“What? Why not?”
“If the waters are stormy, is not safe. Storms find us on the last leg here, only us three survive. Lost two other crew, and all supplies. Nothing to trade with when we get here. Also, take very long time. It is faster to use wagons over the trade roads, or take sail boat up the river.” She chewed some bread, thoughtfully. “Can only make the journey in the summer, when the water is calm and glass. It is too late in the year now. We must go home by other ways.”
"What about your boat?”
“Uncle sold it to Storm King, for money for passage back home. Then Sisterhood make call, ask us to stop here on our journey. Was good request.” She smiled broadly, her white teeth a beautiful contrast against her dark skin. “Made good friends, yes? Better than any trade.”
Elliot was momentarily lost in thought. He understood now why he was being sent to the Deltas by his father, to make sure that the sea trade route didn’t happen. If travel by sea was feasible, trade across the Great Pass would decline, and Tardif would easily become a bustling port town, instead of its current, ‘too far out of the way’ image.
Ivy raised her mug. “I propose a toast. To new found friends.”
Everyone happily joined in. “To new friends!”

Novel, day 26

In my continued race to 50k, I wrote 3,700 words today. I surpassed 40 thousand and just kept going! The words "The End" are within sight!!
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all I hear is ringing in my ears, all I see is rolling white.”

Meredith looked into Elliot’s eyes. “Honestly, it is a blessing. One person, in all the world, who is just a person around me, no matter what.”
“If you swore on your blood, why did the Sisterhood make you try?”
She laughed, a harsh sound. “I had potential, they said. I could have been incredibly strong, swam my life deep within the web, living every possibility of every time every moment of my life. Seen space and time as the Gods see it. That’s how they put it, anyway. By cutting a part of me off so young, my gift could never develop to that level. It denied me the majority of my gift.” She smiled. “Ivy kept me from living in the mind of the Goddess, so I had the opportunity to live my own life. I thank her, the Gods, and the Magdala, every day.” She ran a finger over the scar. “Ivy saved me from a life of insanity, and in exchange, I try my hardest to help her live as close to a normal life as she can.”
Elliot sat in the chair beside her. “Seems like a fair trade to me.”
Meredith shrugged. “It has its good and bad sides. I didn’t know what she intended to do with the hovercraft till she explained it to N’Yami. The new threads that came from that information were the only way I could have known what was happening. I couldn’t See what was happening in the craft. I could only See what options lay in everyone else’s path, but where they intersected with Ivy’s, with the hovercraft, I was blind. I’ve never felt so helpless in all my life.” She took a shaky breath. “My best friend and I couldn’t tell if she was going to live or die, or even what her chances were. I hated it. But that is the price I pay.”
Elliot sighed, and offered her his hand. She took it, smiling. “I am sorry I asked you.”
She shrugged. “It was, in its own way, a selfless request. I don’t get many of those. You are a good person, Elliot. I will Look at one thread for you, if you are really and truly certain, but it can’t involve the Ball. Something else, and it must be as specific as possible, and only if you are certain.”
He thought for a moment. “I could ask if I win tomorrow, but knowledge either way could change my performance. I could ask about my father’s plans, but they are so convoluted. The pins. There are three jeweled pins that will be placed on my father’s map. Where do the pins land?”
She raised her eyebrows. “That is very specific. I should be able to do that. If you are certain.”
Elliot nodded. Meredith situated herself on the table, crossing her legs. Her eyes unfocused, turning into orbs or pure, swirling white. “I see, I see three gems. A diamond. A sapphire. A ruby. The diamond sits just to the east of the Divide, near the Great Pass. The Ruby sits in the deep south of the Eastern kingdoms, where the Deltan tribes roam. The sapphire…” Her eyebrows furrowed, concentration crinkling the corners of her eyes. The white over her eyes rolled, an angry storm. Then she blinked, and her eyes were her eyes again.
“What of the sapphire?”
She paused, gathering her words. “I cannot see where it lands. It is hidden from me, I’m sorry. Perhaps that decision has not yet been made. I can only see threads that are a strong possibility, or items that are set. I’m sorry.”
Elliot nodded. “It’s ok. I knew of the diamond, I saw it myself earlier today. My father said my fate had already been decided, but he didn’t want to speak aloud about it, in case a Far Seer would know.”
Meredith scrunched her face. “That’s not how it works.”
“I know that, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t like the Sisterhood much, and likes to think that he can hide things from them.”
“They probably let him believe that.”
“True. He had said my fate had been decided, just not finalized, and that my brother’s wasn’t finalized yet.” He took a deep breath. “I must be the Ruby, and one of my brothers the sapphire.”
He hopped off the table. “It makes sense. I traveled with Deltans for a large portion of my time abroad. I speak the language, somewhat. I know the foods and the customs.” He looked at the cabin, at the kitchen and the table, the empty sour keg still sitting on the chair. “The Deltan tribe lands are far away. I don’t know how our friendships will last that distance.”
Meredith hopped down from the table, placing a hand on his arm. He looked to her eyes, pain within his own. “We will find a way. Your friendship with Samuel lasted the three years you were gone, it can last now. You can visit. We can visit. I loved that fish stuff N’Yami had yesterday, we could come and you could teach us how to enjoy their spicy fresh fish.”
He laughed, and embraced her in a fierce bear hug. She hugged back, ignoring the tears that fell in her hair, just as he did. After a long moment, they parted, wished each other goodnight, and went to their separate rooms.
Behind the safety of the closed door, Meredith bounced in a tight circle, hands over her mouth to keep silent. Her dance of joy was not missed by Adina, who was mostly asleep anyway. “Wa ya doin?” They weren’t really separate words, but Meredith understood.
“The sapphire, my dear.”
"Hu?”
“All I saw was swirling white; all I heard was ringing.”
Adina grunted something unintelligible as she rolled over, instantly back asleep. Meredith skipped and danced till she was tired enough to sleep.

Novel, day 25

In order to make my goal of 50k by the 30th, I have to write a LOT of words daily. So, to try and catch up, I wrote more than three thousand today. My hands are tired, I'm calling it a night.
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Yes! A toast is in order!”
Adina smiled. “I know where some fine mead is being sold. I shall be right back.”
Meredith and Samuel took each other’s hands. “Yes! We will join you!”
Before Ivy or Elliot knew what was happening, they were gone, leaving them alone. They both were uncomfortable, unsure of what to say. Ivy tried. “Yes, congratulations.”
Elliot sighed. “I wasn’t expecting fake enthusiasm, any more than I was fake pity. I… I don’t know what to say.”
Ivy reached out, and took Elliot’s hand in her good one. “I understand. We have duties, responsibilities, which we cannot escape.” As she finished talking, her eyes were drawn to a nurse at the curtain.
“You have another visitor.”
Ivy nodded. “You should go. I’ve been expecting my father – he always comes right before his dinner. Go and celebrate your new life tonight.”
Elliot nodded, kissed the back of her hand, and took his leave. As he left, he caught a glimpse of an older, kind looking gentleman with long hair. However, he wasn’t certain. His eyes were tearing up, and focusing was difficult.
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Ivy tried to straighten up on her bed as her father entered the room. She had been debating her father’s offer, and Elliot’s confession had helped to make her decision easier. After all, she has duties, responsibilities, which she cannot escape.
“Hello, my little sun blossom. How are you feeling today?”
“Good, father! Better every day.”
“Who was that young man leaving as I came by?”
“Oh? Just a friend, one of the guys from the cabin. He popped in to let me know how the competitions were going. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes! Today was a good day. I’ve decided that continuing the festival was a good idea after all. Each area has found their own way to honor and respect the situation.”
Ivy took her father’s hands in hers. “I’m glad you came to peace with that. I know it was weighing heavily on you yesterday.”
He nodded. “I had thought that continuing would be disrespectful, but I talked with Gethin, and he helped convince me that these people were here for this festival. They would have wanted it to continue in their absence.”
Ivy wrinkled her nose. “Jareth’s father? Why do you continue to talk to that man?”
Her father laughed. “Jareth was a moron, but his father is still the Storm King, and still occasionally has good advice.”
Ivy shrugged. “I still have my reservations.”
“I highly doubt Gethin sent him to court you, knowing he would hurt you. He had thought that an alliance by marriage would be good for our two kingdoms, and I had agreed. But with Jareth being his only son, that is now not going to happen.” Ivy shuddered. Her father squeezed her hand. “If it makes you feel any better, his father’s fury when his son returned, dishonored, far exceeded even my own when I expelled him from the kingdom.”
Ivy raised an eyebrow. “That would be quite impressive.”
A devious smile entered the king’s eyes. “His pain and punishment shall enter the halls of legend, my dear.”
Ivy sighed, that confirmation lightening her somewhat. She wasn’t a vindictive or vengeful person, but she was a woman. No matter how kind and compassionate she was, hearing of the pain of those who had hurt her badly calmed the vengeful goddess that resides within every woman’s heart.
“Speaking of suitors, I wanted to talk with you, father.”
The king shifted, his full attention on her.
“The gentleman I had… well… my prior possibility was never really a possibility. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. I know you and mother had an arranged marriage, and still found love with each other over time. I am hoping I will have the same luck you did.” She took a deep breath. “I am open to an arranged marriage.”
The king let out a long held breath. “I am so very pleased to hear that. The council will be, as well.” He squeezed her hand. “Will signing the contract at the Ball be too soon? I know it is only two days away, but it would be so much better if we could have your engagement announced on the same day as your crowning.”
Ivy sat for a moment, letting the shock roll through her. So soon. “You have someone lined up already?”
Her father at least had the decency to blush. “I had something in the wings. It was never written in blood, always with a caveat. I hoped that you would find your own way, but… I have someone lined up already, yes.”
Ivy sighed. “Have you met him? Do you know anything about him?”
Her father shrugged. “I haven’t met him, no. I met his father. Good man, a bit over focused, but decent enough. I don’t want to get into the boring details, but his father is very excited about an alliance between our kingdoms.”
Ivy nodded. “I suppose it’s best that I don’t know too much going into this. I don’t want any preconceived notions.” She knew what the boring details probably entailed. The price tag coming with her contract would be substantial. Not every kingdom could afford to marry one of their sons to a crowned princess. Those that could would be weighing the pros and cons to losing one of their sons to a seaport kingdom. Their capital was poised at the mouth of the largest river on the western side of the continent. Access to that river could potentially open trade with the eastern kingdoms, as the river was one of the three ways across the continent. Access to that waterway may come with other ties. The bargaining and haggling would be nauseating to her, and she was glad to not be a part of it. She was certain that knowing how much she cost her future groom’s kingdom would only put things off to a bad start.

Novel, day 24

So I'm behind. In order to be 'on par' to reach 50k words by the end of the month, I needed to hit 40k today. However, with the wedding yesterday, and everything else, I'm a bit more than 5000 words behind. Not that I'm blaming the wedding or anything - I knew about it, I brought my laptop with me, I just didn't write, so that is all my fault. So I have a lot of catching up to do. But here is the last thousand words I wrote tonight, introducing us to Elliot's younger brothers, and explaining more of King Phillip's plots.
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"Good to see you, Elliot. Father has been concerned since the battle. He had every one of our servants making sure you were not among the wounded the other night.”

Elliot rolled his eyes. “Goddess forbids he looks into it himself, or sends someone by the cabin where he knows I’ve been staying.”
Luther seemed surprised. “Of course he couldn’t do it himself. It would give an impression of weakness. Outward he has to be 100 percent in control, and trust that you would be in control. One of the servants saw you walking through the infirmary side of the coliseum yesterday with Samuel, and reported to father. I hope you weren’t there for your own injuries.” He didn’t seem concerned that his brother would be hurt, but more what image that would portray.
“No, brother. I was visiting a friend who had been injured.”
“Oh, good.”
Marshall’s brow softened. “I was going over the departed list before we came in today. I thought I saw Devon’s name. Was it another Devon?”
Elliot shook his head. “No, no it was not.”
Marshall put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I am sorry for your loss. Would you sit with us for Samuel’s jousting?”
Elliot nodded. Meredith and Adina consented, on the silent condition that Elliot made sure to sit between them and his brothers.
“I’m also sorry to hear of Devon’s passing. He was a fine ladies’ man, a skilled gambler, and a fine brewer. We shall drink tonight in his honor.”
As they took their places, Meredith attempted small talk. “So, how do you gentlemen know Samuel?”
Marshall replied, “Father had hired him to train us in horseman ship. He’s watching these competitions closely.”
“Aye, father wants to be certain we are being trained by the best. Nothing else would do.”
Elliot stiffened. “So why are you both here, brothers? I didn’t think you were entered into any competitions.”
Luther snorted in distain. “No, we are not to be judged against our inferiors. It would be unseemly.”
Marshall tried to calm the waters. “Father has decided that it’s time for us to learn more about the other kingdoms of the realm. Thought it best if we interacted with them, got to know them on their turf.”
“Like spies, like you were!” Luther nearly giggled. “It has been a blast, seeing how the common folk live, though I must say, I’m glad I’m not of their type. Too much physical labor, in my opinion. No time for appreciation of the finer things in life.”
Adina put a hand on Elliot’s arm, in an attempt to calm the seething waters inside him. She could see his fury in the colors around him, even though his face remained passive and neutral.
“I was not a spy. I was on a diplomatic journey.”
Marshall rolled his eyes. “Sure you were, brother. We believe you. Anyway, father seems to have other plans in mind as well.”
Elliot raised an eyebrow, the only motion of his face in some time.
“It seems one of us is to be betrothed. Can you believe it?”
“One of you?”
“Yes. Not sure which one of us, but it seems certain.” Luther was very put off by the idea.
“Why would you think that?”
Marshall’s shoulders drooped. “Father has been taking council with other rulers this whole week. Every meal is in conference with at least two other kingdoms. He keeps telling us he has great plans, things that will revolutionize the kingdom.  Even yesterday, he was meeting with the chief of the Delta tribes, and a trio of the Sisterhood.”
Luther nodded. “We overheard him talking to the Sisterhood, about how our kingdom has no magic like that demonstrated in the battle, and yesterday as the Scions cleaned up their mess. About how he demanded that imbalance be addressed.”
Marshall shifted his weight, trying to get comfortable on the bench. “The sisters said that, quote, an arrangement can be made, unquote. Everyone knows all Scions are female. They must mean an arranged marriage, one of us and one of them.”
Elliot tried to keep an impassive voice, though hope surged in him. “How do you know it wasn’t to me, or Phillip?”
“Phillip has been betrothed for a few months now to the princess of the kingdom on the other side of the mountain pass. Father insists this insures our control of the pass, and it’s trade, for generations to come. Phillip seems pleased, she is nice enough, though a little plain.” Marshall took a swig of wine from his canteen.
Luther eyed Elliot, “As for you, father has been talking about how you will assure our trade stability. I’m assuming he already has a bride picked for you. Sorry, brother.”
Elliot nodded, his last hope of Ivy floating away on his brother’s words.
Luther patted his arm. “Cheer up. It’s just marriage, after all. It doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s all political, anyway. As father always points out, our economy relies on trade.”
Marshall quoted their father easily, eventually in unison with all three brothers. “You can have all the gems and lumber in the realm, but your people can’t eat money.”

Elliot was tense all throughout the jousting competition, which did not go in Samuel’s favor. Though he did end up being high ranked, he was just outside the score needed to get him into the finals. Meredith seemed proud, since it was very difficult to even get this far. The other gentlemen seemed very disappointed, and bid farewell till the afternoon competition. Once they were gone, he told the ladies that he would need to excuse himself, for he had to prepare Samuel.

Meredith seemed confused. “I don’t understand, prepare him for what?”

Elliot held her hand, trying to find the words. “Didn’t you hear my brothers? Father is watching Samuel, to assure himself they are being trained by the best. By losing in jousting today, he may have also just lost his job.”