Terrible Tragedy #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

"The new level ones. Did any survive?"

The Black seems to concentrate for a moment before replying. "I cannot tell. The BirthPlace is too difficult to read. I know they are not alive anywhere else." 

We make our way out of the cavern. Piles of bodies await us. I fall to my knees. Hot tears flow down my cheeks. 

"How can this be? What do we do? It's all so terrible. Perhaps Jaildarn should have driven me to level five, too." 

"It is rude to say such words in their presence." The Black grabs my arms and hauls me up. "Keep focus on the ones who need you. Belp, you were second in command of this village. Now, you are the leader." 

I wave my arms wildly, "leader? No one is left!"

The Black grabs my chin. "You are the only living leader of our kind on all of Darterra. Find our people. Gather them. Lead them. I feel their fear, but I am unable to help." 

I take a deep breath. The Black releases my chin. I wipe my face with my sleeve. "How do I find them? I have never left this village." 

It takes time, but we prepare for my journey. The Black helps me learn to navigate, to pack, and to follow his map. "Just help one individual at a time. In the wake of this terrible tragedy, do your best." 

"Funny enough, a Gold would be best suited for this." 

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Are you celebrating World Book Day, and how?

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Syzygy #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

"Syzygy," Jaildarn says as he sits on my back. "The alignment you see in the sky. Night in the day. The portal will remain open only as long as the alignment lasts. So I must leave you, Belp. We go now to travel and discover." Golds and Silvers funneled through, one by one, into the lit portal. 

"What if you hurt those who remain? What if there are consequences? What if you can't return? The Birth Place maintains a balance, as everyone knows, what if there are no more Golds or Silvers because you intend to leave?"

"Why does everyone know that? Because Opals and Reds tell everyone what to believe? What if they're controlling the numbers? Golds aren't dependent on them. We think for ourselves. The real reason the number of Golds and Silvers dwindles is that they aren't bringing our level ones. And now this abomination of mixed jewels, this redesignation? Yet none of our kind. None at all. No, Belp. We are the future. We are survivors. Good-bye."

He hits my back as he gets off me. I groan in pain, unable to retaliate or follow him. 

"Do you not care, honestly not care, that Reyrigo is dead?" 

He pauses. "Whatever might have been between us, that was weakness. It is not as if we could have had a future. I did invite him. There may be rocks on the other side. We can see at least one mountain from here when we look at that world. But he refused. He felt nothing. So, no, no, Belp, I honestly do not care. In the end, he didn't either. No one cared for the Golds and Silvers. And now we will outlive you all." 

Then, he was gone. The portal closed behind him. It was dark in the cavern for a moment. But then daylight returned, and with it the complicated means that illuminated this place. 

The Black walked over and rolled me on my back. "Your jewel is cracked. The light remains. Odd. How are you feeling?"

"Betrayed. Devastated. Grief like I've never conceived. Scared."

"Physically. I can't heal the rest. I'm a Master healer, not a Master of time. A shame, because that would be useful."

I stare at him as he pulls me to my feet. "Is there such a jewel?"

"No. I am pulled to life in need. As such, we Blacks have a rough idea of the population, feeling everyone's basic life force. Or rather, I suppose, just me now. I am the last of my jewel. As are you." 

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Do you feel Jaildarn was right? 

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Redesignation #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

The light flickered in her Opal jewel. Likewise, the daylight dimmed. I looked up to see whose hand was on my shoulder. A Black jeweled individual stared down at me. 

"Hurry, let me work while there is still time."

I moved out of the way. It had been a long time since I had heard of the Black jewels, master healers. This one must have been drawn to Quisbaqol. 

There were murmurs all around me. I looked, worried about what else could happen, and saw people pointing to the sky. It was, indeed, getting dark during the day. 

"Do you need help? Can I do anything here?" I asked the Black. 

"No. Stop the Gold leader. The Silvers must not open the portal."

I scrambled from my spot. Everywhere I looked was horrific. So many dark jewels. No Reds preparing remembrance ceremonies. Decorations from the planned celebration of new life were tattered and trampled. 

Carefully, I snuck to the back side of the cavern. Reyrigo and I devised a secret second entrance as a precaution against a collapse. It wasn't very stable, so we hoped it would never be needed. The risk was worth it to me now. 

The Silvers were doing something by the circles. Jaildarn was ordering Browns around, but no one was near him. I crept behind him. 

"What if this isn't safe?" I whispered in his ear.

"Safe?" He laughed. "You know nothing about living, Belp. Which is fine, as your life will no longer matter soon."

"How can you say that? Was I not a friend to you? Did you not find kindness and care in this village?"

He grabbed my hand and pulled it to his jewel. "Master of travel and discovery. We exist to go where others have not. Those evil Opals brought no new life of my kind, nor of Silvers, to this world. They fear us and want to eliminate us. We will show them!"

I shake my head as I try to get my hand back. "The Opals make no such choices. The Birth Place gives what it gives."

"Redesignation! That was their claim as the abominations were brought to this world. The Opals want to reduce the population. Mixed jewels. It's disgusting! And no new Golds or Silvers? They mean to wipe us out. This place was hidden. Look at the walls, Belp! Those circles were carved by early Silvers and Golds. There are instructions. Markings used by our people. And your early Browns? They covered it up!"

I shove Jaildarn. "Liar. You know that the Golds were summoned the moment this cavern was found. You were the one sent here."

He knocks me to the ground. "And now I lead the Golds and Silvers. I found what we needed. We will survive. We will leave this place."

The cavern went dark for a moment. Then a silver light came from the arranged stone arch that the Silvers surrounded. The light swirled. A Gold looked to Jaildarn. With his nod of approval, the Gold stepped into the portal. 

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Would you ever be willing to go to another world?

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Quisbaqol #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

Story scene post]

The village was decorated for the impending joy. Everyone danced and celebrated, waiting for Reyrigo and Quisbaqol to return with level ones. Then the ground rumbled, as if a rockslide was starting or many were approaching. I made my way to the village entrance.

Through the trees, bodies approached. Several rode on the backs or shoulders of Greens, masters of the forest, a sight I had never seen. Golds and Silvers landed in front of me. The largest wore a long flowing, ornate garment on his broad shoulders. His sandy hair was in curls threaded with flowers, and dark blue eyes shimmered as he slid down from his mount and poked my chest. 

"Stand aside, Belp. We have come for the place that is rightfully ours." Jaildarn sneered at me as if I were his enemy. As if I had never clothed him when he was cold, bathed him when he was dirty, and fed him when he was hungry. Pain I never knew before filled my gut and chest. 

"What place is that? Shouldn't you be in your area, arguing about who will neglect your young?" It was mean, but I hoped to remind him.

"The Opals have betrayed us all!" He waved his arms. 

I screamed as tears poured down my cheeks. From the backs of two other Greens, ropes pulled bodies down. It took several Golds to drag Reyrigo's body to my feet. His jewel, once the brightest among our people, was now dark. 

"How could you?" I cried as I looked to Jaildarn.

He held a rope tied to Quisbaqol's neck. Her jewel flickered, barely any light remaining.

"Tell Belp the story, the last lies of your people." He threw the rope to me. "It will occupy him while we complete our mission."

I stared in disbelief. "What mission? Jaildarn, what have you done?"

He pointed to the sky and shouted, "Our time nears! See Ospinevarn and Xeata-Lidoffad as they near each other. Soon it will be Night in the Day. The Silvers will open the portal. And we shall find glory!"

His followers cheered. Jaildarn led them up the mountain to the mouth of the cavern. The stones blocking the entrance did not deter him. Silvers and Golds lined up to move them. A few shouted to make the Browns do the work. The Greens that carried them crumpled to the ground, their jewels each going dark. 

I knelt beside Reyrigo's body, the rope to Quisbaqol's neck still in my hands, as Golds pushed past me and abducted several of my people. They went willingly and easily moved the stones. Even still, the Golds harmed them once the task was done. My whaling pleas meant nothing.

"What is this? What is happening?" I freed Quisbaqol and held her.

Though her speech was raspy, she got the words out. "He invaded the Birth Place. Our Opal leader pulled new life into the world. We knew something would be different, but we knew not what."

She pulled me closer. "Mixed jewels. Level ones were born with jewels of multiple colors. The first was a Blue-Brown. A Master of water and mountain? Where would they live?"

I shook my head. "Incredible."

"More and more came like this. Finally, a Purple-Red. Spiritual and Order? Three such were given to this world. The Birth Place closed. No more would come for this generation."

"Yes. I understand. Only so many are brought at any given time." Not being an Opal, I know very little about the process. But it made sense.

"No Golds or Silvers were given." Quisbaqol grabed my ear. "None. That is when Jaildarn attacked us."

"Attacked?" I couldn't fathom this.

"No more Opals, no new life."

"Quisbaqol?" I shook her as her eyes closed. 

A heavy hand landed on my shoulder. 

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION-- Have you ever seen an eclipse? 

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Portal and Purpose #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

"Ospinevarn, Darterra, and Xeata-Lidoffad," Jaildarn points to the circular carvings. "This is about their alignment. We need to summon a Silver."

Reyrigo shakes his head. "Bad enough having a Gold down here. Now you want your worthless Silver pals? We haven't shored up the area to prevent collapse. Any of the stalactites could come loose and impale someone. It is out of the question."

"No!" Jaildarn's objection echoes off the walls. "They must come. I will fetch them myself. You will see. Everyone will see! Golds have a great purpose. Silvers are not liars. We are right. That arch is a portal. Mark my words, we will soon rule Xeata-Lidoffad." He marches off, his heavy footsteps reverberating through the cavern. 

Though Reyrigo and I expected Jaildarn would soon return, he did not. I passed my level three test, and upon becoming a level four, joined Reyrigo's team. The level twos were experiencing the bodily changes that would propel them to level three. It was obvious that the Opals would soon announce new life from the Birth Place.

Reyrigo and I were discussing that while admiring the rock wall at the sanctuary when an Opal came.

"The Purple says you are the leaders of the Browns of this village. I am Quisbaqol."

We each take a knee and raise our palms to the sky as we introduce ourselves.

"It is an honor to welcome you. Shall we ask the Colorless to prepare a meal?" I ask as I rise.

Quisbaqol takes a seat. "No, thank you. I must learn how many level ones your village is prepared to handle. New life will emerge from the Birth Place soon. We feel something unusual about the event this time. It is unclear as to what."

"We welcome any Browns and will provide, of course." 

Reyrigo claps me on the shoulder. "Perhaps our Master Opal prefers a current count of homes and level fours who can dedicate themselves to a level one. A proper list, not just our enthusiasm." 

Quisbaqol smiles. "I am grateful for the enthusiasm. My quest included asking the Golds." She brushes dirt from a rip in her flowing, white gown. 

"Their leader, Jaildarn, was most unkind. He demanded to know the location of the Birth Place. Accused me of preventing Silvers and Golds from being equally brought into the world. We have no such ability. We simply retrieve those who are given and do our best to get them to proper homes. Or raise them ourselves if it is completely necessary, though that has not occurred in many generations."

I kneel beside her. "Might we have our Turquoise look at your gown? They are excellent at repairs here. We are not so easy on clothing."

"Many thanks, but I am overdue. I have no wish to speak disparagingly of others. It is their custom, after all. But the Golds detained me for far too long, and now I must hurry."

Reyrigo writes a list. I rush to the Building of the Colorless to ask for food that travels. A large leaf wraps up nuts, berries, and some herbed brown bread still warm from the stone hearth. I take it to her.

"If you won't stay, please at least take this for the journey."

She smiles as she takes a long whiff. "This village has the finest bread in all of Darterra. Would one of you walk me to the Opal path?"

Reyrigo volunteers. 

I had never been beyond our village at that time. In truth, I did not expect that I would ever leave. I did not know what would happen at the birthing. Nor did I understand the importance of the cavern. Soon, light would become dark and life would bring death.

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Does the Birth Place need more explanation?

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Ospinevarn ☀ #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

The cavern is even larger than described. How does the top of the mountain stay up with such a vast hole inside of it? 

Jaildarn and Reyrigo continue to argue as we enter. I follow them carefully, not wanting to fall into one of the many holes. 

"Without Golds, you Browns would have never found the mountains to master."

"Fool. They're mountains! We know how to look up. The highest points in the world do not require a Gold to be found."

"Yet, here I am, exploring this mountain cavern."

"The Purples require us to notify the Golds of any such vast expanse. You are invited, not needed. Informed, not summoned. I am happy to show you out at any time."

A few of Reyrigo's team hurrah at that. Jaildarn ignores them as he plows ahead. 

"How are we able to see in here?" The cavern is well-lit, which is odd for the interior of a mountain. Especially as this hasn't been fully explored, so no one has put any light sources. 

Reyrigo points to various spots. "Ospinevarn. The light enters through those various cracks. It reflects off certain areas of the cavern walls, illuminating the whole."

It isn't safe to stare directly at Ospinevarn. Yet, I see he's right, and that the cracks filter the view enough to make it safe. There's also one very colorful beam of light. Jaildarn is headed to the end of it. I feel an urge to go to that same spot.

"You're sure no one has been in here before?" I ask Reyrigo.

"We just broke through solid stone the other day. My team and I, and that Gold, are the only ones who have been down here. Why, Belp?"

I point to the wall where the colorful beam of light ends. "Does that look like a natural formation to you?"

Etched in the wall are three gigantic carvings of circles, each connected with straight lines. Below the markings are stones arranged in an arch. A vine grows around the arch, proving it has been in place for a very long time.

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Is it clear enough that Ospinevarn is the name of their sun? ☼

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Norm Rockwall #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

The Purple addresses everyone, calling the village to our sanctuary. The semicircle stone benches, ample in number in the peaceful sanctuary, face the rock wall. Level twos sit upfront with Herlamin. Level ones, cradled in the arms and laps of their lucky level four caregivers, sit in the next rows. As a level three, I belong in the next section. But Reyrigo pulls me to his bench, with his level four team on either side of us. The Colorless, Turquoise, Purple, and Jaildarn take the back rows. 

The Reds stand at the front. They touch their glowing suprasternal jewels as they speak in unison. "We gather to honor Luthais, a Red Master of the Spiritual who has achieved level five. We give thanks to Norm, the Brown Master of Mountains, who used stones to build remembrances."

A handful of Browns place new stones on the Rockwall. Herlamin addresses the level twos while this is done.

"Long ago, a Brown called Norm gathered small stones of various shades. He arranged them in pleasing ways that brought joy to the people. He taught us how to create remembrances using stones. We carry on this tradition to honor those who reach level five."

People clap as they admire the work. I see the stones, arranged to create the face of Luthais. They presented a kind smile and wise eyes, as much as possible with stones. But there's no Red glow. It's so strange to see a visage of him without it. 

I glance at Jaildarn. He's staring at his fingers again. No remorse on his face. If anything, he appears bored and impatient. 

Reyrigo strokes my cheek and nudges my face toward the wall again. "Ignore, remember? He should be in awe at our wall. Golds have no such structure."

"You wouldn't know," Jaildarn says as he sneaks behind us. "The ceremony has concluded. I am returning to the cavern to finish my mission. Will you accompany me?"

I hear Reyrigo grind his teeth. "Oh, am I wrong? Do Golds remember each other? Or anyone else?"

"Yes. There are some created, but only for our finest leaders. And for the Silver who Mastered a portal."

Reyrigo's knuckles crack. "There are no portals. Silvers lie. Come on, Belp. You will be on my team today."

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Have you heard of Norman Rockwell? (A play on words here.)

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Misanthropic #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

"Luthais!" I knock Jaildarn out of the way. "What have you done?"

I rub the suprasternal notch jewel. The Red has lost all luster, all illumination. His eyes are closed. There's no movement in his body.

"Rise. Please, we need you. Please, Luthais," tears roll down my cheeks as I clutch his body. There are murmurs all around as people gather. I feel large hands on my shoulders. Reyrigo pulls me to my feet, his hands being all that seems to keep me upright.

"Luthais is a level five now. His jewel is dark. His spirit is with his kind."

I turn to Reyrigo and cry against his chest, soaking his shirt. "No. We need him. He can't go."

"Belp," he rubs my chin, "Luthais has already gone. See the other Reds gathering? They've come to do for him what they do for any level five."

I shake my head and whisper to Reyrigo. "No. Not any level five. The Golds follow no such ritual. Jaildarn did this. Our Red passed to level five screaming in agony, warning about darkness and the end of days. Jaildarn took his hands while he was connected to the spirits. Instead of comfort, encouragement, or assurance, the spirits darkened his jewel. Why would that happen?"

Reyrigo leans his head on mine. "I have no idea. We will ask the Reds later. Come, Belp, we must leave them to it."

I do not want to go. But the level fours are leading everyone that isn't a Red away. The Purple stands at the entrance to the building of the Colorless. We are all meant to gather, to wait there. "Have food and drink. We will celebrate Luthais when the Reds are ready."

I don't want to eat or drink. Reyrigo sits me down, puts his arm around me, and holds a cup to my mouth. "Hydrate. We do not want the Blues to be summoned, do we?" 

The liquid is so cold. Maybe it will freeze in my throat? Freeze, freeze, freeze. Solid. Maybe my jewel will go dark too. I place my hand under his, tilting the cup further, gulping down the drink.

"Easy, easy there, Belp." He pulls the cup from me. 

There's an elongated sigh as someone joins our table. "It was my hands he clutched as his jewel went dark. Shouldn't I be the one being comforted?"

I growl. I've never made such a sound. But there it is, from deep within me. "You were the cause! Golds have no spirits to guide them. Why did you do that?"

Jaildarn examines his fingers. "You told me it was how to start the day, by taking turns with a Red. You had your turn. I was taking mine. Is that not the way in this Brown village? I only wanted to follow the cultural procedure like a proper guest."

Reyrigo grabs me as I start to leap over to Jaildarn. 

"If I knew it would cause a delay in cavern exploration, I would not have bothered. What is this meal? It tastes like sap and bark. I thought villages with the Colorless ate better than this. The Orange certainly do. Masters of the jungles and wetlands have excellent morning meals."

"How can you speak of such matters? Our Red is gone. What did you do?" Reyrigo pins my arms to my chest to prevent my wild air punching. 

"Jewels go out. Is this the first time you've experienced someone becoming a level five? It isn't rare among the Golds." Jaildarn eats his bowl of food. 

"Perhaps you want to sit elsewhere." Reyrigo says to Jaildarn. There's no question in his words.

He waves his hand. "It is very full in here. I see no reason to trouble myself looking for another seat."

"Then perhaps you will have your meal in silence. Your words displease my ears. A rockpile would muffle the sound."

Jaildarn pouts. It appears to be genuine sadness. The first sign he's shown of the emotion. 

Reyrigo leans against my ear. "Golds dislike society. They have no respect for customs because they lack any social graces. Misanthropic, the Purples call it. Ignore him if he speaks again. Eat something, Belp."

While we were never opposed to each other, Reyrigo and I were never close before, either. I realize his kindness is beyond what anyone should expect.

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- How do you feel about Jaildarn now?

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Last day of Luthais #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

"You can lie down in the bed over there," I say as I take Jaildarn to the level three dwelling. "That's where Reyrigo slept, until he took his advancement test and became a level four. Sorry if the bed is a bit misshapen. You know how huge he is."

"I spent last night on a tree branch. A misshapen bed will not bother me," Jaildarn says as he removes his outerwear. 

"Would offering to find you night clothing be too much help?"

He chuckles as he collapses into the bed. "Yes, Belp, far too much. This bed really smells of him. Will the turquoise eventually replace it?"

I shrug. "Does it bother you? We could switch, if you think my bed would smell better."

"No. It isn't a bad scent. I may even be fond of it. I just wondered how it is done in a place where warm, soft, safe beds are provided. He didn't take this one with him when he leveled up. Yet his form is imprinted and his scent has branded it. Will the next user, not a guest such as myself, but the next level three Brown, use this bed or get a fresh one?"

Another sleeping level three mutters a request for darkness and quiet. I dim our light to a flicker before taking a seat beside Jaildarn. Whispering, I tell him that I don't know and never thought about it. He calls me soft and playfully nudges my arm. 

"Did the level four Golds ever tuck you in? Nestle you under the covers, kiss your jewel, and sing a soft song until you fell asleep?"

"You think my kind would behave like that?"

I frown. "It was mostly when we were level one. Still, it was nice. Comforting. I remember it sometimes, especially if I'm having trouble falling asleep."

"Maybe sleep would come easier if you were more independent. If your daily mission also included tending to your own survival needs. If you had to figure out ways to get care. What would you do if you woke up and there were no Turquoise, Colorless, Reds, or Purples?"

I get off the bed. "That's a horrible thought. I was offering to tuck you in. Forget it."

Jaildarn pulls the covers around himself without acknowledging me. 

Luthais wakes the level threes. "Another beautiful day. Who will be the first to reach out to the spirits?"

The others hurry to get ready. I regret how late I stayed awake. Jaildarn's words haunted me, keeping sleep at bay. I groan as I leave my bed. 

"Please tell me no one is going to untuck me," Jaildarn mutters.

"What? There's no such thing." 

"Good. What was your Red going on about?"

"We start the day by taking turns with a spiritual leader. Luthais, you've met him before, is our generation's."

"Golds do not believe in such a time waste."

"So go wash up or whatever your kind does to start the day. I need the council Luthais provides."

Jaildarn cracks his neck. "My question get to you, Belp? Realize just how soft you are, how easy you have life?"

I lean in. "Rockslides are not easy. Cave-ins are not for the soft. The life of a Brown is not what you believe."

He stretches as he gets out of bed. "Or it is, and you haven't experienced enough of the world, of life, to realize it."

I march off to see Luthais, pounding the ground with my feet, my fingertips digging into my palms as my unkept hair billows about my face. 

"Belp?" He extends his hands when I approach. "What can I offer?"

"I need the guidance of the spirits." I take his hands as I kneel.

"They offer comfort, encouragement, and assurance. You may let that guide you, if you choose."

"Am I soft? Would I be able to survive if other jewels did not support me? Are Browns sustainable as a people?"

Luthais' Red jewel brightens as Spirits from beyond, fifth levels, reach out through him. "Browns were among the original people. They gathered stones to build the first dwellings. This promoted life among all jewels. The spirits encourage you to know that we exist in a mutualism, a symbiotic relationship where all jewels benefit from their interactions."

I nod.

"Are you comforted? Ready to begin your day?"

"I suppose. Does Jaildarn not know better, or is he wrong because the Golds have no spiritual connections?"

I'm so entranced in my conversation with Luthais that I don't notice Jaildarn moving behind me.

"No spiritual connection? Is that what you suppose?" He shoves me, knocking me down, and grabs Luthais' hands.

A scream unlike anything I've heard before bellows from deep within Luthais. "Darkness! The end, the end of our days!"

His red jewel goes dark.

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- Would you want guidance from the spirits?

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.

Kshatragna Knew #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

If I had known that night what I know now, would I have killed Jaildarn in his sleep with my pickaxe? 

Kill. It's an interesting word to know. It wasn't in my vocabulary back then. The last Yellow, the last Master of the plains and farming, Kshatragna, explained it to me. When the Browns moved the rocks we needed to build and such, the mountain survived. Our work did not impact the life of the mountain, because we are born in harmony with mountains. We share their vibration, frequency, and purpose. 

The Yellows experienced a different existence. They were able to bring life to their area. I knew of some of the crops they grew, the ones the Colorless used in our food. Kshatragna described fields of so many more, of life beyond anything I could have imagined. To me, it was about foods I'd never see, smell, or taste. To Kshatragna, it was life that was taken without purpose. 

To stop the Yellows from feeding everyone, Jaildarn and his followers destroyed the plains. It was an acidic liquid that not only dissolved all the existing life there, but also ruined the ground beyond repair. 

"We would harvest, yes. We took life, we killed, but we did so to sustain life. And we always renewed what we took, we increased more life than we took. It was our purpose. The Golds? They did this to end life. Killing to cease living. I feel the spirits, the level the Reds speak of so often. Level five. The end of this life."

Kshatragna died in my arms saying that. 

Jaildarn was not content with all he achieved. He wanted to punish everyone. To destroy us all. Even if there was an Opal left to go to the Birth Place, and even if they brought another Yellow into the world and raised it, there were no plains to farm. 

---

Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

---

QUESTION -- based on this scene, do you view Jaildarn as evil?

---

My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  BookBub author profile— I'd be grateful if you'd follow me.
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website.