diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 86479ee..902f571 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -108,8 +108,12 @@ Gainsburg is where the first time she played for money. 15 miles from home. Geb's home. -# Miksa atoi pin Strali +# Miska atoi pin Strali (Mis) Blacksmith. -# Calibo atoi idu Oparil +She was slender with startlingly golden hair. Her waist had an almost perfect taper that only a corset could create; Linsan could spot some of the boning underneath the white cotton shirt she wore. However, his cousin wore brown trousers instead of a dress. With hands in both pockets, Cal's cousin gracefully stepped off the wagon and dropped the ground. + +Linsan caught sight of Miska's hands. Like her cousin and Old Gab, she had intricate designs tattooed along her hands up to her elbows. The material of her shirt, above where the corset bound her, gave a hint that there were more tattoos along her sternum and belly. + +# Calibo atoi idu Oparil (Cal) diff --git a/chapters/chapter-05.md b/chapters/chapter-05.md index 16562a7..b89f2da 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-05.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-05.md @@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ Linsan gasped and stumbled back until she hit the step with her foot. "W-What?" Muscles along Brook's jaw tightened. -Linsan rushed forward with her anger, shoving forward with her body.. "You're the one who followed me to the workshop. You were the one who said my family was trash and---" +Linsan rushed forward with her anger, shoving forward with her body. "You're the one who followed me to the workshop. You were the one who said my family was trash and---" "Your family is trash, you stupid bitch!" Brook shoved back with her bandaged hands. diff --git a/chapters/chapter-34.md b/chapters/chapter-34.md index d01c4b3..80febdd 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-34.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-34.md @@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ Miska's smile grew more forced. Miska rolled her eyes. -Linsan caught sight of Miska's hands. Like her cousin and Old Gab, she had intricate designs tattooed along her hands up to her elbows. The material of her shirt, above where the corset bound her, gave a hint that there were more tattoos along her sternum or belly. +Linsan caught sight of Miska's hands. Like her cousin and Old Gab, she had intricate designs tattooed along her hands up to her elbows. The material of her shirt, above where the corset bound her, gave a hint that there were more tattoos along her sternum and belly. Linsan took a deep breath. Her mother had taught her enough to know that saying someone's name right was important. She cleared her throat. "Miska atoi Strali?" diff --git a/chapters/chapter-35.md b/chapters/chapter-35.md index a3468bc..7385cc1 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-35.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-35.md @@ -34,11 +34,11 @@ Miska shrugged. "No one I wouldn't have kicked out of my bed for you." Rolling her head to give her cousin a sardonic look, Miska said, "If Gab made it, finish the bowl at the latrine?" -Calibo laughed. "She isn't that bad of a cook. We all survived her meals for years. Besides, she puts all of her sweetness in her deserts. Oh," he said with a groan, "I could use a bowl of *nigi* right now." +Calibo laughed. "She isn't that bad of a cook. We all survived her meals for years. Besides, she puts all of her sweetness in her deserts. Oh," he said with a groan, "I could use a bowl of *onigi* right now." Linsan listened while she sat next to Brook. They were both in the space between the front of the ruined buggy. Brook's hand rested in her palm but neither of them were inclined to let them release. It was a comfort with an increasing strange day. -She wondered if Calibo and Miska were speaking Lorban for her benefit. Half of the words didn't make sense. She guessed Calibo had taken an effort not to speak whatever language they shared because Miska frequently answered with no regard for Lisan's eavesdropping. +She wondered if Calibo and Miska were speaking Lorban for her benefit. Half of the words didn't make sense. She guessed Calibo had taken an effort not to speak whatever language they shared because Miska frequently answered with no regard for Linsan's eavesdropping. Miska sat up. "Just bring the wagon up in front of the smithy and help me shove it off. I'll start tonight and see what I can do." diff --git a/chapters/chapter-38.md b/chapters/chapter-38.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aa46137 --- /dev/null +++ b/chapters/chapter-38.md @@ -0,0 +1,113 @@ +--- +title: The Morning After +teaser: > + Linsan wakes up as Brook starts to ask questions about their relationship. +summary: > + Linsan wakes up as Brook starts to ask questions about their relationship. Unsure since sexual relationships are new to Linsan, they announce they are still friends but they will figure it out as they go. +--- + +> As for being your lover, I'll be honored to take the job until you find another warrior who wields a sword as mighty as yours. --- *What Lurks at the Heart of the River Sin* (Act 2, Scene 5) + +For the first time in her life, Linsan woke up with the feeling of contentment. She took a deep breath and drank in the scents of perfumes and sex. It was a sweet smell, light. It brought a smile to her lips and she felt a welcoming warmth along her body at the memories the smells recalled. + +It was the first time she ever been with anyone sexually. Her mother's plays talked about it constantly, but Linsan had never felt the urge or desire. Male or female, no one had ever "ignited a flame" or brought "a flutter to her breath" which happened constantly in the plays. In fact, if Brook had not started the kiss, Linsan may have never even considered the possibly. + +Linsan was happy Brook made the first move. She smiled to herself, lifted her head, and opened her eyes. The cramped bed was otherwise empty except for twisted blankets and pulled sheets. A few of Brook's dark hairs curled delicately on the pillow and there was a faint smear of hair oil on the edge. + +Unconcerned, Linsan sat up. Realizing she was naked, she looked around her for her camisole. Spotting it on the floor, she reached over and grabbed it. + +The door rattled for a moment before it opened. + +Linsan stiffened and straightened, pulling the thin material to her chest. + +Brook looked at her and smiled broadly. There was no hesitation, no pulling back, no flickering anger. For the first time, Linsan realized she was seeing true happiness in her former enemy. Holding up a tray of steaming food and three mugs, Brook said, "Good morning." + +Even her voice was cheerful. + +"Good morning. Thank you." + +"They didn't have much to drink, just cider and tea. I got you a tea and breakfast. It looks like eggs, potatoes, and some sort of purple vegetables." + +Linsan thanked her. Brook held up the tray for a moment and then brought it over to the suitcase. With Linsan's help, she closed the lid and set the tray on top of it. She hesitated with the last step, her hands hovering over the surface for a moment. Then, she straightened slowly, turning until she faced Linsan. + +"Um, Lin?" + +"Yes?" + +Brook worried her lip. Then she grabbed one of the mugs and held it to her chest. Her fingers gripped the edge tightly until her knuckles whitened. "About... about last night?" + +Linsan wasn't sure how to answer. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt other than it brought her happiness. She tried to imagine Brook differently, as a loving spouse or the couples she had seen going to her mother's plays. + +She couldn't. + +The silence grew between them. It turned the air stifling. + +When Brook started to fidget, Linsan realized she had to say something. Shaking, she patted the bed next to her. + +Brook sank down a foot away. Their bodies were almost touching. She wore one of her travel dresses, one that wasn't damaged in the fight or practice. The bright blue lace fluttered with her movement. She took a deep breath and then another. + +Linsan reached out with her hand. + +Brook took it with her own gloved hand. Her hand was shaking and she griped Linsan tightly. "Are we... are we still enemies?" + +Not expecting the question, Linsan could only laugh. "No, Brook, we aren't enemies." She giggled. "I don't think we've been that way for quite a while." + +"When?" + +"I'm going to say that fight in the garage." + +"But I left you." Brook's grip tightened. + +"You came back. That's what matters. Now, we're together." + +Brook's eyes flickered back and forth with her thoughts. She looked down and then brought her other hand up to clasp Linsan's. "But... what are we now?" + +She gestured to the bed with her chin and then to where Linsan had her other hand still holding her camisole to her bare breasts. + +Linsan looked down at her other hand. She didn't have an answer herself. Everything was new to her, terrifying and excitedly new. "What do you want to be?" + +Brook looked away as she tightened her grip. "I don't know. I didn't even know that this was possible until years ago. Remember when we had that big fight? You limped home. That was the day I fought out that your mother had a wife first." + +Linsan thought about Marin. She would never meet her mother's first wife nor the woman that Marin would marry later, Junith. Learning about the relationship was a revelation to both Linsan and Brook that day. "I was more surprised my father's first wife married my mother's. How did that work out?" + +"I don't know, I've just been thinking about it a lot. Ordering stories, trying to meet others. I haven't had a chance to... physically do it, but I'm pretty sure I only have the eyes for women." + +"And you were hoping I liked the fairer sex?" + +Brook blushed. She tried to pull her hand free. + +Linsan smiled and reached down to kiss the hands clasping her own. The memories of their bodies writhing warmed her up. "I'm going to say I enjoyed last night a lot. I just never thought about it before." + +"Always fancied boys?" + +"No," Linsan said with a shrug. "Didn't really think about it?" + +Brook's lips tightened. "Didn't you think I was pretty?" + +"Of course, I did. I said it before, even when you were fighting. You were the prettiest girl in school and you are more beautiful now. I meant that with my heart." + +"But I don't... make you moist?" + +There was something in Brook's tone that caused Linsan to hesitate. The wrong word and Linsan would drive a wedge between them. She didn't want to lose Brook, not for their quest but also not as her best friend. She smiled and kissed Brook's hand again. "You are the adventure I would be most honored to take." + +Brook smiled, and then she let out a little snort. "That's a quote, isn't it?" + +"Yes.... from *What Lurks at the Heart of the River Sin*." + +Brook's shoulders shook with her laughter. "Oh, how could you? Even I know that play. And that was the worst line in it! How could you?" + +Linsan smiled bashfully. "This is all new to me. I don't know what to do, what to say." + +Brook scooted closer. Their clasped hands shifted until Linsan's arm was pressed against her breast and Brook's body was warm against her own. "Lin, would you mind if we try?" + +Another line came up. Linsan leaned forward. "We will always be friends, that part has been set in stone and into the weave of destiny." + +Brook smiled, her eyes shimmering. She obviously never been to a showing of *Haston and Grail*. + +Linsan grinned as another line came up from *What Lurks at the Heart of the River Sin*. It was terrible but playful. "As for being your lover, I'll be honored to take the job---" + +Brook's eyes softened and she leaned forward to kiss Linsan. + +Linsan struggled to keep a straight face. "---until you find another warrior who wields a sword as mighty---" + +Brook stooped with a gasp. Then, with a look of mock anger, she yanked her hands free to find a pillow to smack Linsan and silence the laughter. diff --git a/chapters/chapter-39.md b/chapters/chapter-39.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6b83c11 --- /dev/null +++ b/chapters/chapter-39.md @@ -0,0 +1,123 @@ +--- +title: Estimation +teaser: > + Hand-in-hand, Linsan and Brook return to the smithy to find out how much damage was done to the Glasscoaster. +summary: > + Hand-in-hand, Linsan and Brook return to the smithy to find out how much damage was done to the Glasscoaster. +--- + +> Beyond the basics of blacksmithing, the skill to do detailed repaired was rare. This ensured the prices remained high for many years after auto-drivers took to the roads. --- Padid Has-Glorian, *Early Years of the Auto-Drivers* + +An hour later, Linsan and Brook walked hand-in-hand from the public house and across the road. She couldn't see the buggy but she heard a steady banging from a hammer striking metal. + +Brook had combined the remains of the three tea cups into a single one and had poured in enough sugar that it splashed with every step. She moved with a smoothness that hinted that she had done the same many times over the years. + +No one else was moving about town. There was not even sign of the party from the previous night. Almost everyone had left before sunrise and returned to their homes for duties and jobs. + +The starkness of the abandoned village was overwhelming. + +Calibo looked up from where he was lashing some heavy planks into his wagon. He smiled broadly. "Good morning! Did you get a chance to sleep in comfortable beds?" + +"What does that mean?" asked Brook, her tone sharpening. + +Linsan looked at her worriedly. + +He shrugged, then hopped down. Like his cousin, the ground shook from the impact. "You didn't come back to the wagon or head over to cousin's, so I hoped you found yourselves room." + +"Oh. We did. It was a pleasant night." Brook's tone softened and she squeezed Linsan's hand. Sharing a smile, she gestured to the entrance of the smithy. "Is she working on my Glasscoaster?" + +"Head on it, it's safe if she isn't banging on things." + +Linsan spoke up. "What are the planks for?" + +"I figured I'd build a bridge over that hole those assholes made. Or least make something to warn other wagons before they fall in." + +With a blush, Linsan looked at it. "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that." + +He shrugged. "It wasn't your fault they decided to start killing and stealing. You weren't the one that put them in Greol's barn that night. You weren't the reason for who they are. You were trying to do the right thing." + +With a groan, Calibo arched his back. "No, you were trying to do the right now. And, if you happened to get them tied up, I suspect you wouldn't be thinking about cutting throats, right?" + +Nausea rose up, choking Linsan. She had not considered what would happen if she managed to stun them, other than a vague idea of finding authorities. She held up and her hand and shook her head. "No, no! I wouldn't do that." + +"Well, then I don't blame you for a hole," Calibo said with a smile. + +Brook tugged on Linsan's hands. + +Linsan glanced over and then slipped her hand free. She turned to whisper to Brook. "I think I should help." + +Brook looked at the wagon and then to the blacksmith. She whispered back, "Please? I don't want to see how bad it is on my own." + +"I will. Then may I?" + +Brook nodded and whispered thanks. + +Linsan held up her hand. "Cal, mind if I help you? I can't lift much, but I helped make that whole. But I want to see the buggy first." + +Brook stepped toward the forge. + +Calibo grunted and shook his head again. "It's going to take me hours to finish and I wasn't planning on coming back. I have work in Little Rock and that's my home. Once I finish, I need to get working and can't afford the time to come back here. Don't worry," he said flexing his arm, "I can handle a little bridge." + +"Are you sure?" + +"Yes. Why don't you see if cousin needs your help and then maybe work on fixing your bow? It sounds like you'll need that if you're going to keep going." + +The sick feeling from before rose up. In the rush of sex and emotions, she had forgotten that her bow had been cracked. "Sorry... thank you." + +"No, thank you. It takes a kind heart to offer. Go on, your friend is going to need some support. In the morning light, that car looks like terrible shape." + +Linsan followed after Brook who stood in the entrance of the forge area. When she came up, she could see tears in her friend's eyes but also a different look, one that she had just seen the night before. + +Calibo and Miska had dragged the buggy into the center of the forge area. Twisted and torn metal stuck out in all directions. The front looked like it had been crushed as easily as a paper box. + +Miska stood near the front, wearing a pair of functional and stained trousers, a heavy leather apron, and a shirt more appropriate for winter. To Linsan's surprise, she didn't have a hammer in hand. + +Wearing gloves, Miska picked up one end of a fender. Bracing it against her thigh, she raised her fist into the air and brought it down. The impact sounded like a hammer strike and the metal shook violently from the impact. A blast of warm air blew past Linsan bringing the smell of scorched metal and wood. + +Brook leaned over. "Is she...?" + +Miska slammed her hand down again, flattening the metal against her thigh. + +Linsan shook her head in amusement. "Fixing your buggy with her bare hands? Yes." + +Miska groaned and released the metal. Standing up, she ran her gloved hand across the side of her face. Sweat sluices off the leather and splashed down to soak her shirt. She caught sight of Linsan and Brook before doing a double take. A scowl etched across her face. "I didn't hear you come in." + +"Y-You were pounding," Brook said in her quiet voice. Her eyes scanned up and down, taking in the look of Miska with more than a little desire. It was a new expression for Linsan, but there was no question that something about Miska that excited Brook. + +Brook's eyes flickered to Linsan's and then a blush burned on her cheeks. She reached out and grabbed Linsan's hand and held it tight. + +Given what happened the night before, Linsan was surprised that she didn't feel a surge of jealousy or anger. The plays and stories said that it would happen, something that would eventually poison whatever had grown between her in Brook. + +However, Linsan knew the plays by heart. She had seen how relationships had been ruined by those two emotions and misunderstanding. Her own earlier thoughts came back, was she in love with Brook or was it lust? Was it something forever or just two lovers in the same bed? She still didn't know, only that what feelings she had were not in any play that she had seen. + +She clasped Brook's hand and gave her a comforting smile. They would figure it out, together. + +When they looked back, Miska was watching them carefully. "What do you want?" she asked in a sharp tone. + +"How bad is my car?" Brook said, the familiar sharpness of her tone coming back. + +Miska shook her head and rolled her eyes. She turned and pointed to the car as she spoke. "It looks the frame had been snapped her and here. The front is trashed, but the engine looks in pretty good shape. I'm thinking if I can most of this front repaired and pulled off, I'll have a better idea about midnight." + +"Midnight," Linsan asked. + +Brook's spine stiffened. "That's all day. We can't wait that long." + +Miska glared at her. "Well, then prepare to wait a lot longer because you trashed your Coaster pretty well and it's going to take me a lot of effort just to get your damn ass back on the road, now isn't it?" + +Brook opened her mouth but Linsan knew nothing helpful was going to come out. She squeezed Brook's hand tightly for a moment. When her friend looked over, Linsan shook her head. Brook closed her mouth with a snap. + +"Let's let Miska do what repairs she can. We have other things we need to do." + +A flush colored Brook's cheeks and a smile quirked the corner of her lips. + +Linsan grinned. "That or repair my bow and figure out how we're going to defeat Til, May, and Gab." + +Brook's smile dropped instantly. + +As much as Linsan wanted to crawl back into bed and enjoy some time with Brook, they had a duty before them. "We obviously can't reuse the same song from before, Til figured it out. That means we need to learn and practice a bunch more if we're going to have a chance." + +For a moment, Brook resisted. Then her shoulders slumped. "Very well. What do you need?" + +"Horse hairs at least and probably some tools." + +Turning back, Brook cleared her throat and spoke politely to Miska. "Excuse me, do you know where we could find someone who keeps horses?" diff --git a/language.json b/language.json index 4b19266..8f660fe 100644 --- a/language.json +++ b/language.json @@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ "Gepaul's", "Glasscoaster", "Itanith", + "Junith", "Kabisal", "Kamel", "Kamel's", diff --git a/removed/smithy.md b/removed/smithy.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f2f880c --- /dev/null +++ b/removed/smithy.md @@ -0,0 +1,63 @@ +grinning like a dog who had just stolen a chicken. It was a far different attitude compared to the one the day before. Something had cheered Miska up instantly. + +"What?" asked Linsan warily, though she was hoping that it wasn't a cruel smile plastered on Miska's face. + +"I didn't think you two were a couple," she said in a playful tone. + +Brook and Linsan both tightened their grips. + +Even though they said nothing, Miska's smile grew wider. "Oh, that happened last night! You finally got together? That it your first? No wonder I didn't like either of you yesterday." + +Linsan blushed hotly. She squirmed and fought the urge to hide her face. + +"Oh, tell me you had to share a bed. Was it the beating hearts? The closeness?" + +She couldn't help but look away. In the corner of her vision, she could see Brook doing the same thing. + +Miska slapped her thigh. "So wonderful when two beautiful women find themselves. Just like that book with the apple fair." + +Brook jerked. "*Sweeter than Wine*?" + +Linsan stared at her friend in shock. She had never heard of the book but she couldn't imagined Brook would have read one if she didn't have to. Then a wave of guilt hit her, she didn't know what Brook had been doing in the years since they parted. + +"Yes! That one! Oh, that's where I heard the term..." Miska's eyes glittered with amusement. She made a show of snapping her fingers, though the leather bound digits made no noise. "... what was it..." + +Brook quivered. A quiet whimper escaped her painted lips. + +Then Miska looked up with a wry grin. An expression of triumph. "Let me guess, only one of you really like peach pies?" + +Brook's hand tightened as she inhaled sharply. + +Lisan shrugged. "They are okay, but peaches are expensive." + +Brook didn't respond. Instead, her cheeks grew redder and her grip tightened. + +Lisan leaned over. "What's going on? Does it mean something else?" + +"I-I... I'll tell you later," stammered her friend. Brook pulled her hand away from Linsan's and stepped away, her cheeks red with a flush. + +Miska smirked and patted her gloves against her apron. Her eyes focused on Brook and her smile softened. "First time seducing your companion?" + +"I did not!" + +Lisan coughed. Brook had seduced her, though there wasn't much before they kissed. + +Cheeks burning as hotly as Linsan's, Brook sighed. "Fine, yes. But she was willing." + +Miska's gaze focused on Linsan. + +Confused but still somehow embarassed, Linsan nodded. + +Miska gave a nod of approval. "Well, you two have good tastes then. Maybe we can be friends." + +Linsan had nothing to respond. She watched helplessly as silence grew between them. + +--- + +Miska shrugged. "If it gets rid of the fire boys. Besides, how often do I get to mess with a pretty peach's engine?" + +Brook let out a strangled noise. + +Miksa grinned broadly. "Now, let me go to work." + +Linsan