Day 1

A friend challenged me to figure out more about one of my characters, so I'll be using this questionnaire to go a bit more in-depth...  it's supposed to be done every day, but I'll be doing them as I complete them...

So I'm going to do Elisha, but as an 18-year-old...

To start out, his name is Eli'shaen V. Torelleth, though he nearly always gets called Elisha.

Day 1:
Basics and cosmetic:
Age?  Almost 18
Date of Birth?  December 23
Hair color?  Dark blue
Eye color?  Dark blue
Skin color/nationality?  Kind of medium-brown, tan
Accent (if any)?  Not really
Height?  Five foot, four inches
Weight?  120 pounds
Tattoos?  None
Piercings?  None
Birthmarks?  None
Disfigurements?  None
Scars?  A long scar on the inside of his right arm that sort of wraps around his wrist from a fight he got into about 4-5 years back.
Do they have any nicknames? Where did they come from?  Shaen (from the second half of his name), 'Lisha (what his sister often calls him)

DR: Daniel's Teaser

Disclaimer: Characters, etc. belong to me. This is narrated to Daniel's POV and slight spoilers are contained, as it takes place AFTER Dark Redemption.

To clarify things. First, I never wanted to save the world. All I wanted was to make things better for those I care about. My family, my friends, even those kids at the Academy who pick on other students.

Second point of clarification. I never once dreamed we'd be in so much danger. It was a harmless simulation, designed to pass away the hours of the afternoon and procrastinate on a pile of homework from Ms. Turner's AP biology class. Maybe if I'd known we were going to almost be killed like that, I wouldn't have dragged Bridget along.

But what does one do when thrust into a situation where the fate of the world is at stake? What if you simply cannot do anything to make things better? At that point, do your choices even matter anymore? Contrary to popular belief, perhaps questions have no easy answers. Maybe the right answer is different from person to person and dependent on the situation.

Yet then again, maybe not. From the very beginning (even though I never read the books written by Ms. Adams), I knew that Synistra had to be evil and we, as the heroes, had to be the good guys. I have always known that the good guys have to win in the end, but when I was younger, I didn't understand why CJ was so hesitant. I think I do know why now; my time in Almendrim has taught me that evil never goes down without a fight. The good guys still win in the end, but it's never easy.

And maybe that's why I did what I did. I chose to do what was necessary to help the good guys defeat the evil guys in the end and no choice comes without sacrifice.

OT: Layout

Just to let you know, the layout that I was using on this blog (and on my other blog) broke, so I am now using one of the default blogger templates. Let me know what you think.

Dark Redemption: Meet the Characters

As the clock ticks and the time gets shorter and shorter, it is up to six teenagers to save two worlds. Six teenagers and one computer genius.

He never told them it would be easy, but even Seven McAllistair, head programmer for Nikolai Kwaitowski's corporation, had not foreseen these challenges. For one thing, all this was supposed to be a game... a harmless source of entertainment. But no one had counted on the entire system being tampered with, least of all him.

By far, sixteen-year-old avid gamer Jake Saunders was the most enthusiastic about testing out Return to Almendrim: Rise of Synistra, but as tensions grow thick and he finds himself responsible not only for his own well-being, but also the well-being of others, can the young knight who doesn't believe in nonsense, Thomas Winston rise to the occasion? Or will Jake allow his own emotions to cloud his ability to make decisions that could affect the fate of two worlds and billions of people?

At fourteen, Emily Merquet is easily the "baby" of the group, but she's far from inexperienced. Growing up with a brother and a sister who loved fantasy games, Emily decided to create Aviella Nims, a fire-breathing scout character. Although not involved in much combat, Emily has always enjoyed the scout's versatility in challenging situations where she has to solve puzzles. But a piece of the puzzle is missing and even the resourceful Avi can't seem to solve it. Will Emily let her inability to find more information jeopardise their ability to bring about the downfall of the Dark Mage?

Fifteen-year-old Natalie Chandler has always been creative... and a bit of a diva. So when Jake asks her who her character will be, she just smiles. After seeing what the rest of the group has picked, she decides to create her alternate persona as a half-Elf... with a secret past. Like her creator, Leah King has always been a star. But unlike the sparkleful girl, Leah has more than her share of hurt and shame to overcome. Will she be able to put the past behind her and give her all for the team? Or will the shining star fall short once again?

"You need a healer character?" Bridget Page listened carefully as the premise of the game was being explained to the five others who gathered in the circle. "Sure, I'll do it, I guess." She moved over to the computer console, where Seven patiently attached the cords to her arms, legs and torso, just as he'd done to Jake moments before. As Bridget closed her eyes, she saw the character creation screen and selected Healer. The game suggested that her character should be either a Human or a Dwarf and the blonde girl's mouth dropped open in amazement. There were so many choices! How was she ever going to choose just one? As a middle-aged human, Shaina faces many choices. It's obvious she respects Thomas, but when Vandimir leaves the group, does she follow him and make sure he stays out of trouble? Or should she stay loyal to Thomas and the others?

Seventeen-year-old Daniel Verity was always the quiet, model student, never doing anything out of the ordinary... until he decided to stop by Gale's Games one winter afternoon. When Mr. McAllistair explains the premise of the simulation to the teenagers, Daniel is instantly captivated and eagerly agrees to try it out. Thus, Joseph was born. As a mischivous gnome with the power to enter (and change) dreams people have, Joseph has quite the ability to wreak havoc. But one night while he and Vandimir are on their watch, he sees something that genuinely frightens him: a dark, hooded figure sitting in a seat of power. The morale of the group is already down and if he tells everyone else what he saw, it'll only make things worse. Will Joseph have the courage to stand up to the truth when questioned by the others? Or will he cower behind lies and illusions, like he's done in the past?

Alannah Sharpe, better known as Al, wasn't in this because she wanted to be. No, Jake had tricked her into testing this out and she's not pleased. Even less amused at the whole situation is Vandimir Silvermoon, a calloused Elven scholar who prefers to keep his nose in a book. As Vandimir begins to push others away from him, it becomes apparent that because of his choices, his task is the most difficult of all. When the Midnight Angel comes to visit and warns Vandimir that the fate of both worlds now rests in his hands, will Alannah swallow her pride and ask for help? Or will both worlds fall because she's too stubbourn to accept the help that's been offered?

As the fate of both worlds collides, will these six youths unite against the coming evil and rise to the occasion? Or will they fall into darkness, like many before them have?

Dark Redemption: Overview

"Jake! Are you sure this is a good idea?" The sound of Alannah's hiss barely made it to the freckled boy's ears. Alannah, better known as Al, frowned and narrowed her eyes as she placed the bracelet around her left wrist.

"Have I ever steered you wrong?"

"This had better work!" She glared over at her best friend, who could only smile. This was the moment he'd been waiting years for, but Al wasn't so sure. Both teenagers closed their eyes and plunged into the darkness. Moments later, Jake opened his eyes and blinked.

"Uhm, Al?" He looked around for any sign of his best friend, but all he saw was a cloaked figure who was quite a bit taller than he was and obviously male. He turned towards the being. "I don't think we're in Gale's Games anymore..."

And so the adventure begins...

As the dynamic duo begins to travel the world of Almendrim, strange things begin to happen. There's a war brewing in Sininen over who's going to be the next ruler of the free world and there have been rumours in the East that an ancient magic is growing more and more powerful. Back in the "real world", things start to go awry and a young mage who possesses the ability to travel between planes tells Al and Jake that the fates of both worlds are intertwined. Even worse, Kwaitkowski's research manager told them that they only have a set amount of time in the virtual world. Can Al, Jake and the others find a way to stop this terrible force from being released and get back to their world before time runs out?

In this epic tale, you'll see a variety of old friends, such as Ashiaro, an experienced ranger; Eirhian, a jaded healer who has her own agenda; Mark, a young bounty hunter; Tem, a snarky mage who can control time; and Synistra, an ancient being with an insatiable desire to unlock the secrets of the past.

You'll also meet new characters, such as Ceryn, a young female assassin who's too pretty for her own good; Rochben, a knight who is committed to upholding justice... and of course Alannah, Jake and the rest of their friends and family.

Stay tuned for more information!

The Angel (a poem)

This is just a poem I wrote this afternoon. I see no need to comment on the content. Too bad our poem for class is not a free poem; if it was, I would probably use this. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy it.

The Angel

Torn in two and scattered
across the empty room
Broken pieces, abandoned
Because nobody cares.

Scenes of a struggle,
Fighting between friends.
Only sound made by
the ticking of the clock.

A tall girl slumped
against the far wall hides
her tear-stained face
from prying people.

A picture of an angel,
white wings spread wide,
ready to fly, to soar,
lies broken on the floor.

Friendship ripped to shreds is
an angel torn in two,
lying there, broken because
nobody picks up the pieces.

The White Knight, draft 1

The White Knight

He launches himself over his allies,
Darts crookedly across the field
Surrounded by enemies, he retreats.

He calls out for assistance,
Now joined by a hooded man.
They launch their counter-assault.

Battle rages on and in the
End, few are left standing.
Black retaliates. White retreats.

King is protected by only his castle.
White makes his move, capturing
Black’s last competent defense.

Knight to f6. Check. Fails
to see the smallest soldier, who
Knifes him. He is killed.

The sacrifice is not in vain.
Cloaked figure to f5. King falls.
Checkmate. White wins.

Draft one of a poem due today for Creative Writing. I thought you might enjoy it...

Object Poem: Draft One

We had to write a poem for an English class I am taking this semester and here is my first draft... I kind of like it, actually. The assignment was to write about an object and how it relates to yourself, so I chose my glasses. It was kind of amusing, seeing as how a few days ago, I lost them and I had to spend a day without them, which proved to be more difficult than I thought it would be.

I may or may not be updating this with changes, so we'll see how the editing process goes and I'll see what people have to say about it. There are a few people that I'd like to get critiques from before I do too much editing... but you can read it. Hope you enjoy!

Pieces of glass
surrounded by metal
fit firmly around my face.
They have become
attached, forever a part of
me.

Without them, I
cannot see the world
so clearly. The
light filters through
the optics and I can see.

This piece of metal,
plastic and glass changes
my vision.
Lines are no longer blurry
and colours are no longer
spots. With one addition,
I feel human
again.

I do hope you enjoyed this and I also apologise for not posting in quite awhile. I've been busy with classes and hopefully with this English class I'm taking, I'll actually be writing stuff worth posting and posting it.

Elisha's Staff

Just a little piece about Elisha that I had a bit of fun writing. I hope you enjoy it and have a very merry Christmas!~

CRACK! As I held the handle of my katana, the blade snapped in two. Fear raced through my body and every muscle in my body tensed up all at once. Both my hands started shaking and I could feel all the colour drain from my face as I stared at the Nwalmiel. All my energy left my body and I felt sick, like I was going to throw up. With no strength left, I dropped to my hands and knees, what was left of my sword clattering to the stone ground.

"Get up." A voice that I'd never heard before in my life came from above me and I could feel myself pulled into a standing position by a hand that was a good deal larger and stronger than mine. "Hand me the sword." Since it was dark, I couldn't get a good look at the man's face, but he was a good deal taller than I am. Not that being taller than I am is that difficult. I did as I was told and he held Jordan's katana in his hands for long moment. "This must be returned to its rightful owner."

I slipped my dark blue cloak over my shoulders and turned to leave the room, but Jordan's voice grabbed my attention before I could take more than a step and a half. "Take my sword," he said. "You need it more than I do and it'll help you remember everything you've been taught. Laika will serve you well." He placed the katana and its sheath in my hands, gave me a pat on my shoulder and then turned and walked out of the room.

He held a plain wooden staff in his own calloused hands, with what appeared to be some sort of binding around the center. "This is no ordinary staff," he said, handing it to me. It felt heavy in my hands for the first few moments I held it, but it gradually got lighter. "It may look like nothing special, but its abilities are tied to your willpower. Keep yourself strong and focused and your staff will serve you well." He paused for a moment and I could see a faint blue light radiating from the stick I held in my left hand. "Keep it with you at all times. The Enemy will try to take it from you, but you must not let that happen. Now," here, he put his hands on my shoulders, "go in peace, my child."

The girl nodded and handed my staff back to me. "The Master gave it to you, didn't he?" she asked, the same smile that was on her lips dancing in those blue eyes of hers. I nodded. "You'll learn how to use it and don't even think about letting it go." Her own hand dropped down to touch the hilt of her sword. "The Enemy won't be able to do much against a weapon like that." She reached out and gave me a hug. "We'll talk later, alright?"

With one hand in my pocket and the other hand holding my staff, I set out from the courtyard of the castle and into the surrounding forest. Although it is sad every time I must leave, I'm sure that I'll be back to see both her and the Master again. But now, I must complete the mission that was given to me.

Meeting Allison

The young bounty hunter crossed the room. It was rather crowded and he cared little for paying attention to the latest gossip, which Lin seemed to be the center of. Well, Lin and Naomi. Elisha's nose wrinkled slightly; he knew he would never understand the female mind and its need to speak incessently of all the latest happenings, including the arrival of a new informant for the Resistance.

"You ought to go greet her." Mark motioned to where Jordan was speaking to a small girl with short blonde hair. Or Elisha only assumed she was a girl by her unusually petite frame, but really, it was hard to tell from the fifty meters away that the two boys stood, just watching. "Eh, doesn't really matter one way or another. Looks like she's getting the royal treatment from Lin over there." A slight frown crossed Mark's face.

"Aye, maybe I should," Elisha answered, almost the exact same frown crossing his darker face. "Lin really needs to learn to treat newcomers with respect or there'll be no one left to help us." There was a slight pause and the grasp on his quarterstaff tightened until his knuckles were white. "And right now, we need all the good help we can get. There's no way Ran is going to let Lin go out and spy." Using the wooden stick for a bit of extra support, he half-limped to where Jordan was standing, talking to the new arrival. Mark followed partway in silence, then broke off to go talk to Ran.

As Elisha approached, Jordan turned around and nodded towards the shorter youth. "This is Allison, a new recruit," he held his hand out towards the girl. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go speak to Harcourt and Ran and I'll leave the two of you to get acquainted." Without waiting for Elisha to protest, Jordan turned around and let his long legs carry him effortlessly across the room.

The younger bounty hunter frowned to himself and winced slightly, still annoyed with himself for slipping down the riverbank when he, Naomi, Mark and Lin went out for a short excursion the week before. Another few days of limping around like this and then he knew he'd be back to normal before the end of the week, but the fourteen-year-old couldn't help feeling the hairs on the back of his neck prick up when he saw Lin and Mark sparring and he had to sit on the sidelines, just watching.

"What's your name, Darkie?" The girl looked up at him, meeting his dark hazel eyes with her own light brown ones. "I'm Allison, or that's what everyone calls me." She looked him over and he could feel a piercing stare. "You're not a very good fighter, are you?"

The very tips of Elisha's ears heated up and it felt like they were once again subjected to the hot desert summer afternoon. He had only been that far out of the town a few times, even though his ancestors were originally from the desert tribes to the east. "Why should I give you my name?" After a moment, Elisha met her piercing gaze with his own more subtle one. "You obviously haven't given me yours, at least not your real one."

"Then can I call you Darkie?" When Elisha shrugged, the girl perked up and bounced away, leaving the bounty hunter more confused than ever. By the time he turned around, Mark was standing behind him. The taller bounty hunter had picked up the habit of being able to sneak up quietly behind people; it especially annoyed Lin.

"You know I don't like giving out my name," Elisha's voice dropped down to a whisper. "To know another person's name is to hold power over them and it's not something I need to deal with right now, so don't even think about it."

Sigh. I really don't like how that piece turned out, but whatever. I think it would've been better (especially at the end) if it had been a first person narration to Elisha's POV. And just to let you know, "Darkie" is a rather derogative term used to refer to someone from the desert, but Elisha either doesn't know or doesn't care. Meh, I might as well let you read this...