15
(Tharnday, cont.)
‘Fire Swamps,’ read the sign above the door. Zukie passed under it into one of the larger habitules – one that was scarcely started. Water trickled from above them through a lengthy course designed to imitate the small knolls that dotted the famous fire swamps of Çtaráña and Shayanda.
“So far, we only have a few plants filtering the water, but many of our seed trays are filled with plants that have been brought to us over the years. I decided when we moved here that, after the rainforest, this was the biome that was the most critical to copy entirely. Emeric has been immensely helpful with his first-hand knowledge,” Zukie explained to Cyanus as Tyree looked on. Emeric hovered close, ready to step in, his chola Seryan standing with him. “As the water leaves our knolls, it reaches the swampy areas which already have some of the fish native to Shayanda. They feed the whole ecosystem.”
“You have a fire chestnut?” Cyanus asked.
“Over here in the corner. I’m working with Emeric to develop a netting system so that we don’t have fires in here!” Zukie showed off the sapling which was already as tall as she was. The different branches gnarled this way and that as it twisted towards the light. A couple of slimy, orange plants had already begun creeping across the planting, clearly happy in its new habitat.
“That looks nasty,” Tyree said.
“Not all plants look beautiful,” Zukie reminded. “This creeping fire is a symbiote made up of a plant and a mold. It is a natural fire suppressant, an essential part of this biome.”
“Creeping fire!!!” Kinokei came in shouting, as if on cue. “They also took my creeping fire powder!”
“What’s so special about this nasty orange plant?” Seryan asked.
“The antidote to Petal Bed Plus!” she replied almost hysterical now. “I was just going to mix up some extract to make the ladies immune to the Petal Bed Plus if anyone tries to slip some to them tomorrow. But it’s gone!”
“You have some here,” Cyanus pointed out. “I know it’s not much, but this is an emergency, right?”
“Not yet,” Zukie said calmly. “If I remember right, it’s not ready to be harvested until the chestnuts are ready to fall. At least that’s what the manual said.”
“That’s right. Unripe, it will only make things worse,” Kinokei said.
“Is there anywhere you can buy it?” Cyanus asked.
“I don’t know of a source this time of the year,” Kinokei replied. “The supply is quite limited. In fact, our ability to grow it here will help enormously.”
“It will take another year before I’ll be comfortable with us harvesting from this habitule,” Emeric said.
“I can see our greenhouses are in excellent hands. Keep up the fine work,” Cyanus said. “Though disappointing about the creeping fire, it doesn’t change our plans. Our ladies will need extra chaperons tomorrow night. Can I count on you, Emeric?”
“Sure. Just don’t expect me to dance!” Emeric replied.
“I think you need to learn how to dance,” Zukie said, thinking of her fun-loving sister. Maybe she could get Zara to be a chaperon. Get her to hang out with Emeric in a fun setting. As long as he didn’t just clam up again!
Emeric stifled a groan.
“I’m officially excused by Kinokei,” Zukie replied.
“Yes, Zukie needs to rest more!” Kinokei chimed in.
“I’ll see if I can find a few others to come,” Cyanus said. “We still need people in the Complex though.”
“Good,” Kinokei said with some relief. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t better prepared. I need to reexamine how I keep my goods. I can’t have this happen again!”
“You have magna-locks on your cottage already, but you tend to keep it open. Maybe we can put in some magna-fields that you can set to allow people you trust in, but keeps others out – you can keep the door open that way too,” Cyanus said. “Tyree, you and Seryan can solve this problem with Kinokei’s security, I’m sure.”
“Thank you, Abári,” Kinokei said. She left with the two cholas.
Cyanus also left.
“I think we need to plant more creeping fire,” Emeric said.
“I agree,” Zukie said.
“Can I see you?” Elíaz asked when D’zani answered her PCS link.
“Where do you want to meet?” she asked.
“Same place as last time. I want to go for a walk. Maybe a picnic or something?” he suggested.
“Sure,” she replied, the smile impossible to keep off her face.
“I’ll bring something to share. See you in ten minutes?” he asked.
“See you then,” she promised.
The communication disconnected and D’zani ran to the kitchenette to pull out a couple of boxes of snacks she liked to take for walks. A few things went into the pockets on the inside of her cloak.
“Again?” Vissia asked, obviously a little jealous, but bringing the brush.
“Hasn’t Breckan talked to you as well?” D’zani asked in reply.
“No,” Vissia said.
“Oh well, maybe he’ll be at the dance tomorrow night!” D’zani said.
“I hope so,” Vissia said brushing her friend’s hair. “I do love your hair! Apparently, he does too!”
D’zani felt herself blushing again. “He did say the other night that he found my tribe attractive.”
“There you are!”
“But there’s something a little weird about him. He has a secret.”
“Don’t we all?” Vissia asked.
“You’re right, it’s probably nothing except my worries,” D’zani answered. “He’s constantly worried that I’m in danger. I reminded him that it’s part of my training to be prepared for danger. He mostly took that.”
“It’s because you’re a girl. He’s never seen you with a shaze, now, has he? I’d be proud to be protected by someone like you. I’m surprised Cyanus hasn’t awarded you with the gold badge yet,” Vissia said.
“Being the best in the Complex doesn’t get you a gold badge, having a gold-level duel does,” D’zani said. “I don’t have anyone I can spar with and improve me.”
“What about Tyree and Seryan?” Vissia asked.
“They will probably get their silvers soon, but I need someone still stronger.”
“Careful, or the maqlas will put you on chaperon duty and not let you dance!” Vissia warned.
“I’ve got to go!” D’zani apologized, giving her roommate a hug and dashing out the door.
Other Chapters of this set
Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Building on Promise - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10
Spice of Strength - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
- continent of Almara (five maps)
- countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
- characters, pronunciation and glossary
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Brighid's Blood 2006 and 1200 B.T.C.E. Katja and Rachel are so desperate for love that they cast two love spells one night. But the Guardians do not consider spells "fun", but rather as cries for help from the very depths of your soul. Certainly Katja and Rachel could not have possibly imagined where these spells would take them! |
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Birth of the Neví 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara. |
| COMING SOON | TO AN EBOOK STORE NEAR YOU!!! |
| Rise of the Neví - 830 T.C.E. The Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures brought in the previous year has caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví? |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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