Weekend Writing Warriors: Snippet 79- Teodora
It’s time for Weekend Writing Warriors! Every Sunday, a bunch of writers post 8-10-sentence snippets from their WIPs on their blogs. There’s a lot of reading, commenting and great writing. Click on the link to see the full list.
How is is April already? At least I’m feeling mostly better and am back at it. I’m nearly 10k words into Winter of the Wolf, so Valley of the Shadow is feeling like ancient history now. I’ll probably only go a few more weeks before moving onto Hammer of the Gods. The next few snippets will focus on introducing some characters that will be important going forward.
Since Arryk’s big victory, liberating Birkenfels Castle, he’s been pretty unstoppable, gathering allies from all over before planning to challenge the empress herself. In desperation, Teodora has called on an old enemy to help her raise an army.
Teodora received her on her throne, with all the pomp of the empire. She told everyone she wanted to give Brynhild Mattila her due as a senior member of the loyal Moraltan nobility, and a potential savior of the realm. In reality, she wanted to make sure that Mattila understood who she was dealing with.
In contrast with her splendidly-robed entourage, all in fur-trimmed coats of dark velvet in the style of old Moralta, Mattila herself wore riding dress under a plain, somewhat battered suit of armor. It wasn’t fitting for an audience with the empress, but it made her look very warlike. She approached the throne with her brisk, long stride and went down on one knee, her lips brushing Teodora’s outstretched hand. Then she looked up, her gray eyes still hard and clear, though the rest of her looked quite faded.
“Your Highness, it has been many years.”
“It has.” Teodora forced a smile.
Previous snippets are here.
by
Oh, I’m very curious as to their history. Nice snippet!
Thank you!
Looking forward to the power play between these two, Christina.
Well done on the progress.
Thanks! It’s been fun to write.
Tsk, tsk. Matilla needs a refresher course in what to wear to court.
If she thinks it’ll make Teodora happy, she’ll find a way to do the opposite.
Oooh tension is ripe in the air! Great snippet!
Thank you!
Like the contrast of her eyes with her overall description. (clear v. faded).
Thank you!
I liked the backstory where Tedora wanted to make sure Matilla knew who she was dealing with. That gives us great insight into her character. And, as far as Matilla’s clothes, it sounds like she might have something to say about letting Tedora know who she is too. Great introductions, Christina.
Yes, they have a very unpleasant history, and neither one is the forgiving sort. Lots of trouble ahead!
Great snippet! You’re not the only one who baffled by the fact it’s already April. Where has the year gone?
Thanks! I know, I just had to do my first quarter financial stuff. It feels like it’s only been a few weeks since New Years!
Terrific cadence and tone in your prose, Christina, really sets the mood. Great snippet!
Thank you Steven!
What makes me think Mattila is trying to make a point with her chosen garb? Very effective sequence, the tension is tangible.
Yes, she certainly is. Thank you!
Finally, Theodora meets her match. I love how uncomfortable Mattila makes her.
I always enjoy making her squirm. 🙂
I always love the intricate politics and back stories in your writing. Really evokes the time frame that we’re watching unfold. Great snippet!
Thank you! I love writing all the political machinations. Much more fun than following real-life politics. 🙂
I don’t think Mattila is properly impressed. She seems like one tough lady.
Yes, she’s especially not impressed with Teodora, which is super-annoying for her.
Depending on the empress, she might be very well dressed indeed! Great snippet. 🙂
I like the tension between these two. I want to know more about what’s happened between them 🙂
Thanks! There’s a lot of ugly backstory that will be revealed eventually.
There is nothing worse than having to go down on one knee and kiss the hand of an enemy, because you need their help. Lovely snippet.
Yeah, this is a tough moment for both ladies (I use the term loosely in both cases) 🙂
I think looking warlike is a good thing in front of Teodora.
Yes, she know how to handle her!
Sounds to me like the situation is going to eventually come to a head…hope they don’t destroy each other in the process. Good snippet.
At some point, they’ll try to kill each other, but it’ll have to build up to that.
Nothing like strong powerful women! Nice scene, Christina!
Thank you!
Visual scene. A serious power play getting started between them. I think Teodora might have chosen more than she can handle… Great snippet, Christina!
Thank you!
Oh my, talk about two Queen Be’s in one small space;). Can’t wait to see more of them. Great snippet.
Congrats on making good progress and I’m glad you’re feeling better.
Yes, the two of them in one room is a recipe for drama. 😀
These two are fun, you just know they’re both finding it very hard not to knock the stuffing out of each other! Am about 3/4 through Valley of the Shadow – pace sure picks up! There’s more than a dash of violence! You must have done a TON of research, the results are impressive. I don’t know how you keep all that military stuff straight 🙂
Ooh, yes. You’re getting to the good part. 😀 By the time I wrote that, I think I’d ready every book about that time period still in print. I tend to get obsessed with the military details and it’s hard not to want to include them all in the story.
Looking like a cat fight waiting to happen. 🙂 Can’t wait to see the fur fly. Putting two strong women in a room together is just asking for fun. Great snippet!
Yes, it’s going to get ugly!
It’s April. I thought that was just a joke?!?!?!
Great snippet – I like the way she strode in to court.
Tweeted.
Ah… Mattila. She was a handful indeed. >:)
April, yes it does sneak up. Believe it or not, we had a good snowstorm in Chicagoland, not too much stuck, but it was warm enough to not wear a jacket today. (Now it’s cold again, lol) Anyhow, love the snippet and how Teodora greeted her. Very nice!