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."

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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? 

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

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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

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