Talea’s Mysteries Part 8

                                           

Previously on Talea’s mysteries

“Talea said, Ok, ok, this is—“

“Talea?” Diamond said.

Talea gasped—

                                                          Chapter 1 the water woman

At the castle, Talea and Myoura walked in the ashes of the castle burned so long ago.

Talea looked for things to rebuild the castle with when suddenly!…

“Who are you?!” a voice said. But there was nothing there but a pond.

Talea walked to the pond to investigate. The pond was small but well covered in sunlight.

All Talea saw was her reflection Until…a person appeared in the pond! Right next to Talea!

Talea looked beside her but no one was there. “Who are you?” asked Talea.

The person squinted her eyes. “Gasp! Princess.” she said with a bow.

“Mom, there’s uh, a person in, in the pond.” Talea said.

“Princess why so troubled?” asked the person.

“You didn’t answer the question. Who are you?” said Talea.

“I am the girl of reflection. I come in the reflection. From glass, to water.”

Myoura walked over. “But why?” she asked.

“It is clear you need my story.”

“Hundreds of years ago, I came to existence. But, I was not in the village. Not truly.

I was stuck. Stuck in a pond. All my life I have been in a pond… until one day I learned how to move from pond to glass and so much more. any and every reflection was my home.

One day my pond dried and I found this one. I adored rain more than anything.

In the rain I could be as if human. Walk on land. But I was still an illusion.

Never a real human.”

“I’m so sorry,” said Talea.

“It is fine. Oh! By the way my name is Vearora.”

“What a lovely name,” said Myoura.

“Anyway, why are you here?” asked Vearora.

“We are here rebuild our home,” said Myoura.

“This was our home 10 years ago. Till my sister—” Talea cut off.

“The point is we came to rebuild our home,” said Myoura.

“I will help in anyway I can,” said Vearora.

3 months later…

“And done!” said Talea.

“Finally, we’re home,” said Myoura.

                                                    Chapter 2 Stone Diamond

“Diamond?”

“Father? Is it really you?”

“Yes. It is me. I thought I lost you.”

They hugged.

“I…I missed you… so, so much, Father.”

“Wait wait, if you’re alive do you know where Myoura and Talea are?” asked Oliver, Talea and Diamond’s dad.

“I’m sorry I don’t know father.”

“Ok, well you’re here. And that’s something.”

“So what have you been doing the past 10 years?” asked Diamond.

“I don’t know. I got a job, A house.”

“But you’re a king. Where is your castle?” asked Diamond.

“Here I am not a king,” said Oliver, with an awkward look.

“But why not?” asked Diamond.

“Well, um… I don’t know how to answer that question. I guess I should show you around,” said Oliver.

“Ok,” said Diamond.

                                                  Chapter 3 Back To The Magic

“oh we’re finally home yes finally home,”  sang Talea.

“It feels so long is so long why did we not do this before?” sang Myoura.

“Chapter 1 is done but chapter 2 has yet to come,” sang Talea.

“And chapter 2 is coming soon!” sang Myoura.

“Yes chapter 2 is coming soon!” they sang.

So chapter 1 is over. But, I’ll be starting chapter 2 in March sorry for the long wait. I hope you liked my last 8 books. And yeah, please comment ideas. Thank you and happy Valentine’s day.

–Mélanie

 

Talea’s Mysteries Part 6

                                                      

   Previously on Talea’s mysteries,

Talea said, “I can’t beleve your alive!”

Diamond said, “Talea’s diary.”

Diamond said, “She knows.”

10 years ago,

Diamond said, “Ready to storm the castle?” The lemurs nodded, but when they wreaked havoc,

Diamond realized she made a big mistake.

Diamond said, “You have to STOP, this is wrong!”

The lemurs approached Diamond.

“Wait what are you doing? Oh no they’ve turned on me. If I head into the forest they won’t find me. What was that blur? No matter, I have to leave.”

Meanwhile, in Talea’s dream.

Myoura said to Talea, “Wake up sleepy head.”

Talea said, yawn, “Hi, Mom.”

Myoura said, “Let’s go get breakfast.”

Talea said, “Ok Mom.”

But when Talea and her mom were eating breakfast, the castle was stormed!

But the guards couldn’t keep the castle safe, and the royal family was separated.

And Talea was forced to run!

Then Talea and Diamond woke up from their nightmares.

When they heard a knock on the door, and they panicked, but they got to the door, and it was there Aunt Pearl!

Talea said, “Hi Aunt Pearl!”

Talea and Pearl hugged. Diamond walked over and said, “Hi.”

Pearl said, “Diamond it’s been so long!”

Diamond said, “I’s been 13 Years!”

Pearl said, “So odd.”

Talea said, “I know! Hahaha.”

Diamond wasn’t too happy about Pearl’s visit.

Talea said, “Oh where are my manners, come in, Aunt Pearl.”

Pearl said, “Gladly.”

Talea said, “So this is our house. These are our beds, oh and this our fireplace, we use it to cook food.”

Pearl said, “Nice!”

Talea said, “Are you hungry, Aunt Pearl?”

Pearl said, “I’d love a little bit to eat!”

Talea said, “Great! I’ll whip up some blue berry juice, and soup.”

10 minutes later. Pearl said, “MMM smells delicious!”

Talea said, “Diamond try some, it’s really good!”

Diamond said, “No thanks, Talea.”

Talea said, “Ok, your loss. So Aunt Pearl, where have you been the last 10 YEARS!!”

Pearl said, “So you know I live very very very far away right?”

Talea said, “Yeah, across the world.”

Pearl said, “10 years ago I got a letter saying the castle was stormed, And I got here as fast as I could. I would have been here sooner, but, I live so far away.”

Talea said, “Don’t worry about it, it’s A okay. (-:”

Diamond said, “Well it’s been fun, but I think it’s time for you to go, Aunt Pearl.”

Talea and Pearl said at the same time, “AlREADY??????!!!!!!!”

Talea said, “No n n no she just got here, nope Aunt Pearl is staying.”

Diamond said, “Hey Talea, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Talea said, “Sure.”

Diamond whispered to Talea, “Listen Talea, I’ve got a bad feeling about her, she’s up to something I know it.”

Talea said, “Well you’re wrong!! Listen, you’re the only family member I’ve seen in 10 years!

I need a refresher. )-:<

Diamond sighed, and said, “Well, guess it’s up to me now.”

Talea said, “Sorry about that, Aunt Pearl. Diamond was just umm… was asking if we needed more wood for the fire Hahaha.

Myoura said, “I’m back.”

Talea said, “Yes, I’m back to cooking desert. Hehe blue berry cake. Why don’t you watch, Aunt Pearl? Hehe. (-:>”

Pearl said, “Ok, I don’t see why not.”

Talea looked at Pearl, thinking, “I hope she didn’t see mom.”

If she reveals that mom is alive to Diamond, I can’t imagine what she’d do to me.

But Talea did imagine.

Diamond said, “I can’t believe you lied to me Talea!”

Talea said, “I’m sorry”

Diamond interrupted her, “Don’t Talea. it’s time for you to go. )-:<“

And then she pushed her off a cliff.

Talea screamed. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talea said, “Oh no.”

Later, Pearl was looking for Myoura in the woods. She said, “Ha found you. (-:<.”

Pearl tied up Myoura and said, “Sorry sis, but I want your life, HAHAHA!!!!(-:<“

Myoura tried to escape, but the rope was too tight. Pearl walked, away laughing, evilly. “HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Meanwhile with Diamond,

Diamond tried to leave the cave, but Talea asked, “Where are you going, Diamond?”

Diamond shifted. “Umm? oh! To get more berries. We used the last of the berries on the soup.”

Talea said, “Oh good.”

Diamond ran out of the cave,

And said, “fewf. What?”

Pearl said, “Sorry sis, but I want your life. HAHAHA!!!!”

Diamond gasped. “I, I have to help her.”

Talea saw all of it. She gasped and said, “She knows.”

                                                                

To be continued…

                                                         

                                                               

 

Talea’s Mysteries by Mélanie Grant Part 5

                                                                                                     Previously on Talea’s mysteries

Talea couldn’t sleep.

Talea went on a hike to calm down.

Mom!?

Part 5

Talea said, “I can’t believe you’re alive, Mom!”

Myoura said,”I can’t believe you’re here Talea!”

Talea said, “Wait, have you been here all these years?”

Myoura said, “Yes, I’ve been waiting here for you to come all these years. I’m so happy!”

Talea said, “I’m happy too!”

Talea said, “I can’t wait for you to see my home!”

Three hours later Talea said, “We’re almost there. Wait, I forgot something. Diamond lives with me,”

Myoura yelled, “WHAT!!!!!!”

Crows crowed and many flew out of the trees.

Talea said, “I know it’s surprising, but she moved in before I learned—well, you know.”

Myoura said, “OF COURSE I KNOW! HOW CAN YOU STILL LIVE WITH HER!?”

Talea said, “I can’t kick her out, she would get suspicious! Listen, all we need to do is keep Diamond from seeing you, easy-peesy-lemon-squeezy.”

Myoura said, “Fine, but I won’t be able to hide forever.”

Diamond said, “Talea, where are you?”

Talea said to Myoura, “Quick hide!”

Diamond said, “Talea, there you are, where were you?”

Talea said, while panicking, “I was taking a morning walk.”

Diamond said, “Oh well, that makes sense, but why didn’t you tell me before you left?”

Myoura sneezed.

Diamond said, “What was that?”

Talea said, “Achoo! Sorry, that was me, just the winter cold brrrr.”

Diamond said, “Well then, let’s get home before we both catch a cold.”

Talea whispered to Myoura, “Follow me.”

Myoura nodded.

Five minutes later, back home, Diamond said, “I’m going to get some berries. B.R.B.”

Talea said, “Bye, sis, see you soon.”

Once Diamond left Talea said, “It’s safe, you can come out now. Hi, Mom.”

Myoura said, “Hi, Talea! What’s for dinner?”

Talea said, “Berries.”

Myoura said, “Yum!”

Two hours later, Talea and Myoura were talking when Diamond came back. Talea said, “Hide! Oh hi, Diamond!”

Diamond said, “Hi, sis, now let’s start the fire and cook these berries.”

Ten minutes later, Talea said, “They look yummy. I’ll get some water”

Diamond said, “Bye, sis.”

A minute or so later, Diamond said, “What’s this? It’s Talea’s diary I shouldn’t read this, but no, but ok, I’ll just read a page.”

Dear diary

Today was amazing turns out mom’s alive! This is the happiest day of my life!

Talea said, “Diamond?”

Diamond quickly put the book under her bed.

“What are you doing?” said Talea

Diamond said, panicked, “Nothing.”

Talea said, “Oh, well, I got the water.”

Diamond said, “Great! So how’s your day been?”

Talea said, “Good, how’s your day been?”

Diamond said, “Good,”

Just before bed, Talea said “Where’s my diary, oh well, I’ll look for it in the morning.”

The next morning, Talea yawned, then said, “Morning, Diamond.”

Diamond said, “Morning? Oh no, I’ve been up all night!”

Talea said, “Well, then you get some more rest and I’ll get breakfast, ok?”

Diamond said, while yawning, “Ok.”

Talea said, “Good.’

Diamond said. “Well, while she’s gone, I should think about what was in her diary. Now I need to figure out if Talea’s on to me or not. To figure out more I’ll read more of her diary

Dear diary

Our Aunt Pearl may visit but haven’t told Diamond yet.

Diamond said, “Well, that’s no help. I’ll read anther page.”

Dear diary

Today I found an iron tree with a secret compartment and there was a chest in it. Tonight I couldn’t sleep. I’ve decided to open the chest. Inside was a note and locket, which had a painting of my family, and the note said that Mom’s alive and that Diamond was the traitor.

Diamond said, “She knows.”

                                                                                                                        To be continued

 

Talea’s Mysteries by Mélanie Grant Part 4

                                                               Previously on Talea’s mysteries

The tree was made of iron.

Talea laid awake.

Mom’s alive?

Part 4

Talea said, while pacing, “Ok, let’s think about this. Mom’s alive according to Mom, and Diamond is the traitor. Whew, I think my brain is going to explode.”

Diamond said tiredly and while yawning, “Talea? What are you doing up?”

Talea said, “Ummmm……..I was getting a cup of water.”

Diamond said, “Oh, ok,” while yawing. “I’m going back to bed,” yawn.

Diamond lied back down.

Talea went back to bed too. She rolled on her side and quickly fell asleep.

But even though she was somewhat happy, because her mother was still alive, she still had a nightmare.

Talea was 5 again and she was running through the forest. She saw her mom and happily said “Mommy!” She was running to her mom when suddenly Diamond came and Talea’s mom fell off a cliff. Talea said, “MOMMYYYYYYYY!!!!!!”

Talea started to cry when suddenly Diamond pushed Talea off the cliff. As she fell she saw an evil smile on Diamond’s face

Talea then woke up. While breathing fast, she looked outside. Talea decided to go on a hike on the mountains. After walking 10 miles, it was getting bright out. In the horizon’s light, Talea saw a cave and a campfire. Then someone walked out of the cave. Talea said, “Who are you?”

“Talea? I thought you were gone. I’m so happy to see you!” the stranger said happily.

Talea said, “Do I know you?”

Myhrora said, “Don’t you recognize me? I’m Myhrora.”

Talea said, “Wait Myhrora was my…hoh! Wait, are you?” Talea started to smile. “Mom!”

Myhrora said, “Talea! I’m so happy to see you!” while hugging her.

Talea said, “I got your note.”

                                                                       To be continued

 

Talea’s Mysteries by Mélanie Grant Part 3

                                                             Previously on Talea’s Mysteries

“I thought you were gone. Where you, Diamond?”

“I have my ways.’

“She’s hiding something, and I’m going to find out what.”

Part 3

Diamond said, “Come on, come on, Talea.”

Talea said, “I’m coming, I’m coming.”

While Talea and Diamond were chopping down trees, at Talea’s 5th tree she heard a noise coming from inside the tree. She felt the tree and it turned out the trunk was made of iron painted brown and there was a secret compartment in the tree. Talea opened the secret compartment and there was a small box inside. Talea took the box and closed the compartment before Diamond saw her. Talea wandered if it had anything to do with her family.

Talea said to Diamond, “I think we have enough wood now.”

Diamond said, “Ok. we’ll head back home.”

Late at night Talea laid awake in bed wondering what was inside the box.

Talea got up and opened the box. It was a note and a locket, Talea read the note and it said:

Dear Talea,It’s your mom. If you’re reading this you need to know I found out who the traitor is.

Talea said, “What?“

She is Diamond. Be carefu.l I don’t know why she would ever hurt us or the

Kingdom. 1 more thing. I am alive. How do you think I planted this note?

Talea said, “Mom’s alive?”

                                                               To be continued

 

Talea’s Mysteries by Mélanie Grant Part 2

Here is Part 2 of Mélanie Grant’s Talea’s Mysteries.

                                                Previously on Talea’s Mysteries

“What’s that rustling in the bushes?’

“Something must be following me.”

“Sis?” “Talea?”

Part 2

Talea said, “I thought you were gone. Where were you, Diamond?”

Diamond said “I was living in the forest. Where were you?”

Talea said, “Here.”

Diamond said, “Your place is nice.”

Talea said,”So where have you been living Diamond?”

“Well, kinda everywhere. I never really settled down anywhere.”

Talea said, “Well now you can settle down here.”

Diamond said, “Really, thank you!”

Talea said, “I’ll get wood, vines, feathers, and wool for your bed.”

Next morning Diamond woke up to the smell of breakfast. “You’re awake all ready?” said Diamond.

Talea said, “Ya, I’m surprised you weren’t awake earlier.”

Diamond said, “But its 8:00.”

Talea said, “I woke up an hour ago. I have to. I have to shear the sheep, milk the cows, collect berries, collect wood, and do it all before dinner, and every weekend gather coal and iron. Anyway, breakfast?”

Diamond said, “Sure, wow. This is great!”

Talea said, “So I’ve been needing to ask you something.”

Diamond said, “Ok, what do you want to know?”

Talea said, “I want to know how you survived all this time with no home.”

Diamond said, “Ummm………. I have my ways.”

Talea said, “Oh ok,” while thinking She’s hiding something – what?

Diamond said, “We should go and chop down a few trees now to build a 4th wall and doors.”

Talea said, “Ok hmm…….. “

As Diamond walked away, Talea said, “She’s hiding something, and I’m going to find out what.”

 

Taleea’s Mysteries by Mélanie Grant Part 1

My daughter Mélanie is writing her first book. We are going to create a page for her on this site to post her stories, but for now she is going to share them here, one part at at time.

Here is the first part of Taleea’s Mysteries by Mélanie Cordelia Grant.

Once upon a time there was a princess named Taleea who lived in a beautiful castle. But one day, they discovered a traitor among them, and the castle was stormed. Taleea’s family was killed. As she ran into the forest, she saw a blur.

10 years later.

 Taleaa was watching a bear to find out what berries were safe to eat. When the bear left, she picked the rest of the berries on the bush that the bear picked berries from. She went back to her cave home because it was getting dark. When she got back, she started a fire to stay warm. She heard some rustling in the bushes. Then she quickly put out the fire so that the animal wouldn’t notice her. She got out her spear. She said, “Who’s there?”

She looked in the bushes, but there was nothing there. She started the fire back up and went to bed. The next morning, she heard something again. It was clear something was stalking her. She went to go get more berries and water. Then she saw a blur by the stream. And said, “Who’s there? I know there’s someone out there. Show yourself.”

She looked very carefully. She didn’t find anyone, but she did find footprints. She knew something was watching her.

One night when she came back to her cave home, there was someone in her home. Her sister was in her home..Taleea said, “Sis?”

Her sister Diamond quickly replied, “Taleea?”

To be continued

 

THE TAVISTOCK PLOT is out in the world on May 14

Hi! It’s a long time, since I’ve posted, and our world is such a different place. In the chaos of the past few weeks – canceled plans, learning to wear masks, learning how to use FaceTime and Zoom, worrying about friends and family – finishing up The Tavistock Plot has helped keep me sane. And now, on May 14, Malcolm and Mélanie Rannoch’s latest adventure will be out in the world. I can’t wait to be able to talk about it with readers (though of course it’s always a bit nerve-wracking waiting for responses).

The Tavistock Plot takes its name from the fictional Tavistock Theatre managed by Simon Tanner, where Mélanie Rannoch’s first play is premiering in the book. As I mentioned to friends at a Zoom birthday party tonight, it was both poignant and exhilarating to be working on a story set in the theatre when so many theatres are dark. This week started with the Merola Opera Program, where I work in the non-novelist part of my life, announcing the cancellation of our 2020 training program and festival season. It ended this evening with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where my daughter Mélanie and I go three times a year, announcing the cancellation of their fall season (after the spring and summer had already been cancelled). At a time when so many of my singer and actor friends are unable to perform, I am so grateful that writing is one art form that is not limited by quarantine. I’ve been reading excerpts from it on video on social media which you can find on my Facebook page. I’m already plotting next fall’s Rannoch novella, and the novel after that…

How are you coping in these challenging times? What are you finding to keep you going? My daughter Mélanie and I are making up stories and I’m reading Pride and Prejudice out loud to her. We’re having movie nights and learning that Zoom works for group playdates as well as meetings. We’re both expanding our cooking repertoire (we love risotto). With spring, we’re enjoying our yard (where we are in the picture above, with Mélanie’s first toy and constant companion Guena). We both love chances to connect with people. And I’m excited that The Tavistock Plot will soon give me the opportunity to do so.

Stay safe!

Tracy

 

GLENISTER PAPERS Book Launch Party – June 2nd

Birthday and GLENISTER PAPERS publication day dinner at Alchemy in Ashland, Oregon, 15 May, 2019

Happy almost summer! THE GLENISTER PAPERS has been out in the world for two weeks. Do share your thoughts about it, here, or on the the Goodreads Group or other platforms.

I’ll be celebrating it’s release with a launch party at Book Passage in Sausalito this Sunday, June 2, at 4:00 pm. We’ll have wine and cheese and other treats, as well as snacks for kids, and I’ll be reading from and talking about the book and signing copies.

If you can’t make it but would like a personalized, signed copy, you can order one from Book Passage (800) 999-7909) and tell them you would like it personalized on June 2nd.

We’re also going to livestream the talk and q&a on my Facebook page. You can either watch live at 4:00 pm PST or check the page for the video later. If you have questions you’d like me to answer, email me or post them here, and I’ll add them to the questions at the event.

I’ll be sure to post pictures after the launch!

Cheers,

Tracy

 

Darlington Letters up for pre-order & Duke’s Gambit out takes

At the 2018 Merola Grand Finale. Photo: Kristen Loken

Happy Fall! I’ve been busy writing, being a mom, working at Merola (there above are Mélanie and I at the Merola Grand Finale, photo by the amazing Kristen Loken), and haven’t been posting enough. But one result of that writing is the The Darlington Letters, a novella that continues the Rannoch series were The Duke’s Gambit left off, is now up for pre-order. It will be released November 14. It included a teaser for the next full length novel, The Glenister Papers, which will be out in May 2019.

I’m really excited to have a new story out in the world. Meanwhile here are a couple of out takes that didn’t make it into The Duke’s Gambit.

The first is a scene between Malcolm and Addison, which I didn’t include because getting Addison and Blanca back from Italy in the time allotted proved too complicated.

Addison shook out a black cashmere coat. “Your cravats are sadly in want of starching, but that’s easily done. Your coats are in reasonably decent order, but as long as we’re in London, we might as well order you a new one from Hobbs. Boots too.”
Malcolm studied his valet. “Addison, we won’t—”

“Be here long? All the more reason to attend to it while we can. We ordered from the Continent once or twice, but it much better when they can tailor them on you in person.”
“Addison, for God’s sake, we have—“
“More important things to think about? I won’t argue with that.” Addison folded the black coat. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have time for the coats.” He twitched a sleeve smooth. “I know the pressures you’re under. I’m concerned about Mrs. Thirle myself. I can scarcely imagine how difficult it must before for you. It won’t take much of your time. I can handle the rest.”
Malcolm got up and went to pour two glasses of whisky. “You should spend the time we have here with your family.”
“I will.” Addison met Malcolm’s gaze as he accepted a glass of whisky. “But you of all people should understand about the need to keep busy.”

 

The second I cut from a longer scene between Laura and Raoul. Part of what’s below remained in the published book, but I cut the last part because I think it can oversimplify to say that a current relationship, however strong, renders prior relationships less important. I’m curious about what other’s think.

Laura put her hands on his chest. “There’s something else to report about the League.” She kept her voice as conversational as possible. “One of their members approached me today.”

She told him about Sir Lucius Brandon, as succinctly and with as little drama as possible. Raoul listened without interruption, his gaze steady on her face, but his brows drew together.

“I got you into this.”

“Not this,” Laura said. “I got entangled with the League on my own. I’m rather insulted they know me so little they think there’s the least chance they could turn me against you. Or convince me they could or would protect you.”

“They’re desperate.”

“Which could be an advantage.”

“Or could make them more dangerous.”

“We’ve always known the League were a potential threat.”

“But they hadn’t verbalized it this directly.” He pulled her to him again, his chin on her hair. “I don’t think I could survive anything happening to you.”

“That’s nonsense,” Laura said, voice muffled by his cravat. “You know you could survive anything if you had to. And you’d have to, for the children.”

“There are different definitions of survive. I’d find a way to go on.”

Laura pulled her head back to look up at him. “And I hope you’d be happy again.”

He put his hand against the side of her face. “One doesn’t find this again, my darling.”

She looked into his gaze. The gaze of a man shaken, perhaps more than he had thought possible. Which in turn shook her.

“You’d like to fling my past in my face?” he said. “I don’t deny the other bonds I’ve formed. I don’t deny their strength. This is different, Laura. This, what we’ve built. We’ve been playing for keeps from the first. Even before we—I—admitted it.”

She slid her arms round him. “For me as well. And of course I also hope it never comes to pass. I feel the same way when you’re gone. I know I can’t completely deny the risks. I trust you’re taking every precaution. I trust you. I trust you trust me.”

“You know I do, sweetheart. It doesn’t make the terror go away.”

“It’s part of the lives we lead.”

He gave a bleak smile and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “That’s my Laura. Throwing my own words back at me.”