Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

1K followers 760 following 5.2K posts

Fledging writer from 🇳🇴 Norway | 🌈 proudly gay | eternally single
Dog dad to Zazu | WoT, Trek, Who, Stargate, Cosmere
Debut novel «Earth’s Awakening» out now
🔗 chrissolbooks.com

Posts Replies Media Videos

Pinned

Chris E. Sol @telaranrhiod.bsky.social · Jan 13

Reintroduction post:

My name is Chris Elisha Sol, I’m 42 years old from Norway.

I live on my own with a 2 year old border collie, a royal (ball) python and a baby cornsnake in the city of Bergen, Norway.

My author website: chrissolbooks.com has information on me and my ongoing projects.

1/4

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 48
Chapter 7

Family tour ongoing, now with history lesson!

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

After they had shown his mom and gramps the rooms, they went outside and walked around the city. Anita was enchanted with Antin, that much was clear to Bill. As much as he tried to evade showing what Antin had come to men to him, he didn’t think any union between them would come anytime soon.
“This park is beautiful,” Anita said, “Does that ring of stones over there symbolise something?”
Bill looked at the protective circle and looked at Antin, but here the man was waiting for him. “The stones are part of a protective grid,” he started, looking around. He was afraid of getting the history wrong. “Most places they are underground, in areas protected from human interference. Each circle connects to several others, and the value of it is immense.”
Ar’Thyl and Nyx came down and landed next to them.
My Aludim is correct, Ar’Thyl said in the last war, mere weeks ago really, forces of Darkness tried disrupting the grid by unearthing and attempting to destroy the stones. We were lucky the council found a way to recreate them and restore the grid.
Gramps looked from the stones to the Edroth, “so the grid covers the entire world?”
Yes, in theory it does. It seems this city only connects to about a third of the planet, but in this sector all circles are functioning as intended – insofar as we know what the builders actually intended.
“You didn’t build them?” Anita asked.
No, another civilization millions of years ago made these, we do not know who they were, though through glimpses our historian has seen that they were indeed connected to the Light.
“So, the gauntlet is now in our limited hands.” Bill said, lost in thought.
You underestimate yourself Aludim. Each of us Aludim Pairs represent the most powerful entities currently alive on this planet it is our duty to defend against whatever opulent doom comes our way.
“Besides,” Antin said. “The four of us? We’re a team! Right Nyx?”
The long Edroth answered with a youthful cheer. Hell yeah!

#VSSFantasy Un…

February 17, 2026 at 6:11 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 47
Chapter 7

Family tour ongoing

#writingcommunity

vss365 not posted
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

Antin had led them into the atrium of this floor. Anita and gramps were looking around at the doors on the one side with the balcony above with more doors, and the other side that had doors on this level and openings on the balcony above.
“On that side,” Antin said, “are visiting rooms for Aludims. The human lives below, their Edroth above. On this side,” he moved to the other side, “are guest apartments for visiting humans. I suspect my friend here has chosen rooms for you already.” He finally gave the word to Bill.
Bill stood for a second, before he moved to a door close to them. “Mom, this room I chose for you. I hope you’ll find it pleasant. You unlock it automatically when you come near.”
She opened the door and they entered. Bill watched his mother as she took in the fragrant scent of flowers and turned around to take in the room.
“William, this is wonderful!” She exclaimed when she saw the bright room covered with tapestry of colorful flowers.
“This is the sitting room, there is a bathroom behind that door, and a small bedroom behind that one.” Bill indicated to the two doors.
“My my,” gramps said, “if my room is as nice as this, I might not need much wooing to become a permanent guest,” he laughed at that.
Bill felt hope at that, “That isn’t a minuscule decision gramps, but I’m sure you can stay here if you want!” He had lived close to his gramps his hole life, he hoped his mom would consider it too.
“Well, shall we go have a look at your grandfathers' room?” Anita looks at her son with a mother's love shining in her eyes.

“Oh, sure! Come!” Bill says and moves back to the Atrium.
“This place looks great,” gramps says, “no wonder the government tried to cover-up the entire city at first. Make it illicit for the media to mention.”
Bill stopped. “They did that? But I saw newspapers and magazines after I met Antin and Nyx.” He stopped in front of another door. “Here’s you!”
Gramps went to open the door, “they failed, the media couldn’t be curtailed, the truth came out before long– oh wow!” He stopped in the sitting room; the layout was exactly the same as Anita’s rooms, but the tapestries here depicted another age entirely. Cityscapes of stone towers and Edroth flying around.
“I thought you’d like it,” Bill laughed.
“Living here can’t hurt, especially with that view!” Gramps wasn’t talking about the windows, showing the square below and the buildings opposite, but at the vivid imagery on the walls.
Anita looked around the room, “William, I can’t see any kitchen or kitchenette, where might I go to get a coffee?”

#VSSFantasy Wooing
#VSS365 Minuscule
#VSSDaily Cover-Up
#VSSMagic Unlock
#Emoetry Illicit
#WIPSnips Hurt
#WeirdMicro Permanent guest

February 16, 2026 at 6:12 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 46
Chapter 7

Confusion is a part of life.

#writingcommunity

vss365 not posted
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

“William, aren’t you going to show us around?” His mom said.
“Anita, dear, let the boy be. He’ll show us when he’s ready.” Gramps said.
Bill had never felt this. He liked Antin. More than he’d thought. The touches, the slight kisses – they spoke of the bond he’d seen in his dreams. He shook his head and returned to the unavoidable reality.
“Mom, Grandad, welcome to Al’Edos. This is the central square, large enough to house an arena, yet as far as I know, no fight ever reached this sacred space.”
“The building on my left is the library, above it is the guest apartments, we’ll bring you up there now and show you the rest of the city when you’re settled in.” Antin shot in just as Nyx and Ar’Thyl came down to land.
Anita took a step back. She’d seen Ar’Thyl before, of course – but Nyx was different. Longer, more slender, and dark blue.
Hello kin of my Aludim, the Edroth to my right is Nyx, Aludim to Antin. Ar’Thyl said so they all could hear. I’m
Nice to meet you, Nyx said, bowing deeply.
“It’s our pleasure,” gramps said.
Now, follow our Aludim and they will take you to your rooms, where you may view this square from above! Ar’Thyl said, before adding with a wink: and if you fancy a flight – do let us know!
Anita and Gramps looked at each other nervously, before gramps looked up.
“Who is that big one up there?”
Bill turned to look, but Ar’Thyl answered first
That is Castor. My parent. Aludim to Zhe’ra, whom you’ll meet later.

“Oh my, he is big,” Anita said
Antin led the way to get the group moving. “Right this way, we’ll just go through the door over here.” He pointed with his hand.
Bill wondered what he needed to move so fast for, until he glimpsed up the tower. It seemed like every one of the fifty unmatched Edroth was up there, staring down at them. There was no hatred in their stare, but a deep longing for connection. Bill shuddered, now that he was bonded, he couldn’t imagine having his thoughts completely to himself.
You are right Aludim. For those not born with a connection and those who never found their match it is a loss. Ar’Thyl sounded sad.
“So, let’s just go into this lift,” Antin pressed the button to open the room. Spacious, bright. “From these rooms you can get anywhere in the city, look there’s a map and a diagram of this building. “
Bill had never been in the lifts before, only seen them from afar. And when Antin finished his explanation, his mom and gramps where nodding enthusiastically. “You’re up here, on the second story of this building.” He said, trying to contribute.
“So, I just press here,” gramps pressed the button, it seemed nothing happened, but Bill felt Light wash over him in that split second before the door opened.
“And we’re here!” Antin proclaimed. “Oh, if you have any junk or anything you want to get rid of, the machine here next to the lift can dissipate anything.”
Bill was confused. Why is Antin taking charge? But he didn’t send that thought to Ar’Thyl. One minute he’s holding my hand, then… he sighed and followed along.

#VSSFantasy Bond
#VSS365 n/a
#VSSDaily Junk
#VSSMagic Arena
#Emoetry Hatred
#WIPSnips Never
#WeirdMicro Unavoidable reality

February 15, 2026 at 6:41 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 45
Chapter 7

A lovely reunion…

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

He knocked on his mother’s house; he didn’t want to bring someone she didn’t know straight into her house. She came out bright eyed and smiling.
“Oh, my beloved son!” She hugged him tight, then eyed Antin, “and who do we have here? Your sweetheart?”
“Mom! Stop it!” He said, face reddening.”
Antin reached out a hand to her, “hi Mrs. Nielsen, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m Bills friend, from Al’Edos.” He paused, looking down the street, “formerly from down on the other side of the town. I think we’ve met before though, when I was younger”
Bills mom looked at him more closely. “I think I remember you, when I worked as a nurse in charge of the foster kids, right?” Antin nodded, Bill squeezed his hand. “My successor, Annie, took over almost ten years ago when I started working at the hospital. It is wonderful to see what a fine young man you’ve become!”
Antin looked her with what Bill worried might be chaotic adoration, “I always looked forwards to the health checkups. You and Annie were amongst the constant in my life, I changed homes so often I couldn’t remember half their names. But, I remember you and her. You were always so kind!”
“Are you ready mum? I need to get gramps too…” Bill started, feeling ashamed for interrupting the tender moment.
“Packed and ready, and your grandfather is too!” She said, before leaning in, to whisper: “are you sure you’re not lovers?” She retreated with a smile.
“Get over it, mum!” He almost growled, which made her laugh.

“How is my successor doing?” Gramps called from the next house, door now open. Bill moved to hug him tight. “And who is this dapper young man?” Gramps whispered.
Bill sighed as he took gramp’s suitcase and headed down to the others. “That is my FRIEND, Antin. He’s our ticket out of here…”
“So,” Bill’s mom said. “Are we waiting for a car?”
“No, Mrs. Nielsen, Mr. Nielsen. I will take you to our new home like this:” Antin filled with Light and moved his hands like he’d gotten used to while directing the flows into the portal he wanted. Light swirled in front of the group,
Bills mom almost swooned, but his gramps steadied her as the portal formed, and they could see the square in front of the parliament tower.
“This way, if you will.” Antin said, quietly squeezing Bills hand behind their backs as their guests walked through, oohing and aahing as they walked.
Bill felt warm and happy leaving small town USA behind, completely taken aback when Antin kissed his check before he dragged him through the portal.
Bill just stood there.

#VSSFantasy Beloved
#VSS365 Kiss
#VSSDaily Lovers
#VSSMagic Successor
#Emoetry Over it
#WIPSnips Sweetheart
#WeirdMicro Chaotic adoration

February 14, 2026 at 7:14 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

I see a lot of flac for the He-Man actor not being «buff» enough..

He-Man is the most powerful man, not necessarily the strongest. Power can be more than just the biggest muscles.

What if he looks well trained, but is stronger than the so called strongmen?

I’m looking forward to the film:)

February 13, 2026 at 7:11 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

I swear I am a person

Just not the most exiting one out there.

Back to the regular scheduled programming tomorrow! 💜

February 13, 2026 at 2:43 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

Off home I go. It’s been a lovely week. Take off in minus 5, well, in theory. First stop Schipol, then Bergen;)

Will miss Spain, but not as much as I miss Him.
Have a beautiful day good folk!

February 13, 2026 at 9:26 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 44
Chapter 7

Something in the bushes. Glowing eyes.

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

A noise came from the brush beside them, like a slow growl from the darkness within. Glowing purple eyes stared back at them, and Antin pushed Bill behind him, ready to portal away in an instant.
Bill stood fast, filled himself up with Light and prepared their defense; a wall of Light between the creature and them. The being that emerged looked like a decimated hound, purple goo dripping from its jaw, gathering in lacunae in its own body.
“Step back Antin,” Bill said tenderly. “I’ll try to release it”
“You can do that on your own?”
“I think so.” Bill said with polite unease. The hound growled and tried walking around or jumping over the shield while it shooed and barked at them. Antin jumped as the hound suddenly appeared on the other side of them.
Bill looked at the shield, an idea struck him. He inverted the shield, made it encompass the creature, not shielding themselves. When the creature was contained, Bill tried making it smaller, losing his concentration briefly as the snout broke through his shield. He didn’t want to destroy it, but knew he had no choice, so he made the shield as tight as it could go, then focused his Light within it until the creature disappeared.
“That was awesome!” Antin said, impressed.
“That was scary!” Bill said, hands shaking. He did not like what he’d done; despite knowing it was the best option. The creature reminded him of what he’d seen in the bushes the day he met Antin and Nyx. Might even have been hunting him since that first morning. Who knew what horrible things it could do, if left unchecked.
“This is our street,” Bill said when they came close to the corner. “Ready to meet my mom and Grandad?”
Antin took Bill’s hand tenderly. “I am ready for anything!”

#VSSFantasy Tender
#VSS365 lacuna
#VSSDaily destroy
#VSSMagic Back
#Emoetry Glowing
#WIPSnips Defense
#WeirdMicro Polite Unease

February 13, 2026 at 7:44 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

One final walk in Alicante.

One more night together, then we part for who knows how long.

Our hearts ever connected.

A view from the beach in Alicante, a barrio is visible in the lover area, above it clouds in purples and pinks and greys

February 12, 2026 at 7:15 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 43
Chapter 7

Å change of pace, let these boys know more about eachother.

Chapter 6 is now on the blog:)

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

Chapter 7
The Saturday came; Bill had texted his mother and she had confirmed that she and grandpa were ready. Mom had spent the past week reading all she could of the Edroth, so she was excited about the trip, demonstrating her fidelity in him.
Bill heard rapping on his door, opening it to find Antin stood there with a huge grin, “have you inspirations of becoming the city bard? With those melodious drumbeats?” He laughed.
Antin blushed, “no, I… I just wanted to ask if you were ready”
“I’m ready. Do you know where to go?”
“Without Nyx scrying, which he does with ferocity every day, I can take you to where we met last, is that ok?”
“The school? Sure!” Bill didn’t mind walking with Antin the scant mile to his mom's house.
Antin took his hand and led him to the center of the atrium. “Well then, let’s go!”
Bill could see him fill with Light, his arms guiding the flow into a portal, a window through space. They stepped through and Bill found himself in familiar surroundings. The walls were covered by bleeding ivy – it was definitely fall now! The school seemed to have upped its defense strategy; new fences were up all around the school. But they easily found a gate to get thorough
A newspaper flew through the air and landed square on Bills face. He held it out and scanned the page. “Criminal pardoned by president. I see nothing changes for the rich.”
“Yeah,” Antin said, eyes darkening. “I grew up poor, in group homes until the day I met Nyx. There was never much to go around, yet we all had to play nice and proper when the donations from the rich were coming in.”
“I’m sorry you experienced that,” Bill added, taking Antin into his arms for a hug. “I didn’t have much after my dad passed away, but we somehow survived. Thanks to Zhe’ra I suspect.”
“Having such a woman as your ancestors must’ e had some perks!”
Bill laughed. “She was just a kindly neighbor to me, I didn’t learn who she was until I came to Al’Edos, after our encounter.”

#VSSFantasy Fideli…

February 12, 2026 at 6:20 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

A lovely day in Alicante, Spain. We walked 25km in total, ate Venezuelan for breakfast, American for lunch and Turkish for dinner… not quite Spanish, but hey!

Published a chapter on my blog, and am now ready to call it a night!

February 11, 2026 at 8:25 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 42
Chapter 6

Four Dreth is easy… when the team already fought off thousands in the battle for Al’Edos…

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

Antin’s hand touched Bill as they reached the top. Bill felt he could surrender right that moment for just one more touch. Through his bond with Ar’Thyl, he could feel empathy as he found his spot and they took off.
The island they were going to was further away than where they had gone before, so Tori signaled for everyone to follow behind her and Anthony while they opened a portal through the Ley-line grid. Bill had read about that but never seen it in practice.
The portal formed and they flew through and entered the energy stream. A while later they emerged near a port below an island town. Bill thought he could see purple energy behind a hill, he glanced at Nyx and Antin – they had definitely spotted it to.
Nyx veered off capriciously prompted by the first sign of a Dreth. Nyx seems to have an innate hatred for the creatures, why? He asked his Aludim.
Nyx is a warrior of the Light. Though he is rash, and prone to want to eradicate Darkness, it does not make him hateful!
Bill reconsidered, hatred is maybe not the right word. But I get the vibe he is more than curious about them.
They all surrounded the Dreth valley, within they saw four Dreth, two of each kind. They were digging into the earth and hadn’t spotted them before Nyx swooped in and evaporated the first in a plume of Light. The remaining three took defensive places, focusing on Nyx and Ar’Thyl – since they were the closest. The others quickly formed a shield around the three Dreth, one of them was like frozen mid fight. The remaining two were struggling within their shield

Nyx finished off the one that seemed frozen. No surrender given. Bill saw into the shield and found air and water and earth making up the shield itself. He found small channels within it and tried to nudge a shield of Light through the small openings. It worked. The shield turned from opaque to crystal clear. Tori flew over to them on Tina.
“That was the missing part of our shield! Excellent work Bill!”
Bill could see Anthony and Nick by the shield, and suddenly the remaining two Dreth evaporated too.
They all returned to the city together. Bill couldn’t help to notice that Nyx and Antin flew directly beside them. Ahead Tori and Anthony took the lead, Elijah and Nick – all on their Aludim’s backs, followed behind. Behind Bill, followed the rest of the council was, the two older men on their huge Aludims, and Zhe’ra on Castor.
Bill felt like he belonged. He had contributed, and been praised for it!
#VSSFantasy Surrender
#VSS365 Touch
#VSSDaily Hatred
#VSSMagic Port
#Emoetry Empathy
#WIPSnips Vibe
#WeirdMicro Capricious prompter

February 11, 2026 at 7:29 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

This #infatuation
Has lasted many many years
The #ache I feel
When we’re apart
Is #unpopular

The #delight I feel
When in his arms
I become liquid
There’s no confused devotion

It is love,

#vssfantasy
#weirdmicro
#emoetry
#vss365

February 10, 2026 at 6:59 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 41
Chapter 6

New sensors can discover hidden dangers…

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

A beeping noise started from one of the displays, causing everyone to rush towards that screen.
“What does that mean?” Elijah asked Anthony as soon as they came near the screen.
“This might make me unpopular, but the sensors seem to have had an upgrade – and they just picked up Dreth activity on one of the islands outside us.”
Bill felt a strange exhilaration through his bond, the Edroth upstairs did not like this at all. He saw how Nick and Tori went to stand beside Elijah and Anthony, their continued infatuation gave him hope. That Antin had suddenly migrated next to Bill made him delighted, and Zhe’ra stood close by, too.
We see them, Ar’Thyl said, they are few, we can take them – hardly a squall!
Antin leaned in, to whisper “Nyx seems so engaged, like a weird confused devotion to battle. I think he’s frothing at the mouth to engage. And he wants us – both of us, to join him, and he’s confused as to why you’re not hearing him!”
Antin was so close that if Bill turned his head to reply, their lips would meet. It ached in him to do that, infatuation be damned. He turned and their lips met ever so briefly before Antin Pulled away. “I have a mental shield on. It was easier than trying to avoid broadcasting my every thought.”
Antin, still standing ever so close, “uhm… that’s, eh. Awesome!” He blushed and turned away. “Anyway, we should join the fight.”
Are we going, Aludim? Ar’Thyls voice came through their bond. The others are getting ready.” Bill noticed how everyone except him, Antin and Zhe’ra, and Anthony had climbed up to their Edroths. He must’ve been so focused in his own mind he missed the talks.
We’re coming. He sent back.
“Well, well, we’re going into battle together, who’d’ve thought!” Zhe’ra said as they climbed to their Aludims. A wicked smile on her face as she watched the two boys interact.

#VSSFantasy Infatuation
#VSS365 Ache
#VSSDaily Unpopular
#VSSMagic Squall
#Emoetry Delighted
#WIPSnips Liquid
#WeirdMicro# Confused devotion

February 10, 2026 at 7:38 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

Schipol is busy
So many people
I am constantly challenged
By my own insecurities

How I wish for silence
Like in the courtroom when everyone waits for the result.

Instead I soldier on.
My next flight is only an hour away.
Keep my bones steady

#emoetry #weirdmicro #vssmagic #vss365

February 9, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 40
Chapter 6

After yesterdays battle, time to revisit the crystal Antin and Nyx got in their story…

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

Well back in his rooms his mind raced. He wanted me to help! And I did! Like a proper soldier! And Antin….
Is there a bethrowal in the future? Ar’Thyl laughed. The way your mind keeps broadcasting thoughts about him I’m amazed the whole tower doesn’t know by now!
“How can I stop broadcasting when I only have thoughts I am mulling through?”
You are getting good at forming shields of Light in battle, can you shape a shield around your mind the same way?
Bill reached for the Light and did so, felt the shield there, strong and safe. And heard nothing.
“I can’t hear anything?” Still nothing, so he released the shield again.
That worked a bit too well, I couldn’t feel your thoughts at all and I think you couldn’t hear me?
“All silent, only my own thoughts…”
Try again, see if you can select to open for my voice. Ar’Thyl challenged.
Bill tried again, holding onto the voice that had just sounded in his mind and shaped his mind shield around it. He then thought through a list of fruits just to test if Ar’Thyl could hear anything. Then he sent can you hear this? Through the opening he had allowed for his Aludim.
Loud and clear! If you can maintain that shield you won’t broadcast thoughts to anyone near enough – and we Edroth can hear thoughts from far away if we know where to listen! Oh, there’s a transmission from the council, everyone who wants should go to the command center.
“Why? What’s happened?”
I don’t know, seems someone brought a new type of technology to the city.
He climbed atop his Aludim again and they glided out of their opening. Ar’Thyl took a swooping turn that Bill felt deep in his bones, before they slowed and landed in the Edroth part of the control room. Bill jumped down and climbed down to the human floor. Everyone was there, the whole council, Zhe’ra and even Antin.
“Now that we’re all here,” Anthony started as the room went utterly silent, like a procedural silence where not all knew what this meeting was about.
“I’ve checked an…

He climbed atop his Aludim again and they glided out of their opening. Ar’Thyl took a swooping turn that Bill felt deep in his bones, before they slowed and landed in the Edroth part of the control room. Bill jumped down and climbed down to the human floor. Everyone was there, the whole council, Zhe’ra and even Antin.
“Now that we’re all here,” Anthony started as the room went utterly silent, like a procedural silence where not all knew what this meeting was about.
“I’ve checked and triple checked this crystal Antin and Nyx brought from the past. From all I can see, when I plug it in, it will be as if it belonged there all along.” He paused for dramatic effect before he pressed the crystal into an opening that seemed purpose built for it.
The screens whirred through page after page of information as it categorized the files within. After what seemed like a few minutes the system dinged and Anthony went to stare at the screens.
“This is all the knowledge of Bel’Edos! The system now contains the complete histories of both cities!” Anthony seemed surprised.
Through his bond Bill could feel how happy Ar’Thyl was. Him and Castor, Tina and Cera were all originally from that city. Around him he could see how excited they all were.

#VSSFantasy Bethrowal
#VSS365 Bones
#VSSDaily Files
#VSSMagic Soldier
#Emoetry Challenged
#WIPSnips Select
#WeirdMicro Procedural silence

February 9, 2026 at 8:19 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

I’m off to Alicante to see my love tomorrow, back in Bergen on Friday. I’ll try to keep my daily posts, but the chapter on my blog might wait until the weekend when I have time to revise a little:)

February 8, 2026 at 6:46 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 39
Chapter 6

A bit of action in this very rough scene!

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

Bill got back to his rooms feeling… distracted... Ar’Thyl was out flying, something Bill had learned he loved to do. He could feel him over the city. He sat down, heart thumping.
Aludim, what’s wrong?
Nothing, Bill replied. Just having a think.
I can feel your affection from here. Oh, Nyx asked if we wanted to join them after. Ar’Thyl paused. I think he wanted us to go hunt shadows somewhere if I’m not mistaken.
Antin asked me too, yesterday. I forgot.
A sharp knock sounded on his door. Bill walked to open and was surprised to see Antin standing there.
“You have any plans today?” Antin asked.
“No, but Ar’Thyl just said Nyx wanted us to go somewhere.”
“Ah, he beat me to the punch! Yes, we found some anomalies we wanted to check out, make sure it isn’t another incursion.”
“That’s a peculiar proposal, do you think there are more shadow beings around?”
“If you listen to Nyx, he’s certain there’s a vampire or demon on the loose again, but I hope it’s just some teenagers being– “ he looked at Bill, “well, teenagers.”
Bill heard Ar’Thyl and Nyx return upstairs.
“Ready to go?” Nyx said, Bill nodded and they climbed the rungs to the upper level
Hello again youngling, Nyx said. I told you you were an Aludim! And look, here we are! Ready to fight Darkness together!
“I guess, what do I need to do?” Bill walked over to his Aludim, placing a hand on his shoulder. We doing this?
Ar’Thyl confirmed this, just climb on
Follow me and I’ll do the rest, Nyx added. Antin climbed up on his now massive bulk.
“Just follow us, and Nyx will get us there!”
Nyx and Antin dropped out of the opening first, closely followed by Ar’Thyl and Bill. As soon as they were outside, Nyx nudged at the air ahead of him and a spinning circle spun into existence, wide enough for a full grown Edroth to fly through. On the other side of the opening Bill could see trees, a jungle or so. They went through, and Nyx found them a landing spot on the ground below.

On the other side of the opening Bill could see trees, a jungle or so. They went through, and Nyx found them a landing spot on the ground below.
“That sure beats the hassle of going through the airport!” Bill laughed, but his face had gone pale; “what is that?”
They all turned and saw purple mass engulfing a great part of the first floor.
It’s agents of Darkness! Bill, Light up! Ar’Thyl and Antin follow along.
Bill reached for the Light and felt it fill him in a luminous glow. Nyx charged ahead and his column of Light burned out the purple goo covering the ground. Bill sent waves of Light out and it worked almost as well as Nyx condensed stream. Antin stayed behind him which filled Bill with bliss despite the ongoing battle.
They rounded a corner and Ar’Thyl rushed forwards and shielded Bill and Antin. There’s a man corrupted by Darkness there, Nyx is engaging.
Bill lifted off the ground and floated over to Nyx, despite his Aludims protest. He saw the poor man, and noticed two more in the background, though not as far gone as the one here. Nyx was blasting Light at him but the man deflected much of the hits. Bill formed a shield in his mind and placed it around the man.
Contained, Nyx managed to hit him with enough force that he dispersed in photons of Light within seconds. The other two shifted – Bill thought they might be unreliable and moved to contain them.
“Por favor! Muerto!”one of the men said. Nyx saw them finally and finished them off quickly.
They spent a while more clearing out all the goo that had drenched the area before they walked through another portioning found themselves in the square outside the Al’Edos parliament.

#VSSFantasy Affection
#VSS365 Pale
#VSSDaily unreliable
#VSSMagic Knock
#Emoetry Blissful
#WIPSnips Airport
#WeirdMicro Peculiar proposal

February 8, 2026 at 4:54 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 38
Chapter 6

A workout while trying to work through his thoughts might leave him in a mottled gloom after all…

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

He ran for almost an hour before he went to the weights area. He set the apparatus to what he thought was his resistance level before testing the various attachments and what muscle groups they corresponded to.
He feared he’d somehow alienated Antin. It seemed like the man only saw him as a little brother, no matter the desire he held for something more to be possible. He hoped he somehow could redeem himself in Antin’s eyes, though he couldn’t hold him culpable for not reciprocating the feelings.
By the end of his workout, blood pumping, he had over extended himself. Black spots in his eyes added to the muddled thoughts he’d entangled himself with left him in a mottled gloom. He didn’t even notice that he was no longer alone in the gym.
“You look good Bill!” Antin said. He was sitting on the exercise bike, looking at Bill.
“Uhm, thanks! How long have you been here?” Bill grabbed a towel to dry himself off and wobbled over to the drink fountain.
“Just got here as you were finishing your set. I’m not a gym rat myself, but I enjoy cycling. Anthony said there was one here – so here I am!”
Bill finished his drink and dried the water from around his mouth with his hand. “I’m not a gym rat either, but I liked to stay in shape and needed to useful some energy.”
“That’s fine! I’ve been on enough adventures to last me a lifetime. Nyx wants us to go check out one of the insurrections happening in one of the dictator-run countries in South-America. So, I escaped down here to cycle and mull it through. He often gets us in trouble”
Bill laughed. “Is your Aludim afflicted with a strange always-on-the-hunt condition? Sees enemies everywhere?”
“Might be, might be,” Antin was starting to have difficulty speaking, so he slowed down a little while panting. “But it could be fun, you guys want to tag along?”

“That’s fine! I’ve been on enough adventures to last me a lifetime. Nyx wants us to go check out one of the insurrections happening in one of the dictator-run countries in South-America. So, I escaped down here to cycle and mull it through. He often gets us in trouble”
Bill laughed. “Is your Aludim afflicted with a strange always-on-the-hunt condition? Sees enemies everywhere?”
“Might be, might be,” Antin was starting to have difficulty speaking, so he slowed down a little while panting. “But it could be fun, you guys want to tag along?”
Something ignited in Bill. A chance to spend the day with him. But would Ar’Thyl approve? “I’ll talk with my Aludim and we’ll see!”
“Ok! Great!” Antin stopped the cycle, sweat running down his face. “Oh! We’re moving into the rooms next to yours today! Zhe’ra is on one side of you – we’ll be on the other!”
Heart racing, Bill smiled, “cool! We’ll be seeing more of each other now then?”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way!”
#VSSFantasy Desire
#VSS365 Blood
#VSSDaily Insurrection
#VSSMagic Culpable
#Emoetry Afflicted
#WIPSnips Redeem
#WeirdMicro Mottled Gloom

February 7, 2026 at 5:48 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

So, I’ve signed an agreement with a realtor. Now it’s up to the process… off to Spain Monday morning, so need to fix everything I can this weekend!

February 6, 2026 at 8:14 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 37
Chapter 6

Will his dreams lead him where he needs to go?

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

Bill slept deeply. His dreams had been influenced by his visions – or his visions had become dreams. He knew nothing of courting, he’d been chronically single his entire adolescent life. He’d seen glimpses of lifetimes where he’d found the same one. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes as a man, sometimes as a woman. The whole sequence had had a solemn beauty over it. Waking up his eyes were wet with tears.
He figured this would at least be his sixth life with Him – if his wistful soul’s longing turned out true. He grabbed his chest; the sensation was as if a wound had infected his heart.
What has you so worried Aludim?
“Nothing. I dreamed of him again. It feels as if I’m bursting with something.”
You sound like someone infatuated with another person.
“I’m still not convinced this isn’t a cult of some sort, that you and these visions aren’t more than hallucinations and my feelings are more than Stockholm syndrome…”
You’re ranting. You know exactly where you are but attempt to deflect with words. You need to court your mate, not mope in your room!
“Why are you so smart? Aren’t you the same age as I?”
We are the same – yet so different, you and I, my Aludim.
Bill wanted to get some energy out, figuring he’d give the exercise facility a better try. “I’m going to head to train, I’ll see you later, ok?”
You go have fun Aludim.

#VSSFantasy Courting
#VSS365 Wound
#VSSDaily Cult
#VSSMagic Chronic
#Emoetry wistful
#WIPSnips Sixth
#WeirdMicro Solemn Beauty

February 6, 2026 at 5:59 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 36
Chapter 6

Cosmic truths, living memory. Bill tries to make sense of it all.

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

“Do Edroth believe all people are fate-bound to meet the right person?” Bill asked his Aludim when he laid in bed that night. The evening had been spent hearing all about Antin and Nyx and what they had been through the past week – which for them had been several more days.
We believe all souls are connected to other souls. The one you belong with might be one person, one soul. Or it might be several people. One soul can inhabit more than one person, or rather, one soul can be divided into separate beings.
“What do you mean? Divided souls?”
Ar’Thyl moved his head down through the opening, eyes filled with a lambent glow. We think souls rest in containers spread around the world between incarnations. But also that those containers exist outside time, except – souls can be reborn anywhere in time. Also, at the same time other incarnations exist.
To Bill, this sounded like something a drunk person would say to get out of an uncomfortable truth, but he could feel through their bond that the Edroth spoke his known truth. “How can one know if you’ve met a fate bound soulmate?”
You can ask the Light to show you visions, that is after all one of your talents.
Bill made himself comfortable and closed his eyes while he opened his mind the way Zhe’ra had taught him. The Light flowed through his mind, and he shaped his desire within it to see the one my soul yearns for. A scene took shape, a tower surrounded by tilting spires. A man, hidden beneath a wide hat.
The vision shifted. A child in an orphanage. Hiding beneath a bed. Other boys were taunting him. He saw the child’s eyes though. He recognized them. Those eyes had burned in his mind since the day he met Antin.
More visions followed, whispers of dreams, past and future. Again and again, different faces – but the same eyes.

#VSSFantasy Fatebound
#VSS365 Lambent
#VSSDaily Drunk
#VSSMagic Hat
#Emoetry Uncomfortable
#WIPSnips Except
#WeirdMicro Tilting spires

February 5, 2026 at 3:11 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 35
Chapter 5

What is the new feelings? Chapter five will be posted sometime tonight:) xoxo

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips
#weirdmicro

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

When they touched down next to Tori and Tina, just by the rest of the council, Bill couldn’t see Antin or Nyx anywhere.
“You two handled that perfectly!” Tori said.
Bill looked confused “What do you mean?”
“The way you trapped the Dreth in a shield of Light – I’ve never seen such a thing! I can do water and air, and Elijah can make mine stronger with elements of earth and stone, but yours were plenty strong before I laced water through your strands of Light
“I just positioned myself and connected with the Light, it told me what to do.” Bill was yearning to ask about Antin but afraid to let on too much. “But you said, ‘you two’ – what did you mean?”
“Nyx came in with thatches of concentrated Light which perfectly complimented your shield – like a chilling caress of immense powers!”
“Where is…” he started when a hand on his shoulder turned him around and he found himself in a tight embrace.
“That was awesome! Great to see you again Bill! Oh my – you look like you’ve seen a ghost! It’s just me! And who is this charming fellow?” Antin indicated towards Ar’Thyl.
“Oh, eh, hi Antin! Great to… eh… this is my Aludim, Ar’Thyl – where’s Nyx?”
“Oh, he’s mega busy, after he found out all of you live in the tower, he’s petitioning the council to move us in there too, he’s changed so much since we met last.”
Bill felt terrified – what was he supposed to do now? He slowly nodded, hoping that was the right thing to do.
“So, coming?” Antin took his hand and dragged him after him towards the councils chamber. “Let’s go in! We didn’t finish telling the council where we’ve been. That Dreth was really unqualified to disrupt us in such a way!”
“You… you went to the past.”
“How did you know?” Antin stopped, puzzled.”
“I saw you in my dreams. I saw a town with a boulder in the middle, a creature that looked like a serpent, and a city that looked like this but wasn’t.”
Antin’s eyes were piercing as they sta

“Oh, he’s mega busy, after he found out all of you live in the tower, he’s petitioning the council to move us in there too, he’s changed so much since we met last.”
Bill felt terrified – what was he supposed to do now? He slowly nodded, hoping that was the right thing to do.
“So, coming?” Antin took his hand and dragged him after him towards the councils chamber. “Let’s go in! We didn’t finish telling the council where we’ve been. That Dreth was really unqualified to disrupt us in such a way!”
“You… you went to the past.”
“How did you know?” Antin stopped, puzzled.”
“I saw you in my dreams. I saw a town with a boulder in the middle, a creature that looked like a serpent, and a city that looked like this but wasn’t.”
Antin’s eyes were piercing as they stared at him. “You saw all that in dreams?”
Bill nodded.
“Does the council know? Does your Aludim know?”
“They’ve heard about… some of… eh… them, just not… eh… the ones about you…»
#VSSFantasy Yearning
#VSS365 Ghost
#VSSDaily Unqualified
#VSSMagic Mega
#Emoetry Terrified
#WIPSnips Position
#WeirdMicro Chilling Caress

February 4, 2026 at 5:56 AM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

I’m sorry I hadn’t engaged as much as I usually do the past week or so. Moving, painting, cleaning.. it’s taking its toll on my physical and mental health! I’ll be back soon! And I’ll post the WIPs as usual

February 3, 2026 at 4:59 PM

Chris E. Sol

@telaranrhiod.bsky.social

WIP: Bill & Ar’Thyl
Part 34
Chapter 5

A fight isn’t necessarily what matters most…

#writingcommunity

#vss365
#vssfantasy
#vssdaily
#vssmagic
#emoetry
#WIPSnips

Follow along in my blog at chrissolbooks.com weekly

Text in ALT

The city became visible ahead of the Dreth, which slowed its speed and started to look around.
The council is there; he’s spotted them we can move closer.
Bill tried discerning them but didn’t see anything until the water below the Dreth surged upwards.
That’s Tori and Elijah’s work. Controlling the elements of earth, air, and water.
The Dreth veered left to avoid the elements. Now that they were closer Bill could hear the creature hiss and sputter. In his mind he could hear distant cursing. “He isn’t a happy camper, is he?”
Ar’Thyl laughed. That I can promise you. He is extremely angry now. He probably hadn’t intended being Bart of a bramble like this, just flying high and scouting.
Suddenly the Dreth came straight towards them, Ar’Thyl veered away as the others came after the enemy. The sharp motion caused a degree of pain, but Bill gritted through it. The Light was calling to him and he reached for it. Filling him up so he felt like he could contribute to the fight.
William! Ar’Thyl called when he realized his Aludim was no longer on his back. Bill was soaring in the air, confidently holding his hands out, creating a shield that snapped around the Dreth. Tori, now close enough on Tina, fueled the shield with water. The Dreth stopped flat. Held in stasis.
A shadow surged up from behind them and a beam of pure Light crashed into the Dreth making him vanish into thin particles. Bill turned to see who it was. Nyx! And Antin! Nyx flew straight back towards the others and the city. Leaving Bill feel somewhat rejected.
Ar’Thyl came up underneath him as the glow faded. He settled down on his Aludim once more. “Let’s go home.”
Why are you so sad?
“It’s nothing. Just another thing I’m inept at.”
You? Inept? You almost held the Dreth on your own – that is a lot of power – and skill!
“Thanks, I guess.” Bill said, not feeling very talkative at all. Antin didn’t even look at me. He just… left!

A shadow surged up from behind them and a beam of pure Light crashed into the Dreth making him vanish into thin particles. Bill turned to see who it was. Nyx! And Antin! Nyx flew straight back towards the others and the city. Leaving Bill feel somewhat rejected.
Ar’Thyl came up underneath him as the glow faded. He settled down on his Aludim once more. “Let’s go home.”
Why are you so sad?
“It’s nothing. Just another thing I’m inept at.”
You? Inept? You almost held the Dreth on your own – that is a lot of power – and skill!
“Thanks, I guess.” Bill said, not feeling very talkative at all. Antin didn’t even look at me. He just… left!
Ar’Thyl stopped mid flight, hovering high above the water, turning his head towards his Aludim. So that’s what’s bothering you. You like Antin! But remember you only met him a moment. Are you certain it is more than hero adoration? Be careful, let the Light guide you.
Bill was surprised Ar’Thyl had heard his thoughts, he hadn’t meant to broadcast them. This is the reason I prefer to talk out loud. I don’t understand this telepathy thing.
Ar’Thyl started off again, they were nearing the city again. Unless you send like you did now, I cannot read your mind. But I can read your emotions. Your emotions were very clear.
#VSSFantasy promise
#VSS365 Pain
#VSSDaily inept
#VSSMagic bramble
#Emoetry Rejected
#WIPSnips confident
#WeirdMicro n/a

February 3, 2026 at 7:52 AM

Add to Home Screen

Light up
your news

Add to Home Screen

Light upyour news

Sign in to Lightnews

Sign up to start reading

Connect Bluesky

Connect with Bluesky

Light up
your news