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Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

Lagniappe la•gniappe | l an yap; noun something given as a bonus or extra gift ORIGIN | Louisiana French, from Spanish, la ñapa

Lagniappe is dedicated to Professor Tom Lynch and his group of student writers, “The Lynch Mob,” who continue to inspire creativity among the Northeast campus community. May their legacy live on. A special thanks to Jim Swann, Jodi Pack, Delbra Anthony and Mandy Smith for their constant support. Each one of you has played an integral part during the creation of this magazine, and without your guidance and support, this magazine would not have been possible. This little something extra is for you.

Layout & Design

Kathryn Huffines, Daniel Yanez, Jessica Drumm, Nubia Sanchez Isaias Martinez, Elisabeth Lively, Joelle Weatherford Lagniappe is the literary magazine of Northeast Texas Community college. Northeast is an affirmative action equal opportunity institution.

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS Jessi by Virginia Key 4

Hope by Amber Allen 16

The Song Writer by Amber Allen 28

The Wooden Bench by Jamie McRae 5

Influenced by Amber Allen 17

The Path by Vivian Thrapp 29

Miss Puress by William Ferguson 6

Sail Away by Michael Key 18

Aged by Michael Key 30

Your Eyes by Jamie McRae 7

Persephone to Demeter by Jamie McRae 20

Dandelion by Amber Allen 31

November Weddings by Daniel Yanez 9

The Girl of the Moon and the Boy of the Sun by Emma Wolfe 21

Trees by Vivian Thrapp 32

Simple Living by Virginia Key 11-12 Space by Michael Key 13 A Strange Encounter by Jillian Brooks 14

Fortune Cookie by Jamie McRae 22 Circles by Emma Wolfe 23 Brotherly Love by Jillian Brooks 24-27

Whoever You Need Me to Be by Vivian Thrapp 33 The Man and the Mask by Virginia Key 34 Hands of Time by William Ferguson 35

ART TABLE OF CONTENTS Girls’ Night Out by Clara Royal | Acrylic 4

Draven by Itaii Luna | Mixed Media 15

Acoustic Sessions by Kathryn Huffines | Photography 28

Dead Tree by Wendy Harbour | Acrylic 5

Glance by Hannah Dickson Colored Pencil & Ink 17

Blue Rider by Steve Corbell | Oil 29

Northeast Texas Community | 2018 Front CoverCollege Art | Pieced

Together by Itaii Luna | Mixed Media

By Virginia Key

The tears of many Greeted my own And became good friends The curves and bends, The intersecting roads Water colored on My sensitive skin, As I think of your family And friends

The stories they tell of a woman So beautiful and strong Through Christ A warrior who rehabilitated Many lives Who powerfully faced death In its eyes You died in battle But you did not lose your faith

You spoke the truth You won against the Prince of darkness And put him in his place You’re a Princess of Light You walk above the stars Alongside the One Who created you in His image And called you His Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 5

By Jamie McRae She’s at the park again. Sitting on that old, weathered bench that’s threatening to capsize any minute. She doesn’t seem to notice that. Of course, she doesn’t notice much of anything when she’s like this. Every single day this week she’s sat on that bench waiting for him to come back. He said he would come. I tried to tell her he wouldn’t, that he didn’t. That it’s 2018, not 1973. But she doesn’t remember, and she doesn’t believe. I suppose it’s better that she doesn’t know. He never came back. Left her and their two babies in the dust without so much as a second thought. He couldn’t even be bothered to send a postcard from wherever he went. Grandma hated him for leaving them. Cursed his name at the moon every chance she got. But right Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

now, in this moment, he’s the only man she’s ever loved, and she’ll sit here until the cows come home. At the tender age of 68, Alzheimer’s took over Grandma’s life and forced her to relive this horrible day over and over again. She thinks mom is a perky little four-year-old and she has no idea who I am. I don’t exist. All she does is wait for him to come back. Five months ago, she fell and broke her hip on her way here. The next day she was back to the present with no memory of how it happened. She’s been worse lately, though- hasn’t remembered where she is for a full seven days now. I’m not sure she’ll remember again. I’m no expert on the disease. I just have a sour feeling in my gut every time I think about it. I think that this futile hope for her love will be the end of her. 5

By William Ferguson Miss Puress had long hair of flames Her great beauty gave her much fame All the men pursued her soft flames; Consumed to ashes, such a shame She wanted love, but she got fame` Cold cruel men could endure those flames, Yet they left her with so much shame Sometimes all she could feel was pain She wanted true love, not great fame She wanted true love, not great shame She wanted true love, not great pain Were things ever going to change She soon bowed her head in great pain, and was consumed by her own flames Turned to ashes, she lost her fame Her love just a dream, a lost flame

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

By Jamie McRae You were told that you were simple, Dull and minuscule That even your eyes were akin to dirt You were nothing as grand as she With her bright orbs of sky But, darling if she is the sky, Then you are of the cosmos And if she has the depths of the oceans, Then you all the magnitude of a black hole With mysteries untold Perhaps her eyes hold songs as Beautiful as the blue jay sings, But yours hold the strength Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

With the soft plumage of The strong soaring eagle Maybe she is sweet as nature’s blueberries But, you are chocolate and caramel And the world’s sweetest honey You are cinnamon spice And cocoa and tea You are warmth and comfort The feeling of being home Darling, don’t you see You were never as simple, Never as dull, never as small As they wanted you to be 7

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 5

N O V E M B E R W E D D I N G S

By Daniel Yanez Beautiful are the days with you Rainy are the days since you’ve been gone I miss the touch of your lips and my hands around your hips Your gentle touch, my hands are rough like the land beneath the desert sun Your lips so soft, my tongue like a river flows Your silky kiss and your rosy cheeks As we danced the night away, the night sky filled with stars, danced with us And the crisp bite of the autumn air pulled us closer The fire beside us, a symbol of what burned inside us We danced until the sun kissed the moon goodnight But our embers never died, they burned brighter Winter came, colder were the nights and stronger were the winds. Surely the sun would come around I still remember the warmth of your sun-kissed skin But between December and July come many rainy days Some are heavy, others just a gentle mist

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 5

SIMPLE LIVING By Viginia Key

onfined to these cold black and white bones that are impossible to bite through is haunting me each night that passes. Chills run down my arched back as the tears of the soil above finds its way through my coarse hair onto my scalp. I know my parents are looking for me. It’s been decades since I last felt the warmth of their hands caress my shiny coat. It’s not so shiny anymore, but I know they would recognize me even if I was bald. For days I’ve kept hearing sudden sounds of crinkling bags, but now I know it’s just me having withdrawals from my treats. You’re probably wondering how I got in this mess. I know my parents must be wondering too. It’s a short story actually. Some outsiders with no IDs came traveling in our territory and wanted me and my pal Jonny, short for “Jonny be good,” that lived right next door to me, to leave our simple lives behind to ride with them across the country. So we did, as most dogs who are

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

tempted by darkness do. Without need of warning to our parents at sundown we left. In the dead of night, we came to a bend in the road. The outsiders were joking around and making fun of Jonny comparing him to a wiener dog. He couldn’t hear them thankfully. I kept hearing him say, “Frank we need to get off the road its dangerous.” They wouldn’t even look back toward him to say, “We need to live life on the edge.” Slightly out of breath I heard Jonny muffle “precisely.” I could tell he felt left out by the way he struggled to keep up with us. A light as bright as the sun suddenly appeared, and I felt a force stronger than I had ever felt in my life fling me into the ditch. I laid there silently. My neck cocked as I watched the flash of lighting speed off into the darkness. It breaks my lonely heart to say this, as I realized that I wasn’t hurt at all and my only true friend had given his life for mine. I did leave a simple life in exchange for a complicated one and ended up losing a good friend

along the way. I’ve mourned day and night in this cell that I fell in, begging Jonny to forgive me if only I had just listened to his warnings. I then felt a peace come over me that I can’t explain, then a great vibration in the earth that shook me to the core. Some dogs don’t believe me when I say this, but the bars had been loosened and fell in my paws before me. I crawled out eyes squinting to come in the presence of the great light above. Trying to waste no time I set foot toward home. I drew nearer to the bend in the road, the very spot where it happened. I felt a strange feeling as if a friend was near. I sniffed around. I saw no trace not even a drop of his blood. Then I knew I had to keep moving on. At times when I came across an unfamiliar path, there was a faint voice in the wind that guided me home. I was right, my parents recognized me, I found comfort in my momma’s voice when she called my name and embraced me tight. Her tears found their way through my coarse hair to sooth my scalp. She looked me in the eyes as 12

she held my cheeks to say, “Frank, its been six days since you’ve been away.” Her voice broke as she continued, “three days ago I was getting ready to search early just like today. Before pulling out of the driveway in my rearview mirror I saw Jonny. He had been injured severely.” My heart beat raced to catch up to hers as she spoke the following words, “Frank, I held him close as he drew his last breath.” She was hugging me tighter than before as she struggled to speak further. Unable to shed one last tear, I turned to see Jonny’s little house next to mine…recalling in my time of weakness I found strength and peace through my friend. He appeared in a dream to me telling me that he is in a land filled with warm milk and doggy treats and that one day I will be able to see it for myself. This picture that was taken years after is me next to where once lived a loyal companion of mine, and I once again enjoying the simple life. As for the outsiders…they remained just that. Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

By Michael Key I’ve been running With the stars Trying to find my Way out of the dark But all these memories Keep me stranded Suspended In the cosmos Surrounded By my two best friends Cold and emptiness You were my gravity Kept me firmly Planted on the ground Till you swallowed yourself

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Jillian Brooks I fly forward, rolling across a smooth concrete floor. I slide to a stop, inhaling sharply and shutting my eyes tightly. I slowly roll over onto my back and cough, my head pounding. “Ow…” I push myself up and sit, my vision spinning. I groan, rubbing my head. “Ugh, Draven?” I hear a gasping sound, and I slowly look around, wondering if that sound is coming from me or not. “Draven?” I turn, feeling groggy and confused, and I see a mass of black on the floor, then I realize that the mass is actually my guardian demon. He stands with his hands on his knees, his muscles shaking as he tries to catch his breath. I try to stand and run to him, but my legs give out like they’re made of jelly. “Ah…” He breathes loudly. His eyes shut tightly as he holds his chest in pain. His knees buckle and he collapses to the floor. He holds his forearms under himself as he gasps and coughs. “Draven!” I call, crawling on the floor and sliding up next to him and grabbing his face. I gasp, seeing him go pale and pass out. “Oh… oh no, tell me what to do!” I cry, my arms shaking as I flip Draven over to his back and hold his face. “Tell me, Draven!” A sudden drop in temperature makes a chill run up my spine, and I see my breath turning to smoke in the air. My teeth start to chatter, and I look around the room as it goes dark. The floor shakes, and Draven remains unconscious. I hear two feet hit the floor, and my muscles freeze. I gulp, slowly looking over. A tall silhouette stands, silent and unmoving. “H…hello?” I call, praying that it’s at least one of Draven’s friends, or maybe even an angel. The thing suddenly moves, inhaling deeply and

growling. I cover my mouth with my hand as tears run down my face. Something suddenly starts shifting, and something comes out of its back. I gasp, seeing dark wings extending wide and tall. The figure grows more, and I hold back gasps for air as my lungs seize. “What have you done to my Sorter?” Its voice booms as its fingers turn to claws. “I-I-I—” All I can do is stutter as the creature steps forward, and I see large horns growing from its head. They spin upward, then curve down at the top, ending in a sharp point. The large silhouette pulls something from behind its back, revealing a massive great sword The blade is a deep midnight blue, and the pommel beneath the grip is bright red and swirling in a small crystal. The creature points the blade at my throat, and I inhale shakily. “He… He just… Draven!” I spout out nonsense and attempt to shake Draven awake as the creature steps into the light. I feel the blood drain from my face. The creature has stark white hair, and dark black eyes. He cocks his head at me and grins. I’m unable to release a scream. Its mouth splits all the way up to its ears, and teeth fill its smile. A split tongue slides from between its fangs and coats its teeth. I feel my hand wrapping itself into Draven’s shirt as if he can protect me while he’s unconscious. “Oh, you know his name?” It asks, its voice suddenly much more human-like. “Well, why didn’t you just say so?” Its wings suddenly disappear, and the room brightens with sunlight. The sword phases away, and the thing looks up at me. Its eyes turn to a crystal-clear color, and his mouth is now normal. “Hello, it’s nice to finally meet you, my name is—” Before he finishes his sentence, my eyes roll back, and I collapse to the floor in a heap of drunken fear and confusion.

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Amber Allen A lingering twitch In the back of my mind A fleeting memory I try to hide For hope can be promising, A light in the dark But, with you it will be What tears us apart Do you, could you, will you feel The love, the pain, I try to heal I’m lost, I’m found, I’m so confused I feel loved, cared about, But sometimes used Can I let go and say goodbye Tell you I care not, tell you a lie Your heart is lost, forever searching For that perfect person To keep you from hurting I wanted to love you, to make you mine Instead it feels like I’ve lost my mind, But tomorrow I’ll wake With a new start And maybe a chance To win your heart

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

By Amber Allen I asked to be saved And you saved me Maybe not in the way I wanted, But in a way I needed See, you know me Better than I know myself You pulled and yanked At the woman inside The woman I needed to be, Was finally free You molded her With your hands, You gave her Encouragement and wisdom She’s strong, Powerful, and independent, But you never fathomed the outcome Did you Replacing the weak feeble girl With thisstrong woman Would erase the need For further saving and the need for you But hold steady, for a need is replaced That need is replaced with a want For I do not need you, no But my feelings remain unchanged My light in the dark, I want you In this new life of mine This life that you taught me to build So stay a while longer, Let’s linger in the dark The lessons aren’t quite over, I still want you

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Michael Key When my troubles get too deep Out here lost among the waves When I see your face in the night sky I see what never was As a child the ocean beckoned me When too far away it visited my dreams It stole away the things that felt secure So I sailed away Out here days and nights are all the same And family is equally distanced It’s out here that I found myself Found what I couldn’t on land As an adolescent, I heard the sirens call I followed the seductive voice Made some vows Then I sailed away Sometimes I think I should return home But what is home if not the heart I shared and was left broken and robbed So I sailed away

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Jamie McRae They told you I was taken, Tricked, deceived, And trapped That I ate the seeds And could not leave For I, goddess of spring, Had been forced a contract And Mother, dear sweat Mother, how you wept For years you cried And tried to chide. If only to your gardens Had you kept My lonesome heart craved 20

The darkness And the power I sought freedom With fruit as my beacon I am death’s queen No dainty, delicate flower Is it impossible To believe that I knew what I had done? As appalling as it seems I was willing It is only in hell That I blaze Brightly as the sun! Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 5

By Emma Wolfe The girl of the moon Is the name I was given The boy of the sun Is the name you sin in They claim we are The opposite ones Distance, forbidden A war to be won But I’ve been thinking of you In irresponsible places Seeing your face

Between the moon phases Someday I know Our love will collide The inferno will start Erupting the tides They claim you’re explosive Burning and destruction I am untethered Quiet and seduction I wait on the light side In hopes of a kiss

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

Every few years

The bliss of eclipse

I feel the great power

That makes planets orbit A dup like us

The gods wouldn’t warrant When you wish to meet

You know where I reign And then I will gladly Endure the flame

By Jamie McRae Alex laughed as he broke open the fortune cookie and read the small piece of paper. You will travel to many places, it read. That wasn’t saying much for Alex. Traveling is what he does, what he was born for. Alex Beckett was a direct descendant of the Romani. Though his mother and father had fled Europe and that lifestyle years before he was even a thought in their minds, they were not able to outrun the gift their son was born with. No matter what people called it—whether it be traveling or teleporting— there was no denying what he was, what he could do. So, he laughed. Alex didn’t mind being a traveler—it was good for business after all. Who wouldn’t want a body guard that could just blink them from one location to another without breaking a sweat? “What’re you laughing at?” Linley asked him as she finished chewing a bite of her orange chicken. “It says I’ll travel to many places, guess its accurate though,” Alex answered her with a big, goofy smile on his face. He’d been in love with the tiny shapeshifter since he met her but as far as he knew, she was oblivious to the fact. Maybe she just chose to ignore it. Linley laughed at the fortune with him. She knew what he was and could do in the same way he knew about her— they knew their truths and kept it to themselves unless asked or required. Sure, laws had been put in place to protect their kind from discrimination in America, this was the 2080s after all, but that didn’t mean people followed them. Travelers, shifters, and the psychic people had long been discriminated against. Humans don’t like what they can’t understand, things that science

can’t quite explain. Even though their kind was outed by the government over 60 years ago, the distrust was too ingrained, and too many people refused to believe in magic and basic genealogy. Alex and Linley found that their gifts were useful in the security business, though. “Come on we’ve got to get going, our shift starts in ten and we can’t be late,” Alex said while he counted a few twenties out to cover their lunch and threw them down on the table. He and Linley walked out of the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet and into the alley between it and the shoe store next to it. He waited for Linley to catch up and eyed the Dodge Charger parked in front of the alley way with such longing that you would think he could hear it purring. Even though he didn’t have much need for cars, he loved them. “Let’s go before you start drooling,” Linley said as she walked up and nudged him with her elbow. “I’m already feeling queasy and you haven’t even flashed us out.” “You know, if you’d stop holding your breath and shut your eyes, you wouldn’t get sick from it,” Alex answered as he grabbed her arm to teleport them. “And stop calling it flashing.” “Yeah, yeah. You always say that when…” And just like that they were gone, as if they’d never been there, no trace of them left behind.

I stare at the wall And the circle just spins My mind, A churning ball Recounting all of my sins Not once, or twice But until dawn breaks But to summarize I’m prone to mistakes Lately I feel empty Distant and alone My heart feels heavy Jagged like a stone These thoughts, They get the best of me As if there’s much of that And I sink to self pity A returning little spat No telling all the time wasted Thinking of times past If I could just erase it But it’s simply fact I am who I am This thing I’ve become What I am I can’t stand Lowly and loathsome Tomorrow is a victory Tonight, another war Tomorrow is a sight to see Tonight I must endure Staring at the wall Is where I am at night Curled into a ball Fighting an internal fight

circles by emma wolfe

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Jillian Brooks

regoriam sits silently on his large balcony, breathing in the salty air. The sun sets across the ocean, lighting the breeze with orange and yellow rays of sunshine. The bench he sits on is cool and comfortable, and his fiancée, Elegracia, sits closely by him and watches the waves crawl up the shore. “Are you alright, Gregoriam?” Elegracia turns to look at him with her deep green eyes and pushes her hair behind her ear. “You seem distant, my love.” “No, of course not, Ellie.” Gregoriam turns to her and smiles, seeing her relax at the sight of him. “I am simply deep in thought of the future.” He turns back and watches as the ocean turns pink from the sunlight, and Elegracia leans toward him. “Our future?” She asks, gently taking his warm hand and squeezing it tightly. Gregoriam smiles and tightens his grip. “Of course, my beloved. I am always thinking about us, you know this about me.” The cool wind blows through his hair, and he brushes it away from his face. “I am happy to be here with you.” She leans onto his shoulder, and Gregoriam senses that she has not finished her thought. “Ellie, I feel as though you have more to say.” He nudges her off his shoulder gently and turns his body to look at her. She crosses her long legs under her floor-length golden dress, and he sees her face begin to redden beneath her long, brown hair. “My beloved, are you feeling alright?” He places a comforting hand on her face, and she shuts her eyes and leans into him again. “You look ill, shall I call for the apothecary?” “I wish to leave this land, Gregoriam.” She states, her words slicing through the air. Gregoriam straightens, his brow furrowing as he thinks. “I wish 24

to see more of this world and meet more people. I wish to learn about the ocean that surrounds us, and participate in events, and explore different cultures.” She takes both of his hands and grips them tightly. Her eyes are filled with concern as she watches for her partner’s reaction. “Beloved,” Gregoriam pauses, attempting to choose his words wisely, “you realize what you desire is far out of reach?” When Elegracia releases his hands, he’s quick to scoot closer to her. Disappointment crosses her face, and Gregoriam’s jaw clenches. He despises when she is unhappy. He sinks back into his thoughts for a few moments, then returns with an idea. “If you would like, you may enjoy the world, but as future head of this household, I must stay here and take care of this land.” Elegracia suddenly looks up, and Gregoriam continues. “You may go wherever you please as long as you promise to be careful and send letters as often as possible.” Elegracia’s brow wrinkles, and she rests a hand on his cheek. “My love,” she whispers, leaning closer to him, “I shall never leave you.” She kisses him deeply, then pulls away. “If you are staying, I shall stay with you. Wherever you go, I shall follow.” “You are the light of my life,” Gregoriam recites their pledge to each other with a smile on his face, “and I shall never lose sight of you.” “Young Master,” Gregoriam turns toward the doorway when a servant calls for him, “I apologize for the interruption. Your family wishes for you to join them in the festival meeting.” She bows as Gregoriam nods and dismisses her. “I apologize, my beloved.” Gregoriam stands and straightens his robes. He takes her fingers and gently presses his lips against the back of her hand. “I must attend to this matter.” Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

“Of course, Gregoriam.” Elegracia nods forgivingly slides off his shoes. He calls for a servant, ringing and smiles. “I shall most likely be in bed by the time his bell that sits on his nightstand, and several appear you return.” at his doorway. “Then I shall await to behold your beauty until “I would like a bath to be drawn.” He states, and morn.” Gregoriam nods as Elegracia blushes lightly the servants nod and hurry to finish the job. Once his and smiles, then he turns and strolls through the tub is full, he begins to strip off his robes and hand doorway into the large, elegant hallway made out of him to his servants to wash and fold. He sinks into pure stone. His shoes click against the floor as he the warm water, sighing and leaning back against the turns down another hallway, making his way toward wall of the large tub. the large meeting room to see his family. “Young master,” a short girl gets his attention and “Gregoriam!” His father calls to him in a prideful he looks over at her, “would you like assistance?” tone, and Gregoriam smiles and walks toward him. Gregoriam smiles and waves his hand. “I can He holds out his arm and shakes his father’s strong assure you that the bath is an adversary that I can hand, keeping his grip firm. “Hello, Father.” He most certainly conquer on my own.” greets him with a small bow, then turns to his mother. The woman nods and smiles. “Your confidence “Mother,” he takes her hand and kisses it, and she is as strong as always, young master.” She bows smiles. and quietly exits the room, “Hello, son.” Her eyes leaving Gregoriam in the gleam as she looks at bath alone. He scrubs his her first-born son, and “Everyone always loved you. You had long hair with extravagant Gregoriam searches for his and strong-smelling soaps, everything you could ever dream of!” then he steps out of the tub. seat at the massive table in the center of the room. He rings the bell a second He quietly sits beside time, and servants quickly his younger brother, seeing that he has a scroll and drain the tub and hand him soft towels to cover quilted pen, ready to write down whatever is said. himself. Averian has always been much more interested in One of the women lays out three different night the formal necessities in which the Inocentus family outfits for Gregoriam to choose from, and he takes partakes. his time; feeling over the material, examining the “Little brother!” Gregoriam smiles and pats his stitching, and checking the colors. He points to the back, and Averian releases a small laugh. His dark middle one, and the woman nods and scoops up the hair is pushed back from his face, and he wears his other two. He sits in a chair, allowing another woman usual dark royal robes. His green eyes sparkle from to comb his hair gently, and another to groom his the lanterns dotting the room. fingernails. “Hello, Gregoriam. It’s nice to see you!” He looks He dismisses them when the clock strikes midnight, around for a moment, then asks, “Where is the lovely and they nod and clean their area before leaving the Elegracia?” room. He slides on his sleeping gown and lays down “She is enjoying the beautiful sunset on the in his soft bed. He pulls the smooth blankets up to balcony, where I wish to be.” Gregoriam whispers his chin and rests his head onto his clean pillow. He the last part as the meeting commences, and he is shuts his eyes and very soon falls asleep. lost in the mundane ritual that is every formal event. Gregoriam is suddenly jarred awake by the sound Averian scribbles notes onto his scroll until he runs of a blood-curdling scream, and he leaps from his out of room, then listens intently to every word said. bed. He bursts through his bedroom door, his bare Gregoriam stays silent for the most part, simply feet sliding on the smooth stone. His fists are balled nodding when asked a question and ignoring the rest. as he searches for a threat, his power pulsing through When the meeting is adjourned, Gregoriam bows his veins, making his hands shake. A servant sprints and dismisses himself politely. He walks up the around the corner, tears streaming down her face and stairs, holding up his robes and looking upwards. He blood dripping from her arms. slowly opens his bedroom door, shutting it promptly “What happened?” He catches her as she falls to behind him. He releases an exasperated sigh and her knees, sobbing loudly. 26

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

“Sir Inocentis… Lady Inocentis!” She spouts, gasping for air between her cries, and Gregoriam drops her and runs toward his parent’s room. He pauses, seeing that the door is cracked open slightly. He slowly steps into their room, holding his breath. “Father?” He calls out, hearing his voice echo against the stone walls as no one answers back. “Mother?” The door squeaks loudly, hitting the wall as it stands wide open. Darkness surrounds him, and he sees their faint outline from the moonlight. They both lie peacefully in bed, and Gregoriam swallows hard. He takes a step forward, then his muscles freeze when the thick smell of iron hits his nose. He covers his mouth with his hand, forcing himself to get closer. “Mother?” He whispers, seeing her arm hanging off the bed. He squints, seeing a black liquid drip from her fingers to the floor, a large puddle growing. “Mother!” He screams, running forward and grabbing her arm. “Wake up, Mother! Please!” He yells, shaking her and grabbing her face. He looks toward his father, seeing his eyes wide open and lifelessly looking toward his wife. “No…” He whimpers, taking several, clumsy steps back and hitting the wall. He feels his hands covered in his parent’s warm, sticky blood, and he swallows hard. “Elegracia’s magic is based in healing.” Gregoriam thinks frantically, staring wide-eyed at his parent’s bodies. “I have to get her here, now!” He takes a deep breath, screaming his brother’s name as loud as possible. “Averian!” The name echoes back at him, and his brother is suddenly in the doorway. “Gregoriam?” He calls, running into the room, then freezing. His jaw drops, and his eyes widen. His muscles start to shake, and tears glisten in his eyes. “Brother, we have to go to Elegracia, now!” Gregoriam’s voice is loud and commanding as he stumbles toward him. Averian slowly looks over to him and shakes his head in fear. “Brother, now!” He screams, shaking his shoulders. “We must hurry!” Averian nods and waves his hands through the air, creating a portal that leads straight into Elegracia’s room. Gregoriam sees her bed, but she isn’t lying there. A strange light is emanating out of view, and Gregoriam squints. He runs through the portal, his brother following closely behind him. Gregoriam searches the room, looking toward the strange light, and his breath catches in his throat. Elegracia leans against the wall, her legs curled up to her chest as she holds her arms out in fear. Her jaw Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

is dropped as if she’s screaming, and her eyes are stuck wide open. Gregoriam rushes forward, placing his hands against the strange shell that surrounds his beloved. “Ellie!” He screams for her, hitting the circle of energy. “Elegracia!” She appears to be frozen, as she doesn’t even blink. Gregoriam breathes heavily, wondering what’s happening, and he turns toward his brother. “What do you think—” He stops, looking down at a blade of ancient design, with a pommel that glows red. The blade is smoothly curved, zigzagging toward the grip, and it pierces deep into his chest. Averian looks him in the eye, his jaw clenched and his eyes wide. “Everything you have is now mine.” His words leak through his teeth as he twists the blade, then yanks if from his older brother’s chest. His knees give out and he hits the floor, his hand pressing against the wound. He coughs, tasting blood, and he swallows hard. “Why…?” He breathes, slowly looking up at his brother. He holds his heart in his hand, and it glows brightly. “You have always looked down on me, Gregoriam.” He tightens his grip on the heart as he smiles. “Everyone always loved you. You had everything you could ever dream of!” He yells, and Gregoriam begins to feel dizzy. He notices blood running down his stomach and pooling on the ground around him. “Now, it’s my turn to be the beloved son!” He holds his heart in the air victoriously, and tears of anger run down Gregoriam’s face. “I loved you, brother!” Gregoriam keeps his voice quiet, the angry words escaping through clenched teeth. “I have been in your shadow ever since I was born!” Averian slams his foot against Gregoriam’s wound, pushing him onto his back. He cries out, holding his chest tightly and coughing. “Now I will finally know what it is like to have a reason to be so prideful!” Gregoriam looks up at his heart in his brother’s hand, and his eyes widen as it suddenly disappears. Averian gasps loudly, staring at his empty palm and looking wildly around the room. “What?!” He screeches, spinning around the room and clenching his fists. “You promised me!” Gregoriam takes a deep breath, feeling faint. His head falls back and hits the floor, and he sees his darling Elegracia still frozen in the magical shell. His eyes roll back in his head as he hears his brother scream once again, “You promised me!” 27

By Amber Allen

The angst, You can feel it in her words An escape, She can feel it in her bones The release, A feeling transcribed on a page She pours, Her heart’s contents through a song Now it’s free, The sadness in her soul

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

The Path By Vivian Thrapp

If you take a road less traveled, Will you ever find the right path Or, are you doomed to forever follow The path set before you Or, are you destined To simply follow paths set by others Maybe you should follow your own dreams But maybe you are scared Scared of being lost, confused, or rejected No matter what path you choose Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Michael Key I sat alone Beside a pond I watched the water ripple across my face Tell me, please tell me Is this the way it feels growing old I don’t even know what I’m doing Laughing, playing but it’s all for nothing All the wicked ways that masquerade Because in the end I’ll be ending 30

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

By Amber Allen She grows She sprouts She’s full of life Her petals of yellow, extend and reach Only to gasp and flee back within She sits and waits for another chance To embrace life and float through the sky.

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

By Vivian Thrapp Branches that reach You catch me In times of distress and in times of hurt I have found comfort in The One who is steadfast like the trees Even when storms rage, He stands firm like the trees And He will never let me go

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

By Vivian Thrapp I’m so far From who I should be It’s so hard to know where I’m going But that’s okay As long as You are with me Lord, I know You will provide And that gives me the courage to be Whoever You need me to be You will stand by my side And teach me to be Whoever You need me to be This world is full of people searching For someone to love them But will they ever find You If I don’t become Whoever You need me to be Lord, I know You will provide And give me the courage to be Whoever You need me to be You will stand by my side And teach me to be Whoever You need me to be Though I may fall [and stumble] Although I may drown in my sin You will be there So, Jesus give me Please give me the courage to be Whoever You need me to be

Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

I seem to have forgotten who I am, The mask I used to hide behind Has affixed itself to my skin Are we two The mask and me Or one, and the very same Perhaps, it’s something else entirely I have long cowered In the face of its courage Yet, become bolder by its influence I have found more joy Through stealing its happiness Than I ever did on my own I have taken what it offered And grown stronger for it Is it the mask that makes me Or, I that makes it I cannot seem to be rid of it, Its claws have taken hold

Lagniappe Magazine | Vol. 6

By William Ferguson Can you see the ghostly hands of time As they try to steal what is mine Maybe if I could rewind them Everything would be fine But, that is not the case Since time is not mine How long must I keep running From these ghostly hands of time Northeast Texas Community College | 2018

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