I Finished a Rough Draft of Tess Short Book One!

Hi everyone, and happy 2019!
I finally finished my first draft of Tess Short Book one!
I began writing this story and posting chapters on this blog in 2016, and finished writing it in 2019, so I've been working on this book for two and a half years. I should also briefly mention that this was one of my first stories, so my writing was slightly different then, than it is now.

 I am happy to have written a story with Tess as a main character, and I hope to write the second book, sometime, though not really soon, because another story is calling me.

Also, this story was written for a younger audience than my other books, so in a way it is a children's novel.  Another thing I should mention is that in this novel some of the characters are parodies of Lord of the Rings characters. ;)

Synopsis- 
Tess Short is a "normal" half elf half hobbit, until she sets off on an adventure to save elves and fairies, who are mysteriously disappearing. 

Characters- 

Tess 

A half elf half hobbit. Who struggles with being one, and sometimes wishes she was only an elf, or only a hobbit. 


Lida and Finn 

Tess's twin brother and sister, who tend to get into arguments over silly things. 

Silena 

A dryad princess and warrior, who joins Tess on the quest to figure out why elves and fairies are disappearing. 

Robin 

The person who told Tess about the disappearance of elves and fairies. 

                                            Inny 

A half human half hag, who is Robin's best friend. 

King Tirfendiel 

Tess's uncle, who is king of the Woodland Realm, and has a sword that he carries with him that glows bright green.

Lauralas and George 

An elf and a dwarf who are close friends and are members of Eldon's book club.

                               Thistle 

A fairy prince who joins Tess on the quest to figure out why elves and fairies are disappearing.  

Eldon 

The leader of a book club, who really, really wants to be an elf
and chooses elf related books for the members to read. 

Carmen 

Eldon's niece who is an half elf, who joined his book club. 

Excerpts-
I tried to include excerpts that are recent but don't really spoil the story. 

"Oh.” she said, but didn’t seem so convinced, but decided not to ask, sometimes new comers were different in unusual ways, but…he didn’t seem so unusual, maybe, it was just her, but she thought he was elvish in a way with his golden curled hair, and deep blue eyes, but he was a hobbit, so how could he be elvish? 

-Chapter 32. 

 He didn’t catch much of what she said after that except for a few words, “Magic”, “Mistake”, and “Wasn’t my fault” though the last one was three words. 

-Chapter 30 

You can read the complete first draft here on Wattpad.  

The Story Soundtrack-  

You can also listen to it here 
This was one of the first story soundtracks I created so it has a mix of different songs, including songs from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and a few Disney songs. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
What was one of your first books you ever finished writing the rough draft of? 
-Quinley

P.S. My next novel that I plan to write is a Fantasy novel, and here is one of the songs from the story soundtrack that I am making for it:

You can also listen to it here 

 That's all I am going to say for now, and you are left to wonder what the story is about. ;)

Tess Short chapter 15

sorry for my delay in posting the next chapter of Tess Short, I had been drawing Lida a number of Times but the drawings didn't look right..Until I finally got her right!:) 

If you haven't read the other chapters you can read them here 


chapter 15: the Lembas Bread Incident 

“Ow” said Lida, George had landed on her, and he was rather heavy. 

“Very sorry” said George, trying to sit up, but failed. 

“Where are we anyway?” said Lida, looking around , all she saw was darkness… 

“Can’t you just to use your elf-keen-eye-thing?” asked George. 

“Not in the dark, I can’t it’s too dark to see anything” she said, and tried to sit up. but George was still sitting on her. 

“Who knew half elves made good Furniture ” he mumbled, as he tried to get up again. 

“Who knew dwarves where so heavy” Groaned Lida… “What did you eat for Breakfast?” 

“Lembas bread” he replied. 

“How much of it, did you eat?” 

“I ate 17 of them, surprising they were so good, Lauralas only ate a nimble, and yet she said she was refreshed—” 

“You ate 17 peaces of Lembas bread?” 

“Well…I couldn’t find any more Lembas in the bag, I didn’t ask…though—“. 

“You ate all the Lembas we had left!” shouted Lida. 

“Well how was I to know?” he asked. 

Lida sighed, and mumbled under her breath “I was right about dwarves…”

“What do you mean by that?” asked George. “What’s wrong with dwarves??”

“I mean, I was right about….” Lida tried to think, but no words came out of her mouth. 

“You were saying about dwarves?”

“Well…They steal elves treasure, eat a lot of food, and  carry around axes…” huffed Lida. 

George was Silent, “You really Believe  that? I heard that elves stole the dwarves treasure?” 

Lida didn’t reply. Instead she just stared into the darkness. 

“Lida?” 

“Yes…” she said turning back, 

to George, though she didn’t really want to talk to him,

 of course the version she had heard was that the dwarves stole the elves treasure. 

But maybe it was the other way around , no it couldn’t be… 

“Don’t you think it would be good to do something other then sit around, and talk about things…” 

“Right…” said Lida, she tried to get up, but George was too heavy. 

“Could you get off me,please” said Lida. 

“I can’t, must have been the extra Lembas, I ate” he groaned. 

“Well…” she said, reaching into her pocket and bringing out a match, “At least we should be able to see where we are” 

she stroke it angst one of the stones, and the match lite up, it only lasted for a second or two then went out… but they got to see where they were, it was a dark tunnel, that led into a cave, and looked like it lasted forever. 

‘Wonderful…’ Thought  Lida. ‘ I have a dwarf on top of me, We have no food, and we are stuck in a cave which probably is infested with mice, rats, and mountain trolls’ 

“Anyway” said Lida, trying as hard as she could to push George off her. “H-How about we, E-explore the cave” Lida surprisingly some how managed to get  George  off her… He landed thump on the cold ground, 

“Ow” he managed to say, and got up. “Anyway, do you have more matches”. 

Lida nodded, and struck a match. “But we can’t just keep striking matches” said Lida. 

George picked up a peace of broken wood from the floor, it looked as if it could have been a sword’s hilt. 

Lida holding the torch 

Lida lighted it made a perfect torch, and they began exploring the cave. It was dark dreary and showed no sign of life in it at all. But Lida, could hear moans, screeches , and cries from within the cave. 

“Nothing to be afraid of…” she thought, “J-just bats”, Every time she heard a shriek cry or groan, she would reach for her daggers. George would just hold his axe and don’t take notice of the noises in the cave. 

“Are elves afraid of the dark?” asked George. 

“N-no” said Lida, Sliding the daggers back Into her scabbard. and continued walking through the cave. She heard the soft pattering of her own feet, and George’s stomping feet, on the cold stone ground. 

‘If there are any monsters please leave us alone’ she thought, and continued walking down the endless path of the cave… 

Suddenly George stopped Walking, and since he was in front Lida bumped into him. “Ow” they both said. 

“Why did you stop walking?” asked Lida. 

“Because of that!” said George, pointing up to something in the dark, the only thing Lida could see were glowing red lights, that seemed to flicker. 

The Monster of the mines 

“But” said Lida. “Those are only red-glowing lights right?” 

George gulped “No, they aren’t” 

Lida looked at George then looked at the glowing and gleaming Lights. 

“Then what are they?” Lida whispered, in a hushed voice. 

“C-cave monster” whimpered George. “Move as slowly as you can if you see one, and never try to take there eyes not matter how tempting they may be, that’s what dad always said”

Lida nodded, though she wasn’t so sure why George had thought about taking the monsters eyes…But they did looked a lot like rubies, so maybe that was why. 

Lida took a small step towards the monster  trying not to make a sudden movement “What does it want?” she asked. 

“To eat dwarves, and anything that comes into the cave, I may say it has a sweet-tooth for elves so I have heard…” said George, 

“Were may I ask did you get this information?” asked Lida. 

“Books of course” said George. “And…my parents” 

Lida nodded, she couldn’t really see the monster all she could make out was a thorny tail which seemed to be moving in and out of light, and it’s eyes which seemed to glimmer , and shine like jewels… probably that was a way to get a unexpected minor to come up to it.

“Just try not to think of…jewels or gold.” he added. 

Lida nodded, as they approached the monster, it was hard to keep her mind on one thing, it was almost like the feeling of the air surrounding them had changed, almost like a strong smell would give off, but slightly more tempting…

as they slowly walked through trying not to make a sudden movement , Lida almost thought she saw jewels glimmering , specks of gold glowing in walls, Lida felt a sudden urge to walk up to the Jewels on the ground. without thinking she found her feet moving to pick it up…

“Lida!” shouted George.

Lida looked, up to see she was looking straight into the monsters eyes, her hand was not resting on a peace of jewel, instead the monster’s spiky tail… 

she looked over at George but only one word came out of her mouth “sorry” 

---------------
what do you think will happen to Lida? do you think they will be able to defeat the cave monster? feel free to comment below 

-Quinley 

Tess short's Story chapter 14

If you haven't read the other chapters you can read them here

Chapter 14: The Magic Shop

Finn opened his eyes to find he was lying on a cold stone floor, he got up. but couldn’t help falling back down again. he looked around His friends where nowhere in sight. Had the orcs caught them? he tried not to think of the worse, he tried to stand up again this time, he managed to stand up but was wobbling his legs felt like jelly, the thought of Jelly made him hungry, but he shook the thought out of his head. he looked around, he had appeared to be in a small broom closet there where brooms propped up angst the wall, a few cobwebs hung down. It looked as if it hadn’t been cleaned, he leaned himself angst the wall. trying not to fall over, the world was still spinning, he was sure after this he would never use a portal .He tried to walk out of the closet but couldn’t move without falling down, he peered over the door. he heard voices, but could not make out what they where saying. suddenly he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. 

before he could say anything the voice spoke 

“Now what brings you to my magic shop?” asked the voice. 

“I..I..” began Finn.

 “Oh come sit down.” said the voice, Finn looked up. It was a man with a long gray beard, his robes where scarlet red, his eyes where a warm brown.  Finn was led to wooden seats, with cushions on them, Finn collapsed onto one. “Would you like some tea?” asked the wizard. 

 “Y-yes” said Finn. The wizard poured Finn and Himself a cup of tea, and took a seat next to Finn.

“What’s your name?” asked the wizard. 

“f-Finn S-short” said Finn his voice was still shaking. 

“Now anyway Finn, how did you stumble upon my shop?” he asked. 

Finn only managed to say one word “Portal”. 

“Ah…” said the wizard. “Portal travel can be like a long journey for some people and for others a short walk”. 

Finn nodded. “Expect in long journeys you don’t end up feeling dizzy….” added the wizard, taking a sip of his tea. 

Finn picked up his teacup afraid it was going to spill, and took a sip of it, the moment it touched his lips, his hands stopped shaking. 

“Now anyway” said The wizard. “I haven’t had many customers lately…”. 

“What do you mean?” asked Finn, who had found his voice. He looked over his shoulder two shaded figures stood there chatting on and on. “Arn’t they customers?”. 

“No there elven spies. I had to let them in they said something like the world is at stake or something” said the wizard, taking a sugar cube and dropped it into his tea cup. 

Finn eating a cookie 

“Elven spies?” said Finn, who had taken a cookie from the table near his chair, and took a bite of it with a crunch .

“They where sent by some elvish lords and ladies, I don’t know much else… ” said The wizard, stirring his tea with a spoon. 

“Oh” said Finn, who was reaching for a second cookie, and stuffing it into the pocket of his jacket for “Later”. 

“At least they never tell me. If I ask” said the wizard, there was a silence, Finn looked over at the two elves clad in black, they where still talking, but had laid a map out on the counter of the magic shop. 

what where they doing anyway? Finn thought. “Also may I ask why they are in your store?” inquired Finn . 

“You see…” said the wizard, he paused  “They asked for boarding, I let them in…”.

Finn nodded but there seemed to be more to the story then the wizard was telling him..but right now he was more counteracted on the cookies. They where so delicious the way they felt in your mouth , as they crumbled  in your mouth, how the chocolate melted on your tongue, they tasted so good, he needed another….Finn was so busy thinking about cookies..that he did not notice a black shape move across the floor and disappear into the dark corner. “Can I have another coo—cup of tea?” asked Finn, lifting his teacup which was empty , there was only a drip of tea left in the tea cup. The wizard kindly lifted the teapot and purred anther cup of tea, the tea ran in like a waterfall. Finn and the wizard sat a while drinking their tea (and eating cookies), they didn’t speak for awhile. Finn stared at his teacup , thinking on and on about cookies trying to keep his mind off what could have happened to his friends and sister

“I have been wondering this ever since I met you , Finn. Is your father the same short as Mr.short the hobbit who went on a adventure?” inquired the wizard. 

Finn looked up, and almost spilled his tea. “Way yes he is” said Finn. “And for some reason everyone thinks he is…crazy”. 

“I don’t think he is.” said the wizard, putting his hand on Finn’s shoulder. “besides If he hadn’t gone on the adventure he would have never met your mother”. 

That was true, when he was little he had always dreamed of adventure…

but now he wasn’t so sure weather to continue on the journey or not. …of course he needed to what would become of his sister and his friends if he didn’t? 

and what had happened to them anyway… 

 suddenly there was a sound of someone ringing a bell on and on  , the wizard looked up , “I better answer it”. He sat up from his seat , he set the tea cup down on the table. 

And went over to the door, and opened it to men were standing there , “We were wondering, If you had seen a elf that smells like a hobbit” one said. 

They were a pitch black jacket and had a wart on their nose they reminded Finn of the orcs, but how did they get here? and how did they take that form? 

“Well I haven’t seen anyone like that” he answered, as he was about to close the door, the other said 

“What were meaning to say is have you seen…” he looked at the other , and whispered something. “Well we don’t quite know what he looks like , he’s a elvish hobbit or is it a hobbitish Elf?” 

“Thank you for informing me, I will keep a ey—“ began the wizard. 

“Wait, I think we have a picture of what he looks, like” one said, and handed him a parchment with a stick figure drawn on it, with pointy ears and very big feet. 

“Thank you” he said, “But why are you looking for this person?”

“Umm…” began One, “I…well…you see…”. 

“Thank you, I will tell you if I see him” said the wizard, and shut the door. 

Finn was sitting there with a cookie in his hand, looking surprised. 

“H-How did they find me?”. 

“I don’t know, they were very odd. Almost like there was a spell on them” he said, scratching his chin. then sitting back down “But Don’t worry , I won’t tell them about you”. 

Finn nodded , but he didn’t feel quite safe, with those people outside , and the encounter with the orcs still was fresh in his memory, they where quite Ugly with all those warts to think they had once been elves…Elves that had changed in a way over a thousand years ago or more, that had decided to join evil, and turned ugly in the process? he wasn’t so sure if that was the whole story his mother had told it them the story about orcs, “The creation of Orcs” or was it 

“The tale of Orcs” He couldn’t remember really… all he could really remember was what had been happening when she told the story, Tess had been around the age of 4 or 5, Their Uncle Tirfendiel had been there, he well had been discussing stuff about laws and such with his mother, but Finn hadn’t been interested in that. He had been more interested in The story, his mother had been telling, the story about adventure. But  Lida had been saying that she wanted their mother to tell them a story that wasn’t about orcs…But now he had orcs chasing him!

 He wanted hide under a blanket or find out this was all just a bad dream, and go back to normal life…Where you could eat as much food as you liked, And have stories told by the Hearth. The stories would always have a happy ending , The princess would always marry the prince, and the villain was always defeated , In some way. The Dragons returned to their Dens , but what if His adventure didn’t? What if he never saw his friends or his sister again? 

what if he never could go home, what if he was lost…forever ??? Finn began to think of the worst, and began to eat the cookies he had saved for “later” they where a little bit crumbled but they were good anyway. What if they had gotten eaten by the orcs? 

“Finn are you alright?” asked the wizard. 

“No, I believe my friends were kidnaped by the orcs…” 

-------------------

oooh...cliff hanger!:) 

What do you think Happened to Lida , Eldon, Carmen, Lauralas and George?
 Feel free to comment below 

-Quinley 

Tess Short's story Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Troublesome Portal 

The Comic-relief Questers: from left to right Lauralas , Lida ,George,  Finn and Eldon 

Lida looked at the handkerchief that they had found at the edge of the mountain, what had happened to Tess? had she been eaten by a troll on this very mountain? or had dwarves kidnaped her? she looked over at George it seemed unlikely. but what had happened to Tess? Their journey couldn’t end here , they had so much ahead of them… 

“So are journey is over?” asked Finn. “ Good I’m going to go home—“ he began, but was grabbed by Lida. 

“Finn, we are not leaving” said Lida. “Tess could be still out there”. 

“or not” said Finn, but he didn’t sound quite as cheery as before. 

“Finn, I’m sure she is still out there” said Lida. 

Finn sighed “I guess your right. But…This is turning into a adventure! and I’m a normal hobbit who doesn’t go off on things like that, with elves or…” he said. 

“Finn you are a half elf” said Lida. 

“But that doesn’t mean I have to act like one” said Finn. “I’m half Hobbit too you know”. 

“Yes, I know. How could I not know? where twins” said Lida. 

“But you said you where the oldest” said Finn. 

“I am I’m one minute apart from you, but we are still twins” said Lida. 

“So your a minute older then me?” Finn said. “So that means I’m younger then you by a minute….that makes no sense”. 

“No wonder you failed the math at school” said Lida, 

remembering their town school, she always sat closest to the teacher’s desk since her chair was so close to the hearth it got hot on winter days, but the teacher had insisted that she sit there, she would say “You are my star student” , Lida wasn’t always quite sure about that though. The teacher always seemed to be listening when Lida was talking about her uncle (of course she wasn’t bragging) , sometimes  she even said “Why doesn’t your uncle come to school sometime for our class sometime , you know I would love to meet him”. Lida would look at her and say “he is a king. I don’t think he has time for such things…” she felt as if her teacher was hiding something but what? 

“I did not” said Finn, interrupting her thought.  

“Yes you did” said Lida. 

“No I didn’t” Finn said. 

“Yes you did” Lida said. 

“No I didn’t” Finn said. 

“Yes you did” Lida said. 

“Yes I did— I mean…I didn’t” said Finn. 

“ha! I won!!” said Lida. “yes! I beat you in a argument! ha!” 

Lauralas looked over at them, and turned back to Eldon. “Where they arguing about being twins, and math problems?” asked Lauralas. 

“It seems like it” said Eldon. He looked over at them, they where saying. 

“I did not say that” 

“Yes you did”. 

“Will they ever stop?” asked Lauralas. Eldon looked at Lida and Finn then turned back to Lauralas. 

“I don’t know…”  Suddenly George popped up from nowhere. “Hi guys” George  said. “W-where did you come from?” asked Lauralas.

“

Long story you see I found a magic portal….but I see you need my assistance somewhere else” said George. 

“wait what portal?” asked Lauralas. but George was already walking up to Lida and Finn. 

“Wearing shoes is better then wearing no shoes” said Lida. 

“No shoes is better then wearing shoes your feet must hurt” said Finn. 

George walked up to them. Lida and Finn hardily noticed him they where too busy arguing. George cleared his throat then shouted “ORCS ARE ATTACKING” 

Lida and Finn turned around “What?” they said. “orcs , are attacking?” asked Lida.

 “Cool” said Finn. 

“Sorry false alarm” said Lauralas. 

“No umm…Lauralas it’s really not” said Eldon.

 “What do you mean…” she said, turning around. in the distance black dots where coming, thump, thump , thump. “George!” said Lauralas.

 “Sorry, I forgot to mention I accidentally brought a whole troop of orcs with me (I thought it was best to tell) . They where mad at me for trespassing and umm…I think I overheard their plans“ he said.

 “And there umm…going to get their revenge” said George, blushing a bright red color. Lauralas looked over the orcs kept coming, there was 10 no 20 no 30! they kept coming until there looked about a hundred. 

then a tall greenish purple orc came up he was wearing a helmet, it had a skull on top of it (probably from some unfortunate hero). he had a Jagged sword. his eyes where seen through the eye-holes of the helmet, they where glowing a blood-red color. Lauralas gulped. “Maybe their just passing by” said Lauralas. “Maybe there not angry at us”. suddenly a arrow shot through the air , and zoomed past Lauralas.

 “No I think their angry” said Eldon. Another arrow shot through the air. 

“Yeah there definitely angry, RUN!” said George. 

“run? Where were on a mountain?” said Finn, looking at the orcs slowly approaching towards the mountain. 

“Come with me to the portal, quickly!” said George and ran towards the wall, but before he went in Finn stopped him,

 “Wait where we will end up?” asked Finn. George looked at him then looked at the arrows… 

“Anywhere but’s just hope it isn’t a dragon’s hoard or a Orge’s den” answered George, and walked straight up to the wall and vanished. 

Finn fellowed him, and closed his eyes as he followed trying not look at the arrows flying through the air. and went into the wall expecting to crash into the wall but surprising nothing happened (well as far as he could tell).

he opened his eyes to find himself spinning in circles, then he quickly closed his eyes again….

------------

Hope you liked the story!:) 

-Quinley 

Tess Short's story chapter 9

Chapter 9: The Pocket Handkerchief 

Early the next morning the “Search Party”  met at the center of town, Lauralas had brought her bow and arrows. George had brought a Axe , and Lida and Finn had brought the elvish blades they promised…Eldon was quite eager to hold one, “wow” he said, as he picked it up. “It’s glowing…it’s means monsters are around” he said. Carmen Carefully pulled her blade out of it’s scabbard , “Eldon my’n isn’t glowing i’m sure everything is fine” she said. 

“oh bother false alarm” he said, and put his blade away… “How I wish I was a elf” he mumbled. “Come on, we don’t have time to waste” said Lida…”Let the search party began” she said…”Were do you suppose we should look first?” Asked George. “I would try the mountains…” said Lida. “Just because I think brave-adventurers-who-got-my-sister-to-go-on-a-Adventure, would probably go there”. “Alright, to the mountains, then” said Lauralas. 

the group of questers I mean members of the search party, set off to the mountains… never knowing they were being followed… the search party walked  across the country side some calling out Tess’s name now and then.  “Maybe we should have left a note” said Lida. “I told you to leave a note” said Finn, “Well…I told you to leave it” said Lida. “But…you were the one who was suppose to write it” said Finn. “Stop arguing” said Lauralas. ..there was a silence between the twins…”Fine” said Lida. at noon Lida and Finn took a brake from the long walk, and sat down under a tree . Eldon and George  , were so tired from walking so far they settled down too. “Do you have anything to eat?” asked George. Finn opened his bag, “umm…Lembas , and Plane bread , Fruit…” sad Finn. Eldon took the Lembas eagerly “So is true that if you eat Lembas do you turn into a elf?” asked Eldon. “No…that has never happened” said Lida. “Bother” said Eldon, but ate the Lembas anyway… Lauralas stood angst a tree looking off into the distance, she had her bow at a ready, and her straight  blond hair was blowing in the wind…

Carmen sat nearby, her black hair covered her face. When the search Party was refreshed they countuied there journey…towards the mountains in the distance, they looked mysterious in the distance… “Is it true George that dwarves live in the mountains?” asked Eldon. “Yes of course, we dwarves mine in the caves” said George. “Eldon, just so you know no one pokes a dwarf!” said George. Eldon moved his hand away “I’m Very sorry..I didn’t mean to poke you” he said, “It’s fine” said George, the path was long and hard, but one gave up. the did stop several times to get some rest though. 

when they reached the mountains they seemed to go up to the sky , “Who wants to go first?” asked Lida, who had no experience mountain climbing. “I will” said Lauralas, the light-footed elf, “the one who dares to climb a mountain that steep is mad!” said Finn. “Do you have any rope?” asked Lauralas. “Yes I do” said Lida…reaching into her bag and throwing Lauralas a rope. Lauralas, caught it then swung it , to the top of the mountain, were it caught on a rock, and tightened. “Come on” she said, and began climbing the steep mountain. “Fellow her” said George, and followed Lauralas, so did the rest of the group… as they climbed the the world seemed to get smaller and smaller, Finn gulped and tried not to look down, the ground was so far away what a drop that would be, he tried his hardest not to look down, he put his foot on the a nearby rock, and slipped “Aggghhh…I’m going to die!” he screamed. ..”Finn short son of Mr.short, everything is alright” said Lauralas, “Just don’t look down” she said, from atop the mountain. “Alright!” said Finn, who realized he was the last person who hadn’t already reached the top of the mountain, closed his eyes and 

climbed up the mountain…”I can do it , I can do it” he said out loud, as he climbed when he reached the top, he nearly collapsed…”That is what I call a adventure, we should turn back” said Finn, “Not till we find Tess” said Lida. 

“Fine then” said Finn. Lauralas untied the rope, and gave it back to Lida. then the questers looked around the mountain. It was huge and steep, Finn began calling out Tess’s name but there was no Reply, he began looking under rocks to see if she had somehow gone under one. While Lauralas looked off into the distance with her keen blue eyes,.. suddenly Eldon shouted “Look yonder!!!!! at the sky, the clouds are turning black”. “Eldon those aren’t clouds” Lauralas said, then she shouted “Take cover!!!!”.the group ran into a nearby cave…it was dark they could hardly see each other “Eldon, your stepping on foot” complained George. “Sorry!” said Eldon ”No one  steps on a Dwarf’s foot” said George. “Can everything just stop arguing!!” said Lauralas, George and Eldon were silent, Lauralas slowly looked out then said “the cost is clear”. the group went out of the cave, “What was that?” asked Eldon. “Definitely not clouds” said George. “Moon ravens, they are spies, Spies from the forces of evil” said Lauralas. “why are they here?” asked Lida. “I don’t know” answered Lauralas. “But whatever they’r doing here it probably means something bad is gong to happen” she said. 

“I’m going to go before this turns into a Advent—“ began Finn, but Lida stopped him. “Finn this is still a search party even with spies around I do hope this has nothing to do with us” said Lida. “I’m sure they were looking for someone else” said Finn. “I’m sure they were not looking for us…lets continue looking for Tess” said Eldon, who didn’t like the sound of the forces of evil. “Alright” said Finn, and walked around calling Tess’s name… 

Lida around the mountain, “They can’t possibly be here”  Lida said…”Look guys, I don’t think—“, she looked around were was everyone, they were no were to be seen. “If your trying to scare me, your failing” said Lida. “You can come out now”. “This isn’t funny anymore” said Lida, “What’s not funny anymore?” asked Finn coming around the corner “oh thank goodness, I thought someone bad had happened to you” she said, then looked down at Finn’s hand he was holding a handkerchief with the letters T.S embroidered on it. Lida gasped “Is that Tess’s pocket handkerchief?” asked Lida. “Yes, we found it on the ground” said Finn, Lida took a closer look at it was covered with mud…”Here I’l take it” said Lida, and put it in her pocket. “Do you think Tess is near by?” asked Lida. “I don’t know” said Finn. “It could have been carried by the wind” he said…”I hope Tess is alright…” said Lida, looking off into the distance…. 

Tess Short story chapter 8

Chapter 8:  the secret of the map

After the argument ended, with Lida stating the reasons why she is the oldest, Lida and Finn snuck up stairs again…Finn had the map and elvish knives hid behind his back..they walked across the kitchen floor hardly making a sound until creek “Finn!” said a voice, Lida and finn turned around. it was there mother  “Could you help me with Dinner?”  she asked, “Umm…” said Finn…”I’m really busy , with school…you know the teacher wanted to write me a report about, something…er Dwarves!  and I really need to study about it you know “ said Finn. “Finn, that report can wait…what’s that behind your back?” she asked, “Nothing just school things…no daggers, or maps or anything like that” he said, “What he means, is that he has plenty of normal things behind, his back. and he needs to get upstairs , just you know put his things away, we’l be right back mother!” said Lida, and quickly went upstairs…”Let’s hide them under the bed” said Lida, and slid them under the first bunk of there bunk bed… “That will be good for now” said Lida. “Come on, we really do need to help mother with cooking” said Lida…Lida and Finn ran quickly down stairs, “So I’m ready…” said Finn. “Good, could you help me put the bread in the oven? and tell me more about this report on dwarves” said There mother. “Umm…so I was thinking elves always misjudge dwarves, I mean how often do elves blame dwarves for Taking— “ began Finn. “Umm…so Finn, got some  really good cook books! Maybe we should try a few” said Lida. “Maybe…but Tell me more what were you saying about dwarves?” she asked. “well as I was saying elves always blame dwarves for taking there tr—“ began Finn. “umm…here is a good repipe” said Lida, pointing at a recipe…”It’s interesting I have to say” said Ms.short, turning to the book… “That would be a excellent recipe , oh I and I  have the agreements for it” said Ms.short…”Lida!” said Finn. “You interrupted my speech on how elves should treat dwarves better then they do” said Finn. “But Finn it isn’t a real report…” Lida whispered. “Fine!” said Finn…”If it’s alright, Mother..me and LIda are going to go upstairs, it’s been a long day, and we need to take a rest..relax” he said, “That’s alright Finn, you and Lida can go upstairs” she said, “Thank you Mother”  said Finn, and grabbed Lida by the hand and ran upstairs…Lida and Finn quickly closed the door, and put a sign that hung over the door that read: 

Do not enter or else… 

“Finn are you sure you need that sign” said Lida. “Positive” said Finn. “So we need a plan, how are we going to rescue Tess?” he asked, “How about we sneak out at dawn, and go searching for her, and of course leave a note that says were alright” said Lida. “That would be good” said Finn, pulled the map from out from under the bed, “Were do you think you think Tess would’v gone?” he asked. “I don’t know..maybe the woods?” she said. “Probably..but that seems unlikely I mean, what could be in the woods besides elves, and animals. not much…really” he said. “Umm…Maybe she could’v gone into the mountains” said Lida. “What? If I was adventurer that’s were I would go” she said…  

“Maybe she could’v gone to these elf towns, maybe” said Finn. “I don’t think that would be quite as adventurous as climbing a mountain” said Lida. “Lida , Finn Dinner!” shouted a voice. “It’s dinner time” said Lida. “Anyway I’m sure she went to the mountains” she said, “Oh and Finn, put the map away” she said, “Alright” he said, as he put the map back he noticed something. written on the end of it, it was in elvish but , he could read it quite clearly (being half elf): 

a guide to help your adventure will appear when____

the last few words had been smudged..”When?” he said, out loud. “Finn” said Lida. “Come on, I don’t want our food to get cold”. “Lida, Look at this” said Finn, Lida came over , and looked over finn’s shoulder. “I never noticed that, but the guide to help our  adventure , will appear when?” she said. “I think we should ask Eldon , about this” she said, “Why Eldon?” asked Finn. “Well…he seems to know a lot about elves…” said Lida. “And we’l talk to him after Dinner” said Lida, and ran down stairs, Finn slid the map under the bed..and fellowed. “Lida, Finn. there you are” said Ms.short… “I’m glad you came, before your food got cold” she said…Lida and Finn sat down at the table, a elvish table cloth had been spread across it, it had silhouettes of elvish archers , sword-fighters, and in the center of the table there was a huge detailed flower..each petal looked like it was moving. Lida took her seat at the table, so did Finn…on there plates were, cut-up fruit and vestibules, and on the side Lembas (A elvish bread) , the cups were filled with elvish drinks. “So how was your day?” asked Ms.short. “Good” said Finn….

“I finished the report , about dwarves” said Finn….”That’s good” said Mr.short. “Maybe you can read it to us” he said.”Yes” answered Finn, then turned to Lida “What do I do?” whispered Finn to Lida. “I don’t know” whispered Lida Back. “I didn’t even  write a report about dwarves…I can’t just write one on the spot” said Finn, “Maybe I can” said Lida, and took a peace of paper from her pocket and starting writing things down “Here this is the best I could do” said Lida, Finn stood up from the table with the peace of paper in his hand he gulped and read aloud,  “A dwarves are short people, that eat a lot of food and carry axes around…’ He began. “They are taller then Hobbits, but shorter then your average elf, dwarves are known to steal treasure from elves” he shot Lida a quick Glare, then continued reading, “Dwarves, also barge into Hobbit’s houses without a invitation ”. Ms.short and Mr.short looked at one author they weren’t sure what to think..”Umm…thank you finn for reading that to us” said Ms.short. then she whispered in Mr.short’s ear “I thought he was going to write a report on how dwarves are misjudged…not about how dwarves cause problems” Mr.short nodded. “You did a great job Finn” said Lida. “But..I was reading what you wrote to me, don’t you think you should’v written the good things about dwarves and not their flaws” he whispered. .. “Well dwarves , do steal elves treasure is all I can say” said Lida, and crossed her arms. “Well…dwarves should be seen better, I love there axes” said Finn and crossed his arms , and turned away from Lida… “So” said Mr.short…interrupting the silence, “How have you been Lida?”. “Good..” she said, “I hear there is going to be  a new shoe shop” she said…”And they will be making shoes of all shapes and sizes, even for people with large feet, and small feet!” she said…

“That’s interesting Lida” said Ms.short, “How have you been, mother and father?” asked Finn, “Good, but I haven’t gotten any letters back from your uncle” said Ms.short, “do you think he’s alright” she said… “I’m sure he’s Fine” said Mr.short, “he could be just busy with his kingdom and all”. “I don’t but I haven’t heard back from him in days” said Ms.short, her a peace of golden hair fell over her face , she blew it off…do you mind if we are excused?” asked Finn. “Yes” said Ms.short, softly…Lida and Finn went upstairs , and opened the door to there room it creaked open, Finn ran in and reached under his bed and grabbed the map , “Come on Lida, let’s go see Eldon” he said. Lida and Finn silently walked down the stairs, Finn peeked over the railing , there parents were talking together around the fire, their mother was crying into a pocket-handkerchief, and their father was trying to tell her that everything was alright. “The cost is clear” said Finn. then they snuck down the stairs, and snuck out the door…, and ran out of their the hill and into the town…it was a silent night, all the stores were closed…”I hope the Library is still open” said Lida, hopefully…Lida and Finn..walked slowly up the library all the windows were dark, it looked frightening in the dark with only the light of the moon shining on it…Lida walked up the door there was a sign over it that read:

Closed  

“What are we going to do now?” asked Lida, and leaned her head angst the door. “Are you looking for someone?” asked a voice, Lida turned around there stood Lauralas. “Laurlas, oh it’s I was worried…you were someone else. how did you know we would be here?”  Lida asked. “I could tell you needed help, now anyway Eldon is waiting for you, fellow me” she said…Lida and Finn nodded and fellowed Lauralas, around the block all the way to a house at the end of the block, it was unclear what color the house was . but there was a sign next to it read: 

Welcome to the last homely house 

Lauralas knocked on the door….”Come in” said a voice, Lauralas slowly opened the door, then led Lida and Finn in…Eldon, George , and Carmen were sitting around a table playing a game of cards. “Do you have the elf king?” asked Eldon to George. “No , draw your blade” he said, Eldon picked a card from the pile. “Do you have the fairy warrior?” asked George. “Yes” grumbled Eldon, and took a card from his bunch and handed it to George…”Thank you lord Eldon” said George. “Eldon” said Lauralas. “Yes” said Eldon turning around from the game…”Can I help you with anything?”. Eldon was sitting in a dressing gown , and wearing pajamas , his glasses were on his head. “Umm…can you help us with this?” asked Lida, handing Eldon the map. “Hmmm…” said Eldon…”Let me see, ah yes Lemon juice!” he said. “Come on” he said, “there are some Lemons in the kitchen” he said…”Eldon I believe it’s moo—“ began Carmen. “Here it is you dab it on the paper, and it will appear.” said Eldon.  Lida ,  Finn and Eldon dabbed Lemon juice on the map…they waited nothing happened 

“Hmm…I think we need more lemon-juice” said Eldon. “Eldon, it’s moon light!” said Carmen but Eldon had already gone to get more Lemons…When Eldon came back , he began dabbing Lemon juice on the map again

 five hours later…

there was no success , “‘Well…what are going to try now?” asked Eldon. “How about moonlight” whispered Carmen. “Ah yes, Moonlight , I should have thought of it before, here come with me to the baloney there is a much better view from here” said Eldon, Lida and Finn fellowed him to a balcony overlooking the their town, the moon shone bright that night…Eldon lifted the map toward the moon and words started to appear

your journey will be long and dangerous… danger will lurk in dark corners. 

the trust in your friends will keep you safe from the dangers 

but beware for evil lurks in every corner 

“ Ah I see, the message  changes often depending on the person or quest…” said Carmen walking up…”As I can see from this you can not go alone , it’s too dangerous” she said…”I’l come along” said Carmen. “Me too” said Eldon, who didn’t want to be left out o the adventure er search party. “I shall come, you need a good archer” said Lauralas, walking in. “I will come along too” said George, still holding his cards from the card game… “I will bring a axe”  he added. 

“To rescue Tess!” said Lida. “To rescue Tess!!” cheered the group… “We will meet together at dawn, And I will get you too elvish blades” said Lida. “Thank you” said Eldon, “I always wanted to hold a elvish blade but for some reason , your uncle Tirfindiel doesn’t let me hold his , even if I ask” said Eldon.  the group stared at Eldon not knowing how to react “What?” he said. 

--------------

The drawing of Eldon I used in this chapter was partly inspired by this picture of Elrond from Lord of the rings :

(Picture from Wikipedia , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elrond)

Tess short story chapter 7

Chapter 7: Lida and Finn steal the story 

Lida and Finn sat at the kitchen table eating alone, in total silence until…

“We have to do something!!” said Lida, over breakfasting , and by accident spilled her milk, “We can’t just leave Tess to be eaten by a troll , goblin or cyclopes! or get burned by a dragon” she added. “You know father will be mad, also I hope you don’t mean a adventure” said Finn, spreading butter onto his bread…”A adventure, to stop a adventure! is what I mean, which doesn’t count as a adventure” said Lida. “Are you sure, and I think you mean a  search party” said Finn…”That’s what I mean” she said, “But how are we going to find Tess” said Lida “Lets search the library first” suggested  Finn.  “Alright, but how can Tess being having a adventure in a library” mumbled Lida, as they went to 

the library, when they got there Finn opened the door , and shouted “I WILL FIND YOU TESS!”.  “shhhhh” whispered everyone including Lida. “Sorry” whispered Finn… “Tess!” Finn whispered. “Tess were are you?” Finn was whispering. Lida sighed, “Have you seen a girl with short red hair, hazel eyes, pointy ears , who is about this tall” said Lida. “Who’s name is Tess short…”. The Librarian raised her one eye-brow, “If you are looking for that girl, she has a book overdue…” said the Librarian. “Book overdue Tess never has a book over—“ began Lida. The Librarian handed her a peace of paper , “-Due, it was due three weeks ago.” she read. “Why didn’t you tell me er her!” said Lida. ‘Poor tess. Now I need to find that book and her’ thought Lida, ‘I never should have treated her like I did’. “Come on Finn” she said, “We need to find Tess…and a overdue book” she said, “But first we will look for Tess over mountains , under the sea…in deep valleys , in the woods….till we find her and bring her back to her nice warm comfortable hole in the ground” said Lida. “Shhh”. “Sorry” she said…”Let’s see if anyone at the book club has seen her” whispered Lida. “Alright” whispered Finn back…they silently walked into the book club, a boy with dark brown hair and silver glasses was sitting at the table , talking to the rest if the group abut a book. then he looked up, “Oh…have you come to join our council”  he said. “What?“ said Lida. “Well…it more of a book club then a council..but anyway you are?” he asked. “Lida, this is my brother Finn” she said. “Are you elves?” he asked, looking at Lida and finn’s pointy ears. “Half-elves, I am Lida daughter of Gletta, and this finn son of Mr.short” she said. “You forgot the Half Hobbit part” said Finn who did admire his hairy-feet. “Pleased to meet you I am Eldon” he said, shaking there hands. “And this is my niece Carmen” he said, turning to a girl with pointy ears and black-hair. “well…he is my young-uncle” she said. “We are the same age” she half whispered. “So I have met your uncle before…he is.. nice” he said…”Tirfindiel I believe is his name.”. Lida nodded. “I hear that he rules a kingdom , in the woods. ” he added…”I did ask him what is it like to be a elf, he sounded in a rush thoug—”. “Anyway , Have any of you seen Tess?” asked Finn… a girl with blond hair , blue eyes and pointy ears turned around from her chair she was holding a book, “No I’m afraid not, page 18!” she said, “Oh , and by the way my name is Lauralas Greenfield” she said, flicking a peace of her blond hair…”This is George” she said, a short  boy with light-brown hair , turned around from his chair he too was holding a book. “Lauralas I’m on page 6!” he said… “Page 21” said Lauralas… “Page 10” said George… “Page 29” said Lauralas…”Maybe we should go…” said Lida…

“Before you go, give this to Tess once you find her it is a list of books she needs to read…also please find Tess , without her the book club isn’t the same” he said. “I promise I will give her this, and I will find my little sister” said Lida, taking the peace of paper from his hand, sliding it in her pocket… “Farewell” said Eldon…waving. LIda waved back. “farewell”. they left the Library , “So..Tess was not at the library , then were could she be?” asked Finn. “Maybe , the book-store!” said Finn. “Finn! she said she was going on a adventure not shopin—“ began Lida…but Finn had already taken her by the hand , and was running down the street to the book store the sign had a open book carved on it , and it read Fredrick’s book store …when they opened the door the bell rang…”Come in, come in” said a voice…”Hello, I’m Lida. Have you seen a girl with short red hair, hazel eyes, pointy ears ,who is about this tall?” she asked. “no I haven’t seen anybody like that lately, though someone did say they saw a little girl running down the street saying she was going on a adventure” he said…”A little girl with red hair?” asked Lida. “Umm…they didn’t say anything about her hair…” he murmured. “But they did say she did have unusual sized feet”. “That’s Tess” said Lida. “Come on I told you, she’d be on a adventure” said Lida…and run out of the room as fast as she could. Finnn was left standing there, “So..Do you have any cook-books?” he asked. “Cook books? oh yes I do” he said… Lida ran as fast as she could home…she needed a plan and she needed to stop her sister from going on a adventure, she opened the door to there nice hole in the ground…first she needed to pack and— “Father” said Lida, Mr.short he was standing in front of the door , his arms crossed…”There’s something I need to talk to you about” he said. “If it was the milk on the table I’m sorry” said Lida. “Or was it that I let Tess go on a adventure , I’m sorry that I treated Tess so harshly”. “You treated Tess harshly? no that is not what I was going to talk to you about” he said…”I don’t know what has been happening, but..” said Mr.short, he paused for a minute. “I’m afraid, as people have been saying odd things are afoot” he said…”I still don’t un—“ began Lida…”but at least Tess, is in good hands…for now” he said, “What do you mean?” asked Lida, wondering if her father had gone insane…”The questers that stopped by…” he said…”Took her on a quest, but at least I know she is safe…” he said. “safe from what?” she asked. Mr.short blinked then said “What was I saying?”. “You said something about Tess my sister , and something about questers and her being in good hands” said Lida. “I don’t remember saying that” said Mr.short. “You don’t but you just said it to me” said Lida. “I did?” he said…as he turned away , he said something that Lida couldn’t make a word of, it wasn’t understandable… ‘He’s has defiantly gone insane’ she thought, as she curled a peace of her blond hair. “Lida!” said a voice a shadow fell over her, Lida let out a little scream…”Who is it” she asked. “Finn” said Finn, Finn and Lida looked almost identical, they both had blue eyes  and  both had blond hair  but finn’s hair was slightly more curly then Lida’s , which Lida always had in lose curls, …”Finn, thank goodness it’s you” she said, almost gasping. “I was worried , you were—“ she said, then looked at the books he was holding. “Nothing, what are those” she said. “also, Sorry that I left you at the book-store” she said. “It’s alright, I just wanted to get away from father for a little bit, he has been saying the weirdest things” said Finn. “I know” said Lida. “Then , he doesn’t remember he said them? I’m really confused” she said. “Well, at least I have some cook-books” he said…putting his books on the table…”Do you think he’s gone crazy?” asked Finn…”Definitely not” she said, though she was worried he might have gone insane…”Maybe a little” she admitted. “But I have a idea of how we can rescue tess” she said..”There must be some old weapons , and things in the basement” she said, opening the door. “Basement?” said Finn. “Well…it’s more of a pantry” she said…and a lit a candle. and went down the short stairs, which weren’t that steep but there was something about the basement that scared her…there was a creek she turned around “Look Lida!” said Finn, holding a elvish blade that he had took out of it’s scabbard…it was glowing a greenish color, and had a small crack running through it  “Finn! put that down!” she said, “Fine!” mumbled Finn, and slid it back in it’s scabbard. “Why did mother and father put all of these things down here anyway?” he asked. “Well…” said Lida, then she realized she had never asked. “I don’t know” she said, then noticed something twinkling , when she walked up to it , it turned out to be a elvish crown, it was so beautiful…but she managed to turn herself away from it. “What we need is a map” she said, and began looking through some very interesting looking scrolls, she set her handle down and began looking. “Map of the woods” she said, enrolling a scroll..”No not useful” she said, and put it back…and then pulled out author scroll, and unrolled it, and revealed , a map of her town , and serval other places, such as the forest were her uncle King Tirfindiel lived, and were his kingdom was…and enrolled more to show, hobbit villages , mountains , valleys , lakes, rivers…”Lida!” said Finn, “Look what I found, two pairs of elvish knives for both of us” he said, handing her them. “oh thank you , Finn” she said, “But don’t you think we need a scabbard for them?”  she asked, “Here! I found two” he said, and handed Lida, one which she strapped around her waist, and slid the knives into it. “Here, I found a map” she said. “Your quite a adventurer , but are you really sure we should be leaving, you know..adventure” said Finn. “I’m positive, we can’t just let Tess go on a adventure, it’s dangerous.” she said. “She didn’t even bring a sword or knives or anything useful” she said. “How do you know?” asked Finn. “Well…” said Lida. “Nothing is missing” she said. “You’v been down here before?” asked Finn. “Yes, I have , with mother” she said. “why hasn’t mother let me down here before !?” asked Finn. “Because I’m the oldest” said Lida. “By one minute” said Finn. “But were twins!” said Finn. “I know were twins but I’m still the oldest!” said Lida, “No your not!”. “Yes I am”. “No your not!” “Yes I am…” 

Drawings

Hello everyone, I wanted to share my drawings with you...

First off this is Lida and Finn , Yes they are arguing about shoes...don't ask *smiles nervously*

next a  cyborg character , I believe she may show up in a future series...just need a name for her ,5 of 6 , 4 of 7?  I'l figure it out....sometime

next....Tauriel and Legolas,  I have been using natural colors lately in some of my drawings

Tess's hobbit hole in the forest...

Erica from Dragon Slayers Academy, one of my new favorite book series 

Master of disguise character, she may show up in a series sometime too

and last but not least a drawing of Tess!