Talaie Production Studios presents Tidal Waves

Chapter 1: Alliances

Photos by TalaieEdited with GIMP 2 and Corel Painter Essentials 3Story by TalaieProof Editor: SeleneCorvinCreated with PowerPoint Hosted by SlideShare

“We now take you to the scene of the wreckage, Priya, can you give us an update?” The reporter standing on a beach, “The search and rescue teams have been out in full force.” The news anchor asks, “Have there been any survivors found?” “The initial reports indicated that there were no survivors.” She notices some action off to the side. “There’s something happening down the beach. It appears that they’re bringing someone ashore. We’re going in for a closer shot. ”

“An ambulance has raced down the beach, the EMT’s have jumped out and begun to check over the man and a woman who appear to have washed ashore. It appears that the man is trying to say something.” The man gasps , “My little girl?”

“They appear to be stable,” one of the EMTs says, “Let’s move them.” Priya asks the other EMT, “Have there been any more survivors?” The first EMT looks at the man, “There was only these two.” He then looks at the reporter, “We need to move them.”****************************

It was late in the evening when Capt. Irvine visited Lilith. “Sorry about the hour,” Irvine said shaking Lilith’s hand. “I just got back myself. What new have you found?” “Not much. There was some wreckage, but no sign of life.” “It was about what I had thought; no one I talked to was missing a child.”

In a momentary pause while Lilith was talking to Irvine, she thought back to an earlier conversation she had with one of the islanders, where she had met Ms. Ottomens.

Ms. Ottomens stood by a grave stone, ‘It was dark. The car only had one headlight. He never saw it coming,’ she said more to herself than anyone around. ‘I’m sorry for your lose,’ Lilith said, ‘But I’m searching, have you heard of someone who’s lost a child, a little girl in particular?’

‘No, no one from Faye Island has lost a child.’ ‘Thank you, Ms…’ ‘Ottomens, Samantha Ottomens.’

‘Thank you, Ms. Ottomens’‘Call me Samantha.’ ‘Samantha, is there anything I can do?’ ‘No, my family and I will be returning to my childhood home in a few days.’

“… Lilith, Lilith,” Irvine’s words returned her to their conversation. “Sorry, I was just thinking about something that happened earlier.” “I was just going to tell you, that tomorrow while I’m fishing off Horizon Point I’ll keep an eye out, just to make sure,” he added. “I think that’s a good idea, thank you for keeping an eye out.” **********************

In the French countryside Hume and Kiara shared breakfast with Kiara’s cousin, Julien. “How was your trip cousin?” Julien asked. “It was very interesting.” “Will little Demi be joining us or is she too tired?” Kiara just gave a blank stare, “Who is Demi?”

“Cousin, I’m sure you must be joking. You haven’t forgotten about your little girl?”

Before Kiara could respond, Hume quietly said, “Dear, you’re still distressed from all the excitement, perhaps you should go lie down.” “Your right all this stress isn’t good for the baby.” Julien just looked shocked. Hume patted Kiara’s hand and said, “Of course.”

Once Kiara had left Hume spoke with Julien, “We hit a major storm on our way back, we were all tossed overboard. The search and rescue teams never found a trace of her.” “I’m sure you’ll never give up hope,” Julien said with a sigh, “But we must all face reality.” **********************

Lilith had finished visiting the last of the families on Faye Island with her search for a missing child. As she headed down towards the ferry landing, she noticed that the Old Gossamer Farm had undergone some recent renovations and the nearby fields were showing new cultivation. ‘Perhaps I should introduce myself to new neighbors,’ Lilith thought as she walked up the front steps.

She rang the bell. “Ina minute,” called a voice that sounded oddly familiar. The door opened, “Sorceress?” Samantha asked dressed in a robe, “what brings you here?” “I was just on my way to the ferry landing when I noticed that the old farm looked as if someone purchased it. I thought I might introduce myself to the new owners.” “Oh,” Samantha blushed looking at Lilith standing in her front porch, “Won’t you come in?” “Are you sure?” Lilith gestured towards the robe. “Please, come in,” Samantha said stepping out of the door way, then looking down at her robe and blushed, “Sorry I was just about to take a shower, one of the twins spit up on me while I was burping them.”

They shared a laugh as Lilith entered the house. Samantha led Lilith towards the den. “When did you move in?”Lilith asked after they were seated. “Just this week. In fact you’re my first visitor.”

“The house is very lovely, you’ve done a wonderful job with it.”

“My family has been quiet generous with their support and gifts, especially my cousin Vince. And an old family friend sent over this set of furniture.”

“That was very thoughtful of your family. I doubt if mine would have been as giving if the same had happened,” “I’m sure it only seems that way, only time and need can show the truth,” Samantha said almost with a glazed look on her face. “Have you found the little girl’s family yet?”

“No. It’s almost as if the gods have sent the prophesized hope.” “What prophecy?” Samantha asked with a puzzled look on her face.

“The gods,” Lilith quickly answered have sent my people a message: Priestess, heed my call, a task for yours to oversee and guide with your craft. A child will soon arrive, from the sea tossed currents from far away shores. This dewy jinxed lil’ urchin and her descendants for generations ten, a great charge is theirs to fulfill. To protect the Source against the dominance of great evil, an uncertain doomed future lurks. This warning will come true when if a promise yours won’t keep. But enlightenment hers will bring to those who aid their jinxed course.”

“When did you receive this message?” “A few days before the storm.” “My people knew nothing of this.” “A meeting was called by the council, quite a few of the villagers were there.”

“But our proxy has told my people nothing of this. We were told that the gods have sent a message and that doom is on the way.” “It would seem that your proxy neglected to tell you that it can be stopped.”

The lights flickered as a great gust of wind blew across the land, “I need to talk to my people about this. It would seem that our proxy has not been telling us the complete truth.” The wind picks up and the sky starts to darken. Lilith glances out the window, “Ms. Ottomens, I’m sorry that you’ve been misinformed.” “Sorceress, I thank you for telling me about this. But I need to contact my people about this matter.” “I understand,” Lilith said, stand up, “I must be going anyway if I’m going to catch the ferry.”

It was sometime later after Lilith had left; there was a knock at Samantha’s front door, “Come in Vince,” she called, “the door is open.”************

Buckler looked over the new council chambers, the storm had sent a tree crashing through their old one. “This will have to do.” Lilith walked in as he began to grumble, “Capt. Buckler,” she said drawing his attention.

“Sorceress, always a pleasure.” “Giving your own approval to the new chambers, I see.” “They be too big.”

“I think they’ll be just fine. We’ll be having some new members joining and I’m hoping we can interest other groups to join as well.” “Ah, you be thinking it’s time that old hag was on her way out.” “Yes, I think it’s time for some newer blood on the council.” Buckler smiled.

*******

It was a fine fall morning as the Snorks sat in their kitchen eating breakfast, there was a blaring honking outside. Stormy jumped off her chair, “The school bus, the school bus, my first day of school,” she sang as she left the house. Her brothers just sat there. “Why is she so happy all the time?” Ulrich asked. Angel smiled, “Come on, off to school.”

Later that day when the kids arrived home. Stormy’s early morning song had become more of a moody march, “I hate school, I hate school,” she stomped, “I never even heard about the Pirate Revolution or Faymore’s Peace Treaty with the Pirates.”

Her brothers just laughed.

****************************

Scott quickly glanced around the room, “I’d like to call this meeting to order. Will you please take your seats?” The council members shuffled a few chairs before taking their seats there were a few complaints about the furniture.

Scoot looked up from his notes once more as Carma walked into the room, “Sorry, I’m late,” she said with a smile. I had the hardest time finding this place.”

Irvine covered his face and muttered, “Ah, I can’t believe this.”

“Would you please take a seat,” Scott stated.” She sat down next to Scott, moving Lilith’s bag from the chair. “Another seat, if you would,” Scott tried to keep his voice calm. Carma did not move until Lilith entered the room, “thank you,” he said through clenched teeth.

Taking a breath, “There are a few announcements to be made before we take up the agenda on our calendar. First there was a little girl that washed up after the storm. Capt. Irvine surveyed the nearby waters, there was some wreckage, but no sign of any other survivors. The Sorceress has taken on the task of contacting the other islands, so far no one has lost a child. “Angel,” he gestured towards her, “has taken in the girl.”

Angel nodded, “She still has no idea where she came from or who she is. I’ve given her the name Stormy. I see no reason to push her, trying to make her remember. She seems happy and at ease.” “Given this fact,” Scott picked up the dialogue, “We,” he indicated himself and Lilith, “left Angel in charge of her.”

Carma had been peaceful up until this point, “Why was the council not called when she washed up?”

“It was more important at the time to check for survivors, assess our damages, begin to make repairs, rather than calling the council. That would have been unconstructive while we tried to rebuild. The welfare of a little girl was a much more important than members of this council arguing over who knows what, as these sessions seem to go. Now before this turns into one of those moments, I’d like to introduce our newest council member, Ms. Ottomens.”

There were several ‘hello’s and welcome aboard’ from around the table.

The meeting wrapped up some reconstruction issues.

Scott continued, “At this time I’d like to introduce a proposal being presented to us by Ms. Ottomens.”

“Thank you, Witch Doctor. I come with the offer of an alliance. My people have been fighting a losing battle for some time now,” a faint glow emitted from Samantha.

Some council members appeared shocked; others were unsure what to make of Samantha.

She went on to explain much about their struggle thus far and how over time it has weakened the Vale. “This struggle has put a drain on much of our magical abilities, especially after so many of our more powerful fighters died in the struggle. Some of you may be wondering what could do this. EVIL has done this. A faceless and formless evil that has pursued my people for many decades.

“We had thought that this EVIL we faced, was only after us. But considering recent events we now know that we were wrong. You,” she indicated with a large sweep of her arm, “have also come under EVIL’s notice.” Sighing, “My people had hoped that we could have contained it.

“Therefore, taking into consideration recent events we propose an alliance, it seems imperative that we work together to defeat this EVIL. We believe that together we’ll be stronger, than we would be to separately face this enemy.”

“And why should we trust you,” Carma sneered.

“Before we were visited by the Sorceress and discussed with her recent events, my people would probably never have approached yours. We would have continued our existence unknown to you, never interfering in your lives or your way of life. Because of what was made known to us, our elders have decided that we must now embrace this opportunity to bring my people into a new era. One that should be mutually beneficial to both our communites.”

“And what is it that your people can offer us,” Carma snidely demands. “We could share our pharmacology and our carefully cultivated herbals,” Samantha responded politely.

Carma began to open her mouth again, but closed it. She just stared at Samantha before responding, “I was thinking more along the lines of the truth, the full truth about Hume. Your people say they know why events have been happening. I’ve tried to convince my fellow council members that much of what has been going on is Hume‘s fault. The gods are punishing us for him leaving. Well is it his fault or not?”

“What is it that you think is this Hume’s fault?” “The weakening of the vale.” “How do you figure this?” Samantha asked shyly. “Nothing happened before Hume left.”

“And, when was this?” “30 or so years,” Carma stated, not sounding as confident. “If you were listening when I explained earlier, we have been facing this EVIL for many generations. Therefore, how can Hume be the cause? As I said, it is mostly likely because of the number of loses we have suffered over the generations as being the reason why the Vale is weakening.”

Before Carma could open her mouth again Lilith, turned her attention to Samantha, “I’m sure that most everyone here believes that this alliance would be in both our communities best interest.”

“Miss Ottomens,” Buckler stood up from his seat in order to also help nip any further comments Carma might make, “thank ya kindly for explainin’ this to us, but we be needin’ a little time to think.” “I could wait outside,” she said as she walked towards one of the doors. “Thank ya.”

Samantha sat in the hall as arguing could be heard just beyond the door.

“Carma how can you be such a stubborn… this is not the time to inflate your ego.” “The prophecy says to join together.” “I cannot believe you people will fall for such lame lies.” Carma bellowed, “She’s no faye. They would never help us.”

“And how would you know that?” It was clearly Lilith’s voice.

“You’re a sorceress,” Carma explained accusingly, “You must remember the teachings. Why would a faye reveal herself willingly.”

“Perhaps the teachings are wrong or perhaps you never made it past that lesson, Carma,” Lilith responded

“What are you inferring?” Carma sneered. “As you said yourself, I am a sorceress. And you most definitely were not the sorceress I apprenticed with.”

“You who act so high and mighty. You the, the…” Carma just snarled, “I may not have reached your level of power, but I have held this council in check. Unlike you or that fool of a Witch Doctor.”

“By your foul tongue,” Lilith calmly responded, “Not by true words and deeds. Today you even accused Hume, when it was made very clear to us that he could not have caused this EVIL. If he had been the cause, Ms. Ottomens would have explained it earlier, instead of when you wanted to barter over an alliance.”

“It may be as you say Sorcoress,” she spited the words out as if it was poison, “But I can assure you that if she was a real faye there would be no mistaking her. She wouldn’t look like one of us.”

Buckler had been listening calmly to the exchange, “Let me ask you this. Why would she be lying? What has she got to gain from it? A seat on this here council, where she gets to enjoy your company.” There was a small laugh from the right of the table.

Scott bangs his gavel on the table to call the meeting back to order. “At this time I’d like to take a vote on the proposal presented to us by Ms. Ottomens.”

Dorian, “I second the motion.”

“All those in favor of accepting Ms. Ottomens proposal of an alliance say ‘aye.’”

Carma continues to voice her objection, “I still do not believe her.” “It does not matter,” Scott said, “the ‘ayes’ have it.”

Buckler stepped into the hall and turned to Samantha, “Ya can come in.”

Samantha entered the room filled with a whole bunch of people glaring at Carma. “Have you made a decision?” Samantha kindly asked. “We have,” Scott replied, “We accept your offer of alliance.” ****************************

“Ulrich,” Stormy asked, “why is the play table in the hall?” “I don’t know,” Ulrich said, “But there’s a new bed in our bed room.” “That’s cause Seth’s going to be a big boy today,” Angel explained, “He can’t sleep his baby crib any more. He going to be sleeping in a big boy’s bed.” “You mean Seth can play with us now?” Stormy gasped. “And we can play rough and everything,” Ulrich added

Later that evening Dorian helped Seth blow out his candles, “Make a wish.” “Seth wish for…”

“No don’t say it out loud.” Neville yelled over his noise maker.

“Candles go out,” Seth said as Dorian put Seth on the floor.

With a stretch and a poof Seth was ready to be a big boy, “Wow, I can see the top of the fridge this way.” *****************

Hume who had been listening to Julien’s playing, suddenly leaned over to speak, “Cousin, I’ve heard some disturbing rumors concerning my wife and yourself?”

Julien paused, glanced over to Hume, “Who would be spreading such malicious tales? Have I given you cause to doubt my sincerity?” Julien resumes playing. “I wouldn’t believe rumors if I were you.”

Hume turns around and walks away, thinking, “There is something going, I’m sure of it.”

Late that night Kiara stood in the newly discovered attic space, “This will do nicely.”

Julien, who followed a short ways behind her, “Kiara, we have a small problem.”

“What do you mean?” she turned to look at him, a devious expression on her face. “Hume thinks that we are…” “Let him think what he will.” “He will find out the truth sooner or later.”

“Yes, cousin, he will, he will spend all his time chasing after old news. By then it will be too late for him to see the truth around him,” she leaned in for kiss. “I shall continue denying the truth, if that is what you want?” Kiara just smiled. ***************************

Buckler paced back and forth, he was thinking back to earlier in his day, “Should I tell him?”

Earlier that day he had stopped by Angel and Dorian’s. ‘Captain, what a pleasant surprise. We hardly ever see you except at council meetings, what brings you here?’ ‘Thought I might be seeing how your family been doing. And I wantn’ to be talking to Dorian bout a couple of things.’

“Dorian should be home shortly.”

As Buckler stepped into the living room he noticed the children playing through the window, it was a little girl and boy. Angel lead him towards the outdoor patio.

‘Is that the little girl that washed up?’ he asked. ‘Yes, she is,’ Angel answered, ‘isn’t she lovely?’ absently sitting down. ‘Very much,’ Buckler answered thinking that she looked a little familiar. ‘Does she have any memories of who she was?’ ‘Whatever she remembers is buried deep inside her. She never talks about her past before she washed up.’

‘Perhaps it is better that way,’ Buckler replied gruffly. ‘Would you like to meet her?’ Angel didn’t wait for Buckler to answer, ‘Stormy, Ulrich, we have a visitor,’ she called. Both kids came running. ‘This is Captain Buckler.’

‘Hi, Captin,’ Ulrich smiled. ‘Hello,’ Stormy said. She opened her mouth to say something else but didn’t.

Buckler thought she looked like the picture he’d gotten from Hume. He reached into his pocket and was going to pull out the photo of Demeter and Gibson, but he stopped and instead pulled out a coin, ‘Want to see a magic trick?’

‘Yeah’ ‘Sure’ ‘See this coin, I’m going to make it come out of your ear,’ he pointed to Stormy, he pretended to put the coin back in his pocket ‘Nothin’ in my hands,’ he waved his hands in front of them palm side out,

And then reached behind Stormy’s ear, ‘What have we here?’ He suddenly felt something unexpected, there was a little peak to her ear, in that moment he had a flashback of Hume.

‘What did you find?’

Bucker finished the magic trick, ‘Here ya go,’ he pulled a coin forward as he held it in his fingertips and handed it to her.

Both kids clapped.

He then looked at Angel, ‘Mighten I be using your water closet?’

Before, he finished his question, ‘Top of the stairs last door on the left.’

Once he was in the bathroom and made sure the door was locked, he pulled out the photo of his grandkids.

There was some shouting and giggling, he looked out the window, down at the voices, he stared at the photo for a bit.

Angel cheers at the antics of the kids.

He breaks out of his reverie and finishes up, where he returned to the patio.

As he and Angel talked, he would glance at the kids playing. Neville and Seth would alternate playing with Stormy and then run off to do other things.

‘Angel, what mightn be ya feelings about the events takin’ place in council?’

‘I’m hoping to be able to get some of those cultivated herbs that Ms. Ottomens offered.’ The sun was high overhead and Angel glanced over to check the time on the clock in the other room.

‘It’s lunch time,’ Angel called glancing in the window, ‘Would you care to join us?’ ‘No, no I’d lost track of time. Should be finishing up me errands.’ ‘Then I’ll walk you to the door.’

Once Buckler returned home he began pacing back and forth, finally he stopped, “I can’t call him. I’m not certn’. I could just ask how the family is, just to make sure. What if I give it away?”

Buckler sat down, his stomach grumbled, “Lunch,” he said a little forgetful. ****************************************

Hume answered the phone late in the evening, “Hello.” There was no responds, “Hello,” he asked again. “Hume, me boy.” “Dad you know you’re never to call me at home. What happened if someone else had picked up the phone?” “Don’t worry, I would’ve hung up.”

“So what do I owe the pleasure of your call?” “A grand-dad can’t call to hear some news bout his grand kids?” “Dad really, you call because you just want to find out how things have been.”

“I haven’t heard form you since we talked; I was hoping you had made your mind up about your little girl.” “Dad, Demi won’t be moving to the island.” “So you don’t think she needs training do ya.”

“It’s not that,” Hume paused sadness creeping into his voice, “There was an accident on the way home. We hit a storm. Demi fell overboard. The boat was destroyed. She was never found.” “I’m sorry,” Buckler said feeling the pain in his son’s voice. “Were you or your wife hurt?”

“Kiara, hit her head, but is okay. She gave birth to a little girl last week.” “That be great news! What did ya name her?” “Clara.” The two of them talked for a while about the new baby. “Dad, I need to go, but it was nice talking to you.” “I be needing to shove off me self. And don’t be forgetting to call me neither. I want to hear all about her.” “Sure thing dad,” Hume laughed as he hung up the phone.

Kiara walked up to Hume, “Who was that honey?” “Just an old friend, Dan from college, you remember him. He wanted to know if I wanted to go out for a few drinks.”

“That’s nice dear.” “I told him I couldn’t go. I have some paperwork to catch up on.” Hume walked into his private office and shut the door. **************

The years ticked by. Angel was expecting a new little one. One morning she stood screaming holding her stomach, “Dorian get in here”

“You’re doing great Honey,” Dorian said running in to the room, “I know you can do it.”

“Yeah, I’ve already had three boys.”

Soon Angel was holding a beautiful little boy, “What should we call him?” Dorian asked. “Thane,” Angel said with a smile.

It was few days later and Angel was setting up for a triple birthday party, Stormy, Ulrich and Neville were sharing a birthday, on the upper deck. Just as the party was getting underway there was a sun shower, but on one seemed to mind a little rain.

“Neville,” Ulrich said walking to his cake, “You couldn’t wait for me and Stormy,” he clapped his hands to emphasize. “Mom keeps relighting the candles. I hope that the rain stops soon.”

The rain stopped just as the kids blew out the candles on their cakes. “This is so cool,” Stormy yelled as she sparkled. “Go for it,” Scott yelled.

Dorian rushed up from his carpool in time to see his three oldest becoming teenagers. “This should be a dance,” Ulrich shouted as he jumped. When the sparkles had ended three teenagers stood where once there were kids.

“What do you think Miss Lilith?” Stormy asked. “Very nice,” Lilith said. Neville just smirked.

Ulrich pumped his arm into the arm and flexed, “I’ve got guns. Moooooooom, do we have any other clothes?” “No, you can buy some tomorrow after school.”

As the evening wore on and the buffet was laid out, Lilith sat down with Neville and Stormy. “Miss Lilith,” Neville said around a mouthful of food. “Neville, I was going to ask you, have you thought about what you want to do now that you’re a teen.” Stormy leaned into Neville, “Why is she glowing?” “I can hear you,” Lilith laughed.

“Oh,” shoveled a forkful of food into her mouth. “To answer your question,” Neville began but just stared blankly, “I have absolute no clue.”

Angel and Morgana joined Neville. Lilith had finished her food and stood up. Stormy had also finished. Neville talked with his mom, “Mom what does dad do?”

“Your dad’s in the service, why do you want to know?” “Miss Lilith asked what I wanted to do now.” “Enjoy your teenage years Nev. You can talk to your dad tomorrow about what he does.”

Lilith was by the buffet talking to Stormy, “To answer your question, it’s a secret. If you really want to know the answer, why don’t you come by my house tomorrow.” “You’ll really tell me.” “You have to come by yourself.” “But I have school tomorrow,” Stormy said sadly realizing that she did in fact have school the next morning. “How about you come by after school then?” Angel called over to Lilith, “Leave her alone Lilith why can’t you let any her enjoy her party. It doesn’t always have to be a business call.” Lilith just ignored her, “So will you come?” “Try the gelatin Lilith,” Angel called again.

Lilith got the message and looked at her husband, “Scott let’s dance,” “Honey, you know…” “Dance with me. Stormy you enjoy your party and my door is always open when you’re ready.” “Thanks.”

The party wound down late into the night. Seth who had woken in the middle of the night sat eating and complaining about the party, “Mommy, I want to sleep. Why can’t the party end already.” Morgana who knew that if they didn’t leave soon her husband would be miss the morning tide, “Irvine, let’s go.” Dorian agreed with Seth and Morganna, “The party is over. I’m sure we all have places to be in the morning.” Aside from a few snags in the conversations the party was great success.

___________________________________________

That’s it for Alliances. Stayed tune for Turning Points.And a special thanks to the creators of all my really nice CC.