jmtorres: Morrolan from the Taltos books. Dark Star.  (taltos)
jmtorres ([personal profile] jmtorres) wrote2005-06-30 11:39 pm

daily writing (taltos)

For [livejournal.com profile] dbzlives, I wrote a missing scene from Yendi.

498 words. Also on AO3.

The first thing Cawti heard when she was revivified was Norathar's urgent mind-voice, calling her name.

I'm here, said Cawti, reaching out.

Oh, thank Barlen, said Norathar. Are you all right?

I think so, said Cawti. She opened her eyes. The blonde Dragaeran who had shown up at the fight was standing (floating?) over her, watching her with a hint of threat. What's going on? she asked Norathar.

The two Dragonlords, they want something from me, Norathar said disgustedly. I don't know what. I said I wouldn't talk to them until they brought you back.

How is that even possible? I thought the man had a Morganti sword. She was almost certain of it. She remembered its raw, humming hunger as it swung towards her, and had to close her eyes.

I don't know. I don't care. I'm just glad you're alive, Norathar sent.

But you'll have to deal with them now, Cawti said, troubled.

It can't be anything so bad, said Norathar. They are Dragonlords. It's not like they'll ask me to kill anybody.

At least Norathar's dry humor was intact. The day Norathar couldn't make a morbid joke was the day Cawti would worry. She sent a quick Love you Norathar's way, and focused on the Dragonlord who'd revivified her.

"Done?" the Dragonlord asked archly.

"I'm sure you'll forgive me for wanting to check in with my partner," Cawti said, "considering the circumstances under which I was parted from her."

The Dragonlord smiled. It was not a particularly kind smile. She held out some slinky piece of clothing. "You may wear this," she said. "Your own clothes were, unfortunately, rendered unsalvageable by those very circumstances."

Cawti realized she was nude, and took the item, holding it over her body. It was a nightgown. "I can't wear this out," she protested.

"You're not going anywhere for the moment," said the Dragonlord. "In the first place, you made an attempt on Vladimir Taltos, whom I consider a friend--"

"An attempt?" Cawti interrupted. She'd thought they'd gotten him.

The Dragonlord's smile turned to a sneer. "You killed him," she admitted. "We've brought him back."

Then the contract had been fulfilled. Just barely.

"In the second place," the Dragonlord went on, "you are ransom for your partner's good behavior."

Snooty bitch. Cawti wasn't even sure if she was attacking the shared business that made them professional partners, or the suggestion of a relationship between a Dragaeran and an Easterner. Either way, if Cawti had had a knife, she'd have slit the woman.

"In the third place," said the Dragonlord, "you were quite recently dead, and while I've done what I can to heal your wounds, you will need to rest. For these reasons, you will not be leaving this room for some time."

Cawti swallowed a curse. "And when will you permit me to see Nor--the Sword?"

The Dragonlord smiled, like she'd just wrested a treasure from a dragon's hoard. She said, "After she has given us her name."
niqaeli: cat with arizona flag in the background (Default)

[personal profile] niqaeli 2005-07-01 07:30 am (UTC)(link)
Eee, <3!! *squish*

[identity profile] jmtorres.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 07:39 am (UTC)(link)
*squishback*

*smile*

[identity profile] dbzlives.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 01:39 pm (UTC)(link)
This is excellent. Finding Dragaera on my screen first thing in the morning is definately a good start to the day.

[identity profile] jmtorres.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 01:54 pm (UTC)(link)
*grins* Part of a complete breakfast.

Klava?

[identity profile] gisho.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Beautiful. I do so like to see Aliera being snooty. And poor Cawti ...

[identity profile] jmtorres.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 03:31 pm (UTC)(link)
*grins* Thank you.

[identity profile] nekonexus.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a lovely scene, self-contained enough to make sense, and yet pointing to the larger story in enough ways to make me interested. I'd go re-read the book.... if I still had it... >.<

(dangit. ~_~ I knew I would regret selling my Taltos books. *sigh* I may have to hit up the public library soon at this rate.)

[identity profile] jmtorres.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Sell Taltos books?!

I am such a hoarder that I've bought multiple copies of a volume I already owned. I put together two spare sets to give away like that. *G*

[identity profile] nekonexus.livejournal.com 2005-07-03 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
... I was possessed by a mad cleaning spree and a need to reduce my book collection before moving. ~_~ I would have been fine without them, too, I think, if not for belatedly discovering Taltos slash online. Time to hit up a used bookstore again, methinks.

[identity profile] jmtorres.livejournal.com 2005-07-04 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
Mmmmm books.

[identity profile] cygna-hime.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Either way, if Cawti had had a knife, she'd have slit the woman.

Aliera does have that effect on people.

You may imagine me squealing with delight at this juncture. In fact, please do.

[identity profile] jmtorres.livejournal.com 2005-07-01 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
*snicker* She lives at her cousin's because his place is set up for regular duels.