The Storyseekers Part 4: Cheydine

"Where in the world are we?" Dallian glanced quickly around him, hurrying to catch up with Melodica and Jayrin. "This doesn't even feel like Estrellica."
He's right. Jayrin had to admit to herself. Spearhead Forest definitely felt like a different world from what any of them were used to. The muddy ground beneath their feet was scattered with leaves and a few wild flowers. The trees had thick, wide bases and moss hanging from the branches, sheltering the undergrowth of ferns and other exotic looking plants. Strange bird calls echoed through the air, and the plant life around them rustled as unseen animals passed through them. Fear pricked Jayrin's mind as she considered what kinds of carnivorous creatures lived here, but her adventurous spirit kept her going.
Melodica looked around, trying to decide how much further they had to go until they reached civilization. "If you prefer to stay here, Dallian," she said with a mischievous grin, "Then I'm sure I could leave you and Jayrin together."
Glancing quickly at Jayrin, Dallian shook his head. "No thank you!"
Melodica laughed, but Jayrin obviously didn't think it was funny.

It had been two hours, and Melodica was beginning to wonder if any of the forestdwellers still lived here. Just then, a long spear flew out of the trees in front of them. Melodica, Jayrin, and Dallian all jumped to the left as the spear whizzed past their heads, embedding itself in the soft ground behind them.
"What was that?" Jayrin gasped, looking toward the tree from which the spear had come. Just as she began pulling back leaves to search the branches, something hit the ground behind her. Turning with a start, she realized it was a blond-haired boy about Dallian's age. Jayrin looked back at the tree, which soared high into the sky, and then back at the boy.
"Did you jump out of that tree?" She asked, wondering how he had done it so expertly. He just smiled.
"Sure. I do it all the time." Watching the three of them closely with his bright blue eyes, the boy nodded toward the spear. "I'm sorry if I scared you. I didn't notice you were there until I threw my spear. I promise I wasn't trying to hit you."
Dallian looked suspicious. "And just why should I believe that?"
"Because if I had been trying to hit you, you would be dead right now." The look on the boy's face told Dallian that he was serious.
"Who are you?" Melodica asked, speaking for the first time since they met the boy. His countenance brightened immediately.
"My name is Cheydines Estrasis Treesis." He replied with a smile, "But everyone just calls me Cheydine."
Melodica felt relieved. This quest had been much easier than she had thought! This must be the third Storyseeker, and it had taken her no time at all to find him. "Tell me, Cheydine," she said, "Where do you live?"
Cheydine pointed behind him. "Back there, in the village. All of the forestdwellers live there."
"He's the one we're looking for!" Melodica turned to Jayrin and Dallian. Cheydine looked confused.
"Why are you looking for me?"

Cheydine's excitement grew with each word. By the time Melodica was done telling the story, he could barely sit still.
"Mama used to tell me stories like that when I was little! Are you sure I'm the right one?"
Melodica nodded. "Positive."
Cheydine bounced up onto a tree branch above them. "Then come on! We have to tell my parents!" He raced off through the trees so fast, Melodica, Jayrin and Dallian could barely keep up.

The forest opened into a large open area surrounded by trees, a bare circle in the midst of the dense forest. While Dallian would have expected the buildings to be on the ground, he was surprised to discover that they weren't. All of the houses-more like tree houses-were built into the leafy treetops. For the first time in his life, Dallian wondered if maybe there were others in Estrellica who would understand how his people lived. After all, living in a treetop wasn't that much different than living on a a mountain. At least Cheydine was as far from living in a city as Dallian himself was. As far as he knew, cities were terrible places. Oh sure, Jayrin was raised in a city, but he didn't really like Jayrin, so that just supported his view. Turning, he watched Jayrin land on a tree branch beside Princess Melodica. Watching her, Dallian wondered how Jayrin could possibly have kept up with him and Cheydine. They were used to climbing, she wasn't. Still, she seemed to believe that she could do anything.
Throwing aside her brown braid, Jayrin's green eyes sparkled with adventure. For the first time, Dallian wondered what color his eyes were. Of course, he couldn't see them. People said they were green, but he really hoped they weren't. That would mean he had the same eye color as Jayrin.
Dallian looked up when Cheydine landed beside him.
"Do you not...like Jayrin?" Cheydine asked cautiously. Dallian shook his head.
"Not really."
"Why not?"
"Because she's a stuck-up city girl." Dallian looked angry at the thought of it. Cheydine looked confused.
"I don't think so. I like her. I like everyone."
"Never would've guessed." Dallian's answer sounded more sarcastic than he meant it to, though Cheydine didn't seem at all angry. He watched Dallian intently for a moment before speaking.
"Dallian, there's only one thing you're missing."
"What's that?"
"A friend."
Dallian tried not to let his surprise show in his face. "What do you mean?"
Cheydine's face remained completely serious as he answered. "I mean that you need a friend. You seem lonely to me...don't you have anyone to talk to?"
Dallian wasn't able to answer the question at first, as he had never been asked it before. "Well...not really...no. My parents died when I was little. Most of the children in our village were orphans. I was always the oldest, so I looked out for all the rest of them. That's why I hated to leave. I really don't know what will happen to the others..." Though he didn't want to, Dallian began to think about the other children in his village. He tried to push their memory out of his mind, but it was much harder to do then it seemed. Suddenly, he wondered why he was telling Cheydine all of this. Why was it any of his business? Still, Dallian felt as though he needed to finish answering the question. "So, like I said before, I talk to no one because I don't need anyone. I 'm fine on my own."
Cheydine sat quietly, thinking about what Dallian had said. "You need us to help you find the Story of Shaddi." he said finally. Dallian shrugged.
"We'll see."

Though Cheydine and Dallian believed no one could hear them, they failed to see the glittering black eyes watching them through the thick foliage. Commander Kylin was so engrossed in the scene before him, he forgot to be careful. Letting go of the branch he was holding back, he carelessly let it fling backwards into General Sebel's face. Upon realizing his mistake, the commander turned quickly around.
"Forgive me, General." he apologized immediately, fearing the evil look in the Sebel's grey eyes. "I wasn't paying attention."
General Sebel narrowed her eyes. "Obviously, Commander. Be sure it doesn't happen again, or it could be your last mistake."
Kylin shuddered, turning his gaze toward the ground before looking through the trees once more.
"General, the Princess and Jayrin have joined them now. It appears that they are making plans to find the fourth Storyseeker. We must report this to King Lucien! The only reason he couldn't guard the fourth Storyseeker is because he could never find her!" Kylin's enthusiasm was cut short by a glare from General Sebel.
"No, Commander, we will not tell Lucien. It is imperative that only I receive this information." Sebel leaned in closer, straining to hear what Melodica said. After a few moments, she leaned back to address the small group of warriors surrounding her.
"The fourth Storyseeker has been placed on a farm in western Estrellica. There are few people living in that region, therefore, Lucien never looked very hard there. That, of course, is why he never found her. Furthermore, he never will. None of you are permitted to tell him. Ever!"

When the others had left, Sebel remained alone. Peering through the trees again, she laughed to herself. "King Lucien is foolish enough to believe that I will actually help make him king. Of course, he won't ever rule Estrellica. As soon as he wins this battle, his blood will adorn my sword."

Pronunciation Guide:
Cheydine: chay-din
Kylin: k-I-lin

The Storyseekers: Dallian

Melodica had always known the Skhi mountains were tall, but not nearly this tall. It looked as if it would take someone weeks just to make it to the top! She was glad she only had to go part way. This journey, though necessary, had turned out much more difficult than it initially appeared to be. First she had to find Jayrin, then she had to convince Jayrin's parents to let their daughter go, and now she had to search some obscure mountain village. Knowing Lucien could attack any time, she tried to climb faster. It appeared, however, that she was getting nowhere quickly.

Hours later, Melodica finally found herself standing at the edge of a tiny village. Why in the world would one of the Storyseekers be placed here? she wondered, glancing around her. The village was...not quite what Melodica was used to seeing around Stellin. The houses were simple mud huts; surrounded by piles of sticks and branches. Drawing closer, Melodica realized that all the branches were barbed with dangerously large thorns. Shivering, she realized that the villagers must be trying to protect themselves from the Alunsian. If I lived around that monster, I would want to protect myself to. Melodica thought fearfully. Then, trying to push aside her anxious thoughts, she remembered the reason she was here. All she had to do was find one boy, and then she could leave.

Many children ran through the muddy streets; barefoot and dressed in rags. Watching them play, Melodica wondered how she would find the one person she was searching for. She knew his name, of course, but that didn't give her much to go on.
"Who are you?"
Startled, Melodica spun around. The boy standing behind her must have been at least fifteen years of age, though Melodica couldn't tell for sure. She wondered how long he had been there without her noticing.

"I said, 'who are you'." he repeated, irritation in his voice. Jolted back to reality, Melodica answered without thinking.
"I'm Princess Melodica." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Melodica realized that she probably shouldn't have said that. The teenage boy backed away a step.
"Then what are you doing here?" the sound of his voice told Melodica he wanted her to leave, but she couldn't turn back now."I'm looking for someone." She answered quickly. "Please, could you tell me your name?"
"It's Dallian." he replied simply.
Melodica's heart jumped. He had to be the one she was looking for! "Who are your parents?" Melodica was so excited to have found the second Storyseeker, she didn't even think about what his reply might be.
"I don't have any parents." He turned toward the other children playing in the street. "Most of us don't...but why do you care?"

"I said I was looking for someone. You are that person."
Dallian took a step back. "I'm who?"
Melodica tried to hide her elation and answer seriously.
"The second Storyseeker."

"What took you so long?" Jayrin had been left at the bottom of the mountain for quite a while, and her irritation spilled over with every word. Without waiting for an answer, she looked past Melodica to the boy behind her.
"Who is this?"
The boy's green eyes narrowed. "I have a name."
Sure he did, but what did Jayrin care? He was just some poor mountain villager. "Alright then, what is it?"
The boy pushed his black hair out of his eyes, annoyance clearly etched across his face. "I'm called Dallian."
Well, his name was alright, but Jayrin couldn't say the same for Dallian himself. She made no effort to introduce herself, but Dallian noticed immediately.
"It's only fair that you tell me your name. Even if it is some fancy city name."
Jayrin was shocked. "How did you know I was from the city?"
"You can always tell city people from everyone else. They're more arrogant."
Anger stabbed Jayrin's insides. "I'm not arrogant!"
Dallian looked just as angry. "Are to. So are you going to tell me your name or not?"
Though she didn't want to answer, Jayrin knew Melodica was watching her. Rolling her eyes, she tossed an answer in Dallian's direction. "Whatever. I'm Jayrin. I'm from Stellin."
"What are you doing here, then?" Dallian's question shot out like an arrow.
"I'm a Storyseeker."
Dallian sighed in frustration. "Perfect. Not only do I have to spend who-knows-how-long searching for some book, now I have to do it with you."
At that point, Melodica stepped in. "That is enough! You are both Storyseekers, and you both need to get along. Now we have to go. We still have two more Storyseekers left to find."

"She's found two of them, Sire." General Sebell felt as pleased as King Lucien seemed to be. "She only has two left to find."
Lucien nodded. "Perfect, perfect. Estrellica is on the verge of total domination! Are the troops prepared, General?"
"We are ready to attack any day, Your Highness."
"Excellent. We know have only to wait for that foolish princess to send those four children right into our trap."
General Sebell smirked. "She is doing just as we wish, Sire."
"Yes." Lucien waved a hand toward the tent entrance. "General, I want you to alert the army. Tell them to be on the lookout for the four Storyseekers. They should be unsupervised and easy prey. Set invisible guards along the roads to alert me of their intentions. You are dismissed."
Black cape swooshing against the floor, Sebell rose. "As you wish, Sire." Turning to leave, she suddenly stopped. "Sire, won't Eyris be watching the Storyseekers? What do we do if we run into her?"
Lucien appeared unconcerned. "We will deal with her easily."


Pronunciation guide:
Dallian: dall-ee-in
Skhi Mountains: Sky Mountains
Eyris: air-is
Alunsian: aloon-see-on

Attitude--Part 2

Click HERE for Part 1.

Attitude. We all have it. Sometimes, it can get pretty nasty. I think attitude is a combination of pride, selfishness, and ungratefulness. It comes from anything--we could be going through a spiritually rocky time, we could be tired from a late night, or we could simply have a headache like Ruth did in our story. When we have attitude, we are only thinking of one person: ourselves. We also blame it on other people.

It's amazing what we humans can disproportion to fit into our own theory. Did mom tell me to do the laundry while I tried to read an exciting book? She doesn't care about my relaxation at all! What a selfish person!

Or could it be possible that mom is concerned about getting the clothes clean so that the whole family will run smoother? Even though it's my fault that I'm not doing my job, I'm seeing it as mom is provoking me out of cruelty. Sounds twisted?

Guess what. This selfish, prideful attitude doesn't only effect you; it effects everyone around you.

God created the family for a high purpose--to serve Him. The family is one of the best weapons for combating Satan. But how can we carry out this plan if even one of us is grumbling on the couch, thinking selfish thoughts? Even with one piece missing, a machine can't work. One bolt gone--and everything falls apart.

Compare that to your attitude. If you are whiny, do other people tend to follow your example? What about if you're gracious and considerate? Does everything run better?

Remember, when you have a bad attitude, you're doing Satan a favor. In our story (click on the link at the very top of this post to view it) Ruth's retaliation to a whining sister eventually lead to a family meltdown.

Maybe the problem isn't with you. What if it's not you, but a sibling, who has the attitude issue. In that case, remember the 'log vs. speck' rule. Are you having a holier-than-thou attitude toward your sibling? Do you have a log in your eye, so to speak? You are in charge of your attitude. If you respond in gentleness to your sibling, they will follow your example eventually.

Remember, above all, our attitudes and responses to situations should show people that we belong to the Lord Jesus!

In Christ,

Princess Izori

Blog's First Anniversary

Dear Readers,

July 3rd was the official first anniversary of White Rose Valley! Thank you all for the wonderful comments, insights, and questions!

Blessings,

The Above Reproach Rule, Number 2

I know that in December (December 20th to be exact) I said that I would do the Above Reproach Rules, but do to a number of factors, I haven't been able to write this post until now. If you've forgotten about the first Above Reproach Rule, please click here to refresh your memory.

2. The Two Eye Ball Rule

The second rule of three is a rule that was explained to me by Eric and Leslie Ludy (not personally, but in one of their books). It's called the "Two Eyeball Rule". Below is an extract from their book "Meet Mr. Smith", and it talks about the second rule.

During Eric’s single years, he lived by something that he referred to as the “the two
eyeball principle.” (I should add here that the entire League has gone on record in agreeing with me that this phrase is about as unromantic and awkward sounding as a foghorn.)
The two eyeball principle was based on a something that God taught Eric in college,
when he realized how differently he would act around girls if his future wife could see his words and actions. He began to live as if his future wife was watching him interact with the opposite gender at all times – as if her “two eyeballs” were upon him. (Why couldn’t it just be her “two eyes” that were upon him? I have yet to receive a good explanation for this!)
Eric began to ask himself the question, “If my future wife could see me now, how would
she feel about what I am doing or saying? Would she feel honored? Would she feel protected?
Or would she feel hurt and jealous?” Those simple questions began to revolutionize Eric’s
interaction with girls. He decided that someday, at his wedding, he wanted all the girls who had known him during his single years to come up to his future wife and say, “Eric has always
honored and respected you – even before you were in his life.”

See link for more: http://www.setapartlife.com/Meet_Mr_Smith_Bonus_files/Mr-Smith-Bonus-Content.pdf

This rule is one we can all apply, and its rewards are immense! You see, if you are faced with a decision that you don't know what to do, think about this; would I do it if my future husband were here?Now, I'm sorry I don't have a cute little phrase like WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) or FROG (Fully Rely On God), and I know that WIDIIMFHWH doesn't sound catchy enough. The closest I can get is "If he could see, would it embarrass me?", but that's beside the point. It doesn't matter how you remember it, the point is that you do remember it! How many of you would like guys to come up to your husband and say "(Your name) has always honored and respected you- even before you were a part of her life"? I know I would! And wouldn't you want to know that your future husband is doing the same for you? Again, I know I would!

I know it can be hard to apply this continually, but- with God's help- you can do it! Also, have accountability partners. They could be close girl friends, your sister, Mom, Dad, or even your brother. Before you laugh, consider this; your brother knows how you act normally towards boys (he is one!), so when you start doing something that is unnatural (like staring at a guy continually or sighing when he walks past), he knows. And the greatest thing is, he'll let you know (you can count on it)! Having people keep you accountable is important, and also keeps you on your guard (the less times brother says "Cut it out" the better, right? :)

When you apply these two Above Reproach Rules (Rule of Three and Two Eye Ball Rule), you not only are honoring your future spouse by your actions, but also honoring God and protecting yourself from unnecessary hurt and embarrassment.

Blessings,

Learning Through Disappointment

NOTE: This was a post that appeared on my other blog, Just Passing By.

A day ago, I was really excited. Can ya guess why? I was going to be an extra in a new movie that will be coming out! I was so excited, especially since it was about a Christian soccer player. Soccer is, like, MY hobby besides all the other stuff, and I absolutely LOVE it. And it's always been my secret dream to be an actress. I'm horribly un-photogenic and I'm not convinced I can act (not to mention I'm kinda shy) but it's my secret goal. So when I found out about this, I was over-the-top excited. I was convinced this was the answer to my prayers, and it would lead me into being an actress!

But, like so many things, this conclusion was not to be.

It so happened that on all the dates of filming we had stuff going on. There was no way we could do it. I was so disappointed.

No, disappointed doesn't really grasp it. I was devastated. It's everything I imagined what having your dream trampled on would feel like. Yes, I'm really melodramatic, I know. But still, I was really, really looking forward to it.

And then, after crying a little and wondering if God was trying to torture me, I got to thinking.

You know what, maybe God doesn't want me to start as an extra. Maybe he wants me to start my acting career as the star of the show. ;)

Maybe he has a different plan in mind, one that will be sooooo much better than the one I was hoping for.

Hey, maybe he doesn't want me to be an actress at all.

Maybe he knows more than I do about the consequences of being famous--the media watching your every move, all the temptations a star goes through, the loneliness.

Perhaps God knows that being famous will turn me into, say, Miley Cyrus (no offense, Miley fans, but to me she's the worst I could ever get). After all, I've never been famous before.

Or perhaps God wants me to work on something else more important in my life first, such as being a better sister to my lil' siblings, especially one in particular. If I'm faithful with a little, I could be trusted with much.

But who can grasp God's mind? It's so above us, and I'm really thankful for that. God will do what's best for me, even if I don't think it's good at the time.

So, even while I'm working through all of this, I'm getting more grateful. Our pastor preached on Sunday about Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, and how the Angel merely touched Jacob to dislocate his hip, making Jacob to limp for the rest of his life. It caused him to lean on the Lord solely for his protection.

Sometimes, a limp can be one of the best thing God gives us. It teaches, corrects, and humbles, and in the end we should be happy he gave us this 'limp'.

So, while I'm waiting to make my famous debut as an actress (lol), I'll work hard on being a better daughter and sister. It's even better than being a star, after all.

In Christ,

Princess Izori

P.S. This movie that I'm talking about is For the Glory. I know two people who will be having some big roles in it (I also know some other extras). It'll be really weird watching the movie and saying, "Hey! We know him!" Lol. Oh, yes, and it's a professional movie. Just in case you were wondering. =)

Attitude--Part 1(Our Story)

Inside the house was nearly as dark as outside. The humid, low clouds reflected the storm that was brewing in the household that June afternoon. It had all started with four year old Leah...

"Mo-o-o-o-o-m!!"

The garage door slammed open, and then closed forcefully. Leah--with a tear-stained, swollen face and stringy blond hair damp with sweat--came flying into the kitchen. She stopped at the sight of her sixteen year old sister.

"Where's mom?" she whined. "Ruth, where's mom?"

Achingly, Ruth held her head in her hands. With the sudden hot and humid weather they had been experiencing, she had a terrible headache and wasn't feeling well at all. "You need to adjust your tone before I tell anything to you, young lady!" she said tersely.

Leah burst into tears as stomped her foot. "B-but Esther and her friends are having a Popsicle, and I want one t-too!"

Ruth's brown eyes narrowed as her sister's chaos sent a fresh burst of pain through her head. "Stop thinking of yourself!" she shouted. "Mom's sewing upstairs, so why'd you have to scream at me?"

Leah gave a fresh sob and sprinted up the stairs. Ruth moaned as she watched her go. Next thing she'll do is wake up Baby Jonathan from his nap!

Giggles and girlish voices from the garage broke Ruth from her thoughts. The peace and quiet, already cracked by Leah, shattered completely as ten year old Esther and her two friends swung open the garage door.

"Hey, Ruth!" Esther said brightly. "Can you ask mom if Monica and Leslie can--"

"No!" Ruth snapped. "I won't, and you can't anyway."

Monica and Leslie, Esther's friends, exchanged glances and then the former leaned forward to whisper to Esther. With her sensitive migraine, Ruth heard everything clearly.

"Hey, Esther, maybe we should leave your sister alone for a little."

But Esther had immediately flared up at Ruth's tone. "Well, excuse me, Miss Grump!" she sparked. "I--"

None of the girls had noticed Mom coming down into the kitchen. Leah had found her re-doing the sleeve to her new dress for the fifth time, and then the sewing machine had become un-threaded. That, combined with Leah's selfish behavior, had pushed even patient Mom to the limit. The pettish argument of her two oldest daughters served as the boiling point. Even then, she didn't burst yet.

"Hi, Monica and Leslie," Mom said with a strained smile. "Esther needs to go inside now. Goodbye!"

Only when the door had closed behind the two girls did Mom turn to her children.

"What is all this about?" she thundered. "Esther, couldn't you have got your sister a Popsicle?"

"She was whiny! She didn't even say please! She..." Esther trailed off when she realized that Mom wasn't paying attention to her.

"Ruth, Leah tells me that you yelled at her. Explain!"

Ruth felt like bursting into tears. "Leah came in whining and sniveling, and then she stomped her foot at me and I have a migraine and I can't find the ibuprofen!" Her voice broke into a wail.

"Can't I have a moment's peace to sew?"

"But I want a Popsicle!"

"Why can't I play?"

"This isn't helping my headache!"

And then, to top it all, Baby Jonathan started crying.
--------------------------------------------------------------

This post is continued in Part 2.

In Christ,

Princess Izori