A Proposal from the Unknown

-
  I sit at my desk in my writing room. Amethyst told me to wait here while I stare into the open fire pit in front of me. Something about a messenger. I shrug and drum my fingers against the granite top. I know she has been on a hunt for new universes and people to be around, but I didn't think it would bear any fruit. She must have found something though. I hear her mumbling something about "you mad" and "weird cryptic messages" from time to time. No clue what it means yet, but- 

  I hear two sets of footsteps and look up. One is Amethyst with a victorious smile on her face. The other entity besides her looks strange, but curious: ashen skin, silver mountain goat horns, very humanoid, silver eyes, rather plain clothes that are not worth paying attention to. It is interesting to see such a contrast of colors on this entity. "Animus, this messenger calls themselves Justice."

  I put my hands together and sit a little more forward. "Greetings, Justice. May I ask what message you have for me?"

  I see the entity shuffle and relax slightly. "I am Justice, a Rau Field Researcher from Universal Magical Academy of Dial. We were studying different planes -or, universes, as your friend called them- and found yours. After some conversation with my superiors, we made contact and your friend brought me here with a proposal."

  "A proposal. I like the sound of that." I comment. 

  The field researcher smiles. "UMAD proposes an exchange of culture and technology between this plane and our own. We wish to send people to this plane, and -if you would like- you can send some of your people to our plane." 

  I sit back to a more neutral position to consider the proposal. Exchanges with a new universe are always a great joy for us, especially for Amethyst. I mean, as a Time Walker, she is aware of all universes, but it is rare that she gets to explore another universe. Then again, I do not want her to go there right away. She would tamper with the universe before she became familiar with it. The others I normally would send are off on their own missions right now, so that is out of the question. "Justice, I have an idea. I accept your proposal and offer to personally become the ambassador to both of our ... planes, as you call them." 

  They grin with a glee I usually see in children. "That sounds wonderful! Would you be willing to accompany back to my plane so we can discuss this with my superiors?"
  
  "Of course." I say. I grab a blank notebook, a filled pen, and my satchel. "Let's get going."

  "I want to come too!" Amethyst exclaims. I look to her and see her attempt at puppy-dog eyes. 

  I shake my head. "I need someone to stay here and keep an eye on things, Amethyst. At least until one of the others get back. So I'm requesting that you stay here for now." Amethyst frowns and walks away to sit at my desk. "Oh, don't act like a child. You can come once one of the others come back. It shouldn't be too long." I silently hope that she won't. I will have to mull over a certain consequence for coming if she does show up. Maybe she can serve some purpose by the time she gets there. 

  "Do you know how to take me back to my plane?" Justice asks. 

  I look to them and smile. "Yes, thankfully. So we should get going right away." I leave with Justice and hear Amethyst muttering under her breath. Hopefully nothing serious, but if it is, I will deal with it. 

~

  Thank you to those working on the Project: Grindstone ARG (augmented reality game) for the opportunity to write a small blog post and short story for them recently! If you would like to join a growing community on a new adventure (and read the short story I wrote for them), click on the link below. The password is doublelock (you can thank the Discord community for helping you out on that one). 

Project: Grindstone

  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Review #3

-
Book Review Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style Written by Benjamin Dreyer   If you are looking for a newer, fresher guide to the English language, this might be something to read. Dreyer is the Copy Chief of Random House, which gives him ample credibility to the wisdom and advice he offers. This book becomes a first step into the mind of a copy editor for multiple forms of writing. A lot of the information in this book serves as great advice and a springboard into other resources that Dreyer heartily recommends.   There is a lot of information to take in with this book. Its two sections (and thirteen chapters) cover a lot of material. The first section, "The Stuff in the Front," goes into detail about various style suggestions that you may want to consider on a basic level. Things such as punctuation; the rules and nonrules; and how to write foreign words in your work are critical for everything from flash fiction to novellas, from biographies...
Read more

Extra Note

-
 This goes to every American who either voted or did not vote recently. If you did not get what you wanted/needed, celebrate with those who did. For the first time in four years, those people may feel seen and valued.  If you did get what you wanted/needed, comfort and/or pray for those who did not. For the first time in four years, those people may feel uncertain and scared of their future.  No matter who you are as an American, please prepare to make the next four years the best they can be for yourself and others. Not just the ones you agree with, but everyone.  If your first reaction to my request was to become angry, then please take a moment to ask yourself why you got angry. The fact that you may not be able to set aside your feelings/convictions to understand how others feel is not what we as a full country need right now. For those of you who aren't American but still have elections in your country, I would kindly ask that you adapt this practice for when yo...
Read more

Canlanma Street Level, Story 1

-
Story 1    The holy incense follows the disciples out of the gilded temple hall. The Shepherd continues to swing the burner as he repeats the old mantras of the faith. The last disciple leaves and the burner settles as the Shepherd contemplates the list of rituals he must perform before the sun sets. The ritual implements have to be cleaned, the sacrifices burned, the acolytes of the temple purified, the-   "Shepherd Thanatos, we have a situation that requires your attention." An acolyte of the temple calls from below the altar. The Shepherd sighs and recites his calming mantra: "What I am about to do has not been approved." The Shepherd walks slowly behind the altar and finds the symbol on the side as he recites "chao regnat" under his breath. The symbol glows and opens a trap door under the altar. Shepherd Thanatos checks for other unwelcomed entities then slips under the altar and down the exposed staircase.   The acolytes in the room part as Shephe...
Read more