So many rats. The rats must've brought the plague with them. *lies in bed dying* Ugh. Speaking of rats, I wanted to educate you readers on a rat behavior that isn't too commonly known outside of those who like rats. "Bruxing" is a behavior where they grind their teeth rapidly, making a sound and grinding down their incisors. The action also causes their eyes to bulge in and out of the sockets rapidly as their jaw muscles are under their eyes. It is a behavior similar to a cat's purr- a sound of joy under normal circumstances, unless the rat is in distress, then they will do it to soothe themselves. It happens often enough going forward that I thought those of you who read my blogs would like to know. If it is interesting to you, look it up on youtube. Rats are adorable. Even the wild ones. Doesn't mean I'd like one in my house, but like wild snakes, they are very cute at a safe distance. When I say I'm an animal lover, I don't just mean a few select, I mean down to the creepiest and crawliest. I will even go out of my way to avoid stepping on a cockroach if it's not in my house. Roan may have gotten that animal lover thing from me. He does have a thing for dragons, which are technically animals... *whispers* Nobody tell that to Shidu.... cuz that bitch breathes fire... and she eats people. Literally.
*
Still staring at his chest, she let out a little sigh. “Maybe… just for a minute.”
Settling back down with her, he continued to caress her shoulder. “I’ll lay here as long as you want.”
*
Is this a sweet moment between Roan and Cylthan? Or a quiet before his rage? This chapter might have gone a different way but since a reader had expressed an interest in it, I let the explanation of Ssolaar's death be a readers lesson in some of the magic classes in this world. Battle mages are quite common among the Seekers. Most magic users are paired with a physical fighter of some type that works well with their magic and fighting style, but they don't always have to get along. We also learn quite a bit about Roan and Silver Eye and the depth of their connection. And I wonder who was in that cloak?
As for me, on a personal note- guys, I am burnt the fuck out. I'm not blocked, I'm not sick of writing, I'm just burnt out. I struggled to get this chapter done over the whole two weeks. Not because it was hard or that it is long (even longer than the last one by a few words, and we haven't even left Roan's room yet for the first day), but just sitting and writing what I'm working on. I'm sick of these werewolves. I'm sick of these elves. So many other stories are screaming in my head and I'm exhausted with pushing them away. My kids are home for summer break, and my guts are rebelling harder than the French when you mess with their retirement. I know discipline writes novels, but burn out is a bitch. I'll probably keep writing to Rat and Dragon whenever it's there, but I think I'll see where these random thoughts will take me for a little while... you know, when I have a moment.
As for Dragon Tamer, I was unhappy with how dry some of the responses sounded and started messing with it and now I might have fucked with it a little too much.... I'll work on finishing that before I just leave the story to sit for a bit. Maybe if I get some of these other story ideas out, it will clear up the signal and invigorate me back into these tales. I can't get Kupper back for nothing and I'm sick of trying when all I get is Satrina and Dane (from "A Journey Across the Surface" over on my other pen name) responding. I'm sick of editing werewolves when the sequel is howling in my ear. Shime may have another chapter or two in her before she goes quiet again.
So, I'll drop Chapter 18 this Saturday. I hope you enjoy! Feel free to make comments. You never know what may influence the next chapter! Just... nobody make Shidu mad... Roan, you might an idiot....