This is the content from 2002, the year I actually completed NaNoWriMo.
Bonus Material: The Unrelated Short Story and Part 2
Excerpt Special: The Interview
... A few miles out of Thornwood we noticed a small clearing off the road a bit. I decided that it was as good a place as any to rest, possibly even for the night. We all needed a break. I put up a variety of audio baffles and camouflaging shields, then set about fixing a snack.
"So, did you have fun?" She loves surprising me like that.
"Hello, Lynn. Keeping an eye on me again?" I didn't even turn around.
"Somebody needs to do it, and I actually enjoy it. Watching you, that is."
"I love you, dear, but I don't really need a keeper on this one. What happened to your assignment?"
That breathy laugh of hers always sends a shiver down my spine. "I'm a decorated flying ace, love. The good guys won, the bad guys lost. I watched as the President signed the terms of surrender, so now the Empire of the Sun will rule that planetary system for decades to come."
"You were battling a confederation of colonial moons, weren't you?"
"Very good, you were paying attention. So, how's the new kid working out?"
I turned to look at my dark-haired beloved. She was still in the military jumpsuit from her recent assignment, yet as with everything Lynn wears she managed to make it look fashionable and alluring. Eventually I said, "If you've been spying on me then you don't have to ask."
"I arrived yesterday morning. Wasn't that bit, teleporting off that stage, just a touch melodramatic?"
"Everybody's a critic. As if you're immune to dramatic stylings, love."
"Of course not, dear, but I'm a professional. We really need to work on your technique." I chose not to acknowledge that playful smirk indicating that my acting style wasn't the only technique she wanted to work on. So I offered her some trail rations instead, which she gracefully declined. "I'll never understand how you can work under these conditions, Andrew. And the food!"
"It's not so bad. And I suppose the military fed you braised halibut on fine china every night?" Our eyes met, then we both started laughing.
Thom and Angelique eventually worked up the nerve to approach us. Lynn threw out her arms and gathered the Princess into her embrace, which set off another wave of tears. Crying was the healthiest thing the girl could do at that point and Lynn knew this perfectly well.
Eventually the tears stopped and my young pupil took the opportunity to introduce himself and the Princess to the lovely, dark-haired mystery woman. In turn I presented my beloved to them. "Thom, Princess Angelique, the beautiful and dangerous lady you see here is Lynn Rembrandt, freelance former goddess, star of stage and screen, and all around troublemaker. She's a better fencer and a better pilot than I am in addition to being considerably more powerful in sorcery. I can still cook better than her, though, so I can at least save some face." That earned a laugh.
"Andrew Kirkpatrick Wolfe, your wit is matched only by your boundless ability to flatter. And you forgot that I can sing, dance and act circles around you." Her eyes full of mischief, she drawled, "I won't speculate out loud as to why I keep you around."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Naughty girl, Lynn. You're scandalizing our young friends."
"You like me when I'm naughty." Then she smiled brightly and shrugged. "Oh, all right, I'll behave."
I grinned at Thom. "See what I mean? Dangerous."
He grinned back and said, "Fun, though." ...
Current Mood:
Blogroll
Blogroll Me!
This is my blogchalk:
United States, Oregon, Portland, Southeast, English, , Karel, Male, 31-35, Anime, Technology.
