These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Mianna dances around the terrace and onto the lush grounds.  She tilts a handwritten page between her hands as if it is her partner.  Cole smiles and steps behind her, peering over her shoulder.  He wraps his arms around her waist.  “What are you doing?”

She scrunches her shoulders and leans into him.  “It’s beautiful out here and I wanted to be inspired.  I rarely get to do guest posts and I’m just so thrilled that Charlene chose me for this one.”

“I see.  So, what have you written so far?”

She reads from the paper.  “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.”

Cole nods.  “Okay.”

“Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.”

He looks to the side.  “Um...”

“Brown paper packages tied up with strings.”  She glances up at him.  “These are a few of my favorite things.”

“Mianna…”

She holds up a finger.  “Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes.  Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.”  She lifts her arms and turns to face him, setting them on his shoulders.  “Silver white winters that melt into springs…”

“I know.  These are a few of your favorite things.”

She blushes and leans her head to the side with a cherubic smile.  “How did you know?”

“It’s a song on Cornerstone Summit.  Mianna, my love, you were supposed to write about your favorite things.”

“But these are perfect.  And they are my favorite things.  Or some of them.  And Charlene has been humming this song ever since she read the post topic.”  She begins to sway to the music in her mind.

An adoring smile spreads across Cole's face.  As he raises a hand at the woodland, birdsong fills air.  He takes her hand and leads her to the belvedere. 

Vincent and James watch as Cole and Mianna enter the ornate gazebo and begin to dance to the melody.  Vincent folds his arms and shakes his head.  “Only Cole and Mianna could get away with waltzing to a song from The Sound of Music.  In a blog post.  Without it coming across as cheesy.”

.

If I Could Write Charlene Into A Book...

Elaina and Vincent sneak into Charlene’s office and quietly close the door behind them.  Vincent sits down at the computer and logs on.

Elaina:  *whispers*  Hurry, hurry, Vince.  They’ll be here any minute.

Vincent:  *waves his hand at the door and an opalescent sheen covers it and the latch locks*  Eko Silyst.  *the air thickenes*

Elaina:  *squinches her cheek*  Do you really think locking and blocking the door will stop them?  *scowls and wiggles her finger in her ear as her words flattened*

Vincent:  You don’t have to whisper.  Eko Silyst is a silencing spell.  And no.  It won’t stop them, but it will buy us a little time.  Now…

Elaina:  *rushes to look over his shoulder*

Vincent:  *types*  The Meridian Maiden.

Elaina:  Charlene’s not from Meridian.

Vincent:  The topic is:  “If you could write your author into a book it would be called … and she would be a …”  *holds up a hand to accentuate the “…”*

Elaina:  *folds her arms*  Well then why not call it The Princess of Shilo City?

Vincent:  *smiles a toothy smile*  Because, I’m at the computer. 

The door knob rattles, the latch unlocks, the opalescent sheen fades, and the silencing spell breaks.  James leads Cole into the office.

Vincent:  *grimaces*  I forgot about James and his multi-tasking.

Cole:  Nice try, Kid.

James:  *motions for Vincent to move*  I’ll take over here.  *takes seat as Vincent gets up*  *types*  Goddess of the Ethereal Plane.

Cole:  Wait.  *a sly grin curves his lips*  The topic didn’t say the book was going to be a real book.  Why don’t we have some fun with this?  *everyone looks at him and he reaches over James and types*  Token Toad of Toad Suck.

All eyes widen. 

Elaina:  Cole! 

Cole:  What?  Toad Suck is a small community near where she lives in Arkansas.  I could call it Banshee of Booger Hollow.

Elaina:  *covers her mouth and snickers*

Charlene:  *enters the office*  How’s it going, guys?

James quickly waves his hand in the air and Cole straightens, turning deep red. 

Cole:  Uh, duh, uh…well…

James:  Cole came up with the perfect title and character.  Why don’t you have a look.

Charlene:  Oh, Cole, you did?  That’s great.  *looks over James’s shoulder and reads*  The Lady of Cornerstone Summit.  Aww.  *hugs Cole*  That is so sweet.

Cole:  *looks at James with a “thanks for the save” look*  Anything for you, Charlene.

.

What I Wanted To Be...And Got

Dressen: *sits, crosses his legs, and glares across the room at the others*

Elaina: *hands Cole his drink and leans close* Charlene really wanted him here for this post?

Dressen: I’d say she knows who the most driven of her characters is. Yes, Elaina. I heard you.

James: Drive has nothing to do with this topic.

Cole: Most driven. *mumbles* Nobody’s more driven than I am.

Dressen: I’ll grant you that you are determined concerning Anna. But you underestimate me, Cole Shilo. 

Elaina: *blinks at him timidly* What does that mean?

Dressen: I’ve been at this game a long time. I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up at an early age and I saw to it that I achieved that dream. Weak minded morals never got in my way. And I’ll have one of those fine Ambrosias from Meridian.

Elaina: Oh, sure, Lord Dressen. *rushes to get him a drink*

Vincent: And what would that dream be? A self-serving, manipulative gloat? 

Dressen: I get what I want.

Vincent: At the expense of others.

James: *holds up a hand to quiet Vincent* Let’s hold off on all that. That’s not why we’re here.

Vincent: And why are we here? If Charlene wanted Dressen to talk to the blog readers she could have just invited him to her office and leave us out of it.

Dressen And forego all this entertaining bantering?  *chuckles* She knows what she’s doing.

James: Perhaps she wanted everyone’s input. Elaina, we’ll start with you.

Elaina: *blinks to the side and turns red* Um, come back to me. I think I need to think about this. *hands Dressen the ambrosia*

James: Okay, Vincent.

Vincent: I used to want to train gilrues. The first time Father took us to a show, I wanted to take one home with me.

Dressen: *cocks an eye* What’s a gilrue?

James: They’re similar to a seal.

Dressen: You wanted to train sea creatures? *nods with a cooked grin* Charming.

Vincent: *growls and sparks dance along his fists*

James: Well, I wanted to travel to the stars.

Elaina: An astronaut? Really, James?

Dressen: Well, Sir Cole, I believe that leaves you. And I must say I’m looking forward to your youthful dreams.

Cole: * looks at his glass as he swirls the liqueur* I wanted to write. Adventure, mystery.

Dressen: *smiles* A writer. I would be very interested in reading one of your works.

Vincent: *scowls* What’s going on?

Dressen: Pardon me?

Vincent: You’re being awfully…nice. 

Dressen: *shrugs* You all merely confirmed that Charlene chose correctly when she asked me to do this post. Each of you had dreams as a child that were simply that. Dreams. As a child, I wanted it all. Trained servants to do my bidding. The senior position in the Grand Marshal’s court. *looks into Cole's eyes*  A woman dedicated solely to me. And I saw to it that I achieved it.

Cole: *jumps to his feet and forces his thoughts to their minds* You’ll not have her!

Vincent: *neon flares arch from his fists*

James: *waves a hand and an opalescent barrier divides the room, separating them from Dressen*

Elaina: *gasps, eyes wide* Magic! *all look at her and she nods wildly* That’s what I wanted when I was little. And…and now I see it everyday!

Dressen: *chuckles and stands* It seems I’ve been exceeded. *raises his glass to Elaina then sets it on the end table* I’ll take my leave.

.

My Favorite Place To Be

Cole leaned back into his master’s chair and took a long swig from the bottle of liqueur.  The liquid seared his throat and heat spread through his chest.  He growled the sensation away.  Reaching for the family’s Candle Vignette, he passed a finger over the cleft in the top.  A visual flame flickered to life and he wrapped his hand around the thick cylinder.  Mianna’s picture appeared in the flame. 

He smiled and tilted the bottle again, allowing the bitter drink to coat his mouth before he swallowed it with a gulp.  He clenched his jaw tight and grimaced from the liqueur’s effects.  Leaning back into the leather chair, he propped his feet on the desk and cradled the magical picture album in his lap.  Cole gazed at the cherubic face of his love. 

“If only you could be here with me right now.  Charlene wants me to talk to the blog readers about my favorite place to be.  And the only place I can honestly say would be in your arms.”

Staring into Mianna’s blue eyes, he recalled the love that shown in them when she’d look back.  A heavy sigh warmed his lips.  “Remember when we met?  It was James’s idea to go on holiday to the Northern Territory.  An Arylin colony wasn’t my idea of the best time.  But what better place to meet my soul’s mate than in a community dedicated to the Goddess of Love?”

A chuckle rumbled his chest and he shook his head.  “And to meet the High Priest’s daughter.  I knew the moment you looked into my eyes that you would be the one my soul followed through eternity.” 

Cole ran his thumb across the encryptions on the Candle Vignette’s base.  “Every memory I have of you is stored in here.  You fashioning the topiary, the night of your first high social, our vows.”  He looked back into her eyes.  “The truth?  Anywhere you are is my favorite place to be.”

The plush carpet hushed Charlene’s steps as she entered the study.  Her hand rested on his shoulder and he looked up to see her soft smile.  He cleared his throat and took another long swig from the bottle.  Setting it on the desk with a ‘thunk’, he looked back at the image of his last wife.

“Probably not the post you were looking for.”

Charlene knelt at his side and looked at his memory of Mianna.  “It was perfect Cole.  Thank you.”

.

I Love My Job

Bethany:  Charlene, come in.  We we’re just setting dinner on the table.  Linda made potato salad and put extra olives in it for you.

Charlene:  Mm.  Sounds good.

Elaina:  Hi, Charlene.  I made fresh rolls.  Um, did you want me to them topped with extra butter?

Charlene:  I’ll take some butter.  But all that extra cream stuff is Cole’s thing.  *pulls out a chair and wrinkles her nose*  There’s a spoon of peanut butter in my chair.

Bethany: Oh, for heaven’s sake. Linda, Mechenzie got into the peanut butter again!

Linda:  *enters the kitchen with arms filled with stuffed toys*  Good grief.  The girls are so wound up.  They’re tearing up the place.

Charlene:  *chooses another seat*  Ah, motherhood.

Linda:  Did you have twins?  It’s more common on Earth, isn’t it?

Charlene:  Nope, no twins.  I wanted to experience that through you.

Linda:  *looks at the lot in her arms*  Thanks.  *drops the toys in a corner*  I’ll get that peanut butter.

Ben:  *enters and plops into a chair*  Here when food's on the table again, eh?

Bethany:  Oh, Ben.  Charlene's welcome here any time.  *sets a plate in front of Charlene*  I hope you like steak.

Charlene:  *looks at the large portion*  I don’t eat much meat, but this looks great.

Elaina:  Mother, you knew Charlene eats meat sparingly.

Bethany:  Oh, I’m so used to dishing out Ben’s I guess I got carried away.  *hands Ben his portion*

Ben:  Charlene, I’ll take it if you don’t want it.  *stuffs a chunk of meat into his mouth*

Charlene:  Ben, I knew I could count on you.

Ben:  *points his fork at Charlene*  And don’t you forget it.  I’m happy to oblige.

Charlene:  I hope you feel that way about a few other things too, Ben.

Ben:  Anything.  You needing some help with something?

Charlene:  Actually, I was thinking about the Shilos.

Ben:  *huffs*  Shilos.  An odd lot.  What have they gotten themselves into?

Elaina:  Daddy, they’re not…odd.

Ben:  Three men living alone at that shrouded mansion on the south side?  Nobody really knows anything about them.  They can’t be up to any good.

Linda:  Really, Dad.  They’re founder’s sons.  They don’t have to explain themselves to anyone.

Elaina:  I’ve met one, and he seems very nice.

Ben:  *eyes his daughter*  And how nice would that be?

Elaina:  *blushes*  Um, well, he’s very nice, actually.

Linda:  Do I catch a hint of infatuation in your voice, little sister?

Elaina:  Vincent is a very sweet man.

Bethany:  Oh, Elaina.  Is that the young man you’ve been seeing?

Ben:  What?  *stabs at another chunk of meat*  You’ve been seeing one of them and this is the first I’ve heard of it?

Elaina:  *sets the rolls on the table with a shaky hand*  Uh, you have been busy, Daddy.  I didn’t really want to bother you.

Ben:  *scoffs a snort*  More like you were skirting the inevitable.  How long has this been going on?

Elaina:  Oh, only a few months.

Ben:  *chokes on his food*  What?

Bethany:  Now, Ben.  *pats his shoulder*  Elaina is twenty-one.  She can see whomever she likes.

Ben:  She’s still my little girl!  I’m not having some stranger cart my daughter around.

Linda:  *laughs*  Everyone’s a stranger until you get to know them, Dad.

Ben:  *growls*

Elaina:  Well, Charlene introduced us.

Charlene:  Don’t worry, Ben.  Vincent is very caring and loyal.  And so are his brothers...James for instance.

Ben:  *glares at Charlene*  What have you got up your sleeve?

Charlene:  *forks at her potato salad and looks at Linda*  He wanted me to come and speak with you about courting Linda.

Linda:  *turns red and dabs at the peanutbutter*   He's not...I mean, he doesn't...

Charlene:  *smiles big*

Linda:  Oh, my god.  That big hunk of a man wants to get to know me?

Ben:  What?

Charlene:  *pats Ben's pudgy hand*  Oh, it'll be fine, Ben. 

Bethany:  *sighs*  Just imagine.  Both our daughters with founder's sons.

Ben:  *growls and leans toward Charlene*  I'll get him for this.  He sent you because he knew I couldn't argue with our author.

Charlene:  *smiles and fills her fork*  I do love wielding my power.


.

My Characters Need Me

James walks into Charlene’s study and folds his arms as he watches her type. 

James:  What are you working on, Charlene?

Charlene:  Gotta catch up on some new blogging goals.  *glances up at him*  Can I help you, James?

James:  I’d like to talk to you about something.

Charlene:  Okay.

James:  *furrows his brows as she keeps typing*  Well, it’s about… *fidgets and looks at the door*

Vincent and Cole:  *nods and motions to Charlene with an encouraging hands*

James:  *clears throat and rebalances his stand*  I was just curious about…

Charlene:  Yeah?

James:  How...are things going with…Linda?

Charlene:  Oh, she’s fine.  Mandy and Mechenzie keep her busy.  You know.

James:  Yes, of course.  *looks to the ceiling then back at his brothers*

Vincent: *cocks his head to the side and mouths silent words*  Ask her!

James:  *blows a heavy sigh through his lips*  I just…well, I mean… I’m sure the twins are taking up much of her time. 

Charlene:  Mm, hmm.

James:  *drops his hands to his side then drags one across is chest*

Cole:  *leans to Vincent*  He’s not going to make it.

Vincent:  Should I blow up her CPU to get her attention?

Cole:  *scowls at him*  No.  For once, just follow my lead. 

Cole walks over to Charlene and gently takes her hand off the keyboard, cupping it in his.  Vincent steps behind her and swivels the chair to face him.  Charlene looks up and Cole gazes deep into her eyes.

Cole:  *exhales a small breath of Zephyr and speaks to her mind with his thoughts*  Charlene, there’s a favor I’d like of you.

James:  *groans and steps back a few steps*

Charlene:  *relaxes and places her other hand on top of his*  My dear, sweet, Cole. 

Cole:  *smiles and brushes his fingertips down her cheek*  Yes?  

Charlene:  *cocks a brow*  Never try to use the breath of Zephyr on me again.  *squinches a smile, releases his hand, and turns back to her computer*  I created that gift.  It doesn’t work on me.  If this is about your situation with Dressen…

Vincent:  *shoves Cole aside, grabs Charlene’s chair arms, and swivels her back to face him*  This isn’t about Cole, it’s about Linda.

Charlene:  Linda?

Vincent:  And James.

Charlene:  *looks at James*  Oh.  Is that what you were trying to get at?

James:  *half grins and shrugs* 

Charlene:  I see.  Okay.  I need to get back to work on your story.  *closes blog post file, pulls up Cornerstone Deep book two: Echoes, then begins to type*

James:  *smiles as the story begins to flow and direction lights in his mind*  I think I’ll go walk the topiary.  *leaves the room with a smile*

Vincent:  *nods and heads for the door*  And it seems I have a wedding rush.

Cole:  *frowns as he sees the plot unfold*  Am I the only one not happy here?  *shuffles to the exit* 

Charlene:  *glances at her files and shakes her head*  Sorry, blog posts.  My characters need me.

.

My childhood. Grrr. This is impossible.

Vincent:  *leans arms on the kitchen table and wiggles pen in between his fingers.  Sighs then repositions the pad of paper and jots a few lines*

My childhood memories…  I grew up in Meridian.  Our manor was surrounded by trees with long branches that reached the ground like vines and I would climb them like ropes. 

James:  *sets a plate of muffins on table and glances at his writings.  Chuckles*  Charlene recruited you to do the childhood memories blog?

Vincent:  *rakes fingers through hair*  Yeah.  But how do I relate life in Meridian to the Cornerstone dimensions without having to explain everything?  *looks at his scribbling*  ‘Long branches that reach the ground like vines’.  I can’t very well just say the credial.  And this is the closest translation.  They don’t have those here.

Cole:  *cocks a chair to the side and sits, grabbing a muffin and reaching for the butter*  Talk about all the times Mother got on to you for loosing your temper and blowing up the place.  That would fill a room.

Vincent:  *sneers*

James:  Why not tell about the holidays to the other planes Father took us on.  Which one was your favorite? 

Vincent:  The time we visited Cornerstone Summit.  But, I was legally an adult when he let me come with you guys.  This is supposed to be about my childhood.

James:  Well, our childhoods are short in comparison to our life spans.  And you were still very young.

Cole:  *laughs*  The trip to Earth?  *nods as he remembers*  Of course.  That would be your favorite.  The pharaoh’s daughter.    

Vincent:  *smiles*  Yeah, I didn’t think Father would ever allow me through the portal again.  Didn’t think he’d ever let me set foot in public again.

James:  Well, you shouldn’t have blown up that statue.

Vincent:  That guy was way out of line. 

James:  That guy was her brother and he caught you two in the stables.  You influenced that culture with that display.  They thought you were a god.  Father had every right to be angry.

Cole:  *leans toward Vincent*  So, tell me.  Was she worth it?

Vincent:  *smiles wider*

Cole:  Admit it.  She was your first. 

Vincent:  I haven’t admitted that to you in all this time.  What makes you think I’ll admit it now?  *grimaces at his slip in wording*

Cole:  *laughs and spreads butter on his muffin*  I knew it. 

Vincent:  *glowers over his paper*  So, you don’t think I should tell about the time I built that sand sculpture without manipulating the elements?

James:  These people do that all the time. 

Vincent:  But it took a lot of time and patience.

Cole:  Ninety percent of the spectrum’s population has more patience than you do.

Vincent:  *scowls and leans back into his chair*  Then, I have nothing. 

Charlene:  *enters kitchen*  How’s it going, Vince?

James:  Vincent thinks his childhood was too uneventful for this task, Charlene.

Charlene:  Oh?  *looks over Vincent’s shoulder at the few jotted sentences*  Oh.  Well, what about all the times you got in trouble for blowing things up? 

Cole:  *chuckles and looks away*

Vincent:  *leers at Cole then scribbles on the paper*

Things happened.  I got mad.  Sparks came out.  I blew things up.  Mother got angry.  I got in trouble.

Vincent:  *tears paper from pad and hands it Charlene*  Okay.  There you go.  *looks out at blog readers*  Blog post done.


.

Lord Dressen's Request

Lord Dressen pulls a chair up to Charlene’s desk.

Charlene: *looks up from her typing* Hi, Kyle. Is there something I can help you with?

Dressen: Yes, I have a request.

Charlene: *leans back in her chair* Okay.

Dressen: I don’t believe you portrayed my intentions accurately concerning Anna.

Charlene: Oh?

Dressen: I’ve wanted her a long time.

Charlene: Yes.

Dressen: And I gave her countless opportunities to accept my attentions.

Charlene: Yes.

Dressen: And the way I understand it, it's my standing as Grand Marshal that keeps her from being at my side.

Charlene: Well, she is looking for a soul mate, Kyle.

Dressen: But, she can’t get past the idea that a Nobleman might be that soul mate.

Charlene: And you feel justified in what you’re doing to get her to see your side of things.

Dressen: Yes. It’s justifiable. But, I have one concern. The readers may see my actions as self-fulfilling. I’m not only doing this to satisfy carnal pleasures. I love Anna.

Charlene: I see. Would it help to have a scene between you two that’s a bit more…sensitive?

Dressen: *straightens in chair and smiles* Yes. Show that I’m not cold, power-seeking, and ruthless...that I'm as capable of showing love for her as Cole Shilo is.

Charlene: Oh. Well, I’ll try to work something in the storyline to express your…feelings for her better.

Dressen: *nods with a sigh as he stands* I’m glad we had this conversation. *tugs at his vest and looks at his watch* Now, I have matters to finalize.

Charlene: The new curfew?

Dressen: *holds up a finger to accentuate his point* It’s the only way. *turns and leaves*

Charlene: *smiles and swivels her chair to view the closet* Okay, he’s gone. You can come out now.

Anna: *opens the door and peeks out* Is he for real? *sits in the chair and shakes her head* He is so messed up. You’re really going to make him look all sensitive?

Charlene: *turns back to the computer* With his personality? *chuckles* There’s only so much that can be done.

.

Dear Ms. Wilson

Dear Ms. Wilson,

In light of Cornerstone Summit’s, or in your dimension’s familiar terms, Earth’s, celebration of love, be it know to you as Valentine’s Day and your birthday, I have been called upon by Sirs Cole, James, and Vincent Shilo to extend the following invitations for February 14, 2011.

Sir Vincent wishes to meet you at 7:30am at which time he will whisk you by Smoke of Night to the northern providence of Terra to ski the slopes of Higotham.  Appropriate attire has been sent with this request and he asks that I reassure you there is no worry for lack of skill.  He will guide your balance at all times.    

Sir James offers an afternoon of relaxation which includes a full body massage in the sunroom.  Confections from Midway Summit and a personal note are included with this letter.  He asks that it be withheld from blog print as it is of a personal nature.

Please find with Sir Cole’s invitation a bottle of the finest Ambrosia of Meridian.  He wishes to escort you to Shilo City’s Ball of the Bells, to be held on February 14, 2011.  Should you choose to accept, a carriage will arrive at 7:00pm.  Arrangements have been made at Chantelli’s Formal Wear and Armerello’s Jewelry to allow you to select your choice of gown and accessories.  He also wishes me to assure you that the Song of Meridian will be played, spotlighting the two of you in dance.   

May I add my deepest wishes for an enjoyable birthday on this day of love.  It has been my pleasure to perform this duty.

Sincerely,

Tyler Ballard

Officiator to the Nobles

Charlene:  *turns bright red*  Oh.  My.  God!  Cole, don’t you dare fill Dressen’s order! 











.

Happy Birthday, Mianna!

Charlene enters the kitchen and Vincent rushes to grab the bags in her arms.
James: I could have made the cake, Charlene. You didn’t need to buy one. Especially with it being so big.

Charlene: Oh, I wanted to. *sets cake on table* This is her first birthday since her death.

Elaina: *sniggers* Do you know how silly that sounds? *looks in a bag* Don’t tell me you’re counting all the years she’s been dead too.

Charlene: Do you think I should only put 23 candles on since that’s the age Arylin transferred her soul back to? I wasn’t really sure.

Vincent: How do you expect to fit 432 candles on a cake? *sets bags on the baker’s island*

Charlene: *looks at all the boxes of candles as Elaina dumps them from the bag* Well, I guess you’re right.

James: *pulls out a few decorations and chuckles* Charlene, you really want to go all out, don’t you.

Charlene: *beams* I think it will mean a lot to Cole.

James: I’ll tell you what. Since you went through all the trouble of… *eyes the piles* selecting the… *glances at Charlene’s wide smile* perfectly matched decor, why don’t you let me help set it all up.

Charlene: *nods with excitement* Okay. And wait till you see what I got her. *rushes from room*

Elaina: There’s more?

Vincent: Mianna’s going to faint.

James: But I think Charlene’s right about Cole. He’ll soak in every moment.

Cole: *shuffles in and looks at the supplies* What’s all this?

Elaina: It’s for Mianna’s birthday.

Cole: *smiles* Really? That’s great. But it’s not until the 28th.

James: She wanted to celebrate it with the blog readers and our next post isn’t until Feb. 2nd. *waves a hand at the decorations*

Bags dump items out. Wrappers tear open. Balloons…balloon. Streamers snake throughout the room, adhesive attaching them to the walls and ceiling.

Cole: *ducks as a hat tries to land on his head* I’m not wearing that thing.

Vincent: *tilts his to the side* Oh, come on, big brother. Charlene went through a lot of trouble to put this together.

Elaina: *hands Cole his hat* You could at least play along.

Charlene enters with more bags.

Cole: * quickly puts hat on his head* Hi, Charlene. Wow. You really went through a lot of trouble to put this together.

Vincent: *scowls at Cole and takes a couple bags from Charlene, settling them on a counter* Are there any more to bring in?

Charlene: No, that’s it. Elaina, would you be a dear and put the candles on the cake?

Elaina: Um… Did you want 23 or 432? *sniggers*

Cole: You wanted to celebrate all of her soul’s years?

Elaina: So Mianna’s lifetime was her soul’s first.

Vincent: If we start lighting candles for every year of our soul’s lives, we’d have to set fire to Shilo City for Cole.

Cole: *growls* Runt.

Charlene: Okay. We’re not starting that, you two. We’ll just put on 23.

Mianna: *enters* Hi. Oh, did I miss something? I didn’t know we were having a party.

James: *lifts a finger and the candles whip from Elaina’s hands, stand up on the cake and light*

Charlene: *jumps up and down* Happy Birthday, Mianna!

Mianna: *throws hands to her mouth* What? Oh, this is so sweet! *rushes to Cole and hugs him* This was all your idea wasn’t it?

Cole: Um…

Elaina: Here, Mianna. Have a party hat.

Charlene: Come see the cake! *tugs her over to the table*

Vincent: *leans to James* What do you bet he lets her keep thinking all this was his doing?

James: Charlene won’t mind. She wanted to do it for Cole as much a Mianna.

Vincent: Well, he’ll definitely enjoy all the thanks he’ll get later for all of his work on the occasion.

Girl's Get-Together

Charlene: *looks at her watch, then down the street, excited*

A cloud of dark smoke darts up the sidewalk and billows in front of her before turning into Vincent and Elaina.

Charlene: *smiles* Hi guys!

Elaina: *hugs Charlene* Hi. Sorry I’m late. I had muffins in the oven and had to wait for them to get done, so Vince offered to fly me here.

Charlene: That’s okay. The others aren’t here yet.

Elaina: I’m so excited to finally get to meet the girls from your other book.

Charlene: Yeah. It looks like Aumelan might be the next one out there so I wanted to introduce it a little.

Vincent: Isn’t Chad the main character? I don't see him around.

Charlene: I thought I’d introduce him through Becca, Salana, and Dee. You know, let the reader find out about him indirectly.

Vincent: You’re having three women involved with Chad together at one time…to talk about Chad?

Charlene: Oh, you’ll love them. *tweeks his cheek* Want to hang around and get your nails done too?

Vincent: *raises his brows and looks away, mumbling* That’s not really what I was getting at.

Becca: *steps out of the salon* Well, it’s about time someone showed up.

Charlene: Oh, Becca. You’ve been inside all this time?

Becca: *sqints at the sun* Have you forgotten already that I don’t deal with that?

Charlene: Oh, it’s not that bright. You could have stood out here with me.

Vincent: *kisses Elaina on the cheek* I’ll be off. Just call me when you’re done. *waves a hand and turns to smoke, then darts down the road*

Elaina: *smiles at Becca* Wow, you took Vincent's leaving well. Doesn't it surprise you that he can disperse his elements?

Becca: *shrugs* Chad's telepathic and Styne and Becca have gifts too. Why not other characters in Charlene's head?

Elaina: Oh. Right.

The sound of a scooter comes from around the corner with Dee's voice screeming over it.

Dee: I can not do this!

Salana: Dee, please loosen up the grip. *pulls the scooter up to the salon door and turns it off* Okay. You can open your eyes now.

Becca: *folds arms* Well, you made it. We’ve been waiting.

Charlene: Be kind, Becca.

Becca: I’m always kind. It’s the only way to get what I want.

Charlene: Hey, ladies. *waves* Glad you came.

Salana skips up the steps and Dee hesitantly follows.

Charlene: *whispers to Salana* I’m glad you got Dee to join us.

Salana: Chad had a hand in that.

Charlene: *motions to each in turn* Elaina, this is Becca. She’s from Aumelan, The World Beneath the Rock. This is Salana, from Sun City, World of the Sun. And this is Dee. She’s from Aumelan too.

Elaina: *waves as each nods to her* It’s nice to meet you all. I’m from Cornerstone Deep.

Becca: We know. Your book’s the one that took over Charlene’s mind and knocked us to the back.

Elaina: Oh.

Charlene: *opens door* So…let’s get started. I’m looking forward to this.

Becca: If you wanted real pampering, we should have stayed in Aumelan.

Charlene: We don’t need a repeat of what happened to Salana during her visit before.

Salana: Oh, I would be okay with Chad there.

Becca: I don’t know where you got the notion that Chad could protect you from anything.

Charlene: Becca.

Becca: *smiles sweetly and picks out a polish* I think I like this one.

Charlene: Nice choice.

Salana: Which color do you like, Dee?

Dee: I cannot. It is not my place.

Salana: I don’t want to hear about placement. You deserve special treatment as much as anyone.

Charlene: Relax, Dee. We’re not following the plot right now.

Dee: I still do not feel right about this.

Becca: Honestly, if you’d rather go back to that rutty ferry keeper’s shack, go right ahead. Chad would probably enjoy having his favored server around… Alone.

Charlene: Becca!

Becca: Oh, it’s true and you know it. You wrote the outline. He’s held affection for her since they were children.

Dee: I would not do that to Chad! He is high above me.

Salana: Don’t talk like that, Dee. You’re not any different than any of us.

Becca: Oh come on, Sandra, you’re with him now. You had to notice how he looks at her. I did when I was at his side.

Salana and Charlene: It’s Salana.

Salana: *blushes* You were Chad’s girlfriend?

Becca: For a very long time. He left me when he left for the World of the Sun. *glances at Dee and mumbles* At lease he didn’t go to his slunk.

Salana: Don’t call her that!

Elaina: *eyes widen and she steps back*

Charlene: Okay, okay, ladies. I see this probably wasn’t the best idea. *mumbles* I would have done better inviting Tara.

Becca: *crosses her arms* Well, what did you expect to gain from all of this? You knew we were all connected to Chad’s romantic side.

Charlene: Maybe I just wanted some of my favorite female characters to meet. I love you four.

Salana: Aww.

Elaina: We love you too, Charlene.

Becca: Well, I’ve never been irritated to the point of losing my mastery skills. *tosses money on the counter and pockets the nail polish* I’ll have Iolet do my nails. At least she still knows her place.

Dee: *shrinks back and turns red*

Charlene: Oh, Becca. You really need to calm down and reassess things. You sound like Tara.

Becca: *steps to Charlene* Promise me you’ll give me one more shot at Chad.

Charlene: You’ve got it.

Becca: *smiles with a nod* Okay. Good. But really, I can’t stay here with them knowing what I know is going to happen.

Charlene: *sighs* Okay. I guess I understand that.

Becca leaves.
Salana: What did she mean by that?

Charlene: Sorry, Salana. I can’t let you know that just yet.

Salana: *glances at Dee* Um…I think I had a meeting I needed to attend with…someone. I’d better go too. This was…enlightening.

Salana leaves with Dee rushing along behind her.

Charlene: *turns to Elaina* Not such a good idea, huh?

Elaina: *squinches her nose and shakes her head* I’ll call Vince. He can take us both home.

Charlene: No offense, but I’ll leave the traveling by Smoke of Night to you guys. I don’t like to feel all the bugs flying through me.

Elaina: *laughs* Well, I’ll stay with you, Charlene. *picks out nail polish* What do you think of this one?

Charlene: *nods* You know? Maybe I will call Tara. Who knows Chad better than his sister, right? *puts fingers to temples and closes eyes*

Elaina: Oh…Um… *steps back and quietly calls Vincent’s name*

Vincent: *his face appears above her watch* Having fun?

Elaina: Shh! *motions to Charlene with her head* How could you let me forget about the party tonight? You need to hurry me back to the manor.

Vincent: *grins with a nod* Right. Okay. On my way.

Elaina: *tiptoes to the door and opens it, peering out*

A dark cloud zips past and Elaina disappears with it.
Charlene: *lowers her hands and sighs* Well, Tara won’t leave the World Beneath the Rock. *turns to Elaina and looks around the empty lobby* Hmm. So much for a girl’s day out. *sets hands on hips* Maybe I can talk Soley into a little girl time. *grabs nail polish and heads for the door* Just because she’s a wolf doesn’t mean she wouldn’t love pretty nails.

Christmas Wrapping

Cole: *walks in and quirks an eye* What’s all this?

James: *presses a bow to a present and sets it aside* We’re helping wrap Christmas presents.

Cole: They don’t celebrate Christmas on Cornerstone Deep. That’s a Cornerstone Summit tradition.

Vincent: Well, Charlene’s head is filled with it right now. And I gotta say, I like some of the ideas. *holds the mistletoe over Elaina’s head*

Elaina: What do you plan on doing with that?

Vincent: When you’re caught under the mistletoe, you get a kiss.

Elaina: Really? What’s a sprig got to do with a kiss?

Vincent: Beats me. But I’m playing it to my favor. *leans toward Elaina*

Cole: That mistletoe doesn’t have any berries left on it, Kid.

Vincent: Your point?

James: The opportunity of a kiss from a maiden ceases when all the berries are plucked off.

Cole: *folds his arms and chuckles* Thank you James.

Vincent: *growls and throws it aside* There has to be more around Charlene’s head somewhere. *storms off to look*

Elaina: Really, Cole. What did you have to bring that up for? I would have kissed him anyway.

Cole: I just wanted to see if he'd buy it.

James: *hands Cole wrapping paper* Here. Help with some of these.

Cole: You guys really got everybody gifts?

James: They’re not ours. They’re Charlene’s.

Cole: All of these?

James: She insisted on giving all her characters something along with her family.

Elaina: Isn’t she the sweetest writer?

Cole: *slumps his shoulders* She already gave me the one thing I really wanted in her first book. I owe her as it is.

James: *hands him a box* I’m certain she’s not giving in hopes of receiving.

Cole: You didn’t really wrap all of these by hand did you? With your multi-tasking ability, she probably wanted you to wave a hand and do it all at once.

James: That would take the fun out of it. You’ll see.

Cole: *sits down, fumbles with the wrap, and scowls* No, James. I’m convinced Charlene wanted you to use magic for this.

Charlene: *enters and sets her hands on her hips* Okay, who pissed off Vince?

Cole: *crumples the wrapping paper and quickly shoves it to the side*

Charlene: Oh. Of course. Cole.

Elaina: *laughs* Oh, he’s just looking for some mistletoe with berries on it.

Charlene: Yeah, I gathered that. He’s grumbling and shooting at every clump he can find in my head!

James: You haven’t imagined mistletoe with berries?

Charlene: Augh! James, you’re a genius. Wait a second. *closes eyes*

Vincent: *runs back in* I found some! I don’t know how many of these things I had to shoot down, but I finally got some.

Charlene: *leers at him* Twenty-two. *shakes her head and leaves*

Vincent: Uh, yeah. Right. Sorry, Charlene. *grimaces and turns to Elaina, lifting a huge bush* Now, where’s that kiss?

Cole: Great Gods! She put enough berries on that clump.

James: *laughs and folds his arms* That aught to keep him occupied into the new year.

Introduction to Cornerstone Deep

Mr. Ballard: Hello. My name is Tyler Ballard, Officiator to the Nobles. I’ve been called upon by Sir Cole Shilo to introduce our world.

Vincent: Actually, Charlene wanted us to pop in and share a little about ourselves. Leave it to Cole to pawn off the responsibility.

James: He delegated, Vince. There’s a difference.

Vincent: Well, Mr. Ballard will have to introduce more than their dimension for all this to make sense. We’re from Meridian, not Terra.

Cole: *pulls out a chair and cocks it to the side* Just let him handle this, Kid. *sits down, stretching his long legs in front of him*

Vincent: Could you at least hold back on calling me Kid in front of the blog readers?

James: Both of you could show a little more temperance in light of the moment.

Cole: *mumbles* Always the mediator.

Mr. Ballard: Sir Vincent is quite correct. These fine founders are not native to our dimension. They serve as Sentinels here on Terra. Or as it is known by its position in the spectrum of realms, Cornerstone Deep, as we share the supportive base. And I must say, it is an honor for me to have Ms. Wilson name her debut novel after my home plane. *glances at the Shilo brothers then clears his throat* Allow me to explain.

Vincent: *leans over to James* He could have at lease allowed Charlene to create avatars to represent us.

Cole: I’m not being portrayed by a cartoon.

Vincent: A caricature. What’s so wrong with that? It’d help your disposition to laugh at yourself every now and then. *turns away* Mianna would have loved it.

Cole: *jumps to his feet and speaks through his teeth* Leave her out of this.

James: *steps between the two and folds his formidable arms* That was uncalled for, Vince.

Vincent: Well, I’m certain Chad and Styne from her other novel, Aumelan, wouldn’t mind.

Mr. Ballard: *rearranges his notes and continues* As you know, a cornerstone is a vital part of any building or structure. In this case, you could think of an arch. It begins and ends with a cornerstone supporting each base. Midway sections join the meridian cap to the cornerstones to make the structure. As with this structure, our spectrum has planes named Meridian, Midway, and Cornerstone. Sirs Cole, James, and Vincent are from Meridian… *looks back at the brothers and ups his brows*

Vincent: *looks at Mr. Ballard with his onyx eyes*

James: *looks at Cole*

Cole: *sits back down, looks at Mr. Ballard and nods, crossing his ankles*

Mr. Ballard: And possess the powers of that gifted central plane.

Vincent: *leans toward James* I know Elaina would love to help Charlene pick out a doll avatar to represent her.

Cole: *glares at Vincent*

Mr. Ballard: Our side of the spectrum’s arch is called Deep and the other side is called Summit. Hence, Cornerstone Deep.

Vincent: And face it James. You wouldn’t mind seeing Linda in some of those getups they have to choose from.

Cole: *jumps to his feet again* That’s enough, Kid!

Vincent: Don’t call me Kid!

Cole: It’s your first life span. You’re a kid!

Vincent: *sparks dance along his fists* So three life spans makes you an old brooding self-centered prick!

James: *scowls and reaches into Cole’s pocket, removing an envelope* Mr. Ballard, maybe you should take your leave before Vincent destroys the place.

Mr. Ballard: *accepts the envelope and stashes it in his pocket* Thank you Sir Shilo. Always a pleasure doing business you.

James: *turns back to his brothers and mumbles* I wonder how many times Charlene will put up with having her study blown up.