Sunday Snippet: Dawn of the Sun

Ohio weather is tripping on some kind of psychedelic drug right now. We're in our third winter at the moment, so hopefully actual spring will happen in about two weeks. Of course, we'll have to give or take a month because who knows how long the state will be under the influence.

Had a crazy week of work, a mom crisis mode occurrence, and of course the weird weather, which wreaks havoc on my sinuses.

I didn't get much television watched this week. Too many things going on to really pay attention to my shows.

I did get an episode of Death in Paradise watched and enjoyed it. I hadn't seen any of this one and ended up really liking the mystery.

I also started an episode of Elementary and should finish it up today. I love the fun dynamic of Holmes and Watson after last week's near miss with Watson's life.

Other than that, I might be back on track this week, but I won't hold my breath. My brain is doing weird things and having a very hard time staying focused on more than one thing at a time. It's driving me batshit.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Dawn of the Sun, a novella that launches a couple on a journey to save their people.

Here's the miniblurb:

Apollo and Aurora aren't supposed to get together, but the Universe has other ideas. When everything starts to go sideways, two mortals personify the ancient deities and balance is restored.

And a preview snippet…

Alston fought the hands keeping him from being at Aleina's side. "Let me go, you assholes." He had to tell her … so many things.

Like how much he needed her. He didn't care if they argued all the time. She made him think and feel and challenged him to change his perspective. She drove him beyond insane sometimes, but also sent him to dizzying heights. He didn't want to be in a world that didn't have her. What the hell would that even look like?

Aleina breathed in a sharp gasp of air and the medical team went into action getting her stabilized. Alston shrugged off the restraining grip of the orderly and relaxed when the healer gave the all clear. Everyone stepped back from the gurney and Aleina slowly opened her eyes.

The healer clasped Aleina's palm. "You're finally on the road to recovery. You need some rest, and we'll evaluate you overnight." She eased away and nodded for the physician to assess the patient.

Aleina glanced around, her gaze landing on Alston. His shoulders hunched and he tried to shrink into the background. Now that she'd stabilized, he didn't need to be here. And she probably didn't want him to be. He'd been so happy she came back from the brink and didn't think about leaving as soon as she'd opened her eyes. He thought about heading out now, though.

When she didn't look away, her gaze completely inscrutable, Alston started to head for the door.

She called him back. "Alston, wait." Her voice rasped and she cleared her throat before nodding toward the healer. "Can we have the room? I want Alston to stay so we can talk for a while." She shuffled a little on the bed and the physician propped a pillow behind her back.

The healer frowned. "Not too long. You'll need rest to recover." Her lips quirked. "I realize that's a big ask, but I'm not taking any chances with you." With a pointed look, she left the room and called for everyone else to follow her.

Alston moved forward, standing beside the bed. "Thank the universe you're alive." He reached for her hand and squeezed it between his.

She smiled. "Grab a seat. I have a lot to tell you." Her eyes flashed with excitement.

He tilted his head, not quite sure how to take her almost jubilant mood. But he pulled a chair around and settled beside the bed. He didn't care about anything else but spending time with her.

Until she launched into something about a between life and death thing. The she shared a vision of the future granted by Pythia—a glorious future, where their children would rule or shape the world for generations to come.

And he had no idea what to do with the onslaught of information except try to absorb the words and make sense of them later.

I like how this story is shaping up. There should be two more books following this one and I can't wait to see how they go.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dawn of the Son

It's been a weird week but also a productive one. I can't quite believe March is almost over. My middle kid has gallbladder surgery on Tuesday and my youngest kid has a long weekend coming up and I'm kind of excited to have everyone home.

Very slow work week so I got to focus on writing again. Made a lot of progress on the back end with a good bit or organizing and updating files. I got some new projects launched and made a big dent in some older ones that have been on the back burner. It's always nice to feel productive.

Also got some cleaning done, which is terrific and long overdue. I've been setting a timer and sticking with one area for that timeframe. Seems to be working well so far. I pick a room, set the limit, and get busy. Makes the job seem less daunting.

On the television front, I got three arcs of Classic Who watched this week. I'm almost finished with season fourteen and I miss Sarah Jane but Leela is pretty fun. I don't think I've seen any Leela episodes so it's kind of fun to see new fare.

I also watched several more episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm about halfway through the first season and other than remembering how annoying Miss Piggy's karate chops are I'm having great memories.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and finished out the ninth season. I'll be starting ten this week.

Got another episode of Peak Practice in and should have one more for the second season then ready to start the third. I'm not sure how long Jack and Beth will be sticking around but I'm really enjoying this show.

I also got to catch an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm behind on the new season, but I like to binge this show so I'll get caught up soon.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dawn of the Son, a novella that got started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Apollo and Aurora aren't supposed to get together, but the Universe has other ideas. When everything starts to go sideways, two mortals personify the ancient deities and balance is restored.

And a preview snippet…

Aurora entered Apollo's grotto and propped a shoulder on the marble column. "The oracle said it's time." She moved forward, coming to a stop beside the love of her life—a man she couldn't have.

Apollo reached out and drew her forward. "Pythia found them. The two who can fulfill the prophecy." He only held her for a moment; otherwise, she'd start to dissipate.

The curse of belonging to a different pantheon. She only had brief windows of opportunity to see and converse with Apollo, something that drove both mad.

Rules are rules—even when they're stupid.

Apollo's lips curved. "Railing at the forced limitations doesn't make them go away and cuts into the brief time we have together." He withdrew a scroll and spread it open. "Pythia provided me with this…" He waved his hand over the parchment.

A couple appeared, their life unfolding on the page. Aleina Foyle and Alston Saddington fought their way through a war that ravaged their planet. Now they were part of the leading force that had to convince the population to leave their homes and take to the stars. The warfare decimated their home to the point it wouldn't recover.

Aurora tilted her head. "She's magnificent." Aleina had strength and faith that did little to curb her headstrong ways. "Has Pythia started planting the seeds yet?"

Apollo nodded. "With waking dreams and nightscape visions. It's going to take a toll on Aleina." He frowned, his poet's heart battling with his hunter's mind.

Aurora turned her attention to Alston. "He's an enigma. He doesn't believe in the pantheon but he has a wellspring of fortitude and a moral fiber that runs strong." She met Apollo's gaze. "Will he accept his role for what needs to be done to save humanity?" If he didn't, she'd have a very long wait to be with her love.

Apollo studied the scroll. "For her, yes. He'll resist and fight the current, but the prophecy indicates he'll carry through." He waved his hand over the vision and the parchment returned to normal.

Aurora sighed. "I wish I could be there when you bring Aleina over. It's not fair, these tiny openings in the veil never last long enough." Already, the pull to return to her side tugged at her.

Apollo gathered her close. "Patience, my love. We'll be together soon." He meshed his lips with hers, taking the kiss long and deep.

The moment ended when Pythia entered the grotto. "My dears, time is short. Aurora must return to her side or humanity's fate will come to an end." The oracle stood vigil over the rift in the veil. "The mists swirl and her path will obscure soon."

Aurora sent Pythia a grateful smile. "Thank you. For everything." Pythia's role in bringing the prophecy to light would always endear her to Aurora.

Taking one last lingering look at Apollo, Aurora made her way out of his grotto and slipped through the mists to her side of the veil. The plot set, the pieces in motion, she hoped the oracle's vision for saving humanity held true.

The goddess of the dawn would soon be chasing the moon away and seeking her light, the god of the sun. Aurora had the power to intervene and give humanity its last chance to get things right. But she'd need her poet hunter to balance the universe. Aleina had the strength to carry the burden of bringing the people together. Alston had the right mix of military bearing and political savvy to keep them on the path.

And the triggering event would take place soon to bring Aurora and Apollo together on the mortal coil.

What started out as a single standalone title has morphed into a trilogy. I'm not how that happened, but I'm running with it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dawn of the Son

Ugh. It's been decades since I've had snow in April and we got two days of it last week. LOL

Anyway, television this week had a great run. Legends of Tomorrow continues to make me happy. Actually titling an episode about a guest star is brilliant. Seriously.

I missed Black Lightning's new episode but plan to catch up with everything with a binge watch in the near future. Also need to get caught up on Riverdale, but I have watched two of my saved episodes. Gotta say I'm so interested in Alice's past and who Chic's dad is. Considering she drove me insane last season, I like this newfound curiosity. Also loving the whole Blossom family drama. Seriously, Riverdale is hitting on all cylinders with me right now.

Arrow's episode ended up being better than I hoped. It's probably not a bad thing to have Oliver's leadership tested and questioned. It's not often I get to see a character actually have to progress through a moment of growth. That said, I hover on the fence with Laurel. I know what I'd like to see happen but I won't hold my breath.

Got another episode of Gotham in and rather liked having Bruce call Alfred. With so much going on, I'm always surprised how well all the plot threads mesh together.

On the other hand, Jessica Jones feels so disjointed sometimes. Not saying it's a bad thing… the overall theme of season two sort of begs for the disconnect. All in all, I'm happy with how things are playing out, with maybe the exception of Trish. My hope is season three will serve as a redemption platform for the character. If not, well… yeah.

Watched an episode of the current season of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I'm working my way through to catching up on these. Also watched more of Blindspot. I'm up to the point of new episodes and literally cheered out loud when Jonah Fisher got his comeuppance. I loathed his character. I also wonder if anyone else kept hoping Kurt Weller would go Damien Scott on Fisher's ass? No? Just me? Okay. I can live with that. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dawn of the Son, a novella that started with a writing community prompt that the gods decree your main characters need each other to keep the universe in balance. One has to come back from beyond to make that happen.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Apollo and Aurora aren't supposed to get together, but the Universe has other ideas. When everything starts to go sideways, two mortals personify the ancient deities and balance is restored.

And a preview snippet…

Aleina didn't understand how she could be watching everything unfold. The conversation between Alston and Frank made her smile.

"Damn right I'd haunt you."

But what the hell happened? Why did Alston blame himself? Why couldn't she remember?

As far as out of body experiences went… hers sucked huge ones.

"Maybe it's because you don't know the reason yet."

Aleina would've leaped out of her skin if she'd been corporeal. She sought the voice speaking and discovered it came from, no way, the god, Apollo. He materialized from the mists and held out his hand. Stunned almost stupid, Aleina grasped his fingers and found herself standing on Mount Olympus.

She stared out over the vast range, her brain spinning. "Did I die?" How else would she explain being here?

A woman emerged from the cloudy atmosphere. "Does this look like the elysian fields?" A small of her lips took the sting out of the question.

Aleina lifted a shoulder. "As I've never been, I wouldn't know." Two could play the game of sass.

Pythia stepped fully away from the clouds. "You jest, Aleina. You know the difference between Olympus and the underworld." She nodded toward the veil of mist. "Come, we have much to discuss."

When Aleina hesitated, Apollo placed a hand at the small of her back. "There's nothing unsafe. You need to listen and decide." He guided her through the heavy fog-like shroud and led her into a simple chamber filled with scrolls, empty parchments, and writing tools.

Aleina soaked in the quiet atmosphere, drinking in the peaceful surroundings.

Pythia opened the discussion. "Aleina, humanity's last hope is you. You and Alston." She unrolled a large scroll and spread it out on an altar.

Aleina shook her head. "If we're humanity's last hope, you've got a big problem."

Apollo moved to stand at her side. "Listen to the oracle. You're currently hovering in a place between life and death. Pythia doesn't have a lot of time to explain." He pointed to the scroll. "Your name is written, along with Alston's. Your role is clear."

Aleina threw out a hand. "What role?" She blew out a breath. "Never mind. What am I supposed to do?"

Pythia explained. "Let me imbue you with Aurora's non-mortal traits. The dawn and the sun have to come together for humanity to survive. Apollo and Aurora have a sibling bond, but it's not strong enough for the work ahead." She paused and glanced in Apollo's direction. "Depth of love is necessary, the strongest tie known to god or man."

Apollo gave a terse nod. "It's the only way." He folded his arms over his expansive chest.

Aleina considered the underlying vibes between the two. "What's the catch here?" There definitely had to be something for the strange tension pinging between them.

Apollo's lips thinned to a flat line. "You have to convince Alston to carry my traits."

Aleina snorted. "Humanity is screwed then. Alston doesn't believe in the gods. Never has." They might as well ask her to get him to think day and night switched places.

The sound of a heart monitor flatlining drew their attention. Pythia swiped her hand over a blank parchment and the image of Aleina in her hospital bed appeared on the page. The craziness of watching the doctors call a code on her surpassed only by the vision of Alston refusing to leave the room and yelling for her to stay with him. The urge to go pulled hard at her, almost a compulsion.

Her gaze flew to Pythia. "What's happening to me?" Her surroundings went fuzzy and a buoyancy filled her.

Pythia laid a hand on Aleina's forearm. "His call is strong. He's willing you to return."

Apollo reached out to grasp her shoulder, his touch negating the urgent pull to leave. "Use Alston's plea. He'll come around if you do."

The foregone conclusion being she'd allow Pythia to imbue Aleina with Aurora's essence. Of course Apollo assumed Aleina would fall in with their plan. Then again, how could she not?

But… "I'm not sure I can. I won't abuse his faith and trust in me that way." Had they not done enough of that with each other?

Apollo's grip gently tightened. "You won't be. Because of both, he'll help you save humanity."

Aleina nodded. "Fine. How does this work?" She met Pythia's gaze.

The oracle held up two vials. "You drink the green to carry Aurora's properties. Then have Alston ingest the blue." She placed the bottles in Aleina's hand.

Aleina uncorked the green and drained the contents. "How will I know—"

Apollo cut her off. "There's no time. Find the Book of Pythia. It will be your guide."

The chamber swirled and faded, Aleina had a moment of fright before she became aware of shouted orders, the whirr and beeps of monitors, and Alston's voice pleading for her to stay with him…

This one is interesting and I'm having fun writing the characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dawn of the Son

September 13, 2015

So… The Last Ship? Probably one of the best season finales I've seen in a long time. I love this show! Now I have a whole year to wait for new episodes. *sigh*

Not much else on the television front. I'm patiently waiting for my superhero shows to return and watching a lot of new stuff on Netflix. The new season of Longmire is now streaming and I'm two episodes in. I love where things are going so far… stay tuned to see if that changes. LOL

New Doctor Who episodes start the weekend. Can't say I'm super excited to have a new season, but I'll watch and hopefully be surprised. After investing so much time, I'll have to keep current with what's happening.

I also started a beta read on a great story for an author friend. Looking forward to finishing it up this week.

Tonight's post is from Dawn of the Son, a novella where my main characters are imbued with the spirits of Apollo and Aurora.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Apollo and Aurora aren't supposed to get together, but the Universe has other ideas. When everything starts to go sideways, two mortals personify the ancient deities and balance is restored.

And a preview snippet…

Alston Saddington paced outside the medical triage area. "She can't die." Not when his last words to her were so harsh.

Yet Aleina Foyle hovered between life and death. She'd collapsed after a particularly nasty argument and he took full blame. She'd been tired lately, hadn't been getting the rest she needed.

Getting a group of unwilling and reluctant group of people to sit down and talk options took a great toll, not only on sleep but also on a relationship.

Frank Bollen rounded the corner to the medical alcove. "Are you going to go sit with Aleina until they move her or pace a hole in the floor?" He quirked an eyebrow.

Alston paused mid-step. "I can't go in there. It's my fault she's not responding." He didn't care what the doctors and healer said.

Frank snorted. "Alston, you're an idiot. If she dies and you didn't bother to see her, or sit with her, or hell, even just apologize for being a pain in the ass, you'll regret it." He shot Alston a stern glare. "For the rest of your life."

Frank had a point. If Aleina came around, she wouldn't have to know he'd even been there. But if he didn't at least see her, even if he didn't say anything, he'd be exactly what she accused him of being—an unhelpful student of the past. The very thing that started their argument in the first place. And wouldn't she be pissed if he ignored the urge to make amends, probably enough to…

Alston lips quirked. "Yeah, because she'll come to haunt me." He met Frank's gaze. "Yeah, yeah. I'll go sit with her until she's moved."

Frank clapped Alston on the shoulder. "Good man. I'll stop by with dinner in about an hour, yeah?" He started back toward the main base hub.

Alston called out. "Bring some coffee. It's gonna be a long night."

Frank acknowledged the request and Alston dragged in a deep breath. Aleina could wake up in the next few seconds or drift into a deep coma. Whatever happened, he'd stay by her side. He owed her nothing less.

Ducking into the room, he grabbed a chair and placed it close to the bed.

Sitting down, he took her hand and laced their fingers together. "Hey, Laney, I'm here." He squeezed gently. "And I'm not going anywhere."

I'm kind of enjoying the mystical qualities and playing around with them. Alston and Aleina may not have as much fun. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye