21
(Wirnday, cont.)
The greenhouses loomed over the small cottage hidden behind in a small grove of trees. It was well-planted with many beautiful and fragrant blooms all summer long. D’zani appreciated the floral display as she walked down the cobbled path towards the door. It was closed and locked. She had really wanted to talk to Kinokei.
She had not wanted to talk to the abári, but that’s the presence that she felt join her.
“I believe she has gone in search of a supply of creeping fire,” Cyanus said.
“I just wanted to talk to her,” D’zani said.
“About the man you’ve been seeing?” Cyanus asked.
“I … I … yeah, I wanted some advice,” D’zani admitted.
“I’m glad you were seeking advice,” Cyanus said. “I’m sorry she isn’t here right now. Maybe you would like to talk to me? Or even Nina?”
D’zani blushed before she could clear the surprise from her mind. She knew the abári’s job was to know many things, but she had no idea anyone else knew about Elíaz.
“No, she replied. “I was looking for a stella’s intuition. You know I’ve been seeing someone?”
“People have seen you together a couple of times and mentioned it. No one has been overly concerned, just curious since you haven’t brought him into the Complex to meet anyone,” Cyanus replied. “What are your concerns about him?”
“He has something hidden which concerns me. He says I can trust him and that, in time, he will be able to prove it to me. He also says that if we knew everything about him, people would be in danger because of it. Does that mean he’s Balan?” she asked, voicing her deepest fears. “Is that why he knows so much about them?”
Cyanus took a deep breath as if thinking about how to reply. “Knowledge isn’t incriminating, D’zani. Take Derick Aiden. He’s just made an entire film about the Neví, starring as one of their members. Does that make him Neví?”
“Elíaz told me the same thing,” D’zani said.
“Also, being Balan or A’mara is more of a matter of the heart, not the sign above the door you enter. We’ve had Balan pretending to be A’mara before. I’m sure there are good people trapped in the Balan as well. It’s his heart that must be examined. Give him a chance to prove his trustworthiness, but be cautious all the same, just in case. Make sure you don’t share anything about any of us either,” Cyanus advised.
“Thank you, Abári,” D’zani said turning to go.
“Anytime you want to talk,” Cyanus replied. “Are you looking after Vissia tonight?”
“I will do my best,” D’zani promised.
“That’s all you can do. Thank you.”
D’zani wandered slowly through the greenhouses on her way back. She needed to clear her head. She wondered again why she had got Elíaz into trouble with his superiors. She wondered whether that meant he was more or less trustworthy.
She wandered back to the Complex, her questions still troubling her, but realizing she needed to put them aside for the moment. She wanted some time with Vissia before they went to the Blast 2 tonight.
The PCS unit buzzed in the Balan Center office in Towani City.
“Elið,” the man answered knowing it was the Terrenden #2 and #3 questioning his authority again.
“You mentioned a certain nightclub for tonight,” Belmara stated.
“Yes. We have it well in hand,” Elið replied.
“And your rebel?” Fashi joined in.
“He appears to have refused his mission again,” Elið replied.
“You made his alternatives clear,” Belmara confirmed.
“He understands his alternatives, but he does not budge,” Elið replied.
“Give him the rest of the evening to reconsider his allegiance and responsibilities, but it may be time,” Fashi advised.
Elið nodded, fully understanding.
“You could choose to come clean with him,” Fashi said.
“It would not help,” Elið said sadly.
“You could exile him,” Belmara suggested.
“I will talk with Tasp. He knows the full situation as well, but I cannot be seen playing favorites.”
“Not if you want to retain leadership,” Fashi agreed. “I will let you and Tasp resolve this the best you can.”
The communication ended.
Elið Seyri had mixed feelings. He remembered Elíaz’s young mother with sad fondness. He remembered their nights of passion and the child that had resulted. The child that drained her of all ability to replenish her own body. Oh, she struggled, Edina had. Only to succumb to an internal cancer five years later.
Despite their passion, she had refused to take the life bond with him. Refused to tell Elíaz his parentage. Left him to be raised as an orphan, with his father looking on the entire time, unknown to the boy.
Just as well, Elið knew. He had never been able to come to terms with the fact that their love, their child had cost them their future together. Even without the life bond, they had continued to be together whenever they could – until she was too weak with her struggle for life.
Without Elíaz, Edina would still be alive.
It was in the past, but the hurt was still present. Even through that, he still had twinges from time to time that maybe he could still be a father if he let Elíaz know the truth.
But if he had to pass an Edict on Elíaz, the truth would have to be left behind – forever. There would be no coming back from passing that sort of judgment on his own son.
“Dancing tonight!” Vissia said as she burst through the door.
“Yes, Vissia!” D’zani replied, as excited.
“Look at you! Last time, you had no desire to go, now you’re chomping at the bit!” Vissia exclaimed with a laugh. “That Elíaz has done that to you?!”
“I am looking forward to seeing him again,” D’zani said.
“You’re so calm! I know you’ve been seen kissing him! So, why not just admit he’s your boyfriend? You don’t have to blush!”
“You can’t see a blush on my cheeks – the benefits of Kri’enden skin!” D’zani retorted.
“But I can feel it still. I agree with you though – you’re so lucky! I wish I could blush and get away with it!” Vissia said, going into her room for a dress.
“Just be careful, you don’t know much about Breckan. Assuming he’s there tonight,” D’zani cautioned, following her.
“He messaged me earlier. He’s looking forward to seeing me!” Vissia replied happily.
“You still should be careful. He could be Balan, after all,” D’zani cautioned again.
“A’mara, Balan, nothing, he’s just a sweet guy!” Vissia replied looking in her closet.
“I really hope so, Vissia. Elíaz warned that there are some bad ones around, dangerous, he was implying. He was really worried about our safety,” D’zani said.
“Why is that important tonight?”
“Did you listen to Cyanus this morning?” D’zani asked.
“He’s always worried about us!” Vissia replied, rolling her eyes. “That’s his job.”
“But the concerns are much more substantial this time.”
“No change in advice. Be careful, be with someone else… normal stuff. As if we’re not supposed to have any fun!” Vissia complained, pulling out an aqua dress and changing her clothes.
“He didn’t say not to have fun, just to be careful – more than usual. Stay with me tonight, okay?” D’zani said.
“I make no promises,” Vissia replied, smoothing down the short, flouncy skirt. “I won’t say anything either if you and Elíaz wanted to go somewhere private.”
“And if something bad happens, I will feel very bad,” D’zani said, looking concerned.
“I’ll be fine,” Vissia said confidently. “What are you wearing for Elíaz?”
“Nothing extra special,” D’zani said. “I can’t do the colors you do.”
“I’m sure aqua would look very nice on Kri’enden skin. In some ways, you are more versatile than the pale Almara skin which gets washed out so easily. You’re deliciously chocolate no matter what you wear!” Vissia said with affection.
D’zani smiled. “Thank you.”
“Let’s go dancing!” Vissia said, taking her friend’s hand to get her moving.
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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