Sunday Snippet: Your Call

Whew. Very busy week and we had crazy weather to top it off. I'm not a fan of the back and forth super warm one day then very chilly the next. Wreaks havoc on my sinuses, which is never fun.

Also had a busy work week with multiple projects in various stages of completion. The sages also picked this week to start chattering in my ear, which is excellent because I got a lot of writing done. I'm almost finished with two projects and so excited! Brings me one step closer to getting my new venture launched.

Had a very light week of watching television. With so many irons in the fire, TV took a back seat to everything else. I'm honestly in a bit of a weird place with content I want to watch. I've been in the mood to binge shows, but I hate to do that when I have subscriptions to a number of streaming services. Then again, I haven't watched anything on Netflix in forever and I pay for that monthly. Thankfully, other family members watch a lot of that streamer.

I finished up the VIP episode from last week and kind of enjoyed the Tasha backstory. I love television from the late nineties.

Caught another episode of My Life is Murder. Alexa is growing on me a little. She often grates, which I think is a character trait. Blunt honesty is fine, but there's a cruel edge to hers sometimes and I'm not a fan of that in a main character.

Enjoyed another episode of Agatha Raisin. The cast of characters is so much fun. I love when the sidekicks get in on the action. I kind of pegged the murderer early in this one, but I like being able to pick them out then see how they actually committed the crime.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm enjoying the slightly different format in this season, but I miss having the team function as a team together.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. One of my favorites that I got to watch all the way through the first time. I agree with Humph … the genius of the murder kind of blew me away.

Also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. The opening eps of season three are so, so good. Actually, the first twelve episodes are pretty terrific. After that, things kind of go slightly sideways, but this show is still one of the best I've ever watched.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Your Call, a novella where the characters are battling someone close to them but don't realize who.

Here's the miniblurb:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them, and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

Norje didn't like how quiet the riverfront got after an hour of poking around in the dive bars and hole-in-the-wall diners. "It's almost creepily still down here." Uncanny … the waterside district never lacked activity, legal or otherwise.

The place usually started hopping when darkness fell and didn't let up until just after dawn. Places were open but not packed to the rafters. Crowds normally spilled out into the street and down along the paved walkway along the riverbank. She made a quick turnaround and started back toward the city center, ill at ease without being able to pinpoint why.

Except for the eerie silence following her stroll along the block.

Keeping a keen eye on shadowy business entrances and storefront windows, she also kept her ears trained for sounds that didn't belong.

A sharp whistle pierced the air and Norje stopped short, scanning from right to left, trying to discover where the sound came from. In front? Behind? She really couldn't tell.

A masked spellweaver exited from a building behind her and sent her flying when she whirled to face them. She crashed into a brick wall, slumping down with the wind knocked out of her. Shaking her head, she got to her feet but couldn't find her attacker.

Dragging in shallow breaths, she cautiously made her way along the building sticking close to the brick surface. "A fucking ambush. What the hell is going on?" Another whistle screeched overhead, and she deftly moved sideways, avoiding a collision with her assailant when they dropped down from a fire escape.

Spinning quickly, she conjured a baton and moved into a fighting stance. The spellweaver countered by manifesting a wicked-looking whip that cracked and snapped seemingly at will. Norge's eyes went wide. That shouldn't be possible.

She finally realized why the entire vibe didn't feel right. "They're not speaking. How can that happen?" Weavers always needed to speak incantations to manifest something.

But this one sure as hell didn't utter a word.

Out of her depth, Norje did the smart thing. She cut her losses and fucking ran in the opposite direction. The spellcaster came after her, flinging the whip outward. The lashes caught her several times. Once around the waist, once in the middle of her back, and multiple volleys stung her hands and sniped at her feet. Her attacker toyed with her. Any of those salvos could've wrapped around her and one hard yank would've sent her sprawling.

Pissed off, she reached out to Barrick via their mindlink. "I need help." She planted the image of the ambush in his mind. "I gotta escape but can't do it on my own."

Barrick immediately sent her a drop zone location, a stone cave on the outskirt of the city. Then he helped her open a portal. Norje crashed through and sealed it behind her. She staggered forward and fell into Barrick's arms.

He dragged the duster off and quickly assessed her injuries. "You've got welts and contusions." He trailed a finger along her jawline. "And this one might need some stitches. Looks like a pretty large gash." His hand came away with her blood on it.

She blinked. "Shit. Didn't even know I was bleeding." Wincing, she leaned back against the cavern wall and let Barrick apply pressure to the wound.

Barrick broke open a suture kit. "You should be out for this. It's not gonna feel good." He squeezed her hand and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Norje closed her eyes and pictured a starry sky with a single fluffy, white cloud surrounding her body then let herself drift deep into the ether.

This one is finally coming together and I'm excited to see how everything plays out.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

Yikes. What a week. We have a new president, which I'm rather thankful for. I hope things slowly get back to at least an even keel. I spent two evenings in two different emergency departments and got to play Dr. Mom with my daughter after she took a spill while riding her rip-stick. Also got some health screening done. It's been a little crazy for the first week of a month.

Didn't get much television watched. I viewed my usual fare on Ovation and caught a few more episodes of Silent Witness. Also ended up catching a few episodes of Death in Paradise, which I enjoyed.

Had a great conversation with my brother about shows we've both watched. We're fans of Australian dramas and recommend anything new we've come across to each other.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I might be back on a semi-regular schedule soon.

Tonight's post is from Your Call, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

Barrick jerked awake. An obnoxious sound came from the phone on the nightstand.

He nudged Norje and handed her the device. "It's yours." No one else used thrash metal for a ringtone.

She groaned but answered. "Hello." Pushing up to her elbow, she listened intently. "Yeah, fine. I'll head out as soon as I can. Yes, it'll be within the hour." She cut the call. "Geez, what crawled up Hoyt's ass?" Moving to sit upright, she swung her legs over the mattress.

Barrick rolled to his side. "What's  up?" Hoyt liked to push buttons but he'd been on a tear lately.

She shrugged. "Apparently, the world is going to end if I don't get out and patrol right away. Well, more like gather intelligence. Hoyt wants me to skulk around down at the riverfront and see if I pick up anything." She stretched her arms over her head and tilted her head from side to side.

Barrick sat up and propped his shoulders against the pillows. "Damn. If I'd known you were gonna get a call out, we could've gone straight to bed." Right, maybe not.

Norje angled around. "And miss out on that incredible experience?" She snorted. "Bite your tongue, Barrick. Never." Getting up, she crossed to the dresser and dragged out one of Barrick's T-shirts.

He grinned. "Help yourself." He got a kick when she wore his clothes.

She chuckled. "I gotta bring more of my stuff over. Didn't think I'd need work clothes tonight." Dragging the shirt over her head, she glanced over her shoulder. "Please tell me at least one pair of my leggings is here."

He nodded toward the wardrobe. "Second shelf." She could conjure whatever she needed but if she met any trouble, she wouldn't be at full power.

Grabbing the garment, she stuffed her legs inside. "I'll keep you posted." Winding her hair up, she tucked it under a clip. "Better get some rest. I'll lay odds Hoyt'll call you out tomorrow." Snagging his canvas duster, she crossed back to the bed.

Barrick leaned over and caught her face with one hand. "Wake me up when you get back." His lips met hers for a lingering kiss.

She inclined her chin and gave him a wave then exited the bedroom. A few seconds later, the door opened and closed. Barrick settled back, closing his eyes. She really did need to get her stuff moved over. Unless she wanted to wait until after their handfasting.

He shook his head. "Won't be a bit surprised if Hoyt finds a way to conveniently forget we've got downtime scheduled."

This story is coming together nicely. I like where Norje and Barrick are headed … straight into danger.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

Ugh… what a week. I've been down with a combination of cold / flu symptoms. I'm pretty sure I've pulled at least three different muscles from coughing, sneezing, and blowing my nose incessantly. Bleh.

Not a bad week for television viewing. The Flash had a girls night out that brought Felicity Smoak over from Arrow and entertained in a big way. Legends of Tomorrow kind of disappointed me by bringing Damien Darhk back, even if the fight sequence proved to be very entertaining.

Arrow also had a great episode. Loved getting to know Dinah's former partner and have some background there. I'm fond of the actor who's in the role and look forward to seeing more of that storyline play out. Also liked having Oliver work with Slade. I'm excited to see where that goes, too.

Riverdale turned things up to triple digits. I'm still liking my theory about who the black hood is. Alice's past coming out and her reaction made the whole show for me. I want to see that story explored a little more. My one true hope? The snake charmer ends up being Alice's long, lost sister. How much fun would that be?

Once again, I have to catch up on Gotham. The whole cold / flu thing had me napping when it was on. LOL

The holiday movie overload is ongoing. I thoroughly enjoy the cheesy, sappy, happy fare. I've even watched a couple of them more than once.

Looking forward to more terrific TV this week. Tonight's post is from Your Call, a novella that started with a writing community project of creating a scene featuring the three prompts; sleeping, grass, ring.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

Norje Blayheart moaned low in her throat. "Barrick, I need you now." She twisted away from her lover and projected an image in his mind.

Barrick Nembly groaned. "Ah, Norje. You're killing me." But he gave her room to maneuver up onto her hands and knees.

Norje shuddered when he implanted the vision of her from him point of view. Her hair tumbled wildly over her shoulders, her back bowed pushing her ass up and out, and her juices glistened in the filtered light.

Sometimes being a mage had unforeseen perks. The ability to share thoughts and link on a physical and mental plane topped the list. Barrick continued the projection when he spooned in behind her, leading with his hard cock jutting out from between his legs. The moment he thrust forward, the juxtaposition of experiencing the penetration while seeing it, intensified the pleasure. Barrick couldn't hold the visualization for long—not if he wanted to have the stamina needed to complete their lovemaking. Norje took over, tuning him in to every exquisite nuance of his entry.

He tightened his grip on her waist. "Mmm. Do you feel that every time?" He withdrew and flexed his hips again.

Norje nodded. "Uh-huh. That's why it never takes very long for me to come." She edged back, taking him in deeper.

Barrick's palms smoothed over her skin, traveling the planes of her back before ghosting forward to cup her breasts. Norje basked in the sensation, heightened by the blending of their minds. The mix of internal and external awareness increased with each touch, gasp, and heavy breath. The pace ramped up, driving Norje to the edge of bliss.

Barrick grabbed her hips and held them flush with his groin. "Come with me, Norje. Come with me now." He withdrew and entered her once again, letting out a garbled moan.

Norje groaned. "I'm there. Let go." His fingers dug into her skin and she toppled over the precipice, her orgasm tearing through her at the moment Barrick's release hit him.

Riding the tempest while linked together, each collapsed when the waves receded. Barrick gathered her close and brushed his lips over her temple. She burrowed close pressing a kiss to his sternum.

Barrick's hand drifted down to curve at her waist. "Never gets old, Norje. Love you."

She smiled. "Love you too."

This story is all mapped out and I'm excited about it! There's a chance this might turn into more than one book. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

October 20, 2013

Hello!

So… one of the things I love about The Walking Dead is how much it blows my mind and creeps me out in equal measure. LOL Seriously, the show has so many little nuances that always suck me in, and yet it tops itself weekly by grossing me out to the point of wanting to heave. :D

Let's see, what else? Strike Back season finale did NOT disappoint. I have one or two teeny quibbles, but I had a huge grin on my face with the final scene, so yeah, direct score for season three (or, well, four, if you count the way I do and consider the first series with Armitage and Lincoln as number one). I honestly hope there's another season to watch and enjoy.

Arrow also ranks right up there on my obsession list. I want to talk and write meta posts about how much I love it. I haven't been so obsessed with a show since the reboot of Battlestar Galactica. Sons of Anarchy comes close, but I sort of avoid the fandom circles for the show.

Anyway, tonight's post is from Your Call, an opening book to an as yet unnamed series. The couple will hopefully feature in a few more books, but maybe not as the main draw. The sages are being rather stingy with the details at the moment. LOL

Here's the tagline:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

When Norje woke up, a sparkling glint in the moonlight caught her attention. She sat up and stretched, then tilted her head to the side. Reaching out, she ran her hand over the grass, her fingers snagging on a ring. An attached note fluttered in the breeze when Norje picked the silver circle up.

The River. At Dawn. It's your call. (PS The ring is optional) —Barrick

Norje closed her hand around the burnished circlet, the metal warm against her palm. Barrick wouldn't make demands or insist she wear it. But she would…

Wait, she would? Norje drew her knees up to her chin, the inky sky lightening with the first slivers of gray streaks on the horizon. She wanted something, some type of relationship with Barrick, but the handfasting they'd planned so long ago couldn't possibly work, could it?

The defeat of Hoyt didn't mean anything. A skirmish won, nothing more. A war brewed and the weavers would seek vengeance at the least, a full on battle royale at the most. Matrimony—something she'd wanted so much before Hoyt created the nightmare they'd just lived through—would only deepen her connection to Barrick. The risk of being used as a weapon against him made her heart hurt. Or vice versa. Could she stand up to Barrick being tortured or harmed because of her? Hadn't she already?

She earned the reward of being with him. They'd fought and won—even when they thought they were on opposing sides. That counted. They were stronger together than apart, but each had their own skills and abilities to see them through dark days and possible separations. Pink, feathery light from the sun broke through the clouds and Norje blew out a nervous breath.

Rising slowly, she let a smile ghost over her lips before she tucked the ring in her pocket and lifted her face to the sky. The sun's golden rays peeked up over the horizon. Perfect timing. She had just enough time to make it to the river's edge to meet Barrick before dawn fully broke to start the new day. 

Now I just need to write the actual epic battle part. LOL Ugh, it's all in my head, I swear. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye