MeiLin Miranda's Blog, page 23
November 5, 2012
Chapter 10 Part 3 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
This section is NSFW.
Nerr's Day morning brought the climax of the Embodiments' ordeals. Allis and Issak were beaten, hung on frames, tortured and drugged until their spirits buried themselves deep, leaving their hollowed-out bodies for Neya and Nerr to use. Their howls of pain and longing ceased, the rose-colored halo rippled around them, and their attendants removed the blindfolds and restraints. Allis and Issak were gone, Neya and Nerr in their places.
November 2, 2012
Chapter 10 Part 2 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
His sisters were standing before the empty hearth, chatting aimlessly with the beautiful Senik Lover. The girls turned to the door, both smiling, both holding small cases. Sedra dressed with customary restraint in a simple gown of opulent, thistle-colored silk. She wore simple bob earrings, amethysts dusted a long golden chain round her neck, and fragrant white orange blossoms winked in her dark plaits like jewels in a crown. She made no attempt to conceal her height; she stood straight as a dancer and towered majestically over her fair-haired sister, already queen-like.
As promised, Ellika's aquamarine gown contrasted perfectly with the rose marble of the Temple. Soft, creamy gauze trimmed its low neckline and swathed her shoulders; on its bodice, tiny pearls traced the traditional Nerr's Day horn-and-flower pattern woven into the fabric. Ropes of the same pearls threaded through her golden curls. Its extravagance bordered on the ridiculous and suited her utterly.
November 1, 2012
Broad Universe sampler now available!
I'm a member of Broad Universe, an organization dedicated to promoting women in science fiction, fantasy and horror. We've just put out a sampler anthology of short stories and excerpts and it's live now at Amazon (99 cents) and free at Smashwords in a zillion formats. I have a flash fiction piece in it. The twenty-nine samples in the book are well worth checking out!
October 31, 2012
Mei at Orycon
I will be at Orycon November 2-4th here in Portland, OR. Usually we do a Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading, but snafus between me and the programming committee mean we are not on the schedule this year. I'm easy to find, though. Just stand in the lobby and yell, "HEY MEI!" 
Actually, I'll be in the green room helping out most of Friday, and there's a tentative BPAL meetup early Friday night in the lobby. Otherwise, I'll be wandering the con.
October 29, 2012
Chapter 10 Part 1 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
Temmin returned to the Temple reluctantly. Though his mother appeared healthier than ever before, he still worried. The first fulfilled prophecy frightened him, but continued good news from the Keep and Nerr's Day preparations occupied his time and mind. He let himself be reassured that the Traveler Queen had performed one of her vaunted miracles; Mama and the baby would be well.
The twins' twice-annual ordeal began again this evening, a necessary suffering that sickened Temmin every time. Issak and Allis stood at the doors to the Gods' Chambers, the senior staff gathered around them. Allis smoothed Temmin's wrinkled brow. "Never worry. Nerr and Neya will be here and gone in a short while, and then we can all rest until next Neya's Day."
October 26, 2012
Chapter 9 Part 6 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
Sedra prepared herself to creep down the path, but to her surprise the Traveler Queen walked as briskly as she herself did. In the corner of Sedra's eye, a much younger, dark-haired woman flickered, superimposed on the withered Queen's figure; when Sedra looked at her directly, the flicker disappeared.
They stopped before a large knothole in a gnarled tree. "You've asked my mother prettily," said Connin, "but you haven't spoken so to me."
Sedra bit back sarcasm and squared her shoulders. "Do you wish me to beg?"
"I wish for you to kiss me."
"Amma give me patience, boy, stop it!" said his mother.
"You must kiss me," he repeated. "Are you too proud to kiss a Traveler? You'd be the first princess among the many I've asked if so."
October 22, 2012
Chapter 9 Part 5 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
Teacher paused. "Before we go, I must caution you against Maeve's son."
Sedra said nothing about her encounter with Connin. "Will he try to prevent me from taking the Traveler Queen to Mama?"
"No, no, but I cannot stay to bring you back. He must do it--he possesses much of the same power I do, and he is not bound to the King as I am. He will help you, but be aware he is a sly one." Teacher reached to touch her cheek; Sedra reflexively flinched. Teacher's hand dropped hastily away to take her own, and they swirled through the mirror.
October 19, 2012
Chapter 9 Part 4 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
Inside, Harsin was stripping as he hurried into his bedchamber; his valet Gram followed behind, stooping to pick up the discarded riding clothes, and his secretary Winmer brought up the rear. Harsin changed into fresh clothes and washed his face. "This would have to happen when I was at Middlemont. Cancel any appointments for the next three days, Winmer, and send word that while it was a lovely interlude et cetera, I will not be seeing Miss Shelstone in the immediate future. Do not under any circumstances say anything about the Queen's indisposition, to Miss Shelstone or anyone else." Winmer nodded, scribbling in his neat little book, and Harsin stepped through his bedchamber door through the private hallway and into the Queen's bedchamber.
October 17, 2012
Something I never ever thought I'd see
My book in a library, when I didn't arrange for it to be put there:
I'm floored. I know, just one book on one library shelf, but I'm an indie. That usually doesn't happen for us, especially if we don't push for it.
October 15, 2012
Chapter 9 Part 3 | Son in Sorrow | IHGK Book 2
Temmin had a time tracking down his father. He wasn't in his rooms, he wasn't in his office. The council room contained a few Ministers, alarmed and irritated at his headlong intrusion. He finally thought to ask Affton and tracked him down to the servants' hall. "Riding, I believe, Your Highness," said the butler. "May I say I took the liberty of sending a groom to find His Majesty as soon as the call for the Sisters went out, sir."
Temmin slumped against the kitchen archway and let out a shuddering sigh. His eyes burned, and he wiped at his brow with his handkerchief. "Thank you, Affton, I should have known you'd think to find him."
"May I also suggest, sir, that since there's nothing you can do for the moment you might have a cup of tea?" Affton murmured. "I can send a tray up to your room, if you'd like, or the Small Sitting Room."
"If I go upstairs I'll have a hard time staying away...and Lady Donnis made it clear..." he trailed off. Affton glided him back through the kitchens to the Small Sitting Room. Temmin sat in his shirtsleeves drinking tea and eating plain buttered toast, huddled in a corner of the big room.
