Melange

Chasing the White Rabbit: A TG Mixed Tape

Chasing the White Rabbit

A TG Mixed Tape

(Curated by PersnicketyBitch)

A princess. A tower. A dragon. Siblings trying to stay safe within a despotic regime. Two trans women swap bodies. For all these stories and more, hit play on the first TG Mixed Tape for 2016. Featuring contributions from Jenny North, Kara Ryker, Hikaro, PersnicketyBitch, Melange, Miss_Void and Trismegistus Shandy.

Horizons of the Heart - 27

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2015 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden and her friends spend an evening among the high society of the elven city of Ral Sona. Some are more prepared than others for what it entails, and some surprises occur along the way.

Flashback: The Winterheart cousins head out with the warriors of Strom on one of their first real voyages


Horizons of the Heart - 26

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2015 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden and her friends arrive in the elven capital city of Ral Sona, where they meet with some of Alisan's acquaintances and prepare for a most unanticipated event: a grand ball. Also, Oleander and Jaden makes new friends.

Flashback: A small village plays a large role in events that followed

Girls Will Be Boys, and Boys Will Be Girls: A TG Mixed Tape

Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls

A TG MIXED TAPE

Edited by PersnicketyBitch

A mysterious diary. An unconventional porn shoot. A night out on the town ends with… a transformation. Read all these stories in this month’s TG Mixed Tape, along with an examination of the filmography of the Wachowski siblings (of The Matrix fame), how the pair incorporate queer themes into their work, and Speed Racer (2008) as an artistic statement and a reflection on Lana Wachowski’s transition; an interview with Jenny North, who talks cosplay and genre-(and gender)-bending; and more!

The Second Bell

The Second Bell
By Melange
Copyright© 2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

TopShelf's Fall 2014 Back to School Contest

Didn't it start right here? Facing only herself, nothing more and nothing less. Like with many changes, it all began with a simple question: What if...

For once, she hadn't brushed it away as an idle thought. For once, she had listened to that feeling inside. A little like how your legs could get stiff if you sat down too long, a part inside her had grown stiff from being cramped up. She needed to stretch out. Stretch the wings of her imagination and soar.

But that was before, and today was the day. It was time to be brave.

Horizons of the Heart - 25

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden and her friends revisit the town of their first adventure, Carrick Field, and then continue the chase across the Olman countryside. Upon arriving in Tarad, the border town where Oleander grew up, they hatch a cunning plan to make a suspect man talk.

Flashback: Before braving the Outside world, Alisan spent her youth training her voice to become one of the best singers in Ral Sona.



Chapter 25: Bridge of Memories, part 2

When it hurts too much to pretend
And the words burn inside your head
When the tears are slowly melting down
And your heart's stuck on a merry-go-round
I will be waiting

Horizons of the Heart - 24

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Travelling from the golden city of Tier to the town of Carrick Field in western Alband would take nearly five days on horseback, but using their connections with the Whitewater Cartel, Jaden and her friends secure passage on a riverboat to get them there more quickly.

Flashback: Jaden and Oleander hadn't imagined what it would be like to go on a real adventure, but only weeks after their first meeting in Tarad the opportunity sat down at their table during a particularly busy night at the Count of Cups tavern in Carrick Field.



Chapter 24: Bridge of Memories, part 1

When the past is an anchor,
It's just holding you back.
When you can't walk away,
Something makes you stay

Horizons of the Heart - 41

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Concluding the six chapter Etrana arc, Jaden finally returns to the palace to deliver the shocking news about who was working the strings behind the plot against the eternal throne of the grand herself. Only by trusting in her friends, and calling upon a favour of an unlikely ally can she hope to finally put an end to the rising threat before it consumes them all.

Flashback: Before he was the living legend he is today, he was just a humble man who braved the roads armed with little but his own magnificence.



Chapter 41: Full Cups for April's Fools!

She told the tale so many times
About the dream not meant to be
In a world of the free

Horizons of the Heart - 23

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

After a arriving to the golden city of Tier, Jaden and her friends make a point of looking up the man who is most likely able to tell them a thing or two about the various smuggling operations working the midland area. Meanwhile, dark forces move according to their hidden design.

Flashback: Being the smallest and most agile of the group, Oleander is sometimes sent into unknown situations. This time she brought a friend along.



Chapter 23: The Unquiet Ones

I'm not afraid of the distance
my shadow left behind
I'm not ashamed to
look my fear in the eye

I will embrace the emotion
Pain will disappear
Holding your face in my hands
I will wipe away the tears

Horizons of the Heart - 22

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Intent on getting to the source of whomever is behind the trafficking of magical creatures, Jaden and her friends set out from the city of Farcrest with a far destination in mind - the capital of the elven nation, Ral Sona, deep inside the wildlands. Along the road they pick up another travelling companion that will make their journey more interesting.

Flashback: Rhyce returns home despite the consequences, and makes a discovery that put his life on a new path



Chapter 22: Hope and Rain

There are things we can find
If we just choose to see
Like a friend, like a home, like a heart

There are things we can reach
If we just choose to try
Like a dream, like a hope, like a kiss

Horizons of the Heart - 21

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Due to leave for the golden city of Tier the coming day, the group take the time to wrap up their own affairs. Kellen spends some time with his magician friends, and Mirena get treated to lunch by a certain Albander nobleman.

Flashback: Many children of the mountain spend time learning the ways of other cultures. Jaden's aunt Sabel tries to show her nephew some things he'll need to know before he's leaving for a visit to the elven capital.

Horizons of the Heart - 19

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright© 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Pursuing their different lines of investigation into the discovery down by the harbour, the Winterheart cousins make a new acquaintance. Jaden takes the opportunity to go see Lilya, while they're still in the city. Oleander helps Jaden realise something.

Flashback: Oleander recalls how growing up is seldom easy. It's even harder for a child all on her own.



Chapter 19: Stone and Ashes

She was fleet of foot and
a little sleight of hand
Your life became
an hourglass with no sand

Horizons of the Heart - 18

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

The plan is as simple as it is foolproof. If they split up, they can cover more ground quickly! The cousins begin to look into the situation down by the harbour, Rhyce and Oleander tries to track down the merchants behind the smuggling operation, and Mirena tries to coax Jaden into coming along to see her new friend Arim.

Flashback: Kellen goes on one of his first expeditions into a forgotten ruin.



Chapter 18: Mirror Hearts

When you see just what I see
Then tenderly watch it change
And just let it be

Today's chapter will be a little late!

Due to Life, I'm running a little late with chapter 18. But don't worry! Everything is already written in my copious amount of notes spread across three devices! (one of which is an actual paper notepad. I'm high-tech!) It'll just take me a while to whip up the narrative mortar to hold these bricks of plot and exposition together :)

It'll definitely be posted today, though. Uh, unless Even More Things Happen. Let's hope not!

On that note, back to narrating!

Chasing my tail

All the hugs,

- Melly

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Horizons of the Heart - 17

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

When Jaden wakes up, many questions demand answers. The group, still uncertain what to make of the situation, decides to do something about what Jaden and Oleander found in the harbour.

Flashback: A small group of Northern warriors conducts a clandestine meeting in a snowy wilderness. Stann sees something he has long since forgotten.



Chapter 17: Violet Tears

I will start again, make a wish
You can close your eyes, it's over now
Tell me have you ever been afraid like this?

Horizons of the Heart - 16

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden finds herself in the company of a man she never thought she'd see again. Can the enemy of an enemy be an ally? Oleander has to make a hard choice while she runs back to the inn. Stann wonders about his role in the group. Mirena enjoys the company of a new friend.

Flashback: A look into Rhyce's past reveals the origin of the message he carries next to his heart.



Chapter 16: Into Light

Some have moments they can't subdue
Some take part in the electric blue
Look away, look away, look away

Horizons of the Heart - 15

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden learns some interesting things at the Convocation of Magi. Mirena and Rhyce enjoys a rare day without rain. Stann goes exploring, but digs himself too deep. Oleander and Jaden makes a disturbing discovery.

Flashback: A young Jaden waves his mother off as she goes on an important assignment.



Chapter 15: Sunless Sonata

The words of wordless may
sing a song to me
give me arms wide open

Horizons of the Heart - 14

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

A new place brings a new opportunity, as Farcrest, the capital city of Alband hosts the yearly Convocation of Magi. The six friends all spend a national holiday doing what they love. What could possibly top a day like that?

A new experience

Typing "The End", and "To Be Continued" was something I didn't think I'd ever do. I've written before; I've done writing in one form or another ever since I learned how to put letters together into words. But I've never actually written anything beyond twenty pages or so (for fiction, that is). This has been a very exciting, sometimes frustrating, but mostly enlightening experience. I think I like it :)

Here's another big thank-you to everyone who kept reading to the last page, for all the great advice, eye-opening critique, and clever speculations that sometimes had me in giggles. You're all wonderful people, and I'd love to write for you again soon!

All the hugs,

- Melly

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Horizons of the Heart - 13

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Events in Redwall comes to a close when the source of the strange sensations come to light. Jaden tells himself something he needs to hear.

Flashback: Jaden understands that his future among the Lacunai won't be what he wants.



Chapter 13: Embracing Change

Losing yourself, you did a good thing
Truth never hurts, you did a good thing
In spite of yourself, you did a good thing
Truth will be told

Horizons of the Heart - 12

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden and his friends make their way through the Ealbourne forest, and Redwall village that lies within. The Kuros Prelate Matrick in Rosehaven had told them of his bad premonitions while visiting his brother there, and they begin investigating what might be going on. Rhyce makes a surprising admission, and Jaden begins to feel something strange.

Flashback: Oleander roams the streets of Tarad after a happy turn of events that makes her sad



Chapter 12: Truth in the Mirror

I don't have to be cruel
Though I have a heart for cruelty
But you've made me choose
I know better than you do

Horizons of the Heart - 11

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

After accepting a fellow priest's request to look into a matter in a nearby village, the group finish their preparations before saying goodbye to Rosehaven. Oleander sees something while poking around the inn, and Mirena tries to understand the Mystic tradition of magic.

Flashback: Mirena has received her first assignment as a knight, and brings along a new friend



Chapter 11: Roads for Thought

There are so many things
I wish I knew how to say
In a way that you'd understand
But I can't

Horizons of the Heart - 10

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden and his friends arrive at the town of Rosehaven in the kingdom of Alband, and they can finally relinquish the obsidian idol to the temple of Kuros.
With some distance between themselves and their troubles back in Tier, they take a much deserved rest.

Flashback: Rhyce is given the opportunity to turn his life around



Chapter 10: Unbroken Rose

Where do we go from here?
Time is nothing but time
I now have no fear of my fears
And no more tears to cry

Horizons of the Heart - 9

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Barely recovered from the events last night, the group sets out to deliver the obsidian idol to the temple of Kuros in a nearby town. Jaden and Kellen work together to ensure their safety.

Flashback: The cousins Winterheart are faced with an important decision



Chapter 9: The Lighter Way

I'm strong, I'll bear it all
But alone, even the bravest heart can fall

Horizons of the Heart - 8

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Having decided to try and break free from their captors, Jaden and Mirena are faced with the struggle for their lives. The rest of the group use their various means and talents to find them before it is too late.

Flashback: Jaden seeks to complete the last trial of his Mystic's training.



Chapter 8: Taking Breath

Faith will be tested as the truth will be denied
But after all, fate will decide

Horizons of the Heart

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By Melange
Copyright © 2013-2014 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

In a world filled with magic and adventure, a group of would-be heroes set out to create their own legend.
Jay is a Lacunai Mystic, able to borrow the power of magical creatures to overcome the challenges life puts in his way. But the magic of his father’s family carries a price. The mystic will inevitably turn into something like the very creature they pull their strength from. This is a source of pride among the mystics of his family — his father smugly wears the signs of his draconic source of power. Jay, though, is a little more reluctant to use his abilities. He is not pleased with what he was given, and now seeks to change his fate, before it changes him.

Horizons of the Heart - 7

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

With Jaden and Mirena in the hands of the cult, their friends desperately scour the city trying to find them. The captured Mystic and knight face a terrible decision.

Flashback: Before joining her friends in adventure, Oleander took care of another group of people



Chapter 7: Treading Places

The quiet in your heart,
will mirror the same part;
and someone else in time,
in time you'll find

Horizons of the Heart - 6

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Knowing that the cult is on their trail, the group decides to try a time-tested tactic in evading the pursuit. Splitting up, they hope to evade the Sons of Husk long enough to escape the city.

Flashback: Back in the Northern Lands, Kellen tries to balance his own dreams against tradition



Chapter 6: Drawn Apart

A shrouded echo
Resounding waves that fall upon the shore
I feel you moving
To a place where I will see you nevermore

Horizons of the Heart - 5

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

As the intrepid adventurers struggle to make sense of their contact's cryptic message, the death cult close in on them. They might not be as safe as they thought they were.
Kellen has a plan on how to make finding them more difficult.

Flashback: Mirena was born and raised in the golden city, and struggles with certain expectations.



Chapter 5: Lying Flowers

In stillness, no comfort
In silence, awash in fervent dreams
In stillness I see you, returning back to me

Horizons of the Heart - 4

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

While the rest of the group remain behind at the Green Raven inn hoping to help Oleander, Stann and Jaden head out into the city on errands. Jaden feels he has to do something about his increasingly untenable situation, and does the first thing that comes to mind: he lies.

Flashback: Rhyce wasn't always an adventurer



Chapter 4: Other Faces

Tomorrow will come, no matter what Yesterday did
Worrying about one, and regretting the other
Only hurts Today

Horizons of the Heart - 3

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

While carrying out their cunning plan to "let's split up", the group of adventurers find themselves in a bit of a situation. When dealing with disreputable death cults, things have a way of going sideways.

Flashback: Stann reflects on his life in his clan homestead

Since there are many characters introduced in the first chapters, please visit the “who’s who” page to read about the main faces:
Who's who in Horizons of the Heart



Chapter 3: Smoke and the Mirror

Wake me up inside
Bid my blood to run
Bring me to life

Horizons of the Heart - 2

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

Jaden, a reluctant Lacunai Mystic, is a part of a group of adventurers tasked with retrieving a dangerous item from a dangerous place. That's the kind of life he leads these days. After carefully discussing how to get to the obsidian idol of the dark cult, now is the time to follow through.

They have a plan, a couple of Northern warriors, and a keen nose for trouble. What could possibly go wrong?

Flashback: Jaden considers his place in the Lacunai stronghold



Chapter 2: Hidden Things

Ride the crimson whirlwind, shout and chance;
Knowing there will be no second dance

Melange

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Featured BigCloset TopShelf author Melange

Spooky days

Hi! I'm Melange, a fledgling wordpainter and an avid reader of all the wonderful things you can find here at the Closet when I'm not off pursuing other distractions.
Which, uh, happens. Periodically. But! I almost always return to my writing! For sure! :)

Horizons of the Heart - 1

Horizons of the Heart

By Melange
Copyright © 2013 Melange
All Rights Reserved.

Synopsis

In the city of Tier, a place of intrigue and mystery, a group of adventurers takes the first steps into a dangerous place.

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