Hello dearies!
We're heading on to the 2nd week of Nanowrimo, and despite my attempted diligence, this is turning out to be a project of mammoth proportions! As you can probably see from my subject up there, I'm still a little bit behind.
But I'm not giving up! Knowing that you all are rooting me on and wishing me the best has really been great for spurring me to greatness sitting blankly in front of my computer clutching my head in misery.
But hey, I'm not that far behind, right? I can make that up in a day if I get truly inspired! So far I have taken one day off, and that was due (mainly) to my husband having a day off and wanting quality time.
For those of you who wanted an excerpt of my pseudo-novel, I have decided to share. Remember though, Nanowrimo is about quantity, not quality. Also, since I began writing from the beginning, my main character has miraculously reverted to a 12-year-old, so this excerpt is a bit... dated? The following excerpt will not actually take place until she's grown up quite a lot and experienced all sorts of things that I am still in the process of actually writing up.
But I digress! With respect, I now submit to thee, my excerpt!
*Cough*begentle*cough*
The notes were swimming before her eyes, the bars and quarterstaffs bunching together and hopping about like mad ticks on strings.
She was tired; tired of studying this insane manuscript, tired of wondering whether she'd ever get it right. Her eyes burned, the thought of another three hours in the stuffy study beneath the common room set her teeth on edge
"This is insane." She muttered, causing her silent companion to look up curiously.
She reached over and pushed away a strand of black hair that was threatening to fall into his eyes.
"What do you say we sneak out of here and go play in the forest, Marr?"
His eyes brightened happily, a mute testament to his assent.
"Great! I knew you'd like the idea." She swiped the loose sheets of vellum into a haphazard pile, wrapping them with a bit of string pulled from her hair.
They had been stuck in the study room for too long; a fact made clear to the both of them when they finally made it to the back gardens. The sunlight caused both of them to squint painfully before they'd even left doorway. The sudden cacophony of birdsong, wind over leaves and the sound of splashing water were like a blessing from heaven for the two runaways. Although the sun was not yet at its zenith, the air was already heavy with warmth.
The thought of a leisurely swim in the cool shade of Paramore forest quickened their steps, and before long they stood side by side at what some called the Lover's Gate. A spiraled vine of creeper roses stretched ten feet above their heads, shedding pale silver petals and filling the air with an intoxicating scent. She paused beneath the arch, allowing herself a brief moment to appreciate the full effect of the blossoms.
"Running off again Rea?"
The unexpected intrusion of the whispered query sent an unpleasant jolt leaping down her spine and then up again, where it settled as a telltale warmth upon her cheeks.
"And why-" He was nowhere to be seen. "Baiden, where the hell are you?" But Marr found him before she could pick him out herself. Ten feet away near a Gostbrush tree, she watched him step out of the shadows and into the sunlight to meet the rushing bundle of muscle that was romping towards him.
"Well, hello there Marr!" The tall Northerner exclaimed spreading his long arms in happy greeting as if he hadn't heard her.
"Woof!" Her loyal companion replied happily before plopping down next to him to watch Rea, his shaggy tail thumping and his tongue hanging carelessly outside his happy grin.
"Some guard dog you are," Rea grumped, propping her fists on her hips and glaring at the both of them. "Can't even warn me when we're being followed by a watchman for hire. And you." She fixed Baiden with her best hard gaze as Marr tried unsuccessfully to look abashed. "What business is it of yours where I choose to go? Don't you know it's rude to follow a lady from the shadows?"
Baiden sketched a graceful bow, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "A thousand apologies my lady, for my abruptness. Being part Aelman, I find it hard to stand out, as you have so keenly noted."
"Oh cut the nobleman routine, Bai. What can I do to keep you from running straight to Urial to tell him where I'm at?"
"Pardon me, my Lady, for being concerned for my Naer-sister's wellbeing. I have it on good authority that you should be in the Larkroom studying a manuscript for our esteemed Lordship. And besides that, the forest is dangerous this time of year."
Rea stifled a snort. He knew as well as she did that the rangers kept the nearby forest free of anything with so much as a sharp point so the b*****d king would be sure not to snag his royal robes on any outing he might choose to take- not to mention any creature that might cause him bodily harm.
"I suppose I'll have to accompany you to ensure your safety- That is, unless you plan on taking another of your swims?" His eyes twinkled and Rhea felt her cheeks warm all over again.
Unable to find the proper scathing reply, she spun on her heel, nearly wrenched the gate off its hinges and marched into the forest, knowing the two would follow.
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A+ for Quality!
A+ for Quantity!
Wish I could write like that. >>