Mourning the Passing of Rose Tyler (Spoiler)

*Only for those who have watched the first two seasons of Doctor Who.*

You'd think that a girl who absorbed the time vortex could figure out a way to get out of a parallel universe and into another one... but no. She's stuck. With her lame boy friend.

I take it upon myself to write her obituary.


... Rose Tyler, born in London, always saying 'fings' instead of 'things.' Stupid accent, now it's in me 'ead all the time. She was only what... nineteen? Twenty when she died?

A spunky young girl that gave the show sexual tension and ridiculous love triangles in EVERY episode. I swear... Everything they touched either ended up dead, in a ditch somewhere or with horrible deformations.

But she was so funny! Attractive, rude, always breaking the rules, stuck up for people, she got braver as time went on, started to throw herself in front of people, one of the only things damsels in distress can do really. I loved it. I loved that she cared about people, kept the doctor in line. Man you couldn't not love her.

My only problem was she never... did anything, by herself and she ALWAYS had to be rescued. If I were the doctor... it would've gotten on my nerves.

You'd think for a girl who traveled with the doctor, she would have learned how to drive the Tardis (We all know how many times she's been stuck with this problem.) and she'd have learned some self defense. But as damsels go... she was a good one. Comic relief, kept the doctor in check, always getting into trouble, and when he REALLY REALLY needed it. She'd always pull through and DANG that girl was loyal. I mean seriously...

This episode really made me appreciate her.


LOOK!!! LOOK at how awesome she is! Lookin into the freakin heart of the Tardis (That can fry you, by the by) and traveling back in time to save the doctor. I was so proud of her. Finally doing something on her own for once. Sigh...

NOW SHE'S GONE!!!! And a crazy lady in a wedding dress has replaced her!!! What is this world coming to?

New Story

Hey Folks,

To begin, was not conference the most inspiring thing you have ever listened to? I could sit there on the basement floor of my parent's house and listen to it non-stop and be perfectly content. But instead, I stole Jessica's throwing knives and played split with my little brothers between the Saturday sessions. They LOVED it. So thanks Jess.

SO.... Who else is ready to die? Ah, I see many raised hands. I'm glad we're all dying together at least.
School SUCKS!! Why did I ever think that I could get through college with a decent GPA? I dunno... Must of been smoking something...
This is all besides the point. I have an announcement.

Wait for it.


I'M WORKING ON A NEW STORY!

Hurray! So in between all my school work, work (which I love, I could go for hours about how much I LOVE my job) and all the media I have been reading/watching. I have been working on a new story.

Much of what I have right now is thanks to Melanie, her kind suggestion to steal one of her story starts was very much needed and very thoughtful. I'm super excited!!! But I don't really have the time to give it my full attention, so it's still very much a work in progress. I will however keep you updated. And maybe sometime in the future I'll try to tackle some of my old ideas.

I love you all! You can last through these stupid last weeks of school.

What Do I Write Now?

Dear Friends and Readers of my Blog,

I'm... so lost. You see I can talk about stories, I can form pieces of ideas. I can form scraps of characters that I like, I can do all sorts of stuff.

Let's be honest. Writing is tough and I'm not all that good at it.

You see, I've completed two novels (first drafts) had my sister read bits and say. "This is good, but you're going to have to throw out most of it." Which is both encouraging and infuriating. My brother has had his own problems with my story. So... I have decided to let the ideas settle for a bit. Let my mind recuperate for the next battle.

But now that I'm here... what do I write? I tried brainstorming a few days ago. I tried coming up with ideas half of which I threw out immediately, I can't latch on to something that I love. Something that I want to explore and convey to my readers. Why?

I'm desperate and I need to get my creative juices flowing. Who has ideas? Who has some good creative techniques to help me come up with some epic ideas? And why don't we have a writing party? I just want to start something new. Something I usually wouldn't try, you know?

Riva was supposed to help me get an idea of the flaws in my writing and in my characters. I did learn a lot about myself even and about how I view people. So I'm trying to branch out, but this is hard. Just hard. Help?

TV Shows... Why are you so addicting?

First... These stupid shows suck up ALL my time. Fortunately I do homework while I watch them... doesn't really make me the most efficient.

This post will contain my thoughts, critics and sassy commentary and all that good stuff. Please comment, I like hearing what other people think. The only reason I'm posting this is because this has been what I do when I'm not working or studying. Let's be honest, I'm bored...

To begin... Once Upon a Time. I think the writers are very clever. I love to see the twists they put on these stories. I think it gives these two dimensional characters something more. You know what I find interesting? That they don't really have a timeline. They jump around and fill in the blanks as they go. Smart but scary. The only episode I have to complain about is the Beauty and the Beast episode. I didn't feel that the "true love" was there. I totally saw the Red Riding Hood thing coming. What? I felt pretty special.

Before I say anything I must put out a viewer discretion... This show is... kind of sketch and AWESOME. It embodies the theater world and it really captures how modern society is... well. Not much fun, let's just say it's the best and the worst of society. But I'm telling you, this show is real. I WORK with people like this. This is real life drama, this is theater. If you don't like singing and dancing don't watch the show but... These people have flaws, they are so interesting and you hate them and you love them. SUCH good characters. I LOVE this show. GOOD show. If I could write something as good as this, I would be content. I ask you to give it a chance, this is the one show I feel very strongly about. It's good, but there is some serious... materiel. Seriously though, one of my favs.

This is a pretty good show. It's like a detective show, plus time travel, plus crazy science-y stuff. Just so you know it's from J.J. Abrams. The guy who did Lost, it's SO much better and actually has organization. It's only pretty good though. I could take it or leave it. Hurley's in it. He's really funny.

The Voice. A guilty pleasure, again, you kind of have to be into singing. But I'm a little obsessed. Seriously I've got it all planned out. I try and guess who's going to win before the battle rounds. I've got my own team on Facebook and I've got the winner all planned out. Yes... PLUS! Why is Kelly Blake's adviser? Nobody likes Blake. No one. Went to Kelly's concert. She does NOT disappoint. I would die happy if I could sing like her.

I am loving this show. So new, so different. You've got this guy with two lives and you aren't sure which one is real. It's another detective one. Sorry. I'm a sucker for mystery.

There are SO many more that I've been watching. I don't know where to begin. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Touch, Nikita, Burn Notice, Psych, Endgame (This one's fun), Leverage!, New Girl, Breakout Kings, Castle, Missing, Bones, Face Off... Why? So addicting?

Sooooo Predictable

Guess what...

I read a book yesterday. I read it in 5 hours. It was a good 300 page book too.
The False Princess.
It's surprisingly like my story, BUT this lady, by that I mean author, does a few things extremely well.

First, she captures the thought process, emotions and logic of a princess very subtlety. She does it in a way where you think that what the character is thinking is completely normal. And her actions make complete sense. Even though her actions were nothing like my own, I found myself agreeing with this character. I was very impressed. I kept thinking. "This is EXACTLY what she would think and exactly how she would do it."

Second, while the story was pretty straight forward and clear cut. Very cliche and very predictable, she did throw me for just a second in the middle of the book. It was like... two books in one. Very nice.

So while I was distracted for five hours and while the book was better than I had initially expected. I was NOT satisfied. While I had very little to complain about I was not really happy with the book.

She does this... I'm not gonna tell anyone my plans, which is not what she would've have done. It didn't fit with her character. A princess who had been brought up learning to respect elders and councilors would have known that the BEST action would be to TELL someone what was going on. Or at least bounce off ideas of people that she trusts. It bugged me the entire time.

The last problem... it was WAAAAAY too predictable.Within the first four pages I knew her secret and her love interest. I knew she was going to use a certain... thing(s) to save everyone. After the first "book" the characters and been established nicely and the romantic tension had been released, the second book had begun and I had been intrigued by a new plot twist. After I had figured out the plot twist... I felt ready to put the book down. I knew who the bad guy was, I knew how she was going to save everyone and it was just... blah....

Better than I expected... but only worth maybe three hours of my time. I'm determined NOT to let my characters and my story be like this. You will be blown away. Just wait.

Just an update on my life

Howdy.

Has anyone found that your mother feels like she is entitled to use any skills that you have because
1. She gave birth to you. (Not pleasant)
2. She paid for any related lessons, education and schooling in general.
3. You are in her house and have been her responsibility for the past 18 years. (in other words, she OWNED you at one point)
4. She feeds you... really good food.

These are all perfectly good reasons. Yes, I feel like I should repay my mother. Does that mean that she can snap her fingers and say... "Entertain me."... not so much.

This happened to me.

I obliged. And went bright red for my pains. Then I quickly ran from the house still high on adrenaline. I tell ya. She's gonna be the death of me.

Another small update. My sister is living with me. I cannot express my joy at having a kindred spirit in my house. As much as I love my room-mate there's nothing like having a sibling that so completely understands you nearby. And if I need to get out of the house there is always my second home... the HFAC.

I'm pretty sure I spend more time in the HFAC than I do in my actual apartment. Sad? Yes. Do I really care? No.

As for my writing. I hit a slump. I gotta focus on school and I will get back to it someday. As for now, I will ponder and stare outside wishing that it was sunny and I could soak up the warmth. I miss summer. I'm sick of school.

Okay, I'm tired. Time for bed. See you in a month or so.

Rewriting Process

I hate rewriting. I hate going through my works and saying... "This is ALL wrong." Then changing everything. It stinks...

So... I will not be posting for a while because I will be thoroughly rethinking everything about what I have just written.

YEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP....

But, it will get better. Much much better.

Sleeping Patterns... WHAT?

So. I've discovered that I HATE waking up in the morning. Heck, if I could I would stay in bed until 3 just looking at the ceiling or reading a book. Breakfast and my need to relieve myself are the only things that can get me out of bed on a normal day.

Yes... this is me.

BUT~!!!

I HAVE DISCOVERED GOING TO BED EARLY!!!! It's revolutionary and I suggest you try it for a week. Just give it a week, I'm telling you it changes your life!!!

I tried it one day. ONE day and I went to bed at 8:30 and my body (Being the annoying thing that it is) woke me up at 3:30 and said, "GET UP! GET UP!" So being unable to fall back asleep and realizing that I still hadn't completed my homework that was due that day, I got up and did homework.

It was actually productive. I'm telling you, I made some breakfast and listened to music and did all my reading for the day. Then at 5:30 I walked out the door and went to the Richard's Building singing my little heart out and probably annoying all of Provo.

Then I tried it the next day... and the next day AND THE NEXT DA

Y!!! I'm telling you. I've been prepared for all of my classes, on time, awake and participating and I actually get things done in the morning. I cleaned my kitchen and made some spaghetti because I have to work late today and I fell MARVELOUS.

Plus... I've been working out every morning for at least half an hour. I feel like this.

Well... maybe not that bad. But I hurt! My abs are killing me! It's hurts to laugh and my legs are SO gonna feel the work out I just did tomorrow.

I'm gonna do it guys, I'm gonna get back in shape. You know how I used to play basketball and volleyball in highschool and I could run up and down a court and never get tired? Yup. Wanna do it again. Gonna do it.

I'm Done! (now I need some serious feedback)

So if you really want the rest of the story it's on the page. I'm not posting anymore.

SIIIIGGHHH.

I now I have to work on the second draft...

First things first. Feedback, Melanie I know you finished my book, I'd like some help. I already know most of the things I need to fix. BUT do you have anything to say about my characters specifically the antagonists. Do they make sense? What about my plot? Do Riva's actions make sense? ANYTHING is helpful at this point. I'm starting the rewriting process so I could use whatever you guys got.

Thanks guys.

Just Some Food for Thought... Or Thinking...

Gyoza... BEST stuff ever.

Again. Be jealous of my awesomeness.

Sometimes I wish that I was the type of person who carried a camera around everywhere so I could share EVERYTHING with the world.

Sometimes good things happen and you just want to let everyone know how wonderful you feel.

YES? Raise your hand if you agree! Okay... that was just sad.

So one of my best friends from WAAAAAY back, like fifth grade, just got engaged and I am immensely happy right now. It also helps that I just ate a good pound worth of cookie dough, and the left over gyoza from me and Erin's excursion on Saturday. (They were all squashed together by the time I cooked them. But sooooo delicious.)

Also last night I finished one of my favorite books again. If you are reading this you are not allowed to judge me... cause I'm about to tell you. It's Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind, by far the best one in the series. I will warn you... it's graphic and you may have to skip some scenes. But... it makes me happy.

First. (SPOILER) The antagonist is misunderstood and eventually turns to the good guy's side. This will forever be my absolute favorite way to "destroy" the antagonist. I'm terribly optimistic and almost naively idealistic when it comes to things like this. Plus she's just... interesting. A fun character and kind of melodramatic.

Second. It's one of the few books that the main character isn't just killing people left and right. (The series covers the course of roughly three separate wars). There's just a lot of fighting. Instead the main character is creating something beautiful. I'm not gonna lie, it's always been mydream to make something with my own hands and show it off to the world and say... "Look at this. I worked hard on this and when you look at it, I want you to stop and feel a sense of awe." Dunno... just always wanted to do something that made a change in people. I've always been interesting in working with my hands, I think those skills should be treasured and respected. People don't seem to appreciate them as much. The brain is overrated.

Third. The message the book tries to send you is one that I very much agree with and I feel that people around me sometimes struggle with. There are several themes and I won't bore you by going into them, so we'll just stop at... the book speaks to me.

Some other things that that struck me:

Dancing is fun. I think I look silly, but I don't really care.

My tummy is a black hole. Don't put food in front of me. It will disappear.

Men in a box, wrapped in naughty paper. Yup. Alex's Birthday, Happy 19th.

I can now tell time with the moon. HA!

Okay... I'm done.

3 in the Morning...

Hey guys...

So... It's 3:23 in the morning. I should be doing homework and I'm not. I swear I'll get to it. That's why I'm up this late. Really I stayed up last night and then I crashed at like... 5 or 6 yesterday... I woke up around 1 in the morning and realized I hadn't done any homework. ... Good thing tomorrow is Friday.

Fortunately I have a lovely evening planned on Saturday. Sigh... Gyoza... mmmm. Yes, be jealous.

I also talked to my sister for a good couple of hours on... Wednesday, things get so jumbled, I swear. She's got an excellent outline ready for her book and we've made a pact that when she gets home, (She's finishing up army training and will be home in a couple of weeks) We are going to work on our stories together and get things PERFECT. Then she can get published. I'll keep writing and working on stuff. It's going to be marvelous and wonderful.

You know what else is marvelous and wonderful? Having baking supplies at your fingertips. Made some cookie dough an hour ago... mhmmm. So good. Now I'm stuffed on sugar and butter and prcrastinating the inevitable.

You know what I realized as I woke up this morning. Which really I already knew but I think is really... infuriating, wonderful, annoying, simple, amazing, mind boggling... There is a word for this. But I can't find one that encompasses everything that I am feeling right now.

So I woke up after dreaming about something or other, I think in my dream I was asked to give a talk and so I was in the middle of speaking... Oh, I was singing and performing or something and I couldn't remember the words because I didn't prepare and the book I was using had the STUPID ENGLISH TRANSLATION and not the original French text. I tell you. Idiots.
Anyway, that doesn't have any connection with what I realized.

I realized that we all know... what we should do. There is a clear... This is right and this is wrong. It's really obvious, we all have a concience, we all know where we came from where we are going and what we SHOULD be doing... SO WHY DO WE HAVE SUCH A HARD TIME DOING IT? Why can't we just stick to the plan?

People say we can't be perfect. True... Does that mean we should give it up as a lost cause? It isn't IMPOSSIBLE.

It's so simple to live without bad things bothering you all the time.

THEN I realized that the "plan" we have are guidelines to keep us safe happy. So yeah, right now I'm pretty safe and happy. NOW I'm supposed go beyond that and try and find my purpose in life. Which is much much much much much MUCH more difficult......

It's like when you are in a History class and the teacher doesn't want you to just spit out facts... they want you to actually apply it. Write essays and stuff... actually apply yourself. Much harder.

But... Much more satisfying if done right. I think that's how it connected to my dream... I wanted to perform to the best of my abilities but couldn't because I hadn't prepared or really put in the effort.

Story of my life.

Busy Busy Busy

SO BUSY!!! I've been going for... five days straight!! I've been to taekwondo, two buffy the vampire night marathons, snowboarding, rock climbing, water polo-ing, star gazing, played Dance Dance Revolution, ice skating, and I met my awesome visting teacher companion and our out little friend we are teaching. They are both super cool!!! OOh! and today I got bored and so I drew on my arm.

... (half an hour later)

I would show you the picture I took with my phone... but I have no idea how to get the picture from my phone to the computer. Suffice to say, I did it with black and silver sharpie and it looks SICK. Maybe someday I'll figure it out and you will all be wowed.

The other thing that I have done with my time... is to work on my story. I now know how it will end. Which has been concerning me for a long time now, because I had no idea how I wanted to do it, but now that I've got it all down, I can start writing again. So be ready for some chapters coming in quick succession.

Chuckle... I'm watching Megamind right now, probably the funniest movie ever. LOVE IT!
I'm also listening to KELLY!! Sigh... I'm so sad.

Okay, really I was just checking in. If you've got comments and all that goodness, I love to hear them. They make my day.

Right... I'm out.

Eternity Prompt

When I get Eternity...

When I get Eternity, I will master every instrument known to man. I will have a four octave range and will rival Mozart in sight reading.
When I get Eternity, I will become a black belt in Taekwondo and every other martial art I even attempt to learn. I will have no fear in performing back flips and other acrobatic skills that seem to baffle me now. I will scale buildings and perform miraculous stunts.
When I get Eternity, I will learn how to ice skate and will dance across the ice at speeds that will make my heart race. I will fly down a mountain on my board and casually show off all the tricks I've been saving.
When I get Eternity, I will master swimming strokes and learn how to dive from incredibly high distances with finesse.
When I get Eternity, I will discuss matters of science with all the greats and hold my own against them. I will have an infallible understanding of the human body, the heavens, the earth, chemicals, plants and animals.
When I get Eternity, I will learn every language and be a renowned chef.
When I get Eternity, I will learn to mold clay into life-like sculptures that awe, astound and inspire. I will learn to etch scenes into paper, towering mountings, glorious sunrises, and show others the worlds that I can see.

When I get Eternity...

Princess Rivalee (Last part of Section 2)

I checked my email this morning and I got good news and bad news. The bad news is I got a rejection email from the A Capella group. That's okay, wasn't expecting anything. But we all know it's not fun to be rejected, I did go and try though. Kudos to me.

Good news? I got a hilarious letter from a missionary and two comments on my blog. Seriously? Yes. Made my day.

Little note to Melanie: I understand. I forget that people are vicious and "borrow" things. Not cool. But my blog is purely for practice and I honestly don't expect any of it to get published soon. My grammar is in desperate need and my writing feels... flimsy to me. I can't describe it. But I do enjoy it, so I will continue.

Also Erin, I'm going to read your chapter as soon as I finish this post. School is a beast, but I'll get to it I swear.

So I've decided that I'm a professional skimmer... but only with fictional novels. The trick is to read all dialogue as that is where all the "action" is. You can lose all the details and maybe the "why" but you will never miss the plot. Second tip: read the first sentence and the last sentence of an immense paragraph. Look now you've got the gist. Most authors put all the important stuff and the beginning and the end. Third tip: Your brain should already do this... but read the parts that have space. You know like...

Silence.

And the story continues. Usually something exciting is happening here and it's worth reading.

Okay... I'm done. Now you all know how I can get through freakin' huge books and be fine. Most people say that they are "slow." When in reality, you just don't know how to read them.

What?

Alright... this is the last that I have written... I'm in a rut. Gimme some time Mel and I'll finish up the ENTIRE story. I just gotta see it all. Or else it'll crash and burn.

Princess Rivalee. End of Section Two

When Riva’s eyes opened she was sure she was in Heaven... or Hell. Whatever. Everything was blindingly white. She blinked several times trying to see and eventually gave up.

“Riva?”

She knew that voice. It was... oh, what was his name?

“Riva? Can you hear me?”

Raj.

“Raj?” She croaked. Her throat felt as dry as the desert itself.

A deep breath of relief escaped him. “You made me worried there. Here.” Water was put to her lips and she swallowed hungrily. “Riva, the King’s been waiting for you.”

She forced her eyelids open a crack and sighed. “Help me up, Raj.” He put a hand under her back and grasped her hand, easing her up slowly. Riva groaned loudly in protest, aching all over.

“You sound like an old lady.” Raj commented dryly.

Riva raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you saying something about my age?” She teased. Raj grinned, appreciating her humor and helped her to her feet. Taking a deep breath, Riva steeled herself for the walk to the King’s tent.

As they walked, taking one painful step at a time, Riva noticed people stopping and staring. “What are they doing?” Riva asked quietly, eyeing the gazers.

“They are honoring the new Shaman.”

Riva started to laugh weakly and had to stop walking.

“What’s so funny?” Raj asked truly confused.

“There are so many problems with this. I don’t even know where to start.” Riva told him, not even trying to explain.

The King stood when she entered. They stared at each other for a moment and then he bowed. Raj beside her gasped and hurried to kneel.

Riva rolled her eyes. “Get up. We don’t have time for this.”

King Racham straightened. “Of course, I’m sorry.”

“There are some things I’d like to say to you. I think it would be easier if you were seated.” Riva told him.

He complied, hesitantly, watching her. “Would you like a seat?” He asked suddenly aware that he hadn’t offered.

Riva imagined sitting down and then trying to get back up and simply said, “I think I’ll stay standing.” When silence had fallen she continued, “You have to be the worst King I have ever seen. And it’s not because you don’t know how, I know you are intelligent. I’ve seen flashes of it, but you choose to ignore it and play the fool. Now is not the time! Be a King! Rule your people, find out what they need, gain their trust and loyalty. You were placed on the throne for a reason Racham, you know how to rule. It’s time to show your people.”

She sighed, lecturing wasn’t going to get her anywhere. “You two,” she pointed at the two guards that were constantly at Racham’s side. They jerked to attention. “You are to keep this man alive and hold off any attack on his life. Keep him in line and make him act like a King. You were being paid by Imad, am I right?”

The flat-nosed guard nodded sullenly.

“Now you answer to me and no one else. I need you to be this man’s protector.”

“We won’t be able to do anything if they Tribal Heads decide to attack.” The other guard muttered.

Riva sighed. “I know. Do what you can, just stall them until Racham is back in control. Use my name if you have to, tell them I’ll come and wreck vengeance on then all. Raj?”

“Yes, Riva?”

She smiled at his voice, so pleasing to the ear. “I need you to be Racham’s eyes and ears. Listen at tents find out who is loyal and who is not. Find out the needs of the slaves and get them on your side.”

Raj looked confused. “Why would the King care about slaves?”

“Because the slaves make up half -if not more- of the camp. If the King has them on his side he will be well protected. Raj, you are to speak your mind to him. Tell him what you feel and think, he will treasure your insights. You, too.” She told the guards. After they had nodded she glared at Racham. “These three are your only friends, treat them as such.”

“What about you?” Raj asked.

“I was originally just passing through the desert, Raj. I never planned on staying. I must go to Sealidan. I won’t be able to see all of this through. I’m leaving it in your hands.”

Flat-nose perked up. “Imad was working with Sealidan, I heard him speaking with a messenger.”

“Where is this messenger?”

“Gone. Left weeks ago.” Flat-nose told her shaking his head.

Riva held in an exasperated sigh. “Raj could you saddle Ettore and get some things together for my trip? I’m leaving tonight.”

“Riva! You’re not strong enough.” He protested.

“I have to go, Raj!” Riva shouted. “I have to.”

Understanding dawned on Raj’s smooth features. “Glen.” He said simply.

Riva swallowed feeling a gaping hold in her chest at the sound of his name. “Yes, Glen. How did you...?”

“You spoke of him, when you were resting.”

“Resting?”

Flat-nose piped in. “I knew what poison Imad favored and Raj had the antidote. He saved your life.”

Riva sighed, a headache was coming on. “I’m going to sleep.” Riva told the room in general. “Raj, would you wake me when the sun sets?”

He bobbed his head.

She smiled again touched by his openness and willingness to do whatever she asked. “Thank you.” She murmured privately, touching his arm. “For everything.”

*****

As she mounted Ettore, Raj held the rein. “Riva?”

“Yes, Raj?”

“What does it mean? The words you taught me?”

She grinned repeating the meaning of: “You will do as I say or I will bring down such wrath unlike the very gods have seen.”

His eyes widened. “I was saying that? Why would you have me say that?” He asked incredulously.

“It was something my father once said and you were so good at it.” She teased him eyes glinting mischeviously.

“What kind of man was your father to have said something so... so...” He shrugged his shoulders at a loss for words.

Riva looked out into the desert, not wanting to meet Raj’s eye. “He was a king.” She said softly and without looking back Riva kneed Ettore into a trot.

Everyone is leaving me! (Rivalee next chapter)

How come?

Why does everyone have to have a little private blog?

Erin, Melanie and NOW Alex has left. I feel a little left out.

FINE! I'll just stay here and keep writing...

Truth is I want people to read my stuff. I don't care if it's a total stranger! Anyway... I digress.

Learned a couple new words the other day the one that I remember the best is "somnolent" adj. it means drowsy or sleepy. A good word for me.

I also finished The Scarlet Pimpernel! SUCH a good book and it's really quick read. Take a day and you can finish it like that *snap*. Course I tend to skim... It's not that I mean to, I just get really invested and so I don't read every word. That's why I read all my favorite books several times and then I really do learn something new everytime I read them. Then your brain goes... Ahhhh... and you understand why the bad guy is being weird or the good guy makes a certain decision. You know it's fun.

It's also why my writing is the way it is. You'll notice I put VERY little detail in my writing. Partially because it's a first draft and I really don't want to put the time in. Second I haven't really thought out the geography or the cultures... so... yeah. Basically it's a first draft and I'm just trying to get the plot down. That's all that really matters first time through....

Well, without further ado I give you the next chapter. Please comment, tell me whatever the heck you want. You know... I like feedback. It's not a bad thing. Sigh....

OH!!! This is my FAVORITE PART!!!!! I'll post two sections so you can get it all!!! AHHH!

Princess Rivalee (Sec 2 Part 9)

Riva sucked in air between her teeth, tears forming as searing pain shot up her back.

“Sorry.” One of the women whispered as if she was afraid of being overheard.

Riva had never believed she that she could be in so much pain. Moving hurt, breathing hurt. Her back was on fire. The women in the slave tent were putting strips of raw meat on her back.

Grasping one of the women’s hands she whispered just as softly and with as much feeling as she could muster. “Thank you.” She wished she could say it in her language.

The woman nodded kindly and continued to work.

Once the stripes across Riva’s back had scabbed over and the pain and lessened, she was put back in Imad’s tent.

It was suffocating.

Riva never spoke in his presence and only answered with a nod or shake of her head. She wanted him to believe he had broken her, not firmed her resolve and hatred. Raj was the only one to break the monotony. Sometimes when Imade was gone, Raj would come to “clean” and they would play their game.

Everyday was agony. Riva knew that Imad and the King were preparing for war against Alsteare and there was nothing she could do.

One night the Tribal Heads met with Imad in his tent.

Imad sent for water again. As she was leaving one of the Heads commented, “You’ve taken all the fire out of her, Imad, must be boring at night.” and laughter ensued. She was glad the darkness hid her red face.

I hate him. She thought fiercely.

When she returned she gave him the jug and went to her corner, ignoring the sighs of pleasure at having clean water.

“So, Imad, when will we be able to call you “Majesty?”

“Soon. I want there to be no question in my leadership.” He gazing meaningfully around the room. “That means you will all have to support me without question.”

Riva could almost see their faces, striving to hide their fear. She closed her eyes. Of course... of course, you’ve wanted to rules all this time. You want the glory not just to be the puppeteer. She opened her eyes again and looked at the drape that separated the two rooms. Pursing her lips Riva considered, remembering the smart of the whip on her back.

*****

“The King is sleeping.” The flat nosed guard told her frimly. “He does not wish to be disturbed.”

“Please, it’s a message from Imad of the utmost importance.”

If the guard was surprised that she could suddenly speak his language he only showed it with a scowl. He glared at her for another minute.

“Fine. Be quick.” He opened the tent door.

The King was indeed asleep. Two of the slaves that were in his room stood wen she entered and left like ghosts. Gently Riva shook the King. “Your Majesty?”

He stirred. “What is it?”

“Would you be willing to come with me?”

Rubbing his eyes he realized who was in his room. “You? What are you doing here? How did you get past my guards?” He asked groggily.

“Please, your Majesty, I need you to come with me to Imad’s tent. I want to show you something.”

Wearily he reached for his clothes and dressed, seemingly unaware of Riva’s embarrassment. “What does he need in the middle of the night?” As they left he motioned for his guards to follow.

The four of them made their way through a silent camp. When they reached Imad’s tent Riva motioned for silence. Racham eyebrows rose in a question, but he kept his silence. They entered and another bout of laughter had broken out among the group of men in the adjoined room.

Riva sat and motioned for them to do the same, she tapped her ear. Racham’s face grew serious as he sensed the severity of the situation.

The tribesmen were discussing where to place their men around the camp. It seemed innocent enough. Had they moved on? Dread swept through her. For a full ten minutes nothing incriminating was said. Riva strove to remain at peace or at least seem at peace.

Racham also remained still and listened.

Finally one of the men laughed loudly and said, “This will all be possible through the efforts of our new king, Imad!” It sounded as if he were raising his glass in honor and the other men were following suit.

Riva sighed in relief and turned to see Racham’s face.

He had gone pale.

She waited for a reaction. “Well? Go arrest him.”

He looked up into her face. “What can I do?” He asked softly. “I am one man, one man that no one will listen to. Imad is a shaman.”

Riva realized he was right. Racham had no power here. He never had.

But she did.

She stood and threw open the drapes the separated the rooms.

Throwing her arms out a powerful wind slammed into the tent. The Tribal Heads were thrown to the floor, struggling to protect their heads and eyes from the sand and objects that flew at them. Riva crushed the air around Imad, fury gripping her. The air compressed around the Shaman, when he realized what was going on he met Riva’s deadly glare and smiled.

Swinging his arms out, he broke her grip and gathered the sand near him. Once he had a sufficient amount he blasted it at her face.

Riva moved, effecting to dodge rather than block. In her right hand she was forming a whip made of fire. Let’s see how you like it. She thought savagely. With a swift flick she sent the tendrils of fire at Imad, scoring the tent and any unfortunate bystanders.

Imad wove the air into a tight shield, his delicate fingers moving quickly. As Riva’s fire struck wasll of air, it slowed, giving him time to slip away.

Furious Riva reached for the entire tent, pulling in everything she could touch. Rugs, walls, poles, and ropes caved in on them.

The sudden attack from all sides stunned Imad for a moment. Desperately he flung fire burning his own home as in converged on him. For a moment they stood glaring at each other, panting, completely unaware of the audience that had gathered.

“So... You were a magic user all this time. I never would’ve guessed.” Imad gasped in Alstearian.

“There are a lot of things you never bothered to learn about me.” Riva spat in his language. Flinging her arms up she gathered all her hate and fear in the form of fire, feeding her energy into it.

Imad made a sharp movement and Riva instinctively stepped to one side. Something stung her in the left side.

She ignored it and let the fire in her hands grow until it seemed to large to handle. With a mighty yell she flung it at Imad.

He ran and dove barely avoiding the sphere, which rolled and crashed into a nearby tent. The newborn fire lit the scene with eerie flickering. Even from here Riva could smell his singed hair. Riva cast around looking for anything to fight with. Her power was nearly gone, she could feel a heavy weariness start to set in. It was making her movements difficult and she kept stumbling.

There! What looked like a ceremonial dagger from one of the Tribal Heads. Like a lecherous drunk she staggered toward it and grasped it. When she straightened Imad was standing right in front of her, a little half smile playing on his lips.

With two fingers he pushed her gently. She stumbled backward, barely managing to stay on her feet.

Imad laughed enjoying her reaction. “Poison. So simple. So clean.”

Riva’s eyes widened in fear, she looked down at her left side to see a small dart protruding from her body.

“Too bad you can’t heal yourself.” Imad taunted.

Adrenaline made Riva move with sureness, swiftly she unsheathed the dagger and shoved it in between Imad’s ribs. She stayed there watching his expression change. “Same to you.” She whispered and twisted.

Imad screamed and pulled away.

Riva had a death grip on the dagger and it cut a new path out. He fell writhing in pain. It was a fatal wound. He wouldn’t live. His lung would collapse and he wouldn’t be able to breathe. It would be slow and painful.

These thoughts went through Riva’s mind numbly as she swayed on her feet. She looked down at her blood-covered hands, then up at the sky. The stars were so beautiful. She closed her eyes basking in their light. I love you, Glen. I’m so sorry.

Princess Rivalee (Sec 2 Part 8)

I got ta 'nother chapta for you all. (This should be said in a British accent and you carry over the vowels.)

So... Never ever... watch The Walking Dead... GROSSEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN!!! Man! You gotta have some stomach to watch that. It's ridiculous! SUPER DEESGUSTING! Ehhhggh. But now I have to know if they live! I HATE TV shows.

Also, tried out for an a capella group today. I find out if I made it on Monday. I don't think I did. BUT! I did go and try out so I'm giving myself props anyway.

School is fine. Just fine. I'm trying not to think too hard about it. I'm still in vacation mode. So I think I'm going to read a book for a little while. Also... Kinda bummed... but I'm not really sure why. So... Here's my next chapter(s). I hope you like it.

Princess Rivalee

Raj had other work to attend to and left her at Imad’s tent.

Imad wasn’t there. So riva sat where she had slept. It seemed to be the only thing she could claim as her own. Very, very softly she began to sing, for lack of anything better to do. Switching between her favorite arias and the more secular dance songs.

Imad strode into the tent like a storm of heat and fire.

Instinctively Riva flinched away from him. That flinch seemed to ignite whatever anger he was feeling. In two swift strides he was bearing down on her, his power cracking around him. Where was the control he had flaunted yesterday? Riva squirmed away, the flimsy pressure of the tent wall halting her retreat.

“Where did you go?” He railed chest heaving, face inches from hers.

Riva trembled as she all but whispered. “I went to help beat out the rugs-”

“AND THAT TOOK YOU ALL DAY!?! Why didn’t you return immediately after you had finished like I had ordered?”

He had ordered no such thing, but right now that didn’t matter. Riva searched for an answer but her mouth had gone dry and her mind blank. She hadn’t realized she was breaking his rules.

“WHY ARE YOU DEFYING ME?!” The heat surrounded him rose to be unbearable.

“I’m NOT!” Riva cried in desperation, her voice shrill even in her own ears. “I went with on the of the slaves to look around the camp. I asked him to show me. I didn’t know where anything was and I needed help if I was going to serve you.” Her mind raced, looking for a way to placate him.

The broiling heat around him lessened. “Name the slave. He should have known better. I’ll see that he is punished.”

Raj. “I don’t know his name.”

“Describe him.”

“Black hair, dark eyes, brown skin...” Riva rattled off, knowing she was describing half of the slaves she had worked with that day.

Imad waved a hand dismissively. “Never mind, I’ll just ask. The slaves will know.”

For a moment Riva was torn between self preservation and her fear for Raj. “No!, Please. It was my fault. I convinced him to take me around and show me. He had brought me back several times but I followed him, deliberately disobeying his orders to return. It was my fault.”

Imad was silent, observing her. His heat and turned ice cold, so cold it burned as bad as the heat. He bent to get a better view of her face.

She met his eyes and swallowed in fear.

After a long moment of searching her face he said very quietly, threateningly. “If you ever leave this tent without my permission. I will have you publicly flogged. You are a slave. My slave. Do you understand?”

Riva forced her seized-up muscles to move her head up and down.

“Good.” He snapped and two women appeared from his room. Swiftly he ordered, “Get her ready. We are to see the King.” His cold eyes returned to Riva and she suppressed a shudder. “I want her to look her best.”

*****

Among slaves, the veils were optional. Only when in the presence of other men was Riva forced to wear one. The one she was dressed in now was a vibrant blue, that brought out the color in her eyes. The entire process brought her back to her times as a princess, being pampered and shown off as a trophy.

It made her feel filthy.

She didn’t fully understand the purpose of dressing her up until she saw King Racham’s face.

His eyes were wide and awed, after a few blinks his expression changed to jealousy.

Imad had brought her to flaunt under the King’s nose. Isn’t that a little childish? Riva thought. Imad was a lot of things but a child he was not.

Racham was though, in temperament if nothing else. She could see him struggle to get the right words out. “She looks... ravishing, Imad, you never fail to amaze me.”

Imad glanced back at Riva with indifference. “Really? I must thank you then, your Majesty, for such a fine gift.”

Riva was hard pressed to remain emotionless, pretending that she couldn’t understand a work of the conversation. She watched as Racham too, worked his jaw and fought his emotions. He has to be the worse diplomat I’ve ever seen! Riva thought in annoyance. Any good leader should at least have a semblance of tact. All her life Riva had suppressed her own feelings behind a mask or persona. She envied Racham’s freedom to speak his mind and do as he wished.

Imad ignored Racham’s inner struggle and got straight to business. His cool demeanor in front of the King was a stark contrast to how he had conducted himself in his tent. “The Umed Tribe have responded. We are now free to declare war on Alsteare.”

Riva had never been so grateful that her face was obscured by a veil. Oh, you rotten, horrible, filthy man! You know that I can’t understand your language, so you brought me here so i can hear the beginning to the downfall of my country without comprehending a word of it! Intense hate flared and tears stung at her eyes, she subtly blinked them away.

Racham’s face took on heavy, weary set. For a moment Riva thought she saw a true king, not a puppet. “As you wish, we will hold our first war council tomorrow in the eventing when it is cool. Inform the Tribal Heads.” It was a firm dismissal, one that Riva wouldn’t have expected from Racham.

Imad bowed and turned to leave. Hate for Racham’s weak will and for Imad’s cruel sadism still inhibited all of Riva as she walked stiffly behind her captor. A breeze blew sand in Riva’s eyes and she stopped to rub them.

“Don’t do that, the grains will only go farther in. Here, allow me.”

DON’T TOUCH ME!

Imad didn’t seem to notice her burning hatred as he placed a had on the side of her face and gently pulled her eyelids away. “Look up, down, now to the right, the left.” When he released her the irritation was gone.

Riva swallowed. “Thank you. What did you do?” Her voice sounded forced, stiff but passable.

Imad wiggled his fingers. He was in a good mood. “Magic.”

She pursed her lips to keep from saying anything incriminating.

A whinny broke through the air.

Ettore. Riva turned to the sound, eyes raking over the crowd of tents, people and animals. There he was, struggling against the rope binding him. She longed to go to him, Riva had been willing to give what little life she had for him. They could both feel the effects of that love.

“Stupid horse, doesn’t he realize he can’t break free?” Imad muttered in his own language.

Hate flooded through Riva anew and she willed Ettore break free. As if all he needed was her command, Ettore pulled his picket out of the ground and charged through the tents to Riva.

Riva’s heart and thoughts raced. Leave... She could leave and warn Alsteare or even reach Sealidan and get the army to head back home. Her eyes flickered over to Imad. He wouldn’t let her get far, even if she did get out she didn’t have any provisions...

Ettore skidded to a stop next to her, his powerful muscles bunched and ready to take off. His eye rolled to stare at her expectantly.

Riva turned to face Imad and pulled her veil from her face. “I will never be your slave.” In one swift motion she was on Ettore and bolting through the camp. Riva gripped Ettore’s mane and whooped in glee. Whatever the gelding couldn’t dodge he jumped. When they reached the outskirts of the camp a massive thundering cloud of sand erupted before them, barring their way. Riva leaned to the left, pulling Ettore to the side. Obediently, he broke through the side, taking the brunt of the sand. Open space appeared before them again and Ettore dug his hooves even deeper into the sand.

This time a wall of sand came up at them like a wave coming down on a ship. Riva closed her eyes tightly and held on to Ettore for life, he reared in fear, kicking in the air. The sand slammed down, smothering them. Horse and girl struggled to stand. She reached for Ettore and mounted again, turning him about and then kicking him into a gallop. As they rode Riva spat out sand and shook off what she could.

Air slammed into them from the right. They fell to the hot sand and again tried to stand. Air rushed from her lungs. She fell to the ground grasping for something, anything and only clutching the sand. Panic spread through her, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t taste the air.

Imad’s face came into view and she reached for him, pleading wordlessly. His face was twisted in anger. “Get the horse, leave the girl to me.”

He wasn’t releasing his hold. Riva gaped like a fish, eyes wide, unbelieving. As she thrashed around Imad looked on with contempt. Just as her vision was leaving her, she felt sweet hot air flow into her lungs once more. She coughed several times clearing her throat of sand she had inhaled. With his face nearly touching hers he hissed. “I warned you. Now, you will be punished.”

Fear rippled through Riva, she had acted impulsively and now she was regretting it.