I Got Tagged!

By Willow, at In the Words of Willow. Thank you so much, Willow!

1. If the main villain of your favorite book/movie/TV series showed up on your front doorstep, what would you do? (Explain who it is first...)

Well, right now my current favorite book is The Hidden Hand, by E.D.E.N. Southworth. The villain is a dastardly man who kills his brother to inherit his estate--and then tries to kill his niece, who eventually outwits him. (Gotta love her!)

 

So Colonel Gabriel Le Noir has just arrived on my doorstep. YIKES! I would probably lock the door and keep an eye on him through the curtains.

 

 

2. Now supposing the heroes opposite this villain showed up just after your exchange. What would you do then?


Yay! Capitola's here! (She's the heroine, a spunky, witty girl who always outwits the bad guys. =D )
So we completely befuddle Colonel Le Noir with our witty talk, and he ends up tied in a stable somewhere.

 

 

 3. So...moving on, the heroes defeat the villain (with some help from you, of course-whatever it may be. ;) But the next day, you're just walking along, minding your own business, when you suddenly come across the same villain...who is now lying in the dust severely wounded and unconscious. What do you do?  

 
Oh dear. I really don't like him, but I would probably make sure he wasn't dead, then like tell someone who could help him, but I wouldn't take care of him myself, no way!

 

4. Now his minions show up and kidnap both you and him and take you to their universe (or version of your universe, whatever it happens to be.) Your reaction? 
 

 Eeek! Now I'm stuck in the Hidden House, in pre-civil-war Virginia. Actually, it's neat that I'm in pre-civil-war Virginia, but the Hidden House is creepy!

 

5. Your fantastic heroes have arrived to rescue you-but now you're faced with a choice. The villain, out of gratitude for your earlier help, (assuming you actually did help him when he was wounded) has offered you a chance to travel back to your own universe. However, the heroes warn you not to trust him. The only other way for you to get back home is to travel with the heroes on a long and dangerous journey... and there's no guarantee that you'll survive.
What. Do. You. Do. 

Um. I think I will go with Capitola. It's a hard choice, though!

Thanks again, Willow!
And....


I will tag....


Anyone who wants to take this tag, go ahead!

Logically.....correct?

I just wanted to say Thank you so much to Anna, who designed my blog. isn't it lovely?

So a  random person walks up to you and this conversation happens.

Person: You should never step on a crack in the sidewalk. EVER.

You: Umm....why not? And who are you?

Person: Never mind who I am. Once I stepped on a crack on the sidewalk, and the next thing that happened was that a car ran into me.

You: But that doesn't tell me why not to step on a crack in the sidewalk. And who are you?

Person: Just ask any one of these people going by. They will all tell you that it is bad to step on a crack in the sidewalk.

You: Why?

Person: Because it is. the random person dashes off down the sidewalk.

Now was the random person making a logical argument? Comment and tell me what you think, and i'll tell the answer in another post.

So long!

 

Music in My Ears

 

Music. Swirling, flowing, laughing. Sobbing, wailing, flying. It's all in there. And you can use music to change your feelings.

 

For instance, take this girl. Imagine it's a scene, from a movie you have never seen before. I am going to describe the music to you.

 

The flute takes up the melody first: a soft, gentle melody in a minor key. The strings come next, adding a lower, melancholy undertone. The violin gains strength, adding a sobbing quality to the music....

 

 

What did I just describe to you? It wasn't happy, was it? It gave a sense of loneliness and

abandonment to this picture. Now let me describe a different melody, to the same picture.

 

 

The strings come first, playing quick, exciting notes in short bursts. There is a little trill on the flute and piccolo every now and again. The music builds, leading up to a grand climax, when the music is fulfilled. All of the instruments are now playing a melody with a sense of wonder. Chimes join in, adding a magical feel to the mix.....

 

 

Now that sounded more like the girl was discovering something...an enchanted grove maybe... or something like that. It was a happy feel, exciting, wondrous. Just let me describe one more melody now for you.

 

 

The cellos and the double basses begin this, with low, quick repeated notes in a minor key. There is a thunderous roll of the kettle drums every so often. The music gains speed, and the violins join in, playing a tense, quick, melody. Low, chanting voices add to the mix, adding a sense of foreboding....

 

 

This melody felt like she was walking into danger, didn't it? Think about this, and tell me any other examples you can think of!

 

So long!

 

 



I'm BAAAAACK! And This Week's Memory Verse

Hi everyone! And I am back! I took a long break over the summer, I'm sorry for neglecting you guys. =P But I will try to consistently post now. =D

Psalm 78: 5-8

He declared statutes for Jacob
 and established the law in Israel,
which He commanded our forefathers to teach their children,
 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
 and they in turn would tell their children.
     Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget His deeds
but would keep His commands.
     They would not be like their forefathers--
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
     whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to Him.

Psalm 78: 5-8
 

~The Elven-names~ Messenger of Doom

Miss the beginning of this story? Read the rest of it here.


We stood in silence for a while, the Keeper and I. At last I looked up at him. "After the mist rises, couldn't we just find the Mormir and drive them back out?"

He shook his head slowly. "It is extremely difficult to find them after they are entrenched. The Mormir are masters of disguise and cloaking techniques.

I frowned at the unfamiliar term. "Cloaking?"

"It's a way of making it appear that there is no one in a certain area, while in actuality, there may be several people there," replied the Keeper. "Some people think it's magic, but it's really just advanced camouflage and hiding carefully." The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "We Elven-named are ourselves not to bad at cloaking." He sighed. "But it is still hard to locate them once they are in place."

A dark sense of foreboding settled over me like a gloomy cloud. I bid the Keeper of the Legacy farewell and went back to my room.

*   *   *

 

The fog did not lift Saturday or Sunday. Living in the fog is a depressing thing. It was dark and gloomy in the Forest Palace despite its beauty. The trees the Palace was made of were soggy; occasionally a drop would fall from one of the branches to the floor. And you could never see anything at any distance properly--everything was obscured by the twisting clouds.

 

It was with great relief, therefore, that I awoke on Monday to the sun streaming in through the window. I got up and laughed at my worries, for the sun seemed to wipe away the dark forebodings of the day before like it had the fog. Nothing could be very wrong, it seemed, when the world was so beautiful.

 

This mood continued even after I went to school that morning. I felt nothing could harm me and I was as carefree as I had been before this whole thing started. And at first everything went wonderfully. The classes were a breeze, and Heather was friendly but not overly chatty.

 

At lunchtime I waved to Matt and Fred and sat down at an empty table with my food. I was totally surprised when Morwenna sat down beside me.

 

After an awkward silence, I finally couldn't resist my curiosity, and I asked her, "You know, I still don't understand what you meant when you said you knew all about me..."

 

She whirled on me with great vehemence. "Oh, I see your game. You're trying to make me make a fool of myself. Well, I'm not going to fall for it!"

 

I was aghast--I hadn't meant to do anything, I just wanted to learn more. "Oh, no, no," I cried softly. "That isn't it at all!"

 

Morwenna sniffed. "I don't even know why I'm bothering with you. You're just a poor, weak, little Elven-named girl, and I am a member of the M-- of a group whose destiny is to rule." Contempt was dripping from her voice, but I caught a slight hesitation. Had she been going to say she was a member of the Mormir? She went on. "And your destiny is to fail. And your downfall will come in no less than five days." Her voice was low and ominous.

 

I tried to act nonchalant. "Five days? Are you sure it will be our downfall?"

 

Her eyes narrowed. "It will come in five. days. and you will see it, and you will see the ruin of your plans." She tossed her head and walked off.

Summer..............

I do believe it is almost summer! And in my family, do you know what that means? Watermelon time! (And, if possible, the seeded kind. it tastes SOOOOO much better than the seedless)

What is your favorite summer food?

And (just a informal poll) do you like seeded watermelon or seedless better, and why?

~The Elven-names~ Mists of Confusion

I was sitting on the my bed, hugging my knees, and looking out the window when Weneithel came to summon me to breakfast. A thick, soupy, grey mist swirled through the trees both outside and inside the Forest Palace.

"It's foggy," I stated as Wen came in. "I've always liked foggy days, but this seems sinister, somehow. Anyone out in it must surely be lost."

Raising her eyebrows, Weneithel smiled slightly. "Ah, but the sun will pierce the mist and reveal the way to the one who is lost." I had the surreal sense that we weren't talking about the weather at all. Wen continued, "And perhaps the mist will clear sooner than the wanderer thinks." She smiled.

I turned back to the window. The fog didn't seem to be clearing any. "Weneithel," I asked without turning my head, "what did my dad do?"

There was a long silence from behind me. I turned my head to see why. On Wen's face I could see the some disapproval and smoldering anger that I had noticed when Dad went down the shooting field. Finally she pressed her lips together and spoke carefully, with deliberate evenness.

"Your father became very bitter after your mother's death. He believed she would not have died if she had not been so involved with the elven-named. So he renounced all connections with  our people and vowed he would never have anything to do with us again. In carrying this out, he made some poor choices that affected us all." She paused and studied me gravely. "But it is not mine to tell you what those choices were. That is for your father or the Keeper of the Legacy to reveal." The look on her face made it clear the conversation was over. "It is time for breakfast, my lady."

I was bending down to put on my sandals when what she had called me hit me. I looked up at her, astonished. "My lady? I'm not a lady. I'm just a kid."

Wen smiled strangely. "Mirluin, you are quickly growing into your role as Keeper of the Lore, and as such, you are our Lady. When you first came here you were not as discerning and did not see the tension. But you are learning to read thoughts. You are becoming truly the Keeper of the Lore."

I didn't know what to say. I had to think about this. It was still hard to believe that I was the Keeper of the Lore, and now it seemed that I must get used to deference on the part of the Elven-named. But it would be different at school. I sighed.

"It's not going to be much fun to go to school today."

Wen smiled and shook her head. "You must have lost track of time, Mirluin. It's Saturday today."

"Oh," I stated dumbly. Deciding it would be best not to say anything further, I followed Wen down the hall to the dining chamber.

 

 

*   *   *

 

On Saturday I didn't have to practice with the bow, and I didn't want to go outside in the mist, so I just wandered around inside the Forest Palace. It had a completely different feel with the fog swirling through the corridors and creating ghostly shapes in the hallways. It was a delightful, shivery feel, like I was in a mystery. But I knew that if I went outside it would feel so much more terrifying and horrible.

 

I came to one of the windows and looked out. I couldn't see much, but I closed my eyes and breathed in the forest smell, which was so much more distinct in the moisture. Suddenly I heard a step near me, and I looked behind me with a start--straight into the eyes of the Keeper of the Legacy.

 

"Oh, you startled me!" I exclaimed. "I-I hope I'm not bothering you--"

 

The Keeper gave a kind smile. "No, my child, you are not bothering me." He stood next to me, looking out the window also.

 

"It's so foggy, but it's still so glorious at the same time," he mused after a short silence. "But it is a strange and dark mist. It bodes no good for the Elven-named."

 

I looked up at him. "You think it isn't just an ordinary fog?"

 

He looked down thoughtfully. "I do not know. I did not think that the Mormir had power over the weather. But this fog is giving them a chance to rally their forces around Middlecester, while we cannot stop them." He sighed.

 

As I looked up at him, I realized that something was weighing heavily on his mind. All of a sudden I remembered what he had said--a long time ago, it seemed. He had said something about having no heir, because the one he had chosen had rejected his calling.

 

I finally decided to ask him about it. "Keeper, you know how you told me you had no successor because the one you chose rejected his calling?" I waited until he nodded, then plunged on before I lost my courage. "How come you didn't appoint another successor?"

 

The Keeper smiled sadly. "There are few Eldarhin men in Middlecester left. I did not know of one who would be a good Keeper of the Legacy."

 

I frowned thoughtfully. "Isn't Thoron one of the Eldarhin?"

 

The Keeper tilted his head slightly. "Yes, but he is not old enough. Fourteen is the age of responsibility with the Elven-named. That is why you were not informed of your calling until just lately. You were not old enough."

 

I nodded. "I see. And there isn't anyone else?"

 

Gravely the Keeper shook his head. "No. There are only two other Eldar-hin men besides your brother in Middlecester."

 

I sighed, crestfallen. Now I could see why the Elven-named needed help so badly.

 

Miss the first parts of the story? Read it all Here.

Memory Verse: Joel 1:1-4

Joel 1:1-4

The word of the LORD that come to Joel son of Pethuel.

Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your forefathers?
Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children,
and their children to the next generation.
What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten;
what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten;
what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten.

The Power of Music

Have you ever noticed how music affects our emotions? I'm sure you have experienced this, especially if you've watched a movie. The music in the background intensifies the experience and manipulates your emotions to where the movie maker wants them to be.

Just think about it. You're watching a movie, and it's come to a crisis point. You know something drastic is going to happen soon, but you don't know when. As the tension builds, quick, repetitive notes are played by strings in the background, gradually increasing in speed. It gets on your nerves, setting you on edge in anticipating/dreading the moment when the tension ends. As the waiting wears on, kettle drums begin to roll slowly. Then all of a sudden, brass instruments blare and the enemy attacks ( or whatever is going to happen). Do you see how your tension was built up by the music? That same scene would not be nearly so powerful without it.

Take another example. Flute and harp music is playing in the background. The scene is a forest at night. The music is sweet and slow, conveying a peaceful sense. Suddenly there is a sharp crescendo and strings begin playing a minor chord quickly. (Translation: The music gets louder and starts to sound more dramatic than peaceful) The peaceful forest has been transformed into a forest filled with foreboding.

These are just some of the examples I can think of. Can you think of any more?

~The Elven-names~ the shadow of a mystery

When Matt and I told the Keeper of the Legacy that it seemed like the Mormir knew who I was, his face grew grave.

 

"Then it is time for action; now, while we still have time. Mirluin, you will commence archery lessons with Weneithel at once. Mahtan, take one of the your friends and teach Thoron sword fighting." He looked from one to the other of us. "And keep a sharp eye and ear out for anything new happening."

 

So an even stranger phase of my life began. For most of the day I was pretending to live a normal life at school. In the evening I was an elven-named maiden, in training for a confrontation that was sure to occur. During this time Dad grew a little better. His life was definitely out of danger, but he was always very melancholy. A heavy burden seemed to be on him, and it felt like he could hardly bear to stay with the Elven-named always. And I was realizing that the people who dwelt in the Forest Palace had a strange attitude toward Dad. When they talked about him or to him, there was a slight stiffness, almost like disapproval, but a little different.

 

One day after school I was practicing the bow with Weneithel, like usual. All of a sudden I noticed Wen stiffen. Then she started acting like she was engrossed in how I was aiming the bow. It was like she was deliberately ignoring someone. So after I loosed my arrow, I looked around, and saw Dad on the edge of the target field. He looked a slightly better than he had that morning at breakfast.

 

I looked at Weneithel. Her lips were pressed together and she was pointedly ignoring Dad. I drew my bow and fired another arrow, then looked back over my shoulder at Dad. I saw him sigh and then he turned and slowly walked back toward the Forest Palace. Weneithel was muttering under her breath. I couldn't help but hear as she helped me aim another arrow.

 

"What does he think he's doing here, after what he did? Rejecting his calling and people..." her words trailed away. My mind was churning once more. What had Dad done?

 

*   *   *

 

That night I finally decided to read the list of the Keepers. Maybe it would clear up some things. And my curiosity would kick in and remind me that it might have the name of the Keeper of the Legacy. So I unfolded the parchment and read. But I was disappointed, for the list ended at the Keeper of the Legacy before the one that was now. His name was Malglin Faeron. So was he related to me? My people? My reading had just made the mystery darker. 

Eccosaise

My fingers dance over the keys, slowing just a little at the right spots and accenting the odd note. Fast, lively music flows from the piano and I think I may have the piece just like Beethoven wanted it. Soon I'll be playing it for the recital, and I have it memorized. That's no problem. I just want to make sure I have the stylistic techniques right.

So I drop my hand just so into the accents and lift at the ends of phrases. Soon it's even sounding better than before. And now I see how much better it was than before. The joy of getting it right. I smile at my teacher's praise as she tells me what a good job I did, and listen when she comments on how to make it better. I'll work on that part a little extra when I practice.

I love playing the piano.

Making music is wonderful.

i'm sorry

I sit
at the computer
and stare
at the screen
my mind
seems to go
blank
and it is
impossible
to think
of a good
post to
tell here
I know
you like
stories
but I just posted
~The Elven-names~
and it's hard
for me to
do
link-ups
I'm sorry
it's been so long
i'll try to
do better
but I can't
promise
anything.

 

~The Elven-Names~ Morwenna

To go to school, Thoron, Gilanna, and I went to our house and went to school the way we usually did. I couldn't help feeling a bit depressed. Dad was still sick, and our whole lives had changed, but we still had to act like normal. I wanted to do something, not just go to school!

AS I entered the school, I looked around. I noticed Fred, but he didn't see me. I kept looking around for friends, and caught sight of Heather. She looked up right as I glanced at her, and her eyebrows shot up as our eyes met. She hurried over.

"Mir!" she exclaimed as she came up to me. "You're back!" She stopped and looked at me strangely. "You look different. What happened?"

I shrugged. "It's been a hard week." I stopped there, unsure of what to say next. Heather gave me another strange glance.

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you around--if you don't disappear again!" she smiled and ran off.

In class I noticed a new girl. What was strange about her was that she was dressed completely in black--black hoodie, black jeans, black tennis shoes, black everything! I didn't see her face, but she intrigued me.

I asked Heather about her later.

"Oh, she started coming right after you left," Heather replied. "Her name's like, Morwenna, or something. I think she's kinda weird," she added.

I nodded. "Thanks for telling me. I was just wondering who she was."

*   *   *

 

Morwenna. The name sounded strangely familiar. I thought about it until lunch, but I couldn't figure it out.

 

At lunch Matt said "Hi", but he sat at a different table, so that was alright. After I had eaten, but before classes began again, I was beginning to feel slightly relaxed. I was sitting by myself in the corner of the room, reading a book, when I looked up to see Morwenna standing in front of me. She was slender, and had what people would call 'elfin' features. You know, really pretty. She had pale blonde hair in a messy bun, and her eyes were an icy blue. I was glad she didn't wear black make-up. That would have been really creepy.

"Hi!" I said cheerfully. "I'm--"

"I know who you are," she interrupted.

I was bewildered. "You know my name?"

She gazed at me coolly. "Yes, but I know who you really are. You can't hide."

It felt like something twisted my insides. Did she mean...? I tried to look like I didn't have a clue. "I don't know what you mean. I'm just Mir Faeron."

She gave a derisive little laugh. "You can't fool me. Your name gives it away. See you around, Mirluin." She turned and walked off. After she was a little ways away, she looked back and raised her eyebrows in a mocking challenge. Then she was gone.

As I was standing there dumbfounded, her name clicked into place. Morwenna. Mor-wen-na. Dark or shadowed maiden in elvish, with a decorative 'na' at the end. Surely she was one of the Mormir. I would need to tell Matt.

Good Friday

Remember Christ Jesus' sacrifice for us..

Be thankful.

Wait for Easter.

Locked Away|secrets & stories Linkup!

I'm doing a link-up with Storyteller!

And it's a journal entry with the theme of sadness.

June 21, 1835

Dear Journal,
This is so hard. I don't want to move. But we have to. Mother says we can't stay here anymore. It's too dry. We're too poor too keep on farming. I guess a lot of people have had to leave their farms this year, and we're just another family. But I love our farm! Even though nothing is growing this year, it's beautiful. And what will happen to our horses? I know them all, and love them.

I am writing from my secret place under the big tree. Will I have a secret place where we are going? Where are we going? I don't know. I don't even know if Father knows. What is going to happen to us? I hear Mother calling. We have to leave. I shall hide this diary under the tree, and I will come back. Goodbye, my home.

Farewell.
Mary O'Connor
 

This Week's Memory Verse: John 1:1-5

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Dragonmaster Link-up #1

Name: Dragonmaster Elena
Weapon: Bow
Dragon: Sharine
Dragon Type: Frost
Color: Pale pink with purple wings
Notes: Both Dragonmaster and dragon are solitary

Dear Journal,
Today Sharine and I had a pleasure flight. Well, sort of, anyway. We just went up north to where Sharine is at home. The scenery was beautiful! We flew over the ocean, and there were icebergs. (Duh. That was a huge understatement.)

It's just so nice, flying with Sharine. The wind rushes through your hair, and you can see for miles. After a while above the ocean we turned and went above the artic tundra, which was nice. I don't like it quite as much as Sharine does, which is understandable, since it did use to be her home. We scared a couple of caribou. Some animals never do get used to dragons.

When I got tired of the tundra, we started for home. We live in a beautiful forest by ourselves. Ha, I suppose I'm sort of a hermit. But I have Sharine for company. And every once in a while things happen. Like soon I'm going to need to go meet with another Dragonmaster. (Those things are so annoying. But it is my duty, since I am a Dragonmaster. I have to help.)

Well, I will write more soon!
Elena

This is one of the icebergs we saw.

 

A caribou on the tundra

 

The forest where we live

Dragonmaster Link-up!

Yes, I'm linking up with Storyteller here.

My Dragonmaster name is going to be Elena! My dragon is Sharine, a light pink Frost type dragon, with blue and purple wings. She is about ten feet long. We are both sort of solitary, so we suit each  other well.

Annddd...I'll be posting more about us later!

 

Sometimes....

Sometimes I get scared.

And this horrible feeling comes inside of me where it feels like someone just punched me in the gut.

When this happens, I can't stop thinking of the scenario I am freaked out about.

 It's horrible.

And unfortunately, it's usually at night, and I can't get to sleep.

At times like this, it's so hard to trust God.

But I've found a way.

I have memorized several Bible verses, and saying them to myself helps.

A lot.

Apology and ~The Elven-names~ In Which Mirluin Reads Some More

So I know you have been wondering where I have been and why I haven't posted very much. Sorry about that. Last week I was doing the play. (btw, it was awesome. I was the lead role, and that's the first time I have EVER been the lead) This week I have been recovering from the play. Sorry i have been neglecting my blog.

And dun dun dun dun!!!!!! We have the new installment of The Elven-names!

~The Elven-names~
In Which Mirluin Reads Some More

I sighed. "And who's going to help me get Mom's stuff?"

The Keeper smiled. "Mahtan." He must have seen my bewilderment. "You know him as Matt."

*   *   *

 That was okay until we had both changed into normal human clothes and started into the forest. Then, all of a sudden, I remembered what had happened just before Dad tried to make us leave. Things were instantly awkward.

 

We walked in silence until we finally reached my house. Then Matt grinned. "Guess I'm finally gonna get to see the inside of your house."

 

I nodded, but didn't laugh. "I suppose so." I sighed. "Matt, are you going to go back to school when I do?"

 

He gave a puzzled frown and nodded. "Well, yeah. I am supposed to be watching out for you." He opened the back door of our house and held it open for me.

 

I smiled, remembering the first time he had held a door for me. He grinned mischievously, but didn't say anything, which I was glad for.

 

And then we were inside. Tears came to my eyes as the familiar four walls of home encircled me. Nice as the Forest Palace was, it just wasn't home.

 

I was brought back to reality by Matt, with some hesitation, clearing his throat. "Uh, weren't we supposed to be getting something?"

 

I sighed. "Yeah. It's in the attic, just this way." I led the way up the stairs and opened the attic door.

 

It was just like I had left it: the box open and the papers on the floor next to it. I knelt and began picking up papers, and Matt did the same.

 

As we worked I took a deep breath. "Matt, since you're going back to school too, I need to talk to you."

 

Matt glanced up quickly. He looked like he wanted to frown, but he quickly changed it to a teasing smile. "What?"

 

"Well," I paused, uncertain how to say it, "you need to watch out for me differently."

 

He tilted his head to one side. "Why? Do I not treat you well enough?"

 

I closed my eyes and shook my head. "NO, no, it's not that. You treat me fine, but, but, you need to talk to other people, too."

 

I saw a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "Why?" he asked.

 

"Well, uh, uh," I could feel myself turning red, "people think I'm your...your...girlfriend." I spat the hated word out of my mouth.

 

Matt grinned from ear to ear. "So? You know you aren't." He began to chuckle. "I think it's pretty funny."

 

"MATT!!!" I protested. "It's not funny! And it isn't helping to protect me, if that's what you really want."

 

He stopped laughing. "How?" he asked. I could tell that he really meant it.

 

I sighed. "Before you came, people know me as Poor-Mir-who's-mom-died-when-she-was-ten. When we go back, I'll probably be known as Mir-who's-the-girlfriend-of-the-most-popular-boy-in-school-and-who-disappeared-for-a-week! And I want you to help me fade from notice."

 

He nodded. "Okay. So should I just ignore you?"

 

I gulped. That would be nice, but.... "No. That would just make things worse. Just treat other girls the same way, okay? That's the reason they started thinking things anyway--you didn't talk to anyone but me."

 

Matt sighed. "Alright, I'll try."

 

I smiled. "Good."

 

*   *   *

 

After we got back to the Forest Palace I took the papers and began to read. And I realized that there was much more than genealogies in them. I read thrilling stories of heroic adventure, tales of the founding of the havens, and the dark thread of the rise of the Mormir wove through it all. In the genealogies I found a list of the Keepers, and I set it aside for later. Maybe this would give me a clue about the Keeper of the Legacy's identity. But it could wait. Right now I was looking for things about the Mormir.

 

It turned out that the origins of the Mormir were cloudy, much like the origins of the Elven-Named. They (the Mormir) were a secret organization which had made the elven-named its target. When one of the Keepers of the Legacy (not the one I knew) founded the havens, the Mormir were set back a long way, but now they were regaining their power. Now hardly anywhere was safe from their arm, and they had started encroaching on the havens.

 

Reading and learning made the two days pass swiftly, and soon it was Monday morning.



Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Entry for Secret Story Contest

I am entering Storyteller's contest! You can enter too, by clicking -->here<--!

 

The Innocent book description: In a futuristic America, Lida is just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life. She is taken care of by her parents, she goes to school, and she knows she will always be protected from harm. But then, by a chance discovery, Lida learns that the truth has been hidden from her all her life, and there are strange things going on. As she investigates, she realizes that there are certain scientists who, together with the government, have succeeded in cloning human beings. The clones are treated as non-humans and are used for experimental and medical purposes. But then she makes another discovery. Her parents are against this unethical practice, and they rescued Lida from one of the facilities and adopted her. She is a clone. Lida begins to work to fight for the clone's lives, but soon one of her opponents realizes who she is, and starts a hue and cry against her. Lida's work to save the innocents may result in the ending of her life as she knows it.

 

The Play

The lights are dim. You hear the distant rustle and murmur of the audience filling the auditorioum. You look at your script, reviewing your lines one more time. Your heart beats fast, and time seems to stop.

Then the crowd hushes. Goosebumps run up the back of your neck as you realize, it's about to start. For real. The director runs through the spiel about turning cell phones off.

And then... the piano starts to play a lively tune. The curtain rustles as it is drawn aside. The first actors are up on stage, starting the play, and you know it'll be your turn in a matter of moments. Although you did perfectly fine at the rehearsals, this is different. Your mouth turns dry, but you recover from your stage fright and walk in on cue.

You get through your lines just fine and do your motions just right. And, then you walk off stage. But it's not over. You have several more times to go back on. And now you are anticipating it. It's fun!

*   *   *

 

Acting. I just love it. And I am going to be in a play, hopefully. I am auditioning today, and I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! Do you like plays?

Elven-Names quiz!!!!!!

 

1. You suddenly learn of a great task given to you. You...

   A. Think it must mean your older sister, not you!

   B. Know you are unqualified for such a task, and give it to the rightful person.

   C. After thinking about it for a while, you accept. You'll try to do it well.

   D. What! No way am I doing that!

 

2. In school, a rumor gets out that the most popular boy in school is your boyfriend. You...

   A. Are way too young for that sort of stuff!

   B. Wonder at all the nonsense.

   C. Are horrified. You DO NOT have a boyfriend!

   D. Bask in the attention.

 

3. If you got in an argument with your dad, what would you do?

   A. Feel bad about it, but you don't know how to resolve the conflict.

   B. Go to your dad and talk to him about your feelings.

   C. Try to be nice, but blow up at your dad after a while.

   D. Ignore him. He'll get over it.

 

4. Where would you like to live most?

   A. In a castle by the beach.

   B. In a forest.

   C. In a nice home on the edges of town.

   D. In a big city.

 

5. What book(s) of J.R.R. Tolkien's do you like best?

   A. The Hobbit.

   B. The Children of Hurin and/or the Silmarillion.

   C. The Lord of the Rings.

   D. Those books are waaay too long! I'll just watch the movies.

 

6. If someone was pointing a bow and arrow at you, what would you do?

   A. Bite your lip and look away.

   B. Laugh and push the arrow away. You know him!

   C. Stare at them in fear, then try to talk to them.

   D. Scream and faint.

 

7. If your friend went missing for a week, what would you do?

   A. Call the police.

   B. Enlist the help of trackers and organize a search party.

   C. Try to find her yourself.

   D. Worry about her, but are unsure what to do.

 

8. If a creepy girl threatened you, what would you do?

   A. Tell your big sister.

   B. Make up your mind that you'll have your bow and arrows ready all the time.

   C. Tell the person who is supposed to be making sure that you are alright.

   D. Call the police.

 

9. Which of these would you rather be doing?

   A. Playing a board game.

   B. Exploring in the forest.

   C. Reading.

   D. Doing your hair, texting your friends, stuff like that.

 

10. What sort of books do you like best?

      A. Books that aren't too scary and have happy endings.

      B. Adventure books.

      C. Books of lore and magical creatures.

      D. Romance.

 

 

And now for the results! If you have mostly A's, you are Gilanna, Mirluin's little sister! If you have mostly B's, you are Weneithel, the elven-named maiden who helps Mirluin at the Forest Palace. If you have mostly C's, you are Mirluin, the girl who finds out she is the Keeper of the Lore. If you have mostly D's, you are Heather, one of Mirluin's ordinary human friends at school. Please tell me who you are, and if you liked the quiz! =D

 

I'm Mirluin!

 

~The Elven-names~ Announcements

Weneithel touched my arm. "We need to go now," she whispered gently but firmly. I let her steer me out the door and back to my room, where I lay on my bed and stared at the sky.

I had much to think about.

*   *   *

 

The next morning at breakfast I and Thoron were eating with Gilanna, when Glindur came in. He was one of the physicians of the elven-named, and was one of them who were taking care of Dad. He always seemed sort of cheerful, like there was sunshine in him always. But today he was a bit graver than normal.

 

Thoron looked at Glindur seriously. Thoron already seemed to be becoming and elven-lord in the few days we had been in the Forest Palace. "What is the news, Glindur?" he asked. "Something seems to weigh on your mind."

 

Glindur sighed. "Your father is getting worse again. I had had hopes yesterday, but today I don't know now."

 

Gilanna bit her lip. She looked at me despairingly, but I could not comfort her. I was near despair myself.

 

"I didn't cause it, did I?" I asked anxiously. "I didn't mean to disturb him too much."

 

Glindur looked at me strangely. "No," he said after a while, "I don't think you caused it. Something strange is at work here. But your visit brought him a good. Whether that good bears fruit remains to be seen."

 

As I was trying to figure out what he meant by that, Glindur turned to leave. I thought I heard him mutter, "Remorse will do him good. If he'll change his mind...."

 

What had he meant by that? Suddenly Gilanna started giggling. I stared at her. "What's so funny?"

 

She giggled again. "He-he sounded just like Gandalf!" she managed to say, before giggling giddily.

 

Thoron guffawed. "Ha! You're right, Gilanna!"

 

And then I saw the funny side of it. Glindur had! "And we were just sitting there, wondering what he meant, like--like the hobbits, or, or the dwarves!"

 

No doubt they thought we were crazy, as we just sat there laughing. But it was good to laugh again.

 

*   *   *

 

Later that morning I was wandering around the Forest Palace, since I didn't have anything to do. Even though I had been living in it for nearly a week, I still couldn't help but feel amazement at how it was constructed out of living trees. I was wandering down a hallway, not really looking where I was going, when I came face to face with the Keeper of the Legacy.

 

I backed up slightly in surprise. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you," I apologiezed, and started to turn to leave, but he stopped me.

 

"No, Mirluin, I was hoping to see you today. Stay with me awhile." He smiled kindly, so as he continued walking I walked by his side.

 

After a little while I worked up enough courage to speak to him. "What were you wanting to talk to me about, sir?"

 

He sighed. "Ah, yes. That." He looked at me seriously. "Mirluin, you are the Keeper of the Lore. Have you learned our lore, and of our heritage, yet?"

I nodded. "I think so, sir. My mom's journal had a lot of that stuff in it."

"Yes," he mused, "but not all. You need the rest of your mother's research and papers. Her journal does not tell all."

"All the genealogies and stuff?" I asked doubtfully. I wasn't exactly sure if I wanted to work through all that.

He nodded firmly. "Yes, the genealogies. There are many stories mixed in with them, and you will learn much about the Mormir." He straightened himself. "So. You and another will go and fetch your mother's documents today. And then you will study them until it is time for you to return to your school."

My heart sank. I had hoped that I wouldn't have to go back to school. "When do I need to return to my school?" I asked, hoping for later rather than sooner. My hopes were dashed when the Keeper spoke.

"You will return to your school on Monday, so you will have two and a half days to read your mother's things."

I sighed. "And who's going to help me get Mom's stuff?"

The Keeper smiled. "Mahtan." He must have seen my bewilderment. "You know him as Matt."

 

A Conundrum

I enjoy etymology. I like studying words, and how they originated. I relish pondering conundrums............of any sort, not just language...uh...

Well, anyway! I had a conundrum to ponder recently. So, if you are sick because you are driving in a car, you are carsick. If you are sick because you are at sea, you are seasick. If you are sick because you are flying in the air, you are airsick. If you are sick because you are moving, you have motion sickness. SOOOOO........... why, if you miss being home, are you called homesick? Shouldn't it be called awaysick??????????????????

What do you think?

This Week's Memory Verse....Psalm 23!

Psalm 23.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

to everyone who was disappointed by the disappearance of my last post:

I had not finished it yet. So I took it back.
Sorry about that.
But it is up now! And you can read the latest installment of ~The Elven-names~. =D

~The Elven-names~ Worth it?

Then I saw Matt. He was bending over the still form of a man.

I went closer to see who it was. Just then Matt moved, and I could see more clearly who it was.

Dad was lying on the ground. Motionless.

"No!" I cried. "Dad!"

*  *  *

 

Matt heard me, and he turned. His face was sorrowful and grim as he looked at me. I looked at him. I didn't want to ask if Dad was alright or not.

 

Weneithel pushed past us. She bent over Dad and felt his wrist.

 

She turned and looked at me. "He's still alive, but just barely. If we hadn't been searching here today..." She didn't need to finish her sentence.

Some of the male searchers who were with us made a litter and we carried Dad back to the Forest Palace.

I went and looked at him as he lay on his bed. He was so still. So pale. It didn't seem like he could recover.

I wondered what had happened. Had he gotten in a fight with the Mormir? Had he been outside the bounds of safety for the Elven-named?

I went back to my room.

*  *  *

 

It was an anxious two days for us. Dad remained unconcious, and was being taken care of by the elven-named.

Then, on Thursday, I was sitting on my bed, just staring at nothing, when Weneithel entered.

"Mirluin, your father is awake. And he's asking for you," she gently stated.

I jumped up. "Dad's awake? Really? Great!"

I followed Wen down the long hall to Dad's room.

We entered, and there was Dad. He was still pale, but his eyes were open. It was hard seeing him like that.

He smiled faintly as we came in. "Mirluin," he whispered.

I shook my head slowly. How had this happened to my Dad?

"What happened, Dad?" I asked.

Dad gave a rueful smile. "I was a fool, that's what happened. I'm sorry, Mirluin." His voice remained quiet, like he couldn't raise it above a whisper.

"You aren't a fool, Dad," I protested.

He shook his head. "I was. I should never have left." His eyes wandered, and it seemed like he meant more than just leaving the Palace on Saturday. After a pause, he continued. "I thought that if I just ignored the realities, they wouldn't exist. I abandoned my friends, because they reminded me of pain. And that left me vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy." He sighed. "They wounded me badly, Mirluin."

Dread rose inside me. It was nearly the same feeling I had had when we nearly left the haven. "You're going to get better, Dad!" I insisted. "You have to!" I took his hands in mine.

Dad shook his head. "I will never really recover, even if I make it through now. I don't know if I can fight them anymore. I don't know if anyone can stand against them. I don't know if it's worth it."

I was crying. I could feel the tears run down my face and onto my and Dad's hands, but I didn't care. I squeezed Dad's hands. "Dad," I managed to say, "that's what they want you to think. They want us all to give up." I swallowed my tears and looked down. The I looked at Dad again. "Dad, Mom died fighting for this, didn't she?"

Dad slowly nodded. His eyes were vacant as if he was remembering something from long ago. He finally spoke. "Yes. Yes, she did, Mirluin."

I gripped Dad's hands. "Then, Dad, if Mom died fighting for this, isn't it worth fighting for? To honor her? Isn't it?" My hands relaxed.

A slow, sad, smile played on Dad's lips. He squeezed my hands gently. Then he sighed, slipped his hands out of mine, and closed his eyes.

Weneithel touched my arm. "We need to go now," she whispered gently but firmly. I let her steer me out the door and back to my room, where I lay on my bed and stared at the sky.

I had much to think about.


The Song of The Samaritan Woman

He stood alone at the well, and then

He saw me come--cast off by men.

 

My once proud visage was now brought low;

My heart was heavy, its tale was woe.

 

Forsaken,

abandoned,

rejected,

alone.

 

I saw Him then, by the well he stood;

His face was kind, His eyes were good.

I wondered then, I did not know

Who He really was--did it show?

 

He asked me for water--I wondered why;

He was a Jew, Samaritan was I.

 

It was then He told me what seemed so odd:

"You'd ask Me for water--if you knew the gift of God.

 

"And I would give it--the very best,

Living water, to give you rest."

 

This was confusing--He had no pail

To draw the water out of the well.

 

So I asked Him how, and He answered more

And we kept talking, while the day wore.

 

He told me everything I ever did!

I was amazed, and so I said:

 

"We know the Messiah will come someday,

"I am sure that He'll show us the way."

 

He gave a smile and  looked at me:

"I who speak to you am He."

 

 

Please don't steal this, I wrote it. Thank you!

Piano Bookworm

~The Elven-names~ The Search

In the grey dawn the searchers came back. They had failed in their search--Dad was still missing. And so Thoron and I were disguised. We were given cloaks and tunics, and dressed like the inhabitants of the forest we went out with the elven-named after breakfast.

Matt was one of them. He showed me how to look for tracks, and tell which types of tree were which, and a lot of stuff like that. But we couldn't find Dad.

Weneithel told me that Dad had been an expert at woodcraft in the days before Mom died. "He was the best tracker of the elven-named," she said. "And he also knew much about survival in the woods and eluding detection."

I sighed. "Do you think we'll be able to find him then?"

She shrugged. "Hopefully."

But it was Tuesday morning, the third day of our search, when we found any sign of anyone. Matt and Thoron had been up ahead of everyone else, when all of a sudden Thoron came running back.

"We found something!" he shouted. "Matt says there's signs of a fight, and then there's tracks after that. Hurry!"

We all ran after Thoron. Fear fell heavy on my heart. A fight? Had Dad been in it? Was he alright?

Thoron came to a clearing and stopped. It looked like he was unsure which way to go. A shout from further in the woods decided him, and we ran in the direction of the voice.

Then I saw Matt. He was bending over the still form of a man.

I went closer to see who it was. Just then Matt moved, and I could see more clearly who it was.

Dad was lying on the ground. Motionless.

"No!" I cried. "Dad!"


The beginning of this story is on the tab ~The Elven-names~. Come back in a few days to see what happens!


 

Memory Verse: Joel 2:13

Joel 2:13
Rend your heart and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

 

~The Elven-names~ Missing

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This is Piano Bookworm speaking.If you missed the first parts of this story, click here. I have the whole story so far on this tab. Thanks!
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Now, back to the regular programming.
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I jumped as a knock sounded on the door and Weneithel entered. Her face was grave. "Mirluin. Your father has gone missing."

*  *  *

 



I stared at her. I couldn't hardly comprehend it. "Dad?" I asked at last. "Missing?"

 

Wen nodded. "Yes. We are organizing a search party."

 

I sank down on to the bed. "I want to go with you. I need to help find Dad."

 

Wen twisted her lip. "Well, you can't come with us like that. And tonight you will need to stay here with your brother and sister. If we haven't found him by tomorrow morning, you can come."

 

I began to protest, but Weneithel held up her hand. "No buts. If you want to help at all, you will stay here tonight."

 

I sighed. "Okay. But why can't I come with you like this?"

 

Wen looked at me seriously. "If there are any Mormir involved in this, if they see you in your regular attire, they will know you are an elven-named when you go back to school. If you have a disguise on, they may not recognize you when you go back. So when you come with us, you will need to dress like us."

 

I looked down at my jeans and sweatshirt, and then at Wen's green dress and cloak. "Oh. I see."

 

Then I looked at Wen. "You think the Mormir might be involved?"

 

She nodded. "Yes. But it may also be that your father no longer wanted to stay here, and left. He knows much woodcraft from before."

 

 

At supper I saw Gilanna and Thoron. They were still a bit confused about everything. I was finally able to tell them everything. Gilanna was a little incredulous, but Thoron was enthusiastic.

 

"Awesome!" he cried. "I'm like part elf? this is so neat!" Then his jaw stiffened. "I will be a great hero. We will fight the Mormir together, sister!"