Not another perfect day in Paradise by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Not another perfect day in Paradise
Diane Caster was standing barefoot on the deck of her 40-foot sloop, Turandot, wearing a pink tank top and cutoff, stone-washed jeans shorts and had a cup of freshly brewed coffee in hand. The morning sun had begun to inch its way up, and the summer breeze carried scents of tropical flora and tasted salty. Cotton ball like clouds moved across the blue sky. The temperature was in the low 80s and by noon, it would be closer to 90. It looked like another perfect day in Paradise. The morning held promise, that is, until a naked body came floating face down less than ten feet from Turandot, and all promises quickly dissolved. This island had more than its share of quirky characters, so seeing a naked person in the bight wasn’t shocking. Diane stared, expecting to see movement but instead she saw the head angled strangely in the water. "Hey," she called but received nothing back. Diane jumped down to the finger dock, still hoping to see movement. When she didn’t, she dove in and swam to
Dressed in white 3. On fire by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Dressed in white 3. On fire
Behind the stranded family outside of the post office, the mist cleared — repelled. And what they saw was an abomination, a nightmare. It was clad in a white jumpsuit, ratty and torn near the long, twisted feet. The head was bald, inhuman and vile, the long arms hung nearly to the ground. First there was no mouth on the creature, only those violent slanted eyes staring into their souls. It reminded Abelino from something of a B Sci-Fi movie of the kind that had been in vogue when he was a youngster. Yet this was real. Than what was this? A being from outer space? From another dimension? From down under? Slowly, Abelino moved backwards. Outside, the father of the stranded family pounded on the door. "What are you doing?" his muffled voice came through the door. "Are you going to unlock the door?!" Abelino’s shaking hand rose and pointed toward the figure at the family’s flank. Ellen’s eyes began to well with tears and she pulled her children into her body, all three of which were
Dressed in white 2. Inside and outside by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Dressed in white 2. Inside and outside
Abelino turned to the others in white, mentally preparing himself for what might happen when trying to reach out to the lot, but he hoped the encounter would set things straight. Confidently, he moved across the hallway, until he noticed the majority of them began to stand up as he approached. He slowed himself and raised a hand to indicate that he was coming in peace. Something, he'd later admit, akin to an old explorer would gesture to an aboriginal tribe. At the same time, the old man came forth as the leader and defender of the apprehensive group in white. "I just wanted to thank you for taking us in," he said. "It was beginning to get bad out there. We really appreciate it, all of us. I’m Abelino Padovesi by the way. I don’t think I got your name?" he turned to the old man. The old man watched Abelino for a while and simply nodded in place of a handshake. "Harry Jockum." He paused, staring Abelino in the eyes as he ignored his lifted hand. Awkwardly, Abelino lowered his hand
Dressed in white. 1 Tornado Warning by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Dressed in white. 1 Tornado Warning
The Padovesi family was on its way to Todala, Colorado, as Abelino Padovesi had received a well-paying executive job in the region. Yet, their journey, that had seemed as absolutely normal up until then, took a harrowing twist somewhere between one location and the next. Something called to them — something worse than the small family could ever have anticipated. At the end of their journey, there was no promise of success and fortune, instead something older and more terrible awaited them, a storm of events that would change the world forever. In this storm, the Padovesi family would arrive at the very eye. "What's that?" Kay, the youngest Padovesi, was pointing at a strange figure staked crudely into the ground, only a few yards behind the sign denoting the family had arrived in a small town called Brittany. Abelino and his wife Ellen followed the pointing finger before the figure zoomed off and behind the car. It was made mostly of straw, some sort of scarecrow or effigy. A
The Healer 5. Prepare by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The Healer 5. Prepare
As I watched Giran with our son, I felt guilty that my worry had bled over to him. There was after all a reason why a healer had to keep so many secrets. Sometimes, there were things which should not be spoken of until they had turned into something that could be healed away with a touch. At other times, there were confidence given. Assertions between ailing and healer which should not be spoken of others about. Secrets of the heart. I'd made my husband worry over formless dangers that might never come to light. And yet - I couldn't hold these things back from him. He was my heart. He was the only one I could share my burdens with. "I know that look on your face," he murmured, even as he gently rocked Soirzan in his arms. "What look?" I straightened my clothing, wrapping my tender breasts with a chest-wrap to make sure they held up and that they did not leak milk upon my clothes. "The look that said you regret sharing your worries with me." The smile he gave me was wise. "But I
The healer 4. The son by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 4. The son
You feel it, too? My heart clenched at that question. "I do." "What is it?" He didn't know? "I hoped you would have an answer." "And I the same." Rokan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. I shifted in my seat, uneasy and yet somehow relieved. Rokan felt the same way as I did. I wasn't just a pregnant female seeing trouble where there was none. Something was wrong - or will be wrong. "I woke up this morning and I felt it," I told him. "Subtle, but nagging. Like grit in the eye. Or when you see something just outside your visible area, something fluttering at the corner of the eye. But when you turn, it's gone. Still, it's familiar. And haunting. I don't know what it's, just that I sense - something on the horizon." Even now, I feel the slight unease in the air, clinging like smoke. "Is it your babe?" he asked. "Are you healthy?" "Well..." I shook my head. "I can - feel sickness, if that made sense. My Flux felt different around those that were unwell. This felt similar, yet different.
The healer 3. You feel it too? by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 3. You feel it too?
The elders were all fine. Despite their age, they were as fit as any of the younger tribesmates. Ribo was teaching young Leiver how to craft a snare, and I run my hands over Leiver's head just to check him. All were fine. Perhaps this was nothing but the worry of a heavily pregnant female. Broody, as Velini had said. I didn't know, but I was going to finish visiting everyone in the tribe before I'd relax. Abum and Galine were out on the trails and wouldn't return to the cabins tonight, so I'd worry over them until they returned to their cabin, safe and sound. But for now there were others to check on. I thought about my brother, and where his heart lied, and set off for Nersia and Aermak's cabin, which was just beyond where the elders were living. I arrived just when Aermak was emerging, his fishing nets slung over a shoulder. He gave me an easy smile and gently touched my shoulder. "Healer," he greeted me. "You're more full with babe every time I look at you." "That's because I am,"
The healer 2. Small ailments and big questions by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 2. Small ailments and big questions
As I headed to the far side of the tribal area the sound of retching made my healer senses prick. I turned, heading toward the cabin that Dedini shared with Ahlon. I could hear Ahlon murmuring to his wife from inside the cabin, so it might be a private moment. Holding my cake, I hesitated outside then rapped gently on the door. "May I enter?" "Oh good," I heard Dedini say. "The healer. Now I know I'm dying." I knew enough about this young lady to know she exaggerated, but her words still sent a pang of worry through me. Was Dedini the source of my worry? I heard Ahlon snort and then he appeared, opening the door and beckoning me in. "She must has eaten something that was less healthy, that's all. Something that goes away within a day and a night." From the spot on the floor where she was crouched, Dedini gestured with one finger at her mate, and then hunched over a bowl again, vomiting, cursing between dry heaves. Ahlon went to her side, gently stroking her dark, curly hair away
The healer 1. Cake for breakfast by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 1. Cake for breakfast
Unease woke me up from sleep. I turned over in the duvets unable to get comfortable. The feeling didn't go away and I opened my eyes, gazing at the wooden ceiling of our hut, with its irregular pattern and many dark twig-spots. Something was wrong. It wasn't the shivering distress my Flux sends through me when somebody's dying. It was something softer, something about to happen. It was the prickling of unease that came with a slower, creeping worry, like starvation or sickness. My hand went to my belly and I traced, searched deep inside, enabling for the healing Flux to flow. It touched the little one nestled inside my body and found him all well. My belly was low and my bones ached which told me that soon my babe would arrive. After many months of waiting, I was both relieved and excited to hold my little son in my arms, but he had not been what waked me this morning. I look over at Renni's bed, directly across from ours. My little daughter sucks her thumb in her sleep, her eyes
Not another perfect day in Paradise by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Not another perfect day in Paradise
Diane Caster was standing barefoot on the deck of her 40-foot sloop, Turandot, wearing a pink tank top and cutoff, stone-washed jeans shorts and had a cup of freshly brewed coffee in hand. The morning sun had begun to inch its way up, and the summer breeze carried scents of tropical flora and tasted salty. Cotton ball like clouds moved across the blue sky. The temperature was in the low 80s and by noon, it would be closer to 90. It looked like another perfect day in Paradise. The morning held promise, that is, until a naked body came floating face down less than ten feet from Turandot, and all promises quickly dissolved. This island had more than its share of quirky characters, so seeing a naked person in the bight wasn’t shocking. Diane stared, expecting to see movement but instead she saw the head angled strangely in the water. "Hey," she called but received nothing back. Diane jumped down to the finger dock, still hoping to see movement. When she didn’t, she dove in and swam to
Dressed in white 3. On fire by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Dressed in white 3. On fire
Behind the stranded family outside of the post office, the mist cleared — repelled. And what they saw was an abomination, a nightmare. It was clad in a white jumpsuit, ratty and torn near the long, twisted feet. The head was bald, inhuman and vile, the long arms hung nearly to the ground. First there was no mouth on the creature, only those violent slanted eyes staring into their souls. It reminded Abelino from something of a B Sci-Fi movie of the kind that had been in vogue when he was a youngster. Yet this was real. Than what was this? A being from outer space? From another dimension? From down under? Slowly, Abelino moved backwards. Outside, the father of the stranded family pounded on the door. "What are you doing?" his muffled voice came through the door. "Are you going to unlock the door?!" Abelino’s shaking hand rose and pointed toward the figure at the family’s flank. Ellen’s eyes began to well with tears and she pulled her children into her body, all three of which were
Dressed in white 2. Inside and outside by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Dressed in white 2. Inside and outside
Abelino turned to the others in white, mentally preparing himself for what might happen when trying to reach out to the lot, but he hoped the encounter would set things straight. Confidently, he moved across the hallway, until he noticed the majority of them began to stand up as he approached. He slowed himself and raised a hand to indicate that he was coming in peace. Something, he'd later admit, akin to an old explorer would gesture to an aboriginal tribe. At the same time, the old man came forth as the leader and defender of the apprehensive group in white. "I just wanted to thank you for taking us in," he said. "It was beginning to get bad out there. We really appreciate it, all of us. I’m Abelino Padovesi by the way. I don’t think I got your name?" he turned to the old man. The old man watched Abelino for a while and simply nodded in place of a handshake. "Harry Jockum." He paused, staring Abelino in the eyes as he ignored his lifted hand. Awkwardly, Abelino lowered his hand
Dressed in white. 1 Tornado Warning by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
Dressed in white. 1 Tornado Warning
The Padovesi family was on its way to Todala, Colorado, as Abelino Padovesi had received a well-paying executive job in the region. Yet, their journey, that had seemed as absolutely normal up until then, took a harrowing twist somewhere between one location and the next. Something called to them — something worse than the small family could ever have anticipated. At the end of their journey, there was no promise of success and fortune, instead something older and more terrible awaited them, a storm of events that would change the world forever. In this storm, the Padovesi family would arrive at the very eye. "What's that?" Kay, the youngest Padovesi, was pointing at a strange figure staked crudely into the ground, only a few yards behind the sign denoting the family had arrived in a small town called Brittany. Abelino and his wife Ellen followed the pointing finger before the figure zoomed off and behind the car. It was made mostly of straw, some sort of scarecrow or effigy. A
The Healer 5. Prepare by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The Healer 5. Prepare
As I watched Giran with our son, I felt guilty that my worry had bled over to him. There was after all a reason why a healer had to keep so many secrets. Sometimes, there were things which should not be spoken of until they had turned into something that could be healed away with a touch. At other times, there were confidence given. Assertions between ailing and healer which should not be spoken of others about. Secrets of the heart. I'd made my husband worry over formless dangers that might never come to light. And yet - I couldn't hold these things back from him. He was my heart. He was the only one I could share my burdens with. "I know that look on your face," he murmured, even as he gently rocked Soirzan in his arms. "What look?" I straightened my clothing, wrapping my tender breasts with a chest-wrap to make sure they held up and that they did not leak milk upon my clothes. "The look that said you regret sharing your worries with me." The smile he gave me was wise. "But I
The healer 4. The son by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 4. The son
You feel it, too? My heart clenched at that question. "I do." "What is it?" He didn't know? "I hoped you would have an answer." "And I the same." Rokan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. I shifted in my seat, uneasy and yet somehow relieved. Rokan felt the same way as I did. I wasn't just a pregnant female seeing trouble where there was none. Something was wrong - or will be wrong. "I woke up this morning and I felt it," I told him. "Subtle, but nagging. Like grit in the eye. Or when you see something just outside your visible area, something fluttering at the corner of the eye. But when you turn, it's gone. Still, it's familiar. And haunting. I don't know what it's, just that I sense - something on the horizon." Even now, I feel the slight unease in the air, clinging like smoke. "Is it your babe?" he asked. "Are you healthy?" "Well..." I shook my head. "I can - feel sickness, if that made sense. My Flux felt different around those that were unwell. This felt similar, yet different.
The healer 3. You feel it too? by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 3. You feel it too?
The elders were all fine. Despite their age, they were as fit as any of the younger tribesmates. Ribo was teaching young Leiver how to craft a snare, and I run my hands over Leiver's head just to check him. All were fine. Perhaps this was nothing but the worry of a heavily pregnant female. Broody, as Velini had said. I didn't know, but I was going to finish visiting everyone in the tribe before I'd relax. Abum and Galine were out on the trails and wouldn't return to the cabins tonight, so I'd worry over them until they returned to their cabin, safe and sound. But for now there were others to check on. I thought about my brother, and where his heart lied, and set off for Nersia and Aermak's cabin, which was just beyond where the elders were living. I arrived just when Aermak was emerging, his fishing nets slung over a shoulder. He gave me an easy smile and gently touched my shoulder. "Healer," he greeted me. "You're more full with babe every time I look at you." "That's because I am,"
The healer 2. Small ailments and big questions by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 2. Small ailments and big questions
As I headed to the far side of the tribal area the sound of retching made my healer senses prick. I turned, heading toward the cabin that Dedini shared with Ahlon. I could hear Ahlon murmuring to his wife from inside the cabin, so it might be a private moment. Holding my cake, I hesitated outside then rapped gently on the door. "May I enter?" "Oh good," I heard Dedini say. "The healer. Now I know I'm dying." I knew enough about this young lady to know she exaggerated, but her words still sent a pang of worry through me. Was Dedini the source of my worry? I heard Ahlon snort and then he appeared, opening the door and beckoning me in. "She must has eaten something that was less healthy, that's all. Something that goes away within a day and a night." From the spot on the floor where she was crouched, Dedini gestured with one finger at her mate, and then hunched over a bowl again, vomiting, cursing between dry heaves. Ahlon went to her side, gently stroking her dark, curly hair away
The healer 1. Cake for breakfast by cardinal-point, literature
Literature
The healer 1. Cake for breakfast
Unease woke me up from sleep. I turned over in the duvets unable to get comfortable. The feeling didn't go away and I opened my eyes, gazing at the wooden ceiling of our hut, with its irregular pattern and many dark twig-spots. Something was wrong. It wasn't the shivering distress my Flux sends through me when somebody's dying. It was something softer, something about to happen. It was the prickling of unease that came with a slower, creeping worry, like starvation or sickness. My hand went to my belly and I traced, searched deep inside, enabling for the healing Flux to flow. It touched the little one nestled inside my body and found him all well. My belly was low and my bones ached which told me that soon my babe would arrive. After many months of waiting, I was both relieved and excited to hold my little son in my arms, but he had not been what waked me this morning. I look over at Renni's bed, directly across from ours. My little daughter sucks her thumb in her sleep, her eyes