Cynus

Ian anxiously waits at the coffee shop for his secret boyfriend to arrive so they can plan their Valentine's Day together. Another cute boy walks into his life as he waits.

Ian peered through the glass window at the front of the coffee shop, watching the small blue car pull into the parking lot. It was a similar model to Jake's, but unfortunately not the right one. Jake had promised to meet Ian there at 2:00, right after their early release from school, but it was already 2:12, and Jake hadn't so much as texted he would be late. It figured. The weekend before Valentine's Day, too. Ian knew Jake was unreliable, but he was also the only boy Ian knew who seemed

Another lovely thought.

I think your observations on Maxthane are great! Playing the long game reminds me of Dante from "From the Cup of the Worthless", perhaps because they're both criminals? Why indeed would Grim do that? There are answers coming, I can assure you. That's one which will be addressed the further along in the story we are. Lots of pieces to fall into place. (Also, he's even older than that. Prism's been sealed for 800 years.) From chapter 1: "You've(Prism) been sealed with that demon for a long time I'm afraid; almost eight hundred years." What a poetic thought! Styx returning to his perch... a marvelous image!

I actually have several projects buzzing around in my head which are even more aptly applied to that label. There's also the potential Shade connection. Perhaps they are of the Shade themselves, or at least they know they could escape down there and live if things turn south. They could also be thinking that whatever Sabreeza is planning, they're sure it will win. I like the loyalty hypothesis, too. But who are they loyal to, in that case?

Intriguing thought. I love both of them, but they're both important to me in their own ways. I think you'll like their arcs. My responses to both your statements can be summed up in a single word: "Indeed" The knights (for the most part) are indeed disinterested with the power struggles in Pentalus. As long as they maintain some semblance of order and keep civil war from erupting, they're pretty much content. As for the tattoos... a brilliant observation. Perhaps Sabreeza's men are connected in ways the knights and peasantry don't understand. Although I didn't intend it to be so, it's a rather typical split between the criminal element, the base populace, and the top 1-10%, represented by The Shade, Pentalus, and The Everbright City respectively. If the top percent are benevolent, the general populace supports them and rules against the criminal element. If the top percent are tyrannical, the base populace starts to reject them and sides more with the criminal element. With swords! As @drpaladin said on the forums. I can confirm that Kirra will reappear in several more chapters at least. Watch Lady Alsha. You still might not like her as the story progresses, but I can promise you development. In my opinion, the question of all people should be, "should the people currently in power be in power?". I don't mean to invite anarchy, only free thought. We should question the status quo, because even though something is generally accepted to be right, doesn't mean it is. We may determine after our analysis that the way things are is the way things should remain, but the reason situations appear like the one you describe, @Buz, is precisely from not enough people asking those questions. That's my two cents, anyway.

A druid is tasked with delivering justice to a Roman invader, but the task seems more a test than anything. Will he discern the truth and let his heart be his guide?

The Otherworld seemed just out of reach, a flickering image of all which existed beyond the senses. Morcant's mentors had spoken of the realm of primal nature, that which had originally given birth to all life in the world, but Morcant had yet to reach it. At best, he could see it for an instant in his meditations, but his mind remained too cluttered to access it fully. Morcant's back rested against the trunk of a mighty oak, his smooth and naked torso felt at home against the rough bark,

New chapter posted with a few new characters. I hope you'll like them!

"I'm telling you, Lady Alsha, there was a pillar here before! You've got to believe me. It's my job to know these things, dammit!" The old man pushed his spectacles back up his nose as he wagged his finger at the knight. Kirra Elrhanadan eyed the situation with amusement. His commander, Lady Alsha, was a patient woman, but there was a limit to how long she would tolerate anyone speaking to her in such a disrespectful manner. She was a woman of high standing, after all. Kirra was far more int

Yes! I wanted to go for something uniquely damaging for the poison, something which would baffle healers with limited medical knowledge. Also, suffocation is a personal fear of mine, so when I wanted to create something fearsome, I felt it best to draw on my own fears.

Ah! So that bit is included! Good observation! I think that gives me grounds to talk about it then. Yes, so it's the life force itself which Grim manipulates, and if that's gone (for instance, if someone dies "on the table" before getting to him) he can't do anything. There is a second reason, too, and that I will save for later.

I'll revisit this later, once the Fedain ability is explained in more detail. I think I know how to answer it appropriately, but it could constitute spoilers (albeit minor ones) at this point.

Thank you! The tattoos were actually the original concept for the story. I liked the idea of having a character who could glide/fly through the use of a bird's enchanted blood mixed with tattoo ink. Hence, Styx was born. The first chapter came later, heh. I'm glad you're okay with continuing to read as I potentially stray into George R. R. Martin's territory.

Anybody want to weigh in on this?

While this should also not be seen as an endorsement of Grim's position in things, I will point out that Grim did not appear to be physically old. if anything, he would appear somewhat "ageless". At least, that was the feel I was going for in his initial description. So, who knows how that affects his ability to raise children? (I mean, I DO, but that's hardly relevant, is it? :P) I like your thoughts on everyone else concerned, too. Your feelings on Styx and Max indicate to me that I portrayed their personalities the way I wanted to, and that makes me happy.

I believe I already have my demon concepts set in stone, but I will consider that for other horrific stories in the future.

Oooh... a demonic mantis isn't a bad idea at all!

Ah... yes, I can see how having a demon tattoo would be a bit of a turn off, then. In my case, I think most of my past relationships probably consider me the seriously disturbed one. I mean, you've all only had a small glimpse into my psyche through my stories, lol!

I'm just trying to being your devil wingman. We devils and demons need to stick together! Do you think we could've stopped the gladiator fight by finding Maxthane's demon a partner?

It requires true love, I think.

Is it because of the demon, or the demon-blood tattoo?

Like a party... I'd love to see other people's thoughts on Grim in this. I'm not sure how I can address the question yet without it potentially being a spoiler, but I'll think on it for awhile and get back to you. But other people's theories are much appreciated! As for the gibberish, I say post it. Maybe you'll summon a demon, and we can bond it to you?

I'm actually not 100% sure Styx's parentage is explained in this particular book... It might be, though. lol, And since I'm now completely psyched about finishing the series, we'll get there eventually.

Love it!