Cast in Sorrow

The smell of a freshly cracked book... heaven.


Welcome ladies and gents to this week's Book Designs post, where we finish up the Chronicles of Elantra series with Cast in Sorrow* aka Cast in Peril Part Two (as I'm calling it)
Don't all stories about forests leave out the bugs?
From what I can tell (and I'm guessing so far) this book is picking up right where we left off with the last one.
"Things Not To Do if You Want to Have Fun During Your Involuntary LEave/ of (Probably Unpaid) Absence
     love the title Kaylin!
I'm loving this list, although I really wish Leontine existed. It would be an amusing language to learn.
Hey, the Consort has armor now, what a nice gift from abig brother. I wonder if it's painted, enameled or just a naturally white metal?
If she was possible of wielding the power behind it, I 'd think Kaylin was trying to build a small Court for herself.
Shadow-not-birds. That's a new one.
Transforming, talking real birds. Kaylin, you never cease to amaze.
Barrani eye color: Gold with a ring of pale sky blue.
I love that they switch to Aerian in an attempt at privacy.
Domicile? Lirenne, you were less stiff the last time we met.  Yu're making me sad here.
West March - Court of the Vale
"Outcaste what? Outcaste number 13 or 90? "
So, this is where Teela considers home. ... I wonder where she lives in Elantra?
I wonder if the Ancients constructed the West March as they did the Hallione or High Halls or if the Barrani have carved out and decorated the interiors of the trees?
Types of trees denoting which street you're on, interesting .
Oh, I do. Where else could you get it repaired Sev?
She doesn't have this reaction to water at home.. Why here?
Ahh Question from last book answered. While Kaylin does call Nightshade Calarnenne, and thinks of that as his True Name, that's not quite how it works.  The 'name' is just a word. His True Name holds everything that he is and is more than mere speech. Kaylin just interprets it as speech, just like she interprets magical signatures as written words.
Kaylin, having attendants. Interesting. And she can't send them away or BAD things happen.
Barrani, as complicated as ever ^^
Huh, I didn't know that etiquette rule, I'll have to keep it in mind.
Oh, so she still has that mark on her forehead XD I wonder how others will react when they see it?
Oh Kaylin, you're growing up and it's quite interesting >< look at you doing political speak. So proud.
I need to learn to be amused and keep it off my face.
Severn, how do you know them? Were you forced to learn all the Barrani who hold the title of Lord? Or did you do it in your copious (cough cough) free time after you became a Lord? How many are there I wonder?
Teela this is something you mention earlier on! I'm also going to assume you don't like your Aunt Avonelle.
Laughing Barrani, always a strange sight.
The Hallione of the West March, the one that has been abandoned, is called Hallione Alansis.  I'm placing my bet here, the book ends with Kaylin having burged or destroyed it.
If healrs are so rare... is it because of the Barrani? Since they seem to dislike them so greatly?
Interesting and complex. Kaylin, you better be able to do what you say you can.
So the 'dreams' and the 'nightmares' of Alansis, are one and the same creatures. Just like real dreams and nightmares.
He's gone from being 'hatchling' to 'you' to 'small and squeaky'.
A line of ghosts.. with Kaylin in the lead.
Exactly! There are only 11 lost children. Not 12. Harrumph.
I like the idea of these glass statues being drawn to the runes, which are golden.
New low for the door wards in response to Kaylin, catching fire
A 12 pointed star? Wait, make that 11.
There's a Lord of the East?
This Lord of teh East challenged the harmoniste of the time? O.O why? For the title of harmoniste?
Oh, new note, none of the other Barrani Hawks are Lords.
Serian female not-servant. Gaedin male not-servant.
     Neither are lords, yet both seem to possess magic.
     Guess that kills Kaylin's theory.
Oh! 'Neya' was the nickname of Kaylin's mom. Her full name was Averneya.
>< Iberriene, I want to hate you. you did BAD things. But right now you're like a shy puppy, and I want to hug you.
Barrani- purple= deep grief.
Wait. Hold up. Rewind. KAYLIN, you KNEW Teela spoke on your behalf. It's talked about throughout the first book. It's not mentioned that she was using her rank in the Court, bu you still knew.
     Ah. ok. =blushes=
Teela, I adore you. "If the Exchequer doesn't hang for this, I'll hunt him down and kill him myself."
I love seeing how much she cares about Kaylin.
Teela, you hair brained, thrice cursed!
I cannot wait till the next book. Kaylin's given in. She's going to apply herself to magic.
O.O The 11... they're idiots.
I want to do a pendant that's a lantern, or maybe a string of lanterns.
Nightshade, I love that you protect her.
Mr. Small and Squeaky. What are you doing? Helping or hindering the Hallione?
Kaylin!
Did Nightshade jsut admit he would have failed? O.O Hit the Deck! The world is ending!
Will wonders never cease? Ynpharion willingly serving her?
O.O I LOVE this series XD
Kaylin holds the names of Four Barrani men now. Not one of them wants her dead.
The more they say it, the less I believe Kaylin will live a mortal's span of years.
I truly hope that Ynpharion isn't a one-off character.
I don't see how he could be since she holds his name, but there you go.
I think a time will come when Kaylin can speak Dragon. Possibly even intentionally.
So somehow the wards have been stripped from the green and placed into Alsanis. Is Alsanis trying to contain/protect/soothe the lost?
Finally! Silver! <3
Brother! Not son, win!
I actually like these 10 that remain >< They are going to make life so interesting.
Barrani? An eating contest? Oh yes, I do love these 10 new ones.
The 10 are staying in Alsanis to gain knowledge so that they can function and move in the world as it now is... probably smartest.
Except Annarion. Annarion wants to leave and Nighshade has commanded him to stay. Annarion has refused. Nightshade is pissed. Isn't that the way of younger brothers?  Ahh.. Annarion wants to take the Tes of Name.
Annarion is pissed and I almost think I like him more than Nightshade. XD
O.O He understands small and squeaky?
All he wants is to be with you Nightshade.
Oh dear. How will Tain react to Teela and her connection to the 10?
And Teela's not staying, but I figured on this.
And neither is Mandoran apparently, so only.... 8 are staying.
Manny... you want to join the Hawks? Oh this should be so interesting. I want Cast in Flame now please!
So ladies and gents that's the end  of this week's book :D I hope you enjoyed reading along, my thoughts and insights, and what not.
I didn't come up with many pieces while I was reading the book, but let's see what I can come up with once I sit down with my tablet.
If you did, feel free to comment below.
If you have suggestions for future books, feel free to comment below :D
If you're secretly an Aesir, please comment below :D
*While the series is actually not finished, this is the last that is currently available to me, and there is only one other set for publication, Cast in Flame, which is not yet available on the market.

Cast in Peril

 

The cover for this week's book has me rather excited. Kaylin is in a dress and holding an egg. I'm going to assume it's our mysterious egg from the last two books?

It's rather pretty and the dress is a shade of green that puts me in mind of peridot. It's a gorgeous strapless dress, leaving her neck and shoulders bare, which immediately has me thinking "Jewelry is needed!"  Given the color and the background I'd go with a forest theme, done in peridot and gold.

     Two ideas spring to mind, one rather simple, and the other more ornate. The first is just a simple branch, with leaves of peridot. The other  is a front piece, gems set within the branches of the tree, split to form the collar, which narrows down into a chain. The top half of the 'plate' (geez, I really don't know what to call it D:  advice anyone?) would have peridot, the bottom half would be chasing, repousse, and texturing.

Poor Kaylin, you don't ever do well with perky morning people do you?

Diarmat is considering giving up? O.O Kaylin is more stubborn than Dragons. Holy moly. And she's been /trying/ at these things.

Woo! Go Kaylin! Finally got the blasted thing lit!

Poor Kaylin, I can just imagine the bore of having to learn all of their titles.

Did Grammayre actually use sarcasm just then? Even though he's exceedingly pissed?

I find it amusing that 8 weeks of Kaylin's time is less than what they'd usually pay for information like this. I wonder what she gets paid?

Elide- 1) To leave out, suppress, omit or ignore. 2) To leave out or slur over in pronunciation.

Assassins? Well. This is a new one.

An Arcane bomb. Hells bells.

The egg hatched in the middle of an Arcane bomb. And it's eyes are opalescent. I love this series.

A familiar? I thought that that was just a term, not an entire species. Interessant.

O.O Kaylin. You're floating in a sphere of magic and someone just tried to kill you and the only female Dragon. I don't care how cute the little opal thing is, focus woman!

... why would Teela and Tain be displeased by a familiar? I thought most Barrani  wilded magic to some degree?

How does one look vaguely regal? I want to master this look, it could be useful.

Sorcerer, now capitalized. Different than mage, Arcanist, or Chosen?

It squeaks every time it tries to roar. Yeah, ok, it's cute.

And Diarmat shows up. Shoes.

Only a few hours old, and he's got a definitive opinion, I like ^^.

When Dragons snort smoke.... what color is it? Since smoke implies that /something/ is being burnt, what would that be?

Arkon! That was mean!!

And that completely makes up for it.. Stop being so confusing Arkon.

Small, translucent, shaped like a dragon, and has the attitude of a cat . "I do not belong to you. You belong to /me/." 

          "An Arcanist, but with actual powe

Sorcerer as defined by the Arkon.r."

Kaylin you're temperamental and in possession of a familiar that wants to protect you. Do you really think that you can be involved with the investigation into who bombed your home?

Teela, bruised?O.O What in the seven?

This one one hell of an attack.

          3 Barrani dead

          1 Aerian dead

          2 mages (not Arcanists) dead- so bad thing

          Clint injured

          The Arcanum (the building) was also damaged, though it's still standing.

So Teela is inviting Kaylin to stay within the High Halls.... why does this sound like a VERY bad idead?

If Evarrim was there...why wasn't he involved in the fighting/ Did he betray them? Is that even possible?

          I have realized after rereading my notes that I was mixing Barrani Evarrim and Dragon Emmerian. Evarrim is the Arcanist, and Emmerian was said to be meeting the Hawks at the Arcanum to be aiding them, hence my mix up.

So ... It has to be a Barrani that attacked if we are assuming that Bellusdeo was the target.

     If that's the case, it had to be a Lord for them to have the power, both politically and magically.

     The Emperor is pissed because the Barrani Hawks hadn't a clue about this. Got it.

I'd like to do a piece based on the familiar, when it was in it's egg and just a hatchilng. Perhaps a carved amethyst over an opal slice ala David Brackna

          Do research -Optical Inlays- David Brackna

                              Tony Geonnotti

                              Earl Montgomery- Space Gems

Rooms within the Tower of Tiamaris (that we've seen and had named)

     Formal Dining Room

     Maggaron's Room

     Mirror Room

     Morgue

     And now Tiamaris' War Room.

Why were familiars considered auspicious? (good omens)

Tiamaris is allowing Barrani to retain property rights in the fief? Interesting.

"Actually a wall...and looked like solid stone. GIven Tiamaris was running at it head first, Kaylin wasn't too concerned, if it failed to open, it was unlikely to hurt him."  Buuuut... What about you and Severn on his back? O.o

No one else with him? Is he speaking with a ghost or a Shadow perhaps?

There are spaces within the fief borders, actual spaces of their own?

What in the seven hells is Severn's chain made of that flame and magic do nothing to it?

Sooo... this thing in the fiefs is connected to the bombing of Kaylin's apartment... to me, this suggests that the bombing was focused on Kaylin, not Bellusdeo (heretofore just called Bell to save space.)

Great. Just Dandy. An entirely new scary place. "The outlands"

ahh. they seem to be doorways within a world. Rather than the doors between separate worlds, they are doors which lead between 2 places within a world.

     An example for us (were it possible) would be between NYC and Paris. Step through a door rather than an airplane. (Wow, that would be lovely.... and make getting to shows so much easier.)

"If they anger, annoy or bore me, I will send them home; if they attempt to remain, I will send them home in pieces." Tiamaris, I wish I could do this.

What would these portals have to do with the embezzling? Why would it be needed?

When will you accept that he will always be aware of you?

I hate when you're like this Nightshade >:(

I want someone to threaten Nightshade at somepoint, just so I can see the Castle eat them. Omnomnomnom

Even given his involvement in this, he is trying to protect her. It's confusing.

The familiar is trying to protect her from Nightshade. He has actually gone and attacked him, some sort of opalescent smoke? And... Nightshade acting like an acrobat? XD

Teela <3  "I can't tell whether you're warning me off Nightshade or telling me not to judge him."

     At least we have total confirmation she has feelings for him, and vice versa ^^

The Eternal Emperor visited the High Halls? O.O

     I didn't know he even ever left the Palace.

Fittings. Oh joy.

Teela is outfitting Kaylin both due to her kyuthe ties, and her title, interesting.

An armed escort... this looks bad.

Kaylin, I love when you let your temper reign, and arm it with words.

O.O A Barrani... being tried by Imperial Court....holy..... (for those just joining us, we learned in Cast in Courtlight, that this NEVER happens. If a Barrani commits a crime (and is caught...) then the only Court that tries them is the Barrani Caste Court.)

He's giving her the pendant again? Aww Sanabalis, that's sweet.

     (So apparently AutoCorrect thinks that 'Sanabalis' is 'Canabalism'... I have issues with this.

"I hate being the only mortal in a gathering full of Immortals who think killing each other cleverly is the height of good manners."

Sneaky Severn...

The Arkon, asking a favor? What strange land is this??

Oh... this is both the best and worst idea possible.

     Teela+Tain+Bell Oh hells bells.     

     "I haven't been bored for weeks." XD

     And it's a high compliment XDDD

I admit, I did not expect this to happen in this book.

     And we're off to the West March, lands of the brother of the High Lord & Consort, and kyuthe to Kaylin.

Yes! This is the way a dress should be! "Soft, light and long, while still allowing for full freedom of movement."

Why did they not describe Teela's jewelry? D: Screw it, I'm making up some anyway. White, gold and green, dripping from wrists and fingers...

Kaylin, why would you immediately think that you have to think like Evarrim, when there are 4 other Barrani you like far more that you could think like? 7 if you count the Royal siblings.

O.o Once again I realize why I draw the parallel between Barrani and the classical ideas of elves.

"Please tell me we don't have to bleed on the tree? " Sorry Kaylin

"I do not believe the Barrani. And they're worried about signing a guest book?"

Blasted hatchilng! That was important to him...

     and it's not hot? what type of magic is this little one?

O. how did you manage that? I really hope you didn't break it little hatchling.

That is a rather well acomplished bow Kaylin, well done.

Mr. Small and Squawky XD

I wonder why? Would the tree devour the blood and do something odd?

Well, that's certainly a way to discourage visitors.

     " You'll find the room either too hot or too cold; you'll find everything slightly off.. If you remain in the room you'll begin to notice unpleasant, small details... An excess of insects. Spiders, small beetles.... But the air gets stuffy, and if you can' or won't take the hint, it becomes absent. It's not unlike being buried alive, but without the dirt."

          Trust the Barrani to have magic tree houses, pardon waystations that can tell you to gtfo.

Darn it Severn... I don't want to like the idea of you and Kaylin being together. Stop  being so ..real. =grumbles.=

Ok. Grudgingly, I like you Severn. Grudgingly, because of this line.

     "I made a life that has space for you in it, but it's still my life."

....Furniture that chooses your clothing. Interesting.

I want these boots. Anythign that Kaylin would whistle at, I want. Practical and pretty, I'm all for it.

Gahhhhh. Badbadbad. But if it's so simple in comparison to even Teela, let alone the Consort, why is it bad?"

"The blood of the green" why does this sound like the forest has recognized her as Chosen the way Water did, or as a match (or equal) to the Lord of the West March perhaps?

What the hell is with this dress. It absorbed the light and bloody changed colors? I want!

Soo.. the dress has significance because you are a Lord of the Court that holds his own name? O.o Andellan that makes no sense.

Blood of the green is important to the regalia, and the person wearing it is also important. In that they have to do something.

Evarrim being... nice? This is highly suspicious and if he hadn't saved both the Lord of the West March and the current High Lord, I'd say kill him.

New words- Harmoniste & illuminations

     I'm assuming that the harmoniste is whoever gets the blood of the green outfit, and the illuminations are whoever gets bonked on the head by a ball of light.

This implies that Teela does now control her families lands?

I take back my commentary about Barrani and elves. They make waystations anywhere and everywhere apparently. This evening's choice is a cliff. I wonder if the hatchling will try to bite it?

Less territorial friends? Where's the fun in that Teela?

So it seems the interior is shaped by the exterior.

     Tree station (to use Kaylin's term) = rounded and oval shapes

     Cliff station= hard, solid lines

     I like the tree station more.

Ooooh Nightshade...=chuckles=

I'm thinking these robes are important. And any other male of Kaylin's acquaintance in a tiara would be amusing. Since it's Nightshade, I'm sort of... expecting it? Its a tiara with an emerald in it, obviously I have to draw it. I also want to try and fit something to the robes that he's wearing. They're cream edged in blue, with both colors shifting between all possibilities suggested within those.

The waystations, they are the 'hearts' of the green and somehow have the capability to summon people. Why am I not surprised?

How in the seven bleeding hells is the Consort using Nightshade's TRUE Name??? Outloud???

     Or is there more to it than simply, knowing the name?

"the publicly acceptable form of his name' oooook?

There is a Barrani Wolf??? I want to meet him!

So... is Nightshade wearing a tiara that Kaylin is actually supposed to be wearing?

Next question are these waystations sentient that they are (potentially) placing her in rooms with either one of her theoretical suitors? Are the waystations picking sides?

     Sadly/not sadly she ended up with Teela for the night.

I hope the hatchling  grows to  like Nightshade.

O.o she's staying with Teela?

XD Kaylin and Teela having a water war. I cannot believe it.

O.o Kaylin as harmoniste is so bad that Teela is cool with cutting off the Hawklord's wings before having it happen. This is going to be an enjoyable book.

Teela was subjected to the regalia as a child. Interesting and important. But she seems (mostly) whole and not insane.

O.o Teela....

Why only for Teela? While there don't seem to be any gender biases, why not give the same gift to his sons?

So Teela is the only child who was tested that was not... changed for the worse.

A dozen children lost... wow.

And Lords of the Court as well from the fights? no. After the recitation apparently.

O.o the children killed the Lords. What in the seven is this transformation?

"Worry if you like. But guilt? No. Your guilt is an attempt to deprive me of the ability to make an adult choice- and accept the resultant consequences-"

     This... this is an important passage. Not only within the book, but within human social interactions I believe. Which is funny in that its said by a Barrani.

Pillow talk among the girls. The same no matter what.

Second book where the evil chickens have made an appearance and I cannot help but laugh.

A Teller of Tales doesn't happen without a harmoniste, there can be a harmoniste though and no Teller.

Once again the Barrani see things others don't.

Does the number of illuminations matter? They don't apparently affect the harmoniste either way.

     I'd like to do a set based around the illuminations. Perhaps earrings as just cut stones, and then two different pendants. One with the number of illuminations and a second that is just an encased star.

Nightshade isn't approaching, but he does still protect her.

     Gah, I have a love/hate relationship with everything this book inspires in me.

Wait. Why do the Barrani magics create a Dragon. I know the Draco-Barrani war partially took place in this area buuuuuuut... still?

Crazy hatchling! What in all the Seven are you doing! It's not a threat! And it's your own kind, sort of, you'd think you'd be happy!

Ok, the shape taken by the river is not always the same, interesting.

Nightshade... singing? I wish this was a real thing. 

Hallione Kariastos, a person at one time?

I like this gent! I'm not sure who he is or was, other than a great mage it seems, but I like him.

Severn said that poisons lose their efficacy within the waystations. I wonder if many Barrani carry small poison bottles on them at all times?

Hallione actually means waystation.

Kariastos, despite his Draconic form, is actually a mostly Barrani Avatar.

O.O XD I LOVE Kariastos.

     "Perhaps the young ones have forgotten. And if it is necessary, I will wake my brothers from here to the heart of the green and they will explain our ancient rules more... clearly."

Only half the traveling Court? Where is the other half?

He said it outloud. and really? Only one wants to harm her? Is Evarrim inside? Wait, no. Nightshade would be if he was.

Lord Iberrienne- this is the assassin?

Okay... Hallione, are constructs, but possibly a race of sorts as well?

Karostos is playing fix-it. Holy shitake! <3

It's always fun reading these books because I have to translate what the Barrani say. And those translations vary every time.

"We call them lullabies, but in general, they don't mention gruesome deaths." XD

     Wait. Have you not heard "When the bow breaks the cradle will fall"? ... I don't know if this world would have that song necessarily, but still! That one is gruesome if you think about it.

He's coming with? How interesting.

Oh dear. Teela, are you threatening the Consort?

3 Lords dead? O.o Oh dear. I thought that wasn't possible Kariastos?

Nightshade?

Phew, ok. So the three that died are just idiots. No loss there.

Soo... is Teela on Nightshade's side or his opponents or is she just presenting the facts?

Polite horror at the chain weapon? Why, because he was taught it's use by a Barrani and he's 'merely' mortal?

Shadow creatures... speaking Elantran?

How can opals be repellent? I can't wrap my head around this.

They speak and they can issue orders. Oh shoes.

Terrano... one of the children. I thought the Hallione contained them?

He is all shocked and appalled and  Kaylin is "Pfft, don't give a damn" . <3

Really, did you have to mention the bugs?

Nightshade... a child? Or a sibling?

A graveyard?

Hey! The tree Hallione has a name :D Sylvanne

Huh. I see I'm not the only one that thinks songs have power.

"I have made it clear that they are not to distor their faces or bodies beyond the acceptable norm for Barrani" XD

     I love that this has to be made clear.

Ok, new favorite: Bertolle, that is the kindest thing ever.

Wilson? Only you Kaylin.

Oh... that might prove dangerous in the future.

"You are merely a Lord of the High Court" XD Go Kaylin!

This book is just going crazy and I cannot believe it's going to end where it is. ROAR!!!!

Sooo...

     Iberrienne promises Human Caste Court immortality

     Exchequer embezzles to give it to him.

     Iberrienne uses money to bribe fieflords and buy people.

She can purify them. O.O This might be important.

They ruby has blackened?

That comment earlier about nothing damaging Severn's weapon? Yeah, taking that back.

So... The next book, in some ways will be Cast in Peril, Part 2. =laughs= That is going to be my unofficial title for it now.

I feel that the title for this book, now that I've read the entire thing, is 100% accurate.

Alright ladies and gents! Thank you for following along with this week's book, I hope you enjoyed it, and the designs. I'm sorry for taking Friday off, like I said, I got a 24 hour bug, and could not get out of bed. Next week's book will be up on Friday as per usual. See you all then :D

As always, please feel free to comment below, I love comments. :D (They feed the website gremlins ;) )

Have any suggestions for future books to design around? Feel free to comment below. ^^

Cast in Shadow I & II
Cast in Courtlight
Cast in Secret
Cast in Fury
Cast in Silence
Cast in Chaos

Cast in Ruin

Design This! 5: Avengers

Welcome everyone to this fortnight's Design This challenge :D
Last time the goal was to design something around The wicked sea witch Ursula. My pieces had me dreaming of the sea and the chance to cool off, that's for certain.

The heat and humidity are ramping up by me, and day dreaming about pieces that spoke of Ursula was a treat.  I ended up running with the idea of tentacles. It featured in several pieces, all primarily made of polymer clay. I tried testing out a mokume gane blend on the bottom, but it just did not work the way I had hoped it might. I guess I'll have to leave that work for on the bench.
I can also say that for the first time, I will have one of the pieces from my designs up in the shop, for those that are interested this Friday. It'll be the piece in the center, crafted from polymer clay and copper.
This fortnight's challege is.... the Avengers! Inspired by this lovely series by kelseymichele over on deviantart, I figured we could give this a shot as well. You can either design around one Avenger, do a group piece, or shoot for one for each team member. Personally, that last option is what I'm going for.

Black Widow



Thor

Hawkeye

Captain America

Ironman
The Hulk





Agent Phil Coulson
And Bonus!

Loki.
If you want to join in on this fortnight’s challenge, just post your work here, in the comments below, and I’ll show my designs in next fortnight’s challenge.  
 

Cast in Chaos

Before diving into the book, allow me to start with the cover. Wow, do I love it.
It shows Kaylin in a very threatening posture, her arms spread  wide, and sort of bent, you can just imagine her knives in her hands. Her hair is whipping around her, and her face is the type that we best imagine in Cast in Shadow "You've hurt my children, and now I'm going to obliterate you." I cannot wait to see what happens. ^^


Warning: There is some yelling in this post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you were reading along at the very end of last week's post, you'll remember my comment about 108 requests for promotion. Sadly, upon opening, Kaylin is still a Private. (Well, maybe not so sadly XD)
Off topic note: Trying to balance coffee on the arm of a chair, book in the other hand and shifting in said chair, bad idea. -sighs- One of these day's I'll learn.
Tanner smirking, Severn waiting in the Aeria.. what's going on?
Imperial... courier? Oh shoes. This is not going to be pretty XD
What idiot messed with the window?? Wait. Who in the Hawks has the capability to mess with the window? Isn't the only mage-ish employed by the Hawks Teela?
O.o What type of advice could a window possibly give Marcus?  I am utterly baffled. Seriously, what could it offer? How to rip people's throats out more efficiently? Wait, that wouldn't work, it's the 'polite' window... How not to carve furrows into the desk?
I love, love, love that the table in the West Room might as well be a reoccurring character in this series. XD I don't think there's a single book that's gone by that hasn't had it show up, and be commented on at least once.
O.o they want her to go on off duty nights? WHO IN THE SEVEN BLEEDING HELLS  APPROVED THIS?? What slack jawed nitterbrain thought "oh yes, we know she's got healing abilities, and regularly gets called in by the Midwive's Guild, but we're going to have her working nights! On Ettiquette!" Seriously?? I hope they get eaten by the Emperor >>
Oh, back to Elani Street! Hi Evanton!
     And.. apparently I'm slightly mad. Even though I've got seven other things I'm doing, I want to try doing a Painting (all artsy and good and what not) for this series. On top of business, blogging and making jewelry. Oh and packing. =sighs= Some days.
Weather Vanes for magic? Oh now that just brings all sorts of crazy ideas to mind...
"She spoke clearly and calmly but her voice carried about as far as if she had shouted. It was one of the more useful things she'd learned in the Halls of Law."
1) Does learning to kill and not be killed, not count? 2) I WANT to learn this.... I have siblings, and nieces and nephews, this would be sooooo useful. That and for Black Friday crowd herding. XD
Stravaganza. I miss when a) there were merchants and b) they could get away with making up names like this.
SEP= Somebody Else's Problem. I might just start using this.
Oh la di da. Fancy lady in a tiff. =sighs= Kaylin tried to be polite even, and she decides to take it out on her. Poor Kaylin.
"like most of the wealthy families in Elantra they sported a mock-Barrani name." I find this highly amusing. The Barrani must have no end of laughing at these people.
Real magic on Elani, other than Evanton? Oh this is strange. I almost feel bad for Margot. Although she'll probably find a way to spin it to her advantage.
:D Kaylin got to keep the cloak from Nightshade last book! Sweet! I wonder if Evanton put anything interesting into it?
A shift in the magical potential... so...The lines we learned about in Silence are shifting?
Blue in Aerians has the same meaning as blue in Barrani- BAD, anger or fury.
     I want to write a "Guide to Not Getting Killed in Elantra" at some point. An illustrated guide.... it could be interesting. A post for another day though.
I want a hoard. Actually, I have a hoard, I'm just unable as of yet to define fully what it is... erm, that and I don't have huge point teeth, claws and wings to support that claim.
     Quick quiz! If you've been reading along, which race in Elantra would you want to be?
     Barrani
     Dragon
     Leontine
     Tha'alani
     Human
     Some unnamed race that everyone seems to fear.
     Leave your vote in the comments ;D
I love that Marcus really does sign with a paw print. XD 
Kaylin always says Dragon can look like aged wise men. Does this imply that they have some choice over how they appear? Can they think "Oh, today I want to look like I'm 35, but tomorrow I'm going to appear 67"?
1) Sanabalis using magic. Scary stuff. 2) I didn't know they could make Mirrors that don't look like mirrors! That pretty stained glass window... well, I suppose it would make sense for Sanabalis to have something like that in his 'office'. 3) Dragon voice :D (although if I was there, I probably wouldn't be so happy about it if the ground is shaking from it. )
O.o I'm feeling a little dense here. Why does the growing of a representation of Evanton's shop, show a problem? his shop uses magic yes, erm, well, he uses magic within the shop, but his shop also contains the elements. Would it be possible that the 'map' is showing that more magic is collecting there? So.. not only is this representation different than what's actually there... but there's something more. On top of that, why is Sanabalis assuming that there is a zone between Elani, the Halls and.. wait. Ok. If his magic is haywire at the palace, it went haywire at the Halls and on Elani street, it's safe to assume that it's haywire everywhere in between. That took waaay too long for me to catch up to ><;; I feel mildly embarrassed now.
Sanabalis? Speaking colloquially? This is an emergency.
O.o how much of  a... hardheaded frump is Kaylin's etiquette teacher that he wouldn't let her out of classes when it's quite literally a magical emergency?
It is rather odd that the Oracles don't seem to have any tell in this. Oh, wait, scrap that. Sabrai does seem to have had some idea.
Everly and the Book Girl ! Oh joy. ^^  I guess we don't get to see them though.. Fiddlesticks.
Raining...blood? O.o And since when are storm clouds green gray, really? Mine are normally blue gray maybe, but not green....I should find out about other areas though...
Didn't Sanabalis say...oh, wait. That was Records. XD Oops.
Anyway! Large, angry Leontine, looking like it got doused with a blood bath. That is one frightening image.
O.o XDD Severn, you're attempting to teach Kaylin to budget? Kaylin?
Vanishing doors. Lovely. Apparently the Imperial Palace might be just as much a living place as the Castle or Tiamaris' Tower. We'll have to keep an eye on that one.
O.O That is one HUGE mirror.
Ohhh, so all things can in theory be used as Mirrors, and gain access to Records, if you've got enough magic backing you up. This explains Sanabalis' window. In theory though, this fancy schmancy table should dampen/resist the crazy magical goings on? Good to know.
And hey! It's from the West March.
Sanabalis being considered 'young'? That is funny. If the Arkon is ancient, and Sanabalis is old, I wonder how old the Emperor is, and does he affect that appearance or no?
Fancy new word- abattoir -reaches for the dictionary- Apparently of French origin (gee really?) it means a slaughterhouse. Silky word for a rather messy place.
So.. one area was destroyed, and the other had humans show up? This book, from the outside, probably sounds crazy. Since we're six books into the series, this is going to be one heck of an interesting ride. :)
So.. we've covered the creation of Dragons (sort of), Barrani (definitively) and  Leontines (also definitively). Humans apparently just appeared. What about Tha'alani and Aerians? Were they also created by the Old Ones?
"So... humans arrived here heralded by freak storms and two-headed Barrani babies?" Oh wow. I. I cannot even breathe after that one.
I sort of want to get my hands on those Oracle reports, just because they sound amusing.
Having to evacuate that many people... holy carp.
Need I point out that once again it's Nightshade saving her?
Castle- Changes floorplan on a regular basis, you can make the home you've always dreamed of!
          Basement- A forest entirely to yourself, doesn't need any watering!
          Well- Source of fresh water, and a connection to Elemental Water
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Oh, geez, I cannot believe they're having this conversation. I don't know whether I want to love it or hate, and the last book was such a mind-trip! ><
Severn has a weapon that speaks? ohh interesting.. I hope we learn that story at some point.
O.O Nightshade lived in the West March. !! Important stuffs. Also important, he did at one time have family, even extended family, and they were very exuberant about political power plays. Hence why Nightshade is so blasted good at them.
Wait... so Kaylin in some part is the reason why Nightshade is Outcaste I think?
...The Barrani have 'stories' like that of the Leontines. In the Old Tongue, and they can only be told if someone has passed the challenge of Name. Holy Moly. This sounds scary, dangerous and amazing. Ahhh, it's another rite of passage. It changes them. But for reasons unknown exposing children to it is bad bad bad.
NIGHTSHADE! =dances=
I wish you had killed Barren. =grumbles=
Oh shoesohshoesohshoes  Tara!
Hey! Nightshade's heart isn't black >> If it was he wouldn't have saved Kaylin or said that he wanted to kill Barren.
Tiamaris to the rescue! You know.. you think ya'll would have a slightly better grasp on what this "Devourer" thing is... being IMMORTAL and all.
So.. let me get this straight. Once upon a time World A was connected to worlds B-Z. While there ARE doors between these worlds, you can't access them your first trip through? So... There's an emptiness. And that emptiness is between the worlds.. sort of like the filling on a cake? Sits between the layers, but isn't the same? Ok. Makes sense.
Good reasons to visit according to Kaylin: Improved sense of humor, learning to curse in Dragon. Yup.
Kaylin can work wonders. She's got Tiamaris betting. O.O Or Tara does. Or the fief in general... one of those!
Arokon.. breathing fire? Oh shoes. This is.. not good.
"I am considering a permanent memory crystal. For your use" XD Poor Kaylin. Not only are her magical descriptions not 'enough' for the Arkon, he wants to torture her with constant magic, and invasion of privacy.
I cannot believe you actually said that to the Arkon Kaylin. Even in Elantran. Holy. Moly.
...what is the Arkon's name? Not his /name/ mind you, just, why is he only called The Arkon?
Caverns! Caverns everywhere! You get a cavern! You get a cavern! Boom! =points at people behind screens= You get a cavern!
And there's an altar? Dragons don't seem to worship gods.. what about the Old Ones? 
     20 ft across and 8ft high? Yup  definitely a Dragon Altar.
Flight I'm guessing, but I think this is how a group of Dragons is referred to.
Soooo Kaylin is part of someone's hoard, or she has her own hoard? O.o sort of confused...
Truth, Journey, Hoard
Kaylin reacts painfully, to most magics. But, when confronted witht eh language of the Old Ones (which we know is magic in and of itself) she doesn't. Is it that the  marks on her skin can't handle a 'lesser' form of magic?
Now that's just petty Arkon.
Yay Yebelline and character growth!
O.O a) He dropped his brush?? b) Yebelline! c) Oh this is one creepy painting, but the technical skill must be outstanding
Holy shitake mushrooms.
I am thinking Diarmat and TIamaris barely got on before Tiamaris left, and less so now.
I wonder how old the Emperor is? If i lined it up, would it be Arkon, Sanabalis, Emperor, Diarmat, Tiamaris?
O.O what in the seven hells are the two of you doing here?? Won't this start another war??
Kaylin, you don't get paind enough for fighting a Dragon, let alone Barrani politics.
Why am I not surprised to see another cavern?
          Polymer clay galaxy based pendant + earring set.
          A necklace with multiple words? Golden beads and a great topaz or druzy?
               Sort of ended up mixing this one with the onyx necklace, and having the druzy.. attempt on it's own.
Well, this answers the question of "how the Consorts learn everything."
"You either stumble or you fail to move at all." < I like!
Ok, if this is an "Old One" talking, then they seem to have been created, not around forever. "When we woke to the worlds."
     Humans, not created by the Old ONes, and the Old Ones can be destroyed. Is that where they all went?
"Overly intellectualized version of home." XD
No! She's seen his name twice now! Not once!
Gold surrounded by ebony... sounds like jewelry!  As usual things change when I'm painting the designs, and I ended up with gold and ebony. But it's close!
"We've pretty much confirmed the World's theory."
"Confirmation was necessary?"
Poor Severn, "The last time she wandered around in your store on her own, I was threatened with demotion."
Oh! So it's a puzzle piece? NOt meant to be on it's own?
"The Barrani and Dragons were created from stone, but not all stone lives and walks, and causes endless trouble." XD  Evanton, you are amazing.
     Wait. Were they carved from different types of stone, and this is why they are so different? And yet the same? So... this stuck with me, and ended up being painting practice. >>
I wonder what the actual distance is between the Halls and the Imperial Palace? For that matter, I want a clearer map of the city.
Nope. Nope. Nope. I don't like Diarmat.
"He is one of several people whose existence is critical to the continued safety of the Empire itself."
     Other people on this list include Tiamaris, Nightshade, the other 4 fieflords, and the High Lord and Consort.  That we know of. Are there more?
Emmerian? Have we met him before?
O.O NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Why is a stuffpot like Diarmat the ettiquette teacher?? I mean, in theory this makes sense, but in general it's a stupid idea! Kaylin will end up being roasted! D:
This book just gets crazier and crazier. The Arkon. Leaving the Palace??
O.O  Dragons... NOT in human form?? Oh They're going to be happy. I wonder ho many streets they'll break and people they'll have to eat though?
Wait. If Dragons breathe fire... why do they have to learn the name of fire? Or are they incapable of doing it until then?
...An egg? O.o
"If the Emperor requires access  to the LIbrary, he can make his displeasure known. He is young and in good health. A few miles of city streets shouldn't cause his voice much trouble."
     Arkon, did you just make a joke?
     I wonder who/what lives near the Palace if the Dragons are so loud, and seem only to speak in Dragon unless humans are around?
The last time he left the Palace was before any of them were born... I want his job!!
Cadge- to beg or obtain by begging.
When Evanton wants to relax, he beads.
    The Hawk he gave Kaylin back in Cast in Courlight? That was him relaxing.
I forsee a long and beautiful friendship between these two. Full of jibes, learning, snark and very frustrated couriers, since neither one leaves their domain much.
Is the Arkon... excited? What a strange thought.
I didn't realize Kaylin remembered that....
"Maybe if we tried to drown the candle instead of lighting it, I"d have more luck." XD
Awww Arkon! ^^
XD "Can I interest you in a job?" Evanton, I adore you. YOu actually joked, with a a Dragon. The Arkon no less!
Wow Arkon, that's... See! I said they'd be friends!  :D
A peacock's fan of fire... filigree, fire painted... and enamel?
It sounds like the perfect climbing tree.
:D! Sanabalis in Dragon form! He's a pale shade of grey, almost silver <3
     Are all Dragons metallic colored?
"But before you settle up here, we'd appreciate a lift down." I can't imagine Sanabalis accepting this request anywhere else.
I'd love the Earth shrine during Spring and Fall.. a huge rounded rock, placed in the sun, perfect to sprawl and nap on. Maybe under a tree, near a brook...
I want a building that changes like the seasons.. and I'm not just talking about decor!
"Please tell me you're not worried about the investigation int the Chancellor's affairs. We're facing the end of the world, Severn."
     Always focusing on the now, huh Kaylin?
A long hall of windows, looking into other worlds..
     Also known as a library. Or, alternatively, a writer's brain ^^.
I love how often Kaylin thinks out loud. It makes me feel less crazy when I do it for problem solving.
"You're discussing philosophy with a door."
     "Yes and? If it replies, I'm talking to it." < my response.
Taller than Barrani and broader than Dragons? O.o. wow.
Eyes of the Travelers : Blue, grey
Kaylin's = brown.
Is this a  'roar' like  human roar, a Roar like  Leontine roar, or a ROAR like Dragon roar?
Children, I'm assuming young children that are as tall as Kaylin's shoulder... how tall are these people? How tall are the Barrani for that matter?
Blue in these people means worried (approximately)
Green... surprised?
Eeesh. Giant Barrani. Great.
Gold.. not a Barrani color- surprised?
Mejrah! A name! Finally!
O.o well this is an odd situation..
Her name is the elements themselves? WTH? Just who is Kaylin, and has anyone else in Barrani history ever had this name?
"If you mention budgeting, I'll break both your legs."
^ This is a very me quote.
Emmerian =/= Emperor
Dragon Court:  Emperor- Unknown color
                      Arkon- Silver (after flight, unknown before hand.)
                      Sanabalis- Pale grey (red after flight, reason unknown)
                      Diarmat- Blue-green (Why is the stuffpot my favorite blend of colors?)
                      Tiamaris- Bronze. Period.
                      Emmerian- Deep, deep blue.
The Maker. I like that. Much better than "The Devourer."
Wait!... Does this mean the elements created the Old Ones? Yes! I think it does! Score!
Dang it.. This book is making me cry. Stupid Kaylin.. >>
They're... they're hoard buddies! Bros? Erm.. Something like that.
He offered to make a world for her. XDX <3
     I think I have my favorite character other than Kaylin...
Kaylin, only you could make a joke at a time like this.
Drums that are louder than a Dragon's roar. Sounds interesting.
I think representing the five would be a  lovely design, their togetherness and separateness all in one.
Wait. Wait. Wait! What about the egg? Kaylin left an EGG in her apartment, in a crate. Will it die since the excess magic is now gone?? D:
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Cast in Shadow I & II
Cast in Courtlight
Cast in Secret
Cast in Fury
Cast in Silence

Design This 4!

Hullo again everyone :D

Last fortnight's character was Smaug from Tolkien’s  Hobbit.

Starting with things about Smaug, things that I thought were implicit to his character. His hoard, his destructive power and his scales.

The hoard gave me the idea of different metals melded together, with gems all over. It's not part of the next piece, although it does look that way. The scales brought to mind a Japanese Lace pattern, embedded with different gems, much like his hide.

The last piece was another attempt at a fire gem, although I've tried it before, it's rather difficult to paint.

This fortnight's challenger is Ursula! Twisted and scary, she's a lady with an interesting past. Good luck and I'll see y'all in two weeks ^^

And Ursula in her human form.

Did you like last week's DesignThis challenge?
Have suggestions for a challenge in the future?

Comment below!

Dark Currents

The tag title for this is Daisy Johanssen, reluctant hell-spawn.
And that is absolutely accurate. Unlike Faythe though (from Stray) she's not raging or a wound up ball of anger. She's pretty chill all in all. I find it interesting that the author decided to work in the concept of the "Seven Deadlies" as a palpable force almost that she has to be aware of at all times. Stuff tends to happen when she isn't.
I admit the name Daisy threw me for a loop at first and I had some preconceived notions about the characters personality and looks. They were all smashed within seconds. Which is always the best isn't it?
Anyway, while I'm not getting any solid ideas for jewelry for Miss Daisy of the Pemkowet police, I am getting something from her reluctant partner, Cody Fairfax. Apparently he's a werewolf* and every time he gets upset, the author mentions how there's a flicker of "phosphorescent green" behind his eyes. The color that comes to mind with that phrase.. I'd like to do something with that, although I don't have a clue what just yet XD. Cody is very rough and his werewolf side is very..naturalistic let’s say. I think a wolf pendant, with a little bit of magic to it would fit him. He’d probably string it on a leather cord he made himself.
I can't help it, I love a well written fop, and Casimir is lovely. Shammanic roots and head of the local coven not to mention small town business owner!
Funnily enough Casmir's in town rival, the bead shop, is called Baubles and Beads. Which brought to mind both the online store and the video series by the same name. (Although it turns out after checking later it’s “Beads, Baubles and Jewels. Ooops. Still an interesting thing though. )
Mogwai- Daisy's sometime pet cat. Sort of a stray, sort of not? I love his name, but I'm starting to think that he's something else, although you'd think Daisy would know if he was.
Old Mrs Browne- This little old lady gets jewelry. I don't know what yet, but I like her. She's a baker!:D She's also a brownie unless I'm off or something eldritch anyway. I’m thinking she’d need something easy to clean, so polymer clay or maybe metal, without a ton of texturing, but something colorful.
Lurine- Here's something I haven’t seen in awhile, a Lamia, Green and gold and blue with iridescent crimson spots. I get the feeling that Lurine might be a celebrity on land, but in the water, she's more akin to royalty. And pretty scary when she wants to be. If Lurine has been around for so long, I think she’d have collected certain pieces of jewelry, especially if I’m right and she’s some type of royalty? This fits her.
Mikill- I don't know if he's going to get jewelry or a painting at some point. A frost giant!
ansuz- the 'f' rune. And a piece for Daisy. Even though it doesn’t mention something like this in the book, I could see Daisy enjoying something simple, but a little bit of shiny to make her day brighter.
*It just isn't urban fantasy without weresomethings I suppose.

Cast in Silence

I can't believe we're already in the fifth book. Wowza.

If you're just coming in to this series, welcome! Feel free to scroll to the bottom click through to any of the earlier posts. This post series on Fridays is me reading a book, reacting as I read it, and then designing jewelry around what I read. Feel free to suggest books for the future.
For those of you coming back to read again, hi there! I missed all of you :D

Let's dig into the book!

I love when a book starts with threats of violence ^^. " Had the cheerful and musical voice belonged to a person who could be easily strangled, it would have stopped in midsentence."

Marcus! :D

Of course Kaylin is out of money. She wouldn't be Kaylin if she wasn't. XD

I wonder how many people have to be included for it to be called a 'smallish' war... a few hundred? Any less and it would be a skirmish right?
Given this description of Margot, I want to meet this woman. Other than the fact that she's a charlatan, she sounds interesting. Tall, statuesque redhead, amber eyes, sinful voice, lots of people attracted to her. Yup, going to have to design something for this... There we go, it would accentuate her throat, and any cleavage the lady has. Kaylin would probably just see it as an easier method to strangle her.

So even Kaylin get's accused of the 'oh it's just that time of month'... I like her threats in reply though ^^.

Grethan! I don't know whether to be happy to see you or want to whack you on the head.  Oh, he's learned to speak more clearly, good. Or just dealing with Evanton for a few weeks and not having his hopes torn to shreds and told he did something positively idiotic helped. XD

Oh dear....wait. If the Barrani called it Ravellon... how did it become a rune. More importantly, how are the true names of different people written on Kaylin. Are they true names in the sense of sybological languages? Where each symbol is a word in and of itself, but could also possibly be used as a name? O.o Ugh.. some of these bits make my head hurt...

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's the first time it's been mentioned that there are blades at both ends of Severn's chain weapon.

Morse?

What is  a fieflord doing sending people across the river to do business? O.o

Ohhh... Barren. This book is going to be interesting. we get to find out about that six months after Steffi and Jade and prior to her becoming a Hawk maybe? This is either going to be wonderful, or very, very scary. I'm not sure which.

Teela! <3 "You've managed to go drinking with officers and wreck half a tavern!"

This is why I love Teela & Tain. Wait. Are these two lovers or siblings? I can never tell given the way they act with each other. NOT a sibling then... Barrani are scary. Teela dislikes potatoes. =laughs= I love this!  Aw, they're concerned over this. Yay having friends. O.O She... went into Barren when she was BORED??? Holy. Moly.

Seriously Kaylin? How could you accuse Teela of not trusting you? Idiot girl. She might consider you young in comparison (which given that Teela seems to be 1000 years old or so might be something..) doesn't mean she doesn't trust you.

Ok, am I the only one who saw that coming? To some degree?

I love a) seeing Sanabalis, and b) being reminded that Tiamaris was NOT the best student, despite his attitudes now.

Etiquette lessons. If and when this finally happens, this is going to be very, very interesting.

Joey and Timar- First time we've learned about her coworkers! (other than the plot essential ones I mean.)

Severn, you are sneaky and smart as always.

Tiamaris in full uniform? Oh, we haven't seen that since the first book. Goodie ^^

The idea of a Dragon 'seated primly' is rather amusing to me.

Oh dear. Angry Marcus. Lift your chin and keep your eyes down Tiamaris.

I love that Nightshade has an enjoyment of flowers.

Oh. Apparently my understanding of this entire world, has been off. I always imagined the fiefs to lie to the east of the city, apparently they're to the north of it.    Interesting.  You know what? Screw it. We're making a map. Technically it's not a jewelry design, but y'all know me by this point, there's no telling what I could turn it into at some point.  Now, if memory serves, the seven fiefs are arranged in a sort of crescent, and Barren and Nightshade are the only ones that border the Abalayne.... This map might get updated with more knowledge as it becomes possible. ^^;

So.. What Nightshade is suggesting is that although both Barren and Liatt are mortal, Liatt has claimed her fief's version of the Castle, while Barren hasn't, and merely holds the fief by... cunning? Evilness? Some combination thereof? And that apparently the fiefs, the land itself resonates with the fieflord's name.

So... shadows and possibly ferals are getting worse, which is possibly the real reason that Barren wants Kaylin, and not actually that he's wanting to blackmail her? But since that's the only way he knows, it's what he's going with. This is my conjecture anyway.

Tiamaris' correction from High Halls to Barrani High Halls is interesting. Does that mean that there are Dragon High Halls?

I think Dragons have some sort of telepathy between themselves. There are too many instances when it would make sense.

I really need to create a sign or something that says "I am the Arkon.  Touch any of my stuff and you will die horribly."  ^^

"Sanabalis left her abruptly, but his departure wasn't the usual mystery; a Dragon roared, the palace shook, and when the tremors had died down, he was already out the door. Yeesh. I wonder if the Emperor stays permanently in Dragon form? And if so, how big is he? Is he a healthy Dragon, or fat from staying inside all the time and never flying. In fact, we haven't seen any less than fit Dragons, how odd... or Barrani.. or Leontines, definitely not Aerians, but that's a given. Only humans. interesting.

Oh, a lesson in magical theory. Fun stuff. Let's take the Mia version!

Multiple worlds exist

Each one has the potential for magic

Magic runs in lines. Lines can cross making either crosses or knots. (I'm guessing these are squiggly and messy.)

The Castles of the fiefs exist on these knots.

Magic where these lines cross (in either fashion) is more wild than it is when called elsewhere.

Wait. The Dragons know Kaylin took a name don't they? They know at least that she passed the test of the High Halls, but did she tell anyone other than Severn, Teela and the Consorts that she had one herself? Doesn't this mean she's in danger of changing if she goes in there?  Uh oh.

I don't know what she went through, I don't know if she'll live till the end of the book, but DAMN do I like Morse. This woman is harsh.

Six legs, way too many eyes and it TALKS? Eugh.

Go tiamaris! Kill it with fire!!

....did he? No.... ok, apparently I was wrong and he did.

So Morse is really the power in the fief, not Barren. But she doesn't want that mantle, so she hasn't killed him?

So... Aside from being a sick schmuck, Barren might just be slightly interesting.

What are they offering to bring her into? Simply knowledge, or something more? The Dragons built things? I wonder what they built, and if any of it still stands?

Wait.. They said they didn't build Ravellon. buuuuttt, what the Arkon is saying seems to contradict this.

Oh interesting, back to the High Halls. Will we see the Lord of the West March I wonder? And since we're seeing his ring, I"m guessing that's a yes.  Emeralds and ivory, and of course it's got magic on it. (Why am I not surprised. Blasted Barrani.) Wait a sec. How did he get a ring symbolizing the two of them that quickly??

O.O The Wolves.. seconded. Oh shoes.

Consort ^^ Back here again? Oh bother.  I was hoping we wouldn't have to deal with this room again, it makes me twitchy. 
Wait... so Nightshade didn't change because he went for a reason, not because he wanted power and or knowledge? So... is this a scenario of power corupts? Wait, no, it can't be. Because then all the Barrani would be corrupt. XD

There are Baranni fieflords who are not, or at least were not Outcaste? Interesting.

The pacing in this book is slower than the others. It's necessary, but it's still slower and there's a steep learning curve on it.

Okay... what in the seven just happened? A carriage that could make the Imperials look bad? In Barren? 

NIGHTSHADE??? O.O What in all the seven? This book has seriously derailed from what I thought was happening. No! Bad Nightshade! Do NOT attack them >:(

...so the mark works even in this place? Good. NO BLAST IT NIGHTSHADE!

Copacetic? XD

Ok. Either this is a) the past or b) this is one of those different worlds.
How long has Nightshade been in the fiefs that it was prior to the existence of the Empire? ... actually, how old is the Empire?

>< Even in this strange place he's amused by her and cautioning her.

What does a door look like if you add it as an afterthought?

You cannot have Kaylin >:l

I have to agree Kaylin, I too like Younger Nightshade.

Morse: All bark and, yeah, still plenty of bite.

A Tower that unravels the lies we tell ourselves... I would build a place like that, and let all the world go through it. Maybe we'd be a people more at peace then... and the people that died trying to face it, we'd be better off.

Magic is supposed to have logic? I'm pretty sure this whole book has been proving that magic has no logic. XD

Flight, Wind, Fire Breath, Stone, associative words. DUH Kaylin, they're words that describe Dragons.

Imagining a little Tiamaris is amazing. ><

I don't understand what is going on here at all D: This, just, uhg. Brain melting.

It's cool and climactic, and tension, but my brain just isn't gettting it today with this headache ><;;;

!!!!! Tiamaris you amazing, beautiful, crazy Dragon. What in the seven bleeding hells are you doing??? I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Or just. GAH!

"There are shadows and invaders in my domain. There presence does not please me"  Only you.

Oh shoes. That is not going to be a good conversation... That's an understatement. This is going to be ugly.

Tara, with that one line, you have become several magnitudes more awesome.

Oh, new Dragons.

Sanabalis

Tiamaris

Diarmat

Emmerian

Emeperor

^ All known Dragons  to date

108 requests for promotion. Yeesh Kaylin.

Normal doors? Gasp!

The piece along the bottom is for Tara, I thought it might fit her role and personality, along with being a reminder of what she is.

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Are you a one eyed, one horned flying purple people eater who's miffed about Pluto's demotion? Comment below! :D

Cast in Shadow 1 & 2

Cast in Courtlight

Cast in Secret

Cast in Fury