Secret Discoveries (part five)

Story #5 – By SRS

When Crystal opened her eyes again she found herself lying on her back in the middle of a strange field. She crouched on her elbows to have a look around. Crystal tried to see if she recognized the field as one of the clearings her father used to take her to while he hunted deer. She knew that there were many forests surrounding the palace and guessed that she had ended up in one of them, though she couldn’t remember how she had gotten there. But this didn’t look like any of the clearings she had been to before.

The whole scene was unlike one she had ever observed. When analyzing her settings more carefully, Crystal noticed that the sky setting above her, melting into hues of purple and maroon, had two suns in it. Though both were on the same side of the sky, one was above the other. The lowest sun was just about to reach the horizon, while the higher sun was still at a 45 degree angle from the horizon. Secondly, the grass she was sitting on wasn’t really grass, or at least it didn’t look like grass. Maybe it was a trick from the suns but the floor beneath her seemed to glow with red-orange shades, as though on fire. Was she really in the same world, let alone country, that she had grown up in?

Trying not to panic, Crystal attempted to remember what had happened in the last 24 hours. Deep within her memory there had to be the recollection of how she had gotten to this place on the grass, or whatever the substance was. Crystal started with the morning. She remembered waking up after some weird dream, going to Sheebas room, and being fascinated with Sheebas rug. “Strange,” Crystal thought, “that it caught her eye every time.” Next, Crystal remembered going with Sheeba to get breakfast. But weather or not she reached the dinning hall, or weather she had eaten anything at all, Crystal couldn’t remember. It was as if the darkness of the corridor, she was walking down with Sheeba, had engulfed her memory and caused her to loose all conscious knowledge of what had happened to her.

“Great,” Crystal said to herself, “I’m in some strange land, where the grass burns without producing smoke, and I can’t recall how I got here. Mind you, why I’m here is a whole other question that needs to be explored as well.” All the more puzzled, Crystal got up from the ground and started walking toward the setting suns. “My next move,” she thought, “should be to find someone that can help me, or at least find a place to sleep before it gets cold and dark. I have no idea where I am and I don’t really want to find out what creatures live out here when it’s dark and I can’t see.” Feeling a sudden chill on her shoulders, she started to walk faster. Looking behind her, Crystal saw that half the sky was already black and still. The shadows left on the ground behind her were growing in length as the suns continued to dip behind the land. Only ten feet behind her, the remaining side of the earth was showered in a dusk that twisted with many varying shades of grey, obscuring any physical objects. “I’ve got to hurry if I want to reach safety before dark,” thought Crystal. She started running. She was searching for a cave, tree, or bolder to climb in or under or, if she could spot one, a person to help her.

NEXT --> Part 6.1
NEXT --> Part 6.2

My Turn

I wanted to make a post, since I haven't really been directly contributing to this blog. I"m sorry.

I want to publicly thank Sara for all of her hard work in managing this blog.

I want to thank all of our viewers, I hope there are more then those who I know about, espeacially Leah (for all of her support and comments.)

I hope that everyone is enjoying this blog and the story. I plan to start another story before the end of the summer. (Promising eh?) Kol Tov

Congratulations to us!

Yes, today is a great milestone for Feeling Storyish. Not only have we been in publish for three weeks, but also our visitor counter is up to 100! Congratulations to us, and thank you to all the loyal and random readers who have helped us reach this point in only a few short weeks. We hope you continue to enjoy, and stay tuned for more updates.

Sincerely,
SEP and SR

Secret Discoveries (part four)

Story Part 4 – By: SEP

Admittedly, Crystal was still shaken and dreamy after staring into the eyes of the horse on Sheebas rug, but she tried to shake the feeling as she answered Sheebas animated questions. “Hmm?” she asked in answer to Sheebas most recent comment.

“Well Princess, have you yet checked upon the preparations for the ball?” All sleep and mockery had left Sheebas voice, and she was clearly trying to match the jovial mood that the day demanded. “Though it is only seven or so in the morning, I’d thought you would have checked on the preparations for the day considering…” Crystal wondered why Sheebas voice seemed to trail away from her, but Crystal noticed that focusing was becoming a wasted effort this morning. Her mind was wandering again as they winded their way through the passages of the castle.

They entered the last passageway, right before the stairs that lead down into the breakfast room. It happens to be that, here the walls grew taller and narrower, and the hallway darkened as there were only a few windows, high on the walls near the ceiling. Crystal was slowly walking down this passageway as Sheeba, who was enjoying a conversation with herself, led the way.
Upon the wall above the stairwell was a tapestry that constantly caught Crystal’s eye. The light from the rising sun had lit the tapestry fully, and Crystal slowed her pace to a crawl in order to take a better look.

Unlike the tapestry in Sheebas bedroom, this tapestry was simpler, almost undignified. What is this doing in the castle anyway? Crystal wondered to herself. She took another step closer and looked more intently upon the picture. As always, she saw a dragon, a happy, smiling, harmless looking dragon, with a simple castle in the background, and small fires burning merrily in the grass surrounding the beast. Sheeba had told her the children’s tale, of Shoo-Shoo the Fire Breathing Dragon, many times. Well, every child in the kingdom knows the tale as it is meant to warn children that even strangers or animals that look kind could be dangerous.

She took another step, dazed and unfocused. What am I doing? It’s my eighteenth birthday today, and I have preparations to oversee. Am I still such a child that I cannot focus on a task at hand, and Sheeba must talk to herself as my mind wanders? Annoyed, crystal shook her head and took another step, which brought her to the edge of the staircase. But, as she did so, the eyes of the dragon seemed to burn with an intensity that was real, and the fires within the tapestry began to dance. Surprised, Crystal let out a dignified gasp, jerked her head back up to gaze at the tapestry, and tried to step backwards to get a better view. Unwittingly, her legs became entangled in her gown, and she slipped on the stone floor at the foot of the steps. “Drat!” Crystal said as she slipped on the silk of her gown, her feet flew out from beneath her, and she fell unceremoniously onto her back.

Her body aching with pain, Crystal gazed up at the dragon, which was pacing through the tapestry gazing down at her with purple eyes ablaze. As she focused on the dragon, the world twisted, the same way it had twisted when she met with Master Merlin so many years ago. Crystal couldn’t think any more. Her body was in agony, her mind overwhelmed by the twisting machinations of reality, and she fell into a darkness knowing no more.

NEXT -> Part 5

Without further ado!

And, without further ado, we present... Part Four of Secret Discoveries! (Or, at least you'll see it in a few minutes- at the stroke of midnight that is, EST.)

Lend a helping hand and give us feedback on the past three weeks. What do you think? Are you enjoying the story? Is it not to your liking? Feel free to be open and frank- but if we consequently delete your post, don't get insulted, OK? Just kidding. :D Have a good one!

photo: http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/dcr0221l.jpg

Secret Discoveries (part three)

Story Part 3 - By: SRS

The sun had not yet risen, but Crystal was awake and ready to attack the day’s challenges and bask in the attention of all who attended to her. Crystal’s birthday ball was called for 6 that evening and this would be the first party Crystal had a say in. All other balls and celebrations had been directed by the King and Queen themselves, never asking Crystal's 'permission' or advice in the matter. But they had finally grown bored of planning balls. For as long as they could remember there were birthday parties and banquets to tend to and supervise. They had had enough of cakes and elaborate desserts. If Crystal so wished to spend her time on such tedious things, so be it. So they gave into Crystals' constant requests and let her help 'just this once.' Since Crystal had done so much to assist in the day’s planned events, she was anxious to see things ‘fallow through’ and have her ‘perfect day’ etched in the memories of all who were to be present that day. Therefore, with great excitement, Crystal ran down the private corridor leading directly from her room to Sheeba's.

With her biggest smile, Crystal opened the door to Sheeba's room and walked briskly over the closed curtain. Crystal was determined to awaken Sheeba so that Crystal could share with her the leaping emotions of this moment. As she reached up to open the curtain, Crystal glanced down on Sheeba's sleeping figure. Though Crystal had entered noisily, Sheeba was still deep in slumber. It was strange, Crystal thought, how Sheeba could remain asleep through more noise then in the past. A pin drop used to stir her during Crystals' childhood. Not wanting to dwell on such puzzling things like why Sheeba was now a deep sleeper, Crystal distracted herself once again and continued to open the curtain.

As the room lightened Crystal readjusted her vision. The sun was just starting its ascent towards the heavens as Crystal glanced around Sheeba's room. This was one of her favorite rooms in the palace, and that’s saying a lot. Many thunderstorms had been spent in this room, just Sheeba and Crystal huddled together on Sheeba’s bed. Though it had been many years since Crystal spent such a night in these quarters, she remembered them well and with fondness.

There was an elaborate rug on the marble floor, where Crystal had lain to read tails of knights, her people’s history, and the dark secrets of time. In the center of the rug was a detailed design of flowers and vines, wrapped intrinsically around each other in an embrace unbreakable to even the strongest man. Running along the border were pictures of men and women that used to lead the country, as Arthur did, from the beginning of time until Crystal’s birth, when it was made.

One picture, in particular, caught Crystal’s attention every time, it was one of a Lord on a horse. Many of the other figures rode such an animal but this animal was different. The horse ridden was an autumn brown, almost chestnut. Her strong tail turned upright at the end giving the impression of superiority. What really made her stand out were her eyes. Her eyes were red; a bright read that held an inner light. With upturned ears and blatant stare, the horse seemed to know all that was around her. She was aware.

Crystal suddenly looked up. How long had she been standing there looking at the horse? Why was she always so taken by her eyes, those red eyes? Focusing her attention once again, Crystal turned her body to face Sheeba’s. But as Crystal did so she saw that Sheeba was already awake, as if waiting for the princess to notice, sitting on the edge of her bed.

“Good morning Crystal!” Sheeba offered with a grin. Crystal sensed some mockery in the greeting and replied with caution, “Good morning Sheeba. I’m glad to she you’re already awake. I was just going to ask for your company.”

“Well, I’d gladly give you some! Come, let us see what there is for breakfast on this special day!” With great excitement Sheeba jumped off her bed and started trotting towards the door. Startled by Sheeba’s sudden enthusiasm for food, Crystal hesitated before following Sheeba’s lead out the door, taking one last glance at the horse in the rug before she left.

NEXT --> Part 4

Again the time approaches

We hope you've been enjoying the story so far. Again the time approaches for another update. Last we met, Crystal was readying herself for a special birthday full of fun... but can fun always last? Find out in the third update arriving on June 10.

Secret Discoveries (part two)

Part II – By: SEP

Nevertheless, despite Crystal's royal demeanor, she holds a secret. Of course, no one expects Crystal to have any secrets because she's beautiful, polite, and sincere to all. Sheeba had raised her well, and she knew how to treat people right. Who would imagine her having a dark or hidden side? And yet, Crystal has a secret. Even now she remembers the day that changed her life thirteen years ago.

This day, this hour, thirteen years ago she had woken up excited. It was Crystal's fifth birthday, and while Mother and Father had arranged a ball and banquet in her honor, really she was excited to play with her siblings and mother of the heart, Sheeba. Instead, she arose to Sheebas solemn and stern face. "Good morning young Princess. You must hurry so as not to keep Master Merlin waiting."

Crystal was surprised. Why was Sheeba upset? Had she done something wrong? Or, was it something to do with the court Magician? Everyone knew that seldom did the strange magician travel from the Isle of Mists, which rested in the veils of time. Others speculated that the magician had died in a past battle and came from the Grey Heavens. The thought of Merlin was enough to scare the heartiest adult, and suddenly Crystal was afraid.

When she entered the parlor a kindly looking old man awaited her. Yes he was dressed in old, stately, wizard garb, and he seemed to glow slightly with unearthly hues, but otherwise Merlin seemed human enough. Then she met his eyes, his old, wise, yet burning eyes. She was fascinated, scared, and poised all at once. Unfortunately, her poise disappeared with his words.

In a deep, resonating voice he spoke to her mind, heart, body, and soul. She felt his power, his wisdom, his compassion. His voice had momentum, strength, and it took hold of her as though it were a physical force. In fact, it almost swept her away as it washed over her, like a wave washes over a small boat anchored precariously to the pier. "The time has come, this must be done – you shall be tested as your siblings before you."

At first she felt ice run through her veins, then fire. In terror she tried to back away, sobbing, searching for Sheeba. But Sheeba had gone the moment after presenting the young Princess. The next moments are still fuzzy within in her memory, as she was young and the events traumatizing. There was gold, everything shone with strange auras, and then the world twisted…

Suddenly, Crystal opened her eyes. She felt the bed beneath her hands, and she stared up at the painted ceiling. "I am here now," she thought. "I am safe." She breathed. Her heart beat once, twice, three times, four times. More thoughts arose within in her mind like a gentle mist, soft yet cold. "Yes, that happened fifteen years ago, and that which transpired afterwards, the knowledge and skills I gained, those are my secrets ." She smiled to herself. " Enough time for "pleasant" memories later," she mused, "now, today is a time for happiness!" For today is Crystal's eighteenth birthday, and many special things can happen on such an exciting day.

NEXT -> Part 3

Getting Closer

Ooh, we are awfully close to posting time. Only another few hours until Sunday, and then Crystal's saga continues. Ready, steady... GO!

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