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.
 

Chapter 26: Exercise the Mind

The next morning, Yuqi awoke enveloped in a renewed sense of purpose that pulsed through her veins like an invigorating tide. The warmth she had felt in her dream lingered within her, a radiant glow flickering like a steadfast flame, eagerly awaiting her nurturing touch. No longer just a figment of her imagination, it had taken root within her, alive and vibrant, ready to be embraced.

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.
 

A small group travel to meet the Council of Fanir, who are anxious to discover just what the 'Federation' is. During the discussions they are forced to relate some part of their previous adventures which impresses their hosts. On returning to the port, however, Tor has some alarming news.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

100 - The Council of Fanir

Chapter 24: Fallout

The fallout from the lawsuits and the court’s decisions rippled through the town like a thunderclap, leaving residents in a state of disbelief. Initially, the community seemed paralyzed by the overwhelming revelations, the weight of the truth rendering them unable to process the gravity of what had transpired. As time passed, however, emotions began to stir, and the townspeople found themselves divided, their reactions as diverse as the patchwork of lives they led.

Author's note: I am posting these today because I will be busy for the next two weeks. There will be no posts during that time.

Chapter 22: Media Backlash

Chapter 20: Addressing Systemic Failures

Chapter 19: Fun, Sweat, and Guns

The Visund departs Faralan alongside the Hopvalk and the Ten-Legged Brakky on the long leg to Fanir. Unfortunately those of Pakmal are waiting and only the Brakky keeps them from causing problems. Then a second Pakmal galley appears ahead...

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

99 - Faralan to Fanir

Chapter 18: Another Day, Another Blow
The following day, Yuqi walked into school with trepidation gnawing at her insides. Her parents had promised to handle the situation, but Yuqi wasn’t naive enough to think things would change overnight. As she approached her locker, her pulse quickened. The image of the graffiti inside her locker the day before was fresh in her mind, and she dreaded what she might find today.