O is for Orsino

Orsino is the owner and barkeep at the Roadhouse in Sellwood.

Author: Thanks Orsino for hosting this interview. This is my first visit to your roadhouse. How long have you been in business?

Orsino: Let me fill that cup for you. The missus and me built this place in our youth, near twenty-five seasons ago. We lived upstairs for several seasons, then built our little place down the hill. She wanted a garden and some peace and quiet. Now we let out those rooms to travelers. With the stables, we made a nice living until all this started about Demalions. I count many Demalions among my best customers. They travel quite a lot up and down the Valley so this roadhouse became popular. Let me refill that cup for you, dear.

Author: Thanks. So business hasn’t been as good since the trouble started?

Orsino: Not as many folks traveling these days and them that do travel in larger groups. I had a problem with some rough boys breaking up the place and turning away anybody they thought might be Demalion but some friends put a stop to that. Business still ain’t what it was. I don’t reckon it will be until …well, I don’t rightly know when.

Author: This ale is tasty. Do you brew this yourself?

Orsino: Of course. The missus does most of the brewing. We have a few farms around here that grow different varieties of hops for us. This one has a bit of a kick to it. Can I top that off for you?

Author: Yes, please. (giggles) So…you know Marabella, right?

Orsino: I do. I count her as a friend.

Author: Um…what were we talking about?

N is for Natan, blacksmith, craftsman, and brother to Marabella

Natan is Marabella’s half-brother, son of Halsta, blacksmith of Helfin.

Author: Thanks for being here today. Tell me what it’s been like growing up in Helfin.

Natan: It’s been okay, I suppose. My mother was killed when I was quite young so it’s just been my pap and my brother Glen at home. I would say that I’ve had a normal childhood but I don’t know anything different so it may not be so normal. Having Marabella for a sister probably makes my experience a little unique.

Author: How does Marabella make your experiences unique?

Natan: You’ve met her. You know. Belle keeps things interesting.

Author: How so? Can you explain it to our readers who don’t know her as well?

Natan: I always knew my sis was special, even before anyone mentioned that her pap was Demalion. She lights up a room by walking into it. And she’s always had abilities. She’s smarter than most, picks up on whatever she’s reading easy as you please; always better at physical stuff too. Even when we were little, Belle could run faster, climb higher, and throw straighter. Most folks thought it was because she was fearless. She had the courage to try anything and she usually succeeded. I knew that she was special though. I never could lie to her. No one can. I stopped trying long ago.

Author: Is it difficult having a half-sister with magics when you do not?

Natan: I’ve never thought of Belle as my half-sister. We have different fathers but she’s my sister, plain and simple. As for her abilities and magics and stuff, that don’t mean anything to me. We all have our abilities. Mine is glasswork and blacksmithing. She’s got her magics and telepathy. You write.

Author: Are you concerned about the recent changes in attitudes toward Demalions, since your sister is Demalion?

Natan: What’s going on now in Common Valley is worrysome. I have cause to speak with folks coming through Helfin quite a bit, being in business like we are. Most folks are less worried about Demalions than the rough boys and soldiers that are spreading over the Valley. Some knuckleheads use what they call the unrest as an excuse to make trouble. They single out people that might be Demalion or friendly to Demalions. There’s been a few that tried with us but they change their tune when they realize that we have the only forge around. Ignorance and prejudice don’t fix a wagon wheel.

Author: You are getting a reputation for being quite the craftsman. You do more than regular smithing. Can you tell us about that? When did you start? What do you make?

Natan: Thank you for that. I started tinkering with other mediums when I was just a nubbin. My friend Fellis and his pap are glass smiths. I done learned a lot from them over the seasons. I started hammering out wire and making little figures for my mam when I was too small to swing a big hammer. Over the seasons, I found I

had an aptitude for making more delicate things. I designed and made more refined tools for making jewelry and such. Though, I can still pound out a horse shoe if needed.

Author:  Thank you, Natan.

M is for Matherly, cabin boy on the Scarlett Mermaid

Matherly Colt is cabin boy and personal attendant to Queen Dorinda Gold, Monarch of the Pirates of the Pelagus Sea

Author: How long have you been Queen Dorinda’s cabin boy?

Matherly: I came aboard when I was a pup of nine seasons. I’ve been with her for near three seasons, I guess.

Author: What are your duties? Do you like it?

Matherly: I love the sea and there ain’t a better captain to serve than our lady. My duties are whatever my lady says. I keep her quarters tidy and help out some in the galley too. I run errands and messages when she needs me to and I’m good at gatherin’ information when you need someone sly.

Author: What does that mean?

Matherly: (Laughs) Say you want to find out what another captain is up to. If one of the sailors goes and sits down in the tavern with the other crew and starts asking questions or listening to their plans, they likely end up on the pointy end of a sword. But if a boy, such as myself, is hanging about the tavern, sweeping up or helping the serving girls, nobody even notices. I hear news from all ports.

Author: What is the news in those ports about the way the Demalions are being treated in Common Valley?

Matherly: Now this I will tell you true. There be a mighty crew of Demalions leaving the Valley these days; more all the time. Dark times loom on the horizon for the Valley, I think. I hear tell that Master Koros fella is trainin’ soldiers at that University now. And I don’t care what he said when you interviewed him, he is collectin’ items with magics. I done heard it more than once from crewmen and those fleeing the Valley. Dark times for certain.

Author: I see. Let’s get back to talking about you, shall we? What kind of education are you able to receive being aboard ship all the time?

Matherly: The best kind. I’m learnin’ every day. I know each nook of this ship. There ain’t a position aboard that ain’t familiar to me. I reckon I could fill in for any swab on this boat ceptin’ Our Lady or Mr. Gant, the first mate. I mean there are some duties I haven’t the push and pull for yet but I know what to do.

Author: The push and pull?

Matherly: The muscle. The physical strength. There are a couple of things I’m not yet strong enough to do.

Author: Oh, I see. What about regular education, in books and such?

Matherly: I done learned to read and write and do sums. A sailor needs to know his sums to navigate properly.  I do a fair amount of reading. I get geography and history from every sailor I meet. Sailors have the best stories; you just have to be able to sort the true from the whimsy. Sailors like to embellish some to make all seem interesting.

Author: Marabella tells me that you always tell the truth.

Matherly: (Grins) I always tell my Queen the truth. I make no guarantees to anyone else.  

Author: You say you do a fair amount of reading. Have you read my book?

Matherly: I did. But it was all about Marabella. I’m ready to read the next one. I reckon it will be more interestin’ cause I‘m in it. When can I get that one?

Author: I’m working on it. #amwriting #AtoZchallenge Thanks for talking with me.

Matherly: Yes mam.  

L is for Letta, childhood friend of Marabella

Letta is a close childhood friend of our heroine, Marabella. She has lived in Helfin all her life.

Author: Thanks for the interview.

Letta: Thank you for asking me. It makes me feel important. I read your book. It was good. I loved the way you described my Joining Ceremony to Glen. I knew he was nervous but when I read your account I just laughed and laughed, and then I cried a little. It was beautiful. I loved your description of my pink dress.

Author: Thanks for that. I’ve done several interviews so far and one thing that nearly everyone has spoken about is the changes in Common Valley. Tell us a bit about your life and how it has changed recently.

Letta: Oh, where shall I start? Things were simpler when I was a child. But aren’t they always. I mean children see things simply, don’t they? But this Koros fellow has stirred up bad feelings toward Demalions for a bunch of people. You interviewed him, didn’t you? How was that? Is he as intimidating as they say or is that just gossip?

Author: It was interesting. But let’s get back to your interview, shall we?

Letta: Oh yes, sorry. How things have changed…okay. Demalions have always been around. I mean, all my life anyway. They’re merchants and craftsmen. They travel the Valley and bring Festival. That’s the way it’s been for a long time. No one had any problems with Demalions before Koros started this.

Author: How do you feel about the fact that Demalions have magics?

Letta: Do they? Do they really? Well, if they do I think it’s just wonderful. I don’t know why anyone would have a problem with it; unless they’re jealous. All the Demalions I’ve had the pleasure of knowing are wonderful folks. And what kind of magics anyway? I’ve never seen anything that was all that amazing. I mean Celene did read our fortunes one time and that was exciting and fun; but it was a trick, right? And I’ve known Marabella since the first day of school, long before she knew she was Demalion. I’ve never seen her do anything magical. Except you can’t lie to her. She can get the truth out of anybody. And she has a really good way with animals. It’s like she can talk to them. But lots of people are good with animals. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her start a fire without a tinder box; but …maybe she does have some magics. So what?

Author: What do you see for the future of Common Valley?

Letta: I don’t know. And that is a bit scary. I’m afraid that things are getting out of hand already. I just want things to go back to the way they were so that Glen and I can raise a family in peace. Something is coming though and it’s not good. It seems like Marabella is in the middle of it. She’s never backed down from a fight. She and Wesley used to get teased a lot, well mostly Wesley. But Belle, we here in Helfin still call her Belle, like when she was little. Anyway, Belle will always stand up for her friends and family. And she’s formidable girl. But I’ve heard that Koros may be forming an army, and not just a bunch of rough boys who like to cause trouble either. I heard that they’re training and everything. So, yeah. I’m worried.

Author: Thank you, Letta. It has been a pleasure.

Letta: Thank you for having me. Oh, and everyone please leave a comment.

K is for Koros, dark master scholar

Koros is a master scholar at the University at Drosia and the most influential member of the governing council. He is also the architect of the plan to rid Common Valley of Demalions and their magics.

Author: Let’s get right to it shall we? What is it that you have against Demalions?

Koros: First, let me thank you for granting this interview. I find it remarkable that you would set aside your apparent affection for Demalions to speak with me. It shows me a dedication to your craft as a writer. I have nothing against Demalions; it is their magics I find objectionable.

Author: Have you always felt this way? Have you or someone you know ever been harmed by Demalions or magics?

Koros: Like you, I was once an idealistic scholar myself. I felt no malice toward any race of humans. It was through arduous hours of study that I began to note dangerous differences between Common folk and Demalions. They do not think as we think, behave as we behave. The magics they possess give them a very different perspective. As one without your own magics, I realize that this may be hard for you to grasp. Magics and the items which are imbued with magics are inherently evil.

Author: Why do you believe Demalion magics to be evil? Have you or anyone you know been harmed by Demalions or magics? 

Koros: After many seasons of study by scholars from every corner of the Valley, we still do not know the source of their magics. And before you start with those ridiculous children’s stories about dragons, know that I don’t believe a word of those tales.   

Author: Why does it matter where their magics come from? And I’ll ask once more, have you been harmed by Demalions or their magics?

Koros:  The source of their magics is pertinent to the safety and well-being of every citizen of the Valley.

Author: A politician’s answer. Our time is limited so let’s move on, shall we? Was Malick one of your agents?

Koros: Who? One of my agents? My dear, there are many in the Valley who agree with me about the Demalion problem. I obviously do not know them all.

Author: It has been reported that you are collecting magical items. Why?

Koros: You have been misinformed, my dear. Why would I collect items which have no use to me? There have been some dangerous magical items confiscated, solely for the purpose of destroying them.

Author: Is it true that you are forming an army? To what end?

Koros: Forming an army? Of course not. There has been an influx of young men and women volunteering to join the ranks of those willing to protect the Valley for the Common folk. They are being trained, of course. We must maintain order and organization of the troops…er ah…volunteers.

Author: What kind of future do you envision for Common Valley?

Koros: Now that is a worthy question. I will see the Valley rid of the scourge of criminals and miscreants traveling back and forth across this great land. They bring crime and disharmony. They hawk their wares up and down the valley, taking jobs and revenue from decent Common folk. These Demalions weave their evil spells to ruin crops and lure vulnerable young people from their homes. They use powerful magical items to influence and manipulate the simple denizens of our great Valley. I will see them gone.  Peace and prosperity will be restored for all Common folk.

Author: Okay. Thanks for the interview.

Koros: It is always a pleasure to speak about making the Valley safe for those who belong.

(Author’s note: This guy gave me the creeps. Marabella says not to believe anything he says.)

Please leave a comment. Thanks.

J is for Jewell, young Moorcat of the Golden Paw Clan

Jewell

Today I am granted the rare privilege to interview a member of the Golden Paw Clan of Moorcats. Jewell is the daughter of Luna and good friend to our heroine, Marabella. Moorcats are telepathic and do not speak human language so Marabella has agreed to interpret for this interview.

Author: Thanks for allowing me this honor. I know that your clan doesn’t grant many interviews. Let’s start by letting people know about moorcats. What can you tell us about your race?

Jewell: First of all, thanks for having me. And thanks Marabella for speaking for me. About my race; we are moorcats. We have magics, but not like human magics. Magical creatures are not all the same, you know. What else? Well, adults are really big; like way bigger than me. Like bigger than your lions and tigers and stuff. That's kinda why they let met do the interview, cause I'm not so big as to freak you out. We now live in the caves around Bistineau marsh in Mirador. They tell me that it’s a lot like where we come from. I’ve lived here my whole life.

Average adult with youngling and human

Author: And how long is that? How old are you?

Jewell: I’ve lived twenty winters and twenty summers. (Pauses) Marabella reminds me that we don’t age like humans so I’d better explain. Moorcats live as much as a thousand seasons, sometimes more. At twenty, I am a teenager, technically still a cub. As babies or younglings we grow fast, like your lions and tigers. We are cubs until about one hundred seasons when we reach physical maturity. We continue to grow in wisdom and magics all our lives.

Author: You said where you live now, Bistineau Marsh in Mirador, is much like where your race comes from. Where is that? 

Jewell: We are from another realm. It’s really hard to explain to a human, especially one without magics.

Author: Okay. Let’s move on. How did you meet Marabella?

Jewell: You know this already. Marabella said it’s in your next book.

Author: This interview is for my readers, those who haven’t read about you yet.

Jewell: Oh. I understand. You haven’t finished it.

Author: I’m working on it. #amwriting

Jewell: Whatever. I met Marabella when she came to Mirador with Sebastian. He’s so handsome. Don’t you think? Anyway, Marabella saved my life and we really connected, you know. I’ve counted her as a friend since.

Author: Is there anything else that you’d like to say to the readers?

Jewell: I don’t know. Marabella tells me that the humans who read her blog never leave comments. I guess I would say to do that. Leave a comment already. Thanks for having me. This was weird, but fun.

I is for Islene, resident of Helfin

Today’s guest is Islene from Helfin. She is the mother of Geoffrey and Felanna, who were both classmates of Marabella.

Author: Thank you for speaking with me today.

Islene: Yes, yes. I just want you to know that I am not here to talk about that girl. Felanna said she walked out on your little interview with her because you only wanted to talk about Marabella.

Author: I did write a book about her. But I am here today to speak with you and get your view of the things going on in Common Valley.

Islene:  Well, and rightly so I would think. Some of the things happening now are unfortunate. There has been some unnecessary violence to be sure. I feel that the Demalions should heed the general consensus and pack up and clear out. There is no place in Common Valley for those who practice the magics. My opinion is that we’d all be better off without them here.

Author: Just for the sake of argument, why is there no place for those who practice magics?

Islene: I…well…magics are evil.

Author: What makes magics evil?

Islene: By all the stars! What a question. Where do those powers come from? What might they do with them if they had the chance or inclination? You can’t predict what those people might be up to. They can start fires with just a few words. They aren’t like us Common folk. They have a different way of speaking. They often dress in quite elaborate costumes and the way some of them dance is just indecent.   

Author: You said they should heed the general consensus. Do you believe that all Common folk want them gone?

Islene: Not all, of course. There are those, even in my own household, who have a soft spot for them. But I, and many others know that they don’t belong. They should go.

Author: Many of the Demalions who live in Common Valley, have lived here all their lives. Do you honestly believe that they should be forced to leave the only home they’ve ever known just because of their ancestry?

Islene: They would be happier in a land where they fit in with the people. Don’t you think? If not for the Demalion “cause”, my son would be an honored scholar now.  Their influence has jeopardized his future. How many more lives must be ruined?

Author: The Demalions have lived peacefully in Common Valley for a very long time. Why now? What has changed that means they are more of a threat now?

Islene: Their little caravan and Festival used to be a nice distraction once a season. They were a novelty. Now they are buying land, setting up shop in every town. I don’t like it.

Author: Okay. That’s all the time we have for today. Thank you for speaking with me.

Islene: Of course. It is important for you to get the real story from someone in the know. By the way, I read your book. It wasn’t very good. But do keep trying. Perhaps if you change your subject matter, the next one will be better. That is, if you ever finish it.

Author: I’m working on it. #amwriting

H is for Horace, Demalion herbalist and teacher

Horace is a Demalion herbalist and teacher. We meet him in MARABELLA, QUEST FOR MAGICS.

Author: How long did you live in Common Valley?

Horace: I settled in Sellwood long ago. Set up shop as an herbalist and did real fine for many a season.

Author: Did the problems and changing attitudes against Demalions cause you to leave Sellwood?

Horace: For true and certain. Was a time when all ye need do was be fair in yer trade and a good neighbor. Folks about Sellwood came to me for their cookin’ and healin’ herbs. I could roam far and wide for gatherin’ without bein’ molested by some rough boy. Some knowed I was Demalion and had a little magics but didn’t pay no mind. A few seasons ago viewpoints started to change. With each moon I had less business at my shop. Now mind ye, I had my regular customers and they be steadfast. But I be an old man, and when the thugs broke into my shop and tore it apart, I knowed my time in Sellwood was over and I best be headin’ outside the Valley.

Author: Did you train Marabella?

Horace: I did work with her for a bit. Thing about Marabella is she don’t need a lot of trainin’. That girl has got magics in her blood. She took to potion makin’ easy as ye please. Girl likes to read so she has knowledge. And she done growed up with two of the best herbalists in Common Valley. Ma Nan and Ruth got more experience with what they call remedies and healin’ than most anybody. With Marabella, all ye needs is to point her in the proper direction and let her go. She made a tea for energy that darn near ended me and Bronwyn. We done two weeks work in a single evening. Girl don’t know her own strength.

Author: You’ve been around the Common Valley for a long time. What do you think about Koros and the changing attitudes about Demalions?

Horace: That Koros be dangerous. It ain’t just politics. There’s been a governing council in Drosia for many a season, but mostly local magistrates took care of law and order. This be something different. Koros targets Demalions and has his boys lookin’ for magical items.  I ain’t so sure why, but I been around long enough to know, there’s somethin’ we don’t know.

Author: Any guesses as to what that something might be?

Horace: No, but I can tell ye, it ain’t good.

Author: Thank you for your time, Horace.

G is for Glen, blacksmith and friend

Glen is my guest today as I interview characters from my MARABELLA series. Glen is the son of Halsta, blacksmith of Helfin.

Author: Have you lived in Helfin all your life?

Glen: Yes.

Author: What is your relation to Marabella?

Glen: We’re not related. We are friends, though. Since school, we’ve been friends. She and Letta, my wife, are good friends. And Marabella’s little brother is my little brother. But she’s not my sister…see my pap and her mother had Natan. And Wesley is my best friend. Wesley is Marabella’s…uh…they’re close. I guess we are family, now that I think about it.

Author: Okay. A little confusing but I get it. Let’s move on. You are a blacksmith, like your father. Do you like it?

Glen: Yeah. I was born to it. I work the forge with my pap, Halsta. And little Natan, my brother, he works it too. But Natan, he’s got skills beyond a regular smith. That boy can make some amazing things.   

Author: What do you think about the controversy surrounding the Demalions and those who want them gone from the Valley?

Glen: Not a lot of people would ask me a question like that. I’m not real educated. I ain’t at all what you’d call scholarly, but I do have an opinion about all this trouble we been seein’. Some folks fear the Demalions because they have magics. Way I see it, magics are just a talent or skill like any other. I’m a smith; a darn good one too. Just cause you can’t do what I do ain’t no reason to fear me. And my brother is a better craftsman than me but it still takes him longer to bang out a cart wheel than it does me.  Everybody’s skill has a place. I reckon Koros is smart enough to know all this. I figure he has another reason for wanting to get rid of the Demalions.

Author: So you believe that Koros has his own agenda.

Glen: Agenda. That‘s a good word for it. Yeah, I’d say Koros has his own agenda. And it ain’t gonna be good for no one.

Author: What are your hopes for the future?

Glen: I’d like to see all this mess ended. I’m afraid it will get worse before it does though. I just want to work the forge, raise a bunch of nubbins with Letta, and take care of my family.

Author: How many kids, uh, nubbins do you and Letta plan to have?

Glen: (blushes red) We done talked about four or five at least. We both want two or three of each. I need to have enough so at least one or two will learn the forge.

Author: What did you think of my portrayal of you in MARABELLA, DISCOVERING MAGICS?

Glen: Never read it. I don’t read nothing, lest I have to. Ain’t there supposed to be another one?

Author: Yes, yes. I’m working on it. (#amwriting #AtoZchallenge) Thanks for participating.

F is for Felanna

Felanna is a denizen of Helfin, the very village where Marabella grew up. She lived there all her life. She is the sister of Geoffrey, one of Marabella’s closest friends.

Author: Thank you for being here today.

Felanna: I’m not here to talk about Belle. She ruined my brother.

Author: How did Marabella ruin your brother?

Felanna: She and her Demalion friends started all these problems. Master Koros is just trying to keep order. My brother comes from a good family. We have money and station. He could have been a great scholar but he left University just before completion of his studies and took up the Demalion cause. They don’t even belong in our Valley.

Author: If the Demalions don’t belong in Common Valley, where do they belong?

Felanna: Don’t care! I just don’t want them here. Their magics are evil. I always knew there was something about Belle that wasn’t right. Her mother was a prostitute, you know. Belle always ran around the village like a wild dog. When we went to school, she was such a show off. She could read three languages. So what?! She and goat boy were always together.

Author: I thought you didn’t want to talk about Marabella.

Felanna: I don’t, so please stop talking about her.

Author: My books are about her. That’s why I’m interviewing characters from the stories about Marabella.

Felanna: Well, I don’t like her. I never have. She isn’t worthy of my brother’s friendship, for sure. I don’t know why I’m even talking with you. I never read your book. (walks away)

Author: Okay. Bye.

E is for Earl Oddfellow, sailor on the Scarlett Mermaid

My guest today is Earl. He is a sailor on Queen Dorinda Gold’s flagship, The Scarlett Mermaid.

Author: Welcome Earl.  How long have you been a sailor?

Earl: Since the first day I set foot on a ship. I was a nubbin of about six.

Author: You’ve work on a ship since you were six?

Earl: No. Of course not. My Pap and Mam were traders. Had a wee store in Dune Town. Pap brought me on a trip to pick up some wool from Shepherd’s Hook. That’s a little island off the coast. Lots of sheep and goats, not much else. Anyhow, soon as I stepped on to the boat, saw the power of the waves tossin’ the ship about, I knew what I wanted to do. I started on fishing boats when I was big enough to pull my weight. I was twelve or so, I think.

Author: Some call you pirates. What do you think of that?

Earl: Nothin’ wrong with pirates. Some may call us whatever they please. I serve at Queen Dorinda’s pleasure. She makes the law. We mostly trade. Sometime we plunder. But never do we kill nobody that don’t need killin’.  

Author: I see. What’s it like being a sailor?

Earl: Hard work. Long days. Discipline. Good grub. Fair pay. That’s enough talkin’. (walks away)

Author: Wait. Okay. Thanks for the interview.

D is for Delen, handmaid at Castle Mirador

Author: Today we meet someone from the land of Mirador. Delen Calybrid is a handmaid at Castle Mirador. Welcome Delen.

Delen: Thank you for the askin’. I never been interviewed before. Who will want to read an interview with me?

Author: Lots of people, I hope. I am interviewing characters that I’ve written about in my books. You appear in MARABELLA, QUEST FOR MAGICS.

Delen: I am honored, I am. Ask whatever you like. Just don’t ask about the Royals. I don’t talk about my employers except to say they are fair and kind.

Author: That is good to know. But I want to know about you. How long have you worked at Castle Mirador? And how did you get the job?

Delen: I’ve only been at the castle for two full seasons. We are lake folk. My Mam and Pap hunt and fish and we trade with everyone, including the castle kitchen. When I neared fourteen seasons of age, it came time for me to decide what I wanted to do. As a Common, I could choose employment, academics or marriage.

Author: Common as in Common Valley? Can you explain the choices?

Delen: Yeah. Common are humans with no magics. At fourteen we begin to train for whatever employment we want to pursue or we can go on to higher education and be a scholar or teacher. Some girls just want to have a family and lots of babies so it’s when they start looking for a suitable mate.  

Author: Marriage or school didn’t appeal to you?

Delen: I liked school well enough. I learnt to read and write and do sums. I still read quite a bit. I just didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life. I’ll marry when I find the right mate but I’m in no hurry.

Author: So you became a handmaid then?

Delen: Oh no. I started in the kennels caring for the pups. I love the pups. It is a dirty job some days but a lot of fun. I worked in the kitchen as a scullery for a time, then the laundry. Just over a season ago I began as a chamber maid after a couple of the girls left. Lady Marabella was the first person I was assigned to as a handmaid.

Author: What’s the difference between a chamber maid and a handmaid?

Delen: I don’t know how they do things where you come from but in Mirador chamber maids clean and handmaids assist with dressing, bathing and whatever else a Lady needs. Handmaids are literally another pair of hands for the gentry they serve.

Author: Did you like being handmaid to Marabella?

Delen: Lady Marabella was both difficult and a joy. The difficulty was that she knew less about castle protocol and proper dress than anyone I’d ever met. You see, because of the festivities at the castle, there weren’t enough handmaids to assist all the ladies. I was still a chamber maid but was assigned to help with Lady Marabella. She said she only needed one and chose me. I was both honored and concerned. It turned out well. I am happy to call her friend.

Author: Thank you for talking with me, Delen.

Delen: Glad to do it.

 

C is for Celene

Author: I am very happy to have Celene with me here today for an interview. Celene is the Demalion Seer. She advises the Traveling Clan and uses her skills to tell fortunes for patrons. We’ll get right to the first question. When you tell fortunes, can you really see the future?

Celene: My magics are considerable; less powerful than some but more potent than most.

Author: That doesn’t really answer the question though. For instance, can you tell me how my second book is going to do?

Celene:  Shouldn’t you finish writing it first?

Author: I’m working on it. Really. I am. It’s just that I have so much going on right now. There’s the #AtoZchallenge and some contest entries I have to finish.

Celene: I haven’t consulted the cards but I predict that you will complete the book. But you will not make the first deadline you have set for yourself.  

Author: Wait. This is supposed to be your interview. Let’s move on to another question. You kept a big secret from Marabella for a long time. In hindsight, do you think you should have been more forthcoming?

Celene: As you chronicled in your first book, I told Marabella it wasn’t my secret to tell. That’s that.

Author: You have traveled up and down Common Valley for many seasons now, trading and entertaining. What do like most and least about it?

Celene: Sometimes life on the road can be hard, but I love it. I never did like staying in one place for too long. I truly enjoy meeting new people and having each day be different from the last. You never know what’s going to happen on any given day. It’s exciting. The downside is the way some people mistrust us. There was a time when Common folk found our differences intriguing; the idea of magics, beguiling. Thanks to the vile lies Koros spews about us that is no longer true. In some places we go, we are not welcomed. Because our ways and our speech are different, many of the Common folk fear us. And fear breeds hate. There have been many incidences of violence.

Author: Is that why Demalions refrain from using magics in Common Valley?

Celene: It is rarely a good idea to use magics around those who do not possess their own. It causes fear in some who do not understand it and jealousy in others. Our magics are as much a part of who we are as your pink skin and red hair are for you.  

Author: Thank you Celene.

Celene: Thank you for having me.

B is for Brika the Bookseller

Brika is a Demalion bookseller. We first met her in MARABELLA, DISCOVERING MAGICS. She drives her book wagon throughout Common Valley dispensing the joy of the written word. (And sometimes she uses it to help her friends move) Brika is easy to recognize by her big floppy hat and easy smile.

Author: Thank you, Brika for taking time out of your route to speak with me.

Brika: Oh, thank you for having me.

Author: Have you always been a bookseller? And when did you start?

Brika: Well, let me see. When I was young, like so many of the girls, I wanted adventure. I grew up near the coast so as soon as I was old enough I went to sea. It was thrilling for a while but I soon discovered that it was not for me. I had always been something of an academic and a family friend had a book wagon. I traveled with her and her husband for a season as they were getting on in years. To make a long story short, it stuck. I’ve been a bookseller since.

Author: Where do you get the books you sell?

Brika: There are publishers in the larger towns in the Valley; Dune Town has a small press, River Mouth, Riverton, and Drosia have larger publishers. Though I don’t go to Drosia anymore; because of the unrest and violence against Demalions. I also get volumes from Mirador each season. And of course I trade in used and rare books. Folks seek me out when they need one or have one to trade.

Author: Speaking of the unrest in Drosia, how is it that you have traveled safely up and down the Common Valley without an escort?

Brika: Lucky, I guess. (grins and tips her hat)

Author: Some of my readers have asked why you gave Marabella that little book of Demalion stories when she was a child. You didn’t know her, did you?

Brika: I did not know her. However, I did recognize her green eyes and knew immediately that she was Demalion. A book of Demalion tales seemed appropriate. Besides, a little girl caring for a toddler needs more than blocks.  

Author:  You said that you dropped Drosia from your route because of the unrest. Have you added any towns or areas?

Brika: I stopped going to Drosia because it is no longer safe for Demalions and few people in the area feel safe trading with Demalions. I have not added to my route. As a matter of fact, I am seriously considering setting up a book shop someplace and taking it easy. The traveling is getting tough on my old bones.

Author: Just one last question. What did you think of my first book, MARABELLA, DISCOVERING MAGICS?

Brika: Well, I prefer philosophy and poetry but it was a good story. I liked it well enough. Your portrayal of the people I know was accurate and your writing isn’t bad. When can we expect the next one?

Author: I’m working on it.  #amwriting Thank you for your time.

Brika: Thank you. This was fun.

A is for Aravor

It is a great honor that our first interview is with Aravor, the Great Green Dragon. I must admit some trepidation on my part when I realized that I would be interviewing Aravor. My fears were unfounded as he is friendly and accommodating.

     Aravor is the Great Green Dragon of Legend. His magics are the source of the Demalion’s power which he bestowed upon their Ancestor for seeking knowledge over riches. In allowing the Ancestor to take a part of him, he insured a connection between himself and the Demalion people for all time.

     Author: I am so excited to have you here. I’ll just get right to the questions. How old are you?

     Aravor: I am older than the world which I inhabit, existing in the realm of magics.

     Author: The story of your first meeting with the Ancestor of the Demalions is the stuff of legend. Why did you allow him to take the Eye?

     Aravor: There was a time when I might have eaten the boy. I saw his determination as he scaled the dangers of the mountain to find my lair. I usually shrouded my home with magics so that it could not be found but he peaked my interest. Of course, I thought he could be a treasure seeker but there was something special about him. I could sense it. I decided that if he made it up the mountain, I would speak with him. When I met him and found him to seek only knowledge, I admit, I was impressed. Allowing him to take whatever treasure he could carry was both a test of his character and intelligence. If he had loaded his pockets with gold and jewels, the weight of it would have been his undoing on the precarious climb down the mountain. The fact that he chose my dried up old eye was fate.

     Author: There has been some speculation as to how you lost your eye. Would you like to clear that up for us?

     Aravor: It was lost in a battle. I would rather not speak of it. Thanks.

     Author: Moving on. I hope this isn’t an uncomfortable question. Are you the last of your kind?

     Aravor: Chuckles   Of course not. I admit that dragons are scarce in this realm but my kind abound in others. Alagaesia and Westeros are both home to my kin and Godsland is overrun with dragonkind. Do you read?

     Author: (Looks embarrassed. Clears throat.) You seem quite solitary. Do you now or have you ever had a mate?

     Aravor: Ah yes. There was a female; once, long ago. A volatile red female with the most graceful long neck you’ve ever seen. We would fly into the stratosphere and entwine our …well that is not an appropriate story for an interview such as this.

     Author: Oh, please. Do go on. Tell whatever story you like.

     Aravor: I think not. Next question.

     Author: I just have one more. What do you think of Marabella? And do you think my portrayal of her in my books is accurate?

     Aravor: That’s two questions. I am quite fond of Marabella, as you know. You represent us both very well in your writing. However, I do believe that there is room for improvement to your prose. Over all, you do a fine job. Now you must finish.

     Author: I know. I’m working on it. #amwriting Thank you for the interview. It has been an honor.

     Aravor: You are quite welcome. I would be happy to speak with you any time. Now stand back and mind the updraft when I take off.