DREAMS of a CLOUD
Peruse the many random ramblings of a writer-in-training as I build stories and develop my craft.
15 May 2024
The beast is slain; here lies the demon felled.
And yet thou darest ask yet more of me?
My family to never see again,
Instead to aid the ones that plucked me hence?
14 May 2024
“Oh, wow! Did you paint that? That’s Percival, right?
Instantly, Rapuzel’s expression brightened. “You read the King Arthur books?” When Phillip nodded, she pressed, “How far have you gotten?”
“I’m all caught up, even with the latest book [author]’s released. You?”
13 May 2024
The guests stuff their faces with the bounteous feast presented before them. And what a feast it is! If we only looked at the quantity heaped on the hundred-foot banquet table, it would be fair to guess the family expected to receive royalty at any moment now. But on closer inspection, this is actually a feast most foul; many of the dishes are covered in flies, and appear to have sat on the table for days.
Yet the guests do not care. They will just as gladly stuff their gobs with the maggot-covered pork roast as the chicken and rice casserole the maid–herself in a trance–places fresh out of the oven onto the table.
11 May 2024
A little over three hundred years ago, the region around Kadrashal used to be a verdant jungle, with a number of great cities. Unfortunately, the region is now little more than a great,, sandy desert, with a few scattered oases.
10 May 2024 part 1
Rachel blinked, then looked from Hades (who looked like he’d been chiseled from ice, not born), up to the eight-foot tall hound slobbering over everything with all three of his heads.
“You want me to take Cerberus for a walk each day?”
9 May 2024
“Well, what’s your idea? What do you even want?”
For a long moment, the fae said nothing. Finally, he replied, “A child. Your firstborn.”
It felt like Desiree’s mind had jammed up. “Is… Is that some weird marriage proposal fae use?”
7 May 2024
Isaac could only stare at the girl leading them onward.
This was Aurora? Really? This cowardly, frail slip of a girl was supposed to be his long-lost sister?
6 May 2024
“Sorry about all that. We’re looking for my sister, Aurora. Do you know where she is?”
Rapunzel’s face turned red as she realized she messed up. Or had she? He mouth opened and closed a few times as she tried to figure out what she should do.
While her mind spun, the two boys waited a moment before Phillip shrugged and opened the door. They were already out in the hallway before Rapunzel finally called out, eyes closed, “I-it’s me!”
4 May 2024
D&D Lore: Leilari, the Eternal Rose; Velka, the Shadowed Princess; and Ariel and Tesla, the Twins.
3 May 2024 part 3
Lily noticed when the boy stopped breathing. She continued her lullaby for just a bit longer, before her sobs grew too powerful to contain. She curled in on herself, but only a few moments after she stopped, she felt a hand on her arm.
When Lily opened her eyes, she found Johanne’s mother, Ida, smiling up at her, tears streaked down her face. “Thank you, little one,” Ida said. “Thank you for everything.”
3 May 2024 part 1
Ida watched as Lily wept over her boy, and nearly started to weep herself. She’d known it was a hopeless fight, and watching the young girl push herself to her limits to try and give Johanne even a slightly better chance broke Ida’s heart.
So when Lily started to sing, Ida was surprised.
2 May 2024
The summer before she turned 18, however, a plague swept through the land. Many people claimed it was a graveborn curse, and fear ran rampant.
30 April 2024
Astrid had only given one rule to Lily; she wasn’t allowed to sing. At least, not anywhere there was the slightest chance someone could overhear her.
“I’m serious, Lily; if you ever sing in front of people, you’ll be lucky if they stop at hanging you. It’s far more likely they’ll burn you at the stake or worse. Do you understand me?”
26 April 2024
“Why couldn’t Maleficent find her? She’s not really mortal anymore, is she?”
Lena scowled at the mention of Venwald’s queen, but Frieda chuckled darkly. “Had it been anyone else she faced, the Fairy Killer would have noticed. How long did she wander these woods, searching for something she can never find, I wonder?”
25 April 2024
No one is quite certain what spark first lit the blaze. Some claim a madman in A——, Marrue, attacked a young noblewoman and scarred her face. Others say the temple to the Rose in A——, Piege, closed their doors to all but the wealthiest of patrons, cutting the common folk off from their worship.
Whatever the case, the flames of war spread quickly.
24 April 2024
Come, see Atlantis, and join up in our fight!
Gawk at all our wonders, partake in each delight.
There’s a bit of danger, this I won’t deny,
But ‘tis but a smidgeon. What then is thy reply?
23 April 2024
Rapunzel’s current project was actually based on a portrait of Hannah from over a decade prior, holding a baby. Probably Prince Isaac, but it was hard to tell; it could have been Rapunzel herself, before Mother had whisked her away.
Rapunzel let a finger brush the painting’s face, before she shook her head and got to work. She wanted to see how much she could get done in the next three days.
22 April 2024
D&D Lore: Karthos, Father Death; Essayna, the Radiant Queen; and Tairen, the Storm King