Writing Exercise 038

The last writing exercise of this month. But don't worry, there will be more next month. ;)
This time I had to write an epilogue to a book, movie or game. And since my book in the making hasn't got one yet, I chose 'Ravenous Adventures -- A Tale from Neverbeen Universe'. This epilogue also hints at another WIP I'm currently working on.
Enjoy. :D

2016/08/30 – write an epilogue to a book/movie/game (Ravenous Adventures)

Darkness. Utter darkness. It engulfed them completely as they trudged through the deepest of jungles. Two pale moons were up by now, tingeing the cloudy night sky in dark shades of blue and green. But it was not enough to see more than shadows amongst shadows. The air was hot and humid.

“I wish I still had Trébol's dagger,” Gene mused aloud as he stumbled through the gnarled thicket. The heavenly steel would at least have given off enough light to perceive where he was going. He was reminded of the horrible forest they had crossed at the beginning of their adventure. Despite the heat he shuddered.

“Where's it got to anyways?” Raphael asked, vaulting over an uprooted mangrove. Gene awkwardly climbed after him.

“Eh… I lost it back in the past,” he admitted and tried to close up on the Daemon, who had no problems seeing in the dark. Gene didn't want to get lost here.

“So it's just as gone as the Timechrystal. Pity,” Raphael concluded and took Gene's hand as the human struggled forward with outstretched hands. Gene sighed, relieved, and let himself be navigated through the jungle. He still occasionally stumbled over roots, but he felt much more safe when Raphael's warm hand lay in his and he led the way.

“Eh...why are we walking this hell again?” Gene wondered.

“Strictly speaking, the sixth Pandemonium is only a part of Hell. But I get you,” Raphael answered, “Since we can't stay at Lucifer's castle – well, actually, we could, but the 'Old Grump' wouldn't want us to – we have to find a place for us. But don't mind. There are seven Pandemoniae, so we should be able to do just that. You didn't like either the sand desert nor the ice desert, so I thought we'd try something different. And here we are.” He probably made a wide gesture but Gene couldn't see. “I must admit, I like it here. There are volcanoes and this jungle to explore, and the darkness agrees with me. The views are beautiful,” Raphael grinned.

“I can't see a thing,” Gene huffed and peered into the darkness. He wiped beads of sweat off his brow and sighed.

“Sorry,” his lover said. “Let's camp on that monticule. You'll be able to see more out in the open and with a campfire,” he promised and led Gene up the rise. Raphael was right. As soon as the flames cackled and cracked Gene felt much more comfortable. He could only see a small perimeter but the fire gave off a soothing light. And when Raphael cooked one of his hyperdelicious meals everything was okay again. Even the thought of not being able to return to Thisside was not as scary anymore.

'Do you miss Earth much?' Raphael linked their minds.

“I haven't had the time to miss my family. Just so much had happened so fast,” Gene admitted and sighed. “But now that you speak of it, I do.”

Raphael's mental presence surrounded him like a hug. “I'm sorry we have to stay on the Otherside. I don't even know why I still exist. When I gave my soul to save your life that should've been it. I'm not of the reincarnating kind.”

Gene's heart clenched at the thought of almost losing Raphael for good. He grabbed the older man's hand and squeezed it. “Don't you scare me again like that. I really thought I'd lost you,” his voice quivered and a heavy lump formed in his throat.

But the Daemon slightly smiled and kissed him. 'But you wished me back,' he telepathically whispered. Gene sighed into the kiss, relieved. They were together again, alive and kicking – well, not exactly alive, but it felt just like they were. Gene could get used to being undead. And he was just glad that Raphael was with him. He would go anywhere as long as they stayed together, even stay in this Pandemonium of darkness.

“Tell me about this place,” he was curious. Gene was sure Raphael had followed his thoughts.

Raphael nodded. “Alright. As I already mentioned, this Pandemonium is a world of volcanoes and jungles; it is a world of eternal night. Its new sovereign lives in the pyramid city at the foot of the highest volcano. I don't know his name, but he must be a mighty creature to defeat the former sovereign Hades.”

“Hades?” Gene interjected, “Funny. My father found a kitten and named it Hades.”

Raphael grinned craftily. “I doubt this Pandemonium used to be ruled by a kitten,” he snickered. Gene chuckled and comfortably leaned against a rock. “Probably not,” he agreed.

“Anyhow,” Raphael continued, “I thought you might want to see that pyramid city. So let's explore this world together and decide if this is a place for us.”

Gene agreed. Their adventure wasn't over yet.

Lend me your voice!

Today I want to talk about some of the characters from my book in the making 'Ravenous Adventures -- A Tale from Neverbeen Universe'. As I already told you in another blogpost I know them like the back of my hand.
I drew a couple of pictures for the novel, so you'll be able to see how I imagine them -- so they might come alive in your minds as you read my story. But what a book can't provide is a voice. And I have specific ideas how my characters sound like.

So let me introduce my characters and tell you who I envision to be their seiyuu (voice actors). :D

Raphael Raven is a 2482 years-old Daemon and the CEO of Raven Corp, which specializes in IT and computer games. He originally comes from a highly magical world, where humanity is almost extinct, but currently lives in Thuddington City on Earth. Calm and collected, Raphael is a natural leader and specializes in telepathy and teleportation. He might be reckless about his own health -- he has a weak heart condition --, but he cares deeply for the few persons dear to him. His hobbies are cooking and dragons.
I imagine his voice like Matthew Heafy's from the band Trivium. (A lot of their songs are very fitting to him and his situation also. :o)

Gene Hoffman is a 32 years-old human from Thuddington City. He is Raphael's lover of a good seven years. Gene is very laid-back and good-natured, he is compassionate and caring. Gene works as game tester for a games magazine and part-time voice actor. He is a foodie and a nerd. Raphael has taught him telepathy. Gene is a huge fan of Raven Corp, and he likes dragons. He would leave everything behind and follow his lover into his magical world.
His voice would be Ville Valo's from the band HIM.

Thanatos Vulture is the most gentlemanly Reaper there is. His species and age are unknown. He is Raphael's best friend. Reasonable and very polite, Thanatos is a workaholic who has a very deep fondness for coffee. He is a man of principles and high morale. His way of speech is old-fashioned and stiff; he uses Japanese suffixes to express respect appropriately. Always keeping his countenance he hardly shows emotions, but he worries for his best friend and for his former apprentice.
His seiyuu would be Toshiyuki Morikawa (voice actor, famous roles are Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children or Naraku from Inu Yasha).

Azrael is a new Reaper and used to be Thanatos's apprentice. Before he became Reaper he was a human named Jake Darjeeling, but passing the examination he gave up that identity with all of his memories and mannerisms. Azrael is like a blank canvas. He tries to fit in with the Reapers and finds himself in situations of questionable morale as he tries to figure out the right thing to do. Out of the Reapers he respects his former mentor, Thanatos, the most and he shares his fondness for coffee.
To me his voice actor is John Legend.

Phobos Morgenstern is Lucifer's youngest son and his heir. He lives at Lucifer's castle in Hell and tends to the twilight gardens and his spirit forge. He is Raphael's best rival and gives people insulting nicknames. (Phobos calls Raphael 'Bloody Frailtard' while he in turn is dubbed 'Old Grump'.) Choleric and foul mouthed, Phobos is an ingenious seal technician and expert exorcist. While he would deny any help, he in truth is very reliable and strong. He bakes the best chocolate cookies in all the Realms.
I imagine his voice is Alexander Spreng's from the band ASP.

Ayumu Nakashima is a human witch, who has so many seals and curses about her that her life expectancy is greatly enhanced. She is Phobos's girlfriend and lives with him in Hell; he nicknamed her 'Manipulative Hag'. Ayumu is very good at healing magic, she is kind but stands her ground. She is one of the very few people who can calm Phobos (as much a she can rile him up). Ayumu is witty and a good friend. She is a voice of reason.
Her voice would be Emilie Autumn's.

Sendrith is a shrewd demon, who has been abducted as a boy, brainwashed and formed into a wretched creature. At his lord's main fortress he is the master of dungeons. He is ruthless, cruel, clever and eager to please his lord. Due to his training and brainwash he likes to inflict pain as much as he likes to receive it. Sendrith would do anything for his master.
His voice actor should be Yoann Lemoine (Woodkid).

Number 463/Yumír is a young shadow devil, a magical creature who can transform into anyone his counterpart wishes to see most -- he creates a perfect carbon copy of that person. As he is very talented he can also transform into different things or people. Shadow devils are very dangerous creatures when the grow up and suffer from identity crisis. Number 463 is named after ther number on his collar, as he belongs to the same master as Sendrith. He is a lonely, sweet, shy boy who is so very grateful Sendrith does not shun him that he is willing to do almost anything for Sendrith. He is so glad to finally receive a name of his own -- Yumír.
I imagine his voice like Maggie Eckford's (Ruelle).

Writing Exercise 037

It's time for another writing exercise already. :)
Today I wrote a double drabble about one of my favourite places. Find out where that is and why!

 

2016/08/23 – at the book store (double drabble)

The book store is one of my favourite places to be. When I go window shopping it is hard not to stop by. I rather go book shopping than buy clothes. I also prefer paperbacks to ebooks; I want to feel and smell them and put them on my shelves.

But what do I look for in a good book?

Mostly I want a thrilling story, which captures me and holds me completely until I've gobbled it whole. But beautiful language and intriguing characters and interesting topics are just as important. What books I pick depends on my mood also. Sometimes I want dark and mysterious stories, sometimes I seek light entertainment, sometimes I crave deeper layers or knowledge or poetry.

I appreciate the written art, and I feel most comfortable being surrounded by it.

Now at the book store you would find me somewhere browsing whodunits, fantasy or sci fi sections, but I'll also peek at comics and mangas if I want a quick read.

I sometimes dream my books would one day be displayed there, too, and people would stop by, pick them up and think: “Oh, this looks interesting.” And I'd be right there smiling to myself...

Olympia -- Recycled

Olympia in Rio is a topic of polarising aspects. But this blogpost is not about the politics and population, it is not about poverty, prestige or phenakism, it is not about decisions or world records or gold medals.
Instead, as the Games continue and I watch the athletes do their best, I remember something...
Four years ago -- during Olympia in London -- I drew a couple of sketches where I turned some of my characters from RPGs and short stories into olympic athletes. Have a look at them:

 

A Little Trove

As I was sifting through old stuff I found a drawing I did for a contest years ago. I ended up not participating in the contest because I didn't want to subrogate my copyrights (why would an artist want to do that?!). :/
Anyways, the drawing was one of my first attempts at using Copic markers. So I thought you might be interested in that. (Of course this is not the very origin of my art, but it is one of the milestones in getting to the point where I'm at now -- and I'm still in the process of improving.) I called this picture 'Empress'. Here it is:

A Special Day

My dear writing buddy from the Dead Pete Society -- Frankie -- has birthday today. :D
As a little present I drew something for her. The picture shows two characters from her book Malevolence -- Logan and Eva. I practically devoured this book; it inspired me to do some fanart and fanfiction, which I might show you some other time.
For now you'll have to make do with this birthday-picture:

Writing Exercise 036

Today I have another short writing exercise for you. This week's drabble is about a sleepless night.
Here it is:

2016/08/15 – a sleepless night (Drabble)

I had just gone to bed. As I snuggled into my cushion and buried myself under two layers of blankets I prepared for sleep. Like every night I imagined a story that would accompany me to dreamland; I invented new characters then let them march into adventure. While making up the plot I suddenly realized: words were flowing in my head, sentences aligning and rearranging themselves. Wide awake and excited I bolted from my bed and scrambled to my computer, opened a document and hurried to type everything down – sensed it was a writing night. I would not sleep tonight.

Home, Sweet Home...

As much as I was enthused about the beauty of the Loreley and the landscape surrounding it, I also enjoy the place I call home.
Situated at a beautiful lake and surrounded by nature reserve my village is a place where others go on holidays. The beautiful views never cease to amaze me despite being surrounded by them every day.

As I watch the seasons come and go, nature itself paints the most amazing pictures. I just need to open my eyes and witness these moments of mesmerizing beauty. Be it the falling snow in winter that swallows everything and gently lays the world to sleep...

... a glimpse of the lake from the lush woods on the hills encompassing the lake during summer -- a place where silence reigns and you almost feel the earth breathing...

... the mysterious stillness of the lake in autumn, that makes you feel frozen in time...

...or a sunrise in the wee early hours of spring, that reflects on the surface of the lake and sets the sky ablaze.

These are things that inspire me; these are things that keep me thriving to become better at art and capture moments on canvas; these are things that make me want to write and conserve these moments in my memories. So I can share what I experience and enjoy day-to-day with you.

Writing Exercise 035

This week I did a prompt fill found in the forums for the game Spellstone, which I play regularly. So I invented a background story for one of the characters (and some of the cards) who appear in the game: the goblin who owns the shop where I can buy Spellstones, Shards and other items.
Here it is:

2016/08/08 - What did the Goblin do for a living before becoming a Spellstone Merchant?

The story about Dagobert, the goblin Spellstone Merchant, is the story of Spellstone itself.
A long, long time ago all the Tuskers and Squids and Locusts were happily roaming the lands when suddenly the mighty Vulcanos made the volcanos of Karthos errupt and plunged the world in darkness as the ashes rained upon it and the lava poured forth.
The Flying Squirrels and Moss Golems and Mermaids were miserable. So the people of Skyhaven turned to the great Solaron, who then stroke his wings to stop Vulcanos and froze the lands and all the creatures in one fell swoop. For thousands of years the world was frozen solid and the creatures trapped in Solaron’s Ice Age. Until Atlas awoke from his slumber and made the earth tremble as he yawned. The earthquake caused by him freed the goblins, who lived under the earth and thus survived the Ice Age unscathed.
Dagobert was one of the most curious goblins and went to see what had happened on the surface. So he found the creatures trapped in a humongous ice shelf. As he was also a clever goblin and a skilled miner — like every goblin — he instantly had an idea. He took his trusty pickaxe and hacked at the ice around the creatures. The other goblins deemed him crazy and wanted nothing to do with it. They rather stayed underground in their kingdom.
But Dagobert was determined. One by one he tore giant chunks of ice out of the shelf, each encompassing one of the trapped creatures. But instead of releasing them instantly he decided to sell them to adventurers; if they freed the creatures they would surely be happy and grateful enough to abide by their will. Dagobert also collected the ice shards that came loose when hacking at the shelf. They were so hard, they wouldn’t melt. And as they were shiny and beautiful he also decided to sell them. After long and hard months of working the ice and defrosting Elaria, Luminis, Karthos and the other realms Dagobert was able to sell his Spellstones and Shards, and the business he started flourished better than ever.
Now Dagobert, the Spellstone Merchant, is the richest goblin there is as he has the monopoly for Spellstones and Shards. Adventurers frequent his shop in hordes. And the king of the goblins is fuming in his throne that he didn’t hop on the bandwagon when the business was still in its early stage. But he has a plan how to foil Dagobert’s success. It all starts with getting the dragons from Terragon Peak and snatching the mighty hammer from Beetleton Bunker…

Long Time no See...

Just a little update on what I've been doing lately... :)

Writing Exercise 034

My writing exercise this week is a prompt found on tumblr. Here it is:

Sounds interesting, don't you think? So much potential... I think I might exploit this bit further some other time. But first of all here is what I did with this prompt for now:

2016/08/01 – AU: no ageing after 18 until one finds their soul-mate

None asks your age anymore. When everyone stopped ageing at the age of eighteen it became irrelevant. There are few old-looking people now – those who found their soul-mates. But soon they will perish as they can only grow old together. It is considered happiness to be able to age. A short-lived happiness, as I might say. Foolishness. I've watched people time and again repeat the same mistakes, reincarnation after reincarnation. Me? I can never age. Humankind has glimpsed eternity, and I intend to stay and see it happen. To watch progress, to see human evolution first hand, to influence it yourself and write history – these are the things I thrive for.

I move a lot around the globe, changing my name about every century, inventing myself anew. Sometimes I'm an artist, sometimes I'm an engineer, sometimes I'm a politician.

This time I chose to be an author. I have a lot to write home about. Three of my books are bestsellers now. Historical fiction, they labelled them. Ha. They are nothing but the truth; they are my story, my autobiography. Just none has connected the dots, yet. When I was interviewed I did mislead the reporter though, saying I researched people thoroughly whenever I sensed a story. I don't want too much attention as nothing annoys me more than paparazzi and stalkers. And if someone was to find out who I was this would be bound to happen.

Yet I don't want to be forgotten either. People remember outstanding persons from history: the sailor who discovered another continent, the artist who painted the most mysterious smile, the scientist who explained relativity, the politician who committed atrocities and genocide. But people get more excited about protagonists and antagonists of their favourite books and movies.

So I decided to write about my different identities in my books. One of them is about to be turned into a movie, and I'm pretty excited about it. The story is about...well, me, of course. But back then when it happened I reigned over a vast territory; people built huge statues with my face chiselled into the stone. One of these statues still stands tall as a skyscraper and tourists pilgrim in hordes just to take photos of my nose. Anyhow, this is also a story about power, and love and tragedy. The thing is, I fell for the emperor of another realm, who tried to annex my territory by being liaised with me. And to my horror I found out we were soul-mates! I felt my end was near. However, he was murdered and I became lover to his successor. When this new emperor lost the war, my empire then crumbled also. So we committed suicide together – except I only staged mine and fled into another identity.

But my book ends with the double-suicide, and the star-crossed lovers meeting again in death. Pure fiction, but the audience loved it. So much so that it is now turned into a movie.

I enter the motion picture studio to watch them make the movie, and to put in my two cents. I chat with the director, and it's actually kind of thrilling to see your own life enacted and becoming an epic piece of cinematic art.

Then the main cast is introduced to me. Strange for me, I've always been a huge fan of the actor who plays the main protagonist. But meeting him in person I suddenly realise why. It feels like all those centuries ago when he first lay eyes on me. My heart beats like a drum and I can't do anything but stare.

It's him, my soul-mate reincarnated!

I know it the second our hands touch and our eyes meet. As we talk the same feelings of dread and longing creep into my heart. And I wonder if he realises it, too… That he is my destined, that we belong.

This seems to be the case, as he keeps chatting with me; his eyes light up whenever I answer. He eventually invites me to dinner… and I accept. What else could I do? Inside my mind goes in circles, my stomach is churning – a million butterflies released – and my heart is fluttering like a hummingbird in a cage. Then filming continues and he is whisked away to enact our previous lives. And I just sit there and stare. All day I anticipate tonight, I imagine what it will be like. I make plans… and I realise I need a new dress! So I excuse myself and leave the set to prepare.

Excitement rises to the brink of unbearable until he comes to get me. I demurely blush as he compliments me on my new dress, although I know I look stunning. Together we leave for dinner. The evening is just wonderful, we talk a lot and the most delicious food becomes insignificant. Finally we stand in front of his hotel. He looks deeply into my eyes, our hands intertwine as he bends down to kiss me. It's so bittersweet, my heart is aching for him. This is how it's meant to be.

I smile as he sinks into my arms, a surprised gasp from his blood-red lips. A sniper on the roof. Because I can never age…