Peace, Courage, and Higher Virtue

[Writing published on RR is a rough draft, liable to change and development as necessary).

This story takes place in a high-fantasy medieval-inspired Pangea, populated by sentient Triassic Period creatures, and introduces the three young adult monks Zephyr- aEudimorphodon, Tempest- aCaelestiventus,and Pax Excelsus- aPostosuchus.

Chapter 1:Meeting at the Mountaintopwas written as part of the art challenge, the theme of the work being 'Mount(ain)'.

When his friend Tempest leaves their monastery home on an illicit excursion into a local village, the timid and rule-following Zephyr is enlisted to serve as a look-out. In the biting cold, Zephyr holds a lonely vigil awaiting the return of his friend- but he may not be the only one lying in wait for Tempest's return.

Chapter 2:Playing Pond-Monsterwas also written as part of the art challenge, the theme for the work being 'play'. It takes place several years afterMeeting at the Mountaintop.

With events in the wider world taking a turn for the worse, the three subadult monks are given leave from the monastery for the day. To cool off and to raise Pax's low spirits, the trio plan to make an excursion to a local pond. But monsters sometimes lurk even in the unlikeliest of depths.

Chapter 3:Decorum sans Paxtakes place a little over a week after the events ofPlaying Pond-Monster.

Now brought before their Order’s Council of Elders for his actions to save Zephyr at the pond, Pax is forced to contend against potential excommunication in a trial that may redefine the path if his life altogether.

Chapter 4:Catharsistakes place in the afternoon following the trial in the first section ofDecorum sans Pax.

Dejected and overwrought with guilt, Tempest elects to take a routine trip to visit Celeste. On the way, Tempest uncovers a chilling conspiracy that stands to threaten the local village. Facing off against a pair of deadly adversaries, Tempest is forced to fight for his life in a desperate mission to save Celeste and her home.

Chapter 5:What Dreams May Cometakes place a day beforeMeeting at the Mountaintop.

After the death of her dear aunt, a young Celeste is overwrought with loneliness and despair. Seeking a remedy, she makes a deal with a devil- a primordial wyrm that has every intent to collect. Now back in the present, she's haunted by awful dreams and a despondent promise: war is coming, and the bounds of her loyalty are sure to be tested.

Chapter 6:Warning Signalstakes place immediately following the end toCatharsisandWhat Dreams May Come.

Tempest's arrival at Celeste's bids a dire warning for her home. Celeste's loyalty will be put to the test as she's forced to choose between her oaths to Singulus and her love to Tempest.

Chapter 7:Promises to Keeptakes place immediately followingWarning Signals.

Out of time to find the missing evidence, Tempest is out of options, forced to issue his warning to the village based on his word alone. Still, even when hopes seem faint and shadows enclose on all sides, new allies may yet persist in the dark.