Dominoes

So, I'm going to show/tell you guys how I make these really epic domino things. If you want to learn, keep reading. If you don't want to learn, keep reading anyway. :P I even took pictures, so that will make things pretty cool, right? :P

Step 1: Sand the top of the domino, until it's not shiney anymore, allowing your ink to actually stay on the domino. :P

Step 2: Select the colour you want to use, then ink the domino. You can really use any pigment ink, but Brilliance is my favourite...as you can tell... :P

Step 3: You must then dry the ink, using either a craft heat gun, or a blow dryer. (a blow dryer will take longer) Dry until it's...dry. :P Try lightly putting your finger on top, and then see if it comes away with ink on it. BE CAREFUL. Dominos can get extremely hot when heated. I have burned my finger tips several times. Besides your own saftey, you should also let your domino cool a bit before the next step.

Step 4 (optional): A lot of times when I make dominos, I want more than one colour. So, now would be the time to pick. :P YOU SHOULD ALWAYS dry the ink between colour layers, or you'll end up with the wrong colour ink on the other ink pads.

Step 5: Dry the new colours on the dominoes. No picture. You know what it looks like. :P

Step 6: Pick out the stamp you want to put on the domino.

Step 7: Ink your stamp. I use Stazon, but you can use any as long as it's perminant. It has to say that, otherwise, it will fail. :P

Step 8: Stamp the domino. I find it easier, to put the domino on the stamp, rather than the other way around, but it's up to you. Just press hard, then relax, then lift it up. Don't just press hard, and pull it off, not sure why, but this doesn't work as well, just relax the pressure first.

Here is a picture of a finished domino. No it's not the one I just used in the stamping example...I kinda screwed that one up. :P Which, if that happens, just sand it off, and you can use the domino again. It's the pink one from the example, rather than the red.

Step 9: Paint the edges with a paint pen. I would recommend a calligraphy tip, rather than rounded.

You can actually hold the domino while doing this, but I couldn't do that, AND take the picture. :P

Step 10: Spray it with sealer so it doesn't get scratched. I use Krylon. :)

Step 11 (optional): I always glue a little crystal on mine, just so they sparkle. 'Cause I like sparkly things. :P

I don't know if you can see it in the right hand corner, on the swirl, but it's there. :P

One other thing...just because a stamp is bigger than a domino, doesn't mean it won't work. I actually prefer it if the design doesn't all fit. Just pick the part you like best, and stamp it. :) I use some 6"X6" stamps, so it's all good. :D

Here are just some out of literally hundreds that I've done. :)

Hope you enjoyed this!!!

~ Calleigh





More

Let's hear it for Lemonade Mouth! They have inspired another blog post!! :D So, I was listening to one of their songs, and I was singing along, and I get to this line, "Push until you can't, and then demand more." Now, the first thing that popped into my head was, "Wow, that's really selfish. I don't like this song anymore." Then I literally facepalmed. :P I forgot to think about it in the context of the song. Yes, I am an idiot sometimes. :P The song is called Determinate. Now, let's just say Disney didn't do it's research very well, because the definition of determinate is to have set limits or boundries...the exact oppositite of the song. In the song, determinate is suppose to be based off of determination.

"Push until you can't, and then demand more."

Now it makes sense. That just really challenges me. Yes, I am challenged by a Disney song, as you should be. That one simple line, in yet another Disney pop song, has a lot of meaning if you think about it. It means that when I think I'm done...when I have nothing left to give...I give more anyway. When I'm tired of waiting, hoping, praying...I wait, hope, and pray anyway. Demand more of yourself than you think you can give. Stretch yourself. Because when you stretch your limits, your limits expand, and that allows you to do more, even harder things the next time. Push until you can't..and then do more anyway. Demand more. Not of others, but of yourself.

~ Calleigh

Frienship

So, recently I've been thinking a lot about friendship. I have a lot of awesome friends. Seriously...all you people who don't know the people I know...you're really missing out. And you know what makes them so awesome? No matter how many times I screw up, no matter how many times I hurt them, leave them, forget them, use them...they're always, without fail, there for me. How amazing is that?

So, what is a true friend? I can sum it up in just a few words. Aimee. Toria. Skye. Christy. Greg. Jakey. Kiehl. Janey. Jess. Brandyce. Aubrey. You guys...you guys are the best of the best. I'm so indescribably grateful for you all.

So, I guess this is a shout out to all my adopted sibs, my friends, both in state, out of state, and out of country. I'm trying not to take you all for granted, because no one as wonderful as you guys deserve that. I love you all. <3

~ Calleigh

Chapter 3

Here is chapter 3 to Rael's Redemption!! :D I reposted chapters 1 and 2, due to a great critique I got from Braden (thank you!!!!), but I don't think I changed anything crucial to the plot, so you don't have to reread them. :) And thank you, Lizzie, for reading my chapter 2! ^_^ And Reagan, I know you read it too, even though you didn't comment, so thanks to you as well. :D

Let me know what you all think! :D

Chapter 3
I looked at him, stunned, then laughed in his face. “You think knowing Keeran is going to make me trust you? You obviously don’t know him that well.”

“Oh but I do, Lady. I’m his brother.”

I stopped laughing. “His brother?”

“Yes, Lady. My name is Aro. Keeran is my little brother.”

“But…” I looked at Rory, my mouth going open and closed with no sound coming out.

“Rae, perhaps he is right, and we should talk about this in private?”

“Yes,” my voice decided to work, “I think that’s a good idea.” I said. “Follow me.”

I turned, leading the way back to the guild hall. Outside, my composure was calm…inside however, I was shaking. I pushed my way through the crowded streets, lost in thought. What could Aro want? He must not be on good terms with Keeran to have sought me out thinking I would help him because of their relation.

My focus on my thoughts, I was surprised when I ran into something. Something that did not budge. I looked up to see a man staring down at me. “My pardon, Sir,” I muttered and stepped aside. He moved back in front of me.

“Something I can do for you?” I asked, gritting my teeth.

“Give me the amulet,” a dry, husky voice responded.

“’Fraid I can’t do that,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“Pity.” He stepped back, drawing his sword.

I pushed Aro behind me, pulled out my dagger and short sword, and stood next to Rory, who had done the same.

“I believe you’re a bit outnumbered,” Rory said, her voice smug.

He laughed, but it was void of happiness. “Look again.” With these words, he was joined by two other men, dressed in black like their leader.

“I repeat. Give me the amulet.”

“Can’t do that,” I answered, though my confidence was shaken.

“Fine. I’ll kill you, and then take it,” he said, grinning.

“Go home to your mother, while you still have the chance,” I said, smirking. He was a handsome man, killing him would be a shame.

With that his grin faded, and his attack began. He made a thrust at my stomach, but I parried, and struck at his sword arm with my dagger. Rory was at my back, defending herself against one of the henchmen, while Aro faced another. I turned my concentration back to my target.

I was grinning. I couldn’t help myself. There’s nothing like a good fight. We danced the beautiful dance of thrusts and parries, neither of us gaining an edge. After a time, I felt his assurance of victory begin to falter, and I knew now was the time to act.

I swirled past his defense, ignoring the pain as his sword connected with my arm, and stuck my dagger into his side, making a slash across his chest with my other blade. He gasped, blood gurgling from his mouth, then fell to the ground. He didn’t move again. I clutched my arm, blood dripping between my fingers.

I looked around, pushing away the pain, to see Rory dispatching her man, and help Aro with his. I hadn’t counted on Aro being much of a help, but he’d held his own pretty well. Both he and Rory had only retained small cuts.

“Let’s get to the guild,” Rory said, breathing hard. “We won’t have to worry about more of these scum there.”

“Aye, let’s go,” I said, nodding. Rory motioned for Aro to follow.

At the guild’s gate, I nodded to the guards, signaling that I had everything under control. They looked shocked at our less than fresh appearance, and then worried as they saw the deep cut on my arm, but said nothing as Rory and I led Aro into the Hall.

I watched him, his face showing open wonder. I thought of the first time I’d seen the Hall. I had been 14 at the time, just a broken little girl. A little girl who had experienced more torture than I would wish on anyone…except those who’d done it.

I shuddered and pushed the memories from my mind, as I had done every day for the past 5 years. I forced my mind to the task at hand. Find out what Aro wants. Get what Aro wants. Never speak to him again.

Rory led the way through the Hall, then branched off to the left, leading away from the personal area of the guild, to the business branch. We passed several small, occupied rooms before finding one that was available.

I stood, leaning against the back wall, rather than sitting at the small table and chairs that were room’s sole residents. Rory joined me, and motioned for Aro to take a chair.

I found my voice at last. “What business would you have me do?”

Aro looked nervous. “It is not your usual line of work.”

I shrugged. “I’m open to anything and everything that will earn me my keep here.”

“Yes, well…I’ve heard that you might have…acquired…a rather odd piece of jewelry recently.”

I barely stopped my jaw from falling open. “How did you…?”

“I put it there. At great cost to myself, I might add. Certain circumstances prevent me from using it. Only those who are unaware of its powers at the moment of possession can use it to its full potential. And only those who have certain…gifts…can use it at all.”

I clutched at my dagger, uncertain of how to react. I had been used.

“Why me?” Was all I could get out.

“We could tell, and Keeran attested, that you have certain innate skills.”

I laughed, but it wasn’t a joyful laugh. It was one of pain and remembrance. “Aye, he would know that full well.”

“We need you to use the amulet, and for that you had to have no knowledge of its power.”

“Who is this ‘we,’ you keep speaking of?” Rory interjected.

“A group of us who feel the Emperor needs a little help retaining control of his empire. You’ve met two of us already. Your Lady, and the man who was your benefactor for this job.”

I heard Rory gasp, and I could barely keep myself from doing the same. The Lady? Mixed up in plots of the Emperor? Such a thing had never occurred within the guild; our allegiance was carefully given to no one. Not even the Emperor.

“Why send the benefactor to see me?” I asked.

“We had to make sure you had the amulet. We knew you’d made it out of the house, as our magician felt you touch his cords of magic, but we didn’t know if you’d taken the stone.”

I nodded, understanding that part, but then the strangeness of the whole situation came over me again. “This is all very well,” I said, “but you have given me no reason as to why I should help you on this venture of protection.”

“Before, we would have given you a choice. Now you have none.”

I stiffened at this declaration, and pulled my dagger halfway from its sheath before Rory put a hand on my arm, stopping me.

“Why have the plans changed, Sir?” Her voice was calm. Deadly calm. Threatening.

“A man sharing Rael’s…ability…to use the amulet has come seeking it. It has been rumored he has a plan to steal it from us, now that we’ve put it in plain sight. This is why you have no choice. The stone must be kept, and used by you to keep the empire safe.”

“I refuse,” I said evenly.

“You what?” He answered, shocked.

“I refuse. I will not be mixed up in your schemes. Find someone else to use.” I tried to push the magical artifact into his hands. His face turned ashen as the amulet touched his skin.

“Please…please don’t make me take it,” he said, almost begging. “I told you…people who are aware of the amulet’s power cannot take the stone. To do so would mean eventual death.”

I stopped. I might not like the situation, but I would not hurt him like this.

“I will keep the stone till you find someone more fitting for its owner. Do not make me wait long.” After a long pause I added, “You are dismissed.”

It was unnerving to have this strong man cowering before me, face still white with pain. Pain that I had caused.

He hurried across the room, stopping only to make a small bow to us at the doorway.

“One more thing.” My voice stopped him as he entered the hallway. “Who is the man? The one who wants the amulet?”

“Sarmad. The Emperor’s head magician.”

I froze. “I will do what you ask, I will help you, and in return you will protect me from this man?”

“With our very lives.”

“We have a deal. You may go.” I whispered.

As soon as he was gone, I took a shaky breath and slid down the wall to the floor. My past had come back to haunt me. I couldn’t stop the shaking that began to take over my body. I felt, rather than saw Rory crouch down next to me. She put a calming hand on my arm, then when she felt the tremors racking my body, sat on the floor beside me and pulled me close.

“It’s all coming back…isn’t it?” She asked, her voice quiet.

I could barely manage a nod. All the memories I’d pushed away came flooding to my mind.

“Come with me, Rae. I’ve found a man who will give us food!”

Keeran’s voice filled my head and I struggled to shove it out.

“Here, Sir. I brought her as you requested.”

“Ah, what a good lad you are. What a clever boy. If what you’ve told me is correct, she will be perfect for my…experiments.”

Keeran’s face shines with happiness. Happiness in the midst of betrayal.

“You will never see her again.”

“Yes, Sir. I remember.” Keeran shuffles out. Panic surges through my body as I look up at the hard face of the man who is now my master.

“Rael Avongara, I am Sarmad. Welcome to your new life.”

Beatings. Blood. Torture. Knives. Rape. More beatings. More blood.

“WHY?!” I scream over and over again, pain tearing my small body apart. Something like lightning flashes through me, all the bodies around me fall to the floor. The beating stops. They are dead.

Running. Must run. Can’t stop. RUN! I flee through the manor, bare feet slapping against the cool, tile floor. Don’t look back.

I burst through the door and into the street, hiding myself in the crowd. I cringe with every arm, leg, satchel, that brushes against my bruised and tattered skin.

A familiar face. Keeran. I charge forward, intent on his death coming at my hands. He catches me. He is so much bigger than me. He takes me back. He leaves.

“Little Rael has been a bad, bad girl,” Sarmad’s snake-like voice fills my mind with terror. And then all goes black.

~ Calleigh

"On Our Way to Nowhere"

So, last night I was sitting in bed, humming to myself. The song was "Somebody" by Lemonade Mouth. A harmless, fun Disney song. No swear words, no inappropriate material, no screaming. Just fun pop music, with fun lyrics. Then I get to this line, "We're on our way to nowhere, trying so hard to get there." Right before that, I had been reading Do Hard Things (by Alex and Brett Harris), specifically the chapter about how teens today are TOLD that we're not really suppose to do anything besides goof off and experiment.

So now, I have to wonder. Is that innocent little lyric true? Are we really trying our hardest to end up...nowhere? Most teens today will have nothing to show for ages 13-19. We are on our way to nowhere, and trying hard to get there. We really don't care that 6 years out of our lives are wasted.

So, here's a little challenge: Change that in your life. You don't have to know exactly where you're going, but pick a destination for the time being and try to get there. Don't let the best years of your life be wasted. Do something with them.

~ Calleigh

Woot!

I believe this is my 5th post in ONE month!! In case you were wondering, that's a pretty big deal on this blog. :P
Anyways!

I haven't written any free writing exercises in MONTHS until...today! Greg gave me the prompt like a week ago, and I totally forgot until my mind was being random, and thought of the word. Oh yes. The word. That word being Fire! B-) Fire is an awesome subject to write about, because there's soooo many amazing words and ideas that can be connected to it! For some reason, my idea turned out to be love. Told you my mind was being random. :P  And this is what came out. I call it.... The Fire of Love. So orignal. I know. Stop being jealous!

The flames move.

Weave.

Dance.

Climb higher in my soul.

A love that cannot be forgotten.

It smolders.

Devours.

Consumes.

Haunts every thought.

Feeds every desire.

Clutches at my very essence.

No water can quench it.

No words, describe it.

No shackles, contain it.

It defies restraint.

Recognizes no authority.

Burns, though denied.

Blazes with unending passion.

An inferno of love.
 
DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying this is how love should be. Not recognizing authority= Bad. Don't do it. :P This is just what I think of when I think of fire and love combined.

~ Calleigh

The Beach, Again!

Day 02: I actually went out over my head in the ocean to day!! You should all be proud. :P There were ten other people out there with me, and I figured if a shark did come...I don't have to out swim the shark, I just have to out swim them! Brilliant, right? :D
But right now, I have a headache, and my sunburn is hurting, so I'm being lazy and chatting. :P So, yeah...I also had cookie dough, which completely made my day. Cookie dough fixes everything!!! ....except headaches and sunburns. :P
 
I am now up to 99 shark teeth!! I didn't realize I was the close to 100 before I came back to the house, and now I feel to lazy too walk back down. :P
 
~ Calleigh

The Beach (I actually wrote this yesterday, but forgot to post it) :P

So! Day 01 at the beach! So...it is 12:08, and I have been on the beach for an hour, splashing in the waves. So far, I have found 23 shark teeth. Topsail Island is the #1 place in NC to find shark teeth. Which is the #1 reason why I do not go past my knees in the water unless I can see my feet. :P
We are currently breaking for lunch, then going back down to the beach afterwards. The view is amazing. Nothing but blue-green waves, white surf, and sparkling sand.
 
~ Calleigh
 

*begs*

PLEASE comment on my chapter 2! I need to know if peoples like it before I can continue. Or at least somewhat need to. :P Chapter 3 is already done, and chapter 4 is started, but no one gets it till I get a comment. So there. :P Please let me know what you think! And yes, you can say it's awful. :P AND you can edit, critique, and pick apart to your hearts desire!

Thank you to anyone who comments with something helpful!!! :D

~ Calleigh

....

That was a lot of complaining and begging... o.O Won't do that again, don't worry :P

I'm back.

And with my return comes.....!!!!!!!!

Haha, I was really tempted to say nothing, but there actually is something this time!! :D *readers groan* Get over it, people. :P Yes, I might just possibly be like this in real life. *pats my real life friends* Thanks for putting up with me. *GRIN*

Anyways!! As I was saying...with my return comes...Chapter 2 of Rael's Redemption!! (title subject to change)

Now, I made some changes to chapter 1 in order for everything in Chapter 2 to make sense. SO! IF anyone wants to reread chapter 1, with the changes made, I'm going to edit my original chapter 1 post so the new version may be found there.

And now...Chapter 2. *posts and hides*


Chapter 2

I awoke to someone bouncing on my bed.

“Rory…” I said through gritted teeth. “You’d better have a good reason for this.”

“It just so happens that I do…” Her normally cheerful voice sounded strained to me. I sat up, alert. “Rory, what’s wrong?”

“Um…your benefactor is here…he wants to see you.”

“He’s here? Now?” I scrambled out of bed, running my fingers through my disheveled curls.

“Yeah, now. Rael…be careful around him.”

“I’m always careful.” I said as pulled on my dress uniform.

“Right. You have the amulet?”

“Of course I have the amulet!” I said, frustrated enough to snap at my best friend.

“Sorry, my bad,” she said, her voice sounding hurt.

I slumped. “Rory…I’m sorry. You know I’m under a lot of pressure right now…” I sighed, knowing how awful that sounded. Giving up on words, I hugged her tight. “I’m sorry.” With that, I grabbed the amulet, and hurried out the door and down the hallway. I clutched the amulet in my hand. What if it wasn’t enough?

Reaching the meeting room, I pause to compose myself, then pushed the heavy door open. Much to my surprise the guildmaster stood inside with a tall, dark man, who stayed hidden in the shadows.

“Lady!” I bowed quickly. “Forgive me, I did not know you would be present.”

“Calm, Rael. I’m just here to make sure things go smoothly. You’re one of my top thieves! I have to make sure nothing…” she glanced at the tall man, “unfortunate happens.”

“Yes, Lady. Thank you, Lady.” I bowed again. This was a rare occurrence. It was not the guildmaster’s job to take care of her thieves; we’re responsible for ourselves, always have been. I was either something special, or the Lady wanted me to owe her.

I stood there, shifting my feet, waiting for the lady to start the meeting.

“Oh, don’t mind me,” she said, noticing my hesitation, “Just act like I’m not here.”

I bowed towards her, and then in the direction of my benefactor. I paused, and then began the little speech I had practiced on the trip down the hall.

“Sir, I regret to inform you that I was unable to perform the task you required of me last night.”

“I know.” The stranger cut in. “Why do you think I’m here?”

“Of course, Sir. Begging your pardon. But I do have a means of payment.”

He leaned forward. My hand slowed on its way to my pocket. What if the medallion was worth more than I thought, and he tried to take it from me? But it was too late for such thoughts now, and so I pulled it from its place. “I have this, Sir. Will it be enough?”

What I could see of his shadowed face moved, as though he were smiling, but I was soon proven wrong.

“You think this trifling bauble is enough to repay me?”

“I have not a full understanding of its worth, but I’m sure it is sufficient for whatever I owe you.” I said.

“Oh really! You’re suddenly an authority on gems and metals?”

I had just opened my mouth with a biting reply, when I heard the Lady’s sweet voice fill the air.

“Sir, the guild will pay whatever Rael owes you.”

I stood there, mouth open in shock. She really did want me to owe her! There was no record of her ever doing this for any of the other thieves, and I had to wonder what she meant by it.

“It’s a deal,” said my benefactor, a little too swift for my taste.

“Rael, you’re not needed here anymore, you may go.”

I turned to go, not understanding what was going on. Never had such a thing happened before, and it was puzzling. Walking down the hall, I met Rory, who promptly asked about the weird face I was making. I was too consumed by my thoughts to comprehend what she was saying, but the hard punch in the arm made me aware of her presence.

“Finally!” She said, and I could hear the exasperation in her voice.

“Sorry. Something strange just happened.”

“Strange as in, let’s talk privately?”

“That might be best.”

Seeing that I wasn’t going to be moving anywhere on my own any time soon, Rory, for the second time that day, grabbed my arm and pulled me towards our room. Once inside, she forced me to sit on the bed.

“Tell.”

The words were a command, and a command I obeyed immediately. I always thought Rory would make an excellent guildmaster. Her slim build reminded me much of the current Lady’s, and her red hair was pulled back in almost the exact same style.

The guildmaster had always been a lady, no one knew exactly why…it was just how things were. Some said it was because women were less greedy than men, but that’s not true at all; we’re just sneakier about it. I personally think it’s because we’re intimidating. I’m sure that’s it.

After I had finished my bizarre tale, Rory sat on the bed next to me, looking as confused as I felt.

“That’s…weird.”

I nodded my head; my mind was out of words. “Why me? I’m not special? I’m not any different or better than any of the other thieves here!”

“Well that’s nice to know!” Rory said, rolling her eyes at me.

“Hey!” I said, a little hurt by her tone of voice, “I didn’t ask for this, okay? I have no more of a clue than you do as to what’s going on around here.”

“You’re right…I’m sorry.” She said, hanging her head.

I hugged her tight, “It’s alright, Ror, I probably would have said the same thing in your position.”

She laughed. “No you wouldn’t. You’d have said something ten times worse.”

I punched her arm playfully. “Very funny.” Deciding to change the subject, I added, “Come on, let’s go get something to eat, I’m starved.” And it was true. I hadn’t eaten since a quick supper the day before.

She looked at me hard, as if she were still not sure she as okay with the things going on with me and the guild.

“My treat.” I added as a bonus.

“You’re on.” She said with a smile. Who said affection couldn’t be bought?

We walked down the dusty city street that was full of people selling things, walking, talking, and a few fights here and there. I took a deep breath. Yes, the city was the life for me. I couldn’t imagine what country people did all day! There was so much to see and do in the city, so many colours and sounds. Yes, to me, Afinel was as close to heaven on earth as one could get. And the thieves were the backbone to it all.

Without us, the city would be dead, the nobles broke, fat, and boring. We kept things around here interesting. Some of the Houses had favourites among the thieves, but I made sure my loyalties were divided. I was not attached to one house more than I was to another. To me, that was playing it safe; keep them guessing.

I walked with a very distinct swagger, pulling Rory along behind me. I owned this city. There was hardly a person on the street who I didn’t know in some capacity. I had made an effort to get to know them all, and by now, I was pretty sure I did.

“Rael.”

I started at the sound of Rory’s voice very near my ear. “What?” I asked.

“A man…he’s been following us ever since we left the guild. And if you hadn’t been so focused on your ‘I own the town’ swagger, maybe you would have noticed!”

“Okay, my bad! Don’t forget all the times I’ve saved your life! You’re just now starting to catch up!”

“You’re keeping track?!” She asked, the irritation clear in her voice.

“Of…course not! Why would I do that?” I backpedaled. “It was just a joke, Ror! Lighten up a bit, huh?”

She sighed, and I was pretty sure she didn’t believe me. But it wasn’t a complete lie…I only had a vague idea of the count, not a definite number.

“So, what do we do?” Rory’s voice sounded uncertain in my ear.

“We keep walking! We’re just two members of a guild going out for lunch. We’re easily a match for him, and last I checked, eating lunch isn’t a crime, so he’s got nothing on us. In short, we ignore him.” I braced myself for the pout I knew was going to come. And it did.

“But Rae…I wanted to take him out!”

I patted her arm. “I know, Dear, but we simply don’t have time for it today.” I teased.

“Fine.” She huffed.

Ror and I had been friends since the streets. We knew each other’s moves backwards and forwards, but still never failed to enjoy each other’s company.

We walked through the streets, arm in arm. Me pointedly ignoring the man who was following us, Rory, glancing back at him several times, smiling in a way I knew meant she found him quite pleasing to the eyes.

He really was a handsome man. Tousled blonde hair, blue-green eyes, tall and toned. I understood why Rory was interested. If I hadn’t lost my heart years ago, I would be too. Rory had always been flighty when it came to matters of the heart. From war, to love, then back to war in an instant. But me…If I loved, I loved forever.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, not wanting to think about the past. I asked, “Where shall we eat today, Dear Rory?”

She rolled her eyes. I seem to get that a lot.

“How about the only place you can afford, Dear Rae.”

“Watch the attitude, or I’ll change my mind!” I teased.

She glared at me. I always seem to get the dark side of Rory’s extensive collection of facial expressions. I’ll have to work on that.

I led the way to our usual pub, a cheap, but clean place that served moderately good food. We ordered, which took longer than it should have, because I had to convince Rory she should not order the most expensive item on the menu. As we waited, I played around with the amulet while Rory and I talked about our handsome follower.

In truth, he was very good looking, and Rory might have found him worth knowing if he hadn’t been following us.

“So,” she asked, “do we try to lose him?”

I shrugged. “I don’t see why we should. It’s not every day a good looking man follows us watching our every move! Spies are good for a girl’s ego.” I said, grinning.

“Yeah, unless he’s ugly.” Rory muttered.

“Nah, it’s still good for the ego, it’s just not quite as fun.” I smirked.

Our food came out at last, much to my relief, as I had run out of funny things to say. We ate our meal in silence, I paid the owner, and we left, happily followed by the handsome stranger.

Things were starting to feel alright again. Sure it was strange that the guildmaster had taken such an interest in me, but really, what difference did it make? I slung my arm around Rory’s shoulder, once again at peace with the world. That’s when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was our handsome spy.

I dropped my fingers to my belt, fingering my knives. “Yes?” I asked, my voice steady. No spy was going to frighten me.

“Lady, I have need to speak with you privately.

“Why now? Why not while we were having lunch?”

“This cannot be spoken about in public, Lady. We must go somewhere private.”

I glanced at Rory, who stood nervously next to me. “How do we know we can trust you?” I asked him.

He looked straight into my eyes. “I know Keeran.”
~ Calleigh