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: Quilt of Fate

Hello, November. The temperature dropped significantly, which kind of sucks for my household since we can't get our new furnace until the middle of next week. That said, with some careful placement, space heaters are doing an excellent job of keeping the house comfortable. As long as we don't dip into single digits, we're golden.

Not a bad week for television. I have a heavy workload right now but still squeezed in some decent viewing.

I started out with Riverdale and, wow, what a great episode. I'm still catching up from last season so this episode featured FP's fiftieth. Cole Sprouse and Skeet Ulrich brought their A games. Also loved the linked montage of Archie's king of the mountain battle with Cheryl and Toni's hot session in the speakeasy. The breakup ended up being a lot more painful than I anticipated but excellent work from the women. Reggie and Veronica's falling out also packed a punch. Reggie is very much growing on me as a character. A few random notes… I absolutely hate the entire farm storyline. I also dislike Hiram with the passion of a thousand suns going supernova. Don't see that changing anytime soon.

I finally got to sit and watch Arrow's season finale. I can honestly say the ugly crying didn't stop after the credits rolled. Everyone acted their collective asses off—Stephen and Emily in particular. Stephen, quite frankly, blew me away. Watching him evolve as Oliver over seven seasons has been a true joy. Seriously… I'm going to miss this show so much. My one main disappointment is not getting any scenes with Oliver and Mia. I'd love to see the two actors interact.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murdoch Mysteries. Nice to see George's family tree expand and with such a terrific character (pun intended). I have so much fun watching this show.

Frankie Drake Mysteries also made me smile. I'm still getting used to the new opening and the somewhat different shift in the show's dynamic. That said, it's growing on me and I like the fabulous foursome and their interactions.

Caught a new story arc on Sapphire and Steel. This show is usually background noise for me when I'm working and I have the horrible feeling I'm really missing a lot. I'm going to make an effort to really focus when I start the third assignment.

Watched the beginning of series nine with Classic Who. The daleks returned to be a huge pain, per usual. I always enjoy episodes that feature them.

Should be catching another episode of Midsomer Murders in the very near future.

That's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Quilt of Fate, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nadie Fall and Cable Reilly are transported to an alternate reality by the Moerae. Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos have plans for the fated couple who couldn't save their original universe, but can alter the future for their new one.

And a preview snippet…

Nadie crossed the threshold into the cottage. "Okay… we followed you. Now would be a good time to start answering questions." She reached out and tugged Cable inside the small home.

He needed to keep up or the trio would definitely leave him behind.

If the group could be believed… and, oddly, Nadie committed to going with what the women said—way too bizarre not to—they had a purpose for her and Cable.

The middle woman, Lachesis, if Nadie's childhood memories held true, indicated they should sit in the airy room. "Please, relax and get comfortable. You've had a long journey and it's not quite over yet." She waited until Nadie sat and Cable got settled in beside her. "You've seen one possible future, a long time traveling for naught."

The old woman, Atropos, gave a rude snort. "We should let them follow that thread to its completion. Would serve them right for the havoc and chaos we've had to bear witness to." She arranged herself in an ancient rocking chair and waved a hand, palm side down, revealing a huge tapestry spanning the entire living space.

Nadie attempted to school her thoughts, not wanting to give away how much the dig pained her. Cable tensed beside her, but a quick shake of her head had him slowly easing the rigid set of his shoulders.

The young woman, Clotho, smirked. "Easy there, big fella. Attie gets a little cranky when you lot keep making the same mistakes over and over. But she's willing to give rare second chances." She waggled her eyebrows. "Especially when primo specimens like you two come along." Leaning back in her seat, she fanned herself. "I mean think of the beautiful children you two could create." She gathered up a piece of the tapestry and tapped the fabric, bringing a spinning wheel and started creating a long length of thread.

Lachesis tsked. "Clotho, stop jumping ahead. You're going to muddy up the timeline and spawn more questions. We have enough to get these two through as it is." She settled into a wing back chair and conjured a needle between her fingers.

Nadie glanced toward Cable. "Are you following all this? We're apparently the guests of fate itself, which may or may not be a good thing." She hoped for the former because the idea of shadow drifting through any more realms made her heart hurt and her stomach churn.

Cable flicked his gaze her way. "I'd say sitting here with fate is a far sight better than any other alternative at the moment. But you know me… I hardly ever get anything right on the first try."

Clotho stopped spinning and laughed. "Oh… I'm going to enjoy you." She raised an eyebrow and pinned Nadie with her stare. "You'd do well to hang on to this one."

Nadie met her gaze and held it. "I firmly intend to."

I'm having a lot of fun putting my spin on the fate trio. Nadie and Cable are cool characters who face their future with a combination of humor and snark.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye