“Mom, why are we at a table for four?” Dan’s mother had told him that this lunch date was just for the two of them. His first, fleeting thought upon seeing the extra chairs was sadness, because at one time, his father would have joined them. Then he had noticed that the table was next … Continue reading Table for More
Grandfather’s Story
“Hivara is beautiful,” Grandfather said. I rolled my eyes, because I knew, from that single phrase, where this would lead. I’ve heard Grandfather tell this story many times before, but my cousins, it seems, have not. “No she’s not!” said Ruon, the youngest of them. His face scrunched up with a level of offense reserved … Continue reading Grandfather’s Story
She Is Happy
She is happy. She has always liked to do things with her hands; she has always liked to make things, and to look upon them later and say, “I made this. I accomplished something.” She still makes things, sometimes. Knitted caps or scarves or gloves. Handmade greeting cards, for birthdays and anniversaries. Simple things, perhaps, … Continue reading She Is Happy
Belonging
“Khari, do you think we belong here?” Reid sat awkwardly against the wall of Khari’s tent. He knew he was welcome here, and he knew that Khari didn’t mind his presence, but he still felt slightly uncomfortable. He liked Khari. He was pretty sure she didn’t mind him, either. He’d just never felt quite as … Continue reading Belonging
Orua, Session One, Part VI: Jillian
Preceded by: Orua, Session One, Part V: The Rondrell Home “I need to go check on Melark.” Delphine strode off purposefully, leaving Garrett to stand, frozen, next to Rowan. The door to the Rondrell home had just shut behind him with a thumping blow that felt like it had struck directly against Garret’s heart. He … Continue reading Orua, Session One, Part VI: Jillian
Orua, Session One, Part V: The Rondrell Home
Orua, Session One, Part IV: The Calldecs “Oh, Simm.” The leaden weight that sat upon Delphine’s heart grew heavier The Rondrell home sat at the end of the street that curved northward toward Rowan’s house. The whole of Orua was arrayed in a rough circle, with the Two Trees and the village square at its … Continue reading Orua, Session One, Part V: The Rondrell Home
Orua, Session One, Part IV: The Calldecs
Preceded By: Orua, Session One, Part III: Decisions Rowan had not worn armor in years. He had hardly given it a thought since he’d left the Lord’s army; but then, he’d had little reason to think about donning it at all. He’d crafted Delphine’s armor himself, years ago: flexible, light leather armor which allowed for her … Continue reading Orua, Session One, Part IV: The Calldecs
Orua, Session One, Part III: Decisions
Previously: Orua, Session One: The Evergrass Home Rowan and Delphine shut and locked the door, when they got back to the house. For good measure, they pushed a table in front of it. Seated next to Melark on the couch, Garret watched the two of them with a sort of vibrating anxiety. He wished he’d gone … Continue reading Orua, Session One, Part III: Decisions
Orua, Session One: The Evergrass Home
Previously: Orua Session One: Awakening Delphine held Melark close to her heart, pressing his head into her chest, wishing she could take him back inside of herself and keep him safe from the world forever. “Melark. Oh, my love. I’m so glad you’re okay.” “What’s happened?” Melark asked. It had to be an intimidating sight, with … Continue reading Orua, Session One: The Evergrass Home
Orua Session One: Awakening
His first few moments of waking touched upon him like a tormented dream. His whole body felt faint, as though it had been lost to him for an eternity and only just now had his mind finally found its way back. As he climbed closer into consciousness, ascending from a black pit deeper than any … Continue reading Orua Session One: Awakening
Daydreams 