Wednesday 31 July 2013

Wednesday Briefs In The Arms Of An Angel - Oh My God!


It's Wednesday again and I can't beleive the week's gone so fast. There is so much going on in my life at the moment, it's been nice to take a minute to write about two of my favourite angels - well...three :)

This week, I've chosen this prompt



Gabri’el had to hold Pasha back. He wrapped his arms around the feisty, impulsive angel and dropped his cheek to Pasha’s hair.

“Easy,” Gabri’el murmured. “If we want answers we have to tread carefully.”

“Well said,” the boy said, clapping again.

“Don’t get complacent, boy,” Gabriel snarled. “I want answers and if I don’t get them, I’ll be the one going for your throat and this time I won’t stop until I choke the life out of you.”

“Good luck with that,” the boy said, with a musical laugh. “You have to catch me first.”

Between one blink and another, the boy vanished.

“What the…?”

“Looking for me?”

The voice behind them was smug and amused. By the time they turned, the boy was gone.

“Not fast enough,” the boy said and they turned back to where they first started.

“Who the hell are you?” Pasha cried. “What’s going on here? What do you want from us? What have you done with Uzzy?”

“So many questions,” the boy said. “I’ll answer them, in due course, but why not go somewhere more comfortable to discuss this?” He clapped his hands and the walls melted away. They found themselves in a plush room that looked like some kind of gentlemen’s club from nineteenth century London. The boy indicated three leather armchairs in front of a roaring fire. “Shall we?”

Pasha and Gabri’el exchanged glances. Gabri’el shrugged. “We may as well go along with it, for now.”

The boy laughed. “Just for now,” he said.

It was so odd, seeing a boy wearing nothing but a top hat, reclining in an enormous armchair, his white hair spread out over the dark leather.

Gabri’el sat down and pulled Pasha onto his lap. Pasha found, with some surprise, he felt safe there. Why hadn’t he realized it before?

“Because you were fighting it. Because you felt you were being unfaithful to Uzzi’el when, if you had only spoken to him you’d have found him more than open to the idea.”

“How do you know what I was thinking?”

“It wasn’t too difficult. I believe you were told, once, that you and Gabri’el were meant to be together as you and Uzzi’el are. If only you’d listened or at least explored the possibility.” He looked sad. “This whole charade has been exhausting for me. I wish none of it had been necessary although we knew from the start it would be.”

 “I don’t understand.”

“I do,” Gabriel said. “It all comes from what that man said when he took Uzzy. He said we were mates but I didn’t believe him. You did more that disbelieve. You actively fought against it. Even when we both had the same visions of the cave, the same connection with Uzzy we fought it. Even when I realized you were sensing me and not Uzzy, I couldn’t…”

“You knew?”

“Not knew, suspected.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“What would you have done if I had?”

“Let me make this easy for you,” the boy said. “If Uzzi’el had been with you, you might never have recognized what you have. You would both have fought it; maybe for years; maybe forever. Even when Uzzi’el was removed you still wouldn’t turn to each other. You were still fighting it. And so, I was forced to create this whole elaborate charade to force you to see what was always there.”

“All of this? All this…was just to push us together?”

“In a manner of speaking. You were already together, you just didn’t recognise it. Don’t you remember what I said right at the beginning? You saw only what you thought was there, Pasha, or rather was determined to deny what was there. Nothing was as it seemed, especially not the way you feel for Gabri’el. I think Gabri’el was quicker to embrace what he feels for you.”

Pasha looked up into Gabri’el’s face and could immediately see from the softness in his eyes that the boy was right.

“Who are you?” he asked.

The boy smiled. “You might say, I’m God.”

“Yeah, right. Who are you really and what do you want with us?”

“I’ve already told you.”

“Stop talking in riddles and give us a straight answer.”

“I’m trying to. I believe that if I simply lay the facts on the table you will not accept them.”

“Tell me one thing. Is Uzzy alive?”

The boy scanned his face for a moment, causing his heart to stop. “Yes,” he said simply.

“Where is he?” Pasha would have leaped from Gabri’el’s lap if Gabri’el hadn’t held him back. “Take me to him,” he yelled, struggling.

“You see?” the boy said mildly. “If I give you what you want you don’t listen.”

“Easy, Pasha. Let’s listen to what he has to say.”

“Gabri’el, at least has some sense, it seems.”

“I won’t listen to anything until I know Uzzy’s alright. Why did Fierro say he was dead? Is he a spy for you?”

“Fierro is nothing but a true and loyal friend. It was unfortunate he had to be drawn into the charade. No one was supposed to have been there when he died.”

“But you said….”

“Nothing is as it seems, Passa’el. The Uzzy that remained with you was nothing but a shell, a copy if you will. It was never really Uzzi’el at all.”

“I don’t believe you. I want to see him. I need to see him.”

The boy sighed. “He said this would happen. He knows you very well.” He turned toward a door they hadn’t previously noticed. “You’d better come in.”

The door opened and a figure stepped into the room. Nothing could have held Pasha back from throwing himself into his mate’s arms. Fireworks exploded in his head as Uzzy’s arms closed around him and the fizzing, sparking rainbow energy surrounded him.


After a few moments, Uzzy moved away slightly and held out his hand. For a moment, Pasha was confused, then his heart soared as Gabri’el joined them and the energy flared brighter than ever.

Now go check out the rest of this week's flashers











Wednesday 24 July 2013

Wednesday Briefs - In The Arms Of An Angel - Through The Looking glass


So, we've reached another Wednesday and it's time for another brief and another peep into the life of two angels as they continue their journey. The confused angels, having fallen down the rabbit hole, now step through the looking glass

This week the prompts I have chosen are

#



Pasha surged forward.

“Wait,” Gabri’el hissed. “They’ve all been traps and illusions. There was something wrong in every room and there’s no reason to believe this one’s any different.”

Pasha paused and looked up at Gabri’el, holding his eyes for a moment. There was something in them that sent a shiver through him and he found he couldn’t look away. Gabri’el opened his mouth as if he was going to say something, then closed it again. Pasha shivered, when Gabri’el touched his cheek, brushing his hair out of his eyes.

“Please be cautious. You have a tendency to rush into things and I fear for you.”

“You do?”

“Do you still hate me, Pasha?”

“Hate you? Of course not, I….” Pasha paused as, with a thrill of surprise he realised that somewhere along the way hatred had changed into something very different. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was, but it definitely wasn’t hatred. “No, I don’t hate you.”

“I don’t hate you either.”

Something stirred inside Pasha and he turned away, feeling unsettled and guilty. He was pretty sure Uzzy would be happy he and Gabri’el were getting along but not so sure he’d understand the strange mixed feelings he was getting. He resolved to put them to one side until Uzzy was safe.

Cautiously, Gabri’el and Pasha edged forward Nothing seemed to be happening.

“I’m not happy with this. Nothing’s happening and that makes me suspicious. Perhaps we should go back and think more on this.”

“Go back? I don’t know if you’ve noticed but Uzzy’s about to undergo brain surgery. We can’t just leave him here.”

“Is it him?”

“Of course it’s him. I can feel him.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, it’s been getting stronger. I know it’s him.”

Ignoring Gabri’el, Pasha closed the last few steps and touched Uzzy’s shoulder. Instantly an alarm sounded and deafened them. Uzzy turned his head and opened eyes that were entirely black. Recoiling, Pasha noticed the lazer was now moving directly toward him.

“Get back,” Gabri’el cried. This time his warning was unnecessary as Pasha was already moving. “Get down.”

Without hesitation, Pasha dropped, tucked and rolled, as the door exploded in splinters. Gabri’el grabbed his shoulders and dragged him from the room as the lazer cut a groove in the floor, past the doorway and out into the room.

Gabri’el and Pasha sat with their backs to the wall and watched the line move slowly across the floor cutting through solid stone like butter.

“Are we safe here?”

“I think so. As safe as we are anywhere in this place.”

“That…thing wasn’t Uzzy.”

“No.”

They were silent for a while. The lazer reached the middle of the floor and winked out.

“Pasha, I don’t think any of them were Uzzy. I don’t think Uzzy’s here.” He sounded so incredibly sad, Pasha didn’t snap at him as was his first reaction. Besides, he was beginning to think the same thing himself.

“He’s here somewhere,” he said stubbornly, refusing to let go of the hope he felt inexorably slipping away.

“Pasha, we have to face it eventually. Fierro was right. Uzzy’s dead.”

“No,” Pasha snapped. “He’s not dead. I know he’s not. I can feel him.”

“I don’t think you can,” Gabri’el said sounding wretched. “I think you can feel me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s Uzzy, I know it.”

“Stand up,” Gabri’el said unexpectedly. He got to his feet and held out a hand to Pasha. Pasha stared at it for a moment, then took it and allowed Gabri’el to help him up. Gabri’el stood facing him  and searched his eyes. Pasha felt something stir and reached for it desperately, sure it was Uzzy because it was something he had only ever felt with Uzzy.

“I feel you, Pasha,” Gabri’el said softly. “I didn’t want to and I’m still not entirely sure I’m ready to accept it, but I feel you and I believe you can feel me.”

Pasha thought back, a few things clicking into place. “No,” he said stubbornly. “I don’t believe you. It’s Uzzy, not you. Uzzy’s my mate and you’re just….”

“What? What am I?” Gabriel brushed Pasha’s cheek, his touch hesitant and Pasha gasped when the touch sent sparks through him.

“No.”

“Don’t fight it, Pasha. If it’s meant to be that’s how it has to be.”

“No. I won’t believe it. You’re not my mate. I don’t even like you.”

“Don’t you? Can you look inside and honestly tell yourself you’ve no feelings for me at all?”
Pasha was about to say ‘yes’ when flashes of memory flickered in his mind, memories of the times Gabri’el had pulled him out of danger, of the touches and glances, the times their eyes had met, the shared visions, the ‘feelings’, the ‘connection’.

“No,” he said, dropping his eyes. “It is you. I know it. Maybe I’ve always known it but I didn’t want it to be you. I wanted it to be Uzzy.”

“I know. I…. I’m glad you recognize it now and that you’re not running from me.”

“Running? From you? There’s no point. I learned that with Uzzy. Something would always bring me back.”
Gabri’el smiled and took a half step closer, sliding his hand into Pasha’s hair. “Gabri’el, I don’t think I’m ready for this. Uzzy….”

“If he is alive he needs us united to find him. I don’t know if we can ever have the power you had with Uzzy but we have to try.”

After a time of standing stiff and terrified, Pasha sighed, the pulsing energy from Gabri’el’s touch overwhelming him. When he finally capitulated it all felt so right, so natural and when Gabri’el’s lips touched his, the fizzing blue fire that consumed them both confirmed it.


Lost in the kiss, they gradually became aware of clapping and pulled apart to see the white haired boy. He was wearing a studded collar, a top hat and very little else and he was grinning. “About time,” he said.


Now go check out the rest of the flashers this week 








Friday 19 July 2013

Blog Nominstion

My blog has been nominated by http://msbeez.wordpress.com/ . I'm not entirely sure what I've been nominated for but I'll follow the instructions and see what happens.

First I have to tell you seven things about myself

1. My son has recently been diagnosed autistic and I'm up to my neck in research

2. My mother tried to talk me out of going to university. She thought it would make me 'big headed' and it wasn't for 'people like us'.

3. I'm allergic to aspirin

4. My favourite colours are black and purple.

 5. I am in love with one of the characters I created, although I have a suspicion that I didn't create him at all but he presented himself to me from some other dimension where he actually lives. It that dimension Silver is definitely straight and I'm only 25.

6. I'm bisexual and have uber crushes on Jonny Depp, Nicole Kidman and Helena Bonham Carter

7.  I'm disabled after having broken my back in 1997. I can walk but not far and I'm in constant pain. maybe that's why I torture my characters so much :)

Now I have to nominate other people.

http://talismania-brilliantdisguise.blogspot.co.uk/

http://julielynnhayes.blogspot.co.uk/

http://machurch00.blogspot.co.uk/

http://ciasstories.blogspot.co.uk/

http://sidlove.wordpress.com/

http://inadreambeyond.blogspot.co.uk/


Wednesday 17 July 2013

Wednesday Briefs - In The Arms Of An Angel - Down The Rabbit Hole



So, this week I've chosen picture prompts again. Uzzy's having a bad time as his two rescuers struggle to get to grips with the fact that nothing is as it seems.


“Please be careful, Pasha,” Gabri’el warned with a hand on Pasha’s shoulder. “This smells like a trap.”

“It’s Uzzy,” Pasha said, his voice tormented. He ran his hand over the box, looking for a catch, an opening, anything. When he reached the place where the hands pressed against the lid, he laid his own over them and closed his eyes. He could feel nothing…except…. Somewhere on the very edges of his consciousness was a tug he hadn’t noticed before. It was faint but strong and, now he’d acknowledged it, it grew stronger. “I can feel him,” he said excitedly.

“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Gabri’el said sadly. “Remember, nothing is as it seems. We need to keep that in mind at all times.”

Pasha looked up at him. “You don’t understand. I feel him.”

Gabri’el gave him a tight smile and nodded, then his face grew serious. “Something’s happening. Get back.”

Pasha turned to find the mist in the box was getting thicker and had started to swirl. “What the…?”

“Get back.” Gabri’el’s grip on his shoulder tightened and he pulled back as the lid of the box flew off and the mist billowed out. “Be careful. It’s not….” Gabri’el’s voice sounded weird. Pasha looked up and reached out as Gabri’el  swayed and sank to the ground. Before he could speak or still the panic that fluttered in his breast, his vision darkened and the world winked out.

Pasha opened his eyes to darkness. He blinked and reached out his hand. It touched something. “Gabri’el?”
Gabri’el groaned and his fingers found Pasha’s and curled around them. “Where are we?” Gabri’el asked.

“I don’t know. It’s too dark to see.” As he spoke the darkness began to lighten rapidly until they found themselves in a brightly lit room lined with doors.

“Where the hell is this place?”

“I don’t know. Be careful.”

“What should we do?” Pasha looked at Gabri’el and found it strangely upsetting that the warrior angel seemed confused and uncertain.

“I suppose we should try a door.” Pasha nodded and headed for a door. “Wait. Be careful. It’s bound to be a trap.”

“We don’t have much choice.”

“No. but we can still be careful.”

Pasha nodded, then looked down in surprise when Gabri’el took his hand. “We have to stay together.” Pasha wasn’t about to argue. He found the contact reassuring. He smiled and Gabri’el smiled back.
Something fluttered in the back of Pasha’s mind. “I can feel him. He’s behind one of these doors, I know it.”

“I have a feeling you’ll find him behind all of them.”

Pasha shivered.

The door opened easily and swung inwards on silent hinges. Holding tight to Gabri’el’s hand Pasha stepped through into the darkness beyond. Instantly, the room lit up.

“Uzzy,” Pasha cried, surging forward.

Gabri’el yanked him back. “Wait,”

“It’s Uzzy,” Pasha cried, trying to break Gabri’el’s hold.

“We don’t know that.”

“I know it.” Pasha fought to free his hand from Gabri’el’s.  Across the shadowy cavern a figure stirred. Whoever it was, was chained to the wall, suspended from a set of handcuffs above his head. Groans echoed in the cavernous room. “Let me go. I have to go to him.”

“I know. Just don’t rush into it.”

“I…” Pasha looked up to tell Gabri’el to get the hell away from him, but stopped. Gabri’el’s face was chalk white and his eyes flicked between Uzzy and Pasha, with the same expression. It hit him suddenly that Gabri’el actually cared about him. He knew Gabri’el loved Uzzy but he didn’t think Gabri’el even liked him.
Pasha found himself smiling and was rewarded by a lessening of the stress on Gabri’el’s face as the dark haired angel smiled back. “I’m sorry I’m being such an idiot,” Pasha said.

“I understand. It’s not easy for me either. I see Uzzy and want to run to him , but I don’t trust these people. We need to be careful.”

“I know. Thanks. I’ll try to be more careful.”

Gabri’el’s smile brightened and Pasha felt a sharp pain in his hand, which was still linked with Gabri’el’s.  It was as if Gabri’el had shot a bolt of electricity into him. Gabri’el snatched back his hand and looked at it. 

“What was that?”

“I don’t know. It hurt.”

Gabri’el frowned. “Keep alert.”

Pasha nodded and began to edge towards Uzzy, his eyes on his mate who seemed to be unconscious, hanging in his bonds. “Uzzy,” Pasha cried. There was no response.

“Pasha. Look out,” Gabri’el hauled him backwards. Again, the shock of electricity shot through his arm.

“What the…?”

“Look.”

Gabri’el nodded to the floor. Pasha shuddered when he realized the darker patch of rock in front of him was a gaping hole into which he’d almost fallen.

“Shit.” Again, he looked up at Gabri’el and was shocked at the expression in the chilly blue eyes.

“I’m not going to lose both of you,” Gabri’el ground out and Pasha stared at him, stunned.

“You’re not going to lose either of us,” he said at last and straightened. As he did so there was a rushing 
sound and the floor crumbled under their feet, dropping them into the chasm.

Pasha opened his eyes to darkness. He groaned.

“Pasha?”

“I’m okay.” He sat up and, as he did so, the room around him lightened, illuminating the doors.

“Just great.”

Standing up, Pasha strode purposefully towards the door. It was locked. He tried the next one. It opened easily and bright light spilled out.

”Pasha, be….”

“Careful, I know.” Pasha edged into the room and let out a cry. Gabri’el grabbed his shoulders and steadied him.

In the center of the sterile, white room was a piece of medical equipment. It looked like a giant punch, the jaws open ready to slam down on the helpless, victim restrained on the table between. On this occasion the helpless victim was Uzzy. Even worse, the red line of a lazer sliced down to a red spot in the middle of Uzzy’s forehead.

Now go check out the rest of the wonderful writers of this week's flashes.








Sunday 14 July 2013

Artist Spotlight Wyn Abbot

As you all know, I love to spotlight artists of all kinds. As an extremely visual person, I love beautiful things and Wyn Abbot makes really beautiful things.

In order to get to the pretties as soon as possible I hand you over to Wyn to tell you more about herself and her work



  
I am a Spiritual Sculptor & Ceramic Artist based in the beautiful Lune Valley in the North of England.  My work is inspired by ancient cultures world wide and their beliefs & mythologies.  I don’t pre-plan or sketch my work I just pick up the clay and see what or who emerges.

People say my pieces have a ‘sense of presence’ I believe they do because I put so much passion and energy into each piece, I am not interested in creating purely decorative or functional ceramics, I want to create things that resonate with people and that is meaningful and for want of a better word haunting.

I love creating figures, my figures are highly detailed and are either subtly coloured to give a natural stone like look or are Raku fired.

Raku is a wonderful ancient Japanese technique where after being fired to 1000c the piece is removed at this temperature whilst the glaze is still molten and submerged into sawdust reducing the level of oxygen.  The result is metallic looking finishes.

Symbolism is prevalent throughout all my work ensuring that each piece is unique, special and magical!

I work with my partner who does all the non creative work;  we sell from our gallery shop and studio on the borders of the Lake District, we also sell worldwide via our online shop and via resellers across the UK (details on my website) www.wynabbot.com

From the 1st October this year I  re-locating to The Wolfhouse Gallery in Silverdale on the borders of Lancashire & Cumbria – a very special place.

You can follow me and see the latest products as they emerge on Facebook
 or Twitter








Friday 12 July 2013

Disturbed Fate - Kia Zi Shiru





Blurb

Marc, a small pet shop owner and seer, needs help with his store, but his new 
employee, Galen, brings with him more trouble than expected. Marc tries to keep their 
relationship professional even if Galen seems insistent on taking it to the next level. And then 
there is the problem of Galen’s past.

Keiran, a hard working medical student and Marc’s best friend, has a small problem, a 
stalker. One night he confronts the guy and finds in his stalker vampire, Devlan, is too 
alluring to turn down. But Devlan isn’t who he seems to be.

When the four men meet up for a night out their lives fall apart. Marc’s premonitions 
are wrong and everything points towards one autumn night a couple of years ago. Now they 
need to figure out what happened that night, before someone dies, again.

Time is running out. The visions might be false, but they don’t paint a pretty picture, 
not about their futures and, especially, not about their pasts. They need to reverse the change 
before it is too late.

If you could have any magical power what would it be?

To be able to fly. I literally dream about this sometimes and would love to be able to do it. Sure, some powers have more flair and others might be more awesome. But I think being able to fly and just be up between the clouds and being able to go places without having to use the road. I think that trumps anything else.

If you could have predicted any event in your life what would it be and what would you have done differently to change it?

If I could have predicted that I'd study English and Creative writing at a university in the UK I would probably have put more time in studying English when I could. Though, at the same time great things have happened before that so I'm not sure how much I would have liked to change anyway.

If you could have predicted any event in history what would it be and how do you think it could have been changed?

I don't know. Sure, I can give some answer about wars or something, but that doesn't really connect to me. I don't know what I would have liked to have predicted.

If you were immortal and could have been present at any historical event which one would you like to have witnessed?

Not sure about any specific event, but I would like to have met the Bronte sisters. Their whole family was creative and even though their lives were hard, between them all they've got quite the repertoire of fiction.

If you could give one piece of advice to any historical character who and what would it be?

Does King Arthur count? If so, I'd tell him to not listen to his wife too much and that not being Christian is a perfectly fine choice too. Maybe that would have kept some of the silly fights at bay.

I invite all of your characters to give us one piece of advice, share a story or tell a joke so as to show their unique character

Marc: Don't always do what your parents do, they chose their road and now you choose yours. If I had listened to my parents I wouldn't have a pet shop with cute creatures.

Keiran: When I originally met Marc I thought he was weird. He would say things like he knew me forever. He'd immediately figure it out if I was lying. When I found out about his gift it became clear why he knew. Though now I like to tease him whenever I can. Knowing his gift has made lying more fun, since he doesn't see everything so it's fun when he figures it out.

Galen: If you're lonely or depressed, take a pet. You never know what kind of people you might run into if you do.

Devlan: Go after what you want, no matter the consequences.

Excerpt



Keiran walked on, taking the same route as always. Past the high buildings, past the park. Wait. Keiran stopped. The man was close, closer than before. Keiran turned around. No one. The man was still there somewhere, he could sense him, but he wasn’t visible. Keiran turned to the side, back into the park, into the open. He wanted to see this guy who made his knees go weak and his heart race.
Keiran stood still, his back to where he knew the other man was, slowly taking off his jacket. The cold cooled his skin, fading the blush that had started to form. He felt the power of the energy intensify. The man was coming closer. He became engulfed in the energy, in the pressure of it on his senses.
Warm lips touched his neck from above, soft in contrast with the hard body pressed against him. The whisper was clear in the silent park. “Oh, how intoxicating you are from this close, even more than the first time I found you.”
Keiran stilled and then he felt it, low, pounding—want, need, blood lust. He gasped. Oh, this was nice, this feeling of undiluted craving. A sanguine vampire. He pressed against the body behind him, moving his body, enjoying the sensations. He would be able to fly if he could actually tap into the energy of this guy.
“Stop.” The voice was rough, stern, went to his groin immediately, but it made him still. “I should have guessed, you’re one of them. That is how you knew I was here. Hmm.”
Keiran could not stay still with this guy so close to him: he needed to move, to feel. He needed. They stood still for a couple of minutes before he could no longer hold himself and started to move again. This guy was built like a wall, a smooth wall but definitely a wall, tall, broad, hard. Two rough hands gripped his hips and kept him in place.
“If you don’t stand still I will leave.” The words were spoken so close to his ear that the man’s lips tickled the shell of it. Keiran held his breath, not daring to make any movement at all, apart from the involuntary bulging of his pants. This guy was intense. Not only did he emit power, he knew how to use it, and Keiran hadn’t even seen him yet.
“You know what I am and what I want. Can you deal with that?” The hands on his hips eased their grip, making his hips move back into the guy. “Well?”
Keiran nodded. He was not sure what the man was asking, or offering, he was too caught up in the experience. But he didn’t care, just to be close to this guy was worth a lot.
“Turn around.”
Keiran complied, cold air hitting his back now it was no longer covered, and he arched forward.
The man chuckled low.

Author Bio




Kia Zi Shiru is a Dutch girl who did her bachelor studying English and Creative Writing in the UK but 

has now returned to the Netherlands to do her masters. Amongst her interests she finds writing, 
reading, doing research and learning different languages (including but not limited to: English, Dutch,
French, German, HTML, Java, PHP and Assembly). Her writing and reading habits include books with 
Young Adults, gay themes, strong female or minority characters and fantasy elements (more often 
than not all at the same time).

You can find me:
And if you want to keep up to date you can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/vvShb


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Wednesday 10 July 2013

VANIRU - Cosmic Night

Sigh



Wednesday Briefs - In The Arms of an Angel - Nothing Is As It Seems


It's Wednesday again and just as well because I've been remiss at updating my blog this week. Something new is needed.

Surprise Surprise I'm using 'where angels fear to tread' as the prompt this week. Bless him, this week it's Pasha who's rushing in...all over the place :)

The boy led Pasha and Gabriel to a patch of wall that looked like every other. He pressed his hand against the stone and a green flash illuminated his fingers. A section of the wall swung open. The boy looked up at them. “Nothing is as it seems,” he said and hurried into the corridor beyond.  Pasha and Gabriel followed. 

The door clicked shut behind them and they were plunged into darkness. Moments later the walls began to glow, providing more than enough illumination.

“What about you?” Gabriel asked. “Are you what you seem?”

The boy chuckled and turned. The chains melted away as if they had never been there and the cloud of white hair floated around unblemished skin. “Not quite,” he said with a soft smile.

Pasha growled and Gabriel held him back.

“I knew it. I knew you were a deceitful little worm. Where is he?”

“I didn’t deceive you,” the boy said. “You made assumptions.”

“What about the chains? The bruises?”

The boy shrugged. “You saw what you wanted to see.”

“What?”

“I was no different then than I am now. You merely saw what you expected to see from my demeanour. I allowed you to expand the illusion. You could have broken it at any time if you’d looked with different eyes.” He turned to Pasha. “You saw. Just for a minute, until my My Lord Gabriel reinforced the illusion for you. When you had your hand around my throat you knew there were no chains there, you simply chose not to acknowledge it. Your shock and disgust that you would injure a helpless boy wiped the knowledge from your mind.”

“I knew I should have choked the life out of you,” Pasha growled.

“It would have done you no good and I am a helpless boy. I have no weapons and I was instructed not to fight you. You could have killed me and there was nothing I could have done about it.”

“You were instructed not to fight back? By who?”

“My masters.”

“So you are a slave?”

“A servant.”

“Same difference. When I had my hands around your throat, you looked as if you would have welcomed death.”

The boy stared at him for a moment, then turned sharply in a swirl of hair and strode along the corridor, leaving Pasha and Gabriel to follow.

At the end of the corridor the boy paused. He glanced over his shoulder. “There are many different kinds of slavery,” he said, “and not all of them are obvious. Nothing is as it seems.”

Turning back to the wall, he pressed his hand against the door and the same green glow appeared between his fingers before it swung silently open.

The room beyond was dim. This time no lights illuminated it. There was a sense of space and openness. 
Peering into the dimness they couldn’t see the other side of the room. They could, however, see a glow coming from the middle. Pasha turned to the boy to ask him where to go, but he’d vanished as silently and completely as he’d appeared.

“Damn,” he said. “That little beast has disappeared.”

“Are you surprised?”

Pasha thought about it. “No, not really.”

“What now?” Gabriel asked.

“I don’t think we should stay here.”

“Which way? This place feels big.”

“I think we should check out that glow.

Gabriel loosened his sword and laid his hand on it in readiness. “Okay.”

Keeping behind Gabriel, Pasha followed him across the floor towards the misty glow. They soon realised why the glow was misty when they felt the first touch of ice on their skin. Whatever was glowing was surrounded by a cloud of dry ice, or something similar.

The cloying mist clung to their clothes, faces and hair, frosting them and burning their eyes and throats.

“Should we go on?”

“The question is whether they are trying to keep us away or draw us in.”

“Does it make a difference?”

Gabriel grinned at him. “Of course it does. If they’re trying to keep us away that’s double the reason to go on.”

Shaking his head, Pasha pressed on as the mist thickened.

A few moments later he was about to turn back. “This isn’t Dry Ice,” he said. “Dry Ice doesn’t hurt like this.”

“You’re right. What do you think it is?” Gabriel’s voice was hoarse and he coughed. “Do you think it’s dangerous?”

“Maybe. Just a few more—“ He broke off, as the mist thinned allowing him to see what lay at the centre. 

“Uzzy?”

Pasha lurched forward but Gabriel pulled him back.

“Wait. It might be a trap.”

“I don’t care.” Pasha’s eyes were fixed on the glass case within which the same cold, white mist  swirled.  Pressed against the lid of the box were a pair of hands, as if the person inside was trying to push off a lid. Around the wrist attached to one of the hands was a colourful band, bearing a number of tiny charms. It was 
Uzzy’s bracelet.

“Remember, nothing is as it seems. Don’t believe what you see.”

Pasha shook himself free and strode forward. He stopped just short of the box. The surface of the glass was frosted with ice crystals and the air was so cold Pasha’s breath misted to party obscure his vision. Breathing was painful and his lungs burned with cold. Still, he fell to his knees and peered into the case. As the mist swirled it revealed snatches of golden hair and pale skin.

“It’s Uzzy,” he moaned, reaching out for the glass. Gabriel grabbed his wrist and yanked it back.

“It’s too cold, Pasha. If you touch it your hand will burn.”

“I don’t care.” Pasha wrenched his arm away and reached forward.

“Lord save me from fools who make it a habit to run where angels fear to tread.” Gabriel sighed but hovered protectively.


Pasha’s hand touched the casket. It was warm.


And now it's time to move on to the other delectable delights set out for your enjoyment this week.







Wednesday 3 July 2013

Wednesday Briefs - In The Arms of An Angel - Trap


I haven't written for a while. There has been a lot going on in my life that has consumed me. But here we are in a brand new day on a (fairly) sunny Wednesday with my story written and the energy to post it, Today's prompt was 'band of angels' and, as you can imagine, i didn't have too much trouble with that one :)

At Gabri’el’s signal, The Host flowed forward, skimming the surface of the lake. Pasha was barely aware they were on the water. His eyes were fixed on the waterfall. He wondered briefly how they were all going to get through then his horse plunged beneath the fall and suddenly he was in the cave beyond.

The cave was not what Pasha had expected, if he’d expected anything at all. He stood among the stomping, snorting horses and looked around. The space around him was enormous. It would easily have held a thousand human horses, and then some. The walls were smooth and seamless, clearly hand hewed out of the rock.

Fierro and Frost circled above, under the perfectly smooth ceiling. They reported there was no entrance, no flaw their keen eyes could see in the solid rock

“It must be an illusion,” Gabri’el said. He ordered a search which arrived at the same conclusion. If there was enchantment they couldn’t penetrate it. A search outside revealed no other entrance.

“My masters require counsel with your leaders only.”

The band of angels turned toward the voice, ready for battle. They were disappointed. The boy, who had appeared from nowhere, was unarmed. In fact, he was barely clothed, other than the silver chains attached to the silver collar and cuffs encircling his throat, ankles and wrists. His soft white skin, where visible through the hip length cloud of silvery hair, was marred with welts and whip marks. He was clearly a slave, or at least meant to appear so.

“Your masters can go to hell,” Gabri’el snapped. “Tell them to face us and we will guarantee them safe conduct to the City and a fair trial.”

“That is not an option, My Lords. Should you refuse an audience all opportunity to speak with them will be lost. You cannot find them unless they wish to be found.”

“Then so be it, but we are not foolish enough to place ourselves into their hands.”

“Then leave in peace, My Lords, but all chance of securing the return of your mate will be lost.”

Pasha laughed bitterly. “It’s too late for that.” Then his voice became flat. “Uzzi’el’s dead.”

“Are you sure, My Lord?”

Pasha’s eyes flicked to Fierro, who ruffled his feathers, sending up a shower of sparks.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Fierro snapped. “I saw it with my own eyes. I was with him at the end. Are you calling me a liar?”

“Oh no. Not at all. You saw what you saw but things are not always what they seem.”

“Are you telling me Uzzi’el’s still alive?” Pasha’s heart fluttered in his chest.

Gabriel touched his arm. “Easy. We can’t trust anything he says.”

“Maybe not, but I can’t leave without knowing if there’s a chance.”

“Pasha, I feel the same. You know I do, but there are bigger things at stake. We can’t afford all three of us to be captives.”

Pasha knew Gabri’el was right. He knew the mysterious strangers couldn’t be trusted, that to walk into their hands would be extremely foolish. But Uzzi’el! Pasha was in torment and could bear it no longer. Leaping from his horse, he strode across the floor to the startled slave. With a hand around his throat, he backed the boy against the wall and pinned him.

“Tell me,” he hissed. “Cut the bullshit and tell me. Is he still alive? How do I get to him?”

“My…My Lord, I…I cannot.”

“Tell me.” Pasha growled and tightened his hold. The boy choked and started to struggle, trying desperately to break the hold that was draining the life out of him. Pasha viciously slammed his head against the wall until his hands fell away from Pasha’s arm and he went still.

“Pasha, stop. What do you have to gain from killing him? He’s nothing more than a slave. He knows only what he’s been told.  It’s clear he’s not in their confidence.” Gabri’el pushed back the boy’s hair to show the dark bruises on his face and shoulder. Pasha looked into the boy’s eyes. They were dazed but resigned. It was clear he believed he was about to die and at least part of him welcomed it.

Horrified and sickened by what he was doing, Pasha released the boy who fell to his knees, clutching his throat and coughing. Gabri’el crouched and put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. He shrank against the wall, looking up with frightened eyes.

“You’re alright,” Gabri’el said gently. “No one will hurt you. You have my word.” He looked up at Pasha who nodded quickly.

“I swear it.”

The boy’s hand fluttered to his throat.

“My…My Lords,” he whispered in a cracked voice. “I…I believe….” He swallowed hard. “I believe it is not too late to save him.”

Gabri’el got to his feet and drew Pasha aside. “We can’t do this,” he said. “It’s a trap. If we go with him we may never return. Eden needs me; needs us. Without us they’re vulnerable if these monsters seek war.

“We’re not as vulnerable as Uzzy.”

“He’s dead, Pasha. It’s a trick. You can’t trust them.”

“But if there’s a chance, any chance I can’t live with myself if I don’t take it.”
He turned to the boy quickly so he wouldn’t change his mind. “I’ll come with you.”

“Pasha, don’t.” Gabriel grabbed his arm but Pasha shook him off.

“I have to.”

For a moment, their eyes locked. “You’ll be the death of me,” Gabri’el said.

“I already was,” Pasha replied.

Gabriel shook his head in resignation. “Alright.” He called over his second in command. “Wait outside,” he said. “There’s less chance of being trapped. If we’re not back by nightfall, ride to Eden and seek out Raphael. He will know what to do.”

The soldier looked as if he was about to say something, but merely nodded and bowed his head.

Pasha and Gabri’el turned to the boy.


“Very well,” Gabri’el said. “Take us where we need to go.”

And now it is time to go find the rest of the golden nuggets supplied by the rest of the briefers this week








Monday 1 July 2013

Christmas in July is HERE






  • Title: Limited Omnibus Edition: ENIGMA, Books 1 & 2 by Nephylim
  • Publishing: July 1, 2013
  • End Date: July 31, 2013
  • Publisher: Flying With Red Haircrow
  • Format: E-book
  • ISBN: 9781301274215
  • Price: $5.99
  • Available on Smashwords, its distributors & All Romance Ebooks

Releasing on July 1st, 2013 and available only for one month, this limited omnibus edition will combine books one and two of the Enigma series: "Enigma" and "Fighting The Man" by Nephylim for one great price. Over 650 pages will include original artwork by the author and Maria K. as well as the bonus story, "Silver's First Christmas."


The Books:


Enigma, Book 1 of Enigma:
“Can love ever be forbidden? Can the strongest of all human emotions be denied because someone tells you it cannot be? When Silver made his decision he very nearly paid with his life. Now River is faced with his choice believing that it is only his career at stake. However, when Silver’s past catches up with him River finds that there is more at stake than he could ever have imagined.”








Fighting the Man, Book 2 of Enigma:
“River had always known that living with a freed slave, even one as sweet as Silver, was never going to be easy. It gets a lot harder when his parents are killed leaving him to care for his young brother. When Social Services get involved he has a choice to make. Unfortunately, he makes the wrong one.”





About The Author:
Born into a poor but loving mining family in the United Kingdom, Nephylim grew up in the beautiful and history rich South Wales Valleys, becoming the first in her family to attend university. As a lawyer practicing Family Law for several years, the profession allowed Nephylim to learn more about human nature at its worst and best moments, and develop empathy and a view of life not limited by social standing or background.
Tapping into the heritage of her people that throughout Earth’s ages welcomed the wandering bard into the hearts of their villages as keepers of lore, Nephylim trained as a Druid and brings the richness of her Celtic past and spiritual training to enrich and elevate her writing. Since a child Nephylim has been fascinated with other worlds, which exist within and alongside her own and has reveled in creating worlds and characters for others to enjoy.
Despite lack of family support, Nephylim continued writing privately and eventually found the Gay Authors website. With the positive response and a warm welcome received, she found the confidence to pursue her passion to a greater degree. Feeling gay fiction was a woefully neglected corner of the market where readers were all too often presented with what amounted to erotica, Nephylim strives to write quality gay fiction where sex and sexuality is not the central premise. Instead, concentration is given to character and narrative development through storytelling that goes beyond the physical.
Nephylim still resides in Wales, UK, and enjoys writing, reading, art, and taking part in medieval reenactments.
Author Links
http://nephylim-author.blogspot.com/
http://shadowofthefallen.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/Nephylim.author
https://twitter.com/SevenPointStar

Review & Interview Opportunities

This is a great chance for reviewers to receive both books in the series in one file type of their choice. Please contact the author or Flying With Red Haircrow at theredhairedcrow@gmail.com if you would like a copy for review purposes.

The author is also available for interviews, please contact Nephylim at chakira@hotmail.co.uk.