Prelude: The Rise of Lián Xuě

They whispered her name in hushed tones long before she ascended to the throne, a name that danced on the lips of those who dreamed of power and destiny. Lián Xuě (蓮雪), the Lotus Snow, evoked images of serene beauty and ethereal grace, a rare bloom untouched by the harshness of the world.

Chapter 38: Lunchtime Drama

Sapphire and Yuqi strolled into the bustling lunchroom, their laughter intertwining like music as they exchanged a secret joke. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, overpowering even the chatter of students. Their trays were a sight to behold—Yuqi's was an impressive tower of culinary indulgence, stacked high with three juicy burgers and a veritable mountain of crisp, golden fries, glistening under the bright cafeteria lights.

Hi everyone, Rylee here again. I'm known for basically two things around here: Epic stories and epic benders following said stories. We're on the story phase again, so bear with me.

“What happened with this one?”

Chapter 37: Back to School

Chapter 3: Living My Truth

The suggestion floated through the room like a playful breeze, a whisper of mischief carried on clouds of pillows and bursts of laughter. “Let’s venture to the garden,” someone declared, stretching languidly like a contented cat basking in the afternoon sun. “The lake is simply enchanting at this hour.”

At their hostel the Visunders are alert for any trouble in the night and, sure enough, something is tried. Unfortunately, the results include a body which means their departure from Ferenis will be delayed. Eriana becomes more desperate as the Rains approach, wanting to put some distance between the Visund and Denethar before they are forced to find shelter.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

102 - Night Visitations

Author's note: I am shocked by how long it has taken to produce this chapter. For once it has been a number of different things, all beyond my control. Hopefully (!) I will be able to do better in future.

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

Chapter 34: Christmas Time

The three days leading up to Christmas transformed the Allen household into a dazzling wonderland of festive joy. Every nook and cranny sparkled with holiday splendor, adorned with vibrant, cascading garlands and a multitude of twinkling lights, each one lending a magical glow to the rooms. The air was thick with the delightful aromas of cinnamon and cloves, mingling harmoniously with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.

Whenever Greg had a day like the one he had had today, he liked to pick up a new video game. Old, new, any genre, any console (for he owned them all) - none of that mattered. Just that he had some new story, some new world, to immerse himself in, to enable him to substitute this disappointing reality for a new iteration, where the goals were clear and defined, and all effort was duly rewarded. A neat, hand-crafted universe, all contained on a disc, cartridge, or as compressed digital memory on a hard drive.

Chapter 33: Forged in Flame

The air outside was cool, imbued with a serene stillness that enveloped the world just before midnight. A delicate layer of frost blanketed the ground, glistening like crushed diamonds under the light of the stars, which sparkled above in a vast expanse of ink-blue sky, sharp and luminous in their tranquility.

Chapter 32: Morning Light

The world emerged slowly from the haze of dreams, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and the gentle rhythm of steady breaths.

Sapphire stirred beneath the velvety embrace of a blanket, her cheek nestled against the inviting curve of Yuqi’s shoulder. The soft, melodic pulse of her mate’s heartbeat resonated in her ear, wrapping her in a profound sense of comfort that felt entirely new. She felt safe. Wanted. Cherished.

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

Eriana struggles with confidence as the Visund leaves Rufen to head for Ferenis. Storms along the way give a heavy hint that the Rains cannot be far behind. Finally reaching Ferenis, an old problem has to be handled carefully.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

101 - Storms and a Quandary

Chapter 29: The Bond

David provided Thomas with their address, a simple string of numbers that would lead them to his home. Nestled in a quiet, unassuming neighborhood, the house exuded a charm that mirrored the Allen family's own. It was a humble abode, its façade warm and inviting, with light streaming through the windows and a well-tended garden framing the door. But for Yuqi, the exterior was merely a blur—her focus was elsewhere.

Chapter 28: First Scent

Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.