I never knew stories took so much work to create. Yet, as I look back on Hemlock I can see how certain changes were brought about, and how other ones were thrust upon the story.
Hemlock, the name, did not even exsits until the second book. The very first version of Hemlock, that I scribled down in a notebook because I was missing my friend who had just moved, was about one of the simplist stories I had ever penned. And it didn't even have a name.
The story about Hemlock came about is rather interesting, and involves two little girls, one shy and one bold, an evil cat, a trailer park, a ruby red chariot, a king queen and prince, and an adventure that would not die.
When me and my family moved here I was 14 and my neighbors daughter was about 8. I was terribly shy and would never utter more then one word at a time, if that. So, when my mom made friends with our neighbor and the girl invited me over to play I was terrified. Yet, one thing led to another, soon, at age 15, I was babysitting her. Rather, playing with her after school.
Our friendship grew until we were as close as sisters. And one day, while roaming the trailer park, she knighted me. This was the start of our adventures. Two of our friends, a husband and wife who could not have children, sort of adopted us, they too lived in the trailer park, and drove a beat up red car which they sold over time :(. They were dubbed our king and queen and the car was named the ruby red chariot.
We had fun spying on them, watching for their return. Also, the husband was friends with a man, about 20, and he was dubbed the prince.
And so our summers passed in happy childhood bliss. We roamed our kingdom, she as a princess, I as a knight. Then it all fell apart, the day she moved. It was hard loosing my best friend and not getting to see her every day. My consolation? We could write and she would be coming back for a visit.
So, I started a journal of sorts. In it I record made up adventures of how I kep the kingdom together without her. She would make up a kingdom at her new home and we would exchange stories. And so, time passed.
I wrote in my tale everyday, until it grew. I added characters in it, Bettina, who had a different name, was based after a dear friend of mine. I can't remember who else was in the origanal. I think Julian MIGHT have been, but maybe not. Kendra was, she had a different name too. Maddock, I am pretty sure, wasn't. Theobald and Quentin also came in later.
And so I worked on the tale until it was a simple story. In it I met a man who was hiding from an evil king. I find out he was the king's son. He came back to free us but has to hid lest someone from the castle sees him and kills him.
In the end I am kidnapped and they free me and stop the bad king. Theobald is crowed. we are made knights and follow him about on his adventures and I write them down. I am glad I got rid of that story.
It was not named Hemlock until the second book which I have in a notebook. When I started the reversion on my blog I wasn't even planning on doing the story. But, one thing led to another and I ended up writing it down again. Only this time I wasn't Capitola, though when I started I was writing her based on me.
As I wrote she changed. And she has yet to stop changing. By the way, in the first one her name was Olga, yuck!
Anyhow, as I wrote other character's entered. Quentin's father, Yorick. Theobald was demoted. One of my friends thought it would be cleshe to make him the king's son, and when I thought it over I agreed. So I changed somethings.
Theobald turns out to be someone else and hence feels unworthy of the crown.
Then there is dear old Maddock. I hate to admitt it but I like the changes in him, just wished he would have ASKED first! But, through one thing and another, he worked himself up to be a hero beyound anything I thought he could do, and he wins Carlyss's heart, sigh :D. Theobald is still my favorite though.
In the newest version Adele somehow wiggled her way in, and won her way into my heart. I am very fond of her.
You probably think I am odd, which I am. The truth it, though I put a part of my heart into all my stories, Hemlock got the most. This story, I don;t know how to esplain it. It is closer to me, the characters are realer, so real I sometimes think they are real and I expect to see them walk up to me.
I guess it is because I based them after people I know. Anyhow, I admitt it, I talk to my Hemlock characters without shame.
Well, that is a quick over look on the history of Hemlock. I believe God gives me all the stories I write. Yet, next to the Marshalls, I do not think I have another story that God has helped me change so much as Hemlock. It has grown until it is the complex tale that fits a huge book.
It covers many issues, so many I have trouble keep them stright, and is my first attempt at a romance.
Also, just to let you know, I doubt that if it wasn't for Katie, Molly, and Tinveal (Still can't spell her name! &Sighs sadly*) Hemlock would still be the short tale on my blog in which Cap is about perfect and Maddock is as dull as a raining day in Chicago. So, thank them for urging me to rewrite and publish this thing.
And thank Reen-Hammon, it is only because of him that Maddock is half the man he is.
Sorry about my spelling, I am hlaf asleep.
Next time I shall start the histories!! I have the first one all planned out, sort of.
Isilwen of Hemlock
I cannot do this any more! It is getting to hard and complex. And besides, I mean let's face it, I don't stand a chance! And I have also discovered this is not for me anymore. So, I am throwing in my hat so to speak, I am packing my bags, and I am forever laying down my pen. Yes, you heard me right, I can no longer write, I am not cut out to be an author, I think I shall go into exploration.
I am very relieved at the moment that all of you live out of counrty and only of few of you know where I live :D. I am sorry, that was low, but I couldn't resist. I had meant to start my post, I can't do this anymore, and got a little carried away.
The truth is, Hemlock has grown. It used to be just a game I played with a friend, but from there it became a world of its own, it has spred and taken over. And so, with the encouragement of Katie and Molly, it is now being writen into a book, an extreamly long book thanks to Maddock, we are not on speaking terms at the moment.
However, the point I am poking at is, I changed most of the characters names, looks, and characteriztics. And so it was confusing me going from the story on here to my book, I got everyone all mixed up. So from hence forth this blog is going in a new direction, starting with name changes! Also I did a history of Hemlock and named all the lands and am working on a map.
But name changes. Their new names are more Scottish sounding. Maddock's is the same but with 2 ds. When I found Maddock was a real name I just knew he had to keep his! Also, he still has blue eyes, but his hair is dark red. Also he is a pain and set hi,self up as hero, without asking me!! He just kind of took over! He is annoying me and I am glad he wasn't in the orginal verson, the one before the one I have on here. Serves him right! *Glares at him*
Julian, kind, obedient Julian, gets to keep his name. That is because he is nice and doesn't take over, *Looks over at Maddock*
Qulen, or however I used to spell his name, is not Quentin. He is the same as ever only more complex. He too has red hair, they all do, only different shades.
Ketina, or whatever his wifes name is, is now Kendra. She is more tomboyish and wild in the new tales. In fact she is rather a pain, but I made her that way!! Even she listens and she is more rotten, in the book, then Maddock.
Then one of my favorite characters who some how got left out of the pictures :(. I can't even remember what his name was! His new name is Kenrick, he is Maddock and Julian's younger brother. Remember him? I cannot BELIEVE I forgot him!! "Sorry Kenrick! Next time I shall forget Maddock!"
Thibaud's name is now spelt Theobald. He is still mysterous and everything. And he is still my favoritest hero, now matter what Maddock thinks.
Roanna didn't make it into the reverson. She is now replaced by a younger girl named Adele. She is a hopeless romantic who has been fun to create.
Yehu's name is Yorick and he has more of a part to play in the book.
Cldye is Quentin's father's name, I forgot his old one.
Benetta;s new name is Bettina, I think, I shall have to look to be sure.
So that is everyone. Also I have made many changes to the story, as has Maddock *Glares at him*
So,if you can forgive me for my rotten trick, and stop glaring at me through the screen I shall soon return and have everything fixed up soon. I am not sure yet what I shall post after that, I may not be able to continue this tale unless you all REALLY want me to, see it now can't fit in as I changed so many things. I shall be posting bits and pieces of the reversion of Hemlock and so forth. Also of the thrid book which I am entering in NaNo.
Oh dear! I forgot Capitola's new name! It is Carlyss, and she has suddenly become a complex character.
Anyways, I am thinking of writing some of the histories down. Never fear, they aren't boring ones, but full of adventure, this is Hemlock after all, and the characters are just as brave as Theobald, I shan't say Maddock because he is still on my nerves.
So, I am thinking of going back and writing out the stories from the histories. I have had to dig them all up for certain reasons and have to rewrite them in book anyhow, so I might as well share them. Theobald is very insistant that the stories are not lost. Ever since Ulrich, that is the new name of the evil king he stopped, tried to get rid of all memory of his father and uncle, he is determaned not to let that happen to the other tales. And so, I have to write them all down. *Sighs sadly* Oh well, there could be worse jobs.
I suppose I have to get back to work, and I am locking the door so don't try to get in, you can't! Wahahaha!!!!!! Okay, I really have to go.
Adieu, Isilwen of Hemlock, writer, adventurer, and at the moment the girl who is hiding from all her readers.
WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!! 200 comments!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to everyone!!!!!!!!! And thanks to Turumbar who gave me my 200th!!
Isilwen if Hemlock
Gwen paced the deck, moving swiftly about, head down and hands clasped behind her back. She had been at her pacing for hours now but was getting nowhere fast.
"What's this then?" Trisli's voice startled her and she turned to see him leaning against the railing, watching her with a fixed stare.
Gwen sighed and walked over to him. She placed her hands on the railing and looked into the water. "You are going to think me shifty, but I don't want to return to Hemlock."
Trisli raised an eye brow at her. "Oh?"
"Aye, I mean you know I don't like dangers and want to stay at home and everything, it's just that, well I want to return and help find the lost prince and princess and clear Thibaud's name."
Trisli sighed. "I wish to return more then anyone here I am certain."
"That is understandable, you are his brother, of course you would want to clear his name," Gwen muttered.
"Let's face it Gwen, anyone who has ever met Thibaud would want to help him, he has that effect on people, but we have something else to consider," Gwen looked over at Trisli, "What if something goes wrong?"
Gwen tossed her head. "I can't believe you would even think that Trisli!" And she turned back to look into the water.
Trisli grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. "Gwen, Thibaud wishes us to return in case something happens, we are Hemlock's hope for the future."
Gwen pulled free of his grasp and walked away. How could he even think that? She had lost her parents once, how could she loose them again?
***
Marie decided someone needed to make peace before they ended up knifing each other. She tried to start with Anya and got snapped at, so she moved on to Ram.
The young man was sitting in the corner farthest from the one Anya was in. He had his knees pulled up to his chest and was glarring at the wall as though it was the cause of his misery.
"Hello Ram," The soft voice surprised him, even more so when he realized it belonged to Ivan.
Raheem turned his head and studied the young man who was kneeing beside him. What scerets were Ivan and Dimitri hiding? Was it half as dangerous as the one Raheem and Kinel carried?
"Hi, Ivan," Raheem grumbled. He was tired, sore, stuff, and hungry, he was in no mood to be cheerful.
Marie moved back slightly at Ram's sharp tongue but decided to try again. "I think it was kind of you to try and get food for us."
Kinel snorted but Raheem smiled, and sent a glare Kinel's way. "Thank you Ivan, you are kind."
Raheem was amazed to see Ivan's face redden. This boy had to find other company then Dimitri's, he got embarrised whenever anyone complamented him!
Anya looked over at Ram and Marie and rolled her eyes. Marie was the daydreamy type you had imagined ways she was going to meet her future husband. And now she was blushing because some young man who thought she was a boy was being kind to her. Some girls! Made Anya ashamed to be a girl.
Kinel sighed and laid down on the hard floor. He was annoyed with everyone right now, even Ivan who was just trying to make things better. Kinel tried to close his eyes and block out Raheem and Ivan's voices. After a while he drifted off to sleep.
Anya groaned and closed her eyes as well. Soon she too was asleep.
That left Raheem and Marie, and when Raheem saw the others asleep he decided to ask Ivan some questions, since Dimitri wasn't awake to get in the way.
"So, you are from one of the villages?" Raheem asked.
"No, from the castle." Marie insantly knew she was done for the moment the words left her mouth. She was thankful Anya wasn;t awake to hear.
"Oh really?" Raheem said with a board look on his face, "I thought you said you were from the village?"
"It is a village right outside the castle," Marie hoped her quick thinking would save her, it seemed to work.
"Oh, I see," Raheem fell silent and then said, "Any family?"
"No, I am an orphan," Marie said sadly, at least that much was true.
Raheem looked up at the young man and saw the dispairing look in his gentle eyes. "I am sorry Ivan."
Ivan smiled sadly. "I never even got to meet them, they died of a fever. I was passed about because no one wanted to raise me, but I got along well enough as soon as I was old enough to work."
Raheem felt sorry for Ivan, to be unloved your whole life seemed the worse thing Raheem could think of. "How long have you known Dimitri?" Raheem asked gently.
"Since I was five," Marie could say no more then that. That was when she had started working at the castle and had first seen the baby princesses. As the girls grew they had spent much time together until Marie was made Anya's lady in waiting.
"Has he always been so, sharp?" Raheem asked.
Marie nodded her head sadly. "Aye, as long as I have known him."
Raheem sighed. Maybe there was no hope then and he would be stuck traveling with a snappish boy.
The hours slowly passed while Raheem and Marie talked. Meanwhile Kinel dreamed of a lovely girl whose soft voice filled his head. In his dream she was an unloved orphan. When he woke he was certain he could still hear her voice, but when he looked around all he could see was Ivan and Raheem still talking.
Kinel sighed and closed his eyes, but he couldn't forget the girl. There was something about her, something oddly fimilar.
Anya woke not ten minutes later when a cannon was fired from the ship. She came up fighting. However, once she was fully awake she realized what the cannon meant. Land had been spotted, they had finally reached Hemlock! They four silently rejoyed while above deck everyone cheered loudly. Little knowing of the disaster that was hiding below.
In Raheem's desberation to find food he had not counted on one thing, the food supply being guarded. The young prince was scared into next week when, as he neared the room were the food was stored, a man stepped out of the shadows and scowling demanded, "Who goes there?"
What frightened Raheem even more was that he nearly answered him! "I am Prince Raheem of Sillorette," Was on the tip of his tongue. Thankfully he caught himself in time, unthankfully he said nothing which only angered the guard.
Raheem knew he was in trouble.
***
Madock was right, Capitola wasn't happy about the deal, but she recived the news much better then Kineta did.
"You plain to do WHAT?!" She thundered.
Maribella flenched, she was still getting used to her mother's sudden, and loud, outbursts.
"It is either that or take you back with us and put you in danger," Quilen grumbled. Though he did not get as sick as Maribella on sailing trips he got sick enough to make him irritable. Kineta did not have the same excuse for her irritableness.
Thibaud shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Calm down Kineta, there are worse things in life the being sent home."
"Name one!" She snapped.
"Come," Benetta broke in, "There is no need for this Kineta. Besides, we have our children back with us again, we must care for them."
Kineta scowled at her soft spoken friend and Isidore smiled. He wasn't sure, after all he had gone through in his short life time, that he could be called a kid anymore, being that he had had to grow up fast. But he did love to here his mother call him that. He liked to be mothered, as he called it, by her. Always having her looking after him.
"I have no intention of staying home and becoming an old house wife!" Kineta shouted, now really riled.
Maribella shrank back in her bed, and Kineta's eyes were drawn to her daughter. She suddenly realized what she had said and turning stormed out of the room. Quilen, his face showing pain and anger, stormed out after her.
For a long time no one spoke, Maribella had turned her face to the wall and would look at no one. Finally Thibaud, seeing she wished to be alone, left the room and everyone followed him, all but Isidore.
Once they were all gone he crept to his best friends side and laid a hand on her back. "Mari?" He said softly.
"Go away Isidore," Maribella murmured.
"Mari she didn't mean it, you could see by the look on her face she didn't," He sat down on the edge of her bed and tried to sooth her.
Maribella turned around and fixed him with a bitter look. "It doesn't matter Isidore! Can't you see? You are brave and kind and so your parents love you, Gwen is sweet and caring and her parents love her. Then there is me, they won't ever love me, I am too..." She didn't know what she was and she wasn't sure she cared.
"That isna true Mari, they love you as much as any parent could," Isidore tried to reason.
"I don't believe that," Maribella said, and she turned her face to the wall and would say no more.
***
Kineta could not believe she had said that! What was the matter with her? She would not be surprised now if Maribella never loved her, or if Quilen stopped loveing her.
Kineta knew she was quick tempered but lately she felt extra snappish and libal to go off at the smallest thing, and she had no idea why. Not that it mattered. She had just lost her daughter and the thought made her break down into sobs.
***
Raheem found himself looking down the point of a newly sharpened sword. Through his mind raced Kinel's voice which kept repeating, "A newly sharped sword, sire, can easily be run into the heart. It is more affechent then a dull blade which takes more work on your part to kill with." From this day on Raheem would look at sharpened swords in a whole new way.
"Name lad!" The guard snapped again, "Before I run ye through!"
But the only name Raheem could think of was his own name, and to say that would be a dead give away, in more ways then one.
The sword point was lowered to his throat. "SPEAK!" The man thundered.
"My name is Thibaud!" Raheem knew he was in for it the moment the words left his mouth.
Kinel's going to kill me! Raheem thought, Not that it will matter as I will already be dead.
Raheem prepared himself to feel the cold blade being driven into him, so it came as a shocking surprise when the guard lowered his sword. Raheem was so surprised that he did not react and so was taken off guard when the man slapped him.
Raheem hit the deck hard, when he sat up the guard was glaring at him. "Impudent boy, get out of my sight before I do worse."
Raheem did not need to be told twice. Though he did not understand what had just happened he did not wait around to find out, he stood up and hurried off. When he returned, unnoticed to the hold the others were up and worried.
Kinel scolded him, doubly so when he found out were he had been and all that had transpired.
"You EVER do that again Ram and I will personally whip you!" He snapped.
Anya's only complaint was, "Too bad you didn't get any food." That got her a scolding from Marie. And so another day passed in bickerings and angry silence.
To all my readers. Sorry I have not writen more lately, I have been visiting one of my best friends and though I had internet asess if I had asked for it I had better things to do :). But anyways I am back for a week, then gone for another five days, maybe. I might have internet asess were I am going. Anyways, without further adeu, more of my story.
The Author
Below in the hold nothing new passed. The days blended together into one long day, or so it seemed to Kinel, Raheem, Marie, and Anya. No light reached into their dark hiding place and so they had no idea when it was night or day. They spent their time eating, very little as their supply was disappearing fast, and sleeping. There was nothing else to do.
Above deck the storm and ceased and a calm had settled over everything. The crew, king, and his knights had a long rest and in no time were once more roaming the deck at ease.
It was five days after the storm that Madock found Thibaud pacing the deck. Walking over to his king he leaned against the railing and watched him.
"What ales you my king?" He finally asked, "Rare it is indeed to see you pace the deck in so thoughtful a manner."
"And rare it is to hear so fine a speach from your lips my friend," Thibaud returned with a smile.
Madock grinned and answered, "I was listening to that brother of mine and his bride, those two are still as love struck as the day they were married! I got caught between them not but three mintues ago, right inbwtween their mushy looks, it is enough to make you want to sink into the boards."
Thibaud rolled his eyes at his knight and said, "You and Capitola are no better! "
Madock grinned but only said, "I didn't come to disguss romance though, you are getting off subject, what is on our mind?"
"The Princess Anya and the Prince Raheem," Thibaud said with a sigh.
Madock braced one foot agianst the side of the ship, hands still on the railing behind him. "What of them?"
"If they are missing and we did not kidnap them, who did? Or did they run away?" Thibaud started pacing again.
"That is just like you to worry about them, even after thei fathers had you beat, but I see what you mean," Madock looked passed Thibaud and out over the sea before asking, "Which do you think it is?"
"Kidnapping maybe. They would be perfect for someone to kidnap, the kidnapper could get two kingdoms in one try, that is if their fathers value them more then their kingdoms, and I am certain they do from their treatment to us and their worry."
Madock scowled and wanted to add a retort to that, he was still mad at the two kings, in stead he bit his tongue and said nothing.
"I wish now that we had stayed behind and looked for them," Thibaud added in a low voice.
Madock leaped forward. "How can you say that! Their fathers were ready to kill us!"
Thibaud shook his head at Madock's exclamation and said, "I would not go so far as to say that..."
"I would!" Madock cried.
"They had good reason to fear, you would have done the same if it had been Gwen."
Madock leaned back against the railing and glared out at the sea. Of course he would! She was his daughter. But he could see what Thibaud was getting at, the kings had just wanted their children back.
"You are saing you wish to return?" Madock finally asked.
Thibaud sighed and then nodded his head. "Aye, I do, only without the women and children, we shall dock in Hemlock only long enough to let them off, then we shall return to Collumbinne."
"Capitola isn't going to like this," Madock muttered.
***
They had to be nearing Hemlock! Their food suply was gone, Kinel had found enough to get them to Hemlock. However, the ship was still bobbing on the water. And as the days passed tempers shortened.
Marie's stomach growled and she rolled over and moaned.
"Be quiet!" Anya snapped at her.
"You leave him alone!" Raheem snapped at Anya, "This is no fault of his!"
"You are right! This is Kinel's fault!" Anya grumbled.
Kinel knew she was only trying to pick a fight, she had been trying for quite awhile now. He had managed to hold his temper and ignore her, but he could not take it any more.
"How is it my fault!" He snapped.
"It is more your fault then his!" Raheem threw in.
"Mine!" Anya snapped, "Pray, how so?"
"You got those men at the market after us, if it hadn't been for that we would have had more time to gather supplies!" Raheem snapped back.
Marie moaned again and tried to block them out.
"If Kinel had been thinking he would have gathered more supplies to last us in case we were delyed on our way to Hemlock, which we were!"
This continued for the rest of the day and when they finally stopped arguing long enough to fall asleep they were no longer speaking to each other.
When Raheem awoke the others were still asleep. He looked over at Kinel, he was growing a bit of a bread and would want to shave when they reached land. He was only twenty two but he acted much older, Raheem thought with a smile.
He then looked over at Dimitri and Ivan. Both were fair of face, smooth shinned, espcailly Dimitri. That still surprised him. Dmitri had to be his age, and Ivan was older he would say. Yet their skin was smooth, flaless almost, were as Kinel was growing a bread and Raheem's chin was even fuzzy.
The small candle, they had a good supply of them and always had one burning, flickered off Dmitri's face. Raheem slowly and silently crawled over to the boy and looked closer at him.
His skin was lightly tanned, though still fair and light. His cheeks were almost rosy and softly rounded. Though his tongue was sharp he had the fetures of a girl. In fact Raheem was certain he could pass for a girl if he was to doen a dress.
Raheem had heard of a story of a boy who was fair of face. He had been able to dress like a girl and slip into enemy lines and gather information. He decided not to tell Dimitri about the story, he would probably punch him. Yet there was no dening it, Dmitri could indeed pass as a girl if it came down to it.
After awhile Raheem rose to his feet, he felt weak from hunger and could hardly stand. That was when he had an idea. It was a risking one, yet he was willing to take the risk. And so, before the others awoke, Raheem opened the little hatch door and slipped out, he was headed right for the supply room.
To all my readers. Sorry I have not writen in so long, read my other blog and you will see why. But without dely, here is the next part!
Anya awoke to find that she had been thrown on top of Kinel, who came up fighting. Anya ducked the young man's blows, only to step on Raheem who came up fighting as well. For a moment the three stumbled about half asleep. It was Marie who brought them back to their sences.
The three sat back down and stared at each other, and then grinned. "How did that happen?" Kinel asked.
"I fell on you," Anya replied, "More like was thrown on you."
It was then that the others noticed the rough rocking of the ship and the sound of crashing waves. "A storm?" Marie asked fearfully.
Kinel closed his eyes. "Aye, but not a bad one, yet."
Marie was starting to calm down until she heard the yet. So while Kinel and Raheem settled back to sleep, being used to storms at sea, Marie fought a growing fear and Anya found that a rocking ship on wild waves is much worse then a rocking ship on calm waves. And it was then that she discovered storms made her sick.
When Raheem awoke again the storm was in full swing. Waves battered against the ship in an attempt to smash it to bits. The wind was so loud that even in the hold the stow aways could hear it loud and clear.
Anya was lying in a corner, moaning and looking very green in the face. Marie looked about ready to cry, which Raheem thought odd, being that he thought she was a boy.
"Are you two alright?" The young prince finally asked.
"Ooo," Was all that he could get from Anya.
That was more then he got from Marie who would not utter one word. Raheem was starting to get worried when Kinel awoke. The older of the two looked at Marie and Anya and took over the situation.
"Ever heard any stories of Hemlock?" He asked as though he was at a party instead of a storm tossed ship.
Marie shook her head, Anya moaned. "We have heard of their king only," Marie managed.
"Ahh, well there is an interesting story behind him. See, he was an outlaw, an outcast. He might not have even been crowned king had it not been for a brave girl named Capitola."
And so, while the storm hammered outside and men fought it, Kinel spun a tale as only men from Sillorette can spin. He told about how Thibaud's father and uncle had supposedly his cousin had been killed. He told how the young prince had feld and had returned years later to free his people.
Kinel then told about the adventures of Capitola and her friends as they tried to stop the evil king, and how they had learned the truth about Thibaud and had helped him regain his kingship.
As he spoke the other three seemed to forget all about the storm. The story went one for days, as did the storm, and though Anya was still sick she found an easement, and Marie was no longer afraid.
As Raheem listened he found himself wishing he could have an adventure like the one his friend told. His lot seemed so dull and miserable compared to this great Hemlock king.
And so time passed in the hold. While above deck the brave crew battled the storm. It may come as no surprise that Thibaud and his knights were there too, fighting right beside the crew to help save the ship from sinking.
The only one who was not preasent was Maribella who got horrible sea sickness even on the calmest seas. Needless to say that during the storm she was doubly sick and could not move from her bed.
Every hour someone would run below deck to check on her. The last day of the storm it was Isidore who ran below deck, his wet hair clinging to his forehead.
"Is it over?" Maribella asked.
"Oh, you arena dying," Isidore said as he sat down beside her.
Maribella swung her arm at him but he ducked. "Be nice to me, I am sick," She muttered.
Isidore smiled kindly and said, "Okay, I will be nice. The storm is almost over though and then you will feel a little better."
"But not much," She moaned.
"We are nearing Hemlock though," Her friend answered.
Maribella closed her eyes and did not say any more. Isidore wondered if she had fallen asleep. Leaning back in his chair he closed his eyes, he was wore out and every bone in his body hurt.
His clothes were wet and clung to him making his shiver, but he knew there was no point in changing.
"Are you cold?" Isidore opened his heavy eye lids and looked down at Mairbella.
"With good reason," He answered.
"Here," Maribella tossed him one of her blankets. After a lot of persasion on her part he wrapped up in it. Now that he was warmer he felt sleepier.
"How is mother and father?" Maribella asked softly.
"They are the only ones not wore out," Isidore said with a smile. He then looked at Maribella and saw the sad look in her eyes again.
Finding out their parents were still alive had been the hardest on Gwen, but she was also the first to find it easy to accept. Isidore found that the more he was around his parents the easier it became for him. However, it was Maribella who still had trouble accepting it.
It was not that she didn't love her parents, it was just hard because she, they all had, grown up without a mother and father.
"It will get easier Mari, it has to," Isidore said gently.
"I hope so," Maribella murmured before she was finally able to drift off into a restless sleep.
"Oh God, please let it get easier," Isidore prayed in a soft whisper.
