A King for a Queen

Arielle opened the bag with trembling hands. Upon seeing its contents she stifled a scream and sank into a nearby chair, all strength gone from her limbs. Tears began to flow down her cheeks as an immense feeling of guilt and grief crashed into her. Kolton, the king of Pelon, was dead. He had traded his life for hers. The life of a king for that of a lowly guard.

She sobbed quietly for several minutes, head in her hands before she registered that her name was being called. She looked up through bleary eyes to see that General Ravenore and Counselor Chi had joined Grand Minister Bhenod. All three were looking at her, grief stricken expressions on their faces.

"Arielle," GM softly said, "these are for you." He handed her an envelope addressed to her. "In know you must be feeling but we need you to read these immediately."

Confusion mixing with her grief, Arielle took the offered envelope. The script and seal revealed it to be from Kolton.  She opened it and removed several sheets of lightweight parchment and a sheet of heavier weight, the kind used for official documents.

She looked at the lighter weight sheets first. Scrawled on them in a neat, but hurried script was:

Dearest Arielle,
      I cannot begin the express the honor you have done me and the kingdom of Pelon by serving as my guard for so many years. You have performed this duty admirably and with greater conviction than anyone could have asked.
     When word came to me of your capture and Jhaeros' condition for your release I knew, without hesitation, what I would do. There are those who will view the exchange as a foolish king throwing his life away for that of a lowly peasant, but they are wrong. It's that of a king, exchanging his life for his queen. A man trading himself for the woman he loves.
      I love you Arielle. I have for some time now. I regret that I never told you, but the knowledge that such an admission would drive you from the Raven Guard and my side was too much to bear.
      I wish I had more time to explain, but I have one last request of you. This request comes not from your king, but from your friend. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of Marriage. It is dated for several days after we returned from our ordeals in Susal (so it will seem to validate the rumors that already drift through the castle). It is signed by myself, General Ravenore, Grand Minister Bhenod, and Counselor Chi, all it needs to be valid is your signature.
      My last request is this: sign the certificate and assume the throne of Pelon. Petition King Ehrendil. He will stand with you. Unite the armies of Pelon and Iselon and crush Jhaeros. Avenge my death and the death of your father. Take back that which is rightfully yours. You are the lost daughter of Ar’undale, rightful queen of Kamor. Never forget that.
      I know this not something you ever wanted, and I'm sorry I must ask it of you. As you consider, remember that I am not asking this of you as your king, but as your friend. It is a request, not a command. Follow your heart as you always have.
     I must go now. I have a narrow window of time in which I will be able to slip out of the castle and come for you. You can trust the three men I have mentioned. They have been true friends. I wish you all the best.
              Your friend,
                 Kolton

Arielle didn't even bother to look at the certificate. She sunk back into the chair, one hand over her mouth, the other limply clutching the papers.

"These have to be fake." She eventually muttered. The words rung hollow even as she said them. She knew Kolton’s handwriting. The documents were authentic.

"I can promise they are not." Grand Minister Bhenod answered. "While no one knew of his plans to trade himself for you, the three of us were fully aware of the certificate. The king had it drawn up in case something happened to him before he married. It was always his intention that you should become queen in that situation."

Arielle ran a hand over her face and muttered "Damn him. He had no right to ask this of me." She covered her eyes, bracing her elbow on the table before her, once again muttering the curse.

After several minutes she asked, "What happens if I refuse to sign?"

"Then Lord Mourndane will assume the throne." General Ravenore answered.

Arielle looked up sharply at the reply. Lord Mourndane was a tyrant. He would run the kingdom into he ground and all the work she and Kolton as well as Kolton’s father had done to improve the lives of half-elves in Pelon would be undone overnight.

"He is the closest surviving relative." Counselor Chi added.

She ran her hand over her face again, suddenly tired. “This will never work.”

Grand Minister Bhenod chuckled. “I believe I said as much to him when he had Counselor Chi draft the certificate.”

“I wasn't even there! How can I agree to a marriage I was never present for?” She asked, tossing the papers onto the table.

“Well actually-”

She looked up to see the three men look at each other sheepishly.

“What?”

Counselor Chi looked back at her. “You were there, standing by the door mind you, but you were there. It was quite obvious that you were uncomfortable with our arguing.”

Arielle’s memory flashed back to the moment he was referencing. Kolton and the men before her had been in a heated argument over something she had been trying not to eavesdrop on. There had been no obvious reason for her to be in the room, but Kolton had been insistent, telling her to stand by the door. At the time she had though he was being paranoid, but apparently he had been being devious.

“This is what you were arguing about?” She queried, not entirely believing their insinuation.

“Yes.” Grand Minister Bhenod replied. “As I said, this plan has been in place for some time.”

Arielle sat back in the chair again. She sat for several minutes staring at the papers strewn across the table, trying not to eye the dark spot that was growing on the bag which was also there. All her life she had wanted to be a beacon of hope to her fellow half-elves living in Pelon. She had become a Keeper, a city guard, to achieve that goal. Circumstances had eventually led to the then prince of Pelon, Kolton, to convince his father to change the law to allow her, and other half-elves, into the Raven Guard, the elite guards who served the royal family directly.

Now, she was presented with not only the opportunity to go beyond that achievement, she was being presented the throne of a powerful kingdom. The throne of a kingdom that had done its best to belittle and demean people like her. She was being given the ultimate chance to embody the hope she had always desired to be. It would be a fight, inside and outside, and while she did not know enough of her father and his kingdom to strongly desire vengeance for him, she could not let Kolton’s progress be in vain.

“Damn him.” She sighed, once again running a hand over her face. She looked back at the three men, “ Who has a pen and ink?”

Dirrect Disobedience

Capt. **** breathed in and out deeply as the lift carried him to the bridge. I’m not nervous. I’m not nervous. He mentally said to himself in a failed attempt to convince himself it was true. What he was about to do could be equated with treason under the right microscope, but he had to do it. He would never be able to live with himself otherwise.

As the doors to the bridge opened he clenched his left fist, a nervous habit he’d never been able to shake. The customary “Captain on the bridge!” sounded and all the crew stood at attention.

“At ease.” He said to them as he moved to his station. “Mr. **** please bring us to a full stop. Mr. ***** please prepare for a ship-wide announcement.”

The helmsman responded with a “Yes, sir.” while several other crew members looked at each other in curiosity. They were nowhere near their assigned destination and bringing the ship to a full stop would put them behind schedule.

It can’t be helped. The captain thought to himself. Once the ship had been brought to a full stop he gave the signal to turn on the ship’s announcement system. He took a deep breath, stood to his full height, and spoke.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain. As you should know by now, we have been ordered to ***** to assist The ****** in her mission there. However, in light of recent information, I believe it is in the best moral and ethical interests of this ship and its crew to disobey that order. I cannot disclose more details at this time; all I can ask is that you trust me. The less you know, the safer you will be from any repercussions that may arise. The actions we will take will very likely be considered treason. Therefore if there are any among you who do not wish to risk that outcome please notify your division officer directly and you will be released from duty with no repercussions from me or any crew who remain. You will be dropped off on ***** and notation placed in your file stating your stand. This offer applies to my officers as well. I know I am asking a lot from you at this moment, and I wish I could tell you more. You have one hour to decide and pack your things. It has been an honor serving with you all. If I am needed, I will be in my quarters.”

He had to keep himself from practically running of the bridge and down the halls to his quarters.

>>> 

                About an hour later the bell from his door rang, announcing someone standing outside it.

                “Enter.” Capt. **** said, not rising from the chair he was sitting in or looking away from the nothingness he was staring at. A glass sat, full and untouched, on the small table beside him. His XO entered and stood a few paces away, hands clasped behind his back, waiting until he was addressed.

                Capt. **** looked up at him in silent acknowledgement. His Lt. Co. **** had been at his side since their days in the academy. He was the strange sort of man who was content with following one man rather than leading many.

                “I have fifteen people waiting in the shuttle bay waiting to be dropped off.” **** told him. His face and tone betrayed no contempt or disdain, just a simple statement of facts.

                “Only fifteen?” the captain asked, stunned. He commanded a ship of hundreds. It was sobering to think there might be that many willing to blindly trust him in the upcoming endeavor.

                “Only fifteen, sir.” His XO confirmed, smiling.

                “I’m not sure I understand why you’re smiling, XO.” **** told him, a look of confusion crossing his face.

                The man’s smile broadened. “I’m smiling at your surprise, Sir.”

                **** raised an eyebrow.

                “You were so surprised that only fifteen out of hundreds decided to leave. You’re the greatest captain the fleet has. Not just mentally, but morally as well and the crew knows it. The fifteen who are leaving are the cadets we took on a few months ago, and that’s fifteen of forty. Everyone else trusts your judgment and is willing to face whatever fallout there may be from that decision. If you say we need to disobey orders, then we are willing to do so. I know I speak for the rest of the crew when I say, we would follow you into hell itself if you led us there.” **** stood to his full height, shoulders back as he made the last statement, pride evident in his posture and tone.

                Capt. ***** looked at him in mild shock and incredulity, unable to speak. He had always tried to do what was right, not caring about the consequences. Even still, he would have never imagined that philosophy to inspire the type of loyalty and trust he was being shown. He didn’t deserve it. No one did.

                ***** forced himself to swallow, wetting a dry throat, and spoke. “Are we ready to head for ***?”

                “Already on our way sir.” His XO replied. “I gave the order before I came here. We should reach **** in two hours.”

                “Very well.” The captain said, breathing deeply and regaining his composure. He stood and brought out another glass. Then he addressed his *****, “Take a seat, and I’ll explain what I have in mind.”

They Changed the World

                “Um-excuse me, sir?”

                Sorvar had been staring down at his mug, contemplating drinking from it. The high-pitched voice addressing him broke the liquid’s trance. He looked up through red-rimmed eyes to see a scrawny half-elf looking at him.

                “I got no spare change, kid. Scram.” He mumbled in a gruff voice, glancing back down at his mug.

                “I-don’t need money.” The kid stammered. “I was just wondering if I can sit at your table….all the other seats are taken.”

                Sorvar glanced up at the boy again, studying him for a moment, taking in the worn travel clothes and mussed blonde-brown hair. There was something familiar about this kid. As he studied, he met the boy’s eyes. The slate-grey eyes pierced through him. He had seen those eyes before. They were the reason he was here, drinking himself to unconsciousness…again.

                Even though he knew it was extremely unwise, he still couldn’t stop himself from whispering her name, “Faelynn…..”

                The kid gave him a shocked look, “What did you say?”

                “Nothin’.” Sorvar slurred. “Now go away.” The last thing he needed was Faelynn Stormbringer’s son (Faerin, wasn’t it?) asking questions he didn’t want to remember the answers to.

                The kid ignored his gruff request and sat down anyway. “You said ‘Faelynn.’” He exclaimed in a tone not quite a yell. “Were you referring to Faelynn Stormbringer?”

                The noise in the inn seemed to lessen as people took notice of the kid’s outburst.  People were staring at them. Many of those stares were not friendly.

“That’s not a name you want to be shouting in a place like this, kid.” Sorvar said, an edge of warning in his voice.

                The kid’s face turned a shade of red, and he seemed to shrink in on himself. “Sorry.” He mumbled. “I just….I know so little about her…I thought…..” he broke off as he lowered his gaze and began fiddle with an amulet he had pulled from under his shirt. They sat in silence for several minutes as the other patrons resumed their previous conversations.

                “She was beautiful, smart, and deadly, kid.” Sorvar grumbled finally. “There’s not much more to know. Even her closest friends couldn’t tell you more than that.”

The kid’s head shot up. “Wait. You knew her, didn’t you? Personally?” his eyes were lit up like bonfires.

“I knew all of them,” He murmured over the lip of his mug, pausing before drinking. “At least, I thought I did. Once.  A long time ago.”  Sorvar took a long drink from his mug and practically dropped back onto the table. It made a dull thud as it landed.

“What were they like?” the kid asked, curiosity and awe evident in his voice.

Some crumpled copy of a smile crossed his face. “They were going to change the world.”

Outside the inn, in kingdoms and cities near and far, the world burned.

 

 

Contraband Photos

Elismarc flicked through the photos on her display. They were flat things, two dimensional images from long ago when 3-D photos and Holograms were new or just wild-ideas. Some of the photos had been taken using old digital cameras; others were scans of actual physical photos. Elismarc wondered what it would have been like to use one of the really ancient cameras that had required film. The photos they produced had such a dreamlike quality it was hard to believe they were of real people and places.

                She had stumbled across the cache of photos completely by accident. She had been combing the dark-net for hours researching forbidden knowledge when one of the links had brought her here. There were thousands upon thousands of photos of people and places.

                There were happy people, sad people, and people whose emotions she couldn’t quite describe. There were also pictures of animals. Some of them she knew, but several she had no idea what creatures they were of. The pictures of places were her favorite though. Those pictures showed bright and shiny buildings and exotic cities. They showed a world in the prime of existence. Not the world she faced every day, a world of darkness and ruin.

                No one took pictures anymore, unless you were a government bot. They took pictures of criminals and rebels so they could broadcast them for all to see. Having your picture taken was not a good thing.

                Elismarc input a few commands and downloaded the entire cache of photos. She could be arrested for having them, but she didn’t care. She needed something to get her through the dark times ahead.

Untitled Star Wars 2

Author's Note:

     This is a very rough series of scene-shots. I apologize in advance to any hard-core Star Wars fans who may read it and find canonical and technical errors and misconceptions in it (especially regarding the Jedi and the Force). I am a big  fan of Star Wars, but have not been able to express that love for some time (a long story that does not have a place here) and this has led to a lack of knowledge about much outside of the movies. As with most of my scene-shots it is mostly un-edited, nor did I do any research for it. In light of that, please forgive the lack of planet names and other species. I simply wrote what came to me based on what I already know. Also, it is not intended to have any relation or bearing to the current or previous cannon. It simply occurs in the same GFFA. Thank you for your understanding, and may the Force be with you.

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Cast
     Captian Nohrann- Zabrak
    Un-named Padwan - Human 
    Skippy- Twi'lek

     Captain Nohrann stared at the figure lying on the bed and finally understood the human phrase "déjà vu." The scene reminded him of the first time he and the former Padawan had met.
     Seven years ago, he and his crew had found the you human female severely injured and hiding among their cargo. While the fact that they had a stowaway was a surprise, the fact that that the stowaway was a Jedi was even more so.
     Only a few days before, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, now Emporer Palpatine, had declared the Jedi to be traitors. Any sightings were to be reported immediately. However, Nohrann and his crew had never reported her and had instead gave her some much needed medical assistance and sanctuary.
     Later, when she had asked why, Norhrann told her that a Jedi had saved his life years earlier. When asked how he could repay him, the Jedi told him that he could do so by someday helping a Jedi who needed it. The captain hadn't seen a Jedi until he had found her in his cargo hold.
     With the captain and the rest of the crew willing to keep her secret, the girl joined the crew of the Star Sprite. Over the next few years she had slowly changed. Her demeanor was less reserved and she often filled the ship with laughter. She had traded her Jedi robes for clothes more suited for her new identity. Her hair, which had always been bound up, was left to grow free and was now a mass of curls. While she had not been able to bring herself to cut off her Padawan braid, she had added similar braids so it was no longer obvious.
     She had also traded her lightsaber for two blasters. The lightsaber, along with a Clone Tropper helmet were always locked away in her cabin. She still practiced with it, but only when there were no passengers on the ship. Her real name and the reason she had the helmet were two things neither Nohrahnn nor his crew had ever asked her about.
     She had proven herself to be a capable crew member and a good friend. Nohrahnn knew she had nightmares and struggled with the loss of what had been her only family, even though she hid it well. He also knew it was a struggle for her to be unable to use and rely on the Force, the ever-present power she and so few others now had access to. It was this particular struggle that had put them in their current predicament.
     While working a job on (Planet), which was heavily infested with Imperial troops, she and several other had been caught in an explosion. She had saved the others by using the Force to push them out of the blast radius. She, however, had taken the brunt of the blast. A family who child had been among those saved offered them a place to hide for awhile. She now lay in a spare room with a broken leg, cracked ribs, several burns, and possibly a concussion and internal bleeding.
     Her heroics had saved lives, but had also alerted to the local Imps to the presence of a "Force-sensitive" and possible Jedi survivor. He and his crew were now trapped on (Planet). They were unable to reach their ship, and taking her to a med-center was not an option.
    One of his crew, a Twi'lek nicknamed Skippy, had been a medic during the Clone Wars. He had done what he could for her, but she was still in a lot of pain. What made it worse, for her at least, was the that she was unable to use the Force to hasten her healing. She would have to rely solely on her fellow crew members and her body's natural healing rate.
     Furthermore, they still had a job that needed finishing.

To Die For Love and Freedom

They were words that spoke of rebellion and freedom. Rebellion against those who had oppressed us for centuries and freedom to do and be what we wanted. They were words what promised a better life for ourselves and those who came after us. I fell in love with those words and with the man who spoke them. Those inspiring words from an inspiring man. Now, I stand condemned to death. Doomed to die for fighting for a better life, for rising up against those who would keep me down. He stands beside me, my lover and commander, along with many others who rose up with us. I pray our sacrifice will not be in vain. I pray that others will hear his words and fall in love with them and the desire for freedom.

Hawksrising Part 1: Dragon Knights 5

     Aylin repeated the word a few times to herself, associating it as the dragon's name. "I like it. I think is suits you." she finally said.
     "Thank you." he replied.
     Silence reigned once again. This time, it was Thunder who broke it.
     "Where will you go? The induction is a month away."
     Aylin gave him a sheepish look, "I didn't think that far ahead. I just took off. I didn't even think about what would happen if I wasn't chosen."
     The dragon gave a huff, blowing  smoke out of his nostrils. Apparently her recklessness did not surprise him.
     They sat in silence again, watching the setting sun.
     "What about Hawksrising?"
     Aylin gave the dragon a puzzled look. "What about it?"
     "Did you not say that is where you are from? Why not stay there?"
     Aylin looked down at her feet. She quietly replied, "I've never been there. I don't even know were it is."
     She felt Thunder's eyes on her, but refused to look at him. She heard him move, a quiet rustle of scales and the click of claws.
     "Then I shall show you where it is."
     At this, she glanced up at him, a look of hope lighting her face. "Really?" she asked. "You know where it is?"
     "Every dragon knows where the home of the Dragonfriend is."
     "How will we get there?"
     Thunder looked at her, and Aylin could have sworn in was a look of frustration. "I will fly you there."
     She looked at him for a moment. "You can do that? I thought you had to be older for someone to ride you. How will I stay on?"
     "I am old enough to carry a small rider and we can rest if I need to. Do you know how to ride a horse bare-back? 
      "I've done it once or twice."
      "Then that will have to suffice. Do not worry, if you fall, I will catch you."
     Aylin stared at him in silence for another moment and then got to her feet. Thunder lowered himself so she could climb onto his back. She found the hollow where his neck met his chest and situated herself. While not exactly comfrotable, the spot did offer some stability, and she gripped his neck with her knees. She leaned into his neck and found that she could grip the edges his scales by slightly pulling them up. Unlike a snakes, they had ridges and offered a fairly good grip.
    "Are you ready?" the dragon asked after she had stopped fidgeting.
    "Here goes nothing."
     She felt Thunder tense for a moment and then he sprung from the balcony. Aylin almost lost her grip. She felt the scales bite into her hands and hoped they had not cut them. A moment later, there was a jolt and a feeling of weightlessness as Thunder spread his wings leveled out.  He circled the citadel once, and then headed south-east.

**If you are interested in reading the ongoing continuation of this story, please follow this link: https://www.wattpad.com/story/66057351-dragon-knights
Thanks!
    

Thunder: Dragon Knights 4

     Aylin sighed in contentment. She was finally coming down from the euphoria of the morning. After she and the black dragon, her dragon, had taken their places with the other chosen children, the gong that had started the ceremony rang three times, signaling the end of the Choosing.
     The children who had not been chosen were ushered out of the hall. Those who had been chosen remained with their dragons. The children's height and weight were measured and recorded, as well as their measurements for clothing. Although there were fifteen children, it all happened quickly, the process made efficient from years of execution.
     Lunch was served afterward and many of the children left and headed for home. The official ceremony presenting the newest generation of Dragon Knights would not take place for another month. This gave the rulers of the various nations that comprised the Six Lands time to prepare and travel to Storm Hold, the home of the Dragon Knights.
      Aylin had been too excited to eat. Instead, after arranging for the Baron's son David to take the horse she had ridden here back to Sandorne, she had wandered around the citadel. Eventually, she found herself sitting, legs pulled to her chest, on an large balcony overlooking the city.
     The balcony had no railing and offered an amazing view of the city and the countryside surrounding it. It was evening now, and the sun was setting over the mountains that formed the borders between Estrana and Draurhiel. She sat, mesmerized by the colors painted by the sunset.
     "Why are you still here?" a deep, male voice asked. "The others from your home left hours ago."
     Aylin gave a small start and glanced to look at the speaker. Her dragon was standing behind her, staring. She noticed that although his scales and horns were a deep black, his eyes were a bright, reptilian green. Turning back to the sunset, she replied, "Castle Sandorne is not my home."
     "Is that not where you were raised?" the dragon asked, confusion in his voice.
     Aylin gave a small laugh of derision, "Yes, but that doesn't make it home. Now that I've escaped, I'm never going back. Besides, I don't think the baroness would let me anyway."
     "I see." the dragon replied, although his tone gave the impression he was still confused. He stretched himself out across the balcony, curling himself around her and positioning himself so that his head sat just past where Aylin sat.
     They sat in silence for a while as the sun sank lower. Eventually, Aylin broke the silence with a question, "What's your name?"
     They dragon's green eye looked back at her, but he did not otherwise move. Neither did he answer.
     "What? You already know mine. What harm would it be for me to know yours?"
    The dragon looked back out over the city. After a moment's silence, his voice sounded in her head, speaking a single word, "Thunder."

The Choosing Part 3: Dragon Knights 3

     Aylin lay underneath the dragon listening to the voices above her. She couldn't understand what they were saying, they were speaking in dragon, but she knew they were talking about her. The conversation seemed to go on for hours. Finally, the scales above her shifted and she curled into a ball, trying to make her self as small as possible in hopes of not being crushed.
      "Stand up child." a voice behind her commanded.
     Aylin looked up to see that the dragon had moved from above her to beside her. She stood up and faced the direction the voice had come from. She was now facing the brown dragon who had found her earlier, two citadel priests-an older and a younger, and two citadel guards. They were all staring at her.
     The older priest, who had spoken earlier, spoke again. "What is your name, child?"
     Aylin glanced at the dragon standing beside her without answering. The dragons participating in the Choosing were not told the names of the children so it would not influence them in their decisions. Being the child of a Dragon Knight did not guarantee that you became one.
     "The dragon has already chosen as his Knight." the priest stated, "It is all right to tell us your name."
     She turned back to the priest and said, "Aylin-"
     The younger priest interrupted her, "Aylin of Sandorne, Baron Ambrose's daughter. I've seen you before."
     "No. Aylin of Hawksrising." she replied. "The Baron and his wife are not my parents."
     The priests gave her a strange look, but did not speak. Instead, the brown dragon did. His voice was deep and strong, "Then who your parents?"
     Aylin looked at the dragon, "My mother's name was Salyne. My father was Sir Edward Dragonfriend. I was given to Baron Ambrose after my mother died in labor."
     "You are Sir Edward's daughter?" the older priest asked, mild surprise in his voice. "Why was your name not on the list from Sandorne?"
     Aylin was silent for a moment. Finally she replied in a matter of fact tone, "Because the baroness refused to put my name on the list. She despises my father and would rather marry me off than see me follow in his footsteps."
     All were silent for a moment. "We will need to verify your story with Baron Ambrose," the older priest stated, "but for now, please take your place with the rest of the chosen."

      Ayline and  the black dragon took their places beside the others. Her heart was pounding. Her dream had come true. She was to become a Dragon Knight, just like her father.

**To be continued as time and inspiration allow.**

The Choosing Part 2: Dragon Knights 2

     The pillar Aylin was hiding behind was above the floor where the Choosing was taking place. A long staircase that ran the length of that side of the room lead down to the main floor. From where she hid, she could see all the participants, both dragon and human.
    There about thirty kids of various backgrounds. All of the nation's that comprised the Six Lands were allowed to send their children. The Dragon Knights held the peace between the Six Lands and defended it against its enemies. A Knight was only beholden to his birth country if it did not conflict with the laws and directives of the Dragon Knights.
     Aylin watched as the first dragon walked the line of children. While some of the children stood at military attention while the dragon passed,  a few stood with their arms crossed and in a self-important stance. One girl, Aylin noticed,  stood out from the rest. She was of average height, but thin. She was shaking. 

     As the dragon passed in front of her, it stopped and turned to face her. The dragon, small by dragon standard, had two horns on it's head and pure white scales. It stared at the girl for a moment and the gently tapped her head with its snout. The dragon had chosen it's Knight.
     The girl almost fainted at the dragon's touch, but managed to stay upright. She and the dragon walked to the left side of the hall and stood together. After they had taken their place, the next dragon, a green one with golden horns began to walk the line.
     The Choosing continued in this manner until all but one of the fifteen dragons had chosen a child. The remaining dragon was midnight black. It's scales reflected the light with a midnight blue. Two horns rose from its head and a line of spikes ran halfway down its neck, almost like a mane. Lean and muscular, it was larger than the other dragons who had been part of The Choosing, but was still smaller than the older dragons who had escorted them here. It gave off an air of confidence and power.

     Aylin had heard of this dragon. According to the Baron's son Cedric, who was only a little older than her, this dragon had been at several Choosings and had yet to select a child. While not entirely unheard of, it was rare. This would explain why it was bigger than all the other dragons participating.
     She was so absorbed in staring at the dragon below that she did not hear the one approaching from behind her. She heard a low growl and turned around to face a large brown dragon. It had a scar running over its right eye and the horn above it had been partially cut off. She tried to dash away, but the dragon move faster than her and blocked her way.
     Gently nudging with its snout, it ushered her between the pillars and down the stairs. She was aware that everyone was staring at her. As she descended, she was so busy trying not to imagine what punishment she would endure for spying on The Choosing that she tripped on the last few steps and unceremoniously rolled onto the hall floor.
     She rolled to a stop, dazed. She was aware of feet rushing towards her, temple guards she assumed, and tried to get up. Before she could however, a dark shadow fell over her and a loud boom echoed through the hall. She looked up and was met with a roof of night black scales. The black dragon she had been watching had jumped across the hall and as now standing over her.

The Choosing- Part 1: Dragon Knights 1

     Aylin ducked back behind the pillar and prayed that she hadn't been spotted. Even though she technically had every right to be here, she had been expressly forbidden from coming. She was supposed to be back at Castle Sandorne, locked in her chambers. She was not supposed to be at the citadel in Braewood, watching The Choosing.
     She held her breath as a priest walked by. If she was caught, she would be severely punished. Every three years, the Choosing was held. All eligible children of noble birth we're allowed to attend the choosing, the time when the dragons who had come of age would choose a child and they would become Dragon Knights. Only a few were chosen every year.
     Aylin was an orphan. While not a disqualifying fact in and of itself, it did complicate matters. Aylin's father,  Sir Edward of Hawksrising,  had been a noble He had also been one of the greatest Dragon Knights that had be seen in centuries, earning the coveted title- Dragonfriend. During the last war, he and his dragon had been killed. Wen his pregnant wife Salyne heard the news, she had immediately gone until labor. She died the next night from heartbreak and the rigours of the labor. The baby girl, Alyin, was given to a fellow Dragon Knight to be raised as his own.
     Baron Ambrose was a decent man, when he was sober; and only slightly less when he was drunk. The baroness on the other hand, had nothing but harsh words for Aylin. She had hated Sir Edward for not choosing her as his wife and had despised Lady Salyne. Her hate was so that she refused to tell Aylin anything about her parents and forbidden her from asking about them.
     It was during one of the Baron's rare visits home that she learned the truth. She had been bringing his dinner to him when he had remarked that she had her father's eyes. Even though he was obviously drunk, she still asked if he jab known him. He preceded to tell her that he had served with her father during the war and of how she came to Castle Sandorne.
     Aylin had kept the conversation to herself, never telling anyone. She had quietly researched her father and had grown to respect him and desire to follow in his footsteps. That was why, against her better judgment,  she had attempted to steal the letter containing the names of those from Castle Sandorne who would be attending The Choosing and add her name. She had been caught and beaten. Her back still hurt where the whip had struck it.
     After the beating, the Baroness had ordered her to be locked in her chambers until the Choosing was over. What made this worse was that after this Choosing, Aylin would be too old to participate. So, with the help of a friend in the stables, she had sneaked out and ridden to Braewood. Posing as a servant girl and miraculously making her way to the grand hall.
     A loud gong rung three times, snapping Aylin out of her memories. The Choosing was starting.

Untitled Star Wars 1: Scene-Shot 2

Author's Note:

     This is a very rough series of scene-shots. I apologize in advance to any hard-core Star Wars fans who may read it and find canonical and technical errors and misconceptions in it (especially regarding the Jedi and the Force). I am a big  fan of Star Wars, but have not been able to express that love for some time (a long story that does not have a place here) and this has led to a lack of knowledge about much outside of the movies. As with most of my scene-shots it is mostly un-edited, nor did I do any research for it. In light of that, please forgive the lack of planet names and other species. I simply wrote what came to me based on what I already know. Also, it is not intended to have any relation or bearing to the current or previous cannon. It simply occurs in the same GFFA. (I will say that it would take place some time before the Phantom Menace.) Thank you for your understanding, and may the Force be with you.

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Cast of Scene-Shot 2
     Jedi Knight Wylder Cade - Human
     Jedi Knight Abu Sayeed - Human
     Padawan Kaedyn Jinn - Human


     Wylder bowed to the council and turd of the holocomm he had been using. The Council had been unable to shed any light on what was affecting his friend and had affected his friend's apprentice. They had ordered him to wait there on (planet1) until Kaedyn awoke and speak with her when she did. Then he was to report his findings afterward.
     Later, as he sat meditating, he reflected on what he knew of what had brought Abu and Kaedyn to (planet1).  It had been two year since he had last seen his friend, Abu Sayeed. Friends since childhood, they had completed several missions for the Council together as knights and had made a good team. Two years ago, after returning from a mission, Abu had decided to take a Padawan. Wylder had been sent off on a mission before he had heard Abu's choice.
     He had not heard from or about his friend until the message from the Council came, requesting him to travel to (planet1). They had informed him that the Knight and Padawan had been sent to a mission on (planet2). It had been five months since anyone had heard from them. A look at (planet2)'s spaceport records showed that the ship they had been traveling on had docked safely and Abu and Kaedyn had disembarked. However, they had never met with the contact who was supposed to meet them. Two other Jedi had been sent to (planet2) to take care of the mission while a search for Abu and his Padawan commenced.
     Five months later, a transmission from (planet1) was received. It stated that two Jedi had been admitted to a med-center. They appeared to be physically fine, except for minor cuts and bruises, but had remained in an unresponsive state.
     The descriptions given had confirmed that they were the missing Jedi Knight Abu Sayeed and his apprentice, Kaedyn Jinn. Having just finished a mission of his own on (planet3), which was close to (planet1), he was ordered to report there and "take custody" of Abu and Kaedyn and to see what he could find regarding how they had come to (planet1), light years from where they should have been, and learn where they had been for five months.
     Upon his arrival three days later, he was informed that while Abu's condition had remained unchanged, Kaedyn's had slowly been changing somewhat. Her heart rate and breathing had slowly increased, and her muscles had become tense; but she was still unresponsive. When he asked how they had come here he was told that according to local reports, Kaedyn had stumbled onto a local farm, supporting her unconscious master. Startled farm hands had rushed to her aid. She was barely conscious and only managed a weak, "Help him." before she passed out.
     The farmers had brought them to a local med-center that served the surrounding farms and towns. Then, they had retraced their trail from the farm to discover a crashed and badly damaged escape pod. A search of the surrounding area revealed no other pods or survivors. There was no clue of any kind that could tell him where they had been or how they had gotten here. He would have to wait until Kaedyn awoke to learn any more.

--To (possibly) Be Continued--

Untitled Star Wars 1: Scene-Shot 1

Author's Note:

     This is a very rough series of scene-shots. I apologize in advance to any hard-core Star Wars fans who may read it and find canonical and technical errors and misconceptions in it (especially regarding the Jedi and the Force). I am a big  fan of Star Wars, but have not been able to express that love for some time (a long story that does not have a place here) and this has led to a lack of knowledge about much outside of the movies. As with most of my scene-shots it is mostly un-edited, nor did I do any research for it. In light of that, please forgive the lack of planet names and other species. I simply wrote what came to me based on what I already know. Also, it is not intended to have any relation or bearing to the current or previous cannon. It simply occurs in the same GFFA. (I will say that it would take place some time before the Phantom Menace.) Thank you for your understanding, and may the Force be with you.

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Cast of Scene-Shot 2
     Jedi Knight Wylder Cade - Human
     Jedi Knight Abu Sayeed - Human
     Padawan Kaedyn Jinn - Human

     Jedi Knight Wylder Cade stared at the med-data before him and then at his friend laying on the bed below it. His friend and fellow Jedi Knight, Abu Sayeed, lay absolutely still. His breathing was calm and measured; but it was not the deep breathing of sleep, nor the controlled breathing of meditation. The med-droids had been unable to find anything physically wrong with him besides a few scrapes and bruises.
     Moments earlier, he had tried to reach out to his friend through the Force. What he had found was a void of sorts. Where he should have felt the calm, assured presence of his friend, and possibly the reason he was unresponsive, there was nothing. He could sense he was still alive, but not the reason he had remained unresponsive for so many days.
     Wylder felt a shift and turned his gaze to the other figure in the room. Abu's Padawan, Kaedyn Jinn if he remembered correctly, lay a few steps away. In stark contrast to her master, who lay on his bed seemingly at peace, Kaedyn was obviously in turmoil.
     While she made no outward movement, Wylder could sense she was struggling against something. Her hands were balled into fists, and her heart rate and breather were faster than they should have been. Her face was a mask of pain.
     He walked the short distance to stand beside her. He looked at her for a moment and then placed his hand on her forehead. It was damp.
     He reached out to her through the Force, just as he had with his friend. At first, he was met with what he assumed the same "void" as before; but as he studied it, he noticed cracks. The void was an illusion, more of a cocoon than a void. One that suppressed a being's presence in the Force and their ability, or will, to respond to any stimuli.
     Kaedyn had somehow managed to crack the "cocoon" that was imprisoning her. He could sense her pushing from the inside, struggling to escape. The cocoon was pushing back. Wylder watched as some of the smaller cracks she had made began to reseal themselves.
     He reached for one of the larger cracks. He felt along its edges, and then gripped them and started to pull them apart. He sensed Kaedyn's awareness and struggle shift to this crack. He sensed her fatigue and a growing amount of frustration, but also her relief and hope that help had come.
     "Focus, Kaedyn." he mentally said to her. "Focus on this crack. You can do it."
     He felt her efforts surge. Physically, he felt her head move and heard a quiet groan. She was breaking through.
     After what felt like an eternity of combined effort, the crack they were widening created too many for the cocoon to repair, and it shattered. As they gave the final surge of effort, Wylder felt and heard Kaedyn give a low scream of pain. Moments later, the cocoon shattered, he felt her relief at finally being free of the prison.
     He withdrew from the Force, and opened his eyes. He looked down at the young Padawan. She was covered in sweat and breathing hard. Her eyes fluttered and then opened. They found his for the briefest of seconds and then they closed and she succumbed to exhaustion. Her breathing eventually slowed into the deep, rhythmic sound of someone sleeping.
     Wylder turned to the med-droid who was now standing behind him. He had undoubtedly come in regard to Kaedyn's elevated heart rate and scream. "She should improve now. Please come find me when she wakes up."
     He glanced at his friend as he left the room. Abu still lay quietly, completely unaware and unable to respond to the struggle of his apprentice. He hoped the Council could shed some light on what had imprisoned Kaedyn and was still imprisoning his friend.

--To Be Continued--

Becoming the Villain

He gripped the photo tighter and tighter until it bent and crumpled and then tore it to shreds. Then, with anger filling him, he wrecked everything in sight. Books were pulled off shelves and thrown. Knickknacks were tossed to the floor where they shattered. Tables and chars were overturned. He grabbed a knife from the kitchen and slashed paintings and photos on the walls. He took a bat and shattered his windows. Nothing was spared from his anger. Finally, when the edge of his anger had been dulled, he grabbed his jacket, keys, and emergency cash and left. He would be back, however. He would be back to wreak havoc and take his revenge.

Untitled Sci-Fi Story (1)

She stared at the man pinning her to the wall. He had been like a father to her. Her parents had died when she was young, and he had taken her in and had given her a home aboard his ship. He and his crew had treated her like family. When she was old enough, he had somehow arranged for her to join the Alliance's top naval academy. Now, this man held a knife- her knife, the one he had given her- to her throat. She desperately wanted to ask him why, but she dared not speak.

Recently, there had been rumors that he had turned terrorist. He and his crew had never been upstanding citizens, but they had never hurt innocent people or caused destruction for the fun of it. Her relation to him and his crew was not in her personnel file, and she had kept silent when her current captain and crew had been assigned the mission of hunting him and his crew down and bringing them in, alive if possible.

She had never believed the rumors. The man she knew would never have done those things, and his crew would not have gone along with him if he had. They were good people. Now, however, as she felt the knife tip, pressed to her throat, doubt tempted her. It had been ten years after all.

Finally, he spoke, "Are you alone?" His voice had an edge of steel to it.

She didn't answer right away, and he pressed the knife closer to her throat and repeated the question, "Are you alone? Did anyone come with you?"

She whispered, "No. I split from the others."

The knife lowered, and he spoke. This time, his voice was filled with relief and apology "Good. I'm sorry, kid. I had to be sure we were alone."

She took a deep breath and asked, "Do know why we're here? Is what they're saying true?"

He nodded his head, "Yes, to the first. As for the second, what do you think? You flew with me for years. If I tell you I was framed, will you believe me, in spite of all the evidence?"

With that last statement, he met and held her gaze. As she stared into his eyes, she realized that she would always believe him over any Alliance officer. He may operate in a grey area, but he had never lied to her or his crew, and he had always stood for what he believed in. She could count on one hand the people she had met in the past ten years who had done the same. Her current captain was a good man on first impression, but she did not know him enough to judge him against the man standing before her. As for their mission intelligence, they were operating on information that others had "gathered" and passed on. There was no way to verify its authenticity.

"I never doubted you." was her reply.

He smiled, although it was only a sad, half smile. "Have you told anyone your relationship to me?"

"No. It was left out of my file and I never found a good reason to bring it up."

"Good, you were always smart." he replied, and was silent for a moment. "We've missed you, you know. The ship's not the same without a little brat running around. Someone in the Alliance higher-ups is out to get us. We've been running secret Alliance support missions for the Three World Rebellion and someone wants us to stop. The reports are right that there's a traitor, but it's not me or my crew. You can't let anyone know you were with us. They'll just brand you a traitor too." He was silent again. After a moment he met her eyes again and spoke. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes." she replied, without hesitation.

"Then please forgive me."

Before she could ask "For what?", she felt a sharp pain in her right side. She gasped and tried to move away, but his arm still held her against the wall. She felt her strength leaving with the warm blood now running down her side. She sagged.

He held her as she slid down the wall. When she had reached the floor, he cupped her face and turned it to him. "I'm sorry. It had to be done." Then, he kissed he forehead and left.

The Lost Pizza

It had been a good pizza too. Deep dish with steak, mushrooms, green peppers, and extra cheese. He had only eaten one piece when his door had been smashed in and the had fight ensued. During it's course, he wasn't exactly sure how or when, a fire had started. They had continued to fight until he had killed his attacker; but by then it was too late to save his apartment. Realizing this, he fled from it, pizza forgotten, and melted into the on-looking crowd and stood, watching it burn. There had been nothing special in the apartment, not pictures, keepsakes, or valuables. There had only been that poor, poor pizza.

The Humanity Problem

"And what's that?'

"You're human."

.................................."I don't get it. How is being human wrong?"

"It's not wrong to be human; but it's what's wrong with you. Tell me, if you were there was nothing wrong with you, what would you be?"

"Perfect?"

"Exactly; and if you were perfect, you would not be human. Humans make mistakes. Humans feel emotions. They lie, cheat, steel, abuse, fight, and all sorts of bad things. We're not perfect. We never will be; well, not until The King returns, but that's something else. Anyway, humans are wonderfully flawed creatures. No, it's not right what we do sometimes and we should always try to do and be better; but when you make a mistake, don't beat yourself up over it. You're human. When someone else makes a mistake or does something bad, don't beat them up either. They're human. No one is perfect."

Lonely Love

He waited for her. He sat quietly, all alone, and waited; and waited, and waited. She never came. Eventually, sad and dejected he left. He was never seen again. Some say he left and died alone of a broken heart. Others say he left and found love again in a distant, distant land. No one knows for sure. They only know that a love that had held so much promise withered and died like a rose in winter.

So Close to Consciousness

She came to consciousness slowly. She didn't bother to open her eyes at first. She simply lay there, listening to beeps and humming. Beyond those, she was only aware of the fact she was breathing and in pain. There was a dull ache in her lower left arm; and a sharper, more widespread, pain on the right side of her torso. Her head, although not pounding, throbbed slightly. She felt stiff and heavy. She decided to open her eyes, but was only rewarded with a blinding light that caused her to scrunch them closed. Against her better judgment, she tried to sit up. The movement caused her side to flare in pain and her head began to pound. The unconsciousness she had slipped away from moments before grabbed onto her like a parent finding a runaway child. She tried to fight it, to cling to her hard won awareness, but the darkness won. She once again slipped into its numbing hold.

Woman Warrior

 This was mainly because a sword was a man's weapon. Women usually carried daggers. God, according to popular opinion, had not made women for battle. He had made them to be homemakers and healers. This woman obviously didn't care about "popular" opinion. The long, curved weapon hung at her hip with such a natural ease it almost like she had been born with it there.

Later, when she had cause to withdraw the sword, she did so in a graceful, fluid motion. As she moved, the weapon became a natural extension of her arm. There was no hesitation or doubt. Each strike and block was executed with precision and minimal effort. When she had defeated her opponent, she simply sheathed her blade and walked off. Neither gloating or basking in her victory. She knew what she was capable of and that was all she needed.