http://slow.writerscafe.org/Isemay The original writings of author Isemay en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1775995170 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 Anna breathed deeply using the exercises that she’d learned as the lawyer perched on a chair next to her hospital bed.“Are you-”“This is stressful. They sent you to find out if I’m in good enough shape to inherit?”“Not exactly. You are set to inherit, your f.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122241/ Anna blinked, feeling hazy and slightly nauseous in a white room. Her body felt uncomfortable and there was something in her mouth and throat. She tried to lift her hands to her face and a woman in floral scrubs ran over to stop her.“Hey are you awake? Can you blink-”Blinking frantically.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122239/ “No, I just kind of imagined it happening, like when you day dream or walk through something in your head before you go put yourself in that situation if that makes sense.” Anna tilted her head. “It made sense to me that envisioning what I wanted to happen, the way I wanted things .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122238/ Anna reached her hand toward the dark water that the half zombie was lounging in and the vine creature grabbed her hand.“Either it will harm you or him if you put your hand in that water.” Viney smiled faintly. “I will not risk harm to him.”“I didn’t know that. Th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122237/ Anna looked at the handful of filthy pitiful people they’d managed to rescue, out of the twenty three doors opened only ten had survived, excluding Femnik or Diavach, she’d noticed different people calling him different things. They were all sitting on the filthy ground or leaning on the.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122236/ Anna followed Morcaryn into the dark and silent temple and then into a stairwell behind an elaborately painted triptych. The other woman waited until it was very nearly too dark to see at all before uncovering the lamp barely a sliver to light their way. They came out into a narrow corridor with a w.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122235/ The carriage Anna was put in was more like a one person cart pulled by a pony. It was enclosed with slats over the windows, spaced to give a little light and air. She could see Adphon leading the pony at a walk through the streets. Taking a deep breath she tried to think about what this might mean a.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122234/ Dressed in fresh clothing that was much the same as what she had accidentally gotten a few drops of blood on, Anna followed the maid back to the  garden for lunch. The harp had been moved but not taken away and it looked as if the area where she’d bled on the stones had been washed.Briria.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122233/ Duel of the Fates on Emma’s giant flute and Anna’s concert harp came to an end. “Oh my god that was some work.” Anna grinned. “It’s getting better every time.”“My dad would have a stroke.” Emma broke into giggles, “He’s very agai.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122232/ Anna tilted her head as the girl escorting her left her alone in a room with a narrow bed that had a long loose shift dress, what looked like a curly sort of butterfly with two very long thin strips of leather trailing off of it, and a long length of fabric that was probably intended to be a shawl l.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122229/ Anna finished her drink with a grimace and snagged a bottle of water before she slipped out of the half burned out shell of a house that was being used for the party. The smell of smoke lingered all around but it was less strong outside. From inside came the rowdy sounds of encouragement for someone.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122228/ Kind of an isekai noodle that spun up http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/3122227/ In the dream, Bas stepped through a doorway into a house Eli didn't know. It looked like a mansion or a villa of some kind, nothing in sight was cheap or dirty. The witch was clearly familiar with it. He touched the walls and looked pained. “Where are we?” “This is where .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2780878/ Marravae let Volas carry her down the scaffolding, trying to will her face not to flush as she held tightly to his bare neck and shoulder.“You didn’t have to give me your shirt, Volas.” She smiled and shook her head as he placed her on her feet with a grin, the Prince tugging the s.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768061/ A glance into the bedroom the Cemiri were sharing made Volas smile. Prince Gaeleath was on the edge of the large bed with one of the Cemiri Ladies lying between him and his sister. Another of the Ladies was asleep on the room’s sofa. He gave a nod to Lady Celaena keeping watch cheerfully from .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768058/ “Gaeleath?!” Marravae’s shout woke him and Gaeleath lifted his head blearily. “Marravae?”“He’s alive and he’s going to stay that way.” One of the Ladies spoke firmly. “You need to change out of your bloodied gown and then you can rest .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768057/ Marravae tried to breath and calm herself, fighting dizziness as Erthor helped her into a seat.“Her Highness needs to lie down.”“She can lie down after the wedding.” “He says she can lie down after” the Cuphisian healer swallowed, “after the wedding.&rd.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768056/ Volas scowled out of the upper window as one of the Cemiri Ladies pushed her head in front of it as well and peered out.“Should it be taking them this long?” “They… must-ah walk. Carefully.” One of the others said haltingly in the lilting Cemiri accent. &ldqu.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768052/ Gaeleath walked next to the litter holding Marravae’s hand. The men carrying his sister were trying to do so smoothly and Erthor was watching each step like a hawk. Ellus and both of the other Arek men posing as servants were carrying the bags and they were flanked by the two guards from the d.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768051/ Going to his rooms to change out of his bloodied shirt and jacket, Myrin was seething. That wretch thought he could strike the Crown Prince of Cuphisia? His father had told him not to speak to them, the old man was willing to let everything crumble but Myrin refused to believe everything was lost. T.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768050/ The inside of her mouth tasted sickly sweet and her cheeks ached as she woke to someone holding her upright and massaging both sides of her mouth at once.“Mmph!” She tried to elbow them and her brother’s face bobbed into her vision.“Marravae! If you ever worry me like that ag.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768049/ “We require no audience.” Myrin seethed as one of the Areks followed Gaeleath out.“There are two guards-”“For your sister’s protection and your peace of mind!”“They tried to prevent me from seeing my sister this morning, that was not reassuring.”.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768048/ It was tempting to assume that Merin would concede and that the game had been won, but Gaeleath had played against the man before and knew he should remain wary. His stomach growled as he made his way back to his sister’s room. Whether they’d be given clean food or not was a question gna.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768045/ Taking a seat next to Gaeleath, Volas felt he’d made the right choice. The Cemiri Prince had argued for him to be allowed his men and to have them armed and the mention of Arek and Cemir standing shoulder to shoulder was as good as asking for protection.The comprehension seemed to be dawning o.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768043/ Rubbing her eyes and yawning after Gaeleath left, Marravae felt sluggish and a little foggy. “How long did we sleep?”“Perhaps two hours.” Ossa gave her a worried frown. “They should have allowed you to continue sleeping.”“This is like spending all night.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768042/ “Disarming them will take the tension out of breakfast.” Myrin studied the coolly frowning Cemiri Prince and the scowling Arek.“It’s an insult.” Gaeleath paused as the Arek lifted his hand. “The insult isn’t unexpected.” Volas glanced to one of hi.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768041/ Standing outside of his sister’s door, Gaeleath considered his options carefully.“You intend to prevent me from visiting my sister?” If he tried to push past he would discover very quickly whether the guards intended him harm or not and, against two, even his concealed dagger .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768040/ Volas woke as the sun was rising and took a handful of his men into the courtyard for some exercise before breakfast. He felt hopeful and ready for anything that the day might bring.A Cuphisian messenger disturbed them before they had finished. His men brandished weapons at the intruder who held up .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2768038/ Pacing in the hall was calming. Marravae still felt too nervous to attempt to sleep but at least she wasn’t feeling as if she were going mad. There had been faces in the window, she was certain, but she was beginning to consider the possibility they had been reflections of faces and not people.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767987/ Undressing to get into the hot bath that had been drawn, Myrin felt far too awake. The thought of taking a few sleeping drops, however, was less than appealing.  A hot soak might take some of the edge off of his wakefulness and he hadn’t yet had the opportunity for a full bath since retur.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767986/ “I doubt it’s necessary,” Gaeleath lifted his hand to stop Lady Anrae from interrupting him, “but I will stay with you both if you would feel more comfortable.” “Thank you, your Highness.” Lady Celaena dimpled at him.“I think my sister intended me.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767984/ Night had fallen and his men were resting in shifts, but Volas couldn’t bring himself to sleep. He paced in front of the window in the dark with the draperies open keeping an eye on the path.“Your Highness…” One of the servants brought a lamp.“Cover it!”The cover.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767983/ Both Ossa and Ellus tasted her food before Marravae was permitted to. It was a modest meal though there was enough for all of them to eat, a soft unleavened bread topped with melted cheese, hot water with bitters, and a simple vegetable soup. After the first mouthful she found that she was ravenous... http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767936/ With evening approaching, Myrin hoped to speak cordially to both Gaeleath and Marravae. If she were feeling better perhaps she would have realized that this was all a terrible misunderstanding and that no malice was intended. Encouraging them to stay for a few more days at least had been the advice .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767935/ Watching and waiting as Lady Aleesia sampled the tea, soup, and bread sent for his sister made Gaeleath as nervous as the approaching nightfall. The likelihood that he would be prompted out of her room for propriety’s sake was every bit as real as the threat of poison.“Does anything tast.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767934/ Volas kept watch out of one of the high windows looking toward the palace the Cemiri Prince and Princess were being held in. The healer had not returned but he was nonetheless concerned about what might be happening. Messengers from the Cuphisian King had been sent and it seemed another was arriving.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767859/ “It’s cruel to keep the poor woman awake, your Highness! Look how pitifully she trembles. The Princess needs to rest.”Having woken to a terrible aching pain in every part of her body, vomiting, Marravae was silently agreeing with the Cuphisian healers that she should be permitted t.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767854/ Myrin was seething as he came around the corner to the loitering healers waiting to be sent back in to the Princess, “Who allowed the Arek into Princess Marravae’s room?”All of them looked startled, “What Arek? Their healers are dangerously ignorant!” The men headed bac.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767853/ “I will not be parted from my sister.” Gaeleath held her hand firmly and remained perched on the edge of her bed. “She was poisoned and unable to refuse Prince Myrin’s advances. It will not happen a second time.”“His Majesty wishes to speak with you of the terribl.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767851/ A small army of armed men approached and Volas put his hand on his knife. It was clear that Myrin didn’t intend to honor his word nor did he intend to give up Marravae without a fight. He glanced at the grim look on Gaeleath’s face and the concern on Marravae’s. Sending word to his.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767632/ Marravae let Volas pull her into an embrace in his tent. He stroked her hair and murmured in his tongue in a soothing tone, <“This will not go unpunished. He’s a coward and a poisoner, my huntress. I will see him bleed for the pain he has caused you. You should be kept safe, alwa.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767631/ Myrin sized up the situation. Gaeleath didn’t look like a man who was too tenderhearted to kill a boar at the moment. From the way the spear had turned in his direction, Myrin was almost certain that if he stayed for the hunt the Cemiri Prince would be marrying Myrae after his death in a terri.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767630/ Taking Marravae back into the camp was possibly the hardest thing Gaeleath had ever done. He wanted to put her on a horse and send her home but there was no possible way to do that without letting the Cuphisian know he was aware of what had been done to his sister. His father would counsel him to ke.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767629/ Sleep had not been restful. Dreams of Myrin killing his boar expertly and being embraced had been paired with dreams of failing to kill his own and seeing derision marr Marravae’s soft features. More depended on the outcome of this hunt than Volas could ever remember having risked.Rising from .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767517/ “If you’ll part with her, I’ll give you Bridgeburn and the Flatreach Keep on the other side of the Vimt. If wealth is what you desire…” Volas emptied his glass as Myrin weighed the offer and the likelihood that it was a test or trap of some kind.“That is an offer.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767515/ Unable to sleep, Volas stepped out of his tent to practice with a spear in the cool night air. As he went through the movements, the soft sounds of a woman’s pleasure reached his ears. He tried to focus on the spear. It was probably a servant woman. Marravae had made it clear she was displease.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767513/ This chapter contains adult content some may find objectionable. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767511/ “Merciless Marravae.” Volas took back his dagger as she offered it, relinquishing the spear. “Let me see your form with the spear.” Everything he wanted was standing there next to him and he couldn’t keep the desire from his voice. It was clear her father doted on her, .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767499/ Gaeleath rubbed his temple. His father had sent a missive inquiring if he would be willing to enter into an arrangement with Myrae. The tension and frostiness between Marravae and Myrin had been so pronounced there was concern it might have the opposite effect. Marravae hated to fail at any tas.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767497/ Volas changed from his hunting clothes into the dress clothes his valet had insisted be brought. For once he was grateful to have them. He’d been told he was impressive and handsome when he wished to be, and he’d never wished to be more in his life. Marravae, her dark hair and golden eye.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/Isemay/2767496/