Amanda Turek 💎 Writing Rushak
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acturek.bsky.social
Amanda Turek 💎 Writing Rushak
@acturek.bsky.social
1K followers 930 following 4.7K posts
Writes character driven adult fantasy.
WIP: Brother’s Keeper, epic fantasy sibling story
Lives with bipolar - @siegeofthespirit
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Mountain backcountry horsewoman
🚫politics🚫
Every trail’s the one true home.
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acturek.bsky.social
A nice peek through the green aspens to lift spirits on this dreary day of rain. See Calico Peak off in the distance? Always a beacon and goal. #forest #forestfriday #trail #mountain #trees #aspentrees #mentalhealth
View through a green aspen forest on a mountainside of s distant red mountain peak, Calico Peak, to which we are riding our horses.
February 13, 2026 at 10:02 PM
acturek.bsky.social
Picture of ocean with an island. White text reads: Let go of the things holding you back from the life you want to live. Then add some new ones because you never fucking learn.
February 13, 2026 at 7:07 PM
acturek.bsky.social
Good morning world. Happy trails!

#trailhorse #trailride #arabianhorse #trail #nationalforest #horsesofbluesky #Colorado
Video: between the ears view riding my bay Arabian mare Zil on a trail strewn with brown leaves, through scrub oak, beautiful green conifers and autumn color tones in February.
February 12, 2026 at 1:23 PM
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#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #defense

It doesn’t help your credibility when the eldritch tree grove with your evidence just … disappears. Rushak reflects on a difficult morning.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
mean. Lord Deran and Bráthal had spared no talk for the implications. Instead, Bráthal became frantic at the absence of the blackthorns. Lord Deran fixated upon their absence, postulating that since Rushak had lied about that one detail, most of the others were probably false. Cerel disagreed, but could say little in his friend's DEFENSE against the logic of a Council Lord and the evidence before his eyes. When Bráthal, his self-control fraying, implicated Rushak himself as the cause of the ground's strange pain, Cerel successfully dissuaded him using gentle words. Rushak chewed his lip. Though the rest of the search party seemed inclined to agree with Bráthal, on that particular point Lord Deran closed his mouth and looked away. As for Cerel, standing up for him merely earned him some grumpy looks, but no derision, and Rushak was grateful for that. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 12, 2026 at 1:11 PM
acturek.bsky.social
A tree in Oregon. #trees
Twisty moss-covered tree, no leaves. The branches look like roots! Viewed from lower down a hill so the tree is silhouetted against the sky.
February 11, 2026 at 11:41 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #vibe vibe

Unsettling vibes: a darker aspect of Rushak’s music.
And a made-up word that *should* be a word!
(Previously shared 7 months ago).

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
The tree was restive. Lyndina felt the tremor in the limbs, in the weave beneath her feet, the shudder in the walls. And small wonder. Smoke sifted through the windows, giving her a slight headache. The music's plaintive cheer had given way to something deeper, more visceral. An *aetheryism* had taken hold, almost magic, an invocation of spirits, dreams and yearnings that went far beyond Fimb's Crossing and into another realm. It was Rushak. She was sure of it. His talent made the music greater than the sum of the musicians, but its reservoir ... that hailed from elsewhere. She dared not think where. In the nursery, the young ones began dropping their toys, looking absorbed, surprised, even stricken. Babies in cribs sniffled and wailed. Young Rowan cradled one, Amara another. Lyndina rushed to assist them, leaving the disgruntled Teryl to watch over the toddlers. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 11, 2026 at 12:57 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #liquid

After ministering to the bereaved, Princess Aarrila pulls Rushak aside for a moment in private.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
the hall out onto the Sunset Landings. They walked alone to the far sheltered edge where the shadow of a balcony overhead blended with the night shade of thick, dark greenery. Her robes flared a little in the breeze, and particolored gemlight sparkled on her circlet. Her two Acolytes followed at a little distance and halted between them and the people, making a barrier of themselves. She said nothing, only looked at him, into him, through LIQUID eyes as pure as the River-Source, through Druid eyes that silvered as she looked; and she saw. She saw something, and said no word of whatever it was. Rushak likewise looked and saw. A truth, a warning, a prayer, an ending, nothing he could put into words. Watching after her his heart thumped in wild sorrow, then fluttered, then thumped again, and he had forgotten to breathe. She vanished into the Forest below with her Acolytes and her Guardsmen, leaving behind a strange sense of finality. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 10, 2026 at 1:03 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #select -> choose

Cerel orders Rushak and Drisal to stay behind as he rides, woefully undermanned, to almost certain death. First speaker is Rushak.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
"You need us. You have no chance against the priestesses. But they will not touch me," Rush insisted, his voice breaking. "How can you know that?" Drisal asked, reaching to comfort him. Rush sidled his horse away; just a step or two was far enough. "There's death either way," Cerel said. He felt a steeling within himself. It was not fear; it was not the dance; it was something deeper. A resolute acceptance of fate. "I am tine chief and I CHOOSE the lesser of two evils. You stay here." Fixing the brothers with his coldest gaze, he backed Lalash away. Trapped behind Drisal and two guards, Rush condemned him with an irritating, intransigent, Lord Deran-ish glare. Cerel surveyed the area as Lalash turned on her haunches. Tents were already being erected and fires kindled. Satisfied the rest had things in hand, he went on with the eighty warriors left to him. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 9, 2026 at 12:32 PM
acturek.bsky.social
Lyndina yearns for Drisal in this under-the-wire share for #SundaySnips #yearn #WriteSky #HQPress #Writingprompt #WritingCommunity
White text on a background of trees in vibrant reds, oranges, golds. Viewer is looking up at them and above, deep blue sky. Text reads: Drisal was her one true home. She chose him once, and she would do it again. He was worth so much to her, more than life itself. At that thought she could only smile, wistful, and desolately lonely for him.
February 9, 2026 at 1:46 AM
acturek.bsky.social
Main one … Nethernight … again sorry for the mess … I can’t think straight otherwise . #februaryworldbuilders
Handwriting on black background Afraid Nethernight Closest thing to hell Constructed? Always there? unknown It is a trap both for demons and divinely born souls who must Cross over it to reach the blissful afterlife (which of course is another ethereal plane) To explore
February 8, 2026 at 7:45 PM
acturek.bsky.social
You’ll soon see what the pinned ears is all about! 😂🐎 #HorseSky #trailride #trailhorse #saturdayvibes #horse #arabianhorse #appaloosahorse
Video: trotting on a dirt two track through open land. Zil’s ears alternating between being pinned and swiveling…not to be passed by Treasor, the spotted horse!
February 8, 2026 at 5:28 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips

The Sheltri don’t have an #airport. So we shall air mail vibe with the Bird Steward in their aerie above the palace in the tallest Silverbark in the Forest!

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
Birdsinger squinted into the morning sun. Below them, all the treetops in Sheltria lay spread like a textured woolen blanket of many colors. Sporadic birdsong evoked the spring, when the birds had been so many that their mighty chorus overflowed the trees and filled the sky. But most had flown early this year. A harsh winter threatened. The wind over the treetops scoured Birdsinger's face; its cold bored into their ears. The sun's thin warmth was little comfort while they looked into the distance, for the eastern haze had thickened and dimmed the jagged horizon. But Birdsinger smiled, grateful as always watching the hardy jays wheel and call, flashing vivid blue against the fire colors of the canopy beneath them. Not many were blessed so, with this life among the flying birds. A thin shadow sliced the sunbeams. There-Koda, their strongest arrowkite! They lifted their hand in greeting. The faithful bird came to rest there, beating its long, tapered wings then settled, fluffing its feathers. It had flown from Rhursa in only a day. Birdsinger crooned to it, untying the small paper, and descended into the palace. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 8, 2026 at 2:36 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#FebruaryWorldbuilders
The River. Can’t think straight, but iPad pencil helps.
The alt is legible.😅
White handwriting on black background. The River runs through the Forest. (Wavy lines) It originates at the Sacred Mountain Linduen joined by tributaries outta other mtns. Healing Water! Central to the lives of the Sheltri. Sings in the Falls with the voice of Iryla.
February 8, 2026 at 3:16 AM
acturek.bsky.social
Along the way to the dam we ride through some beautiful spaces. This old dirt road is soft for their bare hooves and has patches of snow. The brown oak leaves and mixed conifer greens are such peaceful colors. #horsesky #arabianhorse #trailhorse #trailride #Colorado
February 8, 2026 at 2:48 AM
acturek.bsky.social
Today we had a fun ride to the base of a dam. 1300 foot elevation change. Good is Zil and amazing weather for the first week in February!
#trailhorse #trailride #horsesky #horse #dam #arabianhorse
Looking between brown ears through foliage down at the dam A beautiful autumn trail with dry oak and green conifers viewed between the ears of a bay horse- my little Arabian Zil. A row of mixed conifers growing in the snow alongside a high rock cliff face. On Zil below the dam, looking over her bay head at the dam, from across some clear running water.
February 8, 2026 at 2:41 AM
acturek.bsky.social
#AwesomeCharacters
For this I went with their favorite physical locations specifically for finding peace.
My brain hasn’t been working normal, so I tried handwriting.
(There’s alt if you can’t read this!) 😅
White handwriting on black background: Rush has a spot on the River he feels most peace. Drisal - hot springs - better with Lyn (drawn heart) Cerel - Forest as a whole. He enjoys running alone. Lara - the Caves of the Falls. Within, she can hear the River’s Song!
February 8, 2026 at 1:37 AM
acturek.bsky.social
Little Zil is just like a dog when it’s time to go! The trailer door was in her way so she used an alternative route! #HorseSky#trailhorse #trailride #saturday#horse #equestrian
Video: Bay horse walks unaccompanied from the barn to the old gray trailer, circling around the truck to get in.
February 7, 2026 at 7:12 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #redeem

A long-lost relative offers to do for Rushak what his father won’t and no one else can.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
"I am a Marinell, Named by my father, enshála to you in the second degree. Therefore, I have the patriarchal right to Name you in the absence of your father. If he will stay away, I can Name you in his stead." "That's wonderful!" Drisal exclaimed, the warmth of welling hope sweeping through him. "I rejoice that your father spared and hid you. The [ ... ] between you and Drisal is stronger than anything I've ever heard of. There is a reason for it, and I mean to do what I can to see you are honorably Named and live free of stigma—so long as you keep your wits about you and never return to Gibil." Rushak said nothing. "You hear that, Rush?" Cerel asked. "You'll be Named. You'll have Lara back for sure!" Ignoring his friend, Rushak shifted slightly, spoke through a grimace of pain. "Imaärta for thy kindness, enshála. But there is no use. A name will not REDEEM me." Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 7, 2026 at 1:50 PM
acturek.bsky.social
Memories have been sparked!
Here’s something from prior to empty nest. My daughter. Her Quarter Horse, Violet, is being patient as she reaches into the ice chest for a beer at a national forest trailhead. Typical trail ride back then hehe.
#trailhorse #horsesky #trailride #horse #quarterhorse #mare
Sorrel Quarter Horse with a blaze and white socks on hind legs and wearing Western tack stands patiently by a white pickup truck as her rider leans way out of the saddle, reaching into the ice chest (open lid visible) in the bed of the truck. Behind the truck is a beat-up gray stock trailer and a pile of horse poop which will be dispersed before leaving the parking lot.
February 6, 2026 at 4:52 PM
acturek.bsky.social
How bout a nice morning stroll!
#forestfriday #forest #Oregon #trail #hike
Video: walking on a leaf-strewn trail through moss-covered trees and really big conifers. Overcast day with wan light. River (unseen, to the left) is loud!
February 6, 2026 at 3:09 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #sixth

Between his birthday and the homelonging illness, Rushak is miserable. Cerel feels bad for him, but fortunately has the right wine for the occasion.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
Cerel realized he'd been thoughtless. To shift the awkwardness he made a point of watching Rush eat. The monks had supplied them with fresh provender, chosen thoughtfully with his digestive issues in mind. As soon as he noticed Cerel watching him a flicker of annoyance sharpened his eye. "Have you two another bet on whether I keep my lunch or lose it? I would perish but for such heartfelt concern." Shaking his head, Virgil flicked a silver piece to Cerel. He pocketed it with a grin and turned to rummage in his pack. "Wine!" he announced. “Beyerfind Rose, for the twenty-SIXTH of Loëtharon, for Rushak, born this day in the season of the hunter's moon." Rush's face lit like the fires of Duinralm. "You carried that all this way?" Cerel beamed back, hugely gratified. Suddenly the cheer didn't seem so forced. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 6, 2026 at 1:50 PM
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#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #except

Rushak won’t entertain Drisal’s theory about their power’s origin much to Drisal’s frustration.

Super important & Edging spoilers so burying post midday! 😅

- From Brother’s Keeper, my WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
Drisal, unsure still, nodded agreement. It was too glib an answer, showing an uncharacteristic lack of interest in pursuit of a subject that Drisal knew should have inflamed him. Indeed, the conversation might easily have gone awry again, triggering another frustrating eruption of histrionics. Instead, he had gathered in his temper and smiled, appearing to glide over the mystery of their connection as easily as water over stone. Almost as if he had already armed himself against the possibility of discussing it with his ready and lengthy dismissals. Arguments that dismissed their power in the very face of its workings. Arguments that dismissed any numinous explanation for its tangible products. Arguments that were nothing more than deflections from the painful reality of their bond to abstractions of philosophy, theology and social mores of the past which when challenged and pressed were insupportable as answers, EXCEPT with dead-end dogma, which Rushak would never condone. And yet he had. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 5, 2026 at 5:49 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #position

Rushak has been thrown into a tiny dungeon cell.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
He tried once more to push himself off his arm. Crushed between the wall and the door as he was, the door was a relentless pressure on his feet. In tiny increments he turned over and maneuvered himself to a half-sitting POSITION against the back wall. He coughed, tasted blood, wiped his chin. When his hand dropped his knuckles rapped on something unexpected. For no reason Rushak could fathom, his jailer had heaved Theris's letra into the cell after him. His right hand closed around its case, and he tugged it from the darkness and the dirt to nestle in his lap. The knives in his chest made it hard to think. He sat still. Why should a jailer allow a prisoner a musical instrument? The guards had taken everything else-food, weapons, gems ... the redacted Perhaps they had left the instrument to mock him. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 4, 2026 at 1:09 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#FebruaryWorldbuilders
This is all I got. A child’s drawing, a ‘70s embryo, when it was all a game. Instead of “putting away childish things” I framed it.

The world now bears little resemblance to this map in shape or locations. Even Sheltria has a different name. I very much need a “real” map.
February 3, 2026 at 1:22 PM
acturek.bsky.social
#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #confident

Just after yesterday’s snip. Virgil contemplates Rushak, Cerel, and his own decisions with a disturbing conclusion - and typical angst.

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.
With Cerel's approval they followed Rushak to the spot he'd chosen and prepared to bed down. Despite the latter's assurance it was safe, Cerel insisted on keeping watch. But Rush did have a fine nose for places to camp. The grass was buoyant here, the ground yet soft. The little stream's warble soothed Virgil's spirit. And yet he could not sleep. His wakefulness was not from doubt of their safety, for he trusted the Sheltri's senses. Neither was it fear for the Sacred Tor. Nor, as he listened to Rushak's restless tossing, was it the certain knowledge that one would not sleep at all. He'd not said what he'd seen, but whatever it was, it had set in stone what he would be henceforth. Cerel, he understood. Cerel the fierce, the CONFIDENT, the sharp teeth against claw in this war ... but Rushak? He would be the open wound that never heals, the walking reminder of its cost. And not for the first time, Virgil asked himself if it had been wrong to bring him. Brother's Keeper A.C. Turek
February 3, 2026 at 1:16 PM