#Ellamir
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jacevk.bsky.social
It's good to have you back, I hope you had a great break! It's always lovely to read a new sneak-peek from Ellamir. I'm left intrigued by Maqine being referred to as "hells-touched". A huge distinction from hellspawn, Merely speaks true!
Amazing as always!
February 19, 2026 at 8:49 AM
camalin.net
Good to be back on #WIPSnips after a few days' break!

After the violent magical upset at Mrs Knight's school, Commander Merely is able to bring some rationality to the wild rumours that are spreading about the village

From my #JaneAusten style #Regency #Romance meets High #Fantasy WIP #Ellamir
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: “Thank you, Merely, thank you indeed… so Hannah is well, and safe, you tell me? There is nothing to this incredulous rumour of her being taken by a she-devil?” “Well,” said Merely hesitantly, “I would not go so far as that. I am told that Miss Wright did depart the school in the company of one who, among the inexperienced, may be believed, owing to their appearance, to be what might be commonly called a devil. But she departed of her own free will, and, I suspect, gladly.” “I do not understand you,” said Ella. “Our servants have heard tell of a near-naked demon bursting forth through the floor of Mrs Knight’s parlour, wreathed in hellsfire, destroying a window and accosting a Brother of the Order before absconding with Hannah as their hostage.” “That, I think you can be certain, is quite far from the truth,” said Merely with the hint of a wry smile. “The reality is rather more subtle, though perhaps, upon deeper thought, only a little. The devil of these rumours is, I am certain, in fact a person in the employ of your neighbour, Mr Ferris: a female hellstouched - that is, appearing physically very much like a devil or demon, but with a far less potent animosity than a true hellspawn, or at least that is to be hoped. Her name is Maqine.” “Maqine!” cried Ella, leaning eagerly forward. “Hannah has spoken of her! They met upon the path that leads along the valleyside. She said nothing of her being a hellspawn, though.” “Hellstouched,” said Merely, gently. “The distinction is quite important, if you will forgive the correction.”
February 19, 2026 at 8:40 AM
camalin.net
#FebruaryWorldBuilders | 19

Like most well-to-do Theanglians, Ella prides herself on being law-abiding and respectable, but through the storyline of #Ellamir, she will realise that some laws must be questioned, others ignored, when they infringe upon personal liberties for no good reason

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kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 7h
#FebruaryWorldbuilders What is your MC's relationship with the law or law enforcement like? Are they law-abiding citizens with no problems? Are they on the run? Maybe tensions are rising? Or maybe they're actually involved in law enforcement?
MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card #FebruaryWorldbuilders Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Laws and Courts 19. What is your MC's relationship with the law or law enforcement? The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.
February 19, 2026 at 5:28 AM
camalin.net
Over time, though, religious disapproval of magic (starting in the reign of Queen Marielle) led to a lack of practice among the general public, continuing mostly through the military industrial complex which, by the time #Ellamir is set, has made Theangal a fearsome force to be reckoned with

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February 19, 2026 at 5:13 AM
camalin.net
#Febchantment | 14
I know I've posted this a lot recently, but honestly, no other snip from #Ellamir would do

Having made a Hannah super shitty marriage proposal and been angrily rejected, odious Brother Nichol resorts to using magic to make her accept him

CW: attempted forced marriage
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin As she said these last words, she threw up her hand towards the door, and Nicholls, in response, caught her by the wrist; his face had taken on such a look of utter malice, and it was with such force that he sought to return her bodily to the settle, that she quailed momentarily. His free hand was reaching for his pocket, and drawing out a little scroll: as he shook it open, and began to chant in an unknown tongue, Hannah felt her resolve falter. She had not the strength to fight him physically, nor to resist the enthrallment of the strange words which rang now in her head. Her knees began to weaken and her vision clouded, her blood pounded in her ears, and some unknown voice spoke out of the confusion, telling her to submit, and it would all be over without any more suffering. But somewhere around her hammering heart, she still had a single ounce of determination, and with that, she filled her lungs, forced open her mouth and screamed as best she could: “MAQINE!” It was as if she had uttered a Word of Command: in the same instant, the elegant bow-seat window exploded inwards, disintegrating violently into prettily carved matchwood and a thousand shards of flying glass. Pieces of torn damask curtain accompanied the shattering sound of destruction that echoed through the room and shook Brother Nicholls with such force that he let go of Hannah’s wrist and dropped the scroll to the ground. In the ruined portal, amid swirls of sunlit sawdust, stood the towering figure of Maqine: in her left hand were the burning remnants of a Spell of Force; in her right, a gigantic crossbow taut with a loaded bolt; and on her face, a look of contempt and purpose and hatred that Brother Nicholls could not hope to withstand. As he perceived her through the cloud of dust, he let out a strangled cry and staggered backwards. “Demon!” he screamed, his face contorted with terror, “Hellspawn!!” “You fucking bet,” said Maqine.
February 14, 2026 at 12:43 PM
camalin.net
Yes, several millennia before Ellamir is set. It was, of course, terrifying for the whole world at the time, but people adapted to the altered ecosystem and gained territory from the receded waters and over a couple of centuries they recovered
February 13, 2026 at 6:34 PM
camalin.net
In Theangal at least, and particularly in the rural North where Ellamir is set, people fear and despise elves, and it's a lot to do with this otherworldliness. There are many untrue rumours about why elves are a threat, and humans seem to have a major inferiority complex about them. It's assumed...🧵
February 13, 2026 at 3:47 PM
camalin.net
The event seems to be corroborated by the sage elf Taluniel in #Ellamir, telling Ella that once, the elven outpost of Falinen was sited on a mighty tidal river until the seas fell; the great stone quayside still stands like a monolithic cliff amid the deep foliage of the Faewood.

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February 13, 2026 at 8:34 AM
camalin.net
Later in #Ellamir, we will encounter more traditional wielders of magic who are approaching mastery in one or two disciplines. Anybody who approaches mastery in *all* of the disciplines is liable to catch the attention of the intelligence services and probably be deemed a threat to the state

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February 12, 2026 at 1:36 PM
camalin.net
Why hello again, #WIPSnips! I have the variation "defensibility" today

Lady Lamont holds court at her morning 'at-home' on the subject of threats to civilised life, leading to Miss Ellamir Oakhall being goaded a little beyond civility

From my #Regency #Romance X #Fantasy crossover WIP #Ellamir
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: "Certainly not. Cursed gold is a very tricky thing, and no doubt subject to additional charges and a reduced rate of interest. But that is not the worst of it, oh no! Even if it is not cursed, there is an extreme likelihood that it has, at some previous juncture, been the property of a dragon; and dragons, my dear, are known to be of a most insatiably vengeful disposition.” “Dragons, Lady Lamont?!” chorused her audience, now thoroughly agog. Lady Lamont was warming to her subject and beginning to enjoy herself. Miss Oakhall, a sceptical sideways glance having caught Miss Wright's astonished open mouth, nudged her sharply to close it. “Why, certainly!” her ladyship cried, “there were once a good many. Not here in Theangal, of course - that would be intolerable and his dear Majesty would certainly not allow it - but beyond The Borders, certainly. Poor Sir Lewis himself maintained a subscription to a most informative news-letter on dragons, both past and present. He was much concerned with the defensibility of this house; he could not take greater care to be prepared for all eventualities, you see, and did not trust the militia with such things; and so I am sure I have heard more about dragons than anyone in the neighbourhood. "I distinctly remember one article about an ancient old she-dragon, who had gathered about her a great wealth - they call it a hoard, you know - and she spent every day and night lolling her vast round body upon it, in case some rogue should pass by to spirit it away. But Miss Oakhall,” she added in quite a different tone, for Miss Oakhall had made no attempt to hide a most impudent smirk, “do I perceive you doubt the breadth of my understanding of this matter?” “Doubt your understanding of aged plump wealthy she-dragons, Lady Lamont?” said Miss Oakhill airily, “Not I. Indeed, who could be more knowledgable?”
February 12, 2026 at 8:39 AM
camalin.net
#FebruaryWorldBuilders | 11

Hmm, metaphysical indeed!

Yes, in the world in which #Ellamir is set, free will does exist, but there is also strong evidence for some form of predetermination - that some characters' "choices" are in fact simply following the will of some divine power.

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kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 8d
#FebruaryWorldbuilders Does free will exist in your world? If you have any kind of prophecy, fortune-telling, soulmates, or destiny in your stories, how are these reconciled along with the idea of free will? Do your characters have any beliefs on the matter?
MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card #FebruaryWorldbuilders Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Metaphysical World 11. Does free will exist in your world? The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.
February 11, 2026 at 8:45 AM
camalin.net
Hi hi #WIPSnips - I've swapped in "feeling" for "vibe", but...

Ella is certainly enjoying the vibe at her meeting with the family's man of business Commander Merely, where she hopes a cosy fire and a second glass of wine might induce him to disclose some juice gossip

From my WIP #Ellamir
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: A fire was brought to life in the grate, the lamps grew into their cosy glow, and added to these Ella was feeling a comfortable glow within herself too from the splendid wine and the enjoyment of her company. Her anxiety for her father was much diminished, particularly when upon enquiring of the departing footman if Mr Oakhall had asked for her, she was told "No, ma'am." "Well, Merely," said Ella once they were alone again, "I am glad of this moment to have you to myself, and all the usual business concluded, for I hope for your advice on some other matter." "I am happy to be of service, ma'am," he replied, lighting another of his little tobacco papers. "If, as you say, this Mr Ferris should come into the neighbourhood within the fortnight, it must be of the utmost importance to the estate that we make his acquaintance at the earliest opportunity. Much may depend upon it, from a business point of view. However, as you know, my father is often unequal to company and making an introduction may be beyond him at present. It occurred to me that, under the circumstances, it may not be so very improper if I were to venture to introduce myself as the mistress of Penmere, if you were to be so kind as to accompany me. I should, of course, immediately invite him to dine with father and I so that they may be very soon acquainted. Do give me your considered opinion, Merely." The Commander sat for some moments silently smoking and thinking. Eventually, he said "I do not think it so very improper either, Miss Ella. Maybe preferable, as you observe, in this particular circumstance. Yet it is perhaps not what you or I think that concerns you, but rather the perspective of your neighbours?" "Quite so. And also of the gentleman himself."
February 11, 2026 at 8:37 AM
camalin.net
Oh absolutely - I just recently abandoned a naval/espionage story I had high hopes for. I was going to write it when I wasn't making headway with Ellamir, but tbh it's probably a good thing I had to drop it, because I barely have enough time for one WIP!!

Have you had much writing time recently?
February 9, 2026 at 6:57 PM
camalin.net
Wishing you a wonderful sennight, #WIPSnips!

Let's start the week with a cup of tea, care of Hannah and Maqine on their first date at Maqine's place: a cute cottagecore culture clash!

From my #JaneAusten style #Regency #Romance X High #Fantasy crossover WIP #Ellamir

#writingcommunity #booksky
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: "Well, dear me! what a delightful kitchen," she said, looking around, "most homely! most comfortable! and so bright and airy!" "It's alright, isn't it?" said Maqine, her hands on her hips, also gazing round as if seeing it for the first time. "It was a right old state when we got here, but nothing a few little spells and a bit of elbowgrease couldn't sort out." Hannah nodded and smiled politely, concealing quite well her surprise at Maqine's casual mention of magic: in Upthorpe, the use of spells and the like was much frowned upon by gentlefolk, its being the sole preserve of clerics; practitioners of more powerful magic, such as wizards or - Gods forbid, sorcerers! - who might pass through would, unless very discreet, soon attract the attention of the sherriffs or the militia and be quickly moved on. That is not to say Hannah was not curious, but not wishing to be so impolite as to enquire too closely into a person's methods of cleaning their house, sought to speak of something else and, just in time, remembered her shopping. "Well, let me see… so, Miss Maqine…" she began. "Just Maqine," her new friend corrected her, not unkindly. "Oh! well, if you are sure… most honoured… gratified… thank you very much! Miss… oh! I am sorry… Maqine… here is some tea for you." "Ooh!" exclaimed Maqine as Hannah brought out three little linen bundles and passed them to her. She sniffed each in turn, thought for a moment, sniffed them again and then selected one. "Lady Grey," she read from the label. "Oh! you will like it, I'm sure… quite exquisite… Miss Oakhall's particular favourite…" "Is it?" said Maqine, apparently not much interested in Miss Oakhall's taste. "I'll get the kettle on, then, shall I?"
February 9, 2026 at 8:40 AM
camalin.net
Happy Sunday, #SundaySnips!

I've chosen the instance of "yearn" in the Stardance sequence which is giving me so much trouble!

From my #JaneAusten style #Regency #Romance X #Fantasy crossover WIP #Ellamir
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: How, she asked herself in wonder, how can one distant star shed so much light? Every tree - nay, every last leaf - seems drenched in Her splendour; even the blades of grass shine like silver beneath it. Each limb of every living thing reaches up to Her, beseeching Her for Her blessing, raising their various voices in sublime praise. Hear them! They call to Her, and others join them - such a harmony, such a union of delight and devotion - greater and wider with every moment. I hear them, and I listen, though I know not their tongue; I raise my silent voice and cry out with them from my very heart. I long for that which they long for; I weep for that, that they have lost; I yearn also, though I know not why, nor for what. O mistress of the heavens! light our glade, your blessings shine on branch and blade, throughout this night that thou hast made. The words came to her as might her own thoughts; she had not formed them, yet she felt them. The singers were not actually the trees and grass, but their words were somehow brought to her upon the wind, through the clear night from some other place, while all that grew in the garden joined in with their exaltation. O hallowed mistress, queen of night, as we are gathered 'neath your sight, bestow upon us sacred light.
February 8, 2026 at 8:33 AM
camalin.net
Deep in the Faewood is a monolithic cliff, apparently grown from the valley side and wrought into a sheer, perfect wall - it is the former quay, where great elf-ships would moor, before the sea levels fell in far antiquity and left the once-thriving port high and dry.

#Ellamir

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February 7, 2026 at 9:55 AM
camalin.net
Febchantment | #7

I posted this recently for WIPSnips, but what the hell - it's the most impressive bit of magic thus far. Brother Nicholls resorts to magic to induce Hannah to marry him, but hasn't reckoned on Maqine, who has some magic of her own...

From #Ellamir

CW: attempted forced marriage
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: But somewhere around her hammering heart, she still had a single ounce of determination, and with that, she filled her lungs, forced open her mouth and screamed as best she could: “MAQINE!” It was as if she had uttered a Word of Command: in the same instant, the elegant bow-seat window exploded inwards, disintegrating violently into prettily carved matchwood and a thousand shards of flying glass. Pieces of torn damask curtain accompanied the shattering sound of destruction that echoed through the room and shook Brother Nicholls with such force that he let go of Hannah’s wrist and dropped the scroll to the ground. In the ruined portal, amid swirls of sunlit sawdust, stood the towering figure of Maqine: in her left hand were the burning remnants of a Spell of Force; in her right, a gigantic crossbow taut with a loaded bolt; and on her face, a look of contempt and purpose and hatred that Brother Nicholls could not hope to withstand. As he perceived her through the cloud of dust, he let out a strangled cry and staggered backwards. “Demon!” he screamed, his face contorted with terror, “Hellspawn!!” “You fucking bet,” said Maqine. She strode through the remains of the window, knocking away dangling lathe and plaster, and in a few steps, levelled the point of her arrow squarely between Brother Nicholl’s madly staring eyes. He immediately collapsed to the floor; Maqine’s aim followed him and never faltered as she stooped to pick up the scroll. “A Charm Spell,” she said. “The fucker was going to enchant you into marrying him. And then, of course, into his bed, while you were mindless. There’s an ugly word for that, good Brother.”
February 7, 2026 at 9:29 AM
camalin.net
Welcome to the weekend, #WIPSnips!

The vile Brother Nicholls, having made Hannah the worst ever proposal of marriage (for his own selfish ends), dials up the malice upon being rejected and resorts to brutal attacks upon her situation. Can he really hope to thus succeed?!

From my WIP #Ellamir
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: Hannah opened her mouth, and then closed it again, with a slight frown. She was not at all sure she had properly understood all of Brother Nicholls’ words, nor was she certain that she was much pleased with the tone in which they were delivered, but she held a growing conviction that she had just been quite grievously insulted. Choosing, quite cleverly, not to dwell on this, she began to speak again in as civil a manner as she could muster. “Sir, I assure you I am most sensible of the compliments to my person, for which I am sure I should be very grateful,” she said, “and I can only assume that you have misunderstood some part of my declaration, for which I am truly sorry. I wish no hurt may have been inflicted upon your feelings, and hope with all my heart that you did not seek to intentionally injure mine.” “Your feelings?” said Nicholls, his countenance turning suddenly to an ill-concealed sneer. “It is not your feelings that you should concern yourself with, but your eternal soul. I have offered you a chance of divine redemption, to cleanse yourself of the stain of bastardy - to free yourself from the infamy of the wanton sin of your mother - yet you have cast my kindness upon the floor. You have thrown the mercy of Our Wondrous Lady back into Her tear-streaked face, for yes, Hannah Wright, She weeps for your temerity; She weeps for your failures of deference and gratitude, and grieves for the evils that would befall you, were you to leave this room without repenting of your foolishness. She is adamant that She will not suffer you to ruin yourself; She cannot permit it, and as Her instrument of your restitution, I take it upon myself to enforce Her will. You will consider yourself engaged to be my wife as of this moment, and you will rejoice of it!”
February 7, 2026 at 8:45 AM
camalin.net
Yeah, sadly the campaign stalled because of medical issues with a couple who were playing before they ever joined the church. It was a hub campaign set in and around an Abbey dedicated to Her, which I guess formed the basis of Keaning Abbey in Ellamir, as it served a similar purpose
February 6, 2026 at 2:45 PM
camalin.net
Hello, #FaveLineFriday!

I've picked this line from my Regency Romance X High Fantasy crossover WIP #Ellamir that I worked on just about within the last week.

It's a fave because I have turned the #JaneAusten homage up to 11 and even directly referenced (or stolen) one of my fave lines of hers 🙂
A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin: It was also a settled matter that the Commander had an income of the number of thousands a year that would always be called three, quite enough for a single gentleman with no need of a carriage and very little in the way of stabling, but hardly likely to raise the eyebrows of any lady with high aspirations in matrimony.
February 6, 2026 at 2:11 PM
camalin.net
I'll be a guest on @adeana.bsky.social's inaugural writing stream, talking about #Ellamir and joining in with writing sprints. If you're writing today, why not join us for a productivity boost?

4pm CET | 3pm GMT | 10am EST

www.twitch.tv/adeana

#writingcommunity #writesky #booksky #twitch
Adeana - Twitch
Disabled variety streamer, advocate, RPG player, writer, pc builder. (they/them). adeana@adeana.me
www.twitch.tv
February 6, 2026 at 10:54 AM
camalin.net
#FebruaryWorldbuilders | 6
Ooh, this is a good one. A forest plays a major role in #Ellamir - it hides an ancient outpost of the elves, and contains a portal to their plane. As one moves deeper in, some non-native species are found, mighty trees and plants with strong medicinal properties
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kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 13d
#FebruaryWorldbuilders What are some flora or fungi found in a notable forest of your world? Are they real or did you make them up?
MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card #FebruaryWorldbuilders Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Physical World 6. What are some flora or fungi found in a notable forest? The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.
February 6, 2026 at 9:33 AM
camalin.net
#Febchantment | 5
The magic system in #Ellamir is inspired by that of DnD, as are many of the fantasy elements, but simplified. I also reference Tolkien often, like suggesting the existence of such magical functions as a "Word of Command" and associating the magic of the elves with trees and stars
professoremily.bsky.social Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 13d
#Febchantment Day 6

Tell us about why you developed this magic system! What drew you to the concepts? Why did you choose to make it the way you did? Were you inspired or influenced by any other works?

#writingcommunity #writesky
February 6, 2026 at 9:20 AM
camalin.net
Like Ellamir, one of the major themes would be social attitudes, as strict tradition suddenly elevates minor family members to major status, family members who do not fit the patriarchal and heteronormative template that has been established for centuries.
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February 6, 2026 at 9:16 AM
camalin.net
#PretendPanel
I love political plotlines in TV & film, and in John le Carré - and I'd love to write a political novel. In fact, I started on a story about a political operative/secret agent in the same world as #Ellamir but abandoned it (its name was too close to an existing book series)
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hiriadunning.com Hiria Dunning @hiriadunning.com · 13d
Today is Waitangi Day here in Aotearoa, #pretendpanel, and it gets me thinking about the role of politics in the stories we tell.

February 6th: Do you enjoy writing or reading political plotlines?

#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
#pretendpanel a daily prompt tag hosted by @hiriadunning.com February 6th: Do you enjoy writing or reading political plotlines? Please support your fellow #pretentpanel posters with replies, likes and reposts New #pretendpanel questions every Friday and Saturday. Hop in any time!
February 6, 2026 at 9:16 AM