Tales from the Sideline Blogfest

Today's the day for my Tales from the Sidelines blogfest. The rules are simple, just post a scene that highlights a minor character. Minor characters are fun to write and now it's time to show them off. Make sure you sign up below (if you haven't already) and check out everyone else who's participating. On Saturday I'll conduct a random drawing of participants of the blogfest and post the name of the lucky winner of the $15.00 Amazon gift certificate. 

And, now for my scene: Just a bit of information that takes place beforehand. My main character, Scar (who's a vampire/dhampir) runs into Paul (who's a witch) who has made it very clear that he doesn't want to be seen with her, mainly because there's a feud between all three creatures.

A low buzzing seeps in from the next room, like some kind of deranged cricket running laps. Even through all the ambient party noise, it seems out of place. I should know by now not to investigate every strange sound or mysterious presence I come across, numerous horror movies have taught me that, but hey, I’m bored. Thus I go and look.


A small kitchen, possibly the servants’ quarters. The room’s sole occupant sits at the table, watching a wheel of five coins spin rapidly in the air. Blue sparks leap between each coin, completing the ring. The space within its boundary bends and distorts, forming images. Moving his hands swiftly, the witch controls his loop, one revolving with the coins and the other waved back and forth to change the image. A strange physics defying orchestra. The buzzing intensifies as more electricity fills the air.


With one final flick of his wrist, the circle breaks. The coins clink together in a stack and fly into his awaiting hand. When his spell is over, the witch looks up. It’s Paul.


“Hey, Scar. Long time no see.” His usual goofy grin lights up his face.


“Not my fault,” I say coldly.


“Yeah, I know.” Paul hangs his head, suddenly turning serious. “It might have been a bit callous to just give you a note like that, but I think you’ve been here long enough to understand the reason. This place isn’t like the Non’s world. You stick to your own kind and avoid drawing attention to yourself.”


“Fine, you don’t want to be friends, we won’t,” I snap. I may still be a tiny bit bitter.


“I didn’t say I didn’t want to be your friend. You saw what happens between the races. There is no middle ground. Imagine how your friends would react if you started hanging out with a witch, especially that stuck-up bimbo you call a roommate.”


He has a point. Rayne was a little too happy in her crusade against the witches. Even if it was provoked, both sides rose to arms without a second thought. Slowly, I nod.


“We can still be friends, just not out in the open, too big a hassle. So, pull up a chair and chill for a bit.” Grinning again, he pushes a chair out for me to sit. “Tell me how the world is.”


“Round, full of people.” Taking a seat, I decide against talking about my life. That’s too much of a train wreck, anyways. “What was with the coins?”


“That?” He laughs. “That’s a little trick I invented, a way of checking email long distance. It may look cool, but it wastes an awful lot of power. I’m considering just buying a PDA instead, easier than magic.”


“Not as impressive though.”


A sudden beeping permeates the room. Paul presses a button on the side of his watch and the sound dies. “Crap, I’ve got something I have to go and do. Sorry, I’ll see you around.”


Without looking back, he leaps from the table and rushes out the door. Great, now what am I supposed to do? Sitting alone in this cramped little kitchen for the remainder of the night may sound 
good on paper, but in reality, it’s boring as hell. I may as well go join the party for a bit.

So, that's my scene. I look forward to reading all the others.