01 - Waking Magic

Series - The Leira Chronicles

First event

TLC 01/1

Berens and Hagan chasing Arthur, a murder suspect (Bar fight) , in Austin, TX. Arthur holed up, in old house, go in to get him. Felix shot (shoulder), Arthur escapes out window, Berens chasing. Catches, cuffs. Took him back into the house (through the window). Ambulance takes Hagan to hospital. Wife coming, so Berens starts to leave, and, in the hallway, suffers a change of venue. She was now in the middle of a huge hallucination, edges crackling. Figure in middle, looking at her, felt large and slightly squishy. Suddenly gone, Leira back in hospital. Starts to drive home, pinhole appears in parking lot alongside street, two elves appear through glowing portal, send a violet ball tracking device to her car, lodging it under back fender. Discuss Leira’s magical qualities. (See Character Leira Berens) Younger elf closes portal with a single musical note, undetected by humans.

TLC 01/2

Goes home, relaxes, texts Hagan, all OK. Goes into bar, has Boone River lager. Pick-up artist, Bob, tries to pick her up (Rolex watch, buys drinks, coat, tie.) No go. Goes to Rodeo Joe’s for better pickings. Leira goes home again, settles down with a beer, has another hallucination.

The Invitation

TLC 01/3

A shimmering hole opened, and she could feel the pulses of energy it gave off as they moved through her body. She saw two “Light Elves”, standing in an old, dense forest. Attacked them, failed. They tested her strength, finding that she has powerful inner strength. An energy that’s coming from within. They aren’t actually speaking. They’re singing. Sane or insane? She tested their existence by asking them to find her mother’s ring. They did and delivered it to her. They asked her to go with them to Oriceran to help solve murder of King’s son, and she agreed. Curiosity prevailed. But bringing Leira to Oriceran meant the Light Elves had broken a basic rule and others would be interested in knowing more.

The Case

TLC 01/4

The Clues:Leira is taken to castle, viewing entire kingdom from windows of castle, meets Saria, Queen. Views Prince Rolim, in shrouded, private room, controlled by queen. Problem with Leira’s attitude (she didn’t understand about recovering memories), worked out. Memories replayed, and Leira took in all of the clues she could (See Miscellaneous, Clues)

Background Information The King orders Leira taken back to her world, to where the Elves think Somers escaped, Correk to answer any questions she might ask. Leira wondered why the King needed her, as she could do no magic, etc. “The killer used no magic, left no trail marking his evil. Magic won’t solve this crime. To make things worse, he appears to have gotten away cleanly to your world. It’s difficult for us to travel there without being seen. There are rules about all of this.” Bill Somers escaped to your hometown of Austin. We believe he’s moved on already, but you will be able to follow him. He has no reason to think he didn’t get away with his crime.” While walking with Correk, Leira asks many questions, finally determining that magic exists on Earth (The grass responds to her voice. How is that possible?), and that it might be possible for her to use some on Earth! Correk states that there is a timeline on when Somers must be found - before the next double moons appear - You have less than a week left. If Somers is not delivered before then, the power the prince stored in the relic will go to Bill Somers and give him certain powers in your world if he survives it. Most humans can’t handle that kind of an energy pulse – “a momentary flash of Hell.”

TLC 01/5

Leira continues with Correk to the portal area, Correk covering their tracks with spells as they go. Leira, wonders how Somers found Oriceran, and realized that someone would have betrayed them. Did the traitor want to bring in a thief or a murderer? There was no magical trail once he left Oriceran. Who would gain? No one. There was no other heir yet, but the queen can still bear more children. “Someone wanted at least a century of time. What is it about this particular time period that makes all of this so valuable?”

TLC 01/6

Correk raised his hands to start spinning light but hesitated. “I’ll tell you this much, and no more for now. There’s a prophecy and everything hinges on that exact measurement of time. Not only for us, but for your world too. Whoever helped Bill Somers with his crime knows that. I fear those two things may somehow be connected. Find Bill Somers and bring him back here. Alive,” he said, and rolled his hands in a circle, making different shapes with the light. A portal opened Leira's living room. Home. But, just as the portal was closing, the troll squeezed through.

The Troll

TLC 01/7

The five-inch troll with wild tufts of luminescent green hair stood up, and smiled at her, laughing so hard it shook, then jumped into her pocket to sleep. Mitzi and Lemon , her schnauzer, come to visit, and Troll turns into big green dog, to protect her. Mitzi can see it, too! Leira dismayed, Calls for Bert- Nothing!, so puts Troll in box to sleep, and starts off to Lavender Rock, place where gems in Oriceran originated, to find first clue. Went to rock, no clue, but a feeling that something wasn’t…right about that giant rock. Too many people just hanging out. Just a hunch.” That lightheaded feeling the whole time I was there… like I was high. Lavender Rock did something to me. Still a buzz going right through me. That’s it! Everyone there looked like they were absorbing something… Leira learned things about the Troll – that he could learn English, one word at a time, that he was ALWAYS in a hurry, that he could be destructive, that he had sharp teeth (dented a spoon), and that its emotions were connected to hers , that it could change size and shape when needed, that it could tear through and destroy her apartment and drawers, and that he would be with her everywhere. Went to work, stopped for Voodoo Doughnuts – two Dirty Old Bastards, one No Name Grape, Three Maple Bars, three Raspberry Romeos, and two Mexican Hot chocolate, plus two large coffees, leaving Troll in car. Mistake. He missed her, grew too large, people noticed, she was embarrassed. Found the tracking light under her fender. She told Bert to make it disappear. It did (But it only went to hide in the engine). Got to work, (Troll in pocket), brought doughnuts onto Hagan’s desk. He knows she’s up to something, they go out to talk. Will talk with Captain later on, ask for time off. (Family) Leave granted

Hagan’s Help

01/8, 12

Hagan senses something big going on, insists she tell him. She mentions that she was asked to find the killer of a Prince – in a foreign land – then continues by telling him about her Mother’s “crazy” ideas.- elves, fairies, magic other mystical lands. Tells him she’s been there, and Hagan stops her, gets out of car to nab suspect they were looking for, Sam Thomas. Thomas runs, is chased, tackled, brought down. Picks up metal pipe to fight, Troll grows, attacks, subdues him, goes back to being small, in her pocket. They put Thomas in car, drove him to hospital for check-up, hallucinations = hit on head. Went to Cafeteria to get coffee, then back to station, and Leira told him whole story on the way., shows Troll to Hagan. Hagan gives him a strip of jerky, which he devours

Tracking Somers

TLC 01/12, 13

Leira starts to track Somers – finds him first on Facebook, a Professor at a University in Chicago. Easy to find him. After that, a bitch to pull off. Hagan happy Yumfuck with her, an Inst-grow guard dog. Leira goes home to pack for Chicago trip. Talks to tracking fireball, touches it. . A cool, thin violet line shot up her arm, through her shoulder and out of her eyes, making them glow for just a moment. She opened her mouth and a puff of cold air emerged in the heat, quickly disappearing. Her eyes glowed again, the light flickering in them, and she distinctly heard a voice say, “Get out of here.” Her Mom’s voice. . The tips of her fingers still hummed and her nails had turned violet.

'Correk's Help'

On her way, Leira looks up to see Correk, ready to jump into her Mustang, with Yumfuck growing as she becomes more upset. She begins to sing Twinkle, twinkle little star to calm him, and it does. A police car approaches, looking for the cause of the upset traffic, and the broken sign. All explained, officer goes away. Car damaged, Ralph to fix. Go back home, to Estelle’s, do that Correk can slowly and clearly explain what might be hunting them. . Correk explains the great wars and history (See Great Treaty, Miscellaneous), until they pull up close to home. I was given a directive to stay for as long as it takes. To keep you safe and to return Bill Somers, Correk explained.

TLC 01/16, 17

Correk goes to CVS Pharmacies (learns about credit cards, receipts and coupons) for Doritos, toilet paper. Dayquil, Coke. Followed by a black tentacle. Overwhelmed by CVS, buys too much. ($156.97)

Leira's Magic

Correk sees black tentacle, upset. Might be Atlantean. Tells Leira. Both go bowling, leave Yum at home, Leira putting him to sleep with a spell, hands tingling, face warmed, eyes glowed. Not entirely human! Two worlds connect more than either side would like. Correk wears a size 12 bowling shoe. Leira and Correk (Bert) bowl, and were seen by Peter(#201) and Ernie (wizards), two humans who recognized magic used by Leira (light elf magic) to bowl. They will tell The Order about her. (Peter’s first official report) Four wizards appear, two couples (witches and wizards), in a blue minivan. There to check on reports, OK or take in to Order. Leira OK, there to help her, Correk and Yum if they need it. One couple on watch, other inside. Inside couple has trapped a long black tentacle trapped in a silvery bag, escapes, tries to strangle one of the witches. Other witch destroyed it. (Fire) That kind of dark magic hasn’t been seen for six hundred years.(Supposed to be under lock and key). Witch opens portal, as other witch suffering from attack (boils, black veins). Portal opens, Peter and Ernie go through as well, Ernie slips into World Between (will be a ghost on earth) Hope to find old healer on Oriceran who remembers old ways of curing old magic ills.

(Pgs. 208 – 212)

Correk and Leira leave bowling alley, Correk creating a ball of red pulsing light. It split into sparks, “sending up a smoke signal” to King to intercede before hunt for Leira starts. Correk changes clothes (T-shirt, Leira’s magic turns full on, but she controls it. First time she did so. Ralph delivers truck next morning. Leira and Correk leave for Chicago in Mustang. Correk explains Leira’s problems, puzzles about Mom and Grandmother.

Correk teaches her how to lock into Elven side (determination and belief in the mission) then she can summon the Elven blood that will keep her awake and alert for as long as she needs. Discover something she believes in (affecton of others), draw on that to support need for energy to stay awake. Choice will be hers. Explains history of Oricerans on Earth, through thousand of years (Elvs Presley ½ Light Elf – singing ability) Pgs. 214-215, 218) Road trips like community bulletin boards, to try to find each other.

TLC 01/ 19 – 24 (pgs. 217-18)

Check into Motel, find Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza, talk more about Oricerans on earth.

Somer's End

TLC 01/26

'Leira and Correk get to celebration, no invitation. “Nastratium” gets them in, and they can feel the presence of the necklace. Leira in her running shoes under her gown, pistol also hidden. Somers recognizes Correk as Light elf, Leira flashed her badge. Spotlight came on, necklace began to surge (burn his skin) as energy flowed through Somers’ body, steam pouring out of his collar. Correk clears area, throwing Leira, people, others away from Sommers. Energy light column envelops dean and Sommers, explosion of energy, burning them to ashes. Griffins appear, three wizards and a witch, put spell on all to stay put. Vacuumed up Sommers and Dean, put all in celebratory poses, so won’t be confused when wakw up (30 minute a spell, will not remember). Prince avenged, necklace lost (could not find it after explosion), although half of its energy has been dispensed. Griffins will send in report about deaths, loss of necklace. Matter closed.

The Suspect

TLC 01/19

Bill Somers, Archaeologist, met with important Professors at Iniversitty of Chicago, trying to convince them of the existence of another dimension, of portals between, and of Oriceran, bringing up the Turin King Lists, the Shems Hor, and the Manetheo Texts. They would not listen. Richard Randolph, his friend, also was an unbeliever, until Bill showed him a plant that he had grown from a seedling taken when he visited Oriceran. It seemed sentient, withdrawing from Richard’s hands whenever they headed its way. Seems to draw sustenance from music. Hates Beethoven, loves Mozart and the Beatles, etc. Told of castle that vanished, tree that was really a living man. Armageddon coming, when all Oriceran will migrate onto Earth. Bill knows it’s coming but cannot prove it.

TLC 01/13

Leira starts to track Somers – finds him first on Facebook, a Professor at a University in Chicago. Easy to find him. After that, a bitch to pull off.

TLC 01/18

Somers, wanting to make a big splash, gets fitted for a custom tuxedo, to be ready Saturday, the day before the Conference/dinner/presentation. He kept checking into his backpack, feeling small buzzes of power emanating, and a glow in the backpack. Got off the subway at Paulina, gripping the stone, feeling the surge of power. Put necklace on. Getting to be too much. Nausea, staggering, puking. Got home, cleaned apartment. Necklace giving him energy. Portal opened, and he found himself looking back into his apartment. He was surrounded by dark, dense forest, like a deep green fertile ocean. Started to dig up a plant to take back with him, forest moaned. Plant screamed, went limp. Suddenly attacked by The Gardener. Somers jumped back through the portal, tore off the necklace, and the portal closed, saving him.

TLC 01/24

Correk and Leira, in Chicago, try to track Somers, but has disappeared. Found dead grasses, Correl kept for evidence. Leira and Correk will go to Centennial celebration, where Somers will be, next day. Will probably have necklace with him, and energy transfer will also occur next day. Correk needs to go back to Oriceran to recharge, and make sure the Order had accepted accidental usage of magic in bowling alley.

TLC 01/26

Had been ripped through a portal against his will, so had been staying at friend’s apartment. Had been studying the necklace. Needed a living host to activate it. Planned his movements. Mingle with others for the first part of the party. Wait till a few minutes before Muston’s speech and put on the necklace in the men’s room. Go back to mingling and work his way slowly toward the podium on the stage up front. Give himself the time to let the energy flow through him again. Maybe even make some points with his charm, for once. Let others, like the dean see his easygoing, positive side, even if it was enhanced. Just as Muston was winding things up, Somers planned to slip backstage where the two plants were hidden and stride out onto the stage. The plants would be a small sideshow after the main event. At the Celebration: Randolph had things ready, spotlight, sound system, all ready. Somers leaves to take stage as Leira and Correk walk in.

Oriceran

Correk tracking Leira, (hears her talking to Hagan), watching young elves play fireball game. Talks with King Oriceran about their current times. Peace had reigned for six centuries, since Rhazdon, the Atlantean. Now, nothing seems to get easier. Rolim’s murder, grief!

TLC 01/10

They hear Queen Saria wreaking havoc in the Library, go and quiet her down. She wants revenge! I want to crush his bones with my bare hands. I want to see the light in his eyes go out.” She wants her son back, if only for a moment. Correk suggests she look in the world in between where souls are caught between Oriceran and Earth. But cannot get there without gnomes’ help, and they refuse to give it. Going there forbidden by King. The Queen restored all she had destroyed (Immortus). But Queen has plans. “An opportunity is coming. Portals are starting to open. There will be a way to more easily cross over to the world in between and I will find it. The veil between the two worlds will grow thinner. I know the king sees no hope for anyone trapped in there, living or dead. But I have seen strange things in my lifetime. Undiscovered creatures from the bottom of the sea, and great feats performed that older, wiser elves said were impossible. This world of ours still holds a few secrets. Queen requests the rock digger.

TLC 01/11

Library gnome gave Correk a book which he might read to find helpful ideas to help him stay alive in his new project for the Queen. How to Pass for Human by Sydria Ganfried. Correk started and looked down to see a silver willen, who offered him gossip about Leira and her case. “She’s not going to retrieve the necklace, the detective. Very powerful forces want her to fail.” “What forces?” “There are some who can sneak up on their prey even better than a willen. Look for one among the prophets who is long extinct.” A riddle! “One added condition. You hear anything else about this extinct prophet and the detective, anything at all, you come and tell me. This ring,” Correk said, sliding it off his finger as the willen licked its lips, “is a down payment on that information.” “It’s a dangerous thing you ask. The extinct one holds very dark magic, even more than the gnomes,” said the willen. You may find out more than you want to know”

TLC 01/11

Correk goes to a Wood Elf, to try to find information to help him decipher the riddle. He takes a small figure-eight made of metal with a green scarab in the center. There were two figure eights intertwined on the back. That’s the amulet from a Rhazdon follower, the scarab of an elder. If that’s the familiar of an elder it contains very powerful dark magic. They were all destroyed over six hundred years ago. Our elders made sure to exterminate every last one of them. I believe it came from a Rhazdon follower. A current one, Correk said. He requested that the wood elf watch over things in case Correk got sent through a portal.

TLC 01/15

Correk receives a postal notice from the Prophets, that they would like to meet with him. He goes to the meeting and is questioned: Can you explain why a portal was opened to Earth and a human who was unaware of our existence was brought to Oriceran?” We were in need of her help,” he said. “It was a human that killed the Prince. We saw the death revenant. The killer was a man who came here to steal from us. He took a very powerful amulet and escaped back to Earth. And our magic wouldn’t help us on Earth. Yes, that’s true. That played a part as well. Correk explains the importance of the amulet/necklace. The necklace is familiar to the royal family and is not only a rite of passage, but a sign of their nobility. The energy that runs through it must feel so comforting, and now it’s gone. Along with the prince’s life,” added Correk. “It could cause great harm in the wrong hands. It has to be returned and I ask your forbearance to understand that Queen Saria needs the man brought back to justice. Trevilsom Prison will satisfy.

TLC 01/15

The Prophets admit that they were the ones who had brought Somers to Oriceran, in order to trade information. They chose poorly. Now they needed Correk to go to Earth and help Leira retrieve the amulet and Somers. Now. They opened a portal, and Correk saw the interior of the green Mustang and Leira driving down the highway.

TLC 01/25

Gnome called the meeting to order. Destruction of Oriceran was predicted, and they had to take action, so called Human to Oriceran. Bad move, killed Rolim. Hired human detective, reviewed actions, decisions that had occurred. Light Elf, Wood Elf walked out of meeting. DISCORD! Prophets left, also. When all gone, Gnome transforms into Rhazdon, 600 year old Atlantean, female, tentacles on head, sends a tentacle to find the willen, changes back. Goes to Bazaar, to meet with some of the highest-ranking members of the Oriceran society were busy negotiating on a thriving black market, trading technology brought over illegally from Earth. It didn’t take long before an enterprising Wood Elf figured out how to combine the organic with the new technology they were gathering, creating hybrids on Oriceran that were more powerful than their original design. All, of course, illegal on Oriceran. The black market created a behind the scenes kind of chaos that was creating cracks in the society of Oriceran. So many different people keeping secrets from each other, damaging the trust between the species, teaching an entire generation of leaders to take what was theirs rather than share for the good of all. Gnome collected his share, in a rucksack. Goes to lair, in Dark Forest, views all illegal treasures.

Correk needs to go back to Oriceran to recharge, and make sure the Order had accepted accidental usage of magic in bowling alley. Opens portal, (symbols on arms, ball of light opening a portal. Leira can feel the pull of Oriceran – her Elven blood awakening.) “I know, time moves differently between the two planets. Days can go by on your side and will only be a minute over here. How far can you stretch that out before time moves on here?”Only a week and then hours will start to pass and you will miss time. I will not be gone that long,”

TLC 01/24, 25

Correk returns, re-charged, having found out that Somers had been back to Oriceran recently, and they start to plan for next day.