Sunday Snippet: Slip of the Tongue

I had a jam-packed week of setting up a new PC and transferring files while trying to also stay on top of my work projects. In all honesty, I can't complain about the process. Of course, things went wrong because that's how it always goes. I didn't have the right cable to connect my monitor to the tower, but I found one in my stash of never-throw-away-this-type-of-thing pile of stuff I keep for that sole purpose. And once I figured out how to configure the network, transferring files has gone pretty smooth. I have a couple of final things to work out but I can take some time to do that stuff.

Didn't watch a lot of television because I needed to focus and my desk had several variations before I got the final layout figured out.

I did finish out season three of Batman: The Animated Series. I'm happy I got it done before the great wipeout from all existence. The episodes to complete the series were "Judgment Day," which I loved, "Beware the Creeper," which I also kind of enjoyed, and "Mad Love," which seems like a weird episode to end on because it's all about the Joker and Harley, but it's actually a terrific endcap for the series, because it's also about the role Batman plays in that relationship.

I also started a Battlestar Galactica rewatch with one of my best friends. We're doing weekly viewings and we've started with the miniseries. There were so many little things I'd forgotten and a lot of iconic stuff I definitely remembered. This show had such an impact on me and I'm kind of excited and terrified to travel on the journey again. LOL

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Slip of the Tongue a novella about two word alchemists that are tasked with protecting the premier of their district, which isn't an easy assignment because one has control issues and the other isn't quite what he seems.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sylvie Brown and Holden Baker are word alchemists, creating the strongest, most intricate spells in their realm. One slip of the tongue can bring catastrophic destruction … or it can garner surprising results. Sylvie learns two little words can hold a wealth of meaning.

And a preview snippet…

 

Holden grabbed Sylvie, hauling her up. "I didn't do this." He had no idea who the hell did.

The premier nodded. "No, dear boy, I did." He glanced over his shoulder. "A simple summoning spell worked nicely." His lips twitched a little.

Boone glared. "Depends on who you ask. I don't take kindly to being yanked out of my district."

Sylvie stiffened. "But why? Why bring him here when we've worked so hard to keep him out." Her voice went hoarse on the word.

The premier squared his shoulders. "To settle this once and for all. If he wants a war, he'll be sorely disappointed. If I can pull him to me at my will, he can't hope to keep his power … not when word gets out."

Boone snarled. "I won't stop, old man. You caught me off guard once, it won't happen again." An angry glare accompanied the threat.

The premiere tsked. "I figured as much. And you're wrong…" He snapped his fingers and Boone changed into a large, gleaming crystal. "I caught you a second time, too." He reached down and picked up the purple facet.

Holden blinked then laughed. "I'll be damned. We should've thought of that." A rather genius solution to the Boone problem.

The premier glanced in Holden's direction. "Sometimes, the old ways are the best."

Holden flushed under the scrutiny. "About that, I can explain." Or he'd at least try.

The premier waved off the idea. "No need. But you do owe us recompense. I think finishing the job you began will do to start. Mr. Thargren won't be the last to try force, but we will be opening a dialog to find a peaceful solution." He turned his attention to Sylvie. "I'll be relying on you for assistance, my girl."

Her head bowed. "Yes, sir."

Holden stepped up. "If I can be of help, please count on me." He'd do whatever he could to move things toward a good outcome.

The premier held Holden's gaze for several long moments. "Won't be up to me." He glanced toward Sylvie then back to Holden. "Prove your worth, son." He stepped back inside his chambers and closed the door.

Holden's respect for the man grew by more than one notch. No wonder his grandpa liked Angus so much.

He turned and faced Sylvie. "I'll be ready, bright and early, to start on the reinforcements."

She nodded and started to walk away, her movements stiff and weary.

She got to the end of the corridor before she paused, looking back over her shoulder. "Thank you. For tonight." She didn't wait for a response, continuing away from him.

Holden watched her with a heavy heart. "I have a lot of ground to make up. And it's not gonna be easy."

Holden really stuck his foot in the mud and Sylvie won't be quick to forgive, but he'll do what the premier told him and prove his worth.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Slip of the Tongue

What a weird weather week. Of course, it's March in Ohio so not exactly uncommon. We had beautiful spring-like temperatures at the beginning of the week and by Thursday it got chilly again. A little bit of snowy flakes and brrr! degrees outside.

Finished up a big project and another one on the smaller side and also started a new one. Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of television in this week.

I watched the last Midsomer Murders that's currently available. I rather hope they do another season. I love this show.

I also caught another series one episode of Peak Practice. I'm enjoying this series quite a lot.

I started the eleventh series of Classic Who and loved the introduction of Sarah Jane. I'm so sad Elisabeth isn't with us anymore. She made Sarah Jane such a great character.

I've watched about eight more episodes of Danger Man. John Drake is definitely a pre-Bond character study. The first season is a lot of fun so far.

Caught two more episodes of Gargoyles. The second season is quite a mish-mash. Not to say it's not good but a lot is going on.

Started the second episode of Strike Back's final season. This show. I'm going to miss it when it's gone.

Hmm. Maybe I watched more television than I thought. But that's it for this week. Tonight's post is from Slip of the Tongue, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sylvie Brown and Holden Baker are word alchemists, creating the strongest, most intricate spells in their realm. One slip of the tongue can bring catastrophic destruction … or it can garner surprising results. Sylvie learns two little words can hold a wealth of meaning.

And a preview snippet…

He loved the way the word alchemist blushed while at the same time sending him a look filled with sin and seduction. The messy bun atop her head tilted to one side and several strands had escaped to frame her face. The disheveled appearance suited her.

And conjured images of how she'd look in his bed.

He let go of her hand. "I really wouldn't." Surprisingly, he'd responded to her on contact.

He rarely made connections with people, male or female, on an initial introduction. Experience taught him most weren't what they presented to the world. But… Sylvie lacked guile.

Her shoot-from-the-hip style showed she aimed straight and true. Well, duh. Being a word alchemist probably helped. The intent behind people's words often bled through on spellcasts and Sylvie would have to be especially careful with how hers were taken.

Which explained how and why she'd made a solid first impression with him.

She laughed and shook her head. "You might regret having that thought. Right now, as much as my body is screaming for some hot and heavy action, my brain is too full of shit that needs to be done." Flicking him another sultry glance, she turned away. "Like the fortification of our wards and protections." Reluctant acceptance filled her gaze when she met his again.

Holden gave her a slow and thorough once-over. "So, we'll save that thought for later then." He nodded toward her interrupted project. "Do you need to finish up with that?"

Her eyes widened only for a second before she covered her surprise. He'd seen through the invisibility hex, one of his skills, and wanted to show her a glimpse of what he could do.

She sighed. "Yeah, I do." Heading toward her kitchen area, she stopped by a long table separating the two rooms. "Can you use this space to set up? I figure it's got plenty of room to spread out and we can each sit at one end." Her hand swept over the area.

Holden assessed the surface and agreed. "What about your meals? Will this"—he held up the tube of blueprints—"get in the way?" Four different sets would take up a lot of ground.

Sylvie laughed. "I never eat at the table. But the room looked so empty, I put one in to balance the space." Turning again, she started toward the cloaked spellcast.

Curious now, Holden asked, "Where do you eat?" He'd need to get some recommendations since he didn't know the lay of the land yet.

Sylvie pointed to the living area. "In front of the fire or down at the pub in the village."

A low table surrounded by pillows separated a loveseat and sofa on either side of the hearth. Two wingback chairs faced the mantle, creating a cozy spot for conversation or contemplation. She had excellent taste and a minimalist style.

Holden flashed a smile. "I might have you show me where this pub is. I'm a sucker for a good stew and hearty bread." His mouth watered thinking about both.

Sylvie grinned. "It's fish and chips for me. Nothing beats a good beer batter." She glanced toward the clock. "Let me finish up and I'll be happy to treat you. My way of saying welcome to Thornglade and thank you for being here."

Holden looked forward to spending time with her. "Sounds great. I'll get started here while you work." So far, he had no reservations about accepting this job.

He hoped that wouldn't change later.

I enjoy witty banter and having a story set around words and the play on them that can be very fun and lead to good and not so good things. Sylvie and Holden are masters at their craft and use their words wisely.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Slip of the Tongue

Well, my youngest attended our local prom last night and she looked so beautiful. I'm always amazed I had a hand in creating my kids. They're good people. J

Gotham returns Monday! I'm pretty excited for the final half of this season. Also looking forward to having my CW shows back with new episodes. And the summer TV fare isn't looking too bad either.

My work schedule is jammed and I love it! I like to stay busy, even when it cuts into my writing time. I could live with about four more hours each day, but I'm getting a lot better at managing personal with professional.

Tonight's post is from Slip of the Tongue, a novella that got started with a two-word prompt: love you. I enjoy having something fun to get the creative juices flowing.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Sylvie Brown and Holden Baker are word alchemists, creating the strongest, most intricate spells in their realm. One slip of the tongue can bring catastrophic destruction… or it can garner surprising results. Sylvie learns two little words can hold a wealth of meaning.

And a preview snippet…

Sylvie Brown focused her attention on the intricate protection spell. "The premier elder better appreciate how many layers I have to add." He'd made a lot of enemies and simple ward wouldn't function against the type of magick and spellcraft his foes could conjure.

A knock sounded and Sylvie paused her work, keeping the pattern of words hanging but cloaking them with a quick hex. The precept, Marna Janis, entered Sylvie's chambers with a hot and handsome man following behind. Since Marna's significant other happened to be female, he must be here for Sylvie.

Sylvie quirked an eyebrow. "Is this my reward for a job well done? Because I haven't finished the protective order yet." She didn't elaborate too much; didn't know the primo specimen of male glory, after all.

Marna clicked her tongue. "Sylvie, behave." She nodded toward the gorgeous man. "You'll send Mr. Baker running in the opposite direction. And we need him."

Sylvie straightened. "Does this mean we're finally going to fortify the estate? Please tell me we are." She sent a glance toward Marna's Mr. Baker, taking in the almost militaristic appearance—with the exception of the longish hair.

Marna inclined her chin. "We are. Holden, this is Sylvia Brown, our word alchemist."

Sylvie rolled her eyes. "It's Sylvie." She moved forward and stretched out her hand. "I'm thrilled to meet you, Holden… even if you aren't my reward." She got a jolt of electric awareness when he clasped her palm.

Marna shook her head. "I'll let you two get acquainted. Sylvie, Holden has the layout of the estate. I expect you to follow his lead on where to begin. His experience, in this case, trumps your need to run everything." She gave Sylvie a pointed look before heading to the door and closing it quietly behind her.

Holden stroked his thumb over the back of Sylvie's hand. "I wouldn't mind, you know." His voice had a sexy rumble to it.

Sylvie blinked, at a sudden loss for words—a rare occurrence. "Um… mind what?" Her skin tingled under his touch.

Holden gave her a wolfish smile. "Being your reward."

Sylvie may have finally met her match. Holden has several tricks up his sleeve to help bring Sylvie out of her shell.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Slip of the Tongue

October 19, 2014

Greetings!

Whew. Great television this past week. The Walking Dead premiere didn't disappoint. So happy it's back on my TV. And I'm all caught up on everything I normally watch. The Flash and Arrow are still kicking ass. Sons of Anarchy is totally insane and I can't wait to see how everything ends.

On Demand has me up to date on Haven, Sleepy Hollow, Agents of SHIELD, and Gotham. Pretty thrilled with Gotham so far. Some interesting little twists on the lore I'm quite enjoying.

Tonight's post is from Slip of the Tongue, a sexy short story where words have power, especially 'love' and 'you'.

Here's the tagline:

Sylvie Brown and Holden Baker are word alchemists, creating the strongest, most intricate spells in their realm. One slip of the tongue can bring catastrophic destruction… or it can garner surprising results. Sylvie learns two little words can hold a wealth of meaning.

And a preview snippet…

She laughed, relishing the experience after working so hard and long to fix the incantation. "Love you!"

Holden stopped and turned. "What did you say?" He slowly made his way back to her workspace.

Her eyes went wide. Quick and playful, the words love and you had escaped before Sylvie could stop them. And holy mage, created an instant change in atmosphere—electric and taut with tension.

She couldn't take them back, and frankly, didn't think she wanted to anyway. Holden could and would read whatever he wanted into her slip of the tongue. They'd danced around the flirtation and then attraction for months while they worked on modernizing the perimeter spells.

She glanced up and caught Holden's gaze. "Well, um…" She shrugged. "You can think whatever you—"

Holden backed her up against the wall. "Don't say it you don't mean it." His mouth hovered over hers. "Do you mean it, Sylvie?" His hands smoothed down her sides and grasped her hips. "Because words have power, spellbinding or not." He pressed the hard ridge of his erection against her.

Oh yes, power indeed.

Her chin lifted and she snagged his lips, fast and hard. "I mean it." She nuzzled his jawline before whispering close to his ear. "I love you."

He tipped his head back and caught her mouth in a long, slow kiss. Hauling her forward, he swept her up in his arms, and carried her to the corner nook. The futon still had the bedclothes from their brief attempts to catch some sleep when they couldn't keep their eyes open any longer.

Holden lowered her to the soft surface, crawled up beside her, and cradled her face in his hands. "I love you, too." His lips traveled along her jaw, down her neck, and over her shoulder.

Sylvie's eyes slid shut and she did a quick examination of her feelings. A big step, one they couldn't retreat from once taken, but she trusted him like no one else.

And she loved him—truly, madly, and deeply—why waste any more time?

Nothing like a moment of clarity to bring feelings home, right?

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye