32
(Silnaday – Solstice)
Towani City
.
The tall tree in the foyer of the capital building was quite a sight to behold. Thousands of tiny lights lit it and the whole room. Tiny pomanders of spice-pierced fruits hung from merry ribbons all over the tree adding a spicy scent to the air. The tree was further covered with small ornaments of wintering Towani animals or gods the ancient Towani people served including the King and Queen of Winter (dressed in white, blue and purple) traveling with their winged nuwa from the frosty north.
Rows of chairs filled the area around the tree. They were occupied by some of the homeless and disadvantaged of the city. The A’mara stood behind them, as was their custom. The media occupied the areas to the sides of the A’mara. As such, the A’mara rarely had a prominent part of this event. Vanti was grateful for this fact this year. She didn’t feel like celebrating.
“All we need now is a bonfire,” Janika said.
Vanti nodded, thinking about her husband who had not returned from his training yet. She was missing him, knowing that he loved Solstice. She had never got excited about the trappings of the holiday, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate it for others.
“I’m sure he will be back,” Janika said, squeezing her hand.
Zarma, the Towani abári, stood on the dais with Governor Atiya Torvik. The woman stood slightly shorter than Zarma.
“Welcome!” the governor greeted. “I welcome all of you – whether you have been materially blessed this year or not. Today, we celebrate and dine as equals.”
There was a round of applause.
“I have some great news for you and the City of Towani,” the governor continued. “You may remember an interview you recently had.” She looked across the sea of homeless and disadvantaged.
Vanti looked at Zarma, wondering what was going on. She felt nothing from the abári as the governor continued.
“There was a purpose for this interview, beyond that which was told to you at the time. We had just received word of the completion of an exciting new development just outside the City, a new suburb with all amenities including convenient hoverbus transportation into the City of Towani. Yes, all of you in this room have a new place to live as soon as you can get there! Your rent will be according to your income with plenty of job opportunities within the development itself. You can thank the Neví for that!”
There was a roar of excitement in the room.
Vanti caught Zarma’s eye. It was plain that she had not had wind of it either.
“It truly is a great day in Towani! We extend our thanks and gratitude to all the Neví. Here is a representative of this housing project, Edina Kalvåg. She will make the rounds during the meal, making sure each of you has your packet to allow you to move in as soon as you can.” She indicated the short, slight young woman who joined her.
Another round of applause sounded. Vanti saw that most of the A’mara were clapping politely, but without enthusiasm.
“Without further ado, I direct everyone to the celebration hall where a meal awaits!” the governor concluded. “Those with young children, please go first.”
Vanti hung back and joined Cyanus and Nina. Janika kept in step with her.
“So, what’s going on?” Vanti asked quietly.
“No idea,” Cyanus replied. “It’s clear that Zarma doesn’t know either. The secrecy worries me more than the fact that the project is Neví-sponsored.”
“What possesses an organization to take such interest in the low-income?” Nina asked. “The whole thing is suspicious.”
“The representative couldn’t have been even 18,” Vanti said. “Nothing wrong with teens, of course, but it’s a bit young for such responsibility.”
“Maybe she is only the poster girl,” Janika suggested.
“Perhaps,” Vanti admitted.
“Okay, one A’mara per table,” Cyanus reminded.
They split up and socialized with the residents. Vanti watched Edina make her way around the tables as she listened to a couple of women talking about their abusive ex-husbands.
“I was always walking on eggshells around him,” the older woman said.
The younger nodded. “It was like a roller coaster – on a high one moment, and a low the next. I learned to never get too comfortable!”
“I finally realized that I was worth more than that,” the older one continued.
“But it’s hard because now, I’m expected to be a good mother and I’m expected to be the bread-winner and everything else. I have to be mother and father,” the younger replied.
“I know what you mean. Plus grandparents, aunts/uncles, everything – I’m completely on my own.”
“It’s a story I know well,” Edina said, joining them. “I grew up in an abusive home as well. I’m very lucky now, I have a man who loves me and a situation that keeps me secure.”
“You’re very young,” the older woman commented.
“Sixteen. But it’s better than where I was,” she replied.
“Understood,” the younger one said.
“The A’mara hears all, but says nothing,” Edina noted.
“I’m sorry, I am distracted this evening,” Vanti replied.
“I have to wonder if you understand better than you let on,” Edina challenged.
“You know nothing about me,” Vanti retorted. “Excuse me. I need the toilet.”
♥♥♥
If you have enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could put your thoughts as a review on Goodreads for me.
Other Chapters of this set
Birth of the Neví - coming soon on Whaleshares - otherwise, scroll way back on Steem (like summer 2018.)
Name of the Neví - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- Terrenden Atlas Pages (six maps of Almara and Kranisis.)
- characters, pronunciation, glossary and image credits
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Brighid's Blood 2006 and 1200 B.T.C.E. Katja and Rachel are so desperate for love that they cast two love spells one night. But the Guardians do not consider spells "fun", but rather as cries for help from the very depths of your soul. Certainly Katja and Rachel could not have possibly imagined where these spells would take them! |
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Birth of the Neví 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. Book 1 in the Rise of the Neví series. |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death in Rebound of Power; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past in Friendship on Fire; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness in Courage to Trust; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara in Elect to Change; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara in Ocean of Empathy. |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; in Acting the Part Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; in Building on Promise Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; and D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; in Spice of Strength Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; and Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart in Sands of Survival. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
| COMING SOON | TO AN EBOOK STORE NEAR YOU!!! |
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Rise of the Neví - 830 T.C.E. In this series, the Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures brought in the previous year has caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví? Titles to include: Name of the Neví, Mind of the Neví... |
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**(To be Named)** - 852 T.C.E. Collection of Romance... It's confirmed that the Neví are now in all three houses of Parliament and most assemblies throughout Terrenden. Additionally, some are threatening to introduce legislation to severely cripple the A'mara of all their privileges.
In this collection, we will catch up with our fugitives (Iyva/Zilan, D'zani/Elíaz). We will also meet Celna Dellan in X'lea; Peri Harmon, a Peer Councilor in Irola; Janys Tyne, an elections team leader in Atrua; meet a nice (as of yet unnamed) woman in Kasago; and revisit Vissia and Catalia in Towani. |
Writing and artwork copyright myself 2005-2019 – all rights reserved.
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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blogging on: Steem, Whaleshares, WeKu, Hyperspace, Publish0x
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