Thursday, April 3, 2014

A To Z Challenge. CHAPTER THREE -- RUYA


            Her canorous laugh echoed throughout the garden when she saw Nándor’s shocked expression.  “Did you not think that we of the Aerie could not detect his chicanery?  We knew of it long before he arrived.”

            “No, my lady.  I’m delighted that you were not deceived by his duplicity.  He’s fooled many, much to my country’s detriment.  I was so close to finding him.  If only . . .” he trailed off,  rubbing his forehead as sudden exhaustion hit.  Both the journey and the rush of emotion at missing his target had taken their toll on him.  
 
            “Come,” she said concern etching her features.  She motioned for him follow her.  “What you need are a warm bath, meal, and bed.” 

            Nándor nodded with a slight grin at the celerity of her shifting personae.  “I would appreciate that, my lady.” 
            They exited through a different gateway and traversed a straight corridor of celadon brick.  After a while, she broke the silence.  “My name is Ruya, by the way.  It seems I have forgotten my manners.  I do not converse with our guests usually.”
            They turned right at the end of the corridor.  Nándor gazed at her.  “May I ask why?”

             “I do not mind,” Ruya assured him, but Nándor got the impression that there was resentment there.  “My augur abilities do not pertain to individuals.  I see events on world scale.” 

            Her mouth thinned.  “Doyen Cem does not think it wise for me to see our guests.  He wishes to protect me.  He believes that too much interaction with individuals would cause interference in my gift.”
 
            “And you believe otherwise,” he surmised. 

            She did not reply.  Instead, she stopped in front of a beautiful door.  The marquetry design of the dragon was intricate.  Its spread wings covered the top half of the door.  The tips of each wing met at the center just under the doorjamb.  

            “This is your room.  A bath awaits you.”  Opening the door, she entered.  “It is near crepuscule.  Our final meal is served then.  Someone will come and escort you to the hall.” 
She made to leave but Nándor stopped her with a gentle hand.  “You believe differently, don’t you, Lady Ruya?” 

She directed her gaze directly at him.  Her eyes coruscated with power, her demeanor authoritative and sure.  “Yes.”
His cynosure of her was secured in that moment. 

©djinnia 2014

17 comments:

  1. Now I want a celadon brick hallway! Nice continuation.
    Marlene at On Writing and Riding

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    1. thank you. i love that color word. it's much cooler than olive. well, i don't like olives so . . . =D

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  2. I think it is quite clever how you managed to include, and define, so many C words for today's post in the A to Z. The story was quite interesting to read as well.

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    1. there were just so many fantastic words that it was hard to choose, but these ones made the final cut.

      and thank you. i had a tough time with cynosure. i'm still not quite sure if it correctly used. =S

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  3. What a cool idea and a away to learn great new words!
    Shawn from Laughing at Life 2

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  4. Wow, I learned quite a new words! great job weaving them into the narrative!

    Damyanti Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2014, Latest Post

    Twitter: @damyantig
    #atozchallenge

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  5. My favorite today is "crepuscule." It sounds gross, but has a lovely meaning. :)

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    1. I know what you mean. Then the public library bought the Spanish version of twilight, and lo and behold, there is that word across the cover!

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  6. I agree. You're introducing a few words I'm not familiar with in this one. Well done.

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    1. I didn't know most of them either, but I like learning about strange things like this.

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  7. This keeps getting more interesting. I love the intricacies of the characters.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)

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    1. Thanks! I hope all the traveling won't get too boring. But you know how fantasy goes -- tons of travel to destination.

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  8. Ooooh, I love that last line with "cynosure"! Your use of these words flows flawlessly within the story.

    WriterlySam
    A to Z #TeamDamyanti

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    1. I was least sure on this one! I sorta crossed my fingers and hoped I was using it right! =D

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  9. I really enjoyed this installment.

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, YA Author

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