Anaria forgot all about the stream the moment she stepped inside the cottage. It was a little dusty and forlorn but was clearly kept ready to shelter anyone in need, in the same way as the hut on the road all those weeks ago. That was where the similarities ended. This cottage was a glorious …
Joy looked to Sophia for support, she got an encouraging nod. She sighed and turned to face the mage. “My name’s Joy and I come from a small village in the Leaf forests. Ma lived on the edge of the village, even a little removed, as she was the old healer’s apprentice and inherited when …
Shara's stories were a gateway to another world. Unlike the other bards and storytellers scattered about the market square and by the fires of the taverns at night, she only told stories of one place, but what stories they were. Full of fire and flight, colour and smoke and steam and emotion bounding through every …
Liam froze for a second, then wrapped his arms around her and started kissing her back, hard. Eventually, he broke off and buried his face in her neck, much as she had with him a number of times. She stroked his back, gently kissed the top of his head, and gave him smooth, soothing words …
Millie carefully folded her gifts back into a neat bundle, tucked them onto a helpful chair and found the biscuits. Shaun laughed, "She's got you figured already love, tea and biscuits and talk will happen." Millie blushed, "I just want to make sure I'm helpful." Edda put a cup of tea down by Shaun, who …
Mellisande hurried ahead, opening the door to their suite and clearing a path to the wide, comfortable day bed tucked against the far wall of the sitting room. Alec threw her a grateful look as he went to put Kid down. Small hands clung desperately as the flailing turned to grabbing. "Please, I'll be good, …
They did take that day off about a week later. While Anaria was very slowly improving at most tasks, the holiday was declared after a second gardening session that had aggravated and infected one blister to the point that both Sarah and Maggie had declared her an official invalid for a day, only good for …
The merchant party turned to look as Connor and Sophia approached. The guards quickly resumed unloading the wagon, their decision prompting the others to do the same. “I’m not sure whether to be relieved or slightly offended.” Sophia’s lips twitched at Connor’s comment, but kept a curious and concerned expression evident as they came within …
That made her smile, "So considerate, is this the Duke at work, or my husband?" "It doesn't matter what identity I'm wearing, I have a wife I want to know, trust and be comfortable with me." A random thought occurred, "So you always keep as close to the truth as you can?" He eyed her …
When she got to the trees, Millie reached out a hand to the nearest trunk, "Thank you so much, but please don't strain yourself in keeping the path too wide open, I really do love your greenery and shade." The forest quivered and relaxed, the path shrinking in size, but staying straight and clear through …
The DNA of Stories 