Joel Flanagan-Grannemann

@servantand

Author of the epic fantasy adventure Servants of the Moon and Sun series: an epic fantasy reimagining of Sleeping Beauty. What if Maleficent was Aurora's mother and what if she wasn't really evil? Servantsofthemoonandsun.com

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Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· 28d

#FantasyIndiesJuly Lessons in WIP Rose learns that the Realms are not what she expected or was taught. She learns the same lessons about her religion.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· 28d

From Talia: On the Shore of the Sea. A cozy scene. Lightning was the name of our third cat, who died of a heart defect as a kitten. Could not use that name, because lightning is used by evil Fairies, but he's still honored in this snippet.

“The child moved.” Min laughed. “And she was off like lightning to be by your side.” “Lightning,” Talia tested, petting the cat. “Is that you?” Min’s face became serious. “We can’t call her that, after all lightning has done.” Talia agreed. “Quicksilver then, for how fast she moves.” “That’s better.” Min stroked the kitten. “Quicksilver.” The kitten grabbed her hand, licked it quickly, and then promptly returned to sleeping. “That’s settled, then,” Talia said. “I’m glad you came. I felt a weakness in the Ward. The Weave has come loose to the north. Could you take someone and check it out?” “Raven is with Shatter for their mission. I’ll see if Shield is free,” Min agreed. “What do you think it is?” “Maybe nothing. Perhaps just a shift in the ground. I just want to be sure.” “I’ll check it, and let you know.” Min leaned down and kissed Quicksilver. “Take care of her.” Min left. Flora returned with more tea. Talia saw it, and held up her hands. “No, Mum — no more of that. I will use my Power as the Heir to command you: no more tea!” “This is different,” Flora assured her. “Now that the child has moved to the next phase, a new tea is needed.” She pressed the cup into Talia’s hands. “Drink.” Talia sniffed it, and drank. “That’s better.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· 29d

From Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm. Talia and her mother the Queen talk about a secret Fairy Ring. This was one of the moments when I decided there was much more to Fairy Rings than just a teleporting point.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 12

From Queen of Thorns. This is one of the battles on the borders of the Exile Forest. Inspired by a trip to Gettysburg a few years ago. For more about me and my books, go to ServantsoftheMoonandSun.com.

A stalemate developed as Forest arrows and Human bolts were traded across the rocky, sloping field before the Forest. Granite and his reinforcements of Brothers, apprentices, and spinners arrived during the calm. “Well, at least they can’t bring their catapults any closer,” Granite commented, ducking down behind a boulder as the Humans’ crossbow bolts pinged off the stone. The Thorn Brother beside him smiled without humor. “The wheels broke on the rocky ground,” he explained. “Bastards killed several horses trying to drag them closer.” Now his smile became fierce. “Till we sent in some scouts with axes, who disabled them both.” His smile fell. “But none came back. Motherless bastards,” he cursed, thumping his leg and wiping at the blood on his arms. “Heather,” Granite said, touching the other man’s arm. “You did the best you could. Without the extra Brothers the Children sent here, this whole area would be burning. Mother bless our strength.” Heather glanced at the bare, burned thorn trees all around them. Spinners and apprentices were moving among them, using Douse to quench any lingering fires. “They almost succeeded,” Heather declared. He turned, looking over the boulder they were sheltered behind. “What are they doing now, just firing bolts at us? A few small sorties were made up and down the line, but nothing we couldn’t fight off. Even the Lions we didn’t kill are quiet.” His knuckles were white, as he gripped his bow in anger.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 11

My wife sent me this last week.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 11

From Mother of Exiles. I love these moments of Spear being not quite right, but not really wrong either. She's a wonderful character to bounce scenes off. For more about me and my books go to ServantsoftheMoonandSun.com

“I’ve never seen such an amazing wound!” Spear exclaimed with excitement. Sekrine paused in wrapping a bandage around the leg of the injured Thorn Maiden. The woman had been attacked by a hungry wolf in the far northern part of the forest. Just a moon ago, she would have lost the leg, if she had even survived the trip back to the Sanctuary village and Sekrine’s ward. Now, with Spear’s help, they were able to save the leg and Heal most of the damage. She’d still be unable to walk for a few days, or run till at least the next moon, but she would recover almost total use of her leg. “What kind of scars would you like to keep?” Spear asked the woman. She was still woozy from the pain-killing paste her comrades had treated the wound with. Even so, her eyes went a little wide at Spear’s question. “A few nice marks of the teeth, all fierce and growling?” Spear suggested, holding up her hand, mimicking the snarling beast. “Or the rake of the claws down the leg? Or maybe both,” Spear suggested brightly. She leaned in closer to the Maiden. “Women love scars.” She gave her a saucy wink. “I think we can worry about that later,” Sekrine said as the Maiden looked ready to pass out again. “Just rest, child,” she said, with a firm hand on the woman’s chest, pushing her back into the bed. Sekrine glared over at Spear, but the Fairy wasn’t watching. She had her eyes closed and was flowing Healing into the wound. For the uncountable time, Sekrine thanked the Mother for the blessing of this not quite broken, but very bent, Fairy.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 10

From Fairy Court in Exile. I used 'replacement' instead. Even in the middle of a civil war, there is relationship drama.

“We’ve been making many mistakes these last three moons then,” Elanor told her, still smiling. “I will not be your replacement for her,” Min told her hotly. “And I’m not him,” Elanor shot back. “I thought the breasts would have been a hint.” “Just go,” Min said, standing. “They’re asleep. I should be, too.” She went through the sliding door and closed it behind herself. A moment later, it opened, and a dress came flying out, hitting Elanor in the stomach. The door shut again with a snap. Still smiling, Elanor crumpled the dress into a ball and left. Outside, in the hall leading to the library, Elanor caught a young Fairy running by. “Please take this to the laundry,” she requested, pushing the dress into his arms. “Yes, Lady Elanor,” the young man agreed, blushing at her barely closed robe.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 9

If you see this post a princess

My wife sitting under a picture of the genie's lamp.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 9

From Talia: On the Shore of the Sea. Willow, Gil, and the Twins, work to rescue two seacat kittens. This was one of the chapters I wrote after the book was done to give everyone in Talia's large company of Fairies a moment to shine. More about me and my books at ServantsoftheMoonandSun.com

“I’ll keep in Send with you,” Willow offered. The Twins moved to glance over the side of the cliff. The wind had begun to rise. Gil began moving down the narrow trail. She gripped the stone on her right. Her senses reached out. She was sure the cats had come this way. A third of the way down, a sudden gust of wind hit her. She grabbed the stone with both her hand and her Power. Her foot slipped, and she was forced to fan her wings to get her feet back. “Are you okay?” Willow Sent. “Yes. Just a gust of wind.” She anchored herself to the wall, and took another step. The wind rose again, and she was forced to fold her wings tight to her back to avoid being picked up and carried away. She took a few more steps. The trail ended. Gil reached out with her senses, and Felt the sea cats huddled on a ledge a few feet down. Fear filled their feline minds. “I can See them,” Gil Sent. “The trail must have collapsed. They’re on a ledge below me.” The responsive cry of fear from the Twins filled Gil’s mind. She pressed it back. “Can you reach them?” Willow asked. “No,” Gil replied. “Can you use your Power to lift them up?” Silidin asked. Gil Reached out. She touched the first red kitten, but a night on the ledge had made the cats jumpy, and the kitten pushed back at Gil. Scrambling, she backed up into a hole the two had dug into the wall. The other panicked, and pushed her way in beside her sister. Loose stones rolled off the ledge. “No,” Gil said. “They’re too skittish. They’ll panic, and hurt themselves, or fall.” “Then I’ll have to come down,” Silidin said.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 7

From Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm A little foreshadowing. The children of Fairies, Humans, and Elenites becomes a bigger part of the story as the series goes along.

Min, still riding beside Talia, was silent for a while. Steel had shown Talia the map she had found in Strong-Oak’s castle archives. It showed the location of a castle that was supposed to have been the birthplace of the Exile Queen, centuries ago. Steel was immensely proud of it. She quivered her wings at Talia’s praise. The sun was getting toward mid‑day when Min finally spoke. “I wonder what our children would look like.” Talia put her hand over her belly and looked at Min. “You didn’t.” “No,” Min replied, taking the meaning. “But I did think about it. He’s half Leather-wing, and I’m Iridescent. Our children would be three-quarters Fairy. I wonder.” “That’s something you’ll have to look into when we return,” Talia said, unable to decide how to feel about this conversation. “Yes. I wonder if anyone has researched this? Elenites must be having children. What are they? Do they have wings? Do they have our Powers? I must think on this.” Min tapped her finger on her saddle. “You may have found your calling, Min,” Talia suggested.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 4

Went outside this afternoon to put out food for the feral cats and raccoons that come through, and this cat was there. Definitely not feral. Meowed at me right away and after I put food out, came right up to me. After talking with my wife, (more)

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 4

From Mother of Exiles. Canin and Spear are having a night alone. Two of my obsessions collide in this snippet. One is the constellation Orion and the other is the Newgrass Revival song 'The Dancer.'

“The Dancer,” Canin noted, pointing to a line of three stars. “There’s something about seeing those three stars. I would stare up at her for hours. I used to wonder if my mother was seeing them, too. I hoped she was.” His voice dropped and he took a deep breath. “Now, I wonder if she’s seeing them.” “I’m sure she is,” Spear said casually. “Min has very sharp eyes.” “That’s not what I mean.” Canin sighed, rolling to his side to look at her. Spear raised her hand, tracing the curve of the stars that formed the sash of the Dancer, below the bright line of three stars. “So graceful, like she was when we danced under the full moon. You don’t do that here.” Spear turned her eyes to Canin. “I miss that.” “Maybe we could,” Canin said carefully. “Just us. Or maybe some of the Maidens. They’d like that. Maybe.” Spear shook her head. “No. Too Fairy. People would talk and complain.” She sat up. “It’s better to forget.” She pointed to the bright star just below the Dancer. “I’ll be like the Old Man, always watching, but never touching.” Hearing the sorrow in her voice, Canin slid closer, putting his arm around her. “I always hated the Old Man,” he confessed. “Always watching her dance. Now, I understand. He stays close, but is never able to touch her.” His voice trailed off. “You can touch me,” Spear offered, pulling his other hand into her lap. “I’m not the graceful Dancer, but I’m here. I need you. I’d never be able to live here alone.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 4

These are my books! Servants of the Moon and Sun series is an epic fantasy reimagining of Sleeping Beauty. What if Maleficent was Aurora's mother and what if she's not really evil? More at ServantsoftheMoonandSun.com Or www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLVPF7D

Book covers for the Servants of the Moon and Sun series.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm, Talia: On the Shore of the Sea, Fairy Court in Exile, Mother of Exiles and Queen of Thorns.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 4

Post a random picture if you feel like it 🥰

White cat feet sticking out from under a rug.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 3

my uber is here

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 3

Truth.

Girl with bright hair under bluegrass melody
Girl with black hair under bluegrass lyrics.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 3

From Fairy Court in Exile. Min is in Elanor's dream.

“Stop!” she shouted again. Only lightning answered. She clenched her hands, as the deep fear its crackles brought cut her and almost made her heart stop. “Elanor!” she cried, her back still to the tree. “I want to help you! Let me through!” More lightning flashed and thunder crashed, but Min could make out a distant flicker through the rain and darkness. The iridescent glow of a Shield. Coughing in the rain, she dragged her feet through the mud in that direction. “Elanor!” she called with every step. “It’s me. Love, it’s me! Let me help you.” As she got closer, she could make out a form, wings spread, standing at the edge of a Shield. Min began to run, tripping over her sodden skirts and dodging branches. She groaned. “Even in a dream, you dress me like this.” The Shield was before her, Elanor behind it, her wings glowing red. As Min reached out, Elanor turned. They were before the door of the Tower of Learning, the mid‑day sun beating down on them, turning the grey stone of the tower red. Elanor, now a child — and looking a lot like Obsidian — stood in front of the door. She beat on it, yelling. Suddenly, the child Elanor was thrown back into Min, who wrapped her arms around the child to keep her upright. The door flew open. A younger Celia stood in the door, rage flashing in her eyes. “Stop making so much noise. What do you want, foolish child? I’m busy.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 2

From Talia:On the Shore of the Sea I've posted this before, but I love this moment.

Raven and Flora appeared together in the Ring. Steel and Spear had returned. Everyone was huddled over a table, where Steel was sitting, drawing. Shatter looked up, and nodded understanding at Raven. “There are many Crafthouses,” Steel was saying. “I figure one of them is where that wingless Fairy and his foul people live.” She pointed to one, close to the edge of town. “This one used to make silk for all the merchants, but in the last year, its production has dropped precipitously. Now, they sell very little.” She looked to Talia. “Might be,” was all Talia said. “When we get there, I’ll be able to sense if they’re there. Did you make arrangements?” “Yes, My Lady,” Steel replied. “A Fairy I know will be on duty at mid-morning. She’ll let us through.” Talia looked around the circle. “In the morning, then. Ringmail for stealth. We’ll be a hunting party, returning to town.” “Do you intend to just walk up and knock on the door?” Flora asked. “We’re not going to knock,” Talia said, darkness and fury in her eyes. “We’ll walk right in.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 1

#FantasyIndiesJuly Intro Hi, I'm Joel and I'm writing the Servants of the Moon and Sun series. Right now we're working on a short story set in the Kanin (from Fairy Soldier's Last Request) time. Soon we'll be editing the Rose Book (title TBA (as soon as we think of one)).

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jul 1

#FantasyIndiesJune Wrap up Going back to work and doing physical therapy has reduced my energy significantly, so I hope things will get better next month.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 30

Just saw this on Instagram. I think this is the path Rose will follow.

Lewis brilliantly illustrated this philosophy through Aslan, in The Chronicles of Narnia.

Throughout the books, characters are repeatedly warned that Aslan is "not a tame lion." He is not always "nice." He doesn't coddle, he doesn't flatter, and he can be deeply terrifying. Yet, he is fundamentally good. Aslan represents a love that is fierce and uncompromising.

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He cares far too much about the character and rescue of Narnia to simply be polite to the forces of evil.

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Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 27

Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm What if Aurora was Maleficent's daughter? 🌙 Sleeping Beauty retelling ☀️ Epic fantasy adventure with strong dialogue 🌙 Powerful female characters ☀️ Bi/Pan women 🌙 Tele-pathy, - kinesis, & - portation ☀️ Found families www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLVPF7D

Cover of Talia:Heir to the Fairy Realm.
Purple cover with a Fairy woman with outstretched wings.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 27

#WIPSnips From Fairy Court in Exile. Obsidian is nonverbal but does communicate somewhat with telepathy. She wants to know the full story about how the Fairy soldier who rescued her died. Shatter is having none of it. Everybody is a child to Merry-Weather. 😁

Obsidian frowned. “I know it’s hard for you, too. But she was my Sister. And you didn’t know her as long I as I did. You must earn this.” Obsidian narrowed her eyes and frowned more deeply. “Then find another place,” Shatter said harshly. “Merry‑Weather can take you elsewhere. Forget about her. Do you think I walked into the garrison, and they handed me a Captain’s badge? You have potential, but you must earn your place. Especially now.” Shatter took another roll from Obsidian’s tray and walked off. Obsidian remained rooted to the spot, radiating frustration. Her hands clenched on the sides of the tray, denting the metal. “There you are, child,” Merry‑Weather said. “Where’s all your food?” She paused. “Well, you know soldiers. Go, get some more. Titania and Conwenne want to start soon. And they can’t do that if people are still hungry.” Obsidian didn’t move. “Go. Shatter is right: you need to earn your place.” Obsidian finally strode away. “Children,” Merry-Weather swore, taking in the whole of the room.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 26

These are shots from the only video of the car that hit me back in April and left the scene. Does anyone recognize the type of car?

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 21

Happy Father's Day to my character Canin. Nothing in his life has prepared him for this new path he's now on.

The girl’s golden hair emerged, and Canin felt her breathing. It was steady and slow. She was still asleep. Canin sighed in relief. “Mother, thank you,” he whispered fervently, cradling the child. Tears began to flow from somewhere deep inside him. The wet splotches dropped onto her face. She yawned, opened her eyes, and looked up at him. Canin felt his path shift.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 21

I used coat instead. From Talia:On the Shore of the Sea. This is where Rose starts her journey. You'll notice it's Anne with an 'E'.

The Queen of the Human Realm stood in the Great Hall. The Priests of the Father had declared the room corrupted by the Fairies, and thus, it had needed to be purified. No one had entered since that horrible day. The Queen walked across the floor. She looked up to where she had stood with Aurora in her arms. Tears began to sting her eyes. She brushed them away. Her foot landed on something. She bent down. It was a small knife. The blade was black, and twisted, as if it had been in a fire. The hilt was still intact. She picked it up. “This was where she was standing,” the Queen remarked to the empty room. “Maybe it will lead me to her.” She wrapped the knife, and tucked it under her coat. “Maybe I can make her understand that Aurora isn’t her enemy. Maybe she’ll remove her curse,” the Queen mused with mounting hope. “Mistress,” Anne called in a whisper from the side of the Hall. “Yes?” the Queen replied, wincing at the sound of her voice in the empty room. She hurried over to her senior lady’s maid. “I’ve been looking for you,” Anne told her. “What are you doing in this place? Too much evil has happened here.” “I just needed to see it again,” the Queen said. “You’re getting strange ideas, Mistress Rose.” Anne motioned her through the door. “Come. I’ve found the man you were asking about.” The Queen, Rose of the Briar Clan, smiled. “Good. Where is he? The Father has guided me to this day.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 19

From Talia:On the Shore of the Sea Talia and her Fairies plan on settling down in a place of safety for the duration of Talia's pregnancy. ServantsoftheMoonandSun.com

Chapter Four A New Place of Safety The day dawned bright. Shatter and Talia shared a quick breakfast with those who would be staying. Raven had already decided where to start harvesting trees for the walls. She unwrapped the axes she had brought from the Exile Queen’s armory. The leather grips had decayed, but the silksteel shafts and blades were still strong. “I wish we had something like a saw,” Raven commented. “I guess that wasn’t something the Exile Queen needed for her troops,” Talia said around a mouthful of food. “Maybe we should take a trip down the coast to the fishing village. . . .” She looked to Raven for the name. “Realm’s End,” Raven filled in. “A grand name, for a small place.” “They ship out fish that goes to all corners of the Realm,” Harpoon informed the others. “I remember the town seal. Much of their catch makes its way to the palace.” “Why don’t they have a Ring, if they sell so many fish?” Talia asked. “I sensed that that was a question that shouldn’t be asked,” Raven said. “I got the distinct impression that they feel Iridescents aren’t to be trusted.” “Well, we’ll have to be careful then,” Talia said, “but we’ll need tools and other supplies we can’t make.” “I think we can use the same cover story I did before,” Shatter told her. “A group of soldiers settling down to make a better life away from war isn’t suspicious.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 18

From Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm Talia has been playing an airhead princess to get information from the Fairy lord of the town. And of course this lie of omission will not come back to bite this Fairy Lord. Of course not. More about me and my books at: ServantsoftheMoonandSun.com

Talia shook her head. “No. He’s too old. I don’t think he recognized me, though.” “And now you and your Ladies will have to play the silly court Ladies for the rest of the time we’re here.” “We’ll be leaving tomorrow. It’ll be nice to relax a bit for one night, maybe throw a party. What do you think, Mother?” She batted her eyes at her Captain. “I think I will lock you and your fools in the stables for the night.” Talia smiled. She took Shatter’s arm. Together, they resumed walking. “So. Looks like we found Canin’s father.” Shatter didn’t reply. “What will you tell him?” Talia pressed. “Only what the Lord said: that his father is dead, and that he thought about his mother all the time. It’s less than he wanted, but more than we should’ve found.” “Don’t you think we should tell him?” “No. I gave my Oath.” Shatter looked her in the eye. “What good would it do? It will just hurt the boy that his father doesn’t want anything to do with him. Let him have this fiction.” “I see. I understand.” “Talia, please let me tell the boy. I understand him. It will be better coming from me.” Talia thought for a moment. “As you wish, Mother.” Shatter glared at her. “Keep doing that, and I will lock you in the stables.” Talia bowed. “As you wish.”

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 14

Pick a Bond villain from the photos you already have on your phone/device. He would die in the first reel.

Ming na wen and the woman who plays River Song.

Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand· Jun 12

Your last saved meme is your moral philosophy