The air is thick as my father runs the magicked dagger across his palm. Blood pools in its wake. I hold my breath as he fists his hand and unlocks the mage's seal with his life force. The room is silent. All those present follow my lead and cease their breathing and his eyes flicker back and forth, across the parchment. A frown crosses his face, his eyes moisten.

It is then I know my brother twin brother Aderien is dead.

“Leave me,” booms my father's voice, a hollowness already settling in. Ignoring his command, I remain behind. An uncomfortable lump forms in the back of my throat. Thick velvet and silk fabrics shuffle as the room clears.

Only myself and a broken king remain.

Footsteps echo off the stone slabs as I cross them in my leather boots and I kneel at his side. Already there is a rupture in my soul and I know my father feels it also. His internal pain has already begun to mingle with mine.

“My king.” Barely above a whisper, my voice is quiet. He extends a hand, gloved to help ease the aches of long past battles. I take his hand in mine and kiss the family crest—my family crest—on his ring.

Although blank, his eyes are still moist. “Aderien is dead, Iseult.” My heart shatters at the break in his voice. Now, in my presence, he is no longer the bold and mighty King Aderien Patroiux H'Doliur of the kingdom Laghcroh. He is my grieving ylthe, a title I have not called him since I was a pup. I dare not speak it aloud.

“I had suspicions.” I refer to the dream I encountered a fortnight ago. “I was awoken with a painful stab to my chest on the night before our last full moon. Since, my body has not felt right, my mind a bit unstable.” What I don't tell him is I haven't been able to sleep since.

Still, I can smell the death that had surrounded Aderien, I can taste the fright on my tongue, his blood on my lips. He and his troops were massacred and through his eyes, I witnessed every drop of bloodshed. I had hope it was all a bad dream.

My father's cold eyes meet mine, and I dare not look away. He takes a moment to read me. “Unstable? Should I bid forth a mage?” The urge to laugh at his suggestion bubbles. Mages are what cause me this pain, the visions.

In our beliefs, according to the written scripture of mages, twins are a curse. The only cure is to meld the two minds of one being together to create one. Preformed at birth, the ritual leaves a disfiguring mark on the individuals. Each mark is never the same, save for those whose minds are being conjoined.

It is a lawful beckoning for public ridicule. Even Aderien and I were not exempt from it. The mark, even in his death, has not disappeared. Throbbing constantly is the red, stemmed crescent on my temple. The pain, once temporary, now seems permanent.

“I assure you, my king, I will be fine.”

My tunic suddenly feels heavy against my body, and my face heats up as he grabs it in his hand. “You look so much like him—my son,” he murmurs, tasting the last words on his lips.

Often, I had heard him to refuse to claim a once irresponsible Aderien as his son. Now, in death, he does what he could not do in life. My chest seizes, my breath catches, and my back stiffens as an unknown force reigns control over my body. I am powerless as foreign thoughts and emotions crash into me as waves on the beach.

“Pig filth. He only claims me in death.”

Aderien! I recognize his voice and wonder if I was also cursed with insanity. I fight, mentally struggling to gain control of my body.

“Calm down,” intercedes Aderien, and my father's eyes light up, a confused expression flickers over his face.

“Pardon?” Annoyance filters his voice, and I feel his yearning to be left alone. “I thought I was being calm.”

The ability to control my own thoughts and tongue return to me, and I am eager to leave his presence as I still feel Aderien lingering in the back of my mind. “I only meant to say you were handling Aderien's death well, collected.”

He brushes the stray gray hair from his face and tugs at the hem of his violet cloak. “I have experienced many deaths and thus had much practice overcoming my unwanted emotion...those that would make a king seem weak.”

“Weak my arse, I still have the scars from lying to him about visiting Praela of Coatel.” I jump a bit, still not expecting to hear my brother's warm, crude voice.

I clear my throat, not wanting my father to notice my change in character. “Have you any word on Themyi?”

My father rounds on me, his voice hardening. “Why do you ask? Have you any suspicions regarding his death?” Grasping my hand, I feel my bones shift from his tight grip. In my head I let out a cry of pain.

“I feel he's being rather cordial to you. He'd have broken my hand.” Curse Aderien. His chastisements were unneeded, whether part of my imagination or not.

“It was a mere inquiry. Not one said to create worry,” I say through clenched teeth.

The bones in my hand pop, and I know something is dislocated. I miss the gentle touch Ylthe once used with me. I notice he has changed so much within the passing years. Hardened, even to those close to him, and I wonder if it was due to the death of my mother. Is his new wife so unpleasant?

Releasing my hand, he lets out a sigh. I watch as the color returns to my hand, burning as it does so. “I assume he is fine, but with Aderien gone, his loss would be affordable.”

“Themyi is returning home?” My voice lifts and I wish to see my younger brother. He is much shyer than Aderien was and never speaks out of line. His honesty is a breath of fresh air compared to the lies Aderien spouted.

“I only lie when it is in my best interest.” And he doesn't gamble for women, I add, wanting to annoy my imaginary Aderien as I used to. “Wench.”

“As soon as my messenger gives word, we shall expect his return.” He stopped, a bit hesitant to continue. “Rafe of Klerr is to accompany him. It is my hope we can form an alliance.”

I know what he is meaning by his words, but in anger, I wait for him to continue. My temple still throbs and I can barely focus on his weathered and scarred face.

“Through your betrothal to him, it is my hope, with the Klerras' backing, we can defeat the Xancrets.” He stroked the smooth fabric of his cloak, and I took a steady breath to settle my nerves.

“The Klerras should be our main concern. My death was by the end of one their swords.” In my head, I reply Aderien's words, feeling truth attached to the bitterness in which he said them.

Worry fills Aderien's voice and I imagine the wrinkles marring his strong, angular face.“You are betrothed to a wolf. They are only known for being infected with insanity and their partiality to suicide. Their wives never live longer than the first birthing.”

I urge the voice in my head to be quiet. Sickness overcomes me every time he speaks, and I can feel the movement of my own lips, though no sound escapes. But his words instill a new sickness accompanied by fear. I know his words are true and I question if my father holds any concern for my wellbeing.

It is said the people of Klerr were once like myself—normal. They did not worship the moon, nor did they change forms at will. They were once peace-loving, non partial to war. When the regent's wife and child died during childbirth, he sought a mage to revive the lost lives. The mage agreed to only revive the child, but in payment, he, and his followers would turn into wolves and bid the mage's calling. The ruler fool-heartedly agreed, joyed to have saved one life, and in the process created an entire race of monsters.

A race I am now to marry into.

I play my father's game, knowing Doliur is on a path of destruction. Somehow, I know Aderien's death is the start of it. “What of my betrothal to Torroluf of Xancret?”

“As soon as the Xancrets attacked us, the conditions of the clause were breached and your betrothal was broken.”

“Father is the reason we are warring with them. His skills of reason have been waning.”

I lower my head, eager for his dismissal. “I will abide by your wishes, my king.” I keep my words short, wanting time for myself. I have much to think about, much to talk with Aderien about. Even though I know he is dead, the words my mind creates are comforting and the loneliness is no longer unbearable.

He dismisses me with a wave of his hand, and I stand up from my kneeling stance. Once more, I kiss his ring. “Rest daughter, for these coming days shall lend you no sleep.”

I nod, but I have no intentions of sleeping. My feet slap against the cold, stone slabs. The sounds they make are the only noises that accompany me as I leave the throne room. I pay no attention to the rich tapestries I pass. When I was a mere child, they would have fascinated me, but now when I look at them, I feel claustrophobic.

I am a prisoner to my king and his kingdom.

Aderiens words are unexpected. “You will be the next to face death if you do not find your escape.” His voice echoes off the barren walls, and I jump, wondering if I am hearing false noises.

As if to prove his presence, the strides I take are not mine. They are longer and have an air of cockiness. Whistling. I hear whistling, but I look around because I do not know how to whistle. I find I am completely alone.

No one has whistled since the day Aderien marched away from Doliur in his armor.

“You assume death could sever our bond, dear sister? Even in death, one cannot escape torture. The mages wove their spells well.” Perhaps I do need to rest, I suggest to myself.

“Your hand is starting to bruise.” I almost forget the dull ache residing in my hand. It appears mangled, contorted. I do not dare mend it on my own.

Changing course, I head towards Leela's quarters. I know Aderien used her poultices whenever he succumbed to injuries. It was safer to see her than to visit a mage. Payment is always expected when one seeks a mage, and the payments are always

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Challenge 1
Genre: Comedy, Satire, Romance
Rating: K-M
Like: Commentary On Character Stereotypes, A Genuine "Opposites Attract" Relationship, Turtle
Hate: Showing- Not Telling, Purple Prose, Cliche Commentary On Character Stereotypes, Unaware Mary Sues, Hares
Words/Quotes: pumpernickel, “Underwear makes me uncomfortable and besides my parts have to breathe," and the classic - "Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more."

Challenge 2
Genre: Romance, Drama, Suspense
Rating: K-M
Like: A Fist Fight, Loud Parties And A Backstabbing Character.
Hate: Repetitive Words Or Phrases, An Angry-For-No-Reason Character.
Words/Quotes: "Que?", "It's so old, it's old with an 'e'. Olde", "Magnesium Incartisum."

Challenge 3
Genre: Young Adult, Humor
Rating: K-M
Like: A Group Of Odd Friends, Card Games, Matching Cell Phones, Cake
Hate: Any Official Romantic Pairings
Words/Quotes: "By the Great Gatsby!!", "I saw Atlantis In Your Pantis.", "Together y'all!"

Challenge 4
Genre: Suspense, Action/Adventure, Drama
Rating: K-M
Like: Zombies, Fight Scenes, Hurt/Comfort
Hate: Any Other Supernatural-Type Creatures, Fluffy Gushy Romance, Low-Brow Humor
Words/Quotes: Agoraphobia, "Nobody said you were allowed to breathe," and a mention of any song by Interpol.

Challenge 5
Genre: Humor, Romance
Rating: K-M
Like: A Funny Title, Eccentricity, A Serenading Protagonist, A Very Likeable And Pitiable Antagonist And A Mainly Humorous Plot With
Romance Entwined.
Hate: Stereotypical Characters, Predictability (Except In The Case Of A Cliche), Too Many Arguments And Very Common Names.
Words/Quotes: "I cannot imagine how people can commit suicide to themselves. You know, I just cannot understand that aspect of suicide", "I LOVE gay people... you know not the gay happy ones, just the gay homosexuals... yeah...", "Mom, I know you love me an' all, but I really think you need to stop trying to change my diapers. Don't get me wrong, but I AM sixteen you know", "I love you, but I think I don't... I dunno, but I love you, yeah I do... I think I just think I don't... (abrupt change of topic)You know, I waxed my armpits last summer while in Australia and ... (continue)"

Challenge 6
Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Romance, Dark Humor
Rating: T-M
Likes: Sociopath, Sadist/Masochistic Relationships, A Main Character The Audience Doesn't Understand, A Death For No Reason
Dislikes: Things Falling Into Place Too Perfectly, Colloquialisms, Cliche Plot Lines, Mary Sues, Gary Stus, Incorrect Punctuation
Words/Quotes: "I was under the impression torture was supposed to hurt." "The world would be a worse place without Pee Wee Herman." "Yeah, I would be a cannibal if I didn't run the chance of getting mad cow disease."

Challenge 7
Genre: Humor, Romance, Drama
Rating: M
Like: Old Gramophones, Taxidermy Shop, Lofts, A Walrus That Smokes Cigars, Lee Harvey Oswald, Bifocals, Clouds And Cloud Expertise.
Hate: Cliche Characters And Things Of That Nature, Vegetables (Especially Onions), Bestiality, Bottled Water.
Words/Quotes: Tangelo, Bougainvillea, "Dee dee dee dee.." (as singing.)

Challenge 8
Genre: Romance, Suspense, Mystery
Rating: T
Like: White Roses, An Unlikely Suspect, Two Detectives Who Hate Each Other (Pref: The Leads)
Hate: Mary Sues, A Female Character Who Can't Stand Up For Herself, More Romance Than Mystery
Words/Quotes: Bookworm, "Bagpipe Mafia? What the hell is that supposed to mean?", "How can you talk if you haven't got a brain?"

Challenge 9
Genre: Romance, Humor
Rating: K-MLike: Witty Dialogue, Gay Secondary Character, Grape Juice, Plaid, Mood Rings, Someone Afraid Of Spiders, Reference To John Wayne Gacy's Prison-Art.
Hate: Whiny Protagonist, Rape, Pregnancy, A Lot Of Angst, Pets, Chocolate-Flavored Things, Religion, Stereotyping ("emo," "jock," etc.) Words/Quotes: Gazillion, Palindrome, "Oh, you worry too much. I think you look handsome in a bow tie."

Challenge 10
Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Angst, Drama
Rating: T-M
Like: Family Issues, Best Friends, Cliques, Protective Siblings
Hate: Slash, Over Usage Of Slang
Words/Quotes: "You can't not choose." Jackhole, "I have decided that I am not scared of death. I'm just scared of leaving the people I love behind."

Challenge 11
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Drama.
Rating: K-M
Like: Characters Older Than 18, Witty Dialogue, Believable People.Hate: Mary Sues, Unrealistic Situations, Characters That Whine A Lot.
Words/Quotes: "You're like a bull in a China shop", "Don't pull that face, you look like Casey Affleck", Dusk

Challenge 12
Genre: Anything
Rating: K-M
Like: An Interesting Protagonist, Fantasy If Done In An Interesting Way, A Dystopian Environment.
Hate: Mary Sue Type Characters, Excessive/Unconvincing Angst
Words/Quotes: At last all returns to the sea (Rachel Carson) "I thought I knew you better than that", "When I need your help I'll ask for it."

Challenge 13
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Fantasy
Rating: K-T
Like: A Mermaid, A Talking Octopus, A Singing Villain, A Dramatic Adventure, A Vegetarian Werewolf,
Hate: Mary Sue Type Characters, Boring Info-Dumps, Whiny Heroines
Words/Quotes: Assanine, "Don't drink the water.", "Roses are red, violets are blue..."

Challenge 14
Genre: Romance, Supernatural
Rating: K-T
Like: Werewolves, Love Triangle, Het Relationship, Skinny Jeans, Neon Clothing
Hate: Fluff, Smut, MxM or FxF
Words/Quotes: "Because I'm (fill in name)" reference to Gabe Saporta (He's a singer), Muffins

Challenge 15
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
Rating: M
Like: Relationship Hardships, A Sophisticated Nudist, Intangible Characters With A Strange "Connection", Creativity At Best
Hate: Anything Bland And. . . "White Washed."
Words/Quotes: "My love's like anaesthesia.", " Funk soul brother!", Circle Lens

Challenge 16
Genre: Suspense/Horror/Romance
Rating: K-M
Like: College-Aged Characters, Infidelity, Unique Individuals, A Character Who Speaks Differently Than The Rest, Strange Fetishes, Food, Someone Who Is Scared Of Buses, And An Unclear Line Between Protagonist And Antagonist.
Hate: Stereo-Typical People Of Any Kind, They're Past High School, They Shouldn't Still Have Labels. Too Much Unresolved, Unnecessary Drama. Major Cliches. Rape.
Words/Quotes: “Don't touch my hamster again.” “Only you can prevent forests!” followed by, “Wait, what?”

Challenge 17
Genre: Romance, Historical, Humor and/or Supernatural
Rating: K-M
Like: Characters That Don't Casually Curse, Characters That Are Well-Educated And Well Read And At Least One Character Suffering From Poverty
Hate: Characters That Casually Curse, Mary-Sue's, Gary-Stu's, Excessive Descriptions Of Hair
Words/Quotes: "Hamlet, Hamlet, with misogynistic man-bits", "Oh, how ripping!", and "What a terribly fallacious argument"

Meh, as i said in messenger, which you're never on, I'm redoing Forrester's. I think I'm gonna make it a tad bit darker. As in one of the football players, prolly Track or somebody, decides to use Adelaide in efforts to get back at Fielding. Only, in the end they don't fall in love and go la-di-dah-dah I'm so in love. Instead, I figure, he's gonna leave her preggo. And then ensues the angst. She'll get an abortion. But I might make her stupid and try to do it as a self-induced abortion. Afterwards, she'll move out with Uncle Robbie and I spose it'll end there. Here's what I've got so far.

"Face it girly," intoned Grandma Georgette, never once taking her eyes off of the field and it's rushing players. "You're as naive as they come. If someone purposely threw a bag of bricks at your head, you'd pass it off as the result of a heavy gust of wind."

I rolled my eyes in response. It was hard to take anything she said seriously when spittle came flying out of her mouth with every word spoken, and all I could focus on was the pink, floral shower cap covering her balding head. The spittle was forgiveable as she was out of denture adhesive, but the showercap was pointless as it looked worse than the bald patches among her still dark hair. Her hair never managed to gray, instead it decided falling out in clumps was a much more enjoyable experience.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me girl," she said, malice in tow, eyes still fixed on the field. It was amazing how she focused on anything else. "Listen to your elders. We've done experienced all you're experiencing. Hell, I only married Henry because Daddy forced us into it once I got pregnant. I never loved the bastard."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "That's a lie." She married Grandpa Henry because he was the only man willing to put up with her constant complaining and cursing.

She shrugged. "I know that, and you know that but Henry doesn't have to know that. It keeps him on his toes when I threaten to file for divorce."

Are you trying to tell the internet world something? Hm... Have you suddenly gone blind? GASP. Whatever shall I do? Actually, I liked this. Seems as if you've gotten your muse back. Challenges have been sent out, BTW.