Little Something from NaNoWriMo
Dec. 22nd, 2021 09:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
breezeshadowMagical disappearing act again, I know. It's what I do.
I didn't win NaNoWriMo, but that's no shock at all. My writer's block has been severe and writing every day doesn't help -- eventually I just get to a point where the whole thing grinds to a halt. I think I got halfway though? So a respectable number of words. I'm actually going to try and do some more writing because I planned a writing trip in the Adirondacks next month and I want to be in top shape for that.
Nothing tonight though as I have a migraine that really, REALLY doesn't want to leave. It needs to since I'm driving to CT tomorrow but anyway. Context for this scene: Lilith was attacked by a vampire, and Gareth and Rose May are representing her supposed attacker since he's falsely accused. They are visiting Lilith in the hospital as Rose May is hoping she can sense the actual criminal through the girl.
It goes poorly.
“I do wish you would have told me you were doing this, so we could be better prepared.”
Rose May glared at Gareth; the first two times, she had accepted the admonishment, but by this point, it was becoming tired. “I get that, Gareth, but my immediate thought was saving this child and *vampire*, not protocol. Surely you of all people understand that.”
Gareth stared at her just long enough for Rose May to worry; then he laughed, shaking his head. “All right, I deserved that one. I can set up the paperwork to expedite us representing *vampire* and getting him into protection, but it will still take a few days. You think you can confirm his theory?”
“I hope so.” Any school with a bit of money brought in a mage to test the students for magical talent; it seemed to appear so randomly in humans that the Welen Empire had chosen to simply test everyone twice, once when initially entering the system, and again when leaving. Of course, the program cost money, and as life typically turned out, only private schools could afford to look for magic. Other mages had to hope their talent was strong enough to attract interest, or simply teach themselves.
Her aunt had sent her to the fanciest of Rezten Upper City schools, and they could afford the best of the best. The telepath who came certainly wasn’t a Mahli, but she was strong in her own right, and loved nothing more than chatting about it. When Rose May had entered the room, shy and still reeling from her mother’s death, the woman had smiled and told her that her mother was proud of her, and resting in the warm embrace of the Great Mother’s soft wings.
Rose May had responded by throwing her pen at the woman and telling her to get out of her head, pushing her out at the same time. And that was when Rose May learned about the magic spectrum. Some people could use magic, some people were entirely resistant to it, and some people were like Rose May. Unable to use magic, they still could sense its presence, and in rare cases, even trace its source.
The telepath had told her that she wasn’t quite to the Seer level, but close, something the mage clearly wanted Rose May to be proud of. She had recommended instruction for Rose May to do, but her aunt had found the idea horrific — proper women did not participate in such superstition. The opportunity to develop it had faded away, but Rose May had always been curious, and snuck a look at books in the library.
She wasn’t a Seer, but she could sense magic well enough, and she could only hope it would help here. “I read a lot about Seer work as a kid. I’m not that good, but I might be able to detect something.”
“Hopefully that will do.” Gareth looked up as the hospital hall door opened, then stiffened; Rose May followed his gaze to see the farmer coming out with a man dressed in a suit plenty too big for him. He was taller than the farmer, with an impeccable, perfectly-fitted suit. Though he had an air of professionalism, there was something odd about the smile he gave Gareth and Rose May.
“Mr. Haeden, a pleasure to see you again.” The man’s accent was only vaguely familiar. “I should have known that you would pounce to defend a monster so quickly.”
Gareth’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Simon. My apprentice here has reason to believe that you have the wrong man, as usual.”
“Your apprentice?” Mr. Simon looked over at Rose May, and his icy blue eyes helped her remember the accent — northern Pooselridge, clear on the other side of the continent. “You picked a woman? Are the rumours untrue, then?”
Rose May looked at Gareth in confusion, only to see him tensing up, a flush coming to his cheeks. “I am not here to gossip, Mr. Simon. We would like to meet your client.”
“Indeed? And why is that necessary? I’m afraid my client is incredibly ill. Her father is representing her.”
“And my client gave my apprentice information that makes her think that your client is still in danger.”
“He threatened her?”
“No.” Rose May cut in before Gareth punched the other lawyer. “He claims to have witnessed the attack—”
“As he would have, since he did it.” Mr. Simon’s smile and tone were smooth and smug, but all Rose May could think was toxic.
“— Witnessed the attack, and worried that the other vampire might harm your client further.”
Mr. Simon took a step toward Rose May, making his height more apparent. “So he threatened my client?”
“Mr. Simon.” It was the farmer speaking, low and worried. “I am willing to let them see her.”
“I counsel against it—”
“I know.” The farmer glanced over at Rose May. “But seeing her state might help these two realize their case is pointless. I am sure there are innocent vampires who need the justice these two could provide.”
Silence settled among the group, with Mr. Simon and Gareth trying to set each other on fire; finally, Mr. Simon sighed, tapping his foot against the ground. “Fine. But remember that I did not recommend this.”
The secretary led them down the hallway, the smell of phenol filling Rose May’s nose. They walked up a flight of stairs to a hallway that smelled much less of chemical, and into a ward that was largely empty.
Immediately, the magic hit Rose May. The atmosphere in the room was almost identical to that in *vampire’s*, with the key difference being the emotion she felt: fear.
Lilith was lying in a hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. The oppressive air felt stronger around her, though it was clear that her father did not feel it as he sat down beside her and held her hand. He motioned Rose May over when she stopped, and she took a look at the girl’s face.
It was ghost pale, but that was no shock; the child had lost a lot of blood. The glassy look in her eyes, however, struck Rose May as unusual. Rose May did her best to look her directly in the eyes — a book she had read as a child said that was the best way to detect magic in someone, but she felt nothing unusual.
Still, something was clearly not right. With the father’s permission, Rose May reached out and gently clasped the girl’s hand.
A dark rush of fear surged through her, dripping with desire and hunger. Vaguely, Rose May got the sense of an irresistible place, full of wonder and joy, a life free of toil and pain, if she would only just go outside…
And then something snapped, leaving Rose May with a pounding headache and a single word repeating in her head, echoing to eternity.
Mine.
“Rose?”
Gareth’s voice came from far away, as darkness slowly echoed away from Rose May’s mind and gaze. She snatched her hand away, shook her head to clear the last of the memory, then pushed any magic away from her mind. She felt Nur’s alarm, but the vampire retreated; Mahli, she felt with resignation, doubled down.
“She’s in danger.” Rose May’s voice was hoarse, and she coughed into her elbow. “Don’t let her leave this room. She might try to.”
The farmer frowned while Mr. Simon put his hands on his hips. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to tell my—”
“Go on.” The farmer looked desperate, and guilt beat in Rose May’s chest. “What did you feel?”
Rose May took a deep breath, chills running down her spine. Mine hissed the voice, even with her mind mostly empty.
There’s nothing there. I promise. Mahli would have been soothing had she not wanted privacy.
“I got almost the same feeling when I was visiting the accused. It’s this oppressive presence, almost… Manipulative.” Another ragged breath, and she realized she was shivering. “Your daughter… Someone is beckoning her. Promising paradise. And then I think… I think they noticed me and cut me off.”
The only sound was everyone’s breathing and the occasional rattling of an object being pushed down the hall. Even Mr. Simon, all bluster and pomp, looked at a loss.
“Far be it from me to make recommendations,” Gareth’s words were snide, but she could hear the worry. “But I think you need to get telepathic protection on that child. Immediately.”
~~~
They were leaving the hospital when the bailiff arrived, looking utterly flummoxed. Upon seeing ROse May and Gareth, he walked over hurriedly.
“I hoped to find you here.” He was breathless, fidgeting. “That vampire you were going to represent… He’s dead.”
“Dead?” Dread settled in Rose May’s stomach.
“Other vampires in the telepathic cages started yelling for one of us to come over, saying something had attacked. One of my men went over and found him. Collapsed in his cell, blood coming out of every opening in his face…” The bailiff shook himself. “I Don’t know if telepaths can commit suicide in some weird mind way, but the vampires don’t think that’s what happened. They seemed scared. So I thought you ought to know.”
“Shit.” Gareth stared at the bailiff in disbelief. “Shit. Shit. Shit.”
The Bailiff stepped lightly from one foot to the other, rubbing at his neck. “Look, Gareth, I can’t stand you. But that doesn’t mean I want you dead. I’m beefing up security just so I don’t have a vampire riot on my hands but… Sit this one out. If they’re right, we aren’t dealing with your average vampire here.”
“Have you ever, in the years you’ve known me, seen me back away from danger?” Still, Gareth’s tone was a touch wary. “Who knows how many innocent vampires will be locked up before we catch the right one. I can’t wait for Empire justice. There’s too much injustice involved.”
The bailiff lifted an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Suit yourself. But be warned: I can’t grant consults so easily anymore. I need to make sure our telepathy is breakproof. For my reputation’s sake if nothing else.” He paused, turning halfway toward the exit. “Good luck.”
They watched him leave, nodding at the secretary as he did. Gareth took a shaky breath, then shook his head. “Go home.”
“What?” Rose May looked over.
“Go the fuck home.” Gareth sighed. “I’m going to look into different cases for you to take, but you are off this one.”
Rose May stiffened. “But I can—”
“The killer felt you through Lilith. Your boy toy says no one is in you, but I’m betting that’s because he just wanted to send a warning. If you do that again, you’ll probably end up the same way as *vampire*.” The air cooled, making Rose May shiver. “Exactly. Go home.”
“I can’t just let you risk death instead—”
“I accepted that this job would kill me long ago. But you’re too young to make that same choice.” Gareth shook his head as Rose May opened her mouth. “No. I will update you tomorrow, and have some new cases for you to follow up on. Now go home.”
He turned away from her then, walking over to the secretary and interrupting whatever new saucy chapter she had reached. Rose May stared at him, chills going down her spine, whispering “mine” with every breath. Mr. Simon walked over to Gareth a few moments later, looking less composed than he had been just fifteen minutes before, but apparently still more than willing to start arguments.
The hallway door behind her creaked, and she looked over her shoulder to see the farmer — pale, trying to hide his trembling by keeping his hands stuffed in his pockets. They made brief eye contact.
She won’t be his.
And with that thought, she curtsied and left the hospital.
I didn't win NaNoWriMo, but that's no shock at all. My writer's block has been severe and writing every day doesn't help -- eventually I just get to a point where the whole thing grinds to a halt. I think I got halfway though? So a respectable number of words. I'm actually going to try and do some more writing because I planned a writing trip in the Adirondacks next month and I want to be in top shape for that.
Nothing tonight though as I have a migraine that really, REALLY doesn't want to leave. It needs to since I'm driving to CT tomorrow but anyway. Context for this scene: Lilith was attacked by a vampire, and Gareth and Rose May are representing her supposed attacker since he's falsely accused. They are visiting Lilith in the hospital as Rose May is hoping she can sense the actual criminal through the girl.
It goes poorly.
“I do wish you would have told me you were doing this, so we could be better prepared.”
Rose May glared at Gareth; the first two times, she had accepted the admonishment, but by this point, it was becoming tired. “I get that, Gareth, but my immediate thought was saving this child and *vampire*, not protocol. Surely you of all people understand that.”
Gareth stared at her just long enough for Rose May to worry; then he laughed, shaking his head. “All right, I deserved that one. I can set up the paperwork to expedite us representing *vampire* and getting him into protection, but it will still take a few days. You think you can confirm his theory?”
“I hope so.” Any school with a bit of money brought in a mage to test the students for magical talent; it seemed to appear so randomly in humans that the Welen Empire had chosen to simply test everyone twice, once when initially entering the system, and again when leaving. Of course, the program cost money, and as life typically turned out, only private schools could afford to look for magic. Other mages had to hope their talent was strong enough to attract interest, or simply teach themselves.
Her aunt had sent her to the fanciest of Rezten Upper City schools, and they could afford the best of the best. The telepath who came certainly wasn’t a Mahli, but she was strong in her own right, and loved nothing more than chatting about it. When Rose May had entered the room, shy and still reeling from her mother’s death, the woman had smiled and told her that her mother was proud of her, and resting in the warm embrace of the Great Mother’s soft wings.
Rose May had responded by throwing her pen at the woman and telling her to get out of her head, pushing her out at the same time. And that was when Rose May learned about the magic spectrum. Some people could use magic, some people were entirely resistant to it, and some people were like Rose May. Unable to use magic, they still could sense its presence, and in rare cases, even trace its source.
The telepath had told her that she wasn’t quite to the Seer level, but close, something the mage clearly wanted Rose May to be proud of. She had recommended instruction for Rose May to do, but her aunt had found the idea horrific — proper women did not participate in such superstition. The opportunity to develop it had faded away, but Rose May had always been curious, and snuck a look at books in the library.
She wasn’t a Seer, but she could sense magic well enough, and she could only hope it would help here. “I read a lot about Seer work as a kid. I’m not that good, but I might be able to detect something.”
“Hopefully that will do.” Gareth looked up as the hospital hall door opened, then stiffened; Rose May followed his gaze to see the farmer coming out with a man dressed in a suit plenty too big for him. He was taller than the farmer, with an impeccable, perfectly-fitted suit. Though he had an air of professionalism, there was something odd about the smile he gave Gareth and Rose May.
“Mr. Haeden, a pleasure to see you again.” The man’s accent was only vaguely familiar. “I should have known that you would pounce to defend a monster so quickly.”
Gareth’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Simon. My apprentice here has reason to believe that you have the wrong man, as usual.”
“Your apprentice?” Mr. Simon looked over at Rose May, and his icy blue eyes helped her remember the accent — northern Pooselridge, clear on the other side of the continent. “You picked a woman? Are the rumours untrue, then?”
Rose May looked at Gareth in confusion, only to see him tensing up, a flush coming to his cheeks. “I am not here to gossip, Mr. Simon. We would like to meet your client.”
“Indeed? And why is that necessary? I’m afraid my client is incredibly ill. Her father is representing her.”
“And my client gave my apprentice information that makes her think that your client is still in danger.”
“He threatened her?”
“No.” Rose May cut in before Gareth punched the other lawyer. “He claims to have witnessed the attack—”
“As he would have, since he did it.” Mr. Simon’s smile and tone were smooth and smug, but all Rose May could think was toxic.
“— Witnessed the attack, and worried that the other vampire might harm your client further.”
Mr. Simon took a step toward Rose May, making his height more apparent. “So he threatened my client?”
“Mr. Simon.” It was the farmer speaking, low and worried. “I am willing to let them see her.”
“I counsel against it—”
“I know.” The farmer glanced over at Rose May. “But seeing her state might help these two realize their case is pointless. I am sure there are innocent vampires who need the justice these two could provide.”
Silence settled among the group, with Mr. Simon and Gareth trying to set each other on fire; finally, Mr. Simon sighed, tapping his foot against the ground. “Fine. But remember that I did not recommend this.”
The secretary led them down the hallway, the smell of phenol filling Rose May’s nose. They walked up a flight of stairs to a hallway that smelled much less of chemical, and into a ward that was largely empty.
Immediately, the magic hit Rose May. The atmosphere in the room was almost identical to that in *vampire’s*, with the key difference being the emotion she felt: fear.
Lilith was lying in a hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. The oppressive air felt stronger around her, though it was clear that her father did not feel it as he sat down beside her and held her hand. He motioned Rose May over when she stopped, and she took a look at the girl’s face.
It was ghost pale, but that was no shock; the child had lost a lot of blood. The glassy look in her eyes, however, struck Rose May as unusual. Rose May did her best to look her directly in the eyes — a book she had read as a child said that was the best way to detect magic in someone, but she felt nothing unusual.
Still, something was clearly not right. With the father’s permission, Rose May reached out and gently clasped the girl’s hand.
A dark rush of fear surged through her, dripping with desire and hunger. Vaguely, Rose May got the sense of an irresistible place, full of wonder and joy, a life free of toil and pain, if she would only just go outside…
And then something snapped, leaving Rose May with a pounding headache and a single word repeating in her head, echoing to eternity.
Mine.
“Rose?”
Gareth’s voice came from far away, as darkness slowly echoed away from Rose May’s mind and gaze. She snatched her hand away, shook her head to clear the last of the memory, then pushed any magic away from her mind. She felt Nur’s alarm, but the vampire retreated; Mahli, she felt with resignation, doubled down.
“She’s in danger.” Rose May’s voice was hoarse, and she coughed into her elbow. “Don’t let her leave this room. She might try to.”
The farmer frowned while Mr. Simon put his hands on his hips. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to tell my—”
“Go on.” The farmer looked desperate, and guilt beat in Rose May’s chest. “What did you feel?”
Rose May took a deep breath, chills running down her spine. Mine hissed the voice, even with her mind mostly empty.
There’s nothing there. I promise. Mahli would have been soothing had she not wanted privacy.
“I got almost the same feeling when I was visiting the accused. It’s this oppressive presence, almost… Manipulative.” Another ragged breath, and she realized she was shivering. “Your daughter… Someone is beckoning her. Promising paradise. And then I think… I think they noticed me and cut me off.”
The only sound was everyone’s breathing and the occasional rattling of an object being pushed down the hall. Even Mr. Simon, all bluster and pomp, looked at a loss.
“Far be it from me to make recommendations,” Gareth’s words were snide, but she could hear the worry. “But I think you need to get telepathic protection on that child. Immediately.”
~~~
They were leaving the hospital when the bailiff arrived, looking utterly flummoxed. Upon seeing ROse May and Gareth, he walked over hurriedly.
“I hoped to find you here.” He was breathless, fidgeting. “That vampire you were going to represent… He’s dead.”
“Dead?” Dread settled in Rose May’s stomach.
“Other vampires in the telepathic cages started yelling for one of us to come over, saying something had attacked. One of my men went over and found him. Collapsed in his cell, blood coming out of every opening in his face…” The bailiff shook himself. “I Don’t know if telepaths can commit suicide in some weird mind way, but the vampires don’t think that’s what happened. They seemed scared. So I thought you ought to know.”
“Shit.” Gareth stared at the bailiff in disbelief. “Shit. Shit. Shit.”
The Bailiff stepped lightly from one foot to the other, rubbing at his neck. “Look, Gareth, I can’t stand you. But that doesn’t mean I want you dead. I’m beefing up security just so I don’t have a vampire riot on my hands but… Sit this one out. If they’re right, we aren’t dealing with your average vampire here.”
“Have you ever, in the years you’ve known me, seen me back away from danger?” Still, Gareth’s tone was a touch wary. “Who knows how many innocent vampires will be locked up before we catch the right one. I can’t wait for Empire justice. There’s too much injustice involved.”
The bailiff lifted an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Suit yourself. But be warned: I can’t grant consults so easily anymore. I need to make sure our telepathy is breakproof. For my reputation’s sake if nothing else.” He paused, turning halfway toward the exit. “Good luck.”
They watched him leave, nodding at the secretary as he did. Gareth took a shaky breath, then shook his head. “Go home.”
“What?” Rose May looked over.
“Go the fuck home.” Gareth sighed. “I’m going to look into different cases for you to take, but you are off this one.”
Rose May stiffened. “But I can—”
“The killer felt you through Lilith. Your boy toy says no one is in you, but I’m betting that’s because he just wanted to send a warning. If you do that again, you’ll probably end up the same way as *vampire*.” The air cooled, making Rose May shiver. “Exactly. Go home.”
“I can’t just let you risk death instead—”
“I accepted that this job would kill me long ago. But you’re too young to make that same choice.” Gareth shook his head as Rose May opened her mouth. “No. I will update you tomorrow, and have some new cases for you to follow up on. Now go home.”
He turned away from her then, walking over to the secretary and interrupting whatever new saucy chapter she had reached. Rose May stared at him, chills going down her spine, whispering “mine” with every breath. Mr. Simon walked over to Gareth a few moments later, looking less composed than he had been just fifteen minutes before, but apparently still more than willing to start arguments.
The hallway door behind her creaked, and she looked over her shoulder to see the farmer — pale, trying to hide his trembling by keeping his hands stuffed in his pockets. They made brief eye contact.
She won’t be his.
And with that thought, she curtsied and left the hospital.
