News & Announcements:

First of all, Merry Christmas! I hope your holiday is full of warmth and love!

I've come down with a cold, and on top of that, I've been extra achy. I really don't know what brought on the recent pain, but I've been staying away from the keyboard as much as possible, which means I don't have much of a word count for the week.

But I've shared a character journal (from Samandriel this time) and an excerpt, plus a new Spotify playlist for the holidays, a video series (also for the holidays), and a new (to me) book I've just started to read.

Happy reading!

Lois


Writing/Goals Progress:

Do to a cold and extra pain, I didn't get much of a word count this week. I won't get much written next week either, as I'm taking off until the 26th so I can focus on the coming holiday. Good thing I gave myself two months to write this novel, huh?

Fallen: Out of Time

Day 14: 0 | 15,607
Day 15: 0 | 15,607
Day 16: 0 | 15,607
Day 17: 0 | 15,607
Day 18: 0 | 15,607
Day 19: 989 | 16,596
Day 20: 0 | 16,596
Weekly Total: 989


Character Journal Entry: Samandriel - Grief & Guilt:

Of all the people who could have been killed, why Krishan? His skills were deadly, but he only fought in self defense or in the defense of others, and only if he had no choice. He was the best of men, kind and compassionate and wise beyond his 92 years. Humanity's well-being was his concern. As far as I know, he had no enemies.

When I saw four strangers standing over his lifeless, headless body, something snapped inside me. Everything Krishan taught me about self-control went out the window when I saw the macabre scene. Four men in bloody ninja uniforms, their faces hidden, standing over my dear friend with swords dripping with his blood.

One of the men still held onto Krishan's body, and when he saw me, he dropped it. I looked from Krishan to his killers, and rage unlike anything I'd felt before filled me, temporarily blackening my heart. I charged them, giving no thought to the lessons Krishan had taught me over the decades since we first met. Gladius[1], my sword -- Defender of the Damned -- fed off my rage. I didn't even try to stop it as it took one life, then another, until all four lay scattered, their collective life force flowing out onto the hardwood floorboards upon which Krishan and countless students, including me, had practiced the martial for so many decades.

The thought of being without Krishan's companionship saddens me greatly. I knew he would die someday, but I thought he would be the first on my short list of mortal friends to die in old age. Peacefully in his sleep. The way he actually died -- it was heinous, unjust, and certainly undeserved.

None of this went through my mind when I saw his lifeless body for the first time, nor did I think about it as I was killing those men. Rage prevented me from rational thought. All I knew was that he was dead, and I was angrier than I'd been in a long time. I lashed out without a thought to the consequences. I did what my rage demanded, and in seconds, his killers lay dead, staining the floor with their blood. The floor that Krishan and I had so recently sat upon in meditation and quiet conversation. The floor on which countless students had tumbled and fought as they practiced their craft. The floor that Krishan and I had periodically sanded, stained, and varnished with our own hands.

When it was all done, and I stood there, my chest heaving with every belabored breath, it hit me. The grief at being without my friend and mentor. The coming consequence of my rash actions. The fact that I could do nothing to repent of my sin, even though Krishan deserved justice for his early death. All of this hit me in that moment. It was one of the few times in my long life that I actually cried. The experience was not unlike waves hitting a beach during a rough bout of weather. Waves of grief and loneliness hit me, one right after the other, causing the tears to flow more and more fully.

What happened next I'll have to share next time. It had such an impact on me -- on my heart and soul -- that I need to think on it for a bit before I write about it here.

I will say this much. I miss my old friend. His death, and the deaths of many like him, are the reason I find it exceedingly difficult to go out of my way to make friends. When they die, more often than not, I grieve. I grieve hard. It's gotten to the point where I almost wanted to go to Iciria[2] and end it all. I couldn't take any more of the heartache, or so I believed. I tried to harden myself against it, but when all was said and done, I'd still grieve when I lost someone important to me. Krishan's death was no different, but in a way, it was different. Very different. When he died, I lost all hope, at least for a brief time. Who would help me control the jumble of emotions I felt on an almost daily basis? He always knew the right words that would give me the determination to keep going, to try being better than I was. Some very dark days followed his death -- for both me and my brother, Zach -- but that's something I'll explain at another time.

For now, I'll end with this thought:

"When life knocks you down, you need to dust yourself off, stand up, and keep going. I know it
doesn't feel like it at the time, but those low points are the very things that will make you
stronger."

~ Krishan Sharma

Krishan made me a stronger, better man than when I first met him. For that, and for many more reasons, I will always cherish our friendship.

Samandriel

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[1]Gladius, Defender of the Damned: a magical sword Krishan gave Samandriel shortly before his death. It renders its wielder invulnerable during fights, leading them to victory. Its magic only works on those who are fallen.

[2] Iciria: a dimension in time and space that evil can't inhabit. If a fallen being or person of impure heart enters Iciria, they will face complete oblivion with no afterlife, neither in Sheforat nor in any of the other celestial planes.


Excerpt from Chapter 23:

Whispers from the Past

The Valorin Wilderness

The storm moved off, eventually fizzling out, but Samandriel still could not access his magic. He would have to rely on his sword and his skills to survive whatever threats he encountered from here on out, because he refused to give up the search for his brother.

A light breeze blew as he tramped through the snow. The sun hung low in the sky, but wouldn’t set until weeks from now. He wouldn’t be able to hide out in the open, but nor would anyone else who might threaten him.

Samandriel.

He halted in his steps and cocked his head to the side, listening. The voice came again, a whisper on the breeze.

Samandriel.

He thought he recognized that voice, but he couldn’t be sure. And if it was who he thought it was, he must have escaped from Sheforat when Zach did — either that, or there was another prison break.

You should have been there with me, the voice continued. You were just as guilty as I was.

Samandriel ignored the voice and focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

Fight me, Samandriel. Prove to me you’ve still got what it takes.

He continued to ignore the voice, focusing instead on the sound and quality of it. It was, indeed, his old friend, Omael. They’d started out as friends, but had ended up on opposite sides of a war that neither of them should have taken part in.

One way or another, you’re going to fight me, and I’ll send you to Sheforat. Want to know what I’ll do then?

Samandriel shook his head, willing Omael to go away. Instead, the fallen angel continued his threats.

I’m going to kill everyone you hold dear. I’ll start with that brother of yours. Zach’s trapped in another dimension of Ithuriel’s devising.

Samandriel stopped. He remembered that name. He’d loved Ithuriel once, but when Omael had come into the picture, Sam hadn’t fought for Ithuriel. He’d blindly believed their love could weather anything, including the attentions of his best friend.

And he lost her to Omael.

But that wasn’t the worst of it. The worst part was the fight between himself and Omael. They’d been the best of friends, more like brothers. But Omael had killed for Sam, and Sam hadn’t wanted that, and a rift had formed between them.

Then war had broken out, and they’d supported opposite sides.

He stopped and stared up at the sky. “On the life of my brother, I will not spill even a drop of your blood, Omael. We were brothers once. We may be enemies now, but I refuse to fight you.”

With that, he returned his focus to the land around him, wondering how he could free Zach from another dimension.


Book I'm Currently Reading:

The Circle of Ceridwen: Book One of the Circle of Ceridwen Saga, by Octavia Randolph


From Amazon:

It is the year 871. Of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, five have fallen to the invading Vikings. No trait is more valued than loyalty, and no possession more precious than one's steel. Across this war-torn landscape travels fifteen year old Ceridwen, now thrust into the lives of the conquerors.

Epic...immensely satisfying...an impressive achievement - Historical Novel Society The English Adventure loved by over 100,000 readers in 125 countries...

Lost in the frozen woods, Ceridwen is discovered by the warriors accompanying young Ælfwyn, daughter of a Saxon lord, sold against her will in marriage as part of a peace treaty with a marauding Viking war chief. Their destination is the captured fortress of Four Stones, a ruin holding glittering treasure. There Ælfwyn must keep her vow and wed Yrling - and Ceridwen must do all she can to support her new friend in the rebuilding of the ravaged village and great hall.

But living with the enemy affords Ceridwen unusual freedoms - and unlooked-for conflicts. Amongst them she explores again her own heathen past, and learns to judge each man on his own merits. Yrling's nephews Sidroc and Toki, both formidable warriors yet as different as night and day, compete to win Ceridwen for their own.

Through both guile and goodness Ceridwen and Ælfwyn begin transforming the world of Four Stones. But the threat of full-scale war escalates, and a midnight party of furtive Danes delivers someone to Four Stones who destroys the girls' hopes of peace and contentment. Now Ceridwen must summon all her courage - a courage which will be sorely tested as she defies both Saxon and Dane and undertakes an extraordinary adventure to save a man she has never met..


Music I'm Currently Listening To:

A Rustic Christmas playlist on Spotify, a mix of Scottish, Irish, Gaelic, Medieval and Renaissance music, mostly with a Christmas theme.


Video I Like:

This one is more of a series. Maria at Northern Heart (on YouTube) did a series of videos on Swedish Christmas traditions a year ago, called My Swedish Christmas Calendar. I've just discovered her recently, and I've been really enjoying the series.

Here's the first video: Classic Swedish Christmas DIYs

If you like all things Scandinavian, I highly recommend her channel.

News & Announcements:

My wrists have been pretty achy this week, which makes it hard to type a lot. Despite this, I'm still getting in a daily word count of at least 500 words. So far, I haven't missed a day.

I've started reading a new book and am loving it. I've linked it below. I highly recommend it. It's told in first person point of view, where James and Emma, the two main characters, tell the story in alternating viewpoints. I have a hard time putting it down each night, but I have to sleep, so I do. ;) You can read the description on Amazon at the link I've posted.

Happy reading!

Lois


Writing/Goals Progress:

The first number for each day is that day's word count. The second is the total for the novel at the end of that day.


NaNoWriMo:

Day 29: 1,545 | 79,151
Day 30: 2,321 | 81,472


Fallen: Out of Time

Day 1: 583 | 583
Day 2: 1,951 | 2,534
Day 3: 1,145 | 3,679
Day 4: 2,371 | 6,050
Day 5: 1,470 | 7,520

Weekly Total: 11,386



Character Journal Entry - Zachariel: Freak

Why do I feel like I don't belong anywhere? Why can't I...trust anyone? You'd think I could trust Sam, at least, but I don't. I mean, he's my brother. We're family. But it doesn't feel like that to me. It feels more like we're strangers. He doesn't get me, and probably never will. I don't get him, either, though, so I guess we're kinda even.

He said his house is my house, but I don't feel comfortable there. Not completely, anyway. I don't feel like I belong anywhere. Do you have any idea what it's like to feel lost? I mean totally lost, like no place is familiar. You don't even fit in your own skin. That's what I feel like ever since I came back.

I try to fit in. 'N' I try to let people in. But I freeze. Soon's it starts lookin' like we might cross that stranger-friend barrier, I panic and clam up. Why...do I do that? What kind of jacked up freak have I become?

I must be one hell of an actor, 'cause it seems like I come off as just fine. No one seems to notice I'm different. They act like I'm the same as everyone else. News flash: I ain't like everyone else. I'm broken. A freak. I'm the craziest freak you'll ever meet, even if I don't show it. I may not act on all the crazy stuff that goes through my head, but if anyone could read me, they'd be totally freaked out. I freak myself out sometimes with the insanity in my brain. I ain't right. I can't be. But what can I do 'bout it?

Sometimes I wish celestials could sleep, 'cause I'd sleep for eternity. Then again, if I could sleep, I'd have serious nightmares. So, how can I get rid of the memories for even a little while? I've tried booze 'n' Sapphire. They don't work. All they do is make me stupid 'n' give me hangovers. I'm stupid enough without that crap. 'N' I get enough headaches dealin' with the crazy in my head. Don't need to make it worse, right?

I know 'bout the so-called angel drugs, but I don't want to use those, either. Too much can go wrong, 'n' there's the risk of gettin' hooked on 'em. Hell, I've already taken 'em. Not by choice, but -- I was an idiot. I trusted the wrong people. Yeah, that's right. I trusted 'em. Of all the people I coulda chosen to trust, why'd it have to be Sandman 'n' the Boss? Granted, I think the boss is a bigger freak than I am, but only almost. I still take the lead on that one. Anyway, I was undercover. Sort of a mission, but a stupid one. What can I do against a huge illegal operation? I'm just me. No powers 'n' fallen. I'm no hero. But I thought I could be. Talk about stupid.

I'll admit it. I was reckless. I didn't think 'bout what might happen. I wanted to prove I could be good for somethin', 'n' not just a useless mooch. I wanted to prove it to myself. 'N' to Sam. To everyone who knows me. 'N' I did good for a while there. But somehow Sandman 'n' the Boss caught onto me, 'n' that's when everythin' fell apart.

I didn't get hooked on the drugs, though. I didn't take 'em long enough. I just -- I needed more 'cause of the pain and nausea that hit me like a ton of bricks when I started crashin'. At one point, I was takin' a pharmacy of illicit drugs. I think the only angel drugs I wasn't takin' were Ash 'n' Serenity. That leaves -- eight, I think? But there might be more I don't know 'bout.

'N' turns out I've got PTSD. I didn't even know that was a thing. It makes sense, though. I saw 'n' did 'n' took some seriously messed up stuff when I was down under. Apollyon might've been the worst of my torturers, but he wasn't the only one. I'm talkin' 'bout the powerful ones that decided to take their rage out on me. They weren't all driven by rage, but that was the most popular reason. There were other reasons they -- did what they did to me. Some were just sadistic. Anyway, you can probably get why I'd have issues after 13,000 years down under.

I should be stronger. Strong enough to take everything they threw at me. I tried to be. I fought 'em tooth 'n' nail every step of the way. But they won. I'm damaged goods. A freak no one really wants to know. I bet Sam wouldn't even miss me if I left, 'n' that hurts. A lot. That's also why I don't dare to let him in. It's one thing to be damaged by your enemies. It's another to be damaged by those you love. 'N' I do love my brother. Guess that's why this is so hard. I don't know how to act around him. I don't know how close to let him get. 'N' there's always the very real possibility that I'll be the one to hurt him. I could never forgive myself if I did, so I keep him at a distance. Don't wanna hurt 'n' don't wanna be hurt. But if given a choice, I'd rather hurt someone else than have them hurt me. It's just the way I roll.

The take away here? I'm a freak with PTSD. Not an enviable place to be in, that's for sure. I didn't choose to be like this. Apollyon 'n' all the others, they turned me into the monster I am today. Will I ever be normal? Will I ever fit in 'n' belong anywhere? Will I ever be close to anyone? I miss havin' friends, being' in love, knowin' others got your back while you got theirs.

I've never been the suicidal type, but I'm seriously startin' to depress myself. I'm tempted to take Serenity and eat a bullet, but for some twisted reason, I still wanna live. My life is completely shot, but I ain't ready to pack it in just yet. Call me crazy. Call me whatever you want. Just don't call me a quitter. I've never quit anythin' in my life, 'n' I ain't 'bout to start now.

Z


Excerpt from Chapter 3: The Last Frontier

Kanduyar, Indas

Zachariel Tagas yawned. Not because he was sleepy, but to get his brother’s attention.

“What do you want, Zach?” Samandriel asked.

“I’m bored. Can’t we get out of here? Go do something fun or whatever?”

“Like what?”

Zach grinned. “Now that you ask—” He picked up the magazine he’d been reading and opened to the page of which he’d folded down the top corner. He tapped on it and set it down on Sam’s desk. “I wanna go there.”

“Valorin?” Sam asked. “Why there?”

“It’s the last frontier, Sam. Hardly anyone’s been there, and most of it hasn’t been explored even by the locals.”

“Yeah, so?”

“So, we should go explore it.”

Sam picked up a file folder and stared up at Zach. “I have way too much to do. I’ve got new students coming in who need to be processed, repairs to the outbuildings that need to be seen to, a new cook to hire—”

Zach ran a hand through his short, dark hair and glared at his brother. “Why don’t you just say it, Sam. You don’t wanna hang out with me. That’s it, isn’t it? I’m different now, and you don’t understa—”

“We’ve been over this, Zach. I have a business to run. I can’t afford to gallivant all over the world just because you’re bored. I have responsibilities here.”

Zach snatched up the magazine. “Fine, I’ll go alone.”

“With what? Your good looks credit card?”

“I’ve saved up a little money from the odd jobs I’ve got. I’ll make due.”

“You have no idea how much it will cost you to get there, do you?”

“I’ll research it. If I have to, I’ll take on more work.”

“Never mind that,” Sam said. He went to the safe, removed the painting that hid it, and unlocked it. He carried the cash box over to the desk and opened it. “I figure the air fare alone will be around a thousand guilders.” He counted out some bills and held them out toward Zach.

Zach crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t need handouts. I need your company.”

“I can’t go. Take the money.”

Zach let out a breath. “Fine, but it’s not charity. I’ll pay you back.”

“I know you will. After you get this adventure stuff out of your system, you’ll work for me.”

Zach narrowed his eyes at Sam. “Work for you how?”

“We’ll come up with something when you get back. For now, have fun and don’t do anything stupid.”

“Like what?”

“Like getting into a fight with the locals or getting yourself thrown in jail.”

“Why would I do that?”

“I don’t know that you would. I just want you to remember that anything you do will reflect on me and this school, so think before you act.”

“This is bull****,” Zach said, and he tossed the money back at Sam and turned to leave the room. “I don’t need your money. I’ll get there on my own.”

“Zach, would you stop?” Sam called after him.

“What?” Zach asked, halting in his tracks without looking back.

“Take the money, okay? Have a good time.”

“I don’t want your money.”

“Then how will you get there? It’s a long way from here.”

“I’ll figure something out.”

Sam picked up the money and rose to his feet. He approached Zach and grabbed his hand, set the money in it. “Take it. I want you to have it. I shouldn’t have said what I did. I apologize.”

“Will you come with me?”

“I can’t. I have too much work to do.”

Zach took the money and crammed it into the front pocket of his jeans. “Fine, whatev. See you around.”

Sam watched his brother go, a look of concern on his face, then he went back behind the desk and sat down, his mind already focused on other things.


Book I'm Currently Reading:

Winter World (The Long Winter Trilogy Book 1)


Music I'm Currently Listening To:

Classical Moods: Autumn Time (Vivaldi and More)


Video I Like:

Extreme Parkour and Freerunning 2018

News

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a good one here. We had my Hubby's dad and stepmom over for dinner in our little, itsy bitsy house. Then we went over to my son's house to hang out with him for a bit. All in all, it was a good day.

I had three days of no writing this week, but I've done well, despite this, as you'll see immediately below.

I hope you're all staying cozy, and that your spirits are high this holiday season. For myself, I'm trying to have as many koselig evenings as possible!

Happy reading!

Lois


Writing Goal Progress:

My wrists have been pretty achy, so I took last weekend off from writing. But I'm back and making progress. I've only got a few chapters left to go in this story. I'd like to reach 85-90K words, and I'm going to do my best, but no guarantees. ;)

There are two more days in the month that I haven't written about. I'll post my results for those in next week's blog.

WEEK 4:

Day 22: 1,300 -- Novel total: 66,879
Day 23: 0 -- Novel total: 66,879
Day 24: 0 -- Novel total: 66,879
Day 25: 3,487 -- Novel total: 71,666
Day 26: 4,973 -- Novel total: 75,339
Day 27: 2,267 -- Novel total: 77,606
Day 28: 0 -- Novel total: 11,606



Excerpts:

From Chapter 62:

[Zachariel] gazed into [Ebonie's] eyes, desperately searching for words that wouldn’t come. When he couldn’t utter them, he pulled her down so he could kiss her.

He’d finally come down from the rush he’d felt during the broadcast, and he could afford to take his time with her. But even as he kissed her, touched her, made love to her, his mind still went back to the feeling he’d experienced when the energy from the crowd had washed over him. The magic inside him had felt as if its bonds would break. He didn’t dare to hope that he could actually break them. Were he to finally have access to his magic, he could combine it with Ebonie’s and destroy the world. This was what he’d wanted — to destroy everything the Gods held dear. Now, he was so close, but for the first time in almost 13,000 years, he had doubts.

Samandriel had pleaded with him to drop his vendetta, but he’d refused. For his brother, he couldn’t have released the need for vengeance he’d lived with for so long. It was all he’d known for all those millennia.

But could he release it for this beautiful, captivating young woman he now made love to? Could he do it for her?

A new sadness washed over him as he realized he couldn’t even do it for her. All he could do was make the most of tonight and the few hours she had remaining to her. The more he thought about it, the more he believed he really did love her.

Sadly, that wasn’t enough.


From Chapter 63:

[Samandriel] drew the dagger from its sheath at his waist. He thought about slitting his own wrists. Unfortunately, that would only send him to Sheforat that much sooner. The only way to avoid Sheforat was to kill Zach. There was no way out. He had to do it.

He roared and flung the dagger at the door. It sank into the solid wood up to its hilt, and for the briefest of moments, he thought about going out and finding some demon on the street to kill.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to indulge his anger or sense of unfairness. He had to prepare to face his brother — and for the unforgivable deed the Gods had forced upon him.

He had to damn Zach to Sheforat for a second time.



From the Legendus Illdirinus Encyclopedia: Immortals:

Immortal: Immortals are the descendants of the original immortals. They never get sick, and they have no magic of their own. There is only one way in which they can die—beheading. They can sense other Immortals and other immortal or magical races when they are near, but not sentinels and watchers. Immortals in my stories: Raven (Relic Hunters, Tales of the Red Falcon), Ebonie (Fallen: Vendetta)

Immortal, Original: Beings similar in appearance to humans. The only difference between the two is the immortality of the immortals, as well as the fact that they never get sick. They were created just after humans. Their original purpose was to protect humans from supernatural threats and incursions. Their purpose remains unchanged, though they also teach sentinels (”false” immortals, below) and immortals how to fight the forces of darkness to protect humanity. There are only seven, and two of the males are twins. They are truly immortal. If they “die,” their bodies regenerate, unless that death is by beheading. Original Immortals in my stories: Kalaghata Durrani, Sharva Durrani, Kono Toshikata

Sentinel:  Sentinels are humans born with an immortality gene. Also called “false immortals,” the difference between sentinels and immortals is that sentinels can get sick and they can die from their illness, but their bodies regenerate. They are also not as powerful as true immortals. They need to die a violent death to activate their immortality gene. Because Immortals can’t sense them, many sentinels go on indefinitely, afraid of what they are and hiding it from the people around them. Once their immortality gene is activated, they can only be permanently killed by beheading. Sentinels in my stories: Catin Mondragon (Tales of the Red Falcon, Relic Hunters), Iosaph (Tales of the Red Falcon)

Watcher: Watchers are humans born with an immortality gene. The difference between watchers and sentinels is that watchers are sentinels who serve the dark forces. They are also not as powerful as true immortals, and they need to die a violent death to activate their immortality gene. Because Immortals can’t sense them, they are often used against them by various supernatural enemies. They can be killed for good by beheading. Watchers in my stories: Anthony Serrano (Relic Hunters)



Music I'm Currently Listening To:

A day late, but still nice to listen to on a rainy, chilly night: Thanksgiving & Thanksgiving song - Best of Thanksgiving music collection for Thanksgiving Dinner and Thanksgiving day


Video I love:

A Cellist's Nightmare - The Piano Guys "Rockelbel's Canon"

News

I've posted two new freewrites to the Freewriting page. Strange New World is a short showing what the modern world in a city on Illdirin looks like to Jael, a chayal warrior who lived in seclusion for thousands of years. Pride shows a brief few moments in the relationship between two brothers, one of whom is the masked swordsman known as Le Dragón.

I've also read through several of the short stories on the Short Stories page and made little corrections here and there.

Otherwise, I've been writing a lot, as you'll see. I hope you like the freewriting and the other things I've shared below.


Happy reading!


Lois


Writing Goal Progress:


I've written a bit more in my novel:


Day 8: 2,135 -- Novel total: 28,155

Day 9: 4,536 -- Novel total: 32,695

Day 10: 4,952 -- Novel total: 37,645

Day 11: 3,399 -- Novel total: 41,556

Day 12: 2,132 -- Novel total: 43,691

Day 13: 6,585 -- Novel total: 50,292

Day 14: 1,905 -- Novel total: 52,201


I use two different programs to get my word counts. I write in Scrivener, so I use the word counts it shows for each individual chapter and add them together at the end of the day. Then I compile the whole novel as a text file and use wordcounter.net to get my total word count. Around the 20th of November, I'll validate to get my official word count on the NaNoWriMo website. It will be slightly different, but I expect that.


Meet the Character: Archan


STATS:

Character Model: Chris Hemsworth
Age: Unknown, very old
Height: 6’6”
Physical build: Athletic, muscular
Weight: 250 lbs.
Eyes/Hair: Blond
Alignment: Lawful good
Spouse: Nanael

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS:

Strengths: Loyal, obedient, strong of character, honest, virtuous, dependable, trustworthy, determined, focused, lawful, protective, faithful, patient, just, righteous
Weakness: Has no real experience dealing with mortals or those living on Illdirin with all their limitations | doesn’t understand the concept of redemption.
Immortal Origin: Native to the Agaean Plane, considered the highest plane of existence
Languages: Celestial, All languages of Illdirin
Favored Weapon: Broadsword (of truth), shield of divine protection, armor of light
Motto: “I vow to leave no stone unturned in my quest to rid the universe of all enemies of the Gods.”
Trained Skills: Theology | History | Arcana | Laws of Heaven | Sword-fighting | Defensive and offensive strategies of war | Hand-to-hand combat | Divine light magic | Search and retrieval
Untrained Skills: Insight | Athletics | Endurance | Intimidate | Acrobatics | Stealth
Quirks: Loves to appear and disappear with a bright flash of light and a clap of thunder. Startling others in this way greatly amuses him.
Current Residence: City of the Gods, Agaean Plane
Family: He has a mate named Nanael, and they have a very young son named Adellum.


ABOUT ARCHAN:

Archan has lived his whole life on the Agaean Plane. He is the gadol tsayad, the lead hunter, and his chief activity is hunting down evil/fallen beings and sending them to Sheforat (Illdirin's version of Hell). But when Zachariel, a fallen chayal (warrior), escapes from Sheforat, along with many others, he’s given the unenviable task of helping Zachariel's brother, Samandriel, stop him from carrying out the plan of vengeance he vowed to see through many millennia ago. Archan believes the semi-fallen Samandriel should suffer the fires of Sheforat, but thanks to the Gods, he has to help him, instead. This doesn't sit well with the hunter, but for the Gods he loves, he does his best.


Excerpt (from chapter 31):


“Can I take a look at your sword?” Zachariel asked.

Samandriel drew it from the scabbard at his back and handed it to him.

Zachariel looked it over approvingly. “Nice. This is really nice.” In the next moment, and with a move so fast Samandriel didn't see it coming, he held the blade to Sam’s throat. “You don’t wanna mess with me, Sam. I’m not the guy you looked up to all those years ago. I’m not a nice person, and I’m sure as hell not merciful. You come up against me, you’ll regret it.”

“I have no choice,” Samandriel said, meeting his brother’s gaze without wavering. “If I don’t stop you, they’ll send me to Sheforat.”

“So it’s you or me. You know who’ll win this war, don’t you?”

“Probably you, but I have to try. I can’t go to Sheforat, Zach. I can’t.”

Their eyes locked, and they stared at each other for several heartbeats before Zachariel lowered the sword and handed it back.

“No, you’re right. I don’t think you could survive without going crazy. It’s not just a place where fire burns constantly. I mean, yeah, that’s part of it. But the worst part is the torture. And the grief you have to live with every day. The overwhelming guilt. But the torture — I don’t think you could take that without losing your f***ing mind.”

“You did it.”

Zachariel laughed mirthlessly. “How do you know I’m sane?”

“You’re sane. You just have a lot of hatred built up inside you. If you’d just let go—”

“Let go? After what I went through, you’ve got a lotta nerve telling me to let it go!” Zachariel cried out, slamming his fist into the wall beside Samandriel. “I'll never let go. They killed my family. Why? 'Cause they could. They’re petty and spiteful, and they don’t give a damn 'bout anyone but their precious mortals. Well, I’m gonna do one better, and I’m gonna kill every damn one of their creations. By the time I finish, Illdirin won’t even be recognizable as a planet. If you got mortals you care 'bout, better get ‘em someplace safe in another galaxy, ‘cause this planet’s goin’ down.”

“I can’t. My powers are bound just like yours are.”

“Then you’re outta luck.”

“I’m going to do whatever it takes to reach the Zachariel I remember. I don’t want to have to kill you and send you back to Sheforat, but I will if I have to.”

Zachariel laughed and looked Samandriel over. “As if you could.” He ran a hand along Samandriel’s long hair. “You look more like a healer than a warrior. Maybe you should get out of this line of work. Like you said, you don’t measure up. If you know that, why bother even trying? You know you can’t win.”

Samandriel swallowed hard, his heart breaking as he watched his brother reveal what the centuries in Sheforat had created in him. “We were close once. I loved you more than anything. You were my brother, my hero. Looking at you now, I see you’re just an empty shell of the man I once worshiped. It might be an act of mercy to end you.”

“Don’t pity me, Sam. I can take a lot of sh**, but not that. Save your pity for those who actually need it. For those who’ve hit rock bottom. Look around you. I’m sitting on top of the world.”

“I still love you, Zach, but one way or another, if you don't drop this vendetta, I will end you.”

“Funny way of showing you love the brother you ain't seen in millennia, but whatev. I can’t afford to let love and sentimentality get in the way of my plans. After the world and all it’s mortals are gone, we can talk about love and sentimentality all you want, but not 'til then, got it?”

“Yeah, I got it,” Samandriel said, blinking back a tear. He pushed away from the wall and walked backward out to the middle of the gym floor. “Archan, I’m ready to leave,” he said, his eyes never leaving Zachariel’s.

A moment later, Archan appeared beside him in a flash of light and thunder. The hunter put a hand on Samandriel’s shoulder, but Sam shrugged it off. “No, I want to walk out on my own two feet.

“Suit yourself,” Archan said, scowling at Zachariel as he turned and followed Samandriel out of the room.

“I meant what I said, Sam,” Zachariel called after his brother. “This planet’s goin’ down, and everyone with it. It’s goin’ down, you hear me?”

Samandriel didn’t look back...


From the Legendus Illdirinus Encyclopedia: Sheforat & the Agaean:


The Agaean

The Agaean, otherwise known as Heaven, is the highest plane of existence in the territory ruled by the Gods, Illdir & Tatia. It is a paradise where no evil can reside. It has rolling green hills, the clearest waters, and the most noble of angels.

When people who are faithful to the Gods die, their spirits are taken to the Agaean, where they live in peace and harmony with those around them. They aren't sitting on clouds playing harps all day. They have actual tasks to do, but without the hardship faced by people on Illdirin. They have homes, as well, and all their needs are met. They don't have to earn money to keep a roof over their head or food in their belly.

Illdir & Tatia live in a great palace, and people are free to come and visit them, though they must be announced in case the Gods are dealing with important issues. The palace's main room, the Throne Room, is often the room where people meet with the Gods, though there is also a great banquet hall that can sit thousands.

When the Great Gathering of Immortals happens in the future, the reunion of all those faithful immortals (to include celestials and other rare "monsters") will take place in the great banquet hall of the gods. This is also where newly deceased mortals are reunited with those who have gone before them.

The Throne Room is where important matters of state and other decisions are made, such as when the Gods charged Archan with the responsibility of helping Samandriel stop his brother, Zachariel, from carrying out his plan of vengeance.


Sheforat

Sheforat is the lowest plane of existence in Illdir & Tatia's territory. It is ruled by Zerar, the oldest and most incorruptible son of Illdir & Tatia (and he will be at the Great Gathering of Immortals when it happens).

Sheforat is a place of everlasting fire, but that's not its only curse. It is also a place of complete darkness, at least the places where the light of the flames can't reach. Those dark places are inhabited by what's called Shadow Demons. Shadow Demons torment people by striking out from the darkness. They whisper to them, trying to lure them into the darkness, and then they strike. They are cannibalistic by nature.

It is also a place of neverending torture. Those at the top of the "food chain" torture those lower than them. Zerar allows this because it's part of the curse, but he doesn't torture anyone. He rules it, and when needed, he will lock inmates up for a time. While Zachariel was in Sheforat, he was tortured by a powerful, ancient demon named Apollyon, who developed an attachment to him. (More than that, I cannot say -- at least for now.)

It is rumored that there is a devil in Sheforat who inhabited Illdirin when it was still an asteroid. No one remembers his name, but there's a prophecy that says he will one day break free of Sheforat and try to destroy the universe. One man will be able to stop him, but no one knows who. They know he has angelic blood, but that's all they know. They don't know when or where or how this will all take place, but some believe it will happen just before the End of Days and the Great Gathering of Immortals. Supposedly, this devil is being held in a cage in the deepest, darkest, hottest part of Sheforat. Only Zerar and the Gods know the truth about any of this, but they will neither confirm nor deny it.


Music I'm Currently Listening To:


Relaxing Medieval, Middle Ages Music 10 Hours


Video I love:


Assassin's Creed II: Lineage - Where Ezio's father's story ends and Ezio's begins. (Yes, I'm on a gaming kick. I can't help it!)

News

So, I've been writing. A lot. This being November, I've been writing the first draft of the first novel in my Fallen series. This novel's entitled Vendetta, and it's going well, for a first draft.

Unfortunately, I'm also feeling a need to get all cozy and relax with lots of hot tea, snuggle under my fuzzy blanket, and read. I save those last two for the evenings, but every day, I want to do it a lot sooner. I've been good so far, and I've resisted those urges.

I currently have a simmer pot going on the stovetop: two apples; two clementines; a cinnamon stick; an herb and spice mix of rosemary, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom; whole cloves; vanilla extract; amber and eucalyptus essential oils. Put them in the pan, then cover with water. Bring to a simmer and simmer all day long, adding water when needed. It smells like autumn! :D

I've got a few things to share below. I hope you like them.

Happy reading!

Lois


Writing Goal Progress:

I wrote 26,446 words during week one of NaNoWriMo. Today, I wrote more words and have a current total of 28,155. The official word count goal is 50K, so I'm more than halfway there. Not bad, I'd say! :)


Meet the Character: Zachariel

STATS:

Character Model: Dante (DMC: Devil May Cry - The Reboot)
Age: Over eighty thousand years old. He is relatively young for a chayal.
Height: 6’4
Weight: 205 lbs.
Build: Athletic
Hair: Dark brown, short
Eyes: Turquoise
Alignment: None
Magic: Divine Light (bound)

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS:

Strengths: Single-minded, determined, loyal, willing to make the hard decisions, decisive, courageous, charismatic
Weaknesses: Rebellious, stubborn, has to do things the hard way, faithless, easily swayed by a pretty face, vengeful, PTSD
What he needs to succeed in Book 1, Vendetta: Use Ebonie without letting his growing feelings for her get in the way
Immortal Origin: Native to the Agaean Plane, considered the highest of the celestial planes, created by Illdir and Tatia (the Creator Gods) from light and divine light magic
Characteristics: Loyal, extroverted, sarcastic, patient, freedom-loving, libidinous, courageous, compassionate, courageous, protective, faithless
Languages: All
Favored Weapon: Longsword
Class: Former Warrior (Chayal) turned criminal, 1st class
Trained Skills: Religion | History | Sword-fighting | Hand-to-Hand Combat
Untrained Skills: Streetwise | Athletics | Bluff | Endurance | Intimidate | Acrobatics | Climb | Run | Swim | Ride | Steal | Dirty fighting

ZACHARIEL’S BACKGROUND (incomplete in order to avoid giving spoilers):

Zachariel was a powerful chayal in the army of the Creator Gods, Illdir and Tatia. Before the War of the Gods, he fell in love with Sachiel, another angel. Sachiel fell due to her loyalty to the neutral goddess, Ygone (Ē gō nē), Goddess of Conquest. Ygone was all for subjugating the races on Illdirin, and because of this, she fell, and her supporters fell with her. Though Ygone went to Sheforat, many of her angels either stayed on Illdirin or went to one of the other celestial planes, though many also went to Sheforat alongside her. Sachiel was one of the ones who went to Illdirin. She and Zachariel had been in love before the war broke out, and when she fell, he refused to give her up. They met in secret, or so they thought, but once they realized the Gods knew (and had sent their lead tsayad, Archan, after them), they fled, only to be captured and taken to Sheforat anyway. In their anger, The Gods killed Sachiel in front of Zachariel before giving him over to his torturers. They wanted to make an example of the two.

Zachariel was sent to Sheforat in 103 AWG (After War of the Gods). He was in Sheforat for 12,747 years — 9,990 years during the AWG era and 2,757 years during the AE (After Exodus) era.

He came very close to giving in to evil due to his focus on revenge. He came so close that his white hair turned dark, as did his wings. His eyes are still turquoise, however, but they would have been next to change, then his blood would turn from golden to black. Thankfully, it never reached that stage.

Not a day went by that Zachariel didn’t pray for deliverance. That day came when Delila Stone, a black witch, opened a portal to Sheforat to summon the demon, Gollmorath, whom she worshiped. Zachariel saw the portal open, and he was the first one through. His hunger was great and he leapt upon her and fed on her.

From there, he wandered in the desert for several days. Other escapees from Sheforat joined him, and as time wore on, he became their leader. They came upon an old, abandoned town, which he promptly named Nefaria, and settled in there. He divided his followers into ranks, such as generals, captains, laymen, etc. His group also had a small contingent of women, and he was fond of saying that there were enough to go around for all his men.

As time passed, he had a surprising visit from his younger brother, Samandriel, who told him he’d been commissioned to stop Zachariel from carrying out his plan of vengeance. Zachariel voiced the desire to have Samandriel join him, but in the next breath, he swore that he didn’t want Samandriel to risk himself on account of his vendetta. The two parted ways with a mutual understanding: Samandriel was between a rock and a hard place having to do something he didn’t want to do, and Zachariel wouldn’t give up until he either had his revenge or was dragged back to Sheforat kicking and screaming.


Fallen: Vendetta - Excerpt (from chapter 6):

There came a bright white flash and a clap of thunder. It was no thunderstorm, but rather, the head tsayad, Archan. The celestial hunter stood before him, his arms folded across his massive chest, glaring at him.

The tsayad lowered his arms and began, slowly, to walk circles around Samandriel.

“Well, well, well, what have we here?” Archan asked, his voice booming over the rain. “A murderer of mortals! Samandriel, have you learned nothing during your time on Illdirin? You broke Rule #2 of the Celestial Law Book!”

Without a word, Samandriel rose to his feet and held his hands straight out in front of him, waiting for the shackles he was sure would come.

Archan looked at him with a look of disdain. “Much as I would love to sic my hellhounds on you, the Gods have other plans.”

Samandriel looked up in surprise. “What?”

“Did murdering mortals affect your ears? I said the Gods have other plans. Have you heard what happened? About the portal?”

“Portal? What do you mean?” Samandriel was now thoroughly confused.

“It seems some black witch created a portal to Sheforat. Your brother was one of the escapees. The world’s in big trouble, but you can save it. All you have to do is keep Zachariel from carrying out his plan of vengeance against the Gods.”


From the Legendus Illdirinus Encyclopedia: The Angels of Illdirin (focus on chayalim, tsayadhim, and orayachallim):

Angels: Elohim, Bene Elohim, Other (see below) — 3rd Order, 3rd Choir — Location: All Areas, but mainly the Agaean and Illdirin

Angels intermediate between the Gods and individual people. They protect households and individuals who believe in the Gods, keeping them safe from the dark forces.

Ruler of the Angels: Gabriel (oldest brother to Samandriel and Zachariel)

As true Watchers (not to be confused with the watchers sect of sentinels working for the dark side, who are either evil or misguided), they never sleep.


Chayalim (Soldiers — Singular: Chayal)

The chayalim are the troops who fight the forces of evil. Most never interact personally with the mortal races. They fight behind the scenes, in the spirit world, to keep the mortal races and their world safe. However, some occasionally do interact with mortals, and their fight takes on a more personal meaning.

Average height: 6-10’

Some chayalim in my stories: Khamael, Jael, Zachariel, Samandriel, Ronen, Kalin, Mekael, Arys, Cerian, Adnachiel, Javan, Elim, Kal, Shamriel


Tsayadhim (Hunters — Singular: Tsayad)

Archan is the Gadol Tsayad, the Great Hunter. He is the chief of hunters of the Agaean, spending much of his time on Illdirin hunting down the most powerful of demons, fallen angels, and other forces of darkness. He has six hellhounds at his command. No other hunter can handle more than two.
The tsayadhim are celestial hunters, basically the celestial equivalent of mortal/immortal bounty hunters. They will do almost anything to catch their prey, but they won’t break the laws of the Agaean, and they won’t kill mortals, no matter how evil they’ve become.

Average height: 6-10’

Some tsayadhim in my stories: Archan, Behemiel, Anpiel, Dagiel, Arariel, Cathetel, Mankael


Orayachallim (Wayfarers — Singular: Orayach)

Orayachallim are the travelers, the wayfarers. They live among the mortal races, realizing that it is the world of those they visit and respecting their ways. They generally live as the mortal races do, only rarely using their divine magic, and then it’s to help others rather than themselves.
Orayachallim come from all angel types and rarely from the higher choirs (though occasionally, Archangels will temporarily become Orayachallim when there is a great need).

Average height: 6-10’

Some Orayachallim in my stories: Khamael, Jael, Zachariel, Samandriel, Ronen, Kalin, Mekael, Arys, Cerian


Music I'm Currently Listening To:

Combichrist playlist from DMC: Devil May Cry


Video I love:

Final Fantasy VII Remake commercial: this is probably the best commercial I've ever seen. It's long, and has a message and a happy ending! (I've heard there's a version with better subtitles. I just haven't had a chance to look at it yet.)

News


I took a tumble on Tuesday. Landed right on my bad knees and tried to catch myself on the dresser with my even worse hands. Yikes! So I'm taking an enforced break until the first. Not a complete break, but just not typing as much to give my hands a chance to recover.


This week, I'm going to start introducing the main characters from Fallen: Vendetta (book 1). First up is Samandriel, one of my fallen angels.


I've also included a mini encyclopedia entry a bit further down. This one will introduce you to the Creator Gods, Illdir and Tatia.


And there are a few other goodies, too. I hope you enjoy them. :)


Happy reading!


Lois



Meet the Character: Samandriel


Stats:

• Character Model: Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
  
• Age: About seventy thousand years old. He is relatively young for a Seraph.
• Height: 6’3
  
• Weight: 195 lbs.
• Build: Athletic
• Hair: Silver/white, straight, long
• Eyes: Turquoise
• Alignment: None, later lawful good
• Magic: Divine Light (bound in book one)
• Strengths: Focused, determined, loyal, willing to take risks when it really matters to him
• Weaknesses: Fear of failure, fear of torture, fear of losing those he loves, doubts his own abilities, fear of
• emotional intimacy
• What he needs to succeed: Confidence in his abilities
• Immortal Origin: Native to the Agaean Plane, considered the highest of the celestial planes, created by Illdir and
• Tatia (the Creator Gods) from light and divine light magic
• Characteristics: Dedicated, introspective, righteous, impatient, freedom-loving, loner, courageous, compassionate
• Languages: Celestial, all languages of Illdirin
• Favored Weapon: Katana

Samandriel as a Chayal:

Samandriel was a loyal soldier in Kiros’ army. He trusted his commander (a lesser god) so much that he stood with him when the god chose to take the middle ground in the War of the Gods. In 98 AWG (After War of the Gods — It wasn’t long after the war ended and the gods all left Illdirin to go to their respective planes) Sam was reassigned as a guardian of a wealthy merchant on Illdirin. He’s been living on Illdirin ever since. He splits his time between his own sanctuary north of Saena Lanora, in the Forest Hemalean, in the mountains of northern Essear, and the Krishan Sharma Memorial School of Martial Arts.

You can take the boy out of the army, but you can’t take the soldier out of the boy, as Samandriel proves time and time again. He tries to live at peace in his own home, rarely interacting with mortals. But trouble seems to have a knack of finding him. He’s gotten into scrapes with other fallen chayalim, with demons, with magical beings, with immortals, and with mortals — feral and noble alike. He generally tries to solve his conflicts peacefully, but there’s not always a peaceful solution to be had.

It’s been many millennia since Samandriel fought as a chayal. He no longer follows the rules, save for those that could get him sent to Sheforat. The list is short: kill no man, woman, or child of mortal descent; do not desecrate the graves of the dead; do not incite rebellion against the Gods; do not deceive mortals in matters of religion. It should have been easy for him to follow this list of four rules. Four rules! But something happened that would weaken his resolve...


Writing Goal Progress:


I'm taking it easy this week. Doing a little character journaling, but mainly resting up for NaNoWriMo. I started writing the first novel, Fallen: Vendetta, yesterday. My current word count for the two days is 9,992!


What do my characters look like?


If you're at all curious as to what Zachariel, Samandriel, or the handful of other characters I've mentioned (or have showed up in The Hellhound) might look like to me, check out my Fallen Pinterest Board. Here's a list of a few of them:

• Samandriel: Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII
• Zachariel: Dante from DMC: Devil May Cry (the reboot)
• Archan: Chris Hemsworth
• Katrina: Lara Croft from Tomb Raider
• Ebonie: Aerith
• Andrea: Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII
• Selanar: Sammir Dattani

And here's the cover for my NaNoWriMo project for Fallen: Vendetta. Obviously, I don't own the images used. I'm just using them for fun. Eventually, I'll have a professional cover made:



From Legendus Illdirinus Encyclopedia: Illdir & Tatia, The Creators


Illdir and Tatia are the Creator Gods. They rule the region around Illdirin (including its solar system), and they're the ones who terraformed Illdirin from the giant asteroid it once was to the planet it is today. They are users of all types of magic, except for the black and dark magics.


They have many children, known as the lesser gods, or just the gods. War broke out on the Agaean Plane (Heaven) many millennia ago because of the mortal and immortal races Illdir and Tatia created. Many of the lesser gods wanted to enslave these races, others wanted to protect them, and others remained neutral.

Illdir and Tatia come from families that are scattered across the universe. They are extremely powerful celestials. They used to spend a lot of time with the people they created, but after the War of the Gods, they returned to the Agaean Plane, only rarely interfering in matters involving the people of Illdirin -- that is until the Great Gathering of Immortals and the End of Days, when those who still have faith in their Gods will be taken to spend eternity with them.

The Creators are divinely good, but they can be harsh when it comes to punishing their celestial creations (angels), as you'll learn in Fallen: Vendetta. They're not perfect. They do make mistakes. But they're benevolent beings who love their creations and want the best for them.


Music I'm Currently Listening To:


Meteora, by Linkin Park


Video I love:


Christopher Walken Reads The Raven

The News:

I've written a brand new short story for Halloween this year. You can find it here. It's called "The Hellhound," and it's from the Fallen series I've been planning (which I talk more about below). Zachariel and Archan make a bet that Archan can scare Zach. Zach says he's not afraid of anything. He says, "I've seen it all. Done it all. Had it all done to me. I'm still here, ain't I? Nothin' scares me anymore." Archan swears he can come up with something, and boy, does he ever! But is it enough to scare an angel who's spent nearly 13K years "down under?" You'll have to read it to find out! ;)

I wasn't really going for scary with this one. I just wanted to give you an entertaining read that fits the Halloween theme. Hopefully, I've done my job. If you read it and enjoy it, would let me know in the comments below? I love getting constructive feedback, and even a simple "I liked it" would help. And feel free to share the page's link with other people you think might enjoy it. It would help me a lot!

A New Series:

I've been planning a new series, but with characters I've played with before: Samandriel and Zachariel, the fallen angel brothers. I'll be writing the first novel during NaNoWriMo next month (November), and I can't wait!

Here's the gist of the idea:

Zachariel was sent to Sheforat (Illdirin's version of Hell) almost 13,000 years ago. Thanks to a black witch, who created a portal to free a demon, Zachariel escaped -- along with thousands of others. The Gods have Archan, the head celestial hunter, enlist Samandriel to stop his older brother from carrying out his plan of vengeance against the Gods for killing his fallen lover. Archan is Sam's ally in this task, but Archan doesn't believe Sam can do it. In fact, he's hoping that Sam will fail. The deal is: stop Zachariel from carrying out his plan of vengeance or go to Sheforat. Why would Sam go to Sheforat? Because he killed four mortal men who murdered a close friend and mentor of his. Killing a mortal is a serious offense, one of the most serious, punishable by eternity in Sheforat.

So far, there are five books planned for this series, but I'll be planning at least one more after November. The idea above is only for the first book. The series mainly focuses on Zachariel and his quest to earn his redemption once the events play out in this first novel. The working title for the first book is Fallen: Vendetta.

A word about the angels of the Agaean/Illdirin:

First of all, the Agaean Plane is Illdirin's equivalent of our Heaven. It's the highest plane of existence, and it's where the Creator Gods and the holiest of angels reside, as well as those who die who are good and have faith in the Gods. And just so you know, I'm not staying true to our God or our angels. This is a whole different world. The Gods are the gods of a specific region of the universe, and some of their angels (called Travelers) choose to live among the mortals of Illdirin. Some even intermarry with mortals (humans, elves, etc.).

An angel falls when they:

• forsake the gods
  
• kill a mortal
• consort/mate with evil beings
  

There are other grave sins, but these are three of the worst. When Zachariel fell in love with and impregnated a fallen angel many millennia ago, he became fallen.

In contrast, his brother, Samandriel, became fallen for a lesser crime, which I won't go into here. But I will say that he had a falling out with his best friend, another angelic warrior (of the chayalim, a class of which both Sam and Zach were counted). Sam and this other chayal went to war on opposite sides. The friend came after Sam on the battlefield, and the two fought each other, which is another one of those pesky sins I mentioned above. Sam merely defended himself, and though he's considered fallen, he never spent time in Sheforat. His former friend was considered the aggressor, and he was sent to Sheforat. He escaped when Zach did, and he'll feature prominently in the second book of the series.

What else have I been up to?

Over the past few months, I've played with some series ideas. I actually started writing two books during Camp NaNoWriMo, one in April and one in July. I've set those on a back burner for now in order to plan and write this new series.

I'm also still working on getting Relic Hunters: Kingsfall and Relic Hunters: The Fingali Key revised and ready for publication. I've been working on them alone, and it's taken longer than I would have liked.

I'm looking for readers:

I'm currently looking for alpha and beta readers to give me input on the plot and characters, as well as other aspects of my stories, so if you're interested, feel free to contact me at loiseighmy at gmail dot com, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Some last words:

So, have you read "The Hellhound?" Have you read any of the other short stories on my site? If you have, how did you like them? Or didn't you like them? Why or why not? What do you look for in a short story? What makes you want to pick up a story and read it? The characters? The setting? The description or genre? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers!

Lois

I've been busy over the past three days. I edited and formatted two stories from the Of Blood & Magic series ("Retaking the Sentinel" and "Escape") and posted them. *Note: these two have some strong language in them. Then I finished the Relic Hunters short story, "The Falcon's Treasure," edited, formatted, and posted it (in 4 parts, and at the end are links to the other three parts so you can click through them as you read).

You can find all the short stories and freewrites so far on the My Writing page.

I'm going to be adding an Illdirin glossary soon so you can look up words you're unsure of. I'll try to link to the first instance of any word in these short stories and freewrites, as well.

Over the coming month and a half, give or take, I'll be planning new short stories. Some will star my fallen Seraph, Samandriel. Others will start characters from Relic Hunters, Hawkins, and Tales of the Red Falcon. Who knows? There may be other series in the works, as well.

I'll also be planning the overall story arch for another series of short stories and/or novels that take place closer to home, or at least involve characters here on earth. They'll involve Antarctica, the volcanoes (including the supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park), the Black Knight satellite, etc.), and other things I come across. I've got my work cut out for me. There will be a ton of research needing to be done, and I'll be taking lots of notes.

Again, here's what's new on this site:

• "Retaking the Sentinel"
• "Escape"
• "The Falcon's Treasure"

And you can find them all on the My Writing page.

Enjoy! And be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below! :)

Cheers!

Lois

I've been hard at work on this website. There's still a lot of work for me to do, but you can now find some freewriting and short stories here.

My personal favorites are the short stories, "The Cellar Dwellers (A Hawkins Short Story)" and "The Gallant Ones (An Of Blood & Magic Short Story, Part I" and "The Gallant Ones (An Of Blood & Magic Short Story, Part II)". However, if you read the Of Blood & Magic short stories, you really should start at the beginning. They tell a larger overall story, and the first two stories, which are the longest, actually give some background that sets the stage for what is to come. "The Gallant Ones" is the most "fantasy-like" story of the bunch, but it does fit in with the rest.

"The Cellar Dwellers" was inspired by Halloween. I'd planned to have it posted this past Halloween, but I was too late getting it up. It's actually my top favorite at the moment.

To give you some background on this story, and the Hawkins storyverse, in general, Jonas Hawkins is a young deputy marshal from Arcona (on my fantasy world, Illdirin). He's hunted more paranormal beings than most on his world have ever dreaded encountering. He comes from a family of hunters, but he never wanted to get into it full-time. His brother, Jesse, on the other hand, will hunt anything with even the slightest paranormal gift because it's what he loves to do, and he'll break the rules to do it, which irritates Jonas to no end. The closest Jonas has come to hunting paranormal beings is hunting paranormal fugitives as a deputy marshal in the Arconian Marshal Service's Paranormal Division. He has a team of people he trusts backing him up, and they obey the law, as he does. Unfortunately, in "The Cellar Dwellers," Jonas finds himself at a haunted house out in the middle of nowhere with the one person he'd rather not encounter: his brother. But his brother isn't the only one giving Jonas a hard time in this old house. ;)

As for the Of Blood & Magic stories, I'll explain what the lead character and his trusty sidekick are. Lukas Walker and Vaughn Gallant are sentinels, people born with an immortality gene that becomes activated when they die a violent death. The original purpose of sentinels was to record history, but somewhere along the line it become more about protecting mortals from the forces of darkness, though they still maintain their original purpose, as well.

This series is kind of a The Walking Dead meets Highlander mashup, although the flesh eating beasties come later, as does my own version of a Six Million Dollar Man type character.

Adam, the main hunter in the first twelve stories, has always been taught -- usually by having it beat into him by his hunter dad -- that people with magic or paranormal abilities are evil, that they need to be eradicated. He's never questioned it, at least not until he meets Lukas and Vaughn. Meeting them changes everything, but to know how, you'll have to read the stories!

The current plan is to post two stories per week for the next three weeks. After that, it will be one per week. This is just for the Of Blood & Magic series. I have another modern treasure hunting fantasy short story I'm working on, and when it's finished, I'll post that, as well. And I'll always post a blog entry to let y'all know when something new is up, so keep watching your Facebook feeds, because that's most likely where I'll be posting them.

I'm also working on another possible series of short stories involving a fallen angel (Samandriel, mentioned in the previous blog entry) and an immortal. I'm looking forward to planning out their short stories, as well.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. If you read any of the short stories, let me know below how you liked (or didn't like) them. I'm eager to know what you think!

And for curiosity's sake, what do you think of the concept of paranormals/psychics/celestials being hunted by mortals? What do you like or dislike about it? What intrigues you about the idea? I'm curious to know!

Until later,

Lois