NoQuWriCo 2026 Bulletin #4 November 10th

16,670 Words

The air for the wing of the sparrow,

The bush for the robin and wren,

But always the path that is narrow

And straight, for the children of men.

Nobility, by Alice Cary

You could hear the destination before it arrived: chattering of waiting messenger parrots, cauldrons boiling over, and experimenters loudly comparing notes. If anyone understood Before, surely it was the experimenters. They, like the Archivists, worked under a strict permit system. But nothing could get between them and their enjoyment of studying the copper ruins beneath the leaf litter.

Prompt: Everything is connected, so foreshadow something.

The Guard investigated the site for evidence of work beyond the bounds of the permit. All sorts of old pipes stuck out of the ground, a corroded blue-green except where fresh wear had revealed the orange sheen of fresh copper. The cauldrons sat vigil beside each cluster of plumbing. "Why the pipes?" You ask, seeing the Guard mostly ignoring them.

Qummunity Challenge: Make it a point to encourage as many writers as you can today.

"The pipes were used for moving steam! A fascinating system, really. Massive ventilation shafts, tunnels, and pipes, all connected. But we can't figure out how they produced enough steam to—""That's enough!" Barked one of the Guard. "Your equipment passes. Do not forget the silence demanded by the Clockkeepers."

Dare: Full steam ahead! Sprint to the following counts in a row:

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100

Disappointment at a visit cut short and the thrill of new information fought for dominance in your chest. If the Guard hadn't been there, you could have learned so much more, but that big cat from before surely would have had a nice lunch. Still, learning about the copper system beneath your feet was exhilarating. Pulling back the shroud of mystery was possible!

Question: How do you feel yourself growing through this project so far?