Mostly poetry written by me or poetry I find to be good. I’m looking for ways to improve and am looking forward to suggestions. Thanks!

"So, what genres do you enjoy reading the most?" He asked, while looking around the library, he seemed to be looking for something specific. 


     I was a little nervous to tell him what I liked reading. When the kids at my old school saw what I was reading all the time, I got made fun of a lot more. They thought it was stupid and nerdy. Wich is understandable, I was a weird girl. But it still hurt.


     "I-I know n-not many p-people do. B-but I l-love poetry." Malachi looked at me, his beautiful brown eyes glowing with excitement. 


I wonder why he is so excited. I had never seen him this excited before. But whatever it was I was happy to see him so excited.


     "Are you serious?" He asked, I could hear the excitement in his voice. 


     He led me through the library, seeming as though he was being timed. He was smiling the whole way through the library. I loved when he smiled, it made the room light up when he smiled. But I still didn't know why he was so happy.


     "Here we are. I have a secret to tell you." He said softly, as he leaned in to whisper in my ear. 


     I could hear the calming sound of his breathing. "I absolutely love poetry." He whispered. 


     As he stood up straight he smiled. "So, we can be weird together." I was so happy to know that we were very much the same. 


     "So, who is your favorite poet?" He asked, while looking through the books in the poetry section. 


     "I-I would have t-to say Araya Vanburen." I answered, looking to see if they had one of her pieces in the library. 


     "Hmm, I thought I had heard of everybody. Do you see any of her pieces here? I would love to hear some of her poetry." I looked and looked. 


     I was just about to give up when I saw it "Poems by Araya Vanburen." 


     "H-here it is" I said, as I slid the book gently out of its space. 


     "What's your favorite piece she has written?"  He asked, as I looked through the book trying to find the piece I so adored. 

 
     "M-my favorite piece would be "Why Do They Cry?" I said, as I searched through the book, looking for the piece I had named. 

 
     "They were made to see joy and happiness, yet all they see is pain and sorrow. They were made to see the beauty and love in God's creation, yet all they see is a dark and fallen world. I read, lost in the sad and hopeless feelings this piece shown. 

 
     You could almost hear the feeling of sadness and desperation in the author's voice. I had felt many of these feelings, I had felt a lot of this pain. But I had read this poem, and I knew that even though it seemed dark, sad and hopeless, hope was about to be declared. I continued reading softly and slowly. 


     "But one day, they will see love and beauty like never before. They will see the glory and honor come to the one who created them. When will they see all this? You may ask, and the answer is, when they are opened." with a sigh I finished reading and looked up at Malachi. 

 
     "I-I hope it w-wasn't too boring to you. I just r-really enjoy her w-work; and sometime g-get caught up in i-it." I said, as I put the book back in its space.  

 
     "No! It wasn't at all boring, it was beautiful. I've never seen anyone get so captivated by a poem. It must mean a lot to you." I nodded, as I watched Malachi take the book back out of its space and lead me to the checkout stand. 

 
     After he checked the book out, we joined Melanie at the table. 

 
     "Here Lamia, I thought you might like to read this book, it's really good I've read it about three times." Melanie said, as she handed me a book entitled "My Summer Luv by Lisa Jackson." 


     The cover was gold with a shadow of a man and a woman dancing. 

 
     "W-wow, it l-looks as if it would b-be good." I said, as I slide my palm against the cover; admiring its beauty. 

 
     "I'm so happy."

How could Hong Dali miss something like that? His eyes lit up like a light bulb. "New setup! Okay! I will be there tomorrow!"
"Oh, I will go back first…" As she spoke, Lin Chuyin turned around and left without looking at anyone else.
The classmates shouted, "Big Bro Dali is mighty and powerful! That's the Blood Consort! Blood Consort! She actually invited Big Bro Dali on her own accord!"
Tang Muxin put her finger on her lips and asked curiously, "Sister Chuyin is a little weird today. She has never taken the initiative to invite anyone to her laboratory. Dali, you… Dali?"
It was no wonder Tang Muxin was shocked. One could see the stars of happiness in Hong Dali's eyes. He was drooling. "Haha… new setup… Hahahaha… It must be pretty amazing… Hahaha…"
Tang Muxin pinched Hong Dali's ears. "Hong Dali! Do you have to be so happy!"
Hong Dali shook his head hard. "Happy! Of course, I'm happy! Why would I not be happy? I have to be happy. Who else would be happy if not me?!"
"Who cares about you!" Tang Muxin turned her head away angrily but suddenly exclaimed. "Dali, Liu Mingxin is walking over. And there's someone with him whom we have never seen before."
Hong Dali looked over. "Eh? Old Liu is here too?" He chuckled as he welcomed them. "Old Liu, you are actually here? Haha. Who is this big brother? He must be someone to be able to walk alongside you!"
Liu Mingxin was graceful as usual and smiled kindly as he spoke, "Hehe, happy coming of age ceremony. Congratulations on becoming eighteen. Speaking of which, your speech was really…" Liu Mingxin didn't know how to continue to praise Hong Dali. He held his breath for two seconds, then and finally said, "It was really special."
Hong Dali was embarrassed. "Haha, that, that is…" He then looked toward Liang Yifeng, who was standing beside. "This big brother… you look so handsome and chic. Why don't you introduce yourself, hehe."
To call him "handsome and chic" on their first meeting, Liang Yifeng was slightly self-satisfied. He quickly introduced himself, "Hello, hello. I'm Liang Yifeng. I came uninvited today. Haha. I like reciting poetry and am okay with singing too. Of course, it would be better with beautiful ladies. Haha, hahaha."
Okay at singing and with beautiful ladies, but reciting poetry was the main point?
Hong Dali was surprised as he asked, "You… you like to recite poetry? That's pretty rare. What kind of poetry do you like to recite?" This Liang Yifeng looked like he came from southern Guangdong. There was a slight Cantonese slang when he spoke.
It seemed like Liang Yifeng really enjoyed reciting poetry. "Shall I recite a section for you? Yes yes, the poetry that I'm reciting is 'Overnight at Master's Mountain Lodge When Ding Failed to Arrive.' Listen carefully!"
Hong Dali understood there and then what it meant by as easy as crushing weeds and smashing rotten wood, simply unstoppable.
Liang Yifeng's recitation was cadenced and rich in feelings, and his voice had its ups and downs. Sometimes, he cast flirtatious looks; sometimes, he stretched his neck and looked around. Sometimes, he even set his eyes far away as though he was admiring the scenery. 
That sorrowful expression, superb acting, expression, and actions complemented each other. Raising his head and pursing his lips at times, the surrounding audience had only praises for him!
In actual fact, his recital was just his hobby. But he had forgotten one thing—he was surrounded by the nouveau riche. With their phones and internet speed…
Just as he finished the recital, those unreliable nouveau riche classmates around Hong Dali had shared it on the internet. His distressed expression, and the different tones of his voice, it was simply amazing. It would be effortless for him to join All-Stars. Hong Dali was already rolling on the floor laughing and managed just one sentence. "Your recital is so stupendous. Does your family know?" 
Liang Yifeng looked contented when he finished reciting. "That's a must. I have practiced this for years!" The feeling he got from people looking at him was as though he had just rolled on the bed with a girl he liked[1]. "I have special recitation skills. For example, in the early part of the poem, I pretended to look around the scenery, with the corresponding action. In the last sentence of the poem 'Playing lute under a wayside vine,' because this poem depicts the author waiting for a friend, so I needed to continue to look around. Aye, it's a pity that in this time and era, people are too impetuous and exaggerated. Everyone is defeated by money, attracted by women. Fewer and fewer people are in contact with poetry, which has deep meaning and connotation. It's the great misfortune of the people of the Heavenly State. The great misfortune!!"
Hong Dali agreed fully and nodded as he said, "In the world of literature, you are indeed very expressive and creative, Old Liang. I think that with your skill, a show with you in it is sure to be popular!"
Liang Yifeng was shocked. "A show? A TV show? To think I will be suitable for TV shows?"
Hong Dali smacked his thigh and said, "Of course! I even thought of the name of the show! It will be 'Old Liang Recites Poetry'! We'll get a table, place a cup of tea on it, you can hold a fan and recite poetry for the TV viewers. Then you can explain the meaning behind the poetry, and the goodness of it. All others aside, Old Liang, just with your looks and appearance, your sorrowful expression, you living in poetry… I'm sure that will attract more people to enjoy the charm of ancient poetry recitation. You will definitely be popular!"
Hong Dali continued with his glib tongue, "Think about it, the young people are not in much contact with ancient poetry. They cannot understand the feelings and meaning of it. You can encourage them to come in contact with it. This is a good deed that will benefit them for generations to come. Not anyone could do that!"
Tang Muxin was almost rolling on the ground laughing when Hong Dali finished speaking. This Hong Dali was really mischievous.
Liu Mingxin burst out in laughter as well. "Haha, I think that works! Old Liang, you've traveled the world and have come in contact with everything. Not just 'Old Liang Recites Poetry,' I think you can produce a show called 'Old Liang and the World.' Just with your knowledge and exposure, you are sure to be popular!"
Hong Dali decisively concluded for Liang Yifeng. "Yes, yes, yes! Old Liang, allow me to say something. Think about it, students these days sit in their classrooms all day. What can they learn? Nothing, right? If you go on TV, parents are sure to allow their kids to watch you. At that time, the viewership ratings will definitely go up. Old Liang, you will be popular! I can pull some strings with Tianjing Satellite TV and introduce you to some people. How is that?"
While Hong Dali and Liu Mingxin chimed each other's thoughts, Liang Yifeng was a little light-headed. He had enjoyed poetry from a young age and had depended on it to chase after girls. If he were to go on a TV show and became popular, wouldn't he have the chance to meet some stars? With his family background, it would be a piece of cake to be surrounded with the ladies!
He instantly smacked his thigh. "Deal. I'll do it!"
With his mind made up, Liang Yifeng turned around to leave. "I have to go back and do some preparations. Poetry is our country's treasure. I can't mess it up. Aye, as a new-age man with ideals and aspirations, I have to do my best…"
After he walked a few meters away, he smacked his head. "Damn, I was distracted. I was intending to challenge him properly. Who knew I got distracted before I even initiated anything? This can't do, I need to go back. All things aside, I want to see who has better luck with women!"
There was a priority in everything. He must not forget his purpose for coming.
As he was turning around, Liu Mingxin stopped him and pointed toward Hong Dali. "Don't bother competing. Take a look first."
Liang Yifeng turned his head to look. "Look at what— What?!"
It was such a coincidence. Just as Hong Dali was done settling everything on hand, Li Nianwei came to see him. She smiled as she waved to him from far. "Young Master, I finally have some free time. Your speech was really funny."
Seeing Li Nianwei approaching him, Hong Dali need not to worry about his pillow. "Sister Nianwei! I'm tired! Quick, come here!"
In an amazing stroke of luck, he tripped over one of the waiters in his hurry. Liang Yifeng stood afar dumbfounded as he saw Hong Dali stagger. Li Nianwei got anxious and stepped forward to hold Hong Dali. Puu. As Hong Dali's landed on Li Nianwei's pushed up bosom…
Watching the scene in front of him, Liang Yifeng's eyes almost popped out. His jaw dropped, forming an 'O' shape. "Oh man, how is that possible?!" He felt cold air rush from the soles of his feet to the tip of his head.
That was blatant cheating!
Liu Mingxin shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "See it now? You're courting death if you're trying to compete with Dali. I've known him for quite a while now. I try to avoid any direct confrontation with him and will be glad if he doesn't look for me." 
Liang Yifeng had not come to his senses. He mumbled, "I… I saw it… Okay… I'll heed your advice this time…"
As they spoke, a young man's voice came from behind. "Hey, isn't this Liu Mingxin and Liang Yifeng? You two actually came?"
Liu Mingxin turned his head to see a man dressed in clothes which brands he could not identify. But they must cost a lot. He was smiling and had a red birthmark in the middle of his forehead. Looking like Erlang Shen with his third seeing eye, he smiled as he said, "I was wondering who it was. It turns out to be brother Mu Zixiao. Hehe. I heard you came to the capital city. Why didn't you look for me?"
Mu Zixiao laughed. "Haha, that can be easily arranged. East's Mingxin, West's Zixiao, South's Yifeng, North's Dali, it seems everyone is here today. That's really rare. Old Liang, why are you here? I thought you would be in bed with some female star."
Liang Yifeng laughed and said, "I came to take a look as I was curious. I didn't think it would be a rewarding day, haha. Oh yes, Zixiao, shouldn't you be training in Modo? What made you come all the way here? Don't tell me, is it because of Hong Dali?"
[1] making love


"I have to squander; otherwise, won't it be a waste of my parent's talent at earning money?" Hong Dali answers a reporter's question matter-of-factly. 

Just after the interview ends, Hong Dali opens the Great Prodigal System's interface and looks at the various good stuff displayed in it. Stroking his chin, he mumbles to himself, "I just need to squander 200 billion yuan more to exchange for the blueprint of the core technology, Engine Destruction, found in the strongest humanoid mecha weapon, Neo Granzon. Looks like I'll have to work harder!"

"I want to splurge! I want to squander!"


~~~~~~Foreword~~~~~~
Well, this is only a list of all the deities that populate the world of Bronte. There will be more information added later when the story is well underway. This grimoire may contain "light spoilers" for newcomers.
If you are confused between the names of all the gods and their utilities, powers, etc., this is where you can get an easy reminder.
֍═══════════════════֍
Here is a summary of research on the origin of the deities of this world and mainly their names and what they are acting upon.

֍═════►Old Ones◄═════֍
Abstract — Art, Neutrality, Retribution
Aestetik — Poetry, Music, Healing
Alpha — War, Fortitude, Courage
Azote — Ice, Underworld, Sex, Night
Eco — Animals, Earth, Fruits
Justin — Potions, Thieves, Travellers
Kodomo — Marriage, Kids, Childbirth
Libra — Justice, Order, Winds, Men
Makup — Beauty, Wealth, Mirror
Napalm — Fire, Destruction, Warriors, Day
Titani — Oceans, Rivers, Sailors
Vigrill — Home, Chastity, Builders
֍═════►New Ones◄═════֍
Bahala — Fertility, Generosity, Passion
Delio — Friendship, Martial Art, Energy
Delph — Resilience, Earth, Sword
Falast — Murders, Fear, Craziness
Jazz — Soul, Ghost, Death
Mi — Victory, Warmth, Revenge
Ur — Sleep, Dream, Hope
Wenirh — Hunting, Rain, Bow

How great was the wrath of the Old Gods for such a punishment to fall on men? For centuries now, the slightest voluntary arousal has caused boys and teenagers of all human races to die.

Among these men, some survive into adulthood, such as Nahash, a young man who, after braving the curse, is finally ready to receive his blessing. But what happens when that same blessing is corrupted by an evil force? Well, who knows.

I have always loved to write. In my teens I spend hours pouring my heart into poetry. Now, married with kids and still in university, writing is often more work than pleasure. I had always heard that writing can be cathartic, and at one time it was for me. Now, I have to push the to-do lists out of my mind just to be willing to sit still longer enough to consider words for pleasure.  

Until I got married I was a frequent world traveler. I explored without worry for finances or the future. However, after saying "I do," my Dear Husband and I starting having children and working... and going back to school... and it all just slipped away... 

That was until this past summer when a sudden push of wanderlust sprung our whole family into the world of expatriates. Within a two month time we had sold everything we owned and moved across the world to a country in West Africa. Now, everyday is an adventure, especially when I was the only one who had ever even flown on a plane before this move. 

It seems only reasonable to share this adventure with the world, even if just through my little overwhelmed eyes. Thankfully, I have this hidden talent...

MM’s life, as seen through her own eyes. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. 

Living overseas, MM never knows what life will throw her way. It’s not that travel is new, but each new place is an adventure, especially now that she has a family to take care of...


Born 1984, Michael Botur is a writer originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, who now lives in Whangarei with his wife and two kids, Abe and Violet. He is of British, Irish, Polish and Pakistani descent.  
Botur is author of five short story collections. The collections are True? (2018), Lowlife (2017), Spitshine (2015/16), Mean (2013) and Hot Bible! (2012). 
Botur holds a Masters in Creative Writing from AUT University and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism Studies from Massey University, as well as degrees in arts and literacy.  Botur makes a living from writing as a columnist, corporate communications writer, SEO blogger, advertising writer and journalist. His writing services are listed at www.MichaelBoturWriter.com. 
Botur has published creative writing in most NZ literary journals, has been making money from creative writing since the age of 21 and was in 2017 included in the University of Otago collection 'Manifesto Aotearoa: 101 political poems' and University of Canterbury's 'Bonsai' flash fiction collection.
Botur has published journalism in most major NZ newspapers including New Zealand Herald, Herald on Sunday, Sunday Star-Times, as well as many magazines.  
Botur has a long history of volunteering, including working with Maori and Pasifika literacy, Youthline, ESOL refugee tutoring, and working for Waitemata DHB's Volunteer Stroke Scheme. In Whangarei, Botur is involved in improv theatresports and performance poetry. Read most of Mike's short stuff at www.NZShortStories.com.

12 friends. 12 million bucks. 12 months. 
No food. No adults. No backing out.

***
Eden Shepherd was promised a million bucks and a year with her best friends in a biodome experiment controlled by sinister artificial intelligence. No one told her there would be no food, no banks for her money, no law, and no backing out.

The days were always gone too quickly.

With the weather turning colder, the students of Guang Wen Tang began to prepare for the academy examinations that would be held at the end of the month.

The young males did it so that they could be officials and the young females did it to show off their talents to increase their value when they married in the future or so prospective matches would take a fancy to them.

This was what the noble children must do. Even pampered females like Feng An Ning also started to work harder these days, much less Shen Qing and Shen Yue. Shen Yue especially composed poetry and played the qin in the Eastern Courtyard all day long as she looked forward to being in the limelight again this year.

Shen Yue and Shen Qing were already fifteen and according to tradition, it was the time where the two families would meet. The females in Ming Qi would be married around the age of sixteen, so they could be engaged at the age of fifteen. Shen Qing and Shen Yue did not settle it for a long time because they had set their eyes very high and looked down on those of the same status. But it would be somewhat not knowing what was good for themselves if they set it too high.

In the end, these two households resolutely fixed their sights on Prince Ding.

Of the nine sons of the late Emperor, only the ninth, Prince Ding, had yet to marry. He was just in his early twenties and it was the perfect time to get married. But, because of various reasons, the Prince Consort position was still undecided. Like a hanging piece of meat, Prince Ding would personally be there as an examiner in the academy examinations. This made many young ladies put in more energy and effort as they hoped to leave a good impression in front of Prince Ding and wished that His Highness would fall for them at first sight.

Shen Miao, however, had no intention of doing that.

Even with another lifetime, she was still not a woman of romance. She did not know how to compose poetry or perform any dance. Obviously she could not stand on the stage to talk about the major national issues. Moreover, she did not want to have any association with Prince Ding.

In her past lifetime, Prince Ding used her Shen family, harmed her children and massacred her entire clan. This was a debt that needed to be paid sooner or later. Since there was a blood debt, how can they be husband and wife in this life?

Feng An Ning asked her, "Why are you not reading? Seeing that the end of the month is here if you do not buck up, aren't you letting others laugh their teeth off?" Shen Miao fell into the water and afterwards had quieted down a lot. Feng An Ning thought that she started to understand things properly, but today it seemed that there was no different from how it was previously. She was still that stupid and ignorant student.

Shen Miao said, "One would not understand anyhow, why waste additional time."
Yi Pei Lan, who was listening to the remarks at the side, laughed and sneered, "It's nothing more than mud not sticking to the wall."

Shen Yue was talking to Shen Qing at that moment and pretended as though as she did not hear the words spoken and did not come to her rescue. These days, Shen Miao did not please them as she did previously, so they were unhappy about it in their hearts and were anxious to see Shen Miao embarrass herself.

Shen Miao, however, seemed not to have heard Yi Pei Lan's words and stood up, "I will go for a walk in the garden."

When she had left, Yi Pei Lan then curled her lip in disgust, "Only escaping when she has nothing to say, truly as timid as a mouse."

"Have you said enough?" Feng An Ning's brows pinched, "What is so good about having knowledge?" Since level two, she was imposing and pampered at home. Yi Pei Lan did not want to create trouble with her, so she kept quiet.

Shen Miao reached the gardens and walked slowly around.

Guang Wen Tang was a place of elegance and the garden's greenery, pond, rock formation and construction were done up beautifully. As one walked into the bamboo forest, one would be able to smell a fragrance which could make one's heart feel refreshed.

She only wanted some quiet time for herself. The people in level two were only young impetuous kids, and she had already been a mother in the past lifetime. Many times, as the Empress, other than receiving the greetings of various concubines, she would need to spend most of her time in her own Feng Yi Palace. After being accustomed to quiet isolation and emptiness, she was too lazy to deal with a group of kids making a ruckus, be it be ridiculing or getting ridiculed.

In the end, she did not care about them.

As she was walking, she saw a snow-white glutinous rice dumpling appear in front of her.
The small dumpling clad in ivory satin robes was standing under the bamboo. The clothes that should be very beautiful were deformed by the round body shape, and the hat on his head was creased and crumpled, making the entire look seem funny and ridiculous.

"Su Ming Lang." She softly called.

When the dumpling heard his name, he quickly turned around. When he saw Shen Miao, a look of pleasant surprise appeared. He seemed to want to rush off, but stopped hesitantly and did not speak as he watched Shen Miao.

This child really did look like a four or five-year-old baby, which made Shen Miao's head throb. Could it be that he took her as a mother?

When Su Ming Lang saw Shen Miao, he pursed his lips like he wanted to say something yet did not dare to speak. Afterwards, his eyes started to redden as he softly cried, "I'm sorry…"

Sorry? Shen Miao was slightly blanked out when she saw the dumpling's mouth trembled as he was about to cry with a grievance.

The next moment, a lazy voice rang out.

"So it was you."

重生之将门毒后
撰写者千山茶客

Summary from Baike…
将门嫡女，贞静柔婉，痴恋定王，自奔为眷。
六年辅佐，终成母仪天下。
陪他打江山，兴国土，涉险成为他国人质，五年归来，后宫已无容身之所。
他怀中的美人笑容明艳：“姐姐，江山定了，你也该退了。”
女儿惨死，太子被废。沈家满门忠烈，无一幸免。一朝倾覆，子丧族亡！
沈妙怎么也没想到，患难夫妻，相互扶持，不过是一场逢场作戏的笑话！
他道：“看在你跟了朕二十年，赐你全尸，谢恩吧。”
三尺白绫下，沈妙立下毒誓：是日何时丧，予与汝皆亡！
重生回十四岁那年，悲剧未生，亲人还在，她还是那个温柔雅静的将门嫡女。
极品亲戚包藏祸心，堂姐堂妹恶毒无情，新进姨娘虎视眈眈，还有渣男意欲故技重来？
家族要护，大仇要报，江山帝位，也要分一杯羹。这辈子，且看谁斗得过谁！
但是那谢家小侯爷，提枪打马过的桀骜少年，偏立在她墙头傲然：“颠个皇权罢了，记住，天下归你，你——归我！”

Translated summary…

The Di-daughter of military lineage, pure, amiable, quiet and yielding, foolishly in love with Prince Ding, throwing oneself to the role of a wife.

After assisting (a ruler) for six years, she finally became the mother to the world.

Accompanying him to fight for the country, to flourish the country’s territory, taking the risk to be a hostage in another country, after returning five years later, there was no place to fit in the Inner Palace.

The beauty in his arms smiles brightly, “Older sister, the country is stabilized, and you should retire.”

The daughter had met with violent death, and the Crown Prince was disposed of. The Shen family who had sacrificed themselves for the country, not one of them were lucky to escape. In one dynasty everything overturned, her clan had perished, and she needed to mourn for her children!

Shen Miao never did think that as a married couple who went through trials and tribulations and mutually assisting one another was just a stage joke to him!

He said, “Seeing that you have followed Zhen for twenty years, will grant you an intact corpse. Thank this kindness.”

Under the three Chi (1 Chi = 1/3 meter) of white silk, Shen Miao made a malicious vow: In the time to come, she will take part in each and everyone’s end!

Upon rebirth, she returns to the time when she was fourteen, where the tragedy had yet to occur; her family were still alive, she was still the pure, amiable, quiet and yielding Di-daughter of military lineage.

Relatives hiding a black heart, Elder and younger (female) cousins are ruthless and malicious, the new Yiniang is like a tiger watching its prey and the disreputable man that wants to repeat events?

The family must be protected, the huge enmity must be avenged, the Imperial seat of the country must also be part of the trophy. In this lifetime, let’s see who can beat the others!
But that little marquis from the Xie family, the arrogant and obstinate spear carrying youth, stood biasedly at her side and proudly said, “Just the fall of the Imperial power. Remember this, the world belongs to you. You– Belong to me!”

DISCLAIMER!
I am using Zaza’s (https://chubbycheeksthoughts.com/) translated work to edit as best as I can to fit the original author’s work intended for the book. So there will be times where everything looks the same from the original translated work. I also try as best as I can to maintain the original terms used by author when addressing people in their dialogues. So there will be lots of Hanyu Pinyin in the chapters.


Oren woke early the next morning. He could feel the sun outside, hear the wind howl, as turbulent as his thoughts. 
He looked to where Etsuko slept next to him, her body still; the sleep of the immortal. With no coven to speak of, they'd copied Jorick and made a bedroom in the basement, leaving Xandria and the children with rooms upstairs. Etsuko hadn't complained about the coffins, but seeing her climb into one each night-for the first time in his life it seemed an odd custom. He'd purchased a bed, and linens, though it meant more laundry.
We should get some servants.
Not that Etsuko would agree. He'd mentioned it - until three years ago he'd always had human servants to handle the mundane tasks - but Etsuko had insisted it was unnecessary. 
"The coven that raised you had servants," he reminded her. "Not just humans, but lower ranked vampires."
"Yes, but it was a large coven. We are only one family."
"Not yet a family," imaginary Jesslynn reminded him. "You're living in sin. You're not a family until-"
Not until he figured out how to propose.
He ran through the checklist Katelina had given him. The perfect place. Would Etsuko want to travel somewhere? They could leave the children with Xandria for a few days and drive - no. He wouldn't trust Xandria with a dog, let alone children. She'd go on a date and forget to come home, or she'd feed them ice cream for dinner because that was what they asked for. Besides, he wasn't sure Etsuko would be willing to part with them. Jesslynn had never been far from hers. He remembered when they'd gone to Jorick's wedding to Velnya and left the children behind. Jesslynn had fussed nonstop, worrying about whether they were being cared for, whether they were all right, whether they missed her.
So the perfect place would be somewhere we could take a pair of mortal three year olds.
He decided to come back to the place later. What was next? Softening her up? They'd suggested a gift, something she'd pointed out, but no ideas came to mind. Last month she'd commented on a pair of earrings, but he'd already given them to her. The same with the books she'd pointed out the week before, and the bracelet she'd admired the week before that. Five days ago she'd expressed her appreciation of a coat in a catalog, and it was already on the way. She didn't know he'd ordered it, so perhaps he could use that? 
Imaginary Jesslynn scoffed. "A coat is not a romantic gift, even if has a faux fur collar."
She wasn't real, but she was right. What else had the article suggested? Poetry. He had books of poetry in the library, though he wasn't sure he could trust himself to read one aloud well. Flowers had been the other suggestion. That would be easy enough. With winter, the sun sank early, and this time of year every establishment in the nearby towns hawked roses, to cash in on the Valentine's Day madness. 
At least that's decided.
As for the method, the dancing seemed the best. He thought he remembered how to waltz and - but did Etsuko know how? It hadn't come up, and he realized they had never danced together. A courtship without dancing. What an odd world they lived in.
Assuming she could dance, he'd need to find music, but that largely depended on the place. He could hardly drag a phonograph on vacation. 
He sat up and planted his feet on the floor. In his mind he could see inside the nightstand drawer, see to the little velvet box. When he'd proposed to Jesslynn, he'd used his mother's ring, but that had been lost when she died. He supposed it was just as well. Could he really give a second wife the same ring? 
"You mean my ring. And no, you cannot. Not that the new one is very good."
He couldn't argue with that. He'd purchased the best he could find, but he wasn't happy with it. It lacked-workmanship. And the salesman had insisted it must be a diamond. "A woman always expects a diamond engagement ring. Anything else and she'll be disappointed."
Jesslynn wasn't, he thought bitterly. And neither was my mother. The purple gem was good enough for them.
But then, it was a different time.
Hopefully it's good enough.

***

Later that evening, Oren sat under the twins, finishing a storybook, when the front door banged open. Xandria's scent - the peculiar mix of humanity, cigarettes, and cheap perfume - filled the room, so he didn't bother to look up.
The children were not so serene. Both broke into grins and wriggled their way to the floor, chirping, "Shandra! Shandra!" 
"Aw, hello, kiddies. And what have you been doing?" 
"Papa read a story!"
"That sounds exciting." Xandria wandered over to the chair and leaned on the back, so that her breath puffed across the top of Oren's head. "Let me guess, it's the one with the train."
"Yes." He snapped the book closed and stood. "I assume your date went well."
She tossed her red hair over her shoulder and laughed. Something in the gesture reminded him of his sister, though Xandria lacked her elegance. "It was a girl's night out, not a date!"
The woman also lacked Torina's taste in clothing. The sequined tank top was worn carelessly, one strap off her shoulder, and her pants were skin tight. Something to do with yoka, or a similar word. She wore too much jewelry; a cluster of necklaces at her throat, half an arm of bangle bracelets and several rings. She and Etsuko had very little in common, but, maybe-
He sent the kids to find their mother, and followed Xandria upstairs. She noticed him in the hallway and stopped to give him a discerning look. "Yeah?"
He drew himself up. He could do this. "I need to have a word with you."
Xandria narrowed heavily made up eyes. "Uh, huh."
He had a flash of her thoughts; fangs and blood, heat, a moan- "Nothing like that!" He stepped away quickly, trying to push the disturbing images from his mind. 
"Oh." 
She didn't bother to hide her disappointment, and he stepped back further. If she was this easy for him to read, she'd be just as easy for Etsuko. The surprise would be ruined. "Never mind."
He backed away, but Xandria advanced. "No, wait. What did you want?"
He saw the glimmer of a thought: she was going to ask Etsuko what was going on. Wonderful. He grabbed for the first thing that came to mind. "We were discussing-education options for the twins. You've been to school more recently, and understand children's culture. Could they manage?"
"Oh." She sagged a little. "Is that all? I mean, yeah, I went to school, but not here. I'm from South Africa, you know."
No, he didn't, but it hardly mattered.
She went on. "Though, it's probably not any different. We had loner kids, you know? Any one of them could have had vampire parents and I'd have never known about it. They got picked on some. But everyone gets picked on. Even I got made fun of over my name. But there's parent/teacher stuff, and school plays, and all that crap. You'd have to work out how to get out of it. Though I guess if it's in the evening you'd be okay."
She went on, but Oren stopped listening. He cursed Jorick for ever suggesting he talk to her about it. Hadn't Jorick thought about the mind reading implications?
Probably not. It isn't as if he spends time with Xandria.
The woman paused for air, and Oren used it as an excuse to escape. She called after him, "Any time!" but he didn't acknowledge it.
Instead of leaving her with the kids for a week, I should send her to Jorick. It would be a vacation for me and serve him right.




Joleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire universe, a world where vampires aren't for children. Comprised of a main series, a standalone prequel, and several short story collections, she has plans to continue expanding with a trilogy and standalone novels. 
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer. She maintains several blogs, full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left, she watches anime, plays PokemonGo, and works on her crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband, family, and pets, she is never lonely, in fact, quite the opposite. Should she disappear, one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise. 

Pulled into a world of darkness, Katelina's fate becomes intertwined with that of Jorick, a dark, enigmatic vampire. To stay by his side, she must navigate intrigue, terror and bloodshed as they are drawn from one battle to another. Dreams of peace seem elusive, and are complicated by mysterious vampires, old relics, and an ancient master. Join Katelina and Jorick in a world where vampires don't sparkle and night is eternal.

hi I am  ariel I am 14 
my mom died during  a  car  accident  every  one  
thinks  it was an accident  but  I  think  it  is  not  
I have  a  feeling  it is  connected to my  school  
  
           "CHEN  CHEN High School "

believe me  when I  say it is  your  worst  nightmare  normally  students  puke  and janitors  
clean ah the  best in the  rules book of  kids 
but  NOO WE CLEAN THE JANITORS  POOP  and PUKE
and the  rules  are  so  cruel  

rule 1  no standing  on the  floor  during  classes  
and my reaction  is  WHAT how are  we going to do  that    oh right  like this  they give  us  this   diapers  thingy and attach it  to  rope  thingys   
and when  we sit  on it  our butt goes  yipi awyeye
I so hate it   

rule  2    no dating  a teacher  
ok who wants  to  date  teachers  .. oh right   Eliza  
I heard she  got  kicked  off  school  because  she dated a  married  teacher  in his 90s 

  rule  3  clean your  teachers   mess ....oh this  f**** up   b*****es  should   just  die  

any ways  I have  only  two   best friends   Sam and Dawn   I have  no  mother only  my  dad  he  works   for   a  secret   science    lab   under    cover as  a  teacher   cool  right    any ways   Sam loves   poetry  and  is  organized  her  parents  are doctors 
as  for  Dawn  don't  be  fooled by the  name   her  parents  are  boxers  they  even  own  a  gym    Dawn  is  an  amazing  fighter  

ya we have  an enemy  CHLOE she  seduces  boys  and girls  and  teachers  ew  anyways  my life  is  trash almost  completely

   Andrea is the youngest sister of the family, although she did not know her parents very well, she always admired and respected them, her father was a martial arts teacher, and her mother became a great pianist, the paternal uncles welcomed both girls and educated them as if they were their daughters, they never lacked anything, Marcela still took care of her sister and although she did not like it she learned martial arts with her uncle, she studied and graduated as a university professor in the branch of Poetry and Literature.

      Andrea, who was looking at her exhausted sister, explained to her that she did not need to make a big effort, since she would also help her, to which Marcela said angrily

      Marcela: oh no, not that... I will keep our father's promise and you are going to continue your studies, I know our uncles are fine, but I don't like the idea of depending on them like parasites either.

      Andrea could only sigh and say: I get your idea sister, but I don't like to see how you get home, besides I know you have an extra job.

      Marcela, besides being a university teacher, was a private teacher with high school kids where they had failures, of course because of the journey she sometimes arrived exhausted.

      After so much talk, Andrea had to give in and accept her sister's request and enter college after the vacations.

      Andrea already had a favorite university to study Arts, since high school she had already had as a favorite the National University blue clover, it was one of the most outstanding and best universities, so she tried her best to be admitted.

The story revolves around Elias Hong, a foreign exchange student, due to his looks and his last name is involved in many conflicts, his luck will change when he gets to know Andrea Martinez, not only his classmate but also a self-defense teacher, where his pride prevents him from accepting that a woman saves him.

kids poetry novel

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Rebirth of the Godly Prodigal

The Bad Offspring

MM’s Musings

Moneyland: Book One

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Amaranthine

is this really love

I will be your Dragon

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