Legend of the Seeker miscellany
Aug. 12th, 2013 12:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
meridian_roseMiscellany of entries from the recent Legendland battle 14.
Unfortunately my Team Mord'Sith placed third. The Seekers did themselves proud to take first place! I participated in all challenges
Graphics
Seekers Journal Review initially posted at Tumblr, picspams
Challenge: Tabloid Magazine
Challenge: Book Cover
Fic
There's a couple of pieces not published here in case I want to rewrite them as full versions later.
Challenge: Write from a creature's POV - I don't anticipate publishing this anywhere else!
Title: Humphrey
Creature: Shadrin
Word Count: 314
Humphrey stamped around the woodland. He liked the forest very much. The estates were full of wonderful forests with tall shady trees, and lots of wildlife, and even the occasional peasant to eat. Humphrey's Shadrin family had lived here for generations, and for the most part it was a fine place to be. Except for the hunting. Not Humphrey's hunting; he enjoyed to hunt very much. No, when the humans came hunting. And today Humphrey heard noises that suggested humans were prowling nearby.
Sometimes the humans were happy with a deer or a few rabbits or some pheasants. Humphrey understood that. He liked to eat deer, and rabbits and pheasants, just not as much as he liked to eat humans. But while deer had hooves, and Humphrey had horns of which he was very proud, people tended to have metal claws they kept in their waists until threatened. So he had to careful which humans he tried to eat.
But sometimes the humans wanted a Shadrin. Humphrey didn’t understand why. Shadrin were not good to eat, not even other Shadrin ate each other. Humphrey's nest mates had both been killed by the nasty humans. Sometimes you could run from them or scream at them until they ran away. But sometimes the humans used their wicked sharp metal claws.
Suddenly the human hunting party came blundering into Humphrey's territory. They scared away the rabbit he had been about to snack on. Humphrey was very cross about that. He bellowed in rage.
Then a human – not one of the two legged ones, but one of the ones who seemed to be shaped like an upside down flower, stepped forward. She was very pink, like the blossoms growing by Humphrey's favourite watering hole.
The flowery human had a yellow head. She lifted her hands. Something sharp came flying at Humphrey. It was the last thing he knew.
Challenge: RKZC have amnesia - it could be extended into a full fic but I don't see it happening right now so I'm archiving it here
Title: LoTs Lost Memories
Word Count: 557
"Stay back," Zedd yelled. He was on the floor and didn't know how he had got there or who these people were, or, worse, who he was. The grass was slightly damp and there was a smell of sulphur in the air.
"I was just going to help you up," protested Richard. "Are you all right, sir?"
"No. I don't know who I am!"
Kahlan drew her daggers and moved to stand between Zedd and Richard. "Who are you?"
He thought about it for a moment. "I don't know," he said honestly.
Kahlan pursed her lips. "Magic," she said at last. "I don't know who I am either."
"Someone who thinks wandering around in white is a good idea in a muddy forest," drawled Cara, sitting by a tree trunk.
Kahlan's eyes narrowed. "Because that skin tight leather is so subtle!" Cara shifted uncomfortably, puzzled by her strange clothes.
"Ladies, ladies," Richard said. "Let's not fight."
They were interrupted by the wizard, who'd managed to drag himself to his feet. "This seems like Powerful Magic," intoned Zedd. He patted at his face. "Creator, I'm old."
"Then we need to find a wizard," Richard said decisively.
"We?" Kahlan and Cara said in unison, and then glared at each other.
"Who put you in charge?" Cara demanded. "For all I know you're the one who did this to us."
Richard pointedly asked if she had any better ideas and she had to admit she didn't. Reluctantly, and with Zedd grumbling and Kahlan throwing suspicious looks at Cara constantly, the four of them found the nearest river and began to follow it in search of a settlement.
"Do you think we were travelling together?" Kahlan asked.
"I don't know. Maybe." Richard looked at her thoughtfully. "Maybe you're my sisters and I'm taking you to safety."
"Sisters?" Cara asked.
"Safety from what?" Kahlan asked.
"Then maybe I'm your father," Zedd suggested before Richard could come up an answer.
"Grandfather more like," Richard snickered, earning a scowl.
"I'm armed," Kahlan said. "I hardly think I need escorting." She pointed to Cara's Agiel. "What's that thing? Is it a weapon?"
Cara brushed her hand over it and fell to knees, screaming in pain. A moment later Zedd had her hand in his, looking for injuries, Richard was crouched down, trying to soothe Cara, and Kahlan was looking shocked and guilty.
"I think it is a weapon," Richard said, stroking Cara's hair. "But not one she can use." It was another puzzle.
"I'm sorry," Kahlan said. "I didn’t know."
Cara rubbed away her tears, embarrassed. "It wasn't your fault." They continued on their way.
They reached a village later that day, but they had no wizard. The nearest sorcerer of any worth was fifty miles to the north. Dejected, Richard purchased four tankards of ale and they all sat in the corner of a tavern, wondering what they could do.
"Zedd," said a woman. They all looked over. Shota took a seat.
"Do you know me?" Richard asked.
"I know all of you. I was addressing Zedd." She gestured and he smiled at gaining some morsel of information about himself. "My name is Shota. It seems you've got yourselves into some mischief."
Richard nodded glumly. "Can you help us?"
"Oh yes." Shota smiled evilly. "For a price."
They were in no position to argue.
Challenge: Nursery Rhyme - this I may publish elsewhere when I have some other LotS poetry
Title: Don't Fear the Gar
Where in the world? Midlands
Word Count: 63
Hush little baby, don't you cry
No evil gar will eat you alive
Mama brought a spell from a wizard in town
That keeps us safe when the sun goes down
And if that spell doesn't work like it should
Mama's got an axe for chopping wood
And if a gar she has to kill
We'll have gar stew served with fresh dill
Challenge: Write about a past or a future Seeker & Confessor - almost original fic by the time I'd finished but I might rewrite this/use this as inspiration at a later date. I like the idea of a gay Seeker who's more interested in his wizard than his Confessor.
Title: Jerrel and his second Confessor
Seeker: Jerrel
Confessor: Sera
Timeline: past
Word Count: 515
Sera was practising with her daggers. Cut, thrust, twirl, duck. Her sleeves and hair spun around her, a white tornado with a blonde halo. Jerrel watched her, impressed. Despite his initial concerns, she'd proven herself skilled and courageous. She didn't rely on her Confessor powers, using them only when she had to. Her daggers were her weapon of choice.
Jerrel was polishing the Sword of Truth. It was his weapon of choice, and more than that – it was a symbol. A connection to all the Seekers who ever were or would be. When he fought, he was not fighting alone.
Sera wasn't the first Confessor to travel with him. He still felt grief and guilt over the woman who had scarified herself to save him. There were many Confessors, she'd said as she died in his arms, but only one true Seeker.
He'd been reluctant to allow Sera – so young, he thought, though she was actually just one year younger than him – to come with him after that.
"The Seeker needs his Confessor," Kronos had said in a tone that brooked no argument. "Or a Confessor, at least." It was probably one of his wizard's rules. Another such rule was that the Confessor needed her wizard, and so Kronos accompanied them everywhere. He was, he said forty years of age, but he liked to look younger and passed for twenty five with ease. In fact he and Jerrel were sometimes mistaken for brothers, with their olive skin and dark hair.
Sera looked nothing like them. She was Jerrel's opposite in so many ways, pale skinned and fair haired, quick with her tongue, and light-hearted. It helped that she was also different to her predecessor. He couldn't have faced looking at another steely-eyed brunette every day.
Kronos had gone to haggle over horses. Jerrel hoped he'd be back soon. The sky was clouding over and he'd like to make the next village before it rained. There was nothing heroic about getting soaking wet.
Sera came over to him, sheathing her daggers, chest heaving as she caught her breath.
"What are you thinking about? You look so serious?"
"Where Kronos has got to."
"He'll show up," she said, with an easy shrug. She grinned. "You worry about him."
Jerrel hotly denied it, but it was pointless to lie to a Confessor. There were stories of Seekers who had developed feeling for their Confessors but there was no chance of that happening here. They were a team, complementing each other. After just these few weeks, he found himself relying on her, trusting her, needing her. He cared deeply for her, but he would never love her. Women were not the objects of his desire. It was probably, given Sera's face and figure, which drew admiration and envy wherever they went, for the best.
"Do you ever think about the other Seekers and Confessors?" he asked, to change the subject.
"Of course. But we are not them."
But perhaps one day their names too would go in history alongside all the others who'd fought to protect the Midlands.
Challenge: Write the epic final paragraph of a LotS fic/book Ideally I'd spread this into a few more paragraphs.
Richard opened his eyes, blinking against the stinging smoke. Slowly he flexed his fingers. He was alive. Everything hurt, but he was alive. He staggered to his feet. To his relief, Kahlan was alive too. Her white dress was blackened and there was blood running from a cut across her cheek, but she waved one hand at him from her sitting position against the remains of the great wall. Cara was standing next to her, a half-smile of pride on her face and Zedd…even he had survived the blast, though he looked exhausted, leaning on Cara's shoulder. There was debris everywhere, and thick, acrid, smoke hung in the air but Richard found it a beautiful sight, for it was over at last. They were victorious and, somehow, had survived the last act of sheer desperation that had won the day. Richard blinked again, but this time, he was blinking away tears of joy.
Challenge: Write an AU or Fusion - With some rewriting it could be a decent crack piece but I'm not eager to post it elsewhere as is.
Title: The Good Ship Seeker of Truth
Word Count: 521
Setting: LotS as a space opera
The Sword-class spaceship Seeker of Truth sped through the stars. If the crew was going to save the universe then they had to get to the black hole nicknamed the Torn Veil as soon as possible. They had on board their best hope for survival, a bomb made by the most advanced technological wizardry. It was called the Stone of Tears, and was to be thrown into the black hole, where it should, upon detonation, close the Veil before the black hole swallowed up everything in its path.
Richard, the captain of the vessel, stared into the blackness, willing his ship to go faster. His first officer, and love of his life, Kahlan, sat at his side, proud and determined, her long dark tresses neatly arranged on top of her head. He'd rescued her when a riot on a prison colony where she was the Chief Justice and Head Warden had almost got her killed.
Richard's grandfather, Zeddicus Z Zorander, or Triple Zed as some called him, was snoring softly from the back of the cockpit. Antiaging drugs had kept Triple Zed young for decades, maybe centuries, but they could finally do no more. He looked like a grandfather, to Richard's mind, with his long white hair, but he was both much older than most humans, let alone grandfathers, and he was still young of spirit and mind – a technological genius, as he liked to brag.
Then there was Cara, in service to the Empire, who'd switched sides for reasons Richard wasn't sure of himself. Apparently he was the Emperor Darken Rahl's half brother, and this gained him some loyalty from her. Not so long ago, Richard had been an orphan. Now he kept tripping over relatives wherever he went. He was sad to have found and then left behind Jennsen, another sibling he never knew he had, but her genetic material was too valuable to Darken Rahl to risk her travelling with Richard. She had to stay in hiding, lest Darken capture her and clone himself multiple bodies from her pristine DNA.
Cara, who, despite Kahlan's fashion tips, continued to wear the leather uniform of the Empire, looked up from her console. She'd proven to be effective at navigating and Richard let her do most of the route planning. "Captain, there's a stranded vessel sounding an SOS, but it is quite far off our course, near the Stuck'n'Tree nebula."
"We have to stop and help," Richard announced. Cara rolled her eyes. "What vessel is it?"
"The Mewling Kitten."
"Tell them we're on our way," Richard said. He had a universe to save, and if he could help along the way, he would. He liked to think it was a difference between him and Darken, whose warship the People's Palace tended to destroy everything in its path.
"I hope it isn't a trap. I have a bad feeling about it," Kahlan said uneasily. They'd been tricked before, by the space pirate Shota, and the trader in dodgy ship parts, Sebastian, and then there was that body switching business with Naughty Nikki.
"I'm sure it will be fine," Richard said. "Warp Nine!"
Challenge: Write a tabloid article set any time in the future past s2
Article Title:Veil restored; Mother Confessor Returns To Aydindril
Timeline: Just after season 2 finale
Word Count: 504
With the recent closing of the tear in the Veil between the worlds, people have been trying to get back to normal. That they don't have to worry about banelings is a huge relief to many, and that the Underworld has now been restored to its prior status it is thought that innocent souls have been freed from the Keeper and are passing into the promised paradise beyond.
"I certainly believe that," Verna Sauverteen told me. Once a Sister of the Light, she is well placed to consider spiritual matters. Disenchanted with religious life after it was discovered that Sisters of the Dark had infiltrated the Palace of the Prophets, Verna is now keen to explore the world and everything it has to offer.
Meanwhile, a very important figure is making a return to a place of honor. Mother Confessor Kahlan Amnell is on her way to Aydindril. The One True Seeker, Richard Rahl, who was instrumental in sealing the Veil, is with her, as is the reformed Mord'Sith Cara and First Wizard – and Richard's grandfather – Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander. With Darken Rahl defeated, some think Richard should be taking up the mantle of Lord Rahl and uniting D'Hara and the Midlands in a peaceful coexistence.
"I can't speak for Richard," Kahlan Amnell told me when I met her at a brief stop to rest the horses. "I can say he has concerns about becoming a tyrant, as the previous Lord Rahl was. We have to look at other ways of ruling, of leading all of our people into a future filled with hope."
Of her return to Aydindril she said, "The people need to see the Mother Cofnessor back there, at least for a time. There has been war and death and fear, and they need to see that we can rebuild. No hasty decisions will be made. We finally have the time to reflect and consult with the people and to make a plan that will do the most good for the most people in the shortest possible time."
What about wedding bells? Will she marry Richard Cypher-Rahl now that she has a moment to spare?
"No hasty decisions," she laughed. With more seriousness, but with eyes bright with happiness, she added, "Of course we want to get married, but we need time to plan that too. I hope our wedding can be a special occasion not just for us, but for all our people, something everyone can celebrate."
I also approached Cara but she had no comment.
"I shall be glad to sit down," Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander said when asked what he was most looking forward to now that the Seeker's quests were over. "And some pie."
Richard apologised for not having much time to give an interview. "I still have so much work to do," he explained. "But come to Aydindril and I'll give you an exclusive." He winked and added, "Maybe something about the wedding."
So make sure to buy the next issue and I'll bring you more exciting news!
Other
Challenge: Fanmix
Theme: magic users of LotS
Title of the mix: Powerful Magic
Wizard by Black Sabbath - http://youtu.be/GKY--qaHWSw
Misty morning, clouds in the sky Without warning, a wizard walks by Casting his shadow, weaving his spell Funny clothes, tinkling bell
I Put A Spell On You by Creedance Clearwater Revival - http://youtu.be/9hvA0wWTIv4 ; Alternate/bonus track, I put a spell on you cover by Marilyn Manson - http://youtu.be/eS1XaTfyTKM
I put a spell on you
Because you're mine.
You better stop
The things that you're doin'.
I said "Watch out!
Magic Man by Heart – http://youtu.be/nDwKuYWVMvo
A pretty man came to me
Never seen eyes so blue
I could not run away
It seemed we'd seen each other in a dream
A Kind Of Magic by Queen - http://youtu.be/Ods1n8Cf8p4
One dream, one soul, one prize
One goal, one golden glance of what should be
It's a kind of magic
Season Of The Witch by Donovan – http://youtu.be/92HjH1GG3ro
Mm, must be the season of the witch Must be the season of the witch, yeah Must be the season of the witch
Witchy Woman by The Eagles - http://youtu.be/1d8hZtvRPno
woo hoo witchy woman she got
the moon in her eye
She held me spellbound in the night
dancing shadows and firelight
Unfortunately my Team Mord'Sith placed third. The Seekers did themselves proud to take first place! I participated in all challenges
Graphics
Seekers Journal Review initially posted at Tumblr, picspams
Challenge: Tabloid Magazine
Challenge: Book Cover
Fic
There's a couple of pieces not published here in case I want to rewrite them as full versions later.
Challenge: Write from a creature's POV - I don't anticipate publishing this anywhere else!
Title: Humphrey
Creature: Shadrin
Word Count: 314
Humphrey stamped around the woodland. He liked the forest very much. The estates were full of wonderful forests with tall shady trees, and lots of wildlife, and even the occasional peasant to eat. Humphrey's Shadrin family had lived here for generations, and for the most part it was a fine place to be. Except for the hunting. Not Humphrey's hunting; he enjoyed to hunt very much. No, when the humans came hunting. And today Humphrey heard noises that suggested humans were prowling nearby.
Sometimes the humans were happy with a deer or a few rabbits or some pheasants. Humphrey understood that. He liked to eat deer, and rabbits and pheasants, just not as much as he liked to eat humans. But while deer had hooves, and Humphrey had horns of which he was very proud, people tended to have metal claws they kept in their waists until threatened. So he had to careful which humans he tried to eat.
But sometimes the humans wanted a Shadrin. Humphrey didn’t understand why. Shadrin were not good to eat, not even other Shadrin ate each other. Humphrey's nest mates had both been killed by the nasty humans. Sometimes you could run from them or scream at them until they ran away. But sometimes the humans used their wicked sharp metal claws.
Suddenly the human hunting party came blundering into Humphrey's territory. They scared away the rabbit he had been about to snack on. Humphrey was very cross about that. He bellowed in rage.
Then a human – not one of the two legged ones, but one of the ones who seemed to be shaped like an upside down flower, stepped forward. She was very pink, like the blossoms growing by Humphrey's favourite watering hole.
The flowery human had a yellow head. She lifted her hands. Something sharp came flying at Humphrey. It was the last thing he knew.
Challenge: RKZC have amnesia - it could be extended into a full fic but I don't see it happening right now so I'm archiving it here
Title: LoTs Lost Memories
Word Count: 557
"Stay back," Zedd yelled. He was on the floor and didn't know how he had got there or who these people were, or, worse, who he was. The grass was slightly damp and there was a smell of sulphur in the air.
"I was just going to help you up," protested Richard. "Are you all right, sir?"
"No. I don't know who I am!"
Kahlan drew her daggers and moved to stand between Zedd and Richard. "Who are you?"
He thought about it for a moment. "I don't know," he said honestly.
Kahlan pursed her lips. "Magic," she said at last. "I don't know who I am either."
"Someone who thinks wandering around in white is a good idea in a muddy forest," drawled Cara, sitting by a tree trunk.
Kahlan's eyes narrowed. "Because that skin tight leather is so subtle!" Cara shifted uncomfortably, puzzled by her strange clothes.
"Ladies, ladies," Richard said. "Let's not fight."
They were interrupted by the wizard, who'd managed to drag himself to his feet. "This seems like Powerful Magic," intoned Zedd. He patted at his face. "Creator, I'm old."
"Then we need to find a wizard," Richard said decisively.
"We?" Kahlan and Cara said in unison, and then glared at each other.
"Who put you in charge?" Cara demanded. "For all I know you're the one who did this to us."
Richard pointedly asked if she had any better ideas and she had to admit she didn't. Reluctantly, and with Zedd grumbling and Kahlan throwing suspicious looks at Cara constantly, the four of them found the nearest river and began to follow it in search of a settlement.
"Do you think we were travelling together?" Kahlan asked.
"I don't know. Maybe." Richard looked at her thoughtfully. "Maybe you're my sisters and I'm taking you to safety."
"Sisters?" Cara asked.
"Safety from what?" Kahlan asked.
"Then maybe I'm your father," Zedd suggested before Richard could come up an answer.
"Grandfather more like," Richard snickered, earning a scowl.
"I'm armed," Kahlan said. "I hardly think I need escorting." She pointed to Cara's Agiel. "What's that thing? Is it a weapon?"
Cara brushed her hand over it and fell to knees, screaming in pain. A moment later Zedd had her hand in his, looking for injuries, Richard was crouched down, trying to soothe Cara, and Kahlan was looking shocked and guilty.
"I think it is a weapon," Richard said, stroking Cara's hair. "But not one she can use." It was another puzzle.
"I'm sorry," Kahlan said. "I didn’t know."
Cara rubbed away her tears, embarrassed. "It wasn't your fault." They continued on their way.
They reached a village later that day, but they had no wizard. The nearest sorcerer of any worth was fifty miles to the north. Dejected, Richard purchased four tankards of ale and they all sat in the corner of a tavern, wondering what they could do.
"Zedd," said a woman. They all looked over. Shota took a seat.
"Do you know me?" Richard asked.
"I know all of you. I was addressing Zedd." She gestured and he smiled at gaining some morsel of information about himself. "My name is Shota. It seems you've got yourselves into some mischief."
Richard nodded glumly. "Can you help us?"
"Oh yes." Shota smiled evilly. "For a price."
They were in no position to argue.
Challenge: Nursery Rhyme - this I may publish elsewhere when I have some other LotS poetry
Title: Don't Fear the Gar
Where in the world? Midlands
Word Count: 63
Hush little baby, don't you cry
No evil gar will eat you alive
Mama brought a spell from a wizard in town
That keeps us safe when the sun goes down
And if that spell doesn't work like it should
Mama's got an axe for chopping wood
And if a gar she has to kill
We'll have gar stew served with fresh dill
Challenge: Write about a past or a future Seeker & Confessor - almost original fic by the time I'd finished but I might rewrite this/use this as inspiration at a later date. I like the idea of a gay Seeker who's more interested in his wizard than his Confessor.
Title: Jerrel and his second Confessor
Seeker: Jerrel
Confessor: Sera
Timeline: past
Word Count: 515
Sera was practising with her daggers. Cut, thrust, twirl, duck. Her sleeves and hair spun around her, a white tornado with a blonde halo. Jerrel watched her, impressed. Despite his initial concerns, she'd proven herself skilled and courageous. She didn't rely on her Confessor powers, using them only when she had to. Her daggers were her weapon of choice.
Jerrel was polishing the Sword of Truth. It was his weapon of choice, and more than that – it was a symbol. A connection to all the Seekers who ever were or would be. When he fought, he was not fighting alone.
Sera wasn't the first Confessor to travel with him. He still felt grief and guilt over the woman who had scarified herself to save him. There were many Confessors, she'd said as she died in his arms, but only one true Seeker.
He'd been reluctant to allow Sera – so young, he thought, though she was actually just one year younger than him – to come with him after that.
"The Seeker needs his Confessor," Kronos had said in a tone that brooked no argument. "Or a Confessor, at least." It was probably one of his wizard's rules. Another such rule was that the Confessor needed her wizard, and so Kronos accompanied them everywhere. He was, he said forty years of age, but he liked to look younger and passed for twenty five with ease. In fact he and Jerrel were sometimes mistaken for brothers, with their olive skin and dark hair.
Sera looked nothing like them. She was Jerrel's opposite in so many ways, pale skinned and fair haired, quick with her tongue, and light-hearted. It helped that she was also different to her predecessor. He couldn't have faced looking at another steely-eyed brunette every day.
Kronos had gone to haggle over horses. Jerrel hoped he'd be back soon. The sky was clouding over and he'd like to make the next village before it rained. There was nothing heroic about getting soaking wet.
Sera came over to him, sheathing her daggers, chest heaving as she caught her breath.
"What are you thinking about? You look so serious?"
"Where Kronos has got to."
"He'll show up," she said, with an easy shrug. She grinned. "You worry about him."
Jerrel hotly denied it, but it was pointless to lie to a Confessor. There were stories of Seekers who had developed feeling for their Confessors but there was no chance of that happening here. They were a team, complementing each other. After just these few weeks, he found himself relying on her, trusting her, needing her. He cared deeply for her, but he would never love her. Women were not the objects of his desire. It was probably, given Sera's face and figure, which drew admiration and envy wherever they went, for the best.
"Do you ever think about the other Seekers and Confessors?" he asked, to change the subject.
"Of course. But we are not them."
But perhaps one day their names too would go in history alongside all the others who'd fought to protect the Midlands.
Challenge: Write the epic final paragraph of a LotS fic/book Ideally I'd spread this into a few more paragraphs.
Richard opened his eyes, blinking against the stinging smoke. Slowly he flexed his fingers. He was alive. Everything hurt, but he was alive. He staggered to his feet. To his relief, Kahlan was alive too. Her white dress was blackened and there was blood running from a cut across her cheek, but she waved one hand at him from her sitting position against the remains of the great wall. Cara was standing next to her, a half-smile of pride on her face and Zedd…even he had survived the blast, though he looked exhausted, leaning on Cara's shoulder. There was debris everywhere, and thick, acrid, smoke hung in the air but Richard found it a beautiful sight, for it was over at last. They were victorious and, somehow, had survived the last act of sheer desperation that had won the day. Richard blinked again, but this time, he was blinking away tears of joy.
Challenge: Write an AU or Fusion - With some rewriting it could be a decent crack piece but I'm not eager to post it elsewhere as is.
Title: The Good Ship Seeker of Truth
Word Count: 521
Setting: LotS as a space opera
The Sword-class spaceship Seeker of Truth sped through the stars. If the crew was going to save the universe then they had to get to the black hole nicknamed the Torn Veil as soon as possible. They had on board their best hope for survival, a bomb made by the most advanced technological wizardry. It was called the Stone of Tears, and was to be thrown into the black hole, where it should, upon detonation, close the Veil before the black hole swallowed up everything in its path.
Richard, the captain of the vessel, stared into the blackness, willing his ship to go faster. His first officer, and love of his life, Kahlan, sat at his side, proud and determined, her long dark tresses neatly arranged on top of her head. He'd rescued her when a riot on a prison colony where she was the Chief Justice and Head Warden had almost got her killed.
Richard's grandfather, Zeddicus Z Zorander, or Triple Zed as some called him, was snoring softly from the back of the cockpit. Antiaging drugs had kept Triple Zed young for decades, maybe centuries, but they could finally do no more. He looked like a grandfather, to Richard's mind, with his long white hair, but he was both much older than most humans, let alone grandfathers, and he was still young of spirit and mind – a technological genius, as he liked to brag.
Then there was Cara, in service to the Empire, who'd switched sides for reasons Richard wasn't sure of himself. Apparently he was the Emperor Darken Rahl's half brother, and this gained him some loyalty from her. Not so long ago, Richard had been an orphan. Now he kept tripping over relatives wherever he went. He was sad to have found and then left behind Jennsen, another sibling he never knew he had, but her genetic material was too valuable to Darken Rahl to risk her travelling with Richard. She had to stay in hiding, lest Darken capture her and clone himself multiple bodies from her pristine DNA.
Cara, who, despite Kahlan's fashion tips, continued to wear the leather uniform of the Empire, looked up from her console. She'd proven to be effective at navigating and Richard let her do most of the route planning. "Captain, there's a stranded vessel sounding an SOS, but it is quite far off our course, near the Stuck'n'Tree nebula."
"We have to stop and help," Richard announced. Cara rolled her eyes. "What vessel is it?"
"The Mewling Kitten."
"Tell them we're on our way," Richard said. He had a universe to save, and if he could help along the way, he would. He liked to think it was a difference between him and Darken, whose warship the People's Palace tended to destroy everything in its path.
"I hope it isn't a trap. I have a bad feeling about it," Kahlan said uneasily. They'd been tricked before, by the space pirate Shota, and the trader in dodgy ship parts, Sebastian, and then there was that body switching business with Naughty Nikki.
"I'm sure it will be fine," Richard said. "Warp Nine!"
Challenge: Write a tabloid article set any time in the future past s2
Article Title:Veil restored; Mother Confessor Returns To Aydindril
Timeline: Just after season 2 finale
Word Count: 504
With the recent closing of the tear in the Veil between the worlds, people have been trying to get back to normal. That they don't have to worry about banelings is a huge relief to many, and that the Underworld has now been restored to its prior status it is thought that innocent souls have been freed from the Keeper and are passing into the promised paradise beyond.
"I certainly believe that," Verna Sauverteen told me. Once a Sister of the Light, she is well placed to consider spiritual matters. Disenchanted with religious life after it was discovered that Sisters of the Dark had infiltrated the Palace of the Prophets, Verna is now keen to explore the world and everything it has to offer.
Meanwhile, a very important figure is making a return to a place of honor. Mother Confessor Kahlan Amnell is on her way to Aydindril. The One True Seeker, Richard Rahl, who was instrumental in sealing the Veil, is with her, as is the reformed Mord'Sith Cara and First Wizard – and Richard's grandfather – Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander. With Darken Rahl defeated, some think Richard should be taking up the mantle of Lord Rahl and uniting D'Hara and the Midlands in a peaceful coexistence.
"I can't speak for Richard," Kahlan Amnell told me when I met her at a brief stop to rest the horses. "I can say he has concerns about becoming a tyrant, as the previous Lord Rahl was. We have to look at other ways of ruling, of leading all of our people into a future filled with hope."
Of her return to Aydindril she said, "The people need to see the Mother Cofnessor back there, at least for a time. There has been war and death and fear, and they need to see that we can rebuild. No hasty decisions will be made. We finally have the time to reflect and consult with the people and to make a plan that will do the most good for the most people in the shortest possible time."
What about wedding bells? Will she marry Richard Cypher-Rahl now that she has a moment to spare?
"No hasty decisions," she laughed. With more seriousness, but with eyes bright with happiness, she added, "Of course we want to get married, but we need time to plan that too. I hope our wedding can be a special occasion not just for us, but for all our people, something everyone can celebrate."
I also approached Cara but she had no comment.
"I shall be glad to sit down," Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander said when asked what he was most looking forward to now that the Seeker's quests were over. "And some pie."
Richard apologised for not having much time to give an interview. "I still have so much work to do," he explained. "But come to Aydindril and I'll give you an exclusive." He winked and added, "Maybe something about the wedding."
So make sure to buy the next issue and I'll bring you more exciting news!
Other
Challenge: Fanmix
Theme: magic users of LotS
Title of the mix: Powerful Magic
Wizard by Black Sabbath - http://youtu.be/GKY--qaHWSw
Misty morning, clouds in the sky Without warning, a wizard walks by Casting his shadow, weaving his spell Funny clothes, tinkling bell
I Put A Spell On You by Creedance Clearwater Revival - http://youtu.be/9hvA0wWTIv4 ; Alternate/bonus track, I put a spell on you cover by Marilyn Manson - http://youtu.be/eS1XaTfyTKM
I put a spell on you
Because you're mine.
You better stop
The things that you're doin'.
I said "Watch out!
Magic Man by Heart – http://youtu.be/nDwKuYWVMvo
A pretty man came to me
Never seen eyes so blue
I could not run away
It seemed we'd seen each other in a dream
A Kind Of Magic by Queen - http://youtu.be/Ods1n8Cf8p4
One dream, one soul, one prize
One goal, one golden glance of what should be
It's a kind of magic
Season Of The Witch by Donovan – http://youtu.be/92HjH1GG3ro
Mm, must be the season of the witch Must be the season of the witch, yeah Must be the season of the witch
Witchy Woman by The Eagles - http://youtu.be/1d8hZtvRPno
woo hoo witchy woman she got
the moon in her eye
She held me spellbound in the night
dancing shadows and firelight
no subject
Date: 2013-08-12 02:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-12 06:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-12 02:27 pm (UTC)The tabloid covers were hilarious - "Is the honeymoon over before it has even begun?" The big red arrows. D
I loved the cover art you did for Wizard's First Rule. It was beautiful. I loved the golden tint.
And Richard as Captain Kirk - priceless.
no subject
Date: 2013-08-12 06:54 pm (UTC)If Richard's Kirk, I guess Cara is Spock, all eyebrow raising at his impulsiveness :D
no subject
Date: 2013-08-12 07:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-12 07:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-13 07:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-16 01:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-13 07:43 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-13 07:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-08-14 04:06 pm (UTC)I absolutely love the tabloid cover :D 'Getting back together?' Looks like they are!
Your picspams are lovely. The ones for Light and Dark in particular are very atmospheric and excellent.
not one of the two legged ones, but one of the ones who seemed to be shaped like an upside down flower, I really like this description.
Also, LOL at The Mewling Kitten in the Stuck'n'Tree nebula ;)
These were all great. Congratulations on participating in every challenge! I could never manage that.
no subject
Date: 2013-08-16 01:49 pm (UTC)I think 'Dark' is my personal favourite :D