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In the meantime, you can enjoy the following "Deleted Darlings," which are scenes I hated cutting from the Songs of Power trilogy. Thus, I am thrilled to "revive" them by sharing them with you all now.
The following scene was deleted from A New Duality to quicken the pace of the story, but I still enjoy it. Hope you do, too!
In the elven healers’ dwelling, a matronly elf led Aurelio down a long, bright hallway. His legs were freer in the long, loose robe than in trousers, and the elven shoes were disturbingly light after a lifetime in heavy leather boots. His feet almost seemed to float of their own accord.
They turned so many corners that Aurelio doubted he could find his way back to his friends. Finally, his guide stopped in front of a door, turning to point a finger at him while intoning a single Elvish word. He flinched away from her magic before realizing there seemed to be no effect.
When she opened the door, he followed, seeing Cesario lying in a bed with two healers chanting over him. Aurelio ran forward, bouncing off an invisible, soft barrier. He stumbled back a few steps. Stretching his hands before him, he inched towards his friend, stopping when his fingers encountered a vibrating structure. He retracted his hands from the magic force, focusing on Cesario.
His friend’s eyes were open, staring at the white ceiling. He was still as the healers used their magic, moving their hands slowly around his head. Aurelio watched for several minutes until his guide led him away by the arm.
“Will he recover, Mistress Elf?” he asked, knowing she would not understand his words.
Her light blue eyes glanced at him. Without slowing her pace, she responded briefly in incomprehensible Elvish.
He sighed, wondering why the healers did not have magic stones that translated language like the Seer of Kalehala.
Back in his room, Aurelio shared what he had seen with Epifanio and Victoriano. He had not finished answering their questions about Cesario when the door opened, admitting a slender male elf. His pale skin and light chestnut hair were luminous against his black attire.
Speaking in the People’s language, he introduced himself as Za. “The seer has commissioned a tailor to craft proper attire for you, and I shall act as your interpreter, ” he said. At his gesture, a shorter, stouter male elf entered the room, wearing an enormous blue hat adorned with an array of vivid feathers.
“What type of bird is that color?” Epifanio whispered.
Aurelio and his friends stared at the brightly hued garments worn by the tailor, who stared at them in return. He muttered something that Za didn’t interpret, and then he set to work, measuring the Forest People. Occasionally, they jumped from an unexpected touch. Proper elven attire apparently required every inch of their thighs and hips to be measured.
Za also took an active role, selecting fabric from the samples offered by the tailor when Aurelio and his friends had no opinions about the matter. It was a relief when Za and the tailor left. Aurelio hoped the clothing would not be expensive, for his debt to the Seer of Kalehala was already too vast.
The following scene was deleted from A New Duality when I rewrote the chapter from Magisthild Lythk's perspective.
“Do you think I offended the Magisthild?” Belrina asked. “I learned proper Asthildi greetings, but I do not know how to interact with such an important person.”
When the translation device finished its work, Mathim had a quick response in elvish. Then, the reedy voice of the device stated in her language, “You did not offend him.”
“Oh, I am glad!” Belrina paused. “But he seemed rather… severe. It felt as though I did not meet his approval.”
Mathim began a halting explanation, pausing after each sentence for the translation. “Magisthild Lythk does not smile often. However, he is fair and transparent. Truly, he is the best commander I have known.”
“Not smile often? That is strange.” Belrina reflected for a moment. “But I am learning there are many sad things in the Empire that make it difficult to smile.” She stared into Mathim’s golden eyes. “I don’t understand how Asthildi kill each other in wars. Mathim, why did you choose to become a Vaxili?” She couldn’t imagine why anyone would choose the violent life of a warrior.
Mathim shrugged his muscled shoulders while explaining in his musical language. A moment later, the device translated: “The threat of violence keeps our world safe.”
“I do not understand.”
Mathim’s words slowly unfolded. “War is mostly in our past. Because each prefecture keeps its own standing army, none of us can attack without getting attacked in return. Each army must remain strong in order to keep the peace.”
Belrina mulled over his statements. Finally, she said, “Anything that prevents war must be good.” She adjusted her position on the lush carpet, and in the absolute silence that followed, Belrina sensed a vibrancy in the air. She had been told that unseen magic coursed in currents throughout all space. Was this energy she felt magic? It seemed eager to be launched into action.
She closed herself to the awareness as if drawing curtains to block sunlight from streaming into a window. “Mathim, do you know why I am here? What I am supposed to do?” Belrina asked.
“No, I do not.” He looked down at her. “I am very sorry. I told you everything I knew before we left.”
“But you will help me, if you can?” Belrina touched his arm tentatively.
“Of course, Belrina. Any help I can provide is yours.” He covered her hand with his, and they both shivered as energy lightly tingled from the crown of their heads into their chests.
“What was that?” Belrina gasped.
The only sign of Mathim’s surprise was a slight widening of his eyes. His Elvish explanation was brief. “Magic sealed my pledge.”
“I do not understand,” Belrina said in perfect Elvish. It was a phrase she used often.
Mathim’s golden eyes held hers as the device translated his words. “I am now bound to aid and protect you.”
I enjoyed writing this romantic, light-hearted scene in A New Savagery, but alas, it didn't fit my main characters' dire circumstances.
Belrina wrapped her arms around her husband’s waist, transporting them back to Senator Mnetha’s estate as soon as he enfolded her in his arms. She breathed through the disorientation, clinging to Lythk.
“I’d prefer not to transport myself more than once a day,” she muttered to him.
A continuous mural decorated the walls of the senator’s transportation chamber, starting with a pastel blue escalating in height and color. The artist may have been inspired by the concept of an ocean.
When the disorientation receded, Belrina maintained her hold on her husband. This was the first time they had been alone since leaving their sleeping chamber that morning. She didn’t wish to depart the quiet space.
“I would suggest you rest, Belrina, but I know you’ll decline.” Lythk stroked his thumb on her back.
“I am resting,” Belrina replied. “For the moment.” As her smile faded, she pulled away from her husband, but he didn’t release her from his arms.
“And now, you’ll suggest we familiarize ourselves with the latest Crier Reports.”
“Would you suggest something different?” Belrina tilted her head to meet Lythk’s eyes.
“One small suggestion.” He kissed her lightly before releasing her.
Belrina imbibed the tenderness in the sakitha bond, turning away from her dark reflections. “Your manners are not improving, Asthil Lythk.”
“I am yours to reform, Asthil Belrina,” he said as he offered his arm.
“I have enough to do as it is!” she retorted.
They laughed together as she accepted his escort, and the burst of merriment lived within their bond as they strode through Mnetha’s estate.