WOW 555 – Week 5: Story time!

Happy Friday!

So we’re almost halfway through NaNo, and I’m yet again nowhere near halfway through my project, though I’m on par/ahead with the target word count. Wendy’s WOW555 contest has been a huge help, and has definitely made it much easier to keep my project focused and on point this year – last year was total chaos and discord. Although this week’s prompt could be used to stray from my NaNo project, I’m choosing to explore a subplot.

The prompt: For this week, give yourself permission to explore a tangent of your story. Tell us a good story. See the full prompt here.

Can’t guarantee it’s a good story, but it’s some insight into what goes on with the powers that be. Here goes!

~~~

Adwin & Suriel

It was a dark room, furnished in mostly mahogany and dark colors. Bookshelves lined the walls, each level nearly overwhelmed, some papers sticking out between volumes. Despite what could have been a mess, it was clearly organized. Every piece of furniture, from the small table and chairs to the large desk and reclining seat were meticulously placed, optimizing the space. Behind the desk, the wall was mostly window, looking down into an arena where several people sparred and practiced.

“Adwin, are you sure it’s smart to let them meet again?” The Angel’s voice came from her place by the window, as she watched the psychics train below. She didn’t need to turn around to know the man had just entered the room.

“We’ve been over this, Suriel.” He crossed the room, taking his place at the desk. “They’re better off nearby, where we can watch them. They’ll be safe.” As a Reaper, he wasn’t normally concerned with saving lives. But, orders were orders.

“Won’t we be drawing attention to her? She’s been under the radar for a while, she might be better off that way.” Without glancing back through the window, Suriel walked around the desk and took a seat across from him.

“That’s a risk we have to take.” He looked up from his desk, sighing. “How are they doing, anyway? Has he had any luck convincing her?”

“It seems the ball is in her court. He did a good job of pushing her away. Idiot.” Suriel mumbled the last word, rolling her eyes at Asher’s fumble. “At this rate, he’ll only succeed in scaring her away. You should have just sent me instead.”

“Yes, because you’re much less intimidating.” Adwin chuckled as he poked fun at his partner. “Besides, if I were going to send a supernatural being, I would have gone myself. Though I agree, he messed up.”

A knock on the door distracted them both, Adwin calling out for the person on the other side to enter.

“You were talking about me, weren’t you?” Asher closed the door, leaning back on it.

“About your colossal failure? Yeah.” Suriel stood, moving back to her place behind the desk, watching the psychics below. “Next time, you might want to try subtlety.”

“Whatever. I got her attention, didn’t I?” He took the seat Suriel just vacated, ignoring her and moving his attention to Adwin. “Why is she so important anyway?”

“She has great potential, and a habit of removing her delimiter.” Adwin spoke matter-of-factly, as Suriel glanced in his direction. “A psychic like her is much better off with us.”

Asher’s expression grew thoughtful. He knew there was something Adwin and Suriel weren’t saying – it hung in the air, just waiting. A moment later, Asher felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw a number he didn’t recognize, before bringing up the text message. Hey. It’s Jenna. Can we talk?

With a triumphant smirk, he looked at Suriel. “Not such a failure after all.”

~~~

Don’t forget to check out the other submissions on Saturday and vote for your favorite! And if you’re a writer, consider participating – you have until 5 PM CST to submit.

As always, think happy thoughts!

Image credit: Image found on magicland.ltalk.ru via Google Image Search.

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