Sunday Snippet: Maybe This Seems Familiar

We're still in the grips of cold and snow. Not a ton of accumulation but the temperatures? Ugh… it's cold. We had a full day of single-digit weather this past week. The local school system had Monday and Tuesday off for the Columbus Day holiday and a staff training day, then had the rest of the week off due to icy roads. Fun times.

Light week in television again. I finished up episode two of the second season of Penny Dreadful. Also watched the season finale of Wynonna Earp. Man… this show. It's so, so good.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and watched an episode of Underbelly Razor. Also caught some Babylon 5 and The Sarah Conner Chronicles.

I'm finally catching up on Arrow and "The Demon" did not disappoint. I wondered what happened to Talia and it's probably good she survived the island. I also watched an episode of Blade the series.

I had some binge marathons of some classic television with The Saint and 77 Sunset Strip. I love both shows and it's nice to have them on in the background when I'm working.

That's about it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Maybe This Seems Familiar, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "step back".

Here's the mini-blurb:

A tragic death sends Inyx Pic, an Adept Major, into a brittle shell of self-doubt. When Philo Batson, her Adept Master, pushes Inyx to get back to teaching, her armor of disillusionment cracks and anger and grief come pouring out, leaving Philo to handle the fallout.

And a preview snippet…

Philo crossed the bedroom to gaze through the window. "The sun's trying to come out but it'll stay gray all day." Fitting, all things considered.

He needed to fully extricate himself from Fillomena, cut ties and be done with the attempt to have a life that didn't include Inyx. If last night showed him anything it plainly laid out the fact he loved her, enough to be patient and let her find her way to him.

Inyx sighed. "You're leaving, aren't you?" She slid to the edge of the mattress and sat with her legs dangling from the side.

He turned and met her gaze. "For a while, yes. A clean break with Fillomena needs to be handled and I want to do it today." He should've listened to Inyx about the other woman's machinations.

Inyx shook her head. "For what it's worth. I'm sorry." She got up and scrubbed a hand over her face. "If you hadn't been distracted by my drama, you would've seen Fillomena for the manipulator she is." Sighing, Inyx came to stand beside him.

Philo shrugged. "I'm just glad someone other than you pointed out how lame Philo and Fillomena sound together." His lips twitched and he tamped down a chuckle.

Inyx blinked then snorted. Then she surprised the hell out him by barking out full-blown laugh. She grabbed his arm, almost doubled over with mirth.

If he accomplished nothing else today, he'd be happy.

Almost.

He needed one more thing from Inyx.

And she wouldn't like it.

He'd let her have a few more moments of glee. "I know. I can't believe you didn't hit on the name thing straight away." Inyx usually found the absurd before anyone else.

She hand-waved his comment. "Me too. I'll have to blame my lack of notice on everything else going on right now." She sobered but the haunted shadows didn't enter her gaze.

Philo took his chance. "Speaking of everything going on…" How did he word what he needed to say? "There's a whole class that still needs training, will you at least take another look?" He caught her before she could turn away. "If there's anyone you have true concerns about, we'll hold them until the next class comes through. Maybe add a new level for those who have ability but lack the aptitude to really keep up?" The idea took shape as he spoke and he glanced to see her reaction.

Better than he expected. Interest and consideration entered her gaze and she slowly nodded, turning the concept over in her mind. He'd take the small win. Now for the bigger battle.

He opened his mouth to plead a case but she stopped him by raising her hand.

Heaving a sigh, she inclined her chin. "Okay. I'll look at the class files again. But I won't promise anything more than that right now." She paused a moment. "But the idea of adding a new level has merit and I'll keep that in mind when I'm reviewing."

Philo nodded. "It's a solid compromise and a place to start." He exhaled slowly, gearing up for a not so pleasant task. "I'm going to take off and track Fillomena down but I'll stop by this afternoon if you plan to be here."

Inyx gave him a quick smile. "I've got twenty-five folders to read through. I won't be going anywhere anytime soon." She followed him from her room to the front door.

He paused before he turned the knob. "If you need anything—"

She cut in. "I'll let you know. I'll be fine, Philo. And I'll see you later this afternoon."

He gave a brief nod then exited, shivering a little in the brisk morning air. First stop, home, for a hot shower and some warmer clothes. The earlier hint of sun now fully hid behind gloomy clouds.

I'm not quite sure where this one will end up but I'm really pleased with how it's going so far.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Whoo boy… winter arrived with an icy drizzle followed by some major snow. I'm very glad I have no place I need to be that involves travel. Ugh.

Another slower week for television. I had a project that needed some solid focus and I used music as my background noise for less distraction. Oddly enough, it was a New Year's Eve playlist. LOL I also had some outside things going on; lunch with my daughter and cousin and a lengthy concussion assessment for my middle kid. Okay, he's not really a kid anymore since he just turned twenty, but he needed to have someone with him while they did the tests and I'm glad I was there. Turns out he's probably had a concussion for at least a couple of years. Epic fail on my parental duties there.

I did catch the finale of Strike Back. Kind of liked the way it ended but I'm used to a little more closure. I'm definitely looking forward to the new season in the next week or so.

Watched an episode of Chicago Fire and—thank whatever rules the universe—the stupid deputy commissioner appears to be out. Who knows for how long, but man, I hate that storyline. Also saddened that Severied lost his dad. Really thrilled Benny came through in the end though.

Caught an episode of Luke Cage. Actually kind of liked watching several relationships implode. Almost to the end of the season then, sadly, won't have any new to look forward to. I'm so excited for Punisher's second season but I'm hitting up Iron Fist and Dare Devil first.

I watched some behind the scenes stuff from Passionflix. If you're not a subscriber, check it out if you love books made into movies. Had time to finish up the web planet arc of Classic Who also.

I finished out the week with an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. This show continues to make me happy and hasn't fallen back on repeating storylines yet. After twelve years. That's amazing.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, a short story free read that helps set up the Sanctuary Island stories.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge… and a reunion with his lost love.

And a preview snippet…

Ceet rose and strolled down the path to the shoreline. He looked out at the inlet and said a sad farewell to his former mates. They were a good crew and he'd miss them.

A quiet hush fell, all around him, and Ceet shifted his eyes around slowly. An eerie feeling trickled down his spine and he jumped when a loud crack reverberated and a deafening roar burst through the skies. Thunder boomed and lightning danced all around him. Even the trees seemed to scream their fury.

Ceet threw up his arms, fists punching toward the sky. "Now just you calm down! I ain't a going anywhere." He shouted, raising his voice as loud as he could. "We had a deal and I aim to keep my end. Now, stop this nonsense!"

He flung his arms down and the noise ceased. Peace and quiet returned.

"Just like a woman, it is."

Ceet ambled over to the encampment area and built up a fire. Nightfall would come on soon. He'd have to start thinking about building permanent shelter right away.

His eyes scanned the coastline then he turned and looked at the dense foliage behind him. Dusk settled around the island, he wouldn't make much headway tonight. He gathered up the foodstuffs left behind and set about making dinner.

After eating, he secured his camp—more out of habit than concern for safety. He strung a hammock and started to climb onto it when a winking glint caught his eye. Over by a small outcropping of rocks there looked to be something bobbing up and down in the water.

He'd check it in the morning. The day had been long and his body and mind needed rest. Ceet crossed his ankles and lay back in the canvas bed. His eyes closed and he waited for sleep to claim him.

The nocturnal rest eluded him. Even with his eyes shut the blinking was noticeable. It reflected off the large leaves of the trees above him.

With a heavy sigh, Ceet rolled out of the hammock, lit a lantern and made his way toward the group of rocks. Might as well discover whatever the island wanted him to find. And Ceet knew it was Sanctuary that made the flashing brighter when he tried to sleep.

Getting closer, he realized he'd have to wade into the surf to actually retrieve the object. "You jest couldn't let me get me rest, could ye?" The water was still on the warm side when he went in.

It was also up to his chest by the time he got to the spot. Lantern held high, he checked for creatures before sticking his hand inside the group of rocks. Feeling around he found what the island had for him and pulled the object out to get a better look.

A compass.

Ceet harrumphed. "I've got one of these. I don't need another one, do I?" The device grew warm in his hand. Ceet turned it over and tried to find the source of the heat.

I'm having a lot of fun working in Ceet's backstory with the mystic island of Sanctuary.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Man Up

Man, what a week. Sixty-one degrees one day and twenty-two the next. Ohio is crazypants sometimes. Yesterday, it snowed and, since it's the first significant accumulation we've had this winter, everyone forgot how to get around in the white stuff. It is rather nice it waited until the weekend. Monday's commute should go smoother. LOL

Had a light viewing week for television shows. Caught another episode of Underbelly: Razor. I thoroughly enjoy getting a feel for Australia in the twenties. It's a very different vibe from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and I like that.

Also caught another episode of Babylon 5. I've also been tuning into Comet occasionally to catch up there also. Also got to finally catch The Flash's 100th episode. Gotta say, the messing with the timeline gives me a headache. I'm invested in the characters though so I'll keep watching.

Watched the second part of Blade's pilot episode. I liked this series when it aired but never got to watch it all the way through in order. I'm looking forward to having the chance now.

Started season fourteen of Midsomer Murders. The changing of the guard from Barnaby one to Barnaby two is fun to watch. I didn't get to see that episode in its original run.

I'm almost finished with season one of Pensacola Wings of Gold. In all honesty, I'm not sure I'll stick it out for the other two or three seasons. It sometimes irritates me when they scrap an entire cast and almost start over.

Caught another episode of Lexx. I really forgot how cornball some of the series ended up being. Still… it's a great nostalgia thing. Back when Syfy was SciFi and I watched the channel almost exclusively. I miss those days.

Tried to watch Gotham's fifth season premiere and my app decided to crap out. Not sure what the problem was so I'll try again later this week.

And that's it for television. Tonight's post is from Man Up, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of write a scene where a drunken game of one-upmanship goes all the way because neither character can admit being outdone and put a stop to it.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hattie Hale and Nero Palmer, instructors at the Academy of Light, are supposed to set the example, but can't quite get past their competitive natures. A drunken game of one-ups-manship goes all the way to the sleeping chamber because neither will admit to being outdone.

And a preview snippet…

I can't believe I said he has an awesome brain. To his face.

Hattie blamed her loose tongue on the alcohol. The thing with Stiltskin… inhibitions often flew out the window. Her rivalry with Nero, if she had to be honest, fueled her creativity and charged her up in ways she didn't want to examine too closely. He featured as the counterpoint in almost all of her personal and professional idea sessions.

And, okay, if pressed… she'd admit he played a role in some of her fantasies. Probably more than a healthy amount allowed. But, seriously, she couldn't control the dreams in her head.

Nero quirked a brow. "Should I be scared?" He drained his glass again.

Hattie tilted her head to one side. "About what?" Did she miss something? A question or comment?

Nero poured again. "Whatever's going through your mind right now."

She laughed. Oh, man, if he only knew. And, hey… did he just pull ahead of her on shots? She couldn't have that. In fact… a brilliant thought presented itself.

She quickly downed her glassful. "It depends on how daring you want to be." If she could get him to go along with her plan, they'd discover once and for all who ruled the AoL.

Nero narrowed his eyes. "I'm definitely terrified then." He leaned back in his seat. "But go on then… spill it."

She gave him a wide grin. "You and I are going to have a contest, we'll both man up so to speak."

Nero pursed his lips for a long moment then nodded. "Okay. I'm in. But we're definitely having some ground rules."

Hattie raised her glass. "Here's to finding out who has the most talent."

Nero smirked. "May the best man win." He tapped her glass, tilted his head back, and drank the shot.

Oh, Nero… you have no idea what you're in for.

I love where this one is going. I'm at a place where I need to plot out the rest of the scenes and nail the climax, no pun intended.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Loss

January 6, 2019

Welcome 2019! I can honestly say it's been a weird week. The whole having the new year start on the second day of the week throws me off. Even more so than if it started on Wednesday. I have no idea why, but there it is. LOL

I started some new shows this past week. Caught the first episode of Blade and I'm looking forward to actually watching this show in the correct order. If CW Seed doesn't pull it. I didn't get to finish Birds of Prey and it irritates me.

Also watched part of the second episode of Roswell but I'll be switching to Netflix for this one or maybe another streaming service. DustX only has it available as a marathon and, frankly, it's too much of a giant pain to fast forward until I get to the episode I need.

Also watched another episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold and Lexx before the end of last year. I'd forgotten the prison ship episode and end up enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Caught the next to last episode of Strike Back season five. So thrilled to see familiar faces and experience the passing of the torch, so to speak. Looks like those familiar faces are in the last episode, too. I'm also super excited for the new season with Jamie Bamber taking over the CO. I can't wait!

I watched the last episode of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and truly wish there had been another season. I fell in love with the characters. I'm rather glad it didn't end on a massive cliffhanger, only hinting at what the characters might face in a new season.

Caught another episode of Luke Cage and loved having Danny turn up. Nice to have another mention of Claire too. I'm actually thrilled with Missy's arc and I'm kind of disappointed we won't see more of her development after this season ends.

Chicago Fire disappointed the hell out of me by having the stupid deputy commissioner back again. Not sure why the conflict irritates me, but it's the same thing that happened with Chicago PD. I think it's because it feels forced and not something that happened organically even though both antagonists were introduced well before they became the actual pains in the ass they are. Eh… whatever.

I watched the Passionflix holiday Quickie Caught Up In You; obviously after the actual holiday. Such a sweet little tale! More of these please!

Murdoch Mysteries had a terrific episode but I'm honestly still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last one. LOL

Watched several episodes of Classic Who. I'm still on the web planet arc and it's kind of a fun run. Also started Doctor Who's "Demons of the Punjab" but still need to finish that one. Also can't wait to see the New Year's special.

Started season two of Penny Dreadful and, wow, Vanessa is a true magnet for all things evil, no? I'm very interested in Ethan's story and not so much in Frankenstein's. I'm honestly kind of pissed off with his actions lately.

Caught most of Wynonna Earp's second to last episode of the season. I had a sneaking suspicion Charlie would end up being something other than a cool new dude. And this show loves taking crazy twisty turns and Charlie's real identity is definitely a solid effing twist. LOL

Started a rewatch of Painkiller Jane but didn't have time to finish the first episode. I rather like this show when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Loss, a novella that started as an exercise in writing grief but turned into a story I wanted to show.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Welsh Hollingsworth is the golden child of Clan Grimstone, but when he's expected to fill the void left when his dad dies, he can't quite figure out how and he hopes Cagney Gaines can help him find some insight. Cagney can't deal with the loss of her mentor, the one constant in her chaotic world and she leaves when Welsh needs her the most. One year later, she returns to find a very different Welsh—one who doesn't welcome her with open arms.

And a preview snippet…

Cagney pulled the zipper on her single suitcase. "Travel light and fast." Wallace taught them to take only the essentials and find everything else they'd need in the field.

Except I'm not going in the field.

Where she'd up would be anyone's guess. But she couldn't stay here. Losing Wallace left her rudderless and unfocused. Vengeance filled her heart and mind and she had no room for anyone or anything else.

Including Welsh.

Her heart squeezed but her resolve remained. "I can't right now. He needs a strong number two and I'm not it." Welsh needed to lead the clan and finish Bainbridge.

Crossing the room she'd lived in since the age of five, she gazed out the window. The pyre continued to grow. The clansmen added logs in carefully placed bundles, with Welsh directing the flow, stopping to answer questions about the mix of hard and soft woods.

She placed her palm on the glass. "I'll miss you most, Welsh." After Wallace, Welsh lined up next as her most cherished relationship.

And I'm gonna trash it all because I can't. I just can't stay and be around when Wallace isn't here.

Tears pooled in her eyes. She didn't have a clue how to exist or function without her guiding constant. Wallace fulfilled the role for so long acting a father, mentor, and so many times, her conscience. The man often drove her crazy but he kept her from making truly terrible decisions even while letting her make mistakes she'd learn from.

Okay, she had to get moving. Thinking about Wallace solved nothing and it hurt. Dashing the tears from her eyes, she inhaled deeply and turned from the window. She grabbed her suitcase and checked to make sure the letter she'd left for Welsh remained on the bed.

Satisfied, she left her room and closed the door on her life. The one she loved but couldn't live anymore. She didn't have a destination in mind, but she planned to be as far away as possible before the pyre rites began. With the sun already slipping toward the horizon, she needed to make tracks.

When she exited the estate house, she refused to look back. She didn't need to see the huge structure to remember what it looked like. She'd always have a picture in her mind of the place she called home. But she carried pain in her heart underneath the vengeance and she didn't want either to touch the one sanctuary she'd had growing up.

Reaching her car, she popped the back door open and slid the suitcase inside. Once settled behind the steering wheel, she experienced a moment of indecision, the longing to stay almost overwhelming.

Squaring her shoulders, she started the engine and slowly drove down the winding lane to the main road. Luckily, she didn't have any oncoming traffic and turned left onto the state route, heading away from the city and the never-ending clan war.

She exhaled a long breath. "I'm sorry, Welsh. You'll be so much better off without me mucking everything up."

From one tiny corner of her mind, a niggling thought pushed through. I'm leaving the next best thing in my life and neither of us will be unscathed.

I'm excited to see where this one ends up. I have the basics in place and I'm slowly adding the detailed elements that flesh everything out.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye