[danikyvor]

I have been working on a story for the last few days. I am so excited about it that I'd like someone to read it.

Is anyone interested???

[Canadarc]

Of course I'm and Brenda also. I'm looking forward to reading it. What's it about?

[danikyvor]

The plotline is a bit complicated at the moment. I don't want to give too much away.

I'm just wondering the best way to get this out. It's 8 pages double spaced so far and I've got it saved in RTF...I'll post it all on here.

[danikyvor]

<i>The green ground flew past underneath the feet of the roan mare. The previous day’s rain was a distant memory as the sky opened bright blue and cloudless. No sound could be heard but the echoes of the horse’s gallop. No sight was seen other than the rolling green hills and the deep azure of the ocean, towards which she was riding. Nothing but her, her mare, and the little piece of heaven that was the Scottish highlands. Nothing was ahead but the ocean and the expanse after that. She dug her heels gently into the horse’s ribs and felt the speed pick up.
Solace!! Her mind cried out.
As if in answer, the horse galloped faster, as if she too needed to run away. They rode towards the ocean, the wind screaming in their ears as they approached the rocky cliff where the ground met the air…</i>

~

The sun was shining, and the cherry tree outside her office window was in full bloom. From where she sat at her desk, she could see the furry bumblebees hurriedly jump from blossom to blossom. A sweet smell wafted through the open window, as a breeze fluttered its way through the branches. She was deep in thought about the dream she had had the night before. It was intriguing. She could still hear the horse’s gallop echoing in her head.
<i>What makes us want to pick up and go? Is it the curiosity of wanting to know what another place is like, whether it be another town, or another country?</i>
Elienne’s thoughts were rudely interrupted by a knock at her door. She sighed, put down the pencil that she had been chewing on thoughtfully, and leaned back in her chair.

“Come in.”

The heavy oak door opened slowly, as if whoever was coming in was nervous. <i>Even standing before a closed door is a curiosity, wondering what is waiting for you on the other side.</i>
A mop of curly dark brown hair, followed by a friendly face dotted with freckles, peered around the edge.

“Hello Professor Fraser. Do you have a moment?”

Elienne leaned forward and smiled at the girl. She always had time for her favourite student.

“Of course Claire! Come in, and sit down.”

Claire sat down in one of the comfortable arm chairs. She liked Professor Fraser’s office. The wall behind her desk was lined with books, the walls were painted a soft green, and the paned windows were painted a contrasting white. The dark hardwood floor was covered in cheerful throw rugs. The place felt comfortable, like a private living room, rather than the office of a Literature Professor.

“What can I do for you?”

Claire was conscious that her fingers were drumming on her thigh.

“I was wondering if you had a chance to look over my research paper on Haida folklore? It’s been a couple of weeks and I’m looking to get it submitted before the Easter holidays.”

“I have, yes. It’s an outstanding paper Claire,” Elienne smiled. She reached into her briefcase and pulled it out. “It’s a great topic to end your Canadian Studies program with.”

Claire smiled, relieved. “I’m so glad you think so! Thanks for taking the time. I really appreciate it.”

Elienne handed the paper back to her student. “Not a problem. Anytime!”

Claire stood up, and looked down at her Professor. She noted how the sunlight streaming across the room slanted across her face. Her green eyes were bright, like shining beacons. Eyes that were laced with thought.

“Professor, I hope you don’t mind my asking, but…is everything okay?”

Elienne blinked. <i>What was that she said?</i>

“Sorry Claire, what was that?”

“Is everything okay?”

“Oh…yes. Sorry, just in thinking mode. I’m fine.”

Claire gave her a small smile, and tucked her paper in her messenger bag.

“Ok…well thanks for looking over my paper. I’ll see you in class!”

Elienne nodded and watched Claire leave. When the door closed behind her, Elienne sighed and leaned back in her chair.

Something about that dream rattled her. Maybe it was the idea of being on a horse and seemingly riding it over the edge. Or was it something else? Was the dream tied to something, or someone?

<i>Oh, come off it Eli, it was just a dream! A frightfully real one, but it was just a dream.</i>

She got up and strolled over to the window. Spring was in full bloom at St. Francis Xavier University. She loved Nova Scotia during this time of year. Everything felt new and fresh. She loved the abundance of trees and the old brick buildings. Every once in awhile, a whiff of the ocean mingled with the cherry scent on the wind.

<i>Ocean. Azure ocean. </i>
She shook her head to clear her mind.

I need coffee.”

~


“Seriously? Mads, I don’t know if I can get the time. It’s the middle of the Spring term and all the students will be handing in their papers,” Elienne protested, twirling the phone code around her fingers.

She could hear her oldest friend on the other end sigh deeply. Madison Scott was an English teacher at a high school in their hometown of Victoria, British Columbia.

“Eli, my students adore your work! Come on, you’ve got how many books published? You’re an acclaimed writer. You might as well be Margaret Atwood! Just come home for a weekend during the University‘s Easter break and we’ll get you to do the appearance for Monday morning and then you can go back to Nova Scotia. Please??”


Elienne sighed, her eyes wandering over to the kitchen window. It was dark outside now, she could just see the trees beyond the window.

“Okay. Fine. I’ll come out.”

Madison squealed. “Thank you!! It’ll be like old times. I’ll pick you up at the airport. Let me know when you book your flight!”

“Alright you silly goose. I’ll phone you tomorrow with the details.” She couldn’t help smiling.

They hung up, and she dialled her parents. They were pleased to hear she was coming home for a few days, and of course she would stay with them. With the arrangements made, she turned off the kitchen light and headed to bed.

~

<i>The house stood alone on the bleak landscape. The whiteness of the exterior had weathered to a dull grey, and the windows looked fierce with the reflection of the oncoming storm. The clouds were rolling in, tumultuous and forbidding, from the mainland with promises of thunder and hail.

She stood on the shores of the loch, watching the house. She was aware of the wind snapping her reddish brown hair around in a frenzy. Looking up, she saw flocks of birds flying overhead, trying to escape the oncoming fury. She thought, rather amused, that it was probably a very smart idea. With the first of the rain pelting on her, she ran to the house. It might be abandoned, but nothing at that moment was more inviting.

The door was unlocked. Slowly, she pushed it open, hearing the hinges groan against the force. The place was dark, and full of dust. Ahead of her was the hallway to the back of the house, with a staircase on the right going up to the second floor. There was a doorway to her right, and another one on the left.

“Hello?”

Her voice seemed to echo throughout the place. It was silent. Deserted. She could feel the age of the house settle around her. It felt as though it had been standing here since the beginning of time.

Walking into the room on the right, she noticed there were some bits of furniture that were covered in sheets. There were bookcases along one wall, mostly empty save for a few books. In the middle of the wall was a fireplace, and the windows were so dirty , she couldn’t see out of them. Suddenly, she heard a creak from upstairs. She went out to the hallway.

“Hello?? Is there anyone here?”

A chill went down her spine. She wasn’t alone.</i>

~

Elienne woke up with a start. Beads of sweat were trickling down her temples and the light fabric of her cotton tank top was soaked with moisture.

<i>Okay Fraser. Deep breath in, deep breath out.</i>

Exhaling slowly, she closed her eyes to compose herself. She knew she had to start writing her dreams down. She had a feeling they were becoming interlinked. Throwing back the covers, she pulled on her housecoat and slippers and went in search of a notebook.


(Note: Pasting this changed the formatting somewhat.)

[Brenda]

Like it!!!!

When is it done? I want a copy! I can't wait to read the rest!

[danikyvor]

Oh there's still loads left to take it. I think you'll be really surprised...

[danikyvor]

I've been working on this all afternoon. I've got more stuff added. I wonder if it would just be easier for me to start a Writers blog on my live journal and post updates there

[Wada]

I feel it reads very well aside from this one particular line. "The clouds were rolling in, tumultuous and forbidding, from the mainland with promises of thunder and hail."

Might I be sooo bold as to suggest perhaps....The clouds were rolling in from the mainland, tumultuous and forbidding, with promises of thunder and hail.

It was the only line that stood out as not flowing well with the others. No real biggy as the rest seemed very well crafted. Stay the course. So far it's delightful and in quick time you've got me interested if not yet hooked.

[danikyvor]

Thanks for the suggestion Wada, I'll go in and change it

Give me your email address, pm me if you'd like, and I'll email you what I've got