Article published in OC Family Magazine!

Published in OC Family Magazine!
Container gourmet


Grow a mini chef’s garden with your kids.

By Gabrielle Sunheart

Published: July, 2010



If you have trouble getting your children to eat vegetables, here is a fun solution: Grow vegetables in a mini chef's garden! Once the veggies are ready to pick, have your kids help you prepare them.



Don't have the time or space for a traditional garden? No worries! A container garden is easy and requires no weeding. In addition, you won’t have to dig up part of your yard.



What you’ll need:

> Three big planters

> Several small culinary herbs – look for small, healthy, hardy plants

> Four packets of heirloom vegetable seeds



Planter one: herbs

1. Fill pot 2/3 to top with good soil.

2. Transplant herbs into the planter.

3. Gently water until soil is moist.



Planter two: salad bowl

1. Fill planter to top with lightly packed soil.

2. Plant a few tomato seeds in the center of the pot.

3. Plant lettuce seeds in a circle around the outer edge of the planter.



Planter three: veggie bowl

1. Fill planter with soil to the top.

2. Plant two or three cucumber seeds in the middle of the planter.

3. Plant the carrot seeds around the cucumber seeds.



Once you’re done, you’ll have herbs, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh vegetables. What better way to get your children interested in healthy eating?



Gabrielle Sunheart is a Laguna Beach resident and the author of the book "Feed a Family on $25 a Week!” gabysunheart.com.

Eating Healthy for CHEAP!

Article that I just wrote for OC register! 

Eating healthy can save your family money! This past Saturday I took a money saving stroll around the Laguna Beach Farmers' market! I took my allotted $15- For the week and my reusable canvas tote bag along with me. I filled my bag to the brim with enough organic sustainably grown produce to last my family for the entire week. Heads of romaine lettuce($1.50ea), Maui sweet onions ($1), 3 stalks of leaks($2), A big head of versatile cabbage ($1), crisp farm fresh carrots($1), cucumbers ($1), a 3 pack of strawberries ($5), asparagus for only $1-!

I always pick up delicious beets($1) and a big bunch of radishes for 50 cents...both beets and radishes come still attached to their greens! You can roast the beets in the oven with fresh rosemary, olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper and then separately you can either eat the beet greens raw in a salad or saute them lightly in some balsamic vinegar, chopped garlic and olive oil. I like to use the crunchy radishes in my "Chips" and Dip recipe. And I use the peppery radish tops in a fresh salad with home made vinaigrette. Eating healthy, sustainable, locally grown produce is not only delicious but it can save your family money!





"Chips" And Dip!



This is an easy snack that I created because I wanted the satisfaction of crunchy chips and yummy dip...without the guilt! This snack helps me maintain my current weight-loss of over 60 pounds and

and I feel my skin benefits from the raw veggies as well! This is sure to become a staple in your home...your really going to LOVE it!



CHIPS (serves 2)



Ingredients:

1/2 large carrot

1/2 cucumber

A few radishes



Directions:

Thinly slice vegetables into chips. They should make little circular chips, perfect for dipping!


DIP

Parsley Parmesan Dip

1/4 cup parsley finely chopped parsley

3 cloves of garlic minced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/8 cup vinegar

1/8 cup fresh lemon juice

handful of grated Parmesan cheese



Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and gently mix to incorporate. Leftovers will keep for up to 5 days sealed in a glass jar.



Hearty Vegetable Soup

1 large onion chopped up

2 table spoons extra virgin olive oil

3 or 4 carrots rustically cut

2 or 3 celery ribs thinly sliced

chopped potatoes any type about 2 cups

8 cups water or what ever fills your pot 3/4th of the way to the top

sea salt and pepper to taste

1 mild to spicy chili pepper depending on desired spice level

8 fresh basil leaves

To this soup you can add 1 or 2 cups of chopped seasonal vegetables such as cabbages, zucchinis, parsnips squash, beans etc.



1) In your dutch oven or soup pot saute onion and celery in the olive oil for about 12-15 minutes.

2) Add potatoes stirring them a bit. Add water let cook for 5-10 minutes.

3) Add all additional vegetables at this time. And cook soup until potatoes are tender.

4) Add the chili pepper. Add the basil chopped or whole leaves.

5) Season with sea salt and pepper



This is a budget friendly versatile satisfying soup! It is even yummier the next day, it makes great leftovers!

My Book Signing June 19th in Laguna Beach.

Gabrielle Sunheart is a Laguna Beach resident and Author of the book; "Feed A Family On $25- A Week! (no coupons)" Her book teaches the average person how to shop for bargain bulk foods at Costco, affordable seasonal produce at Farmer's Markets and how to create a "Mini Chef's Garden" in planters on a balcony or porch! It includes recipes and a menu planner.

Check out some of the local press she has gotten for her book at www.GabySunheart.com Contact Gabrielle at GabrielleSunheart@Gmail.com

Feel free to attend my book signing!

WHERE: Latitude 33 Bookshop in Laguna Beach

WHEN: June 19th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

ADDRESS: 311 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651



This will be an all ages event with food, drinks and music.

Article I wrote for OC Family!

(This is an article I wrote for OC Family! )


Feed your family Easy Seasonal meals on just $25- A week!
You may be one of the many with the misconception that healthy foods are expensive...

Think again. If you know where to shop, what to buy and how to prepare it you can turn seasonal produce into budget friendly mouth watering meals. Is this a difficult thing to do? Not really. Shopping for seasonal produce can be done at.... ta-dah your local Farmers' Market! In California a vast range of produce grows year long! So we OC locals are sitting on a wealth of potential savings! A weekly trip to the farmers' Market will prove to save you huge amounts of money each week. Not to mention could also save you money in health care costs down the road.
In mid 2008 I had to change my entire life around to accommodate the fact that I no longer had the income I was used to...I went from "Having it all" To nothing at all! No longer did I have the money to eat out all of the time. And I had to quit buying pricey processed frozen meals from the supermarket. I started to develop easy recipes. Simple preparation AND easy clean up. By using only fresh Farmers' Market produce and bargain bulk ingredients from Costco, my health really thanked me! I lost weight. My nails grow long and strong! And my skin is clear and seems to glow! Most importantly I'm a lot happier and have learned how to be frugal and healthy at the same time!



Pan roasted caramelized onions and veggie stir fry
1 onion finely sliced or rustically chopped

2 cups of chopped seasonal vegetables

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt to taste



1) In a skillet add the olive oil and caramelize the onion over medium heat. About 15 minutes.

2) Add the vegetables cook for another 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

3) Season with sea-salt to taste. Serve with brown rice.



EASY! Turn stir fry into yummy lettuce cups.
Gaby Sunheart is the Author of "Feed A Family On $25- A Week!" $20. It can be ordered at; www.GabySunheart.com
Article Written By Gabrielle Sunheart
GabrielleSunheart@gmail.com

I now have a Website! www.GabySunheart.com

Hello to all of my friends and family!  I now have a website for my book!  It is a great start!  You can order copies of my book through it!  And that is the most important thing for now!  As I get my press for my book I will build more of the site!  So please check it out and share it with your friends!  And let me know what you think!

http://www.gabysunheart.com/

"Feed A Family of 4 on $25- A Week! (no coupons)"

 "Feed A Family of 4 on $25- A Week! (no coupons)" 

I am so happy to announce that very shortly I will have a new website up and running that will feature my book and so much more!  It is going to be so beautiful and easy to use...most importantly it will be an outlet for me to share with all of you;

1) The wonderful press my book continues to get!

2) A fun cooking show that is in the works! 

3) Photography of the mouth watering dishes featured in my book!

4) Tips, tips and more helpful tips!

5) Recipes!

6) Helpful links to Farmers markets, organic farm stands and more.

7) I might put some of my art on the site as well as past articles that I have writen!

I really look forward to where this book will take me.  It has been an unbelievable journey!  And I can't wait to continue on this path and see where it leads!  So many of you have given me inspiration and the incouragment along the way.  You have no idea how much it means to me!

Thank you SO MUCH!
Gaby

-FAWN- I'm giving away the first chapter of my book! Please read! FAWN!

Fawn

"There must be a way!" Declared Nahema. She turned away in disgust. Then gently swatted at a persistent bumble bee.



"But Queen Nahema, your kingdom has run out of funds. The soldiers need to be fed, they need new armory. Our rations are dwindling. Our opponents have had hundreds of years in training and endless funding from their Emperor." Crimini was done with pointing out the obvious and turned his head to observe the changing horizon. They were standing on the balcony adjacent to the royal board-room. The sun was setting upon the water. Creating a red velvet sky, silhouetting the Krone Islands in the distance.



"You are a good friend Crimini, but things are not always what they seem. Now leave me I have much to do. And I needn’t be interrupted. Tell the guards not to allow for a single distraction through my door." Nahema nodded her head. Crimini bowed and swiftly left the room. Nahema overheard Crimini giving out orders to the guards.



Nahema walked past her meeting hall and through a long hallway and entered her room. Slamming the heavy copper ingraved doors closed behind her.



She walked out to her balcony and let out a sigh. This was a far cry from the life she had known as a child. She had had the luxury of being the youngest crowned and ruling Queen in the history of Fawn. She was crowned shortly after a devastating fever had wiped out over half of Fawn's population. And the fever had followed nearly two hundred years of peace and economic good times.



Nahema had enjoyed a childhood during a true renaissance period. A time when Nahema's most difficult tast was that of attending to her wardrobe. Making sure she was always at the height of the fashionable society. Always saying the right thing and being at the cutting edge of trend setting. She had always been highly competitive when it came to her appearances. Her unusual beauty naturally gave her an unfair advantage. One that Nahema had always been happy to boast upon.



Nahema looked down at her raged military uniform, her filthy hands and muddy boots. And in an angry rage drew her dagger and threw it at the wall, striking a wooden pole carving. "Uhh I never wanted this life. All I ever wanted in this world was to attend the balls and travel the world in search of fabrics and fashions. Perhaps make a name for myself as the most well dressed royal queen in the Elvin world." And now I'm fighting the world!" She sighed.



"Damn you Shub!" Nahema cursed as she walked over to her pole carving and yanked her dagger out replacing it in its sheath. She looked out over the balcony. She observed a small family of dear nibbling the grass. And then she looked out and beyond to the market place.



"These people are depending on me. I haven’t time to feel sorry for myself. She wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath. She sat for a moment on her chaise lounge, one of just a few of her of fine furnishings she had not yet sold in order to fund her military. And she tried to clear her mind.



She new that the route of her problem lay in the lack of Fortune. All of a sudden it was as if a light bulb went off in her mind.



"Crimini!" She yelled.





He ran into her room. "My Lady, what is wrong."



"Nothing is wrong, Fetch me the Witches, Now!" She turned away tucking her dark hair behind her pointy ears and readjusted her cap. Although petite for an Elf, she in no way lacked leadership skills. She turned to look at Crimini who had a sour look on his face.



Crimini Knew that in order to get a hold of the witches would be a task. And to get them to co-operate was yet even another. Crimini Mamoosko was a good sized dwarf. Good muscle tone due largely to his love for digging. Mostly on his days off he wound up digging up award winning truffles. A rare violet variety that during better times Nahema adored shaving on top of her pizzas and pasta dishes. These truffles could only be found throughout the surrounding forests of Fawn.



In the Dwarf community it was rare to have reddish hair but Crimini enjoyed being amongst the minority. He along with most of the dwarves amongst Fawn, wore wool kilts in subdued colors and patterns died to be sort of camouflaged. Dwarves delight in being able to be invisible. They feel like it gives them an advantage. And in the country of Fawn when you happen to be amongst the smaller races you want every advantage that you can get!



The Dwarves enjoyed music, home brewed beer, dancing and feasts. The Dwarves of Fawn also collected and traded in spices. Along with tools and weaponry made from bone. Those were the currency that the Dwarves recognized and used. Which fascinated the other races of Fawn and had managed to have a major impact on Fawn. Especially in the recent war times. It only made sense to have your home well stocked with the durable bone weapons. As well as the ability to be self sufficient with tools.



Within the country and surrounding areas lived a great variety of peoples amongst them were the Dwarves, the Elves, a tall and lean race known for their many forms of artwork as well as their poetry and beauty. There were the Fairies who had an uncanny gift for theft and manipulation. Have you ever tried to resist the charms of a Fairy? It's nearly imposable. Because even when you have been conned by a fairy they come back with their big lavender eyes and agate dust tempting your mind with yet another riddle.



Some of the fairies were so smart that they could even manage to tame some of the tiny Honey Suckle Dragons. The little dragons were so drawn to the Fairies shinny and sparkly dust that with just a tiny pouch of dust a fairy could keep a dragon mystified for life and henceforth creating a perfect mode of elegant transportation for a fairy too lazy to fly itself around. There are few people who can resist the beauty and charms of a Fairy.



There were the Mer-People that lived in the sea and slept on the sandy beaches of the Krone Island chain. The Mer-People were a beautiful race of mermaids and mermen known for their apparent laziness. The Mer-People rarely worked and why should they? They had access to the most valuable resources, an endless abundance of pearls, corals and mother of pearl. Not to mention trunks filled with gold coins from sunken ships. Just a small handful of treasure, even just one pearl and they could trade land folk for anything and everything that they could ever want!



And there were the Gnomes. Who lived in the dense old growth of the red woods. They lived comfortably and cozily inside the hollowed out tree trunks. The Gnomes ate mostly wild tubers and mushrooms, nettle leaves and herbs. Their most successful sought after export was their wild lavender honey and their rabbit tobacco which consisted of dried lavender flowers, cedar needles and sage leaves.



Within the Gnome community lived a Medicinal Crafter. Gnomes loved being by themselves, living in their own little worlds and keeping to themselves was what gave the typical Gnome piece of mind. But even for Gnome standards this particular Medicine Crafter was particularly odd. The Gnome population respected old Dr. Doogie enough to give him his space and leave him alone. Still most people would say he was crazy and others enjoyed his common rantings.



But Dr. Doogie the smart old sensitive Medicine Crafter had a soft spot in his heart for just a few. Amongst his 3 friends one was a tiny Honey Suckle Dragon whom he had found on his doorstep. It was just a baby who had fallen out of its nest and had suffered with a broken wing. As a Doctor he rationalized that it was his duty to help the little Dragon but deep down inside he really wanted the company. At first Doogie had been quite grumpy towards his needy patient. He had to wake up in the middle of the night and delicately feed the baby honey infused sheep’s milk and daily tended to her wing dressings. But over time Doogie became fond of the little female Dragon.



She had nearly become full grown at the age of 14 years old. She was to become fully grown on her 16th birthday. Doogie had even managed to teach her how to say a few things. She was roughly the size of a hummingbird. Doogie had named the Dragon Lana. When Lana was ten she befriended a curious golden dragonfly. The two have been attached at the hip ever since. Doogie named the golden dragon fly Zippy. Because he was always zipping around. So that accounted for two of the Gnomes 3 friends.



His third friend was a Gypsy Witch. Whom he knick named Kitty for her full name was Katrina Helena. Doogie would rarely allow anyone the time of day but for Kitty he would drop everything. Crazy or not Doogie was the one who created the cure for The Fever...had he not done so Fawn could have ended up a ghost city, just an old ruin.



He had met Kitty 20 years ago when she had arrived on his doorstep. Her arrival nearly caused Doogie's heart to stop. He rarely had visitors much less a beautiful seven foot tall Which. Her long golden orange hair fell to her waist framing her delicate facial features and adding to her already dramatic and regal blue dress and matching hooded cape.



Kitty had the rare gift of telling fortunes. So when she had a reoccurring dream of The Fever, its devastation and yet Doogie the little Gnome holding out a bottle of his medicine with the ancient symbol for cure etched on the bottle she immediately sought him out. When she showed up that first time and shared her prophecy with him, he didn’t believe her yet after hearing about The Fever and its devastation he handed Kitty an assortment of medicines he had made. One of which ended up being the cure for The Fever. When the Witch came back with the news that he had created such a medicine, Doogie new that he would not get much sleep for the better part of a year. But Kitty told him, "I will help you."



"How can you help me? You are just a Witch!" Doogie exclaimed.



"Well Doogie, dearest Doogie." She said in a sarcastic tone. "Make one bottle and I will use magic to multiply it." She said trying to stay calm. She hated pretending to be nice.



"It might not work if you use your Witch magic on it. Magic could alter the structure of the medicine on a molecular level." Doogie said as a matter of factly.



"Doog. It will take you months if not years to make medicine for all that require it. And who knows if The Fever will reach other countries beyond Fawn. We do not have time to wait. We must use magic. Quit being so high and mighty. Don't you care if everyone dies!?"



"No, not really." Doogie said in a dry tone.



"Well...I do. So please can we get this medicine made?"



"I already have a bottle of it around here some where." He said digging around his medicinal cabinets.



"Goodness!" Kitty said as she yanked it from Doogie’s little hairy hand. She said her magic spell and turned the bottle into five hundred bottles. The amount of energy the spell took to create the medicine clones made Kitty a little dizzy. She was a young Witch. But where she lacked in schooling she made up for with her ability to see the future.



She loaded up the bottles into her carriage. She allowed Orion to drink from a nearby spring before attaching the unicorn to her carriage. She waved goodbye to Doogie and with a beautiful smile galloped back to the Castle of Fawn. But it was already too late for the Queen and King. For they were already gone. Along with so many others. But she took the medicine bottles to the medical tents and helped administer it.



Several months past when Kitty returned to the Gnomes tree. She greeted him with a hug that nearly broke his little back into pieces. She shared with him the news of the King and Queen along with details of the coronations that had been performed for the four year old Nahema.



Over the years Kitty and Doogie kept in touch via pigeon mail. Kitty was the source for of his information. Until the day when Kitty arrived twenty years later, frantic on his doorstep.



"All of the witches have been somonsed to help in the war. And they simply will not budge. What should I do? Nahema needs us. She has never asked for anything. And now can nothing be done? Kitty collapsed on his tiny couch.



"Well I have been working on a new concoction, a new type of medicine. One containing persuasive properties. But you must add it to food for administering properties. Or it will make the patient violently sick." He explained.



"Could I put it in soup?" She wondered out loud.



"Yes I suppose that could work, however you would need to incorporate it by stirring thouroughly." Doogie responded.



"Great!" Exclaimed Kitty.



All of a sudden Lana, Dougies Honey Suckle dragon woke up from her nap and flew over to Kitty, surprized to see such an exotic and large guest.



"Oh hello!" Said Kitty. "This must be the baby dragon you told me all about in your letters!"



"Yes, yes it is, Lana this is Kitty! Say hello!" Doogie said to Lana.



"Heylow, heylow, heeelow." Said Lana, much like a parrot would say hello. She fluttered around Kitty's head, very curiously. She was a very intellingent creature. Kitty took in Lana's beauty and took a deep breath she relaxed a bit.



"What does Nahema want the Witches to do?" Asked Doogie.



"Well let me explain." Sighed Kitty remembering the dire issues at hand.











"I love you, I always have. I've lived my life in torment. Having watched each prince and King attempt to lure you in with gold and gifts." Said Eli.



Nahema looked Eli dead in his eyes and with a cold and emotionless tone said. "This world is no place for love." Still looking into his coffee brown almond eyes added, "And no amount of money can purchase me or these lands."



"I have always been by your side. When times were good and now..." He stopped himself. "I just want us to be together in everyway, always."



"I am fighting an entire army. An Army of ruthless barbarian soldiers sent here by Shub himself. All because I would not agree to Marry the human Emperor."



"Yes I know this." Eli reached out to hold the Queen's hand.



"I am in no mood for this right now. Feels like I am in way over my head, the council wants me to marry in order to strengthen our aliances and boost funding. Anyways you are the son of a milk maid and a carpenter I do not expect you to understand." Said Nahema.



"Yeah a milk maid and carpenter who practically raised you." Pointed out Eli.



"So what are you getting at?" Pressed Nahema.



"I want you to Marry me, plain and simple. You are my best friend, my everything."



"Think of what you are asking me. The Council will never approve...ever! It will trun our allis against us. You are asking me to put your heart and feelings above all of Fawn. I simply will not do that!" Replied Nahema.



"I am just as much a soldier as you. I will collect vengence upon the savage barbarians." Said Eli.



"Stop trying to sound tough." Retorted Nahema.



"Forgive me." Eli said quietly.



"Fine, what do you want me to say. I am proud of you. What do you want? An award? Am I to be the reward?" She asked.



"Thats not fair." Said Eli.



"Well life isnt either. Did I get what I want? Do I get to spend my days picking roses out of the garden or take even a bath? No I don't. I've sold almost everything I have! Because I am fighting a war! That we havent much of a chance at winning."



"Your heart has become so cold and hardened...Do you not remember the days we spent together as children? On the Farm...chaising the chickens?" Asked Eli.



"Of course I remember. Don't you think for a second that I forgot." Said Nahema.



"Our country is suffering, we have all suffered. I understand. I just want to know that I have your love." Said Eli.



"If you love me then stop. Because if I have to marry another to protect Fawn then I will have no choice. I have held out all these years. You know I wish we could be kids again. But we can not. I am asking, no I am demanding that you stop loving me." o



























“I can never nor will I ever stop loving you.” Eli whispered in the ancient Elvin language.



“Well then your love is in vain because Fawn may never see a time again where love can even have a place.” Retorted Nahema. With that Nahema stood up and walked out of the tea parlor. She then sought immediate council with her head general. A tall elder Elven woman with dark skin and sharp features.



“General Rita, I need for you to transfer Lieutenant Eli Fern to serve under Captain Rory in Burmor.”



“Yes my lady.” General Rita bowed and gave the hand signal for respect in the ancient Elven sighn language, then promptly left the room.



Burmor was the capital of the Krone Islands. Located on the Island of Floore. Nahema new that Eli would feel betrayed but also that he would be safe. Although she came across as cold hearted at times to the peoples of Fawn, in her heart she could not bear the thought of any ill fate becoming of her best friend. Possibly her only friend.



Angry and feeling alone Nahema went out side and joined the training soldiers. Queen or not Nahema was determined to not only be able to defend herself but to be able to join her kinsmen in battle not so much if but when the occasion arrived. Nahema during 24 years on the planet had become as skilled and mastered opponent in battle.



Her body was lean and strong but petite. She stood only 5ft tall while most Elven people stood at around 6 feet. Se was particularly good at aim and could know twenty men out cold just from throwing rocks. She even paid some of her servants children a copper coin per each rounded flat stone shaped like discs that they could find along the river banks. Shaped like discs she could expertly pull them from her pouch and throw them faster than the swiftest archer could reload his bow.



A talent that had come in handy shortly after the Barbarian Ernull Shub had forcefully demanded that Nahema would agree to marry him. Nahema managed to add insult to injury when she spared Shub’s life and he was forced to walk alone back to his ship. Nahema had had her guards jail Shub’s body guards who were later interrogated. Some of which were a decent source for information.



The truth was that Ernull Shub the evil yet greedy Emperor of the human countries was liked by few. Out of his own people only the nobles were loyal to him. Only because of greed. The nobles had become accustomed to living well. Land grants, titles, gold, slaves to do their bidding… but the common folk were the ones who had the difficult task of fighting his war, hunting and farming to feed his endless hunger. The grape growers and mead brewers had the task of quenching his endless thirst for self medication. The young beautiful girls of the land barely 15 were forced against their will to be a part of his ever growing hellish concubines. It was these people who did the thankless jobs for a ruler they despised and being taxed along the way.



Having heard stories and tales of the humans’ dire living situations it did not surprise Nahema when Shub’s guards gave her so much useful information. Although hearing of the fleet of ships and number of Barbarian soldiers didn’t come as a particular comfort.



It was Ernull Shub who was responsible for the genocidal war against the many Fawns, Minotaur’s and Centaurs who once lived in the woods that abutted the human country of Feron. It was said that the Emperor needed more land in order to keep his dictating Nobles fat and happy. And since Feron was rich in fresh water, beautiful waterfalls and valuable copper it was regarded as quite a victory for the Barbarian’s and a sad loss for the Native inhabitants of Feron.



The few Fawns, Miniatures and Centaurs that survived came to Fawn as refugees. Some chose to join Nahema’s military while others choose to integrate themselves into the Gnomes Forests. Which reeked some havoc for the Gnomes and the plants of the Forests. But overall their were so few of these peoples left that the Gnomes felt sorry for them and helped to establish them.



Sometimes Nahema wished she would have married Shub it would have made things easier. At least for her…at least for a while. But she new inside of her heart what would have really happened. Shub would have enslaved her people, taken Fawn and divided it amongst his Nobles. Her people would be the ones to pay the price. Working endlessly to feed and serve and pay taxes to the Human Nobles.



Yes she new that if she would have consented to marriage that she would be living the rest of her life as a happy Queen picking roses, walking through her gardens, taking long relaxing baths and wearing gorgeous silken gowns every day.



The envy of all the world. But how would she ever be able to look her people in the eyes again? Sure it would be peaceful times again. But at what cost? The cost of slavery for every elf, dwarf and witch in Fawn. She new she would never be able to enjoy luxuries when she new the real cost’ The cost of her Nation. She figured that if she would have agreed to marriage with Shub that he would have turned her people into slaves. And yet if she looses the war her people will be slaves. So the only option left was to fight and win.



After completing her exausting training session, Nahema walked along a trail to a nearby and private beach. “I hope the Witches will not refuse me. Katrina Helena had better come through for me.” Thought Nahema as she removed her military uniform and began wading in the blue ocean. As she waded the planktain lighted up creating a neon blue sparkeling color all around her. This pleased her and brought up her mood. The ocean was calm and cool like a refreshing bath and it was a flat as a pain of glass.



The sun had set nearly an hour ago but the planets two moons were both full. The moons along with the infinite stars and planets in the sky provided enough light for anyone to get around without lights. Elves also happened to have superb vision. Only humans with the very best vision could even come close to that of eyesight of the typical elf.



Nahema began floating on her back and starring up at the sky, the beautiful stars. This was her only salvation in life. The only thing that gave her any piece of mind. It recharged her battery. She needed the ocean to keep her sanity. Especially on days where she was forced to sell off one of her last possessions that had been left to her by her belated parents.



Just then Eli came stumbling through the trail. “I knew you would be here!” He exclaimed. “Why are you sending me to Floore?”



“You left me with no choice!” Replied Nahema.



“But why Floore? There is no honor in that! I want to fight!” Eli said slurring his words.



“Clearly you have been drinking.” She responded.



“You think!?” Said Eli.



“They need you on Floore. It will be the first place the Barbarians will try and youserp.” She responded as a matter of factly.



“Tell yourself that if t will make you feel better! Better for sending me away where I can be of no service.” Ranted Eli.







“You know what Eli? How did I know you were going to have a drunken fit? Like a little baby. Why don’t you grow up!?” Said Nahema.



“I am grown up. And how am I supposed to protect you from Floore?!” Demanded Eli.



“I can protect myself! I certainly don’t need you to be my hero!” She exclaimed, feeling offended.



“Have it your way your heiness. He bowed drunkenly and tipped his hat. And just because I am not of Noble blood doesn’t mean that I don’t deserve respect.” Said Eli.



“Haven’t I always shown you respect!? Unbelievable.” Said Nahema.



“If sending me away to no mans land because you are afraid of love means you respect me then you have a funny, no a sad way of showing it!” Said Eli. As he tore of his clothing and dove into the water and swam over to Nahema.



“Don’t be so crazy! You know this is just as hard for me.” Cried Nahema.



“Is it? Is it really?” Replied Eli.



“Yes perhaps it is worse for me.” She said.



“How in the world could t be harder for you?” Demanded Eli.



“Because…” Nahema stopped herself and started to try to hold back the tears.



“Because what…you can tell me. You can tell me anything, I will always love you.” He replied.



“I love you too.” She whispered through her tears.



“You do, I know you do. I’ve always known.”



Nahema looked up at his and said, “I have been to scared to let you know. Not because I didn’t think you loved me but because I was not sure of what I would have to do. Where I would end up.”



Eli laughed. “You can outwit a room full of men, stop them in their tracks with your brute talents…but you are afraid to love me?”



“I have always loved you my friend, you know I have. But still what if I am forced to marry for the money, for Fawn!?”



“Who can force you Nahema?”



“The Council!” Nahema let out a deep breath.



“How can they force you!? You are the Queen. You can decide for yourself. You have already sacrificed so much. You have sacrificed more than anyone else in Fawn…certainly more than anyone of the Council members! They are a joke. You are doing everything and they sit in a room and want to make you into their puppet. How can you go for that.”



“Eli everything you are saying is true I know it is.” She replied.



“I know it is.” Replied Eli.



“Its just that love, a family, getting the councils approval those are all battles. And I am already fighting a real battle.” She said choking back some tears. She hated being vulnerable even around Eli.



“In this battle, I want to be by yourside.” Said Eli.



“No you must go to Floore.” She responded quickly.



“Because you will be safe there. And I want to know in my heart that if we win this war that you will be there waiting for me.” She explained.



Eli held Nahema tight and lifted her head so he could look into her eyes. As the moonlight danced across the ocean he leant in to kiss her. Their first kiss. After wards he held some more while the cool ocean kept gently lapping the shore and said, “I am no coward, I am not afraid to die but if me going to Floore will make you happy then I will be there waiting for you. For the rest of my life if that is what it takes.”



“Thank you my good Eli. You have always been my best friend. Let’s go back and have something to eat. Does that sound good?” She asked affectionately.



“Ok that would be nice.” Eli held her hand as they exited the water and walked up the shore. After shaking off some of the water they put on their uniforms and started walking on the trail that let to the castle.



They made their way back up the stairs and headed to Nahema’s personal quarters. Nahema and Eli stood outside on her balcony. Eli looked up at the full moons and Nahema then called out to Crimini. Crimini came in walking as briskly as his short legs would allow. Crimini bowed. “My lady, Elijah Fern, How can I be of service.” He asked.



“Yes please tell the cooks to send up a nice dinner, for this is the last evening Sir Fern will be here…for quite some time.” Said Nahema with a hint of sadness.



Crimini turned to Eli and said, “Yes I heard you will be stationed on Floore. They make the most magnificent cheese there.”



Crimini looked up at Nahema who closed her eyes and shook her head wrinkling her nose. “Thank you Crimini.”



Eli said “Yes it will be hard to leave the mainland of Fawn but I am looking forward to life’s adventures and fulfilling my duties.” He said smiling at Nahema.



“Good to hear that son.” Crimini bowed and said “Please excuse me.” He bustled out of the room.



When he was gone and out of earshot Nahema stood beside Eli. Eli bent down and she kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for understanding.” Eli walked over to the chaise lounge and laid down. Nahema followed him and joined him. Snuggling up to him a bit. She was glad that she was allowing this moment to happen. They looked up at the stars and watched contentedly as a meteor shower gave off a decent show.



They slowly began to drift off when the chef’s knocked on Nahema’s bedroom door. Nahema got up and let them in. The Chefs laid out the dinner on the marble table on her balcony. They had brought salads with a creamy dressing, a plate of assorted cheeses, crackers and dips, roasted garlic and citrus infused almonds. A spinach and cream soup. And a plate of chocolate dipped wild strawberries. Along with a shaved ice dessert that had a berry syrup drizzled over it.



The Elves prided themselves on being conscious eaters. Most Elvin people grew their own food, fruits and vegetables. The Elves were vegetarians. Their lean bodies didn’t take well to eating meat. None of them cared for the smell either. The majority of Fawns races were vegetarians. The only exception were the dwarves and on occasion the Witches. The dwarves would hold elaborate feasts that included boor and quals.



The witches considered it to be unappealing to eat meat but every once in a while they would enjoy some bacon or a trout. Dwarf’s would often seek out a Witch of a taro card reading and in exchange they would bring these treats as trade.



On this night Nahema and Eli enjoyed their dinner together knowing it would be their last for a long time. “Don’t try to grow up too fast Eli. Just because I have seen things no one ever should, doesn’t mean that you have to.”



“Hmm.” He sighed. “I will try not too.” Eli and Nahema fell asleep shortly there after in each others embrace. That night Nahema had vivid dreams. She dreamt that she was flying, trying to escape the evil Barbarian Ernull Shub. And that Eli gave her his horse to ride away on but the horse was running out of control, she kept trying to pull on the horse’s rains but kept failing to get ahold of the horse. Eli appeared and the horse calmed down and everything melted away. And they were in a different place and time all together. By a waterfall with wild colorful dragon flies all around.



She woke up early the next morning. And looked over at Eli who’s naked back side was glistening in the early sunrise. She loved the way his back looked, slim but very strong. And she thought to herself. “What am I doing. I can’t send him away. I really do need him.”



Right then she heard the faint and distant screaming from the village. She got up and flung open her balcony doors and stepped outside. What she saw struck fear in her heart as she gasped. “NO!” She yelled.



Eli awoke and ran to her side. He took in the horrific scenery. The townspeople running around in fear. And the landscape littered with fires. “Oh my.” He gasped and help Nahema. Trying to protect her from it all.



The homes of the elves scattered along the town were nearly all on fire but that was all eclipsed by the fleet up Barbarian ships on the horizon. “You are not safe here.” Said Eli grabbing her by the shoulders.



“I know.” She said as she ran over to her wardrobe and started putting on her black commons folk clothes. Crimini barged through the doors.



“My lady, Shub wants you captured. You must leave at once.” Crimini said practically out of breath.



“Crimini I will go through the underground tunnel.” She replied trying to stay calm.



“Eli, come with me.”



“Let’s go.” He replied quickly. Buttoning up his shirt.



Nahema hugged Crimini. “What will you do Crimini?”



“I will stall them, mylady.” He replied.



Thank you. Stay safe. She said knowing she may never see him alive again.



Nahema and Eli quickly and quietly crept through the castle and made it to the secret passageway. An underground tunnel that ended right under the bridge that was positioned practically in the center of the town. The two ran swiftly and quickly until they reached the exit. The city of Fawn was made up of lots of streets and alleys like a big grid. Lots of places to hide out in. But when half the city was on fire that was a harder thing to accomplish. This would soon become an elaborate game of hide and seek. And what would Nahema do after that. She needed to avoid being captured long enough to reunite with her army.

My book has a new cover!

I love the new cover of my book!  xoxo