Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 15

Crumbling- #100WordStories

.

The once elegant city stood in silence as fragments of starlight serrated through the sky. The light of a thousand centuries faded as the heavens filled with calamity. Lost were the days of ancient glory when her streets teemed with merchants, artisans, and pilgrims seeking the great Temple of Haldeez. Forgotten were the echoes of pageantry and the lilting songs of minstrels that drifted among the crowds like fragrant incense from the temple halls. Alone beneath the angry sky, the temple metropolis shuddered as its memories fell like shards of glass to the heaving ground. Only moments remained before the bastion crumbled and would be lost forever.

 

FlashFiction and Art by ~Morgan~

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

If you’d like to see more of my artwork, please visit my DeviantArt page

#FridayFantasy #CharacterSpotlight – The Forceful Healer

.

A Fellow author recently interviewed Me about one of my lesser known characters from Dark Fey, so I chose to share the Character spotlight in its entirety today. I hope you will enjoy learning about The Healer, who becomes one of the main characters throughout the pages of book two, Standing In Shadows.

Tell me a bit about your character. Who are they, how old are they? What do they look like? His name is Evondair and he comes into the story in Dark Fey: Standing In Shadows.  He is a youthful Healer just beginning his dedicated years of practice round about the age of 25, though I never do specify.  He is an average height for a malefey, standing 5’10”, and has a trim, powerful physique.  The golden-blond waves of his shoulder length hair accentuate the deep viridian of his eyes and his expansive white wings.  He is beautifully handsome, but far from arrogant about it.

Do they have any strange or unique physical traits? Most Fey are either telepathic, empathic or have a gift of discernment and Evondair’s gift of discernment is exceptional. He is able to understand another as completely as they know themselves and can usually tell truth from lies with relative ease. Although he has no gift of magic, as some Fey do, he is also a skilled Healer of innate ability.

Does the character have any quirks? In spite of his harmonious nature, he has an impishly mischievous side, as well as an unpredictably short temper, particularly for a Healer.

Where do they live? What’s it like there? Evondair resides within the Temple Complex of Hwyndarin in simple quarters, but the Temple is the center of all learning and contemplation for the village, filled with lush gardens, tranquil devotionaries, vast libraries, and the Healing Wards where he studied and practices. Peopled by artisans, scholars, Celebrants, and the Triune Elders, it is by far the most luxurious and beneficial place to live on the entire continent.

What is their role in the story? Are they the protagonist/antagonist, a supporting character? Evondair stepped into the story of Standing In Shadows quietly, as his nature would dictate, but he has become a central, supporting character with a clear purpose. His harmonious inclination leads him to make a choice that will ultimately guide many others; changing the entire relationship between the Fey of the Light and the Dark Fey forever.  (no spoilers here!   )

What do they do for a living? Evondair is a Healer, which is very much the same as a doctor, although the Fey of the Light practice holistic medicine, herbalism, and magic, for those who have such gifts. Although he is a practicing Healer, Evondair is also a voracious reader and is seldom found not studying to increase his knowledge of the healing arts.

What do they do for fun? Like many malefey, Evondair enjoys playing Vladokhyssum, a sport similar to Rugby and Kill the Carrier, though the entire match takes place on the wing. It is a comparatively violent sport in which one team member tries to score, being defended by only his three teammates, while twelve others attempt to stop him by (nearly) any means possible.

What is their greatest weakness, their greatest strength? Compassion for others and the confidence to do what he knows is right lies at the heart of Evondair’s nature, but his swift temper often leads him astray.

What is the best that ever happened to them? The worst? The best thing to ever happen to Evondair comes in book three, Breaking Into The Light, when he meets Kaylyya, his true mate. I cannot tell you the worst thing, as it would be too great a spoiler for book three.

What do they want from life? What are their goals? As a Healer, Evondair longs for harmony and a calm, quiet life, not only for himself, but for all. Although he is young, it does not take him long to understand that the only way to achieve the Peace he longs for is by becoming Peace. 

Can you share a snippet from the book to give us a taste of Evondair’s character?

…..“The Reviled are tracking us; they are within the cavern and closing in.  We cannot delay!” At hearing his warning, the golden-haired Fey glanced over his shoulder with noticeable trepidation, leaning closer to gather Gairynzvl more securely in his arms.  With the Healer’s strong supportive embrace he finally found his feet, although he stood for a moment, collecting his senses.  Before he could stagger onward, Evondair bid him to wait while he rummaged through the pack he carried between his nebulous wings, seeking his allotment of Quiroth, which he had not yet utilized.

“Drink this.” Handing the small bottle forward to Gairynzvl, who stood staring blankly into the distance in a muddled haze, he placed the bottle in his hand, waited; then physically lifted it to his mouth.

“It will strengthen you.  Drink!”  Again the Healer spoke with a surprisingly forceful tone and Gairynzvl shook himself at last, grasped the bottle more firmly and tilted it hastily over his lips.  He remembered the foul tang of the amber liquid from the last time he had been required to drink it and his reaction to the strong, earthy flavor and pungent aroma was the same.  Turning his head abruptly, he could not force himself to not spit it out; groaning in disgust and shuddering with revulsion at its taste, but the Healer would not be eluded so easily.  Leaning close another time, he spoke with an unmistakably threatening tone.

“It is good that the darkness is blinding; if Mardan could see, he would be only too happy to restrain you while I force you to drink.”  Twisting to gaze backward at the Healer with astonishment, Gairynzvl scoffed, then shook his head when he neither moved away nor said anything further, demonstrating his intractable intentions through the silence of his piercing viridian stare alone.  Raising the bottle to his mouth begrudgingly, Gairynzvl frowned ferociously at it, tilted his head back and drank its contents in one draught, hissing with loathing at the empty container before he handed it abruptly back to Evondair.

“You will thank me for this.” ….

And to wrap things up, does this character of a “theme” song (or several)?

Definitely Twilight by Delerium (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpBU74RRY3A&feature=youtu.be )

.

The Dark Fey Trilogy is now available in a single book!

Discover More About Dark Fey on its official website

 

Writing and Art by ~Morgan~

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

If you’d like to see more of my artwork, please visit my DeviantArt page

Platinum Maiden – #Poetry and #Music

 

 

Light that Sings, Soft and Sweet,
Phantom Luminance Guiding Erebus,
Entrancing Goddess, Hushed and Temporal,
Trade your Dalliance with Boisterous Apollo
And Rule in Gentle Splendor
While Silver Silence Dances on the Waters.
Shadows Bow in Gothic Reverence,
Sugared Soliloquy Encompassing Lore,
Dance, Fair Maiden, of Platinum Complexion
While Terrestrial mortals Conjure Yore.

 

Poetry and Art by ~Morgan~

If you’d like to keep up with everything I’m doing, sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting my author website

If you’d like to see more of my artwork, please visit my DeviantArt page

Save

The Healer – A #Fantasy #Character #Spotlight

.

A Fellow author recently interviewed Me about one of my lesser-known characters from Dark Fey, so I chose to share the Character spotlight in its entirety today. I hope you will enjoy learning about The Healer, who becomes one of the main characters throughout the pages of book two, Standing In Shadows.

Tell me a bit about your character. Who are they, and how old are they? What do they look like? His name is Evondair and he comes into the story in Dark Fey: Standing In Shadows.  He is a youthful Healer just beginning his dedicated years of practice round about the age of 25, though I never do specify.  He is an average height for a malefey, standing 5’10”, and has a trim, powerful physique.  The golden-blond waves of his shoulder-length hair accentuate the deep viridian of his eyes and his expansive white wings.  He is beautifully handsome, but far from arrogant about it.

Do they have any strange or unique physical traits? Most Fey are either telepathic, empathic or have a gift of discernment and Evondair’s gift of discernment is exceptional. He is able to understand another as completely as they know themselves and can usually tell truth from lies with relative ease. Although he has no gift of magic, as some Fey do, he is also a skilled Healer of innate ability.

Does the character have any quirks? In spite of his harmonious nature, he has an impishly mischievous side, as well as an unpredictably short temper, particularly for a Healer.

Where do they live? What’s it like there? Evondair resides within the Temple Complex of Hwyndarin in simple quarters, but the Temple is the center of all learning and contemplation for the village, filled with lush gardens, tranquil devotionaries, vast libraries, and the Healing Wards where he studied and practices. Peopled by artisans, scholars, Celebrants, and the Triune Elders, it is by far the most luxurious and beneficial place to live on the entire continent.

What is their role in the story? Are they the protagonist/antagonist, or a supporting character? Evondair stepped into the story of Standing In Shadows quietly, as his nature would dictate, but he has become a central, supporting character with a clear purpose. His harmonious inclination leads him to make a choice that will ultimately guide many others; changing the entire relationship between the Fey of the Light and the Dark Fey forever.  (no spoilers here!   )

What do they do for a living? Evondair is a Healer, which is very much the same as a doctor, although the Fey of the Light practice holistic medicine, herbalism, and magic, for those who have such gifts. Although he is a practicing Healer, Evondair is also a voracious reader and is seldom found not studying to increase his knowledge of the healing arts.

What do they do for fun? Like many malefey, Evondair enjoys playing Vladokhyssum, a sport similar to Rugby and Kill the Carrier, though the entire match takes place on the wing. It is a comparatively violent sport in which one team member tries to score, being defended by only his three teammates, while twelve others attempt to stop him by (nearly) any means possible.

What is their greatest weakness, their greatest strength? Compassion for others and the confidence to do what he knows is right lie at the heart of Evondair’s nature, but his swift temper often leads him astray.

What is the best that ever happened to them? The worst? The best thing to ever happen to Evondair comes in book three, Breaking Into The Light, when he meets Kaylyya, his true mate. I cannot tell you the worst thing, as it would be too great a spoiler for book three.

What do they want from life? What are their goals? As a Healer, Evondair longs for harmony and a calm, quiet life, not only for himself, but for all. Although he is young, it does not take him long to understand that the only way to achieve the Peace he longs for is by becoming Peace. 

Can you share a snippet from the book to give us a taste of Evondair’s character?

…..“The Reviled are tracking us; they are within the cavern and closing in.  We cannot delay!” At hearing his warning, the golden-haired Fey glanced over his shoulder with noticeable trepidation, leaning closer to gather Gairynzvl more securely in his arms.  With the Healer’s strong supportive embrace, he finally found his feet, although he stood for a moment, collecting his senses.  Before he could stagger onward, Evondair bid him to wait while he rummaged through the pack he carried between his nebulous wings, seeking his allotment of Quiroth, which he had not yet utilized.

“Drink this.” Handing the small bottle forward to Gairynzvl, who stood staring blankly into the distance in a muddled haze, he placed the bottle in his hand, waited; then physically lifted it to his mouth.

“It will strengthen you.  Drink!”  Again the Healer spoke with a surprisingly forceful tone and Gairynzvl shook himself at last, grasped the bottle more firmly and tilted it hastily over his lips.  He remembered the foul tang of the amber liquid from the last time he had been required to drink it and his reaction to the strong, earthy flavor and pungent aroma was the same.  Turning his head abruptly, he could not force himself to not spit it out; groaning in disgust and shuddering with revulsion at its taste, but the Healer would not be eluded so easily.  Leaning close another time, he spoke with an unmistakably threatening tone.

“It is good that the darkness is blinding; if Mardan could see, he would be only too happy to restrain you while I force you to drink.”  Twisting to gaze backward at the Healer with astonishment, Gairynzvl scoffed, then shook his head when he neither moved away nor said anything further, demonstrating his intractable intentions through the silence of his piercing viridian stare alone.  Raising the bottle to his mouth begrudgingly, Gairynzvl frowned ferociously at it, tilted his head back and drank its contents in one draught, hissing with loathing at the empty container before he handed it abruptly back to Evondair.

“You will thank me for this.” ….

And to wrap things up, does this character of a “theme” song (or several)? Definitely Twilight by Delerium (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpBU74RRY3A&feature=youtu.be )

.

~Morgan~

.

Discover Dark Fey:

The Epic YA Fantasy Trilogy Dark Fey is set in the fantastical realm of Jyndari, a world of beauty, magic, Bright Light and Devouring Darkness. It relates a story about the Life-changing Strength of Hope, the Value of Acceptance, and the world-changing Power of Forgiveness through a tale that is brutally beautiful.

The only way to achieve Peace is to become Peace.

The Dark Fey Trilogy is now available in a single book!

Discover More About Dark Fey on its official website

 

~Morgan~

Art by ~MorganVisit my DeviantArt Gallery

Save

Save

Save

Unspoken – #EpicFantasy #Snippet

 

The slurking emptiness of the portal spiraled in confounding directions, blackness folding upon darkness, disorientating and robbing him of every sense. Silence filled his hearing, emptiness touched his hands, and piercing blackness robbed his sight as he forced himself to step through the numbing cold nothingness.  Three steps, Gairynzvl had told him; three steps and he would be through the portal, but in the darkness where he lost all perception, including that of his own body, he could not be sure how many steps he had taken and the slowly turning abyss offered no perspective.  Wholly uncertain, Evondair took another step.

The scrunch of gravel beneath his boots reoriented his senses as he took a final step and found himself standing on a dusty, barren track of greyish gravel surrounded by jagged outcroppings of bare rock.  A fetid stench hung upon the thin air and leaching downward from a colourless sky, sooty rain in the form of a heavy mist shrouded everything.   As the remaining Liberators crossed into the Uunglarda, Evondair moved away from the portal and gazed around curiously; yet even as he sought to familiarize himself with the empty wasteland stretching away before him in both directions and ignore the malodorous stench that made him snort in disgust more than once, he reached out through his exceptional gift of discernment.

The action was instinctual; a means of understanding his surroundings and those within it, but opening his mind to the darkness of the Uunglarda was not only an ill-conceived idea, but a thoroughly dangerous endeavor and he instantly regretted it.  With the force of a rushing tide, desperate loneliness and unremitting anguish poured into his being, overwhelming him so completely that he raised his hands to cover his eyes and doubled over with physical pain.  Memories as scathing as a lashing torment serrated through his thoughts; sadistic brutality and remorseless cruelty that drew a profound groan from behind his clenched teeth before the irrepressible tears of more souls than he could number pressed into him like a thousand blades.

He did not say a word, in truth he could not, but as the waves of despair and suffering sought to drag him into the colourless shadows and ensnare him, he fought to withdraw his discernment from the darkness even as it grasped and clawed at his mind like a ravaging monster.  He could have screamed; he could have cried bitter tears; he could have cursed repeatedly in fluent Dlalth as the comprehension of the dark language of the Reviled filled his mind as clearly as his own did, but he did none of these things. As the deluge of misery wrenched at his mind and heart and the dejectedness of the lost Fey of the Light tore at his sanity, he centered his thoughts on the only thing in all of existence that was capable of defeating the darkness.  Filling his mind’s eye with an image of bright, clear, sparkling Light, he focused his attention on the wails and screams shattering his thoughts and answered their cries for mercy with the strongest weapon at his disposal.

Unspoken, yet heard as clearly as thunder rolling across the scorched heavens, the compassionate love that filled his entire spirit reached outward benevolently, silencing the calamitous uproar as a breathless pause stretched across the gloom.

 

.

The Dark Fey Trilogy is now available in a single book!

Discover More About Dark Fey on its official website

 

~Morgan~

Art by ~MorganVisit my DeviantArt Gallery

 

Save

Mardan- An Unpredictable Fey of the Light

 

Mardan’s character goes through one of the largest arcs throughout the three books of Dark Fey.  Though he starts out seeming gentle, readers soon learn he is also fierce, wrathful, loyal to a fault, caring and skeptical all at once.  In the snippet I’m sharing today, which comes near the end of book two, Standing in Shadows, we begin to see another side of him as well.

***

Standing unmoving, Gairynzvl looked down at his hands with the incoherence of absolute fatigue. Blood was all he could see, but his mind had separated from the pain.  He felt a gentle touch take hold of him, felt strong arms supporting him, and saw the reflection of broad, white wings stretching around him, guiding him beyond the threshold into the beautiful winter landscape that waited.

“Ayla?” He whispered with what remained of his strength, but from beside him, Mardan answered.

“She is safe.”

Try as he might he could not force his eyes open in the blinding white light surrounding them. From the distance, he could hear Rehstaed’s unusual language; he was speaking softly in the gentlest tones, no doubt to a youngling, but tears filled his vision and he could not see.

Guiding him forward, Mardan paused briefly to collect a heap of snow and placed it carefully into his hands, encouraging him to hold it as long as he could tolerate to help abate the flow of blood. Its icy touch made the Fierce One wince; then, after a moment, he sighed as its soothing coolth eased the burning pain enveloping his hands.  Listening with weary delight to the sounds around him, Gairynzvl became aware of another; one that made him turn his head from side to side, endeavoring to hear it more clearly. Indistinct voices drifted upon the fresh, crisp air, drawing closer and became more excited as they drew closer. Blinking repeatedly, he shook his head, desperate to see.

Once again, childfey screams filled the air.

Growling with frustration, Gairynzvl turned his wing over his shoulder and pressed his face into its softness to dry his eyes, even as Mardan assured him another time that all was well. Looking up, he peered into the brightness, his growl fading as he saw long lines of Fey coming out of the woodland. Some hesitated, clearly unsure of the ferocious-looking group that had emerged from the mountain where no gate or portal ever existed. Others stopped in overwhelmed amazement, staring with mouths agape at the childfey playing at the warrior’s feet.

Then the woodland Fey rushed with abandon towards the group, tears of joy and desperate curiosity mingling with gleeful laughter as they called out names, hoping one of the younglings might be their very own. The childfey rushed to the Fey of the Light, screaming in desperate relief, clinging to any who might share a gentle touch or a kind word. Some Fey knelt down in the snow, gathering two, three, or even four little ones into their arms to hug and kiss them again and again. Others picked younglings up to swing around with them with exhilaration, their laughter as free as the glittering Light shimmering over all of them.

Watching in silence, Gairynzvl smiled. Beside him, Mardan smiled as well, turning to gaze at the Fierce One for whom he felt both hatred and a brotherly affinity he could not deny.  Despite the rivalry that existed between them, which he could not yet lay aside, Mardan wrapped one arm around his shoulder and pulled him close in a hearty, sideways embrace.  They shared an uncertain stare; then laughed with each other in a rare moment of ease.

Looking around, Gairynzvl took in the scene. Giggles and gurgles and twitterings of little ones filled the quiet clearing like birdsong on a bright morning and Gairynzvl could not restrain a sudden sigh of absolute relief any more than he could combat the tears that once again filled his vision.

“You are a conundrum, Fierce One.” Mardan said him lightly, raising his hand to wipe away his rival’s tears with astonishing attentiveness before he shook his head and moved away.

 

The Dark Fey Trilogy is now available in a single book!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this previously unreleased snippet.

~Morgan~

Art by ~MorganVisit my DeviantArt Gallery

Beguiling Complexity – #Fantasy #CharacterSketch

.

One of the most complex characters of the Dark Fey Trilogy is unquestionably Mardan, the Celebrant-spell-caster-turned-Warrior-Fey-Guard. With piercing, cerulean eyes, platinum blond curls and a powerful physique with imposing white wings, he is undeniably striking in his masculine appeal. Although he does not possess a gift of telepathy, empathy or discernment as most Feyfolk do, he does have a gift of magic, which is far less common; although he guards this secret jealously. He is gentle of nature, yet he can be fierce and implacable.  He is spirituality-minded but irrefutably obstinate, and to top it all off, he has a sense of loyalty no one dares to contradict. Although I introduced him through the romantic affiliation he has with the lead character Ayla, it did not take long for me to realize he was far more complicated than I originally suspected.  As his interactions with additional characters evolved, I found him more and more beguiling.

Mardan is a young malefey around the age of 21. As is the custom of Feyfolk, his parents dedicated him to life as a Celebrant, which is a leader of spiritual and religious ceremonies (rather like a priest, though with a far less austere in lifestyle.) Loyal to their wishes, he entered into the study of the rites and rituals of Fey mysticism at the Temple complex and, at the onset of Dark Fey The Reviled has only recently begun practicing. He meets Ayla at Summerfest and begins a relationship with her; yet her own self-doubt, as well as the introduction of lead character Gairynzvl, the Dark Fey who seeks Ayla’s help to escape his captivity among the Reviled, alters the course of his plans…and his life.

Mardan may have the gentle devotion of a Celebrant, but he also has the heart of a warrior. Even in the face of potential disaster when facing the imposing ferocity of a full legion of Reviled and its Centurion; Mardan’s selfless courage, as well as his belligerent rebelliousness, shine brightly. Giving his utmost to protect not only the shefey he has grown to love, but even the Dark One who has thrown their lives into chaos; Mardan’s true nature begins to assert itself.  Although he stubbornly tries to adhere to the dedication set in place for him by his parents, to whom he is resolutely loyal, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to deny the Fey Guard in his heart.

His struggle to understand and, ultimately, be true to himself is one many people share and, like many of us, his true purpose does not come into focus until he accepts the truth about himself. This does not happen until the middle of book two, Standing In Shadows , but when it does we see an entirely different perspective of him. No longer the tender lover, nor the Celebrant constrained by custom and traditional expectations; Mardan comes to terms with the truth about himself.  He understands he is a fearsome warrior and a Fey with turbulent passions.  When his life (and character) finally come into focus, his boldness, caustic wit, and impatience to act combine into a personality that is not only compelling, but beguilingly complex and, possibly, (Hopefully!) irresistible.

A snippet from The Reviled….

A thunderous crash broke the silence filling the room and light flooded inward. Ayla screamed, even before waking fully, and curled into a protective ball upon the settee as the sound of voices echoed about her, harsh words clashing like swords. At the first sound, Gairynzvl spun about to face the unexpected danger. Pushing back his broad wings, he sheltered her from view as much as he was able, fearing his legion had located him and forced their way through the brightening morning to deliver retribution, but as he turned, a powerful blow crossed his face and he stumbled backward.

Tumbling to the floor, Ayla scrambled away from the fray, seeking safety despite not clearly understanding what was happening; nevertheless, when she reached the far side of the room where she could cower behind a tall wooden book cabinet, she peered past its shielding structure and watched, horrified, as her Celebrant friend and lover flexed his broad, brilliantly white wings, turned deftly, and delivered a brutal kick that caught Gairynzvl across the shoulder, cheek, and chin, sending him stumbling. Still, his crimson, dragon hide wings countered his balance before he could fall. Stretching outward, he slashed with a twelve-inch spine like a blade, and a bright crimson gash opened across Mardan’s chest.

“Vile, ruthless demon!” He cursed loudly, gasping at the pain searing across his chest while his opponent regained his balance and momentum. “Come again, Cursed Ghoul!”

Re-centering himself, Mardan faced him more squarely, offering his fists as a focus, but when Gairynzvl stepped closer, he spun and dropped, sweeping the feet of his rival from under him and watching with a vitriolic sneer as he fell backward onto a small glass table, which smashed into daggers that ripped and gashed at him ruthlessly.

Ayla screeched in horror and stepped out from behind the cabinet, unable to watch the conflict and not attempt to intercede, but, although Gairynzvl turned his head to look at her, concern clearly expressed in his crimson eyes as well as through the unmistakable emotion of protectiveness, which he directed to her in unspoken thought, Mardan neither looked at her, nor paused in his attack. Stepping forward with a purposeful stride, he stared down at the dark fey lying at his feet and spoke a single, intractable word.

“Cruciavaeryn!”

At his speaking, Gairynzvl screamed loudly and cringed into a knot as waves of unrelenting, excruciating agony pierced his body, again and again and again, but his cries of torment did not induce Mardan to break the spell of Inflicted Pain he had cast. Moving to stand over the Reviled One, he looked down unsympathetically and watched him writhe as he considered his options.

*******

And a Final example of yet another side of Mardan’s nature from Standing In Shadows:

“The Legionnaires are coming and I cannot remember the way.” Aware that she had closed her thoughts to protect herself, he spoke as softly as he could form the words, but despite his vigilance to be as discreet as possible, her honest reaction of startled dismay caught Mardan’s attention who was sitting quietly nearby. Unwilling to arouse fear in the others, he got to his feet and moved towards them nonchalantly, bending close and spreading his wings behind him to shield their conversation while he inquired in a hushed tone.

“What is wrong? Where is Ilys?” Gairynzvl looked up at him without raising his head, gritting his teeth to control his frustration.

“She is behind the childfey. She sent a message to me through them, through their telepathy, that the Legionnaires were coming. I do not know how close or far, but we must go.” The look of concern that met this report stung like a horde of angry bees, but instead of reacting confrontationally in any other manner, as was his nature, Mardan stayed in his cautious position and merely inquired further.

“Which way are we to go? Do you remember?” Glaring lavender met icy cerulean, but the enmity between them that seemed ready at any moment to erupt into aggression did not propel them into yet another quarrel. Leaning even nearer to speak more confidentially, Mardan said something the former Dark One watching him intensely did not anticipate.

“I cannot blame you if you do not remember; I have found myself confused several times just following you through this murk, but we must keep ahead of the Legionnaires. If you are unsure, you must not appear unsure.” Gairynzvl stared at the Celebrant in silence. The Celebrant stared back, unmoving. Ayla held her breath nervously between them, but Gairynzvl looked past the Celebrant’s broad white wings at the others; then got up to reconsider the possible routes to take. Mardan smiled subtly at Ayla, then straightened and drew back his wings……

The Dark Fey Trilogy is now available in a single book!

Discover More About Dark Fey on its official website

 

~Morgan~

Art by ~MorganVisit my DeviantArt Gallery

Place of Whispers – #MicroFiction

 

Here they linger, whispering softly into the stillness.
A trace of what once was adrift on the here and now.
As silence turns and the surging rush of life moves onward, here they linger, waiting.
Forlorn, though not forgotten, the whispers sing from the hush, transcending time and place to remind any who may yet hear,
that Here they linger.

~Morgan~

Art and Poetry by ~MorganVisit my DeviantArt Gallery

Gairynzvl- The Dark One- #Meet the #Character

After years of waiting and creating more possibles than I can count I finally was able to create a character that more closely resembles the Dark One I see in my mind’s eye when I think about Gairynzvl.  Meet my main character from the Dark Fey Trilogy!

He dwarfed her diminutive stature by at least fourteen inches and had a lithe, powerfully muscular physique.  His shoulder length hair was the color of shimmering ice, both white and silver.  He wore a full-length coat with burnished gold lacings and buttons, with armor-like plates embellishing his broad shoulders and with dark crimson and vibrant silver silk accentuating the deep lapels of the coat he wore open across his broad chest.  The multiple belts and chokers crisscrossing his close fitted vest, his pants and boots; all were black leather with similar burnished gold fittings and, although she never would have imagined a Dark One dressing so strikingly, he wore a double flounced cravat and golden choker with an enormous ruby glimmering from its heart.

His vast dragon-like pinions were deep black and blood-red, stretching fully twice his height in length, yet with vicious spines at each joint and tip they seemed even larger and were hideously frightful to behold.  His complexion was the unmistakable sallow pallor of the Reviled.

.

A Snippet from Chapter Six of The Reviled, where Gairynzvl reveals himself to Ayla for the first time:

Panting with exhaustion, he moved toward the darkness, half carrying Ayla, half dragging her as his strength was not much greater than her own.  She stumbled along beside him, crying, though no longer screaming in pain, and for that, he found he was inexplicably thankful.  When the light of the mirror could no longer reach him in any fashion and he was, once again, cloaked in cool, soothing shadow, he stopped, lowered her carefully to the floor and stood over her, his head tilted upward, his eyes closed and mouth open as he breathed in the darkness deeply.  His mind spun with echoes of writhing pain; his flesh burned with the memory of flame; his heart hammered in his chest and his entire body trembled with uncontrollable fatigue.

Gazing up at him in the darkness, Ayla considered him carefully, amazed beyond description.  He stood over her, but did not threaten or intimidate her; he merely stood, almost vigilantly.  Was he protecting her in the darkness?  She looked more closely at him, now that he was no longer bathed in searing light nor submersed in shadows that he had drawn to himself, and she was amazed that she did not see the Dark One she had seen when she first looked upon him, when her fear had given her eyes the freedom of creating a demon.  In fact, as he stood over her, breathing unsteadily, visibly trembling and with the water of tears still wet upon his face, she realized she had woefully misjudged him.

.

Discover More About Dark Fey

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful Original Artwork by Me

Save

An #Easter #Prayer

Sweet Heavenly Father,
Holy Lord,
Almighty and Ever Living God,
Creator of our Every Breath,
and
Author of our Every Thought,
We Give Thanks to You with Joyful and Amazed Hearts
On this Most Special Day,
With Family and Friends by our sides
And
Remembered with Great Love,
We Praise You for the Miracle of the Resurrection,
For the Unfathomable Measure of Love
Shared with All of us
Through the Life of Jesus our Saviour,
Through His Passion and Death,
And
Through His Glorious Victory,
Blessings we can never fully Comprehend or Deserve,
Yet which we Receive Today On this Bright Easter,
With All the Love our Hearts, Minds and Spirits
Can Offer.
AMEN

.
~Morgan~
.
.
.
Beautiful Original Artwork by: americanpsycho at deviantart.com