Question Dawn of the Aurora

The dawning of a new character... and Auroras.

OH! IT'S HERE! Elle Ruud! Apparently... 'Cause the thread updated.

I keep forgetting about Whateley! WHY?!?



...

Hmm... Well, not all physical alterations are mutations. Some are Origins and stuff. Must she be an Avatar to get Aegloswen's spirit? Well, she's got the spirit anyways, so not like there's any functional difference.

"A crown," she said. "I ... I think I dreamed that maybe my mother was a princess or something." She looked back at him. "And .... I am certain of one other name, although I can't think of why it's so important."

"What name is that?"

"Aunghadhail."

Hmm... Did they all have crowns? Or is it Aunghadhail's crown?

The woman on the dais nodded at the Queen's words, then wiped tears from her eyes. She knelt before the queen, who took something from one of her attendants. "By this crown," she said loudly and clearly, "you are Queen of the Ice Realm, Daughter of the Aurora, Seventh of the Nine Queens of the Courts." She placed the crown upon the head of the kneeling woman, then the standing queen took another item from her other attendant. "By this scepter, you are Keeper of the Frost Crystal, and are given power to rule this realm on behalf of the Nine Queens and the Five-Fold Courts."

Ice Realm... How many Realms are there? And Frost Crystal. What other Crystals are there??

Aegloswen is Amnesiac Woobie!

Shipping Silje with Elle.

... Essence Budgeting! First discussion of it we've seen in Canon!

I thought this was gonna be a single-part... Hmm... Will Part 2 have some twists? Perhaps the Witches aren't the only ones who know about Dúrnir.

***

whateleyacademy.net/index.php/forum/the-...erse?start=240#12825 :

elrodw wrote: Well, Aung was first of NINE queens. There are probably others as well. I know one of my probably characters in fall 07 is a Norwegian girl who's now a Sidhe, and reputedly the seventh of the queens, although she doesn't remember it - despite others who DO (like a bratty little sister). Ice / Nordic powers. Interesting girl, she will be, ummm??? A nickname she will have, yes???

Hmm...

To her side, a couple of steps behind her, the younger girl stood, trying her best to look happy, or at least neutral, but it was clear she was angry or jealous or some combination thereof.

"Ninimeth!" Aegloswen exclaimed softly.

Bratty Little Sister will Incarnate? ... Or hang out with Big Sis in Elle's head? Perhaps something to do with the Dúrnir confrontation?

If Lil' Sis incarnates, (Nini, for now... Hmm... Similar to Ninny ...)... Anyway, if she incarnates, and is a Junior High Kid, I think she'll join the TLW, to look for power-ups. 'Cause she wants to be powerful-er?

The spirit is Aung's daughter, what will that do to Nikki?

mhalpern wrote: The spirit is Aug's daughter, what will that do to Nikki?

Aung. And I think Aeg's her sister.

There's more than 1 generation of Sidhe Royalty, as seen in Life's But a Walking Shadow , so their mother would could have been a princess before she became a queen. And they'd know that if their mother had them before her Coronation or whatever.

Aung was poisoned, and survived , barren. So this Queen of the Frozen North can't be her daughter. Niece... maybe? Going to be interesting to see what happens when Nikki and Elle meet.

It could also be that calling her "Daughter" is merely a familiar way of greeting another royal member.

elrodw wrote: It could also be that calling her "Daughter" is merely a familiar way of greeting another royal member.

or Aung 'adopted' her because she loved her like a daughter.

Elle 1-Dawn of the Aurora Part 1 comments
Interesting epic poem to start off the story with. Einar Arvid Ruud, interesting name, really stands out. Two little sisters, Sara and Thea, hhm, wonder what their futures hold. Heh, kid who just wants to spend time with his friends as the summer is coming to an end, I can relate a little.

Bicycling in the summer, how I miss it. Halvard sounds almost like an ancient Viking come to life, wonder if that is any type of foreshadowing or not. Jonathan, Silje and Ingrid, can tell it is set in Norway. Friends teasing friends and not saying a girl he likes is coming, classic.

Dang, kayaking for hours and hiking to have a picnic, definitely not typical activities I grew up with. *groans* Hormones doing a number on the kid's common sense, promised a kiss by the girl he likes so he rushes and pays for it. Slipping and hitting his head on a rock, hope they aren't too far from getting help.

Dang, great shift in environment, suggest a dream or mental encounter. Dang, white hair with highlights of shades of translucent blues, blue eyes with green and white streaks in them, ears like an elf, a Sidhe queen no doubt. Aegloswen, definitely a name that evokes magic and the exotic. And Einar is to be the way for Aegloswen to be reborn, poor kid is scared by the implications as much as Nick was when he first started changing with even less information. Going to be a bumpy ride.

Regine watching over Einar with concern, yikes, that is a vivid description of the pain he is in. Not cold after being in that, yeah, I would call a rescue team for my friend as well. First thought is something wrong with his body or brain where he can't feel the cold, no one would think something supernatural/paranormal was going on.

Scrying like that, yeah, never a good thing one way or another for the newly awakening power. Gunhild Pedersdottir, name like that plus she knows Old Norse, yeah, definitely not good. Helka Arud, talk of She has returned and talk of bringing dark times for them, yeah, seriously bad. With talk of a blood oath to He and Gunhild name, I get the feeling they are somehow connected to Loki or some other big name god from ancient times. Delivered, bound, poor kid already has powerful enemies who know more about him the Sidhe queen he is connected to than him.

Teasing from the doctor about almost literally losing his head over a pretty girl, lol. Uh oh, told about his not-a-dream to the doctor. More teasing about it being nothing more than a school fantasy, poor Einar can't catch a break. Oh boy, holding him for his mother since he has a severe concussion, he is in trouble. Poor kid, bed rest for a few days or go to the hospital. And kept for observation, at least the doctor is cautious.

Anna-Marie Ruud, poor Einar and his sister have to deal with friends calling her a MILF, awkward. Healed and cleared by the doctor to go out with his friends, yet mom is overprotective after what happened to him, understandable. Funnsjoen Lake, unique names over there.

Making out with Regine who was worried about him, just starting to go out it seems, and his eyes have changed, becoming a darker blue. Oh boy, the doctor can tell his irises have changed color slightly, plus eyesight might be a little better than 20/20 now. And the doctor, the way he is talking, suspects Einar has activated as a mutant. All that talk of monitoring him and blood tests, Einar tries to make up an excuse to stay home from school, only to get teased by his mom about seeing Regina.

Ears hurt, hair starting to change to like Aegloswen's and mom notices while checking his ears, oh boy. Going to the doctor over his ears, yet the doctor doesn't know what is going on with his hair or ears either. Asked about any other symptoms Einar is embarrassed to the point of asking to talk to the doctor alone. Smaller penis, testicles feel weird and not sensitive, poor kid, the answers are going to freak him out even more. Sore chest, only explanation the doctor can come to now is one Einar won't like.

News Einar might be a mutant, with no cure or way to stop it, taking Einar out for an MRI while the doctor talks with his mom. Poor kid and family, he might be changing into a female is all the doctor can give, yet they have to wait for more tests to confirm it.

Going to Trondheim without his parents and mom is worried about his kid. And good reasons for why neither parent is going with him, little sister sick and dad busy with a meeting at the resort. An appointment for Einar and more testing, he doesn't know what he is in for if it is anything like the American testing for mutants. Bumps into an old lady who senses something strange from him, betting it is Gunhild based on the description and how she reacted to Einar. Thinking something is impossible, that will be their downfall.

Blood samples, X-rays and scans, not once but twice, 7 specialists who questioned him and he thinks were totally confused by everything. Back from all that and first thing he does is go see Regine. Goes inside and Regina gives him a lengthy kiss, dang. Oh boy, Lars telling everyone Einar is a mutant, this is bad. Trying to use the concussion as an excuse for the changes, yet Regine isn't buying it. No-one has said he is a mutant yet, oh boy, this will make it harder later on. Regine would still like him if he was a mutant, but tells him he is worrying about things that probably won't happen. Ouch, almost anytime someone says that what they say won't happen does. Right up there with "What could possibly go wrong?" in things not to say.

13 ladies, only 4 younger than 40, witches coven, oh boy. This is extremely bad for Einar. Gunhild Pedersdottir, Anika Kundsen, Helka, Ingeborg Heimdahl, sickening group, Anika stealing her "apprentice" youth and beauty without her knowing. Hopefully not knowing how the Sidhe queen is coming back will mess up their working. But it works, they know the ice queen is awakening, thus Durnir must be as well. Great, an evil Sidhe lord is who Durnir is and wishes to bind the ice queen to him. A working to find the girl, that isn't going to work just yet, I suspect.

Halvard teasing Einar about being a mutant without knowing for sure, and he calls him Einar's friend. Jonathan wants Einar and Regine to go with them to a concert Friday night in Trondheim, yet Einar has to go there Friday morning for testing, not thinking his mom would want to stay. Regine kisses him, but no reaction from Einar and she is worried, his changes, he has kept some of the details from her but will tell her once they are at his home.

Revealing he is a mutant and turning into a girl to Regine, ouch. Thinking it will take a few years for the changes to complete, highly doubt that. Almost like the northern lights are in his eyes, dang. All these things revealed to the girl he fell for, hardest part of the whole thing so far. Yikes, telling her about Aegloswen in his dreams, plus Aegloswen doesn't know completely who she is, who she was, or anything. *eyes bug out* And Regine says he hasn't turned into a girl yet and continues making out with Einar, understanding girlfriend right there.

Oh boy, talk with parents and they want him to grow out his hair to hide his ears better. He reacts badly to this, thinking they are trying to push him into acting girly because they are certain he is going to turn into a girl, accusing them of wanting him to be a girl. Talks about what else they would expect of him next and breaks down crying.

Sometimes we don't have a choice. Sometimes things happen outside our control.

A hard lesson everyone has to learn. Einar is scared, not knowing what to do, while his mom assures him they are there to talk to, listen to, and help in any way they can.

In his dreams again and talking to Aegloswen, asking why she brings him here, yet she thought he came to her of his own accord, yikes, this is a lot different than any past story with Sidhe. Oh boy, not sure how long ago she last walked the Earth and if this is just her dream. Oh crud, her memories are fragmented badly, where she can't tell what truly happened and what is illusion, poor woman. She remembers 3 sisters, living near ice and snow, evil monsters, a crown, believes her mother was a princess and Aunghadhail, wondering why that name is so important.

Comfortable in the cold and getting ragged on by Kristian about hitting his head on a rock. Possible asked to try out for the biathlon team, Per is jealous and bumps into Einar on purpose. Einar called a mutant and still lying about it, this is going to blow up in his face badly. Per calling him out on several things, calling his ears fairy ears, getting Einar more upset. Slight pressure he'd been feeling for days increases suddenly, uh oh.

Einar lies about the elastic around his chest, Per doesn't believe him and plans to throw him in the showers with them really cold. The cold from the shower just allowed the energy that had built up inside him to come bursting out, intense cold that turns the showerheads into giant icicles. Extreme cold like that and Einar runs away after seeing it happen.

Great, his mom getting talked to by the principal about the incident being unacceptable, yet she talks about him being bullied again. Zero tolerance towards bullying, yet also towards major disruptions and attacks on other students as she sees it, oh brother. Great, Anja Naess is another MILF who the boys at school talk about. Suspend him for the safety of the other students until a report from the Ministry of Health says his condition is not a threat to the student body.

Oh boy, principal talking about suspending Einar for the safety of the other students, but nothing about punishing the bullies. I like Mrs. Ruud, sneaky and manipulative without being obvious about it, got the principal to agree to Einar attending classes virtually. Telling Regine about what happened as he and his mom are about to leave the school, Ms. Iron Bitch, nice nickname for that principal, zero tolerance for bullying yet nothing done to them so far. Him being suspending isn't going to keep the who lovebirds apart, it seems. Telling his mom he couldn't do anything like that anyways, oh brother.

Helka, Gunhild and Anika and they detected the use of Aegloswen's power, but it is muddled. Ah, good, only know the general direction of where Einar is for now. Moving the circle closer and closer each time her power is used, that doesn't seem like it is going to work out too well for them.

Oh boy, all the tests just confirm Einar is turning more and more female, kid has to be a bundle of nerves about this by now. Examinations and now allergy tests for the poor kid, elastic band on underwear causing a rash. All that examination and embarrassment for the poor kid, at least they might start getting some more answers. Telling them about not feeling the cold, hips hurting like when he had a growth spurt but only in the hips.

Oh boy, going to see a devisor it seems based on his appearance and gear, for mutant power testing it seems. Upper and lower body strength tests, reflexes and speed tests, psychic tests which Einar failed completely. Crystals waved at Einar, first one glows soft green with increasing intensity the glower it gets to him. Test and shows his cold projection turning a glass of water to ice, can't make another glass hot, and held a piece of metal which burned him [cold iron].

Doctor Holgersen knows some of what is going on now. No enhanced strength or reflexes, so no exemplar, no way to test if he is an avatar which the doctor believe the voice that speaks to him in his dreams suggest. Einar and his mom now know he is turning into a Sidhe, ice and snow powers are use of magic, not energizer. Reading material to learn to control his magic, but needs a magically-trained tutor or a special school, Einar is going to be upset being separated from his family and from Regine though.

Wonder what scene Einar and Aegloswen are watching from her memories of the past and where it took place. Thousands and thousands of Sidhe, dang. 1 of the queens and her attendants show up. Calling the young woman in the center daughter and that she grieves with her, oh boy, death in the family. Aegloswen it seems, being named the 7th of the Nine Queens of the Courts, Keeper of the Frost Crystal and ruler of the realm they are in on behalf of the Nine Queens and the Five-Fold Courts. Why does Aegloswen cry out Ninimeth, she can't remember but I suspect it is the younger girl and her younger sister's name.

Oh boy, Einar wishes to go back to school despite how much he has changed and the high probability of teasing and more bullying. Hair color has completely changed and in an androgynous style, eyes are almond-shaped, face less masculine, along with weight loss and rounding of his body make him look a lot more female than male. Needs a bra and 2 years at most until he is fully a she, ouch.

Oh boy, Regine treats him more like one of the girls now, double ouch. Made an iceberg in his little sister's tub, at least she wasn't in it. Grounded for a week and no visitors for 3 days because of it. Harald, his dad, having to struggle to keep from smiling or laughing at the prank. Has to practice with his powers so they won't get hobgoblins, though the image of little white snow bunnies with fangs is just too perfect. Instead of grounding his dad suggested something much more cruel, shopping with his mom, little sisters, and female friends! And mom makes it worse with ideas for the trip, poor kid is getting a crash course in certain aspects of being a female whether he likes it or not.

Great, the witch circle got a hit on Einar using his powers and are closing in, but it a thousand-square kilometer area thankfully. Gunhild is insane, summon the ice queen like that, right up there with worst ideas ever. Okay, I see why they are plotting all this, eternal sex-slaves to a power-mad Sidhe lord if they don't, desperation will make people do crazy things. 2-3 months for them to prepare the ritual to try and summon Aegloswen, enough time to get her safely out of range I hope.

Going with Regine to the resort to make some snow and help out his dad, that can't go wrong, right? Avoided being dragged into a lingerie store, he got lucky this time. Making that much snow in a short amount of time, it is just going to accelerate the changes and alert the enemy to his location, though how close they get are this time I wonder. Convinced the guy to let him drive a snow-cat, tricky.

Nice explanation of how Einar's magic works. Snow fight between Silje and Regine, cute. Snowball misses Regine as she ducks, hits Einar and he sends a mini blizzard at them until they say they give. Telling about hobgoblins and a second incident of them with green furballs with fangs for them, I would laugh too, unless you are on the end of a hobgoblin attack it sounds funny.

Oh boy, talk of Einar changing and it takes a little while for Silje to figure out he is turning into a girl. And Silje is happy about it, thinking it is so cool, happy her BFF will be one of the girls, not realize how it must feel to him, oh boy. Talk about his hair, his eyes, calling him and a girl and Einar saying he isn't a girl, the girls saying yet. He is right about them making his life miserable, journey has only started and all this much to deal with.

Each time they detect her it in a different location far enough from each other to mess with the coven. Forcing them to use up more essence, which they need for the summoning and to watch for Durnir, plus calling down the moon in 2 weeks. Having to conserve their essence now for all their plans, it is going to trip them up in the end, I just feel it. Can't wait for the 2nd and according to end of the story, final, part when it is released.

Oh no...i can already see it now. Jade is going to have a field day with the new girl." Elsa? Is that you?"

Yolandria wrote: Oh no...i can already see it now. Jade is going to have a field day with the new girl." Elsa? Is that you?"

That would be funny, but no. It is set in 2007, so unless the movie got made and released many years before in the WA universe that reference won't work. Too bad, would be funny to see Elle's reaction to it.

mhalpern wrote: The spirit is Aung's daughter, what will that do to Nikki?

Based upon Aung's speech patterns in Whisper, she addressed all Sidhe, younger than her as "daughter," and likely "son."

Whisper wrote: “What happened to her?” I (Whisper) ask with a whisper as I stare at the floor.

“The child that they feared and tortured for so long, is no more, my daughter.” Nikki says as her voice changes.

She sounds so different, ancient, deeply sad, and commanding. I feel a pressure of some kind. It feels magical and powerful. My eyes snap up to her face as I feel myself unconsciously sitting up straighter instead of slouching in the chair. I want to address her, but I don’t know what to say. Do I say “Her Majesty” or “Queen Aunghadhail” or what? I settle for honesty.

“I’m sorry, but how should I, umm, properly address you?” I ask, feeling like I am two inches tall for not knowing.

She surprises me by grabbing my hand and pulling me up from the chair with a gentle laugh. “Oh you are a treasure, Brianna. It has been so many years since I have witnessed the birth of a new daughter.”

“But...” I say, before she stops me with a glance. I was about to say that I wasn’t really a girl.

“Hush child, I know and I understand, but that does not make you any less in our eyes. We have high hopes for you and we will be most displeased if your potential is put into peril by the greed and fear of man.”

I start to feel a little more relaxed in her presence. Wait a minute! Now I’m confused again. “Daughter? I am supposed to call you ‘Mom’ or something?”

Malady wrote: ... Essence Budgeting! First discussion of it we've seen in Canon!

The three little witches where constantly after essence, So the idea of needing to store it, and their inability to do so, has definatly come up before.

konzill wrote:

Malady wrote: ... Essence Budgeting! First discussion of it we've seen in Canon!

The three little witches where constantly after essence, So the idea of needing to store it, and their inability to do so, has definatly come up before.

It was covered extensively in the scenes where Ayla and Kayda are learning magic. Jadis talks about it because she doesn't have a lot and uses her spell cards to augment her magic, Diamondback does the same thing.

How many Sidhe queens have been introduced now, beside Aunghadhail and Aegloswen? Are they the only two? If so, I predict a storm of cataclysmic proportion in Einar's future xD (Purely based on precent)

To my knowledge it's only been these 2 so far. Now that doesn't mean there hasn't been mentions of the other queens in short snippets in many of the early stories.

One thing that's unfortunate given the title of "Ice Queen" is that it is at least 6 years too early for giving her a rapier with various elemental powers to be appropriate, though more likely 7, of course, then Phase would have to be convinced to arrange a "cake butler" which would make it 9 years too early...

Oh god. So it wasn't enough that just as we were finally rid of Unga Bunga, we got saddled with Walkie Talkie, Tonka Truck, Why He Not Pay, and (in Gen2) Amadeus-desu. No, now we also have to contend with Unga's brain-damaged compatriot Igloo-Swan. WILL IT NEVER END?

Mock dismay aside, I do think a character having a spirit with amnesia will be an interesting change of pace. Assuming the amnesia sticks rather than getting cured a short ways into the story, Igloo-Swan might get to be a secondary protagonist with real character progression instead of being shunted into the mentor role like most of the other special snowflake spirits. I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

Anyway, my favorite part of this first chapter is when Doctor Holgersen drinks the water. That was a very nice touch.

Kettlekorn wrote: Anyway, my favorite part of this first chapter is when Doctor Holgersen drinks the water. That was a very nice touch.

I kept imagining how Christopher Lloyd (as Doc Brown) would act, and that seemed to fit the 'scatterbrained genius' image I had of him. I thought it was amusing - glad to see someone else appreciates it.

elrodw wrote:

Kettlekorn wrote: Anyway, my favorite part of this first chapter is when Doctor Holgersen drinks the water. That was a very nice touch.

I kept imagining how Christopher Lloyd (as Doc Brown) would act, and that seemed to fit the 'scatterbrained genius' image I had of him. I thought it was amusing - glad to see someone else appreciates it.

Oh! This:

This time, nothing happened. The doctor's crystals didn't glow, he didn't feel any pressure build and release, and the cup of water stayed a boring, room-temperature cup of water. The doctor took the cup, and after feeling its temperature, drank it and tossed the cup away.

Yeah! That casual trust that nothing went wrong, is funny!

... Einar shrugs a lot?

With a shrug, Einar picked up the glass...

With a shrug, Einar took the bar.

Maybe that'll change once he turns into a girl?

A very interesting start to Einar's tale (there are various female forms: Ena, Ene and Enea - although neither are in common usage) and nice that at least some of his friends still hang out with him, despite the rather dramatic changes slowly occuring to him. There are several similarities with Nikki's manifestion, although several differences as well - Aegloswen potentially hasn't reincarnated for millennia, so doesn't have the experiences Aung had, while the amnesia suggests the possibility of a far smaller soul fragment. Needless to say, it's almost guaranteed she doesn't have WTF?! power levels - and regardless of what her eventual power levels turn out to be, it's likely even when she starts remembering things, there won't come the array of pre-Sundering pre-prepared spells. I'm imagining when Einar arrives at Whateley, their power abiltiies will probably be on a par with Suzan Chylds (even better if you manage to obtain Drunkfu's permission to at least acknowledge the presence of Year 1's Ice Queen, even if you can't do anything with her).

Meanwhile, it wouldn't be an ElrodW story without someone (or something) attempting to find our protagonist and intending to use them in their own nefarious schemes - in this case, a Coven whose distant ancestors allegedly performed a favour for Dúrnir, and are worried that with Aegloswen re-entering the world, Dúrnir will appear (presumably not in bodily form) and either take over Aegloswen's body or, if the Coven don't manage to perform the spell on her, he'll take them as slaves instead.

However, the Coven have assumed that Aegloswen's been reincarnated from birth - the fact she's actually in an avatar-ish relationship with Einar (although as with Nikki, possibly not a conventional avatar relationship so Einar may not warrant the AV rating) won't factor into their calculations, and if they manage to get Einar into their spell circle, things are likely to not go according to plan. Of course, that probably won't stop them from trying (or seeking other like-minded individuals to try), which will provide the obligatory threat to Einar when they start at Whateley.

Finally, it's worth noting that Einar has siblings, so it's remotely possible that when Canon eventually reaches G1Y3 and beyond...

(Aside - notes the clinic town is Trondheim, not Troldhaugen )

I don't recall it being confirmed anywhere, but we're in agreement on the assumption that Elle will be attending Whateley, yes? In which case, while I've no idea as to the extent of such or the longevity, this Coven targeting Einar will almost certainly be the impetus that drives them to the relative safety as Whateley, as opposed to staying put and getting a more standard education.

As for Dúrnir, the physical description of "a man with similar elfin features, but very dark skin and rugged features" immediately brings to mind Svartálfar - otherwise known as Dark Elves. Of course this might not be strictly the case, due to the interpretations of standard mythology and folklore that the authors tend to use.

As for mittfh's interpretation of the mentions of "binding", I disagree. From that, I get the impression it implies magical servitude/slavery, similar to how individuals bound Artificers in ages past.

Ametros wrote: I don't recall it being confirmed anywhere, but we're in agreement on the assumption that Elle will be attending Whateley, yes? In which case, while I've no idea as to the extent of such or the longevity, this Coven targeting Einar will almost certainly be the impetus that drives them to the relative safety as Whateley, as opposed to staying put and getting a more standard education.

As for Dúrnir, the physical description of "a man with similar elfin features, but very dark skin and rugged features" immediately brings to mind Svartálfar - otherwise known as Dark Elves. Of course this might not be strictly the case, due to the interpretations of standard mythology and folklore that the authors tend to use.

As for mittfh's interpretation of the mentions of "binding", I disagree. From that, I get the impression it implies magical servitude/slavery, similar to how individuals bound Artificers in ages past.

I COULD tell you the answers, but ....
neener, neener, neener!
Will Elle go to Whateley? That one is a given.
will the witches stick around? I'm not gonna tell...
Durnir - maybe, maybe not.
Binding - either of you might be right. It could be slavery/servitude, it could be psychologically binding her to him, or it could be something entirely different.

Hmm... Is Zephyr the bratty younger sister?

She claims to be Sidhe nobility, styling herself Lady Constance Mallory, seems very jealous of Fey for her looks, power and apparent queenship, resents her fiercely for – in her eyes - usurping her leadership and calls her a poser.

... Nah. She should recognize Fey then? ... But, there might be amnesia there too?

***

Dúrnir might not be the villain of this piece? The only info we have is distorted over... Some long period of time...

elrodw wrote: I COULD tell you the answers, but ....

I never expect answers.

elrodw wrote: neener, neener, neener!

But I did expect that.

So I looked up Dúrnir, and unlike Aunghadhail, Dúrnir does not appear to be an original character. Of course, the Dúrnir that Wikipedia is familiar with is a dwarf, but Wikipedia's page on dwarfs says that scholars think that dwarfs and svartálfar (black elves) were the same, and possibly the same as the dökkálfar (dark elves). So I'm guessing that in the WU, dwarfs are indeed tall, dark, and pointy eared. I'm humored that the black elves and dark elves are only possibly the same, while the black elves and the dwarfs are very likely the same. Go figure.


I find the opening poem (His kingdom for her hand / The king longs for her breast / The king sleeps / The witches wait / The circle bound by an oath of blood / Dwarves feast on meat and ale / At the wedding feast / Destiny fulfilled / The circle freed from debt) to be suspiciously similar to the witches' understanding of events. If they are basing their understanding on a fragmentary poem, then I would bet a full wedding cake that their interpretation is wrong on many key points. I'd feel sorry for them, but they are clearly assholes, so I won't.

mhalpern wrote: One thing that's unfortunate given the title of "Ice Queen" is that it is at least 6 years too early for giving her a rapier with various elemental powers to be appropriate, though more likely 7, of course, then Phase would have to be convinced to arrange a "cake butler" which would make it 9 years too early...

Well it's a good thing that G2 already has a pale skinned girl with white hair and an inclination towards elemental magic, isn't it?

NeoMagus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: One thing that's unfortunate given the title of "Ice Queen" is that it is at least 6 years too early for giving her a rapier with various elemental powers to be appropriate, though more likely 7, of course, then Phase would have to be convinced to arrange a "cake butler" which would make it 9 years too early...

Well it's a good thing that G2 already has a pale skinned girl with white hair and an inclination towards elemental magic, isn't it?

You're thinking about Halloween costumes again, aren't you...

Astrodragon wrote:

NeoMagus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: One thing that's unfortunate given the title of "Ice Queen" is that it is at least 6 years too early for giving her a rapier with various elemental powers to be appropriate, though more likely 7, of course, then Phase would have to be convinced to arrange a "cake butler" which would make it 9 years too early...

Well it's a good thing that G2 already has a pale skinned girl with white hair and an inclination towards elemental magic, isn't it?

You're thinking about Halloween costumes again, aren't you...

MAAAAYYYYBBEEEE....

NeoMagus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: One thing that's unfortunate given the title of "Ice Queen" is that it is at least 6 years too early for giving her a rapier with various elemental powers to be appropriate, though more likely 7, of course, then Phase would have to be convinced to arrange a "cake butler" which would make it 9 years too early...

Well it's a good thing that G2 already has a pale skinned girl with white hair and an inclination towards elemental magic, isn't it?

And uses something similar to glyphs

NeoMagus wrote:

Astrodragon wrote:

NeoMagus wrote:

mhalpern wrote: One thing that's unfortunate given the title of "Ice Queen" is that it is at least 6 years too early for giving her a rapier with various elemental powers to be appropriate, though more likely 7, of course, then Phase would have to be convinced to arrange a "cake butler" which would make it 9 years too early...

Well it's a good thing that G2 already has a pale skinned girl with white hair and an inclination towards elemental magic, isn't it?

You're thinking about Halloween costumes again, aren't you...

MAAAAYYYYBBEEEE....

Of course whomever goes as Blake and Yang from their group are going to have to be willing to endure the shippers.. ESPECIALLY because at that point Vol 4 wouldn't have started, and with Yang's behavior in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Beacon... That said when after they get to the release of V4 Ep 2 I fully expect to hear the phrase "Play it again F.I.L.S.S." because of that painful moment

And it's complete! whateleyacademy.net/index.php/original-t...of-the-aurora-part-2



I guess repeating the prophecy makes sense, as it's important to both parts...

They're missing a lot of the prophecy... It seems the witches have a better version. ... How do we know if we have the complete prophecy? It seems like this one's just updated with the Witches' version... Which may still be incomplete... Okay, think I've written enough so the email won't spoil...

Hmm... Who says first queen, second queen and third queen have to be same queen?

Lots of timeskips here... Well, nothing important happens inbetween...

So, that's Dunir...

Well, I expected a Part 3, with Dunir and his wrath-thing... But, no... Hmm... His new body really makes me think that Elle won't be Dunir's Queen... Where in the prophecy does it say that Dunir's Queen has to be Elle?

"I do remember that long ago, there were many Sidhe, of many races. The ice realm, the desert realm, the woods, the plains. Maybe the mountains, too?"

More Sidhe locations!

... Dunir's new bod is Martin? Or some other person? ... Hmm... Would it be weird if he hooked up with Bratty Sis?

France! Charge! And Amalie! ... Orchidee Quantique might want Elle to say "Hi" when Elle gets to Whateley... But, Amalie can do that just fine.

Per... Seems to be a bit character... And sort of expected. ... Have we ever seen any mutant go to a normal school and not get harassed by their classmates?

And he gets a forced renaming! ... Well, it doesn't turn out too badly...

Emotionals... Hmm... Nice to see the Principal standing up for Elle.

... Woah. I was wondering if the other two were gonna get raped. Nice to see that's a no.

How did Helena suddenly know those things? ... Elle has shadowy protector? Something like like Koehnes?

Helena gets babified! ... Hmm... Bratty Sister goes into Helena's body?

Helena nodded, trying to force a smile. "Like ... cheating ex-boyfriends? And abusive parents?"

"Yes, dear," Sigrid, another one of the coven, chimed in. "And others - like bosses who try to pressure a sister into having sex. Someone who cheats you in a deal."

Oooh... They prey on the disillusioned and weak and stuff... Well, she's gonna get a better life?

"The Voluptus spell?"

Gunhild grinned. "Of course. They'll give us a lot of tantric essence with that."

Hmm... Idle mention, or something that'll be seen later? I guess the latter...

As a new kingdom arises in the mountains

Which mountains? There's a hell of a lotta mountains in the world...

And the prophecy's translated into Norwegian... So that'll introduce errors as well, perhaps...

Wonder what the naming scheme for the other parts of Elle's story is gonna be like...

Elle 1-Dawn of the Aurora Part 2 comments
Poor Einar, not fully female yet, not fully male anymore and making things complicated with his return to school after Christmas break. And having to choose which PE class to take, boys or girls, on top of all the other stress from the changes, ouch. Having to deal with the boys being merciless and the girls upset and weirded out, no safe choice. Ouch, argument with Regine over whether he wants to be a girl or not, it is complex, ouch. Thinking it isn't normal, Regine reminding him being a mutant isn't normal, pain over them not dating anymore. Having to take Regine, now his best friend, home with him to avoid being ambushed by his family over the changes.

*smacks forehead* Einar's Aunt Sophia is blunt to say the least and doesn't seem to be thinking of how hard it is on him. Trying to think up a girl's name for him and even Regine is in on the act, poor Einar. Teasing his mom and aunt about ABBA being old fogey music, lol. Elle Astrid, named by his mom once again, Einar still wishing to go to school instead of being home schooled. Another shopping trip, poor Einar aka Elle will have to get used to those.

Elle jumping into being a girl whole hog, oh boy, hope this doesn't mess with Elle emotionally too much. Ugh, comes out to everyone, reveals she is turning into a girl and ask to be called Elle, even Ms. Naess defending her and stating she can't compete as a mutant, one of the boys called her a mutant freak.

Only to tick off Ms. Naess, to the point she projects anger to the point no one has heard from her before, talking about mutants having the same civil rights as baselines, entitled to the same education, even stating it isn't illegal to be gay or have other gender differences and she won't tolerate such bigotry in her school. Boy, once Ms. Naess learns about laws, rules, and guidelines she upholds them with tenacity. Elle showing off her powers, stating she has a lot to learn about magic. Still, went better than I expected, mostly thanks to Ms. Naess.

Silje telling Elle she loves her hair, that it is like looking at a glacier, Regine saying it will look better when it grows longer, oh boy. Oh crud, Per shows up and it is trouble, calling Elle a sick mutant and gender-queer freak, ugh. Elle blast him in the face with a mini-blizzard, then glare ice at Per and his 3 buddies feet. Trying to run for it, Per still gets ahold of Elle's jacket and causes her to fall down. About to be hit by Per, an aurora formed around Elle, nearly blinding the girls but blinding Per and his buddies. Thankfully Elle and the girls escape.

Oh crud, in Trondheim they encounter two of the coven who do magic on Elle which she senses, wishing to flee. Thankfully mom sees the look on Elle's face and agrees to leave. Silje telling Elle they are just old women who never saw someone like her before, then talk of bra shopping, the torture never ends.

Helka and Alva were the two old women, believing it has to be her, talk of Gunhild and what she felt, all the places they have detected the ice queen's power from. Crud, Alva's grandson Martin goes to school with Einar/Elle and told her about Elle, this is really bad. After a call to Martin, a friend of Einar, confirms it and they know where he lives. Things just escalated fast.

March 2007 now, Per still a bigot, some girls jealous of Elle's looks, strange car sitting in front of the Ruud home. Crud, distracted by Alva talking about Martin's birthday coming up, an old-fashioned black-iron manacle clamped around both wrists, causing burning pain and suppressing her powers. Regine tries to attack Alva only to find her a lot stronger than she thought, Silje handcuffed now as well.

Elle tries to use her powers but finds she can't, grabbed around the throat by Alva and Regine told to stand down or else. Great, going to take the other girls as hostages to blackmail Elle with. Crud, spell to make people simply not care, thus kidnapping with no one helping in broad daylight. And put to sleep by a spell so they would stop asking questions, this is very bad.

Mom upset that Elle didn't put the roast in the oven, wondering where she is. The parents all thinking their girls are just late, not suspecting a thing is wrong yet. Even the app to show Elle's phone's location isn't working as the phone is offline. And now the moms are worried about their girls. At least Thea remembers the old ladies and their blue car, plus getting a superhero like Magni-Fist and also Dr. Holgersen on the case, things have gone from completely dire to having some hope.

Underground headquarters for the coven, yikes, harder to locate. That is a scary room the girls are taken into. When Elle ask why they are doing this, she is told the full ancient epic as the witches understand it at least. They actually believe that ancient epic to be literal, sounds more like they are jumping to conclusions without doing any further research on the matter. I don't like how Anika is looking at Regine and Silje.

Helena is a sadist, taking pleasure in Elle's crestfallen look when she finds out she can't use her magic while the iron manacles are on her. Talk of the ceremony, stripping her of her free will, ugh. Regine is smart, at least with the socks blocking the cold iron Elle isn't being burned more by the manacles.

Dang, Magni-Fist is an impressive figure, classic Viking in armor and weapon even. Dr. Holgersen's devise detects the traces of magic the witches left behind. Harald is going to have to drive, following the trail, 6 hours behind, oh boy, hope they can make it in time. D'oh! Having to take Dr. Holgersen's car because it has the gear he needs, poor Magni-Fist having to ride in the small backseat.

Elle freaking out and the other girls trying to make sense of the ancient epic the witches told them. Talk of marrying a dwarf king and Elle thinking it can't be real, just myths as the story is too old to be related to her. Silje point out what if it is true, Regine stating it doesn't matter as the witches think it is and they have to escape before they do something to Elle based on what they think.

Dr. Holgersen needs to learn how to restrain himself, getting out in the middle of traffic like that, going into an intersection, oh boy. Poor Magni-Fist, it is like trying to wrangle cats almost.

Aegloswen not found for what seems like hours to Elle in her dream, finding her in a near-fetal position. Aegloswen blaming herself for this, Elle telling her it isn't her fault. Thinking if her spirit hadn't come to Einar in the first place this wouldn't be happening. No memories of Durnir, the dwarf king, anything of her past and related to this tale. Sidhe of the ice realm, desert realm, the woods, the plains, possibly even the mountains, which is probably what Durnir is, a mountain Sidhe. *eyes bug out* She doesn't even remember being a queen, yikes.

Helena brings them breakfast and still won't listen to any pleas, Silje has figured out Helena is just being used by the coven and Regine wishes the young woman would figure it out as well. All that and they couldn't get the iron manacles off Elle's wrists, burned even more by the metal. Frustrated and thinking even if they could she couldn't do much.

Gunhild tells Helena they won't do anything to Silje and Regine, not hurting people unless they deserve it. After Helena leaves Gunhild talks about her getting rid of her pesky conscience, concern for right and wrong, if Helena heard that she would freak. Poor girl doesn't even know what they are planning. Anika is going to drain Silje and Regine for their youth and beauty, this coven needs to be destroyed, bunch of evil, selfish monsters. Plan to promise the safety of her friends to blackmail Elle but never planned to honor it in the least, sickening.

*sighs* Poor men, all frustrated and feeling like they are running out of time, as the trail is growing cold. At least they picked it up again, still hope.

Plans to pick the manacles, right when Elle is to put on a gown for the ceremony, only one of the manacles unlocked, darn. Helena suddenly weak, Silje and Regine pin her to the bed and search her, no key so they let her go. Helena seems to have figured out she has been betrayed by her mentor, she has to give Elle to them but realize what they plan for the girls and won't let it happen.

Only now does Helena realize what has been done to her and that it was planned for Regine and Silje as well. Leaving the door unlocked so they can run, but they won't leave their friend behind. Helena reveals the horror of the betrayal and what has been done to her, what is planned for Regine and Silje as well.

Dad, Magni-Fist, and Dr. Holgersen have found the house, now to get inside. That is a very unique looking gun Dr. Holgersen uses. Charms to help protect against magic from Magni-Fist, that is unexpected. Door broken down and Holgersen finds a hidden switch in the fireplace that opens into the underground base below.

Dang, cowards only get Elle to go into the circle with threats of raping her friends. Elle crying out in fear, bound to table with cold iron, while her friends can only watch. This is torture.

Someone actually shot at Magni-Fist, unharmed of course and he does the famous Thing cry in a bad American accent, nice. Hopefully that momentary distraction will be enough time so the heroes arrive before the ritual is even close to completion. One cuff falls free, the hidden fork Elle is going to try and use to pick the other's lock, things are starting to turn around.

Free from the shackles now, but in a fool's circle where her magic is contained, darn it! Seeing her free stopped the chanting for a moment, another moment towards their failure. Magni-Fist knows what the circle is and kills one of the circle members, but is stopped by a barrier. Dr. Holgersen fires darts that home in on a separate target each. Blast from the strange gun and one of the witches goes down.

Elle tries to escape but finds herself trapped in the circle, only for Magni-Fist to break the circle and free her. As one of the coven tries to grab Elle she creates hobgoblins in the form of aurora-colored, glowing and wolf-shaped, nice description, I can picture it in my head clearly. Elle goes to free her friends, while Magni-Fist ends up killing one of the men as he fights back. Dang, Anika stabbed in the back with an athame by Helena, betrayal ended up costing her her life. Ouch, magical lightning that hits Anika and Helena, leaving them both on the ground.

Anika ages until she is an 80-90 year old corpses, while Helena takes back her stolen energy and then some, reverted to a baby. Dr. Holgersen taking down more of the witches and their henchmen, only for a hobgoblin to bite Holgersen until he blast it. About to flee from the battle, Elle goes back for baby Helena, as the 'good guys' escape Magni-Fist collapses the tunnel leaving any survivors trapped for now.

Magni-Fist wishing to wait for the police, while Holgersen found a key fob which can run any of the cars on Helena. That group in Holgersen's car, cramped and painfully so from the sounds of it. Talk of what to do about Helena, Regine saying it is like she has been given a second chance. String jammed into a lock, Silje is clever. Without that, things could have gone a lot differently.

Helka, Anika, Judit, and Ulla are dead, but that leaves 9 members of the coven left. Durnir's ghost shows up and doesn't care for their excuses, only sees their failures and broken oath. He is giving them one more chance, but only because he needs to find a suitable host for his spirit, oh boy. They are going to be more desperate and thus dangerous now.

A rune or sigil on the inside of her left thigh, Elle is afraid the ritual succeed, that she is bound to the dwarf king Durnir. Mom tries to reassure her, saying they will figure it out, but is scared herself. This is worse than expected, did the binding partially succeed, what happened? Guess we will have to patient and read future stories to find out.

Nightmares of being bound to the dwarf king and what it would mean, Aegloswen has been thinking on the matter as well. Wait, is a Sidhe symbol, a royal symbol, like a birthmark, a symbol of a royal household. It isn't the king's household, Aegloswen has seen it before but can't remember from where. Aegloswen dreamed of what sounds like Whateley Academy, Aunghadhail, and her sister, at least she thinks it is her sister.

Elle found an image of Nikki online and dad even thinks with the same hair color they could be sisters. Elle wishes to go to this place of sanctuary, a place of safety, as not all the coven was captured. Magni-Fist or at least Dr. Holgersen have to know something about Whateley.

May already, time flies. Going to Oslo to meet the good doctor, Magni-Fist, government ministers, and a superhero team from Germany, dang. *eyes bug out alongside Elle* Even heroes from France wanting to meet her, talk about pressure. Magni-Fist on a team with Norse themes, including the Valkyrie triplets. A French woman called Orchidee Quantique, magic specialist.

Darn it! Only the leader of the coven, who is dead, could be found guilty as the rest were under Sorcerer's Contracts, this is bad. A special scholarship for Elle to go to Whateley, the Energy Minister thinks the figure he is shown is for all 4 years, how cute. Arguing for nearly an hour until everything is hashed out, scholarship paid for by Energy Ministry, and Thor's Guild reporting progress to the Energy Ministry and Education Ministry.

Private tutoring by OQ in magic, basic exercises to help her control her essence to lessen the number of mishaps. 3-4 weeks of tutoring after school year is done, plus it includes tutoring in French, yikes. Ally and Amalie! Talk of it helping Elle to already know students at Whateley when she arrives.

A poor boy in Stockholm, fitful sleep and exhausted, doctor couldn't find anything wrong with him so just sent him and his mom home. Crud, Durnir already has found a host by late May, very bad.

A great story from start to finish, an emotional journey full of twist and turns. The mystery is still great as to Aegloswen's past and Elle's future, but for now she has survived thanks to friends and family. It was very interesting seeing the change in reactions Einar went through as the transformation progressed. Plus her appearance and that of foe, Durnir, are interesting and definitely stand out among even the Sidhe we've seen so far.

Is it bad that when they were naming Elle, that I kept reading "Agatha" as "Agathon" as in Sharon "Athena" Agathon, from BSG?

Dreamer wrote: Elle 1-Dawn of the Aurora Part 2 comments
Gunhild tells Helena they won't do anything to Silje and Regine, not hurting people unless they deserve it. After Helena leaves Gunhild talks about her getting rid of her pesky conscience, concern for right and wrong, if Helena heard that she would freak. Poor girl doesn't even know what they are planning. Anika is going to drain Silje and Regine for their youth and beauty, this coven needs to be destroyed, bunch of evil, selfish monsters.

You missed a small but very important part of that scene:

They didn't see the figure detach itself from the shadows of one pillar and sneak out of the chamber.

Consider Helena's subsequent actions in light of that sentence, and we have a pretty good idea who that "figure" was.

Malady wrote: OH! IT'S HERE! Elle Ruud!

D'oh! (slapping forehead)

Give got to say the one aspect of this story I REALLY like is how. The Sidhe spirit isn't all knowing and superior. Too often the intelligent spirits come off as smug teachers who know exactly what's good for their avatar, (this isn't a complaint so much as noticing one of their character flaws they don't realize exists) but with Aegloswen it seems she was a new queen still unsure of her role and with the confusion of her death and rebirth is a lost and uncertain young woman. It makes her intriguing as a person rather than seeing her as an uncertain ally.

The willingness to kill shown by Magni-Fist is interesting as most other heroes usually try to incapacitate first, which when facing a coven of unknown power would likely end up getting them killed. I enjoy pragmatism in heroes.
And the way the school dealt with Elle seems very reasonable. It was nice seeing a baseline authority figure being reasonable and supportive up to a point.

Great story.

with 2 consecutive posts of the same arc.

I hope there is at least one more before the school year starts in Whateley, though we already know she isn't there to meet Ayla and Jade, she might manage to meet the girls before they go back to the states. We could see Elle gain some basic knowledge and spells for her magic before arriving on campus.

I wonder how Elle will cope with the different start / finish dates of the schools in the US from home. I know any Canadians going to Whateley will be pissed at losing half their summer break due to the unholy early start of the school year in the US. ( in Canada school year starts the day AFTER labour day )

joreymay wrote:

Dreamer wrote: Elle 1-Dawn of the Aurora Part 2 comments
Gunhild tells Helena they won't do anything to Silje and Regine, not hurting people unless they deserve it. After Helena leaves Gunhild talks about her getting rid of her pesky conscience, concern for right and wrong, if Helena heard that she would freak. Poor girl doesn't even know what they are planning. Anika is going to drain Silje and Regine for their youth and beauty, this coven needs to be destroyed, bunch of evil, selfish monsters.

You missed a small but very important part of that scene:

They didn't see the figure detach itself from the shadows of one pillar and sneak out of the chamber.

Consider Helena's subsequent actions in light of that sentence, and we have a pretty good idea who that "figure" was.

Oh! That figure was Helena! ... Thought it was some sort of helper like Koehnes.

Malady wrote:

joreymay wrote:

Dreamer wrote: Elle 1-Dawn of the Aurora Part 2 comments
Gunhild tells Helena they won't do anything to Silje and Regine, not hurting people unless they deserve it. After Helena leaves Gunhild talks about her getting rid of her pesky conscience, concern for right and wrong, if Helena heard that she would freak. Poor girl doesn't even know what they are planning. Anika is going to drain Silje and Regine for their youth and beauty, this coven needs to be destroyed, bunch of evil, selfish monsters.

You missed a small but very important part of that scene:

They didn't see the figure detach itself from the shadows of one pillar and sneak out of the chamber.

Consider Helena's subsequent actions in light of that sentence, and we have a pretty good idea who that "figure" was.

Oh! That figure was Helena! ... Thought it was some sort of helper like Koehnes.

I thought it would be clear from when Helena collapsed, and then said "she wouldn't do that to me!" which meant she DID know what her mistress had said - ergo, she was the shadowy figure.

elrodw wrote:

Malady wrote:

joreymay wrote:

Dreamer wrote: Elle 1-Dawn of the Aurora Part 2 comments
Gunhild tells Helena they won't do anything to Silje and Regine, not hurting people unless they deserve it. After Helena leaves Gunhild talks about her getting rid of her pesky conscience, concern for right and wrong, if Helena heard that she would freak. Poor girl doesn't even know what they are planning. Anika is going to drain Silje and Regine for their youth and beauty, this coven needs to be destroyed, bunch of evil, selfish monsters.

You missed a small but very important part of that scene:

They didn't see the figure detach itself from the shadows of one pillar and sneak out of the chamber.

Consider Helena's subsequent actions in light of that sentence, and we have a pretty good idea who that "figure" was.

Oh! That figure was Helena! ... Thought it was some sort of helper like Koehnes.

I thought it would be clear from when Helena collapsed, and then said "she wouldn't do that to me!" which meant she DID know what her mistress had said - ergo, she was the shadowy figure.

I thought it would be clear from when Helena collapsed, and then said "she wouldn't do that to me!" which meant she DID know what her mistress had said - ergo, she was the shadowy figure.[/quote]

I wasn't really tracking Helena at that point, too focused on what the other witches were saying, the new spell, and some other things? And like the witches, I thought she had left. And I kept getting her mixed up with Helka.

And I thought ShadowyFig was my hypothetical helper who gave Helena a magical infodump to cause that collapse.

Malady wrote:

"I do remember that long ago, there were many Sidhe, of many races. The ice realm, the desert realm, the woods, the plains. Maybe the mountains, too?"

More Sidhe locations!

Interesting, yeah. I myself feel these might reflect the Five Fold Court, and that Sidhe were widespread "citizens" for lack of a better word, throughout, instead of potentially being essentially unique to that of Wood.

Malady wrote:

As a new kingdom arises in the mountains

Which mountains? There's a hell of a lotta mountains in the world...

I'm probably grasping a little, but I recall mention of a small sect of Sidhe that are capable of crafting orichalcum and similar potent mystical crafts that operated out of the Himalayas.

Ametros wrote:

Malady wrote:

As a new kingdom arises in the mountains

Which mountains? There's a hell of a lotta mountains in the world...

I'm probably grasping a little, but I recall mention of a small sect of Sidhe that are capable of crafting orichalcum and similar potent mystical crafts that operated out of the Himalayas.

crystalhall.wikia.com/wiki/Orichalcum :

the only reliable source is a surviving coven of ancient Fey under the Himalayas. - Insanity Prerequisite: Part 3 - Metamorphosis

Grasping a bit at calling it a Kingdom? Possibly... ... Is it normal for any group of Sidhe to organize themselves as a Kingdom? Or are they a small kingdom that survived until the modern age That wouldn't be a new kingdom... But, if the Himalayian Sidhe turn into a Kingdom, then they are a "new kingdom arising"

... But, who says this prophecy's totally accurate? Does it even have to be a Sidhe kingdom?? ... Does each line have to relate to the lines surrounding it?? "The dwarves feast on ale and meat" somewhere other than "At the wedding feast"???!???

A nice read, we'll have to see how the characters develop. There's lots of potential for humor, drama and destruction here. More Days of Thunder or snowstorms stalking the hallways . . .

One thing bugged me though. Isn't Orchidee Quantique (sp?) a warper? From what I remember, the HGB's mage is Mage Astre.

Echo wrote: A nice read, we'll have to see how the characters develop. There's lots of potential for humor, drama and destruction here. More Days of Thunder or snowstorms stalking the hallways . . .

One thing bugged me though. Isn't Orchidee Quantique (sp?) a warper? From what I remember, the HGB's mage is Mage Astre.

Damn, you're right. Somehow, that slipped through. I'll just pop over and do a bit of an edit.

elrodw wrote:

Echo wrote: A nice read, we'll have to see how the characters develop. There's lots of potential for humor, drama and destruction here. More Days of Thunder or snowstorms stalking the hallways . . .

One thing bugged me though. Isn't Orchidee Quantique (sp?) a warper? From what I remember, the HGB's mage is Mage Astre.

Damn, you're right. Somehow, that slipped through. I'll just pop over and do a bit of an edit.

Fixed now.

Domoviye wrote: Too often the intelligent spirits come off as smug teachers who know exactly what's good for their avatar, (this isn't a complaint so much as noticing one of their character flaws they don't realize exists)

Honestly, I see spirits mostly as manipulative jerks (to say the least). They don't really want what's best for their avatars, they want what's best for themselves. The "oldest" spirits pretty much all have agendas that they are trying to push to the detriment of their hosts.

Anyway, congratulation Elrodw. Elle is a nice addition to the whateley universe and I am pretty much hyped for the G1Y2 (Esoteric, Danny, Elle, Shine, Ribbon, Amelie, Knockoff ... Am I forgetting anyone so far ?). She brings a lot of potential drama (Might twist the knife a little regarding Fey), and expands the Sidhe's Lore. And as Domoviye points it out, her relationship with her spirit is healthier than what avatars are traditionally used to. They will be able to support each other.

Another minor nit found, this time one that's probably common among americans writing about europe and schools. Most (all?) of europe, unlike the US, does not follow the 19th century agricultural calender for school holidays.

The Oslo meeting is stated as happening early may. Elle's school year is stated as lasting 'Your school term is over in just over three weeks, non?' Norway's school holidays seem to start mid-late june, lasting till mid-late august.

Check www.schoolholidayseurope.eu/norway.html for modern data, historical data may still be around for those with strong google-fu (I didn't go look).

Echo wrote: Another minor nit found, this time one that's probably common among americans writing about europe and schools. Most (all?) of europe, unlike the US, does not follow the 19th century agricultural calender for school holidays.

The Oslo meeting is stated as happening early may. Elle's school year is stated as lasting 'Your school term is over in just over three weeks, non?' Norway's school holidays seem to start mid-late june, lasting till mid-late august.

Check www.schoolholidayseurope.eu/norway.html for modern data, historical data may still be around for those with strong google-fu (I didn't go look).

While this may be true in our world, it may not be true in in the Whateley Academy universe. They may have different dates for holidays, etc. over there compared to here. Details of locations, how many of certain things [like train stations], and even holidays aren't the same in the WA universe.

Dreamer wrote: While this may be true in our world, it may not be true in in the Whateley Academy universe. They may have different dates for holidays, etc. over there compared to here. Details of locations, how many of certain things [like train stations], and even holidays aren't the same in the WA universe.

Maybe, but then it makes it harder to be consistent with those kinds of small details if some stories deviate from our world offhandedly.

GrimGrendel wrote:

Dreamer wrote: While this may be true in our world, it may not be true in in the Whateley Academy universe. They may have different dates for holidays, etc. over there compared to here. Details of locations, how many of certain things [like train stations], and even holidays aren't the same in the WA universe.

Maybe, but then it makes it harder to be consistent with those kinds of small details if some stories deviate from our world offhandedly.

Let's stop the argument here. I made a mistake. The information I had was incorrect. I will look at this again and decide whether it's worthwhile to edit and change the story.

Esar wrote:

Domoviye wrote: Too often the intelligent spirits come off as smug teachers who know exactly what's good for their avatar, (this isn't a complaint so much as noticing one of their character flaws they don't realize exists)

Honestly, I see spirits mostly as manipulative jerks (to say the least). They don't really want what's best for their avatars, they want what's best for themselves. The "oldest" spirits pretty much all have agendas that they are trying to push to the detriment of their hosts.

Anyway, congratulation Elrodw. Elle is a nice addition to the whateley universe and I am pretty much hyped for the G1Y2 (Esoteric, Danny, Elle, Shine, Ribbon, Amelie, Knockoff ... Am I forgetting anyone so far ?). She brings a lot of potential drama (Might twist the knife a little regarding Fey), and expands the Sidhe's Lore. And as Domoviye points it out, her relationship with her spirit is healthier than what avatars are traditionally used to. They will be able to support each other.

Of course the spirits mostly have agendas (one exception being Shine's grandfather because they don't stay around without one. But they aren't all exceedingly manipulative.

Malady wrote: ... Dunir's new bod is Martin? Or some other person?

Some other person. His host lives in Stockholm, Sweden, which is about 350 miles (as the reindeer fly) away from Elle and Martin's home of Meraker, Norway.

Dawnfyre wrote: I wonder how Elle will cope with the different start / finish dates of the schools in the US from home. I know any Canadians going to Whateley will be pissed at losing half their summer break due to the unholy early start of the school year in the US. ( in Canada school year starts the day AFTER labour day )

Actually, this is something that varies from place to place in the US. Also, Whateley is one of the ones that does start after Labor Day (though students start arriving a few days before it starts, so they may get there before Labor Day). The two schools I went to in Minnesota also started after Labor Day. The three I went to in Georgia, on the other hand, started on the last Thursday of August or so. I don't know if this is necessarily a state-based thing, though, and private schools probably have greater variability than public ones.

Kettlekorn wrote:

Malady wrote: ... Dunir's new bod is Martin? Or some other person?

Some other person. His host lives in Stockholm, Sweden, which is about 350 miles (as the reindeer fly) away from Elle and Martin's home of Meraker, Norway.

Dawnfyre wrote: I wonder how Elle will cope with the different start / finish dates of the schools in the US from home. I know any Canadians going to Whateley will be pissed at losing half their summer break due to the unholy early start of the school year in the US. ( in Canada school year starts the day AFTER labour day )

Actually, this is something that varies from place to place in the US. Also, Whateley is one of the ones that does start after Labor Day (though students start arriving a few days before it starts, so they may get there before Labor Day). The two schools I went to in Minnesota also started after Labor Day. The three I went to in Georgia, on the other hand, started on the last Thursday of August or so. I don't know if this is necessarily a state-based thing, though, and private schools probably have greater variability than public ones.

It varies by School District I believe. There is a mandated number of days that students must "attend," but I don't know if that is by State or the Feds. Growing up I generally started during the week leading to Labor Day, but now schools seem to be starting in Mid August.

I liked the story a lot! Nothing like a good interrupted magical working to spice up Elle's life.

By the way, how do you pronounce Elle's name?


Regarding school schedules, when I was in high school (less than a decade ago), LAUSD started around the beginning of September (I forget exactly when, but probably after Labor Day), but my school was a charter school, and we started mid-August. Partway through my highschool career LAUSD moved to starting mid-August as well. It makes a certain amount of sense for high school, because it puts the end of the year closer to the AP exams in early May, and it means that you can divide semesters at winter break rather than in February, but it annoyed the elementary and middle school teachers.

And of course, US colleges on the quarters system typically start in September while colleges on semesters usually start in August. Again, it's about where they put their breaks. If you have two semesters, you want fall and spring to be about the same length. If you have three quarters (the fourth being summer), then you put two in spring and one in fall and fall needs to be shorter than spring.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: By the way, how do you pronounce Elle's name?

I think it's like Ellie... And on second thought now that doesn't make sense after I typed that out... 'Cause if it were "Ellie", it would be spelt like it.

Perhaps it's just "L", like "mademoiselle" and stuff...

How do you pronounce Elle's name?

"Quasimodo", the "L's" are silent.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: By the way, how do you pronounce Elle's name?

Ell Rood is how the author pronounces it.

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote: By the way, how do you pronounce Elle's name?

Ell Rood is how the author pronounces it.

So I take it the wordplay is to remind everyone about how your characters historically fair and to indicate that she may fair worse so the name can be an official verb in G1Y3 or possibly even G2?

"That's El-rod with 2 'u's, E L L E space R double u d"

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote: By the way, how do you pronounce Elle's name?

Ell Rood is how the author pronounces it.

So I take it the wordplay is to remind everyone about how your characters historically fair and to indicate that she may fair worse so the name can be an official verb in G1Y3 or possibly even G2?

"That's El-rod with 2 'u's, E L L E space R double u d"

Or maybe she's the newest addition to the Lit Chix author avatar crew?

GrimGrendel wrote:

mhalpern wrote:

elrodw wrote:

Arcanist Lupus wrote: By the way, how do you pronounce Elle's name?

Ell Rood is how the author pronounces it.

So I take it the wordplay is to remind everyone about how your characters historically fair and to indicate that she may fair worse so the name can be an official verb in G1Y3 or possibly even G2?

"That's El-rod with 2 'u's, E L L E space R double u d"

Or maybe she's the newest addition to the Lit Chix author avatar crew?

s

Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding

We have a winner.
Although there will be more Elle stories than most other author avatar characters. She won't be a passive background character, as you may have guessed from the origin, which deliberately left threads dangling

elrodw wrote: Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding

We have a winner.
Although there will be more Elle stories than most other author avatar characters.

Yay! I can reveal... No wait... Gotta have people guess what Cottage she's in... And there's other info still unrevealed... And she still doesn't have a codename yet? ... Well, she's gotta get a MID as she's crossing country borders...

Hmm... I wonder how much writing it'll take to catch up to Loophole... I wonder how many words are actually hers... Well, quite a few, even if we only count Loophole and Kodiak exclusives...

Hmm... What is Dunir's powers? ... Have we ever gotten a true villain series? Imp's too Hero to count. But I guess it'd get pretty dark pretty quick...

Malady wrote:

elrodw wrote: Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding * Ding

We have a winner.
Although there will be more Elle stories than most other author avatar characters.

Yay! I can reveal... No wait... Gotta have people guess what Cottage she's in... And there's other info still unrevealed... And she still doesn't have a codename yet? ... Well, she's gotta get a MID as she's crossing country borders...

I have a code-name picked out. I know what cottage she'll be in. And yes, she has an MID, but the powers-classification folks in Trondheim really screwed up.

Hmm... I wonder how much writing it'll take to catch up to Loophole... I wonder how many words are actually hers... Well, quite a few, even if we only count Loophole and Kodiak exclusives...

Not even gonna try. Kayda is the primary for me, and will be until I kill her o.... (oops). Never mind! :LOL:

Hmm... What is Dunir's powers? ... Have we ever gotten a true villain series? Imp's too Hero to count. But I guess it'd get pretty dark pretty quick...

We don't know yet if Durnir is really a villain, or what his powers are, or if he's just using the boy as a meat-puppet. And yes, I have answers to these and other interesting questions all planned out. But I'm not gonna tell! 'Tis better to let you all guess and speculate and then smack your foreheads when you're so wrong

I would point out that you have a lot of years before you can kill off Kayda, since she is alive (or a Nebraska zombie) in Gen 2.

Now we are going to have another student walking around with Kodiak and Murphy wearing a t-shirt in the blizzards.

elrodw wrote: We don't know yet if Durnir is really a villain, or what his powers are, or if he's just using the boy as a meat-puppet. And yes, I have answers to these and other interesting questions all planned out. But I'm not gonna tell! 'Tis better to let you all guess and speculate and then smack your foreheads when you're so wrong

Well, he definitely seemed like an asshole when talking to the witches.

I can guess the cottage, Poe. Rooming with Pounce on Danica days

Regarding the cottage, because it has been mentionned in another post by Elrodw (In a public post)

Valentine wrote: I would point out that you have a lot of years before you can kill off Kayda, since she is alive (or a Nebraska zombie) in Gen 2.

We just think she's alive. What if it's an imposter! What if she died and the Bastard has instituted a doppelganger? What if she's alive but not the Kayda we know? Maybe she forsook every cause we knew she stood for!

What if she's become a politician. *shudder*

That photo in Gen 2 does nothing but make any curve balls thrown our way by Elrod curve all the more.

Hmm... Wonder if Bratty Sister's gonna be in Absinthe... That might be the correct answer... Hmm...

Also, what's with all the boys becoming Sidhe Royal Girls? Is there something with male Essence that just resonates the right way? Meh. Sundering and stuff means it could just be handwaved as magic weirdness... Sympathy with Aunghadhail's reincarnation, or just bias due to too small sample sizes...

Malady wrote: Also, what's with all the boys becoming Sidhe Royal Girls? Is there something with male Essence that just resonates the right way? Meh. Sundering and stuff means it could just be handwaved as magic weirdness... Sympathy with Aunghadhail's reincarnation, or just bias due to too small sample sizes...

Maybe the Sidhe are just assholes.

Kettlekorn wrote: Maybe the Sidhe are just assholes.

Most spirits seem to be.

But it might be linked to something mentioned in the Braeburn Report : the more a mutant changes during his mutation, the more power he tends to have.

“I started my research by collating all data on known and reported mutants. As you know, getting information out of statistical data depends entirely on what question you ask.” We shared a statistician smile. “I stumbled upon a very interesting question. To wit, the relationship between power and GSD.”

“The freaks.”

“There’s a more technical definition for GSD, but in casual use it’s taken to be anyone who appears noticeably non-human.”

“Okay.”

“There’s a clear correlation between GSD – casual definition – and high power levels. In simple terms, the more powerful, the more likely to carry an obvious deformity. Even though those are, in most cases, functional deformities, they are still non-human.”

“Well… that’s not news. Everyone’s known that for years.”

“So then,” I continued, “I considered it from a different angle. What if the increased power required a bodily change or adaptation. What if I essentially ran the question from the other side, positing a body change, and seeing how that correlated to power.”

“Interesting,” Peter agreed. “I assume it was completely symmetric?”

“No. Suddenly, a group fell out that I had never considered. There is a group of powerful mutants that go through the most extreme form change, but their final form looks completely human, excepting eye color.”

Peter understood instantly. “The gender changes!”

“Exactly. Statistically, they are far more likely to be powerful mutants, and most importantly, powerful mutants that can blend into human society tracelessly.”

That's for human-endform transformation / Exemplars / Shapeshifters. Do Sidhe and other Fae fit within Braeburn's idea of humanform?

Well, it's been a day, and I've come up with another idea! We know that David Goodkind's gotta mutate at some point, why not become Bratty Sister?

OMG! That would so work! Trevor / Ayla gets ribbed by David / (Whatever her name is) again!

Kristin Darken wrote: Few people know that the Sidhe are really a separate species. And its a pretty well kept secret among those who do know... after all, if H1 is upset about humans becoming mutants... how do you suppose they'd feel if they knew that alien elf spirits were taking up shop in human children and transforming them into a completely alien elf species?

Their bigoted little heads would pop right off.

So no, Braeburn's report does not reflect any separation between mutant changelings and Sidhe.

As to why the end result is often women? Well... the Sidhe were an extremely long lived (nigh immortal) species... how many men do you really need in such a society?

Dunno, how many shelves do Sidhe women need putting up?

Shelves are put up by the slave races, not true blood Sidhe.

Kristin Darken wrote: As to why the end result is often women? Well... the Sidhe were an extremely long lived (nigh immortal) species... how many men do you really need in such a society?

That depends on open they are to polyamory, the percentage of the population that is lesbian, and how good their toys are.

Arcanist Lupus wrote:

Kristin Darken wrote: As to why the end result is often women? Well... the Sidhe were an extremely long lived (nigh immortal) species... how many men do you really need in such a society?

That depends on open they are to polyamory, the percentage of the population that is lesbian, and how good their toys are.

I wrote a trek fan-fic where a Voyager landing party was 'treated' for an illness; the illness was that they were older than 20 or 21 and still male. The population was almost entirely female, and had been genetically engineered so that all children were born male, had their sexual peak, then went through a second 'puberty' and became female. So no doubt that society was highly lesbian, as the women outnumbered the breeding males by at least 10:1.

JG wrote: I could totally see Jade singing this, with Wondercute forming a creepy chorus line in the crystal hall.

the thought of Jade making Elsa jokes amused me.

That would be almost as much a crime against theater as Bob Rose and Froggy's performances.

Now that I think about it, what would the reaction be to Bob and Froggy and Wondercute each putting on a skit twice a week or so? Apocalypse Pie after a week?

Is Elle not in Poe?

If she's isn't, the next best guess would be in Melville due to her connection with Charge and her little sis through Mage Astre.

Meaning her closest emotional support for changeling and elfy stuff is...Jobe?!?

Well, for the changeling stuff Reach might be of help.

Elle is not in Poe. Nor is she in Melville.

Well, she's unlikely to be in Hawthorne, unless something went pretty wonky with her powers before school started (she seemed fine at the end of the story).
She doesn't seem to have much trouble passing for baseline, despite the ice-blue hair and elfin ears, so she's not automatically bound for Whitman. But there are plenty of normal-looking Whitmaniacs too, about 50% if I'm not mistaken, so... about 2/3 chance of Dickinson, 1/3 Whitman?

Technically, Elle is a boy suffering from GSD. Ergo, she belongs in Twain.

Kettlekorn wrote: Technically, Elle is a boy suffering from GSD. Ergo, she belongs in Twain.

snerk!
I would have blown soda out my nose had I been drinking!

I'd offer my input as to where Elle would be staying, but that would likely be telling, and might spoil some of Elrod's fun (especially in light of the Twain comment). We don't want a grumpy Elrod beating up his characters, so I'll decline.

Kristin Darken wrote: As to why the end result is often women? Well... the Sidhe were an extremely long lived (nigh immortal) species... how many men do you really need in such a society?

Considering that there were nine queens and a single king (which could mean nothing) I could guess that males make up to 10% of the Sidhe population.

Otherself wrote:

Kristin Darken wrote: As to why the end result is often women? Well... the Sidhe were an extremely long lived (nigh immortal) species... how many men do you really need in such a society?

Considering that there were nine queens and a single king (which could mean nothing) I could guess that males make up to 10% of the Sidhe population.

And he's probably very busy

Like they say..." It's great to be the king."

Yolandria wrote: Like they say..." It's great to be the king."

Sure...but wait until you see his "Honey, Do" List...

NeoMagus wrote:

Yolandria wrote: Like they say..." It's great to be the king."

Sure...but wait until you see his "Honey, Do" List...

The worst part is that he cantaloupe.

... so long and thanks for all the melons!

Can try to guess Elle's codename?

.... Ops, too late: Borealis (Aurora is taken)

Clues. Where is Elle from?
Aurora has other meanings.
Try Google Translate on some of the alternate phrasings.

elrodw wrote: Clues. Where is Elle from?
Aurora has other meanings.
Try Google Translate on some of the alternate phrasings.

Beside the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, I know that 'aurora' is pretty much synonymous with 'alba' (dawn) in Italian, which comes from the name of the Roman goddess of dawn: Aurora..... and my Google-fu doesn't dig any other meaning, so I'm going with 'dawn'.

From Google Translate:
Dawn

• norwegian translation: soloppgang
• alternative translations:
  • noun: daggry
  • verb: demre

Soloppgang and Daggry don't sound good as codenames and Demre.... I don't see how the verb 'to dawn' fits her character.... let me try with 'light':
Light

• adjective:
  • lett (easy, light)
  • lys (light, bright)
• noun: lys

Could Lys be a good one?

Some really wild shots (just for fun) could be Viviane, after the Lady of the Lake of the Arthurian Legend, Elle's manifestation started at a lake, after all. Or maybe Jadis, as she has ice powers, it doesn't really fit her as she doesn't have any villanious inclinations but it could lead to some interesting interacions between her and She-Beast.

Probably a combo of the two...Demrelys.

Interesting logic. You might have one part of it right.

Then again, I could be sending you on a wild-goose chase, and her code-name will be something like Snow-Globe.

Would I do that to one of my characters?

elrodw wrote:
her code-name will be something like Snow-Globe.

Would I do that to one of my characters?

in one word :YES

elrodw wrote: I wrote a trek fan-fic where a Voyager landing party was 'treated' for an illness; the illness was that they were older than 20 or 21 and still male. The population was almost entirely female, and had been genetically engineered so that all children were born male, had their sexual peak, then went through a second 'puberty' and became female. So no doubt that society was highly lesbian, as the women outnumbered the breeding males by at least 10:1.

Been meaning to ask; Any where we can read this interesting sounding Trek Fic?

Cryptic wrote:

elrodw wrote: I wrote a trek fan-fic where a Voyager landing party was 'treated' for an illness; the illness was that they were older than 20 or 21 and still male. The population was almost entirely female, and had been genetically engineered so that all children were born male, had their sexual peak, then went through a second 'puberty' and became female. So no doubt that society was highly lesbian, as the women outnumbered the breeding males by at least 10:1.

Been meaning to ask; Any where we can read this interesting sounding Trek Fic?

Never did put that one on Big Closet. It's here:
Elrod's Star Trek: Voyager - Second Season

Thank you!

By the way, if you want to convert it to an ebook... I did a cover for it a while ago. Really simple one, I just found a "Voyager" pic and added some text. But here it is:

Just re-re-re-read this...

So, in Late August, Einar KOs and Aegloswen binds to him...

Then mid-September... Two whole weeks later, ish... The coven finds out...

And Einar gets checked out by the doc??

Uhh... Timeline discrepancy? 'Cause that's a long time to wait for a doc... Especially since after the doctor's visit, Einar says " "it's been four days! I'm okay! You don't have to baby me."

So... how long has it been since his spill? I assume just the four days, and the time tag is wrong, and it should be "Early September" or something.

It's highly probable that I made a timeline error. I'll have to reread and check my notes to see what correction might be needed.