Heart Song
There once was a world filled with magic and immortals. To protect the immortals the world was torn into two realms, one of mortals and one of magic.
For centuries Jiren has been one of the leaders of the immortal realm, but his power is now put at risk when it is said that the heart song between a mortal, Relena, and a werewolf, Marren is fated to bring both the mortal and immortal realms together once again before the world is forever shrouded in darkness.
The shape-shifting, ethereal vampire, Jiren, will stop at nothing to prevent the realms from rejoining, even killing another Ancient—the most unforgivable crime.
In addition, Relena and Marren are put through one of the greatest tests of their relationship just to prove their love for one another, putting the future of both realms in jeopardy; solely to appease the other Ancient rulers of the immortal realm.
With both realms doomed if they are not together, will Marren and Relena be able to prove their heart song or will Jiren have his way and throw the world into complete devastation?
Samantha LaFantasie
I’m an aspiring author, mother, and wife. I have three children and married to my soul mate. I was born and mostly raised in Kansas. Though I have traveled and lived in many places.
While attending school, growing a family, and moving cross country a couple of times, I started writing seriously. One of my first works was a poorly devised romance short story…yeah, its gone.
I never knew how much writing meant to me or how much I really had enjoyed writing over the years of my youth until my mom handed me a bundled stack of papers. It was a silly adaption of Aladdin I wrote for her when I was younger. I used a type writer. Yes, a real, old typewriter! My mom kept it all those years!
My journey has begun and I don’t intend to give up easily. I love writing. It is therapy for me and there’s a certain fulfillment that I get out of it. I get lost in my writing; I’m told that’s very good because if I get lost in my world that I am writing, my readers will too!
I hope so!
Other things I enjoy doing are photography (note icon of angel to the left), cooking, yoga (on the wii) and walking with my dog, Fido. I’m a member of the Kansas Writer’s Association since 2010 and now I’m a board member as Contest Chair.
Here’s to the imagination and a long, healthy, fulfilled life!
Time for a short excerpt!
Three days passed, blurred like a faded dream or the memory of one. I couldn't be sure if I was forgotten in that room or if everyone had left and moved onto better things. But, I knew it was quiet. It was cold. It was empty. I was alone.
The sky was cloudy outside the window and chunks of puff were darkened gray. Rain filled the air, sweetening it with the promise of a cleansing shower. I decided that I needed to get out of the room and find a place to let the rain come over me.
I stepped out into the hall and tried to use my memory to find the cliff that Marren had taken me to.
Marren... Did he think of me as often as I thought of him, or as fondly? Did he miss my touch as much as I missed his? Did he miss the scent of my hair, the warmth of my skin, or the taste of my kiss?
These questions tortured me in the late hours of the night, when I would wake from a dream of us, in a place where this stupid war didn't exist and he touched me freely and willingly. A place where the mere sight of him didn't hurt until I woke. Then the memories of reality come flooding back to me in a rush and bring me back to the lowest, darkest place of the world. Alone within myself, despairing and left wanting.
I found the cliff and nearly ran out to feel the air and rain on my skin. The sound of the drops pattered the earth around me and not in any particular rhythm. The sound of thunder rolled through and shook my muscles, and then the rain lightened and slowed. I crossed my arms over my chest and turned to walk back inside, feeling like that was all I was going to get. I stopped short, finding Marren standing in the doorway. He looked shocked and like he hadn't slept in days. My heart jumped, skipped, and raced through beats sporadically. I clutched myself tighter, hoping to keep it inside me, but knowing the gesture was just symbolic.
He took a step out into the light rain. It glistened and ran down his skin and moistened his hair. It made me want him in ways he couldn't possibly want me anymore. I dropped my eyes and even though tears fell, mixing with the rain, my voice came out evenly. “I'm sorry; I just wanted to feel the rain. I'll leave you be.” I went to walk past him. Hoping he would just ignore me and pretend I wasn't there, because that seemed easier than clinging to the hope he still cared for me.
I made it to the doorway before I stopped at the sound of his voice in my head. Don't go.
It was so soft and subtle, I thought for a second that I had imagined his words. My heart banged loudly in my head, to the point it overwhelmed the sound of the rain falling softly against the ground. I turned slowly, hoping that what I saw wouldn't push me over the edge. It wouldn't break my heart to the point it would never mend, and I would never recover...succumbing to my demise.
He stood there, facing me with his hand out towards me, beckoning me to take it. His eyes soft and gentle. Please. His voice begged.
Is this real or a vision? Is he really wanting me to be with him?
He nodded once towards me.
I'm scared.
Of what?
You're not real. This isn't real. I don't know why I was saying the things I was. Perhaps it was a way to test myself. How far I could really push myself before I broke.
Relena, I'm real. Please, stop torturing yourself and come to me.
But, I thought...
I know and despite my efforts to reach you otherwise, you seemed content to punish yourself. Not eating? Relena, think of the child.
You hate me and the child. Why concern yourself with us?
I don't hate you. I've told you this numerous times. Please, uwoduhi, join me.
I stepped slowly towards him, keeping my eyes locked on his, praying deep inside, he wouldn't disappear or change his mind. My eyes dropped to his outreached hand. I lifted a trembling hand towards his. My heart pounded heavy and hard. My breaths came short and rapid. My hand grazed his as my fingers slipped in between his and folded over the back of his hand. The warmth shot up my arm, chilling the rest of my body. He pulled me into him so rapidly I sucked in a breath. His arms tightened around me, squeezing me further into him.
“I don't understand,” I said. My words muffled by Marren's chest.
“It's a very long story and I'm so sorry I had to put you through that. I really am. But let's hope they need no further proof or explanation.”
“But, you're touching me...” I licked my dry lips, despite the rain, “willingly touching me.”
He pulled away from me enough to tilt my head up towards his with the tips of his fingers. It was the hardest thing to do. I can't stay from you anymore. It's killing me, can't you see that? His mouth collided with mine—kissing me with such fierce urgency it almost scared me.
Can't you see that I would have rather had death than to deal with life like that anymore? I said in our private way.
Nevermore, Relena. Nevermore.
“Promise me,” I said pulling away to look into his eyes. “Promise me you'll never make me live another day without you.”
“I promise.” His arms tightened around me. I rested my cheek against his chest and listened as his
heart beat frantically.
I thought to myself, could I have really been that foolish to believe he did all those things purposefully? The answer was clear. “Was that the test?”
“In a manner of speaking, yes. But, I don't think it's over.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don't know yet, but this isn't over and that's why I wanted you in that room. Jiren can take any form and so he could've come back for you and killed you himself. I didn't come and get you because I was being watched. I had to sit by and wait for word or you to arrive. I'm so sorry, Relena. I really am. Just know I was just as tortured, if not more.”
I clung to him tighter. “And what Okelo told me?”
“What did she tell you?”
“That you are not allowed to be with me because of the child?” His face hardened. I took that as a yes. “So, then why are you touching me now?”
“Because the tradition is I cannot make love to you. I can still be with you and around you. I just couldn't before because they wanted to see how you would react. They needed to see that you weren't a witch that cast some spell or enchantment on me, even though, in a way, you had.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
“You knew I left and you didn't try to stop me?”
“I couldn't, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't. It would play right into Jiren's desires. It would have proved his argument to him. For now, we have to do this according to their rules. We have to make them see we have nothing to hide.”
“You knew I wouldn't be able to leave, didn't you?”
He looked at me quizzically. “I didn't, though Danst told me. He knew you were leaving and tried to tell you what I couldn't.”
“Why? Because you were being watched?”
He nodded.
“And now?”
“Now they know you can't leave. You won't allow yourself to. This realm won't let you leave because it knows the power that binds us together is greater than any magic or enchantment in this world or the next. We were made for each other, Relena. Nothing and no one can change that...no matter how much you fight it. Or question it.” His eyes grew darker and I could tell he was
remembering.
“I'm sorry, Marren. I didn't know it was the test. I thought it would be something more ceremonial like the last time. I didn't know and I made it harder on you.”
“Gvgeyu, waya uwoduhi. Always and forever, I'm yours.”
“No matter what.” It was a statement more than a question, but it seemed Marren felt the need to answer anyway.
“No matter what.”
And now, let's welcome Relena, one of the main characters from the book to have a little chat with us!
1. What was it like for Samantha to write your story?
Frustrating at times. Samantha kept wanting to make the story more complicated than it was, and she kept trying to add things in that didn’t really happen. There were even some things that happened that she didn’t put in. But for the most part, when she did listen, she was able to capture the right words and translate what happened to me in ways that matched what I saw and felt. Those times were the best. Those are the times we worked very well and accomplished the most.
Other times, I felt like tapping the blade of a sword on her shoulders—just to get her to listen…
2. What was your most trying experience?
Besides working with an author like Samantha? There are a number of times that were just as hard to deal with as any other but the most difficult period of my life was going through the test of the Ancients. I didn’t know when it was happening and with the whole circumstance surrounding it, the test was just the most difficult thing to go through. Not only did I have to face the fact or possibility that I was not Marren’s heart song, I had to come to terms with myself in other ways as well. Such as learning to surrender and give in, and not being in control of everything. That was really difficult for me.
3. What is the one thing that you would change about your story?
I think that, with the story the way that it is, even with some events missing, there really isn’t anything that I would change. Because all those events added to who I am now. They say the destination isn’t what is important, but the journey. In my case, it rings the truest of all.
4. What do you feel like is your greatest weakness/flaw?
My greatest weakness and flaw? Uh…you first. Just read my story and make that decision for yourself. I’ve had people say that I was too selfish. I’ve had people tell me that I was too stubborn. I’ve even had people say that it was uncharacteristic in the way that I fell for Marren.*shrug* It is what it is; in the past and a part of my history.
5. Taking into account what a heart song is, is it a blessing or a curse?
Hmm…There was a point in time, right after getting rescued from the Cyrs, where I felt that it was a blessing and a curse. It truly isn’t an easily explained feeling or emotion that could come close to what it is. In ways it was a curse because, as Enid had said, whether I wanted to choose Marren or not, I belonged to him. And anything that forced me to do anything I didn’t choose to do on my own was not okay with me in any way. Then again it was certainly a blessing because I was at one of the upmost darkest points in my life at that time and the magic and enchantment was so uplifting and powerful that it made that darkness fade away.
6. If there was one person in your life you could bring back from the dead with absolutely no consequences, who would it be and why? You don’t have to choose just someone in the story either, you can choose anyone who you may have known before the story!
Danst.
No thought required.
What you didn’t get to see was how incredibly close we were. And Marren even pointed out to me afterwards, just how much I meant to him and it nearly made the pain of his loss, the empty space that was left with his absence, so much bigger. There are just so many things that I would do differently with him if I had the chance to.
7. What would you change about your author if you had the power? What I mean is would you have her relax a little more? Would you want her to eat more cotton candy?
Definitely relax a little more. If she just sat down and listened to me, I wouldn’t have had to give her the cold shoulder. I thought heavily about handing her a sword and dueling it out that way, but she’s so clumsy…I was more concerned about her accidentally impaling herself and leaving me with no one to write my story! And they say I’m stubborn.
8. Oh no! Marren is about to undergo a transformation and you can only pick one aspect of him to save! What will it be? His hot body? His devotion? Quick! Choose!
*laughs* What kind of transformation? *bobs eyebrows* Honestly, there isn’t a thing that I could single out to keep. It’s like asking me to choose which limb or vital organ to live without. Marren is just as much a part of me as I am him. It’s what the heart song does. It makes it to where you are no longer two separate people, but one entity. Yeah, I know human marriage does that too, but human marriage is symbolic whereas the heart song is much more literal.
9. This is a two part question: Firstly, you had a pretty rough upbringing. What do you think contributed most to that? Secondly, if you could change whatever it was that had the biggest influence on your childhood, would you?
Though I did have a rough early life, I think that it turned out quite well and so that part of me no longer is thought of. But if I had to say what had to have contributed to it the most, it would be what started how rough my life was. And that was my mother running away with another man.
No, to the second one. Because I wouldn’t have met Danst and I can’t even bare to think what could’ve happened if Marren didn’t come into my life when he did.
All in all, my life has been pretty great. Despite the fact that I can live theoretically forever, my experiences has done nothing but shape who I am and I’m comfortable with where I’m at.
10. Jiren is a pretty despicable person/vampire/entity. Through the entire story he does nothing but try to bring destruction to the world and to you and Marren. Despite all this, do you believe there might be some good in him? Do you think he has his reasons for wanting all of this or do you think he’s just an old bitter bigot who is too narrow minded to see opinions other than his own?
Despite the fact that he tried to kill Marren, Naloud, and me, I think Jiren’s intentions were honorable. He wanted to save what was left of him and his people’s ways. He just let fear of losing his control over his races control his actions, and let his greed become who he was instead of who he was meant to be. As sad as it was for him to do the things he had done, I think his intentions were good.
11. Where do you see yourself in sixty or seventy years?
From now? There’s no telling. I’ve lived such a long life and seen so many changes in the world. Marren and I were thinking about one last adventure before letting ourselves move on from this realm. Can you imagine a couple of centuries old werewolves showing up in the desert out east and scarring some people? And no one thought we had a sense of humor…
12. What traits do you most admire in a man? A woman? Why?
This is an interesting question. I don’t think that I look for any specific traits. With Marren, one thing I love about him is his persistence. He knew he had to do whatever it took to get me to open up to him and he did. And with Naloud, her strong will and compassion. I love Enid’s protection and wisdom. Raden’s wit. Nyr’s loyalty. Each person in my life is there for a reason, but not just specifically based on their traits.
13. What do you admire most about yourself? This can be anything from physical appearance to a particular part of your personality that you think you like best.
I think the thing I love the most about me is my werewolf side. The side that Marren gave to me. I find that I miss it the most during dark nights and it makes me remember the time we spent on the immortal realm.
14. Sometimes we wonder what would’ve happened to us had a certain event not occurred. What is that certain event for you? What do you think your life would’ve been like had that event not happened?
I wonder, but I do not dwell. But it is what could’ve happened to me if Marren didn’t make it in time to take me from the Cyrs. I’d like to think that he would’ve hunted them down until he found me, but it’s such an unnecessary unknown that I smile when I think back to that night. I’m grateful he came when he did.
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So yep, that's about it for today! Go to Samantha's website to check out more tour stops! You'll be sure to find a lot of interesting things there too! :)
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