Playmate

by shalimar

I took a break from my household chores on that early May afternoon and watched Miriam, my five-year-old and her friend, Sarah, learn a clapping song from two of the older girls in the neighborhood. The older girls are very patient with my baby and her friend as they learn the actions, rhythm and words of the song, “Playmate.”

As I watched them it brought back memories of my own childhood, sitting and watching the girls in the neighborhood do that and other clapping songs. One time there were only three girls, so they asked me to join them.

A chilly reception in the Great Hall leads to a bloody challenge. The fight for the palace commences, and Tyra faces the King in a final showdown. Could there possibly be a second queen in Tulem? Could a serum girl queen ever be confirmed by the nobility? And would she have the power to stop the war?

A final encounter with Dana. Ketrick and Tyra in a last stand at Alexander's castle. A fitting end for Heydar. Marco hunts for Tyra with a crossbow. Angel makes a surprising revelation. (Much violence)

The new Lady of the castle takes control. A narrow escape proves fortuitous. Marco finds Tyra more trouble than he'd imagined. Tyra vs. Angel or how not to free a slave. The final battle plans are made.

Teaser:
The adventures of the ladies of the Eerie Saloon continue. Jessie tries something new, Trisha fights for her rightful place, and Maggie discovers a rival for Ramon's affections.

* * * * *

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change - Autumn
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson (c)2005
Part 3 - December

Sunday, December 3, 1871

Trisha stopped a few feet from the entrance to the schoolhouse. The building was filling with people come for Sunday worship.

"What's the matter, dear?" Kaitlin asked.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change - Autumn
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson (c)2005
Part 1 - October

Saturday, September 30, 1871

"You made it, Jessie," Paul said, walking over. "I told you it'd --"

The ruse is successful, but at what cost? A difficult night wrapped in pelts. Tyra is finally free to reveal herself. A meeting with Angel and Wanda, or welcome to the stable. A girl learns the attitudes and positions. They arrive in Tulem, but all is not well. A struggle to clear Ketrick's name becomes a test to prove her warrior's heart.

Same Blouse

by shalimar

There are times when Gabriel and I go out to those dance clubs that we score with the girls, other times one of us gets the action while the other gets to see the girl leave alone, or with another guy. Sometimes neither of us gets the brass ring. Tonight was one of those losing nights. What I don't understand about him is that he is so good looking that all the girls should be falling all over him. As for me, I would be considered an excellent consolation prize.

A successful experiment in The Slave's Dream leads to dreams of a normal life as a freewoman. Tyra tests the final bonds to her former warriors. Ketrick goes too far. The challenge of a foe returns. Tyra's loyalty and warrior honor are tested. A long day as a siolat girl is just a prelude of things to come in the fight to defend her city.

Tyr wakes up a very different person. Tyra is forced to renounce her past, abandon her place as her father's son and heir, and remake herself as her mother's daughter. Old friends become strangers. A new bond is forged with her sister, Tisa, but is it enough to save her?

At Least It Could Have Been Worse

by shalimar

When this started, it was late August 2005 and I was Barry Nardella, a stockbroker living alone on Long Island, NY in my co-op bachelor pad. I was making tons of money, but not satisfied with my life.

Acidalia VIII
By Amanda D

Thursday June 29 8:18pm Reynolds Quarantine Medical Center:

“What’s his condition doctor?” Colonel Jordon asked as he looked at the unconscious form of Major Brady through the four inch thick glass of the quarantine cell.

“I suppose, Colonel that would depend on your point of view.” Dr Stanly answered with what sounded like a small amount of amusement in her voice.

“Madam, I have neither the time for games, nor for a glib attitude.”

I wrote this chapter quickly before work this morning, but I wanted to keep my hand in play.

It is short but might be important later, depending on my muse. I hope you enjoy!

DD