Writing Exercise 136

Hello there!

For quite some time I had a request lying about. Now I got round to finally tackle it. It is set in my Neverbeen Universe. And this is what I made of it:

2018/07/20 – “Um… Boss? You might want to see this…” The Dark Overlord’s henchman notifies them. They look outside to see the prophesied hero, who has just heard the prophecy and learned of their importance, has shown up at their doorstep to join the forces of evil.

“Mylady!” Totally engrossed with the book she was reading the Daemoness only noticed her minions wanted to gain her attention after a few attempts. “Um...Boss? You might want to see this...” the henchman notified her nervously wringing his hands.

Lady Rawiya Raven blinked then sighed and put down her book. “Alright. What's the matter?” she asked and followed the man to the to of her keeptower where other minions were gathered. A red dawn crept over the horizon. But there was more, so much more...

“What are they?” Rawiya peered at the oncoming hordes.

“Undeads, Mylady...” the henchman seemed even more nervous as the shambling creatures approached and followed their master, who was marching straight towards her black fortress.

“I see,” the Dark Overlady murmured, “so the day has finally come as was prophesied...”

“What are we going to do? Attack?” another of her minions asked as he clutched his weapons, ready for war. All of them seemed visibly agitated, even distressed.

But the Daemoness just held up her hand. “Wait.” She spread her black wings and leapt into the air to face the prophesied hero. The hordes stopped and the knight in shining armour approached where she landed and awaited him.

“You must be Lady Rawiya Raven. They told me about you and your destructive powers.” the alleged saviour of the world rumbled as he took off his helmet to greet the Dark Overlady. “My name is Aeron Deathwalker.”

She inclined her head and smiled a little mischievous smile. “You are not mistaken, Aeron Deathwalker. I assume you know of the prophesy?” She crossed her arms.

He nodded. “I do.” He sighed. “To save the world I am supposed to defeat you, the ultimate threat to mankind. That's at least what they told me.”

Rawiya raised a brow. “And you think fighting me here, where I have field advantage, would be a good idea? You're very sure of yourself. Then again you have a whole prophesy to back you up. But we'll see if it's any good.”

“Actually...no,” Aeron deadpanned. “I'm not here to fight you, Mylady. I'm here to offer my services and join your forces.” He got down on his knees and took her hand. “I don't care about the prophesy, I don't care about those old coots babbling about heroes and fate, and I certainly don't care about humanity. I'd rather see the world burn if I can spend the rest of my days by the side of this beautiful lady,” he stated.

She looked deeply in his eyes, and he looked right back. She saw nothing but sincerity in him. Then a small smile crept onto her lips. “Very well,” she said. “Rise. And come with me; I'll show you your new home...can I offer you some tea?”

Writing Exercise 135

Hello again!
This week I was prompted by a member of my art group, and I decided to write you a drabble. Without further ado, here it is:

2018/07/11 – Reawakened (drabble)

He had heard of the magic of a kiss. There were stories of royal kisses releasing people from their curses, and there was truth to them, wasn't there? So when he, the prince, found her in the deepest of slumbers and none was able to rouse her from her sleep, he instantly knew what to do. Thus he bent down, drawn in by her sweet lips and kissed her, only to deepen it in the spur of the moment. She sighed, short of a moan, and her eyelids fluttered open. But he withdrew abruptly. For he had reawakened a zombie.

Writing Exercise 134

Huh, the weather changed so suddenly and my grand plans for today fell through. To let off some steam I wrote my frustration into this poem:

2018/07/06 – summer days (poem)

Summer days, where have you gone?

Yesterday it was so nice and hot;

Today you would believe it not.

Look what one single storm has done!

Summer days, come back to me!

I long for golden sand on the beach:

Swimming and sunbathing – a lot of each!

Why is the temperature ten lower in degree?

Summer days, I wish you well.

At least there is more than enough rain

For the flowers to feel no pain.

This is all there is left to tell.

Writing Exercise 133

Hi!
This week I have something controversial and political for you as I wrote a comment. Read for yourselves and feel free to discuss with me about it!

2018/06/26 – Glamis, Cawdor, King – What's up next, Mr. Trump?

“Fair is foul and foul is fair.” Who does not know Shakespeare's honourable warrior Macbeth, who is lured by sweet promises of twilight creatures, aims for the crown by bloody measures and is haunted by the consequences of his deeds? Today we may face another great warrior entitled with the democratic crown of the western hemisphere.

As we follow the line of actions in the war against ISIS we might be reminded of “Macbeth” seeing “the battle's lost and won”.

Indeed President Trump has kind of success striking back against terrorism, alright. That might glorify him to the head of the American world-police and moreover the American force seems kind of overwhelming.

But the battle is “lost” at the same time: reckless actions and military pressure on people produce more suffering, depression and frustration, which help terror spread and provoke self-destructive assassins to appear. And the world is shocked.

Glamis Trump obviously keeps on listening to these witch-like directors of flawed intelligence, instead of reflecting on the pros and cons of his actions. Or maybe he does, but ignores the negative consequences (which are quite a lot) in favour of his ambition to achieve honour, glory and power.

This is another feature he seemingly has in common with Macbeth, who finds every but one reason not to commit murder, but still does the deed.

Cawdor Trump might defeat all his enemies someday, but I fear he might kill his Banquo, whoever that is – maybe his European allies who he keeps affronting, maybe people in the middle east who want to change things themselves or maybe even the American people who elected him.

Yet King Trump's downfall is to come, but already terror's ghosts, ISIS, haunt the president and every radicalized self-destructive assassin that pops up seemingly out of nowhere should be a pointer as well as a warning sign: there should be found other measures but “bloody work that strikes back at the inventor” and quick attack against frustrated and misled minds. Terror has to be destroyed, there is no doubt in it, but the uppermost aim must be ending the suffering of the innocent, because they are the ones to strike back if we loose their trust by rash actions.

Therefore President Trump should better teamwork in order to find a convenient solution in the ISIS conflict, than being too ambitious like Macbeth or else he might not be able to estimate what is “fair” and what is “foul” for people living in the areas occupied by ISIS. It just might be the other way round according to the American world view.

Writing Exercise 132

Hello there!
This week I am a little late again. But I finished this Haiku just in tim for you to see. Maybe you have some time to do as I did?

2018/06/24 – party (Haiku)

Celebrate the day

Make new friends, meet old ones

Enjoy this life. Now.

Writing Exercise 131

Hello again!
This week I'm a little late. But I have a summer-themed poem for you to read. I hope you can relate.
Here it is:

2018/06/16 – cherries (poem)

Spots of red between green leaves

Full and ripe and glowing

Reaching over from the eaves

For what summer has been growing

Finally claiming that sweet taste

Oh, how long did I miss

Deliciousness in my mouth so chaste

As if it were my true love's kiss

Writing Exercise 130

This week I have written a drabble about a topic which concerns me a lot at the moment. Maybe you can see my point... Any opinions on that? Please feel free to discuss this topic with me.

2018/06/09 – GDPR (drabble)

Informational self-determination is important. To be able to choose which data to publish or to withhold is a right which should be protected, even moreso in this day and age. But are all data equally protection-worthy? Does the principle of proportionality even apply if I need to ask permission to collect impersonalized data about your location and browser or the amount of clicks (which I don't even use) but am forced to reveal sensitive data like my name, address and email in order to not get a fine? Why assume a pseudonym then? And is my data excluded from protection?

Writing Exercise 129

Hi!
Originally I wanted to post this writing exercise yesterday, but due to the thunderstorm I had no internet connection. :(
But better one day late than never, right? This drabble was prompted by a buddy from my art group. Here it is:

2018/05/31 – heretic (drabble)

Do you celebrate Corpus Christi? Is it a national holiday where you live? Or do you ask yourself what this is all about and why the fuss? A lot of occidental countries are still rooted in Christianised traditions, and thanks to them we are able to have a lot of holidays – such as Corpus Christi – we wouldn't have if our nations were truly secularised or tinged in the colours of a 'heretic' credo. You may or may not believe in Jesus, but you benefit from a Christianised society as their demands are represented in for instance national holidays. Happy Cadaver!

Writing Exercise 128

Hello there!
This week I was prompted by one of my art buddies again, and the result is this short story you're about to read. Here it is:

2018/05/25 – Your guardian angel has gotten into trouble. What do you do to save them?

I had one single task.

Sure, this task involved a lot of other troublesome things. I somehow felt like a spy in those old movies as I disguised myself as a human and got close to my target. Of course I wasn't allowed to be discovered and I had to fulfil my duty unnoticed, which made it all the harder to achieve my goal. But so far it had been a pretty neat job, standing guard, making sure nothing bad happened. The target didn't suspect anything and I managed to become a 'friend', which meant I could approach my target a lot easier as we met up almost every day.

And over time my target has become quite dear to me as we got to know each other a little. Maybe a little too dear… oh, boy! What do I do?

One of the rules is not to get involved too deeply with the target, no matter what that might be. And now I'm up shit's creek without a paddle. I can't stop thinking about my charge, I can't wait to meet up during the day, and I pound the beat around the house at night. I pine for the smallest gestures of affection, a simple smile could make my day.

I am so doomed!

How am I supposed to act professionally now?

How am I supposed to act as a 'friend' anyhow?

I have no idea.

Yet here we are this evening, sitting together on the couch watching some movie as per usual, and I try to not turn a hair as I sip on my drink and eat some pizza. Then suddenly the more or less comfortable silence is broken: “You know...we always hang out together and such...”

I turn my gaze from the TV to view my target and suddenly my heart speeds up as I listen. “Of course we're friends. But I think there's more to it...you're always around and help me out when I'm in trouble. I feel just about bulletproof in your presence. And I've noticed your secret glances.”

I swallow dryly. Am I being found out here? My heart sinks as fear courses through me. I might need to wipe my charge's memory and resign so one of my colleagues can take over. I don't want that! I want to stay by my target's side forever and cherish our 'friendship'!

But then I receive the gentlest of smiles, laced with a pinch of nervousness. “So...here goes nothing.” And I'm proper surprised when suddenly soft lips are pressed to mine in a short and chaste kiss. For a good while I stare, totally flabbergasted, until my charge grows visibly uncomfortable and mumbles: “I guess I was wrong about your feelings for me. I'm sorry. Just forget that ever happened, okay?”

I shake my head getting a grip and smile. “No...you are not wrong. I was just surprised is all.” My heart is thrumming happily in my chest as I lean forward for another kiss. And suddenly, suddenly all my trouble seems to have vanished into thin air…

Writing Exercise 127

Hello everyone!
Today I have reason to celebrate. Why? You will see in this little writing exercise of mine. ;)
This week I have a poem for you.

2018/05/15 – nameday (poem)

A name of my own

Of all the saints to be known

Today is a day of celebration

And a little recreation

No frost as of today

So the summer may stay

Here's a little game:

What's my middle name?

Writing Exercise 126

Hello there!
This week I have an anti-utopian tanka for you. It was another prompt by a member of the artgroup. Here it is:

2018/05/07 – War of change (Tanka)

When the world explodes

In a distant universe

The war changes us

Humanity gone extinct

What remains is history

Writing Exercise 125

Hello again!
This week I was prompted by two of my art group buddies, so you get a drabble to read which combines both prompts. Here it is:

2018/05/02 – dark/ stroll in the park (drabble)

As he walked down the path which led him into the park, he had a strange feeling. He couldn't quite figure out what it was, but it followed him as he strolled well trodden paths. His footfalls quickened, just like his heartbeat. Familiar trees swayed in the howling wind, their branches seemed to clasp at him. So he hurried. Looking over his shoulder time and again he saw nothing out of the ordinary, yet he felt spooked. Dark thoughts haunted him. And what was supposed to be a nice little stroll became an imaginary manhunt, and he was the prey.

Writing Exercise 124

Hello there!
I recently read a good book which inspired me to write today's writing exercise. And it fit the prompt I was given by one of my buddies from the art group. So here goes this week's poem:

2018/04/23 – hollow (poem)

A gravitation so strong

That even light cannot flee

More alluring than a siren's song

Destroying every bit of me

What seems to be so hollow

Actually can never be

The truth is hard so swallow

Mass attraction is all you see

Information may or may not be lost

For what purpose if it is sole

Being drawn in comes at a high cost

The mysteries of a black hole

Writing Exercise 123

Hello again!
This week I have a little drabble for you, prompted by my dear friend and fellow member of the artist group I'm part of. Here goes:

2018/04/17 – platonic kisses (drabble)

The difference between kisses can be vast as worlds. It depends a lot on who you kiss. Your partner may receive kisses full of passion and longing or even sweet love and affection, your parents (or other family members) would get smooched with a different kind of love. Kisses between close friends would certainly be of the platonic kind, while embodying yet another type of affection – unless you are 'friends with benefits' of course. You may even kiss your enemy on the cheek, bitter and venomously. Isn't it fascinating how one and the same gesture can have so many meanings?

Writing Exercise 122

Hello there!
This week I have a German sonnet for you, prompted by one of my buddies from the art group. It is about the character of another member of this group. Here it is:

2018/04/10 – Lich King (German sonnet)

On a grim and starless full-moon night

From the graves clouds of mist arise

Haunting howls herald your demise

Glowing green eyes shine so bright

On the graveyard the Crypt thrones

From inside you hear a rattling sound

Ghastly creatures, their skulls quite round

An undead army of metal and bones

Through the halls mystic chants ring

On a throne of bones sits the Lich King

Mindless servants his will abide

His unstoppable hordes leave in their wake

Death and devastation and souls to take

He has a raven by his side

Writing Exercise 121

This week I had one of the members of the art group I'm part of now prompt me, and he asked me to write about his character, the Wood Wolf God. And this is the drabble I came up with:

2018/04/03 – “someone gets lost in the woods and a wood doggy helps them“ (drabble)

The woods were getting darker, and the underbush grew thicker. It seemed to grasp at their feet while the canopy swallowed all of the light. It was eerily quiet, no birdsong to be heard. Any rustling sound made them jumpier, scared and confused. By now they had lost any direction. Then they heard it: the ghastly howling. And as they looked about they noticed a giant wolf with glowing green eyes perched on a rock. They ran as fast as they could. Finally they reached the exit with the wolf at their heels, not knowing it wanted to help them.

Writing Exercise 120

Hey there!
I know it's late (or early), but I couldn't sleep, so I decided to write. This time I was prompted by two of my new art buddies from the art community I've just joined on discord. Everyone's so creative over there. Can't wait to show you some of the art they inspire in me.
So here is this week's drabble:

2018/03/29 – it was a dark and stormy night; You got up to get coffee. I say relax (drabble)

Heavy rain pattered against the window panes and the gusts howled around the house. The room was dark safe for the screen of a laptop. Before it she sat and stared then grabbed her mug and lifted it to her lips. It was just as empty as the page before her. And she'd just got up to make some. She sighed. “Relax,” he suddenly whispered into her ear and lay his warm hands onto her shoulders to massage her gently. She leaned into the touch and felt her tense muscles ease. “You're right,” she conceded, “let's get back to bed.”

Writing Exercises 118 and 119

Hello again!
I'm awfully sorry I'm late. At least I now have two writing exercises for you. Here they are.
This is writing exercise 118:

2018/03/18 – clouds (Haiku)

A cloud in the sky

Watch it gently drift away

I wish I was there

And this is what I did this week:

 

2018/03/20 – Where's the rum gone? (Singlish poem, or is it?)

I dun have leh.

I dun have lor.

I dun have liao.

I dun have mah.

I dun have lah.

I dun have ha.

I dun have hor.

I dun have sial!

(For some reason, I don't have it. I wish I had it, but sadly I don't. I used to have it, but I don't anymore. It would help if I had it, but I don't have it.

I really don't have it.

I'm telling you that I don't have it. Don't look at me; I don't have it.

I can't freaking believe I don't have it!)

Writing Exercise 117

Hello there!
I'm a little late, but I made it in time still.
This week I wrote five Haikus for Naruto Online, one for each playable character. Here they are:

2018/03/11 – Naruto Online Haikus (fanfiction)

AzureFang

Poison and healing

Are the two sides of her coin.

Beware her Suiton!

MidnightBlade

His countless attacks –

A silent sword in the night.

Lightning strikes so fast.

ScarletBlaze

He sets you aflame

With a fierce grin on his face.

Fiery flowers bloom.

BreezeDancer

Her fan brings the storm.

The ballon of a dancer --

turn another round.

CrimsonFist

Bolster his defenses!

An impenetrable shield

will protect from harm.

Writing Exercise 116

Feeling troubled or blue? This week I have a drabble for you which might lift your mood and encourage you. Here it is:

2018/03/02 – balance (drabble)

Walk the tight rope, but don't fall off. Set one foot before the other, slowly and carefully. The distance may seem so far, but it shrinks with every step you take. You can make it to the other side. Just be patient and concentrate on the important things. Sometimes things will come your way to make you lose your footing and challenge your balance. You may struggle, you may sway to either side. But in the end you will prevail and see it through if you don't give up – no matter how hard it may seem. It is not impossible.