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ugh. KP is grounded for bad behavior.
🤣Question out of curiosity: How do you decide if the journal entries you share should be from either Leon or Julian? Some authors may try to give an even number for both characters, but you seem to have some sort of method for choosing them.
huh. I haven’t really thought about it. Well, I guess I do whatever said character would journal. They are both going through the same thing, but that situation will affect them differently. It may not seem important to Leon to journal about the food and provision they had found, but that had an effect on Julian and he chose to write about it.
does that make sense?im glad you like these section. I enjoy them but i was worried they would be boring.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Yeah, but if there’s a lot of plants, chances are there’s a lot of animals surviving off of that, which means the wolves shouldn’t be having much trouble finding food.
You could just take out this sentence:
The wolves growled, but they were hungry, and they decided the threat was worth the potential kill. The winter had been harsh on every creature.
But no one else has seemed to notice it, so maybe it’s just me. Up to you 🙃
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
mkay.
Thanks.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @liberty @linus-smallprint
NEXT SECTION!
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
March 31st
The EmpireIt is growing dark. I am sitting beside Leon, who is tossing in fevered sleep. Last night we were attacked by wolves, and several of us were bruised and scratched, but three were bitten, Flannan, Mr. Klein, and Leon. Those three are now unconscious and burning with a raging fever. Those of us who were not bitten seem to be safe, though who can tell. Oh God, I don’t understand what You’re doing. Why is all this happening to us? First our prince dies— he would have been the first ruler in the Empire to believe in You! Oh, what might have happened here if only he could have become Emperor! And with him died Marius, a dear friend. Then Aelic was killed along with his cousin. Then we had to flee up here, and Walter told us many had turned from the faith and Meinrad and Carl were killed. Then some of our company froze out here only a day from shelter. Then You provided us with shelter and food and gave us hope, only to let wolves attack us, and now three of our friends are terribly sick! What’s going on Lord? What don’t I see? What is happening?
~Julian
Leon stirred and moaned in his sleep. Julian put an arm under him and carefully helped him to drink a small swallow of water. Leon muttered something and slipped back into sleep. Julian opened his Bible and tried to read by the candlelight. He saw Rolf and Ernst sitting by their father. Ernst was asleep, and Rolf was near to joining him. Roland lay near Flannan. Julian turned a page in his bible, but his eyes began to close.
He woke slightly to see Roland lighting another candle and helping Flannan to drink. Then he slept again. In the morning, a hand touched his shoulder and Julian woke. He looked up at Roland’s weary face. “You should get some sleep,” Julian murmured.
Roland turned away. “Julian, Flannan died in the night.”
“What!” Julian whispered. He felt a wave of overwhelming sorrow and despair fill him at the loss of yet another friend. Then, with a jolt of terror, he realized that if Flannan had died so suddenly from the wounds, Leon could be next.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
April 1st
The EmpireWe have just returned from laying Flannan to rest. He died of his wounds in the night. It breaks my heart, yet I also know that he was strong in faith and is safe with our Savior. I’m now sitting with Leon again. He seems to be doing better than Mr. Klein, and perhaps it has something to do with the fact that his bite was not as deep as other’s and was only on his hand and arm. Oh Father, please spare him and Mr. Klein. Rolf, Ernst, and Liesl would be devastated should their father die, and I couldn’t bear to lose Leon. Not like this Lord, please not like this.
It is now April, but the end of winter seems no nearer. In fact, it is starting to snow again. Oh God, how much longer must we endure this winter? Several of the men and boys have started putting up a barricade around the entrance to the cave. I pray it holds out those savage beasts should they return.~Julian.
The day passed in anxious watching and careful tending of the two wounded men. Liesl and her brothers could not be enticed away to eat, and they hardly ate when food was brought to them. Julian was too worried to eat, but he was convinced by Roland and one of the women that he must drink water.
Evening came and darkness fell. Liesl would have to leave once the young men wished to sleep, but they stayed up later for her sake. Julian glanced toward the Kleins and saw Roland sitting across from Liesl, both bowed in prayer. Rolf was pacing, and Ernst was trying not to sleep.
Someone touched Leon’s shoulder, and he turned. Walter crouched down at his side. “Julian, let me watch while you get a few hours’ sleep. I promise to wake you should anything happen.”
Julian started to shake his head, but Liesl’s gasp startled him. Julian spun and scrambled up. He started toward the Kleins but stopped a few paces away and caught his breath. Mr. Klein was awake.
Rolf was kneeling by his father, and Mr. Klein was gripping his hand. His lips were moving, but Julian couldn’t hear what he said. Rolf was shaking his head, but Mr. Klein gripped his hand harder and slowly Rolf nodded, tears running down his face.
Mr. Klein slowly turned his head and lifted a hand to rest on Ernst’s shoulder. The boy was frantically rubbing tears from his eyes, his face gaunt and pale. Mr. Klein said something, and Ernst began to cry, his hoarse broken sobs filling the space. Roland was standing back, but Mr. Klein held out a hand to him. Roland came forward and knelt at Liesl’s side. Julian watched as Mr. Klein reached out and took Liesl’s hand. He placed it in Roland’s and closed the young man’s fingers over Liesl’s. He said something, and Roland nodded.
Julian turned and quietly walked away, knowing this last moment was not something to be infringed upon.
He sat down by Walter and lowered his head to his bent knees as Liesl’s weeping broke the silence.
***
Two more days passed after Mr. Klein’s death.
Rolf and Ernst hardly spoke to anyone. Liesl spent most of her time crying or listening to Roland read the Psalms to her. Julian and Walter watched by Leon’s side, dreading the moment when he too would slip away from them.
On the morning of the third day, Rolf came and knelt at Leon’s side. He reached out a hand and laid it on Leon’s shoulder. “Father God, I trust You, and I will not be angry because You took my father. Please Lord, if it is Your will, heal Leon, and nothing in me will be bitter that he was spared, and my father was not.”
Julian blinked away tears from his eyes as Rolf sat down by his side. He put a hand on the young man’s shoulder, and Rolf wept softly.
The day dragged on and turned to night. Julian kept watch through the darkness, even after Walter fell to sleep. He saw a candle glimmering and looked up as Ernst made his way to them. He sat down by Rolf and the two brothers embraced, Ernst crying quietly. Julian smiled sadly. He watched them join hands in prayer, and knew the time of heeling had begun.
It was hours later when Julian started awake. Light was streaming in through the cave mouth, and there was no longer a guard on duty.
“I’m starving! I feel like I haven’t eaten in days. Wake up Julian, let’s go find breakfast.”
Julian sat bolt upright and turned. Leon was holding himself up on one elbow. His face was pale, but the fever flush was gone, and he was smiling.
***
Leon’s recovery took a long time, and his fever often returned in the evenings, but it was always low, and he did not slip back into unconsciousness. He tired easily, even from sitting up, and it was clear he had undergone a long and hard fight to live.
Julian and Walter broke the news that Flannan and Mr. Klein had died. Leon was both stunned and heartbroken. He asked to speak with the Klein children and Roland. They talked for many hours, and Julian saw that the time was one of gentle sorrow and encouragement.
The snow stopped falling and the sun came out. The weather started to grow warmer, and everyone prayed spring was truly coming.
Time passed, and though no more snow came, the snow that had fallen didn’t melt. During that time, Leon began to recover his strength enough to stand up and walk for a short space of time.
It was two weeks after Mr. Klein’s death, that Roland and Liesl came to where Julian and Leon stood in the sunlight. Julian was surveying the barricade, and Leon was breathing the fresh air, smiling at the serious way Julian stood. “You don’t have to be constantly working. Why don’t you take a brake and enjoy this for a moment,” Leon said.
Julian glanced at him sideways. “I thought you were always the serious one.”
“I am,” Leon grinned. “I just like watching the sun on the snow.” He carefully leaned back against the cliff where the sunlight fell.
“Are you alright?” Julian asked worriedly.
“Yeah, just tired,” Leon replied.
Julian looked at him uneasily. “Maybe you should go and rest.”
Leon chuckled. “No, I’m alright. If you keep mother-hening me, I’ll never get a chance to regain my strength.”
“I’m just worried about you. You’re not a strong as you normally are,” Julian said.
“I did almost die,” Leon pointed out.
Julian threw up his hands. “That’s what I’m trying to say. Maybe you should rest.”
Leon’s face grew serious. “I’m alright Julian, honestly. I experienced this before when I almost died in slavery. It’s unpleasant and frustrating not having the strength to do things like walk and run or even stand for more than a little while. It made me frightened and angry before, but this time it’s different. This time I’m trusting God, and I’m allowing Him to teach me.”
“Teach you what?” Julian asked.
“Well, for one thing, how week and fleeting we are. Life is like a breath of wind, and it is as unpredictable as it is fast. It is God who gives us every moment of our lives, and if He can use such failing and fallen creatures as us for His glory, then His power is great indeed. It’s like what Paul said to the Corinthians about the thorn of weakness given to him. He said that he pleaded three times for God to take it away. But God said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’”
Julian didn’t know how to reply to that. It startled him how calm and even cheerful Leon was about all of this.
It was then that Roland and Liesl found them. “Leon, Julian, we need to talk to you about something,” Roland said.
“What is it?” Leon asked.
Roland paused a moment and then went on. “When Mr. Klein died… he told me that Liesl’s was mine to love and care for. His last wish was that I marry her now.”
“Are you both ready?” Leon asked.
Roland looked at Liesl. She slipped her hand and his and nodded. “I am.”
Roland smiled and looked back at Leon and Julian. “So am I.”
***
Lantern-light lit the main cavern as night descended on the mountain. Inside the cavern, all were gathered quietly. Leon stood by the central fire. Before him were Roland and Liesl. Roland was dressed in his work clothes, a scarf wrapped about his neck for warmth. Liesl wore a light brown homespun dress with green flowers embroidered around the sleeves and collar. She too wore a hat and scarf against the cold. She was holding both of Roland’s hands tightly in her own, and her face shone with joy.
Julian stood to the side with Rolf and Ernst. Looking at Liesl, he knew she could have been no prettier had she been dressed in a princess’s wedding gown. It was clear neither she nor Roland cared what they wore so long as they were joined in marriage together this night.
Leon prayed over them and then spoke a few words. “Roland, Liesl, I want you both to remember this night and the significance of the convenient you are about to enter. What you are about to do is a symbol of Christ and His bride, the church. Marriage is a gift given to us to remind us that one day Christ will come for us–– His bride–– and we will be joined with Him forever. Let your marriage show the world Jesus. Live together for Him.”
Liesl and Roland both nodded.
“Roland, do you take Liesl to be your wedded wife?”
“I do,” replied Roland.
“Liesl, do you accept Roland as your wedded husband?”
“I do,” she said.
“Roland, you may make your vow to Liesl,” said Leon.
Roland smiled and looked Liesl straight in the eyes. “Liesl, I vow this night–– before God and these witnesses–– to nourish and cherish you, to guard and guide you, and to love you as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
Liesl smiled back, tears in her eyes. “Roland, I vow this night–– before God and these witnesses–– to respect and honor you, and to submit myself to you as unto the lord, for you are my head, just as Christ is head of the church.”
The two exchanged simple rings, and then Leon spoke. “Roland, you may now kiss your bride.”
Roland did so, and those gathered cheered. Liesl wrapped her arms about him and laughed. Roland held her close, and all those present began to sing a Psalm of Christ and His church.
“Wake up, O daughter of Zion!
Leave here your clothing of shame
No more the orphan or harlot
See, I give you a new name!”“Take up these garments of splendor
Beautiful daughter, rise up!
Feel My great mercy surround you
Dress in the gown of My love”Glorious there in her chamber
Wearing the robe of the King
See Him delight in her beauty
With joy and gladness He sings“Take up these garments of splendor
Beautiful daughter, rise up!
Feel My great mercy surround you
Dress in the gown of My love”“Beautiful bride,” He has called you
Sought after, married, redeemed
“You’ll be the crown of My glory
You, My most highly esteemed”“Take up these garments of splendor
Beautiful daughter, rise up!
Feel My great mercy surround you
Dress in the gown of My love”Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Aww. Good section. I’m so glad Leon didn’t die.
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
Wow, that was fast.
what were you doing? just sitting there waiting? 😂
That was a pretty long section and covered a good deal of stuff…. do you have any thoughts on particular sections of the section?
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
No, I was just on my phone already and I saw the notification pop up.
Not really… no suggestions really stood out. 🤷♀️
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
lolol.
Oh I wasn’t meaning suggestions as much as thoughts about the story.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I liked the transition right at the scene break before Liesl and Roland got married. And how you showed Leon’s state of mind after the fever and how Julian didn’t understand it.
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
Cool! I feel like this is really where Leon and Julian sort of start to drift apart in personality. They’re really starting to experience different things from one another, and it’s changing them.
I love the idea of Roland and Liesl getting married in their work clothes with their scarves and hats because it’s so cold and they’re all just trying to stay alive.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
That’s good that they’ll be more distinguishable— but I hope that doesn’t mean they’ll drift apart.
Yeah xD It would be interesting. It was a sweet scene though.
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
Two deaths and a wedding. That sounds like a book title all on its own. It’s nice to have a happy moment to balance out the tragedy of the deaths.
“I’m starving! I feel like I haven’t eaten in days. Wake up Julian, let’s go find breakfast.”
Plot Armour!
(No, don’t think you need to change this. Plot armour is inevitable, and it would be weird if one of your protaganists just suddenly died. But it would also be wierd if the protagonists never had any near death experiences in this dangerous world.)
Leon prayed over them and then spoke a few words. “Roland, Liesl, I want you both to remember this night and the significance of the convenient you are about to enter. What you are about to do is a symbol of Christ and His bride, the church. Marriage is a gift given to us to remind us that one day Christ will come for us–– His bride–– and we will be joined with Him forever. Let your marriage show the world Jesus. Live together for Him.”
Liesl and Roland both nodded.
“Roland, do you take Liesl to be your wedded wife?”
Sometimes, it’s nice to keep things simple. Just a few words and normalish clothing.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
haha! It would be a British mystery. I may have to write that……….
Plot Armour!
Oh. You just wait.
He does not get to keep that for long.
I killed Aelic.
I also killed Aaron.
Sometimes, it’s nice to keep things simple. Just a few words and normalish clothing.
Honestly though, I love that image.
I’ll want a wedding dress, (love the symbolism) but nice and simple is my kind of wedding for sure!
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I wonder if Helene, Erich, and Eden got out. I pray they did.
Me too, would be really sad if they didn’t.
Ernst got in an argument with a squirrel who kept throwing nuts at him. Ernst shot it. We’ll have a good meal with it tonight.
lol!
For some reason I’m really liking the living-in-the-caves-and-foraging section. I feel bad for the two that died to the wolves though.
I love the wedding scene too, especially the song they sung at the end. Decently simple weddings are my jam. (Not for me. I have no interest in getting married. But for my characters, yeah, none of them care for fancy.)
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Yes, that would be sad.
I guess we’ll never know.
I like the cave stuff too! It’s a fun change.
yes, I love simple weddings.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
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