Severine's Desk

[severinesdesk]

There was a strange wailing sound coming from the room opposite...

She didn’t dare leave the safety of her own room until she heard a door slam and then footsteps in the corridor. Waiting until they had faded, she crept to her door and slowly turned the lock. There was a soft click and she pulled the door open to reveal the empty hallway beyond. No lights were lit but she could just make out the entrance to the room across from her own.

She checked the hallways before stepping out into the darkness. One step, two steps. She had crossed the corridor and was now stood before the door that hid the source of that awful noise.

She hesitated before reaching for the handle. Gripping it in one shaking hand, she turned it and pushed.

The room beyond was dark aside from a single light on a nightstand. She didn’t dare call out as she stepped cautiously into the room. The wailing grew louder as she crept closer to the bed. No one was on it but she could see a figure crouched on the floor on the other side of the bed. They were shrouded in shadow and she called out to then softly.

The sounds stopped abruptly and the figure turned its head to stare at her with glowing yellow eyes. She gasped as it moved to reached for her over the bed. She backed up until her back hit the wall but the figure kept coming; it’s long arms reaching for her as it stared, mouth open in a silent scream and long hair falling before inhuman eyes.

Suddenly, a hand fell on her shoulder and she started. A tall, dark man stood behind her. In one swift motion, he pulled her behind him and pulled out a hand gun. The figure collapsed onto the soft mattress, it’s body convulsing in time with the loud bangs from the weapon.

She covered her ears against the sound as dark blood soaked the sheets. When he was done, the man turned to her and raised the gun. “My apologies, miss.”

A spark and she was lying on her bed, eyes wide, sweat-soaked hair plastered across her face, and gasping for air. She sat up in her bed taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. A dream. She sighed. Then, there was a strange wailing sound was coming from the room opposite…

- An old prompt, written years ago.

[writing-prompt-s]

“Take your dragon-repellent with you, they get more common around this time of year.”

[severinesdesk]

Dear Diary,

It’s that time of year again; Summer! The only problem is the dragons; they come out this time of year in full force, and so those of us who are more sensitive to their bites have to invest in repellent sprays and creams that aren’t exactly cheap. This year, I’ve stocked up; I don’t want a repeat of what happened last year. It was only a small bite to begin with, but then it started burning and that’s when I realised it was a dragon bite. My mum said I’m really lucky it was only a baby that bit me because adult bites are far more serious. Regardless, I came up in a massive purple lump on my back that felt like it was trying to burn its way through me. It was even worse when it swelled and it started leaking. That sulphur-smelling liquid felt like lava running down my back. I was in agony!

Not this time though! I have covered myself in cream and have an extra-large bottle of spray in my bag. I’m going out to a friend’s birthday picnic so I’ll probably need it (the parks are known to be some of the worse dragon-populated areas). Still, I think we’re having mostly sweet food, like cakes and such, so the smell shouldn’t attract too many dragons. I hope.

[writing-prompt-s]

You are about to commit suicide. You and your depression share one last conversation.

[severinesdesk]

“I guess you win then…?” I look up from the object in my hands.

The dark shadow nods solemnly.

I sigh and look back down. A ghost of a frown crossed my brow and I look back up at the shadow.

“May I ask?” I begin, pausing as the shadow slowly nods. “Why did you come here? What brought you to me?”

The shadow hesitates but eventually a thought enters my mind that is not of my making. This is the normal way it communicates. You were weak… that’s what brought me to you… it was too sweet to resist…

I think over the word carefully, remembering clearly the first instance I heard the shadows intrusive thoughts.

I let out a humourless snort. “You’re right. I was weak.” I feel wetness on my cheeks as my vision begins to blur and my briefly brush the tears away with my hand.

I tighten my grip on the object in my hand, ignoring the sting as it cuts into my palms.

Well? The shadow prompts. You’ve waited long enough… don’t you think it’s time…?

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes tightly. I nod. “You’re right.” I say again. “I was weak when you came to me. I should have ended it all those years ago,” I open my eyes and look determinedly up at the shadow which hadn’t moved from its corner of the room. “But I’m not weak anymore.”

I feel the shadow tense at these words but I ignore it, pushing myself shakily to my feet, one hand falling from the blade in my hands to rest against the wall behind me. “You may have found me all those years ago pathetic and downtrodden. No way out. But I persisted. I remained. And now I see, it isn’t me who is weak; it’s you.”

The shadow tenses again but I continue before more of its poisonous thoughts can enter my mind. “I survived all this time with you hanging over me and all this time I thought it was me relying on you. But really, it was the other way around. So, yea, your right; it is time. But not for this!” I drop the knife and turn the light on. The shadow shrinks in the sudden brightness of the room. “I don’t need you.”

And I leave the room, heading to my bedroom where I feel safe and I know my mobile phone is sat on my bedside table, on top of my note. I slam the door behind me as the shadow attempt to follow me in, and pick up the phone. I call the first person who come to mind.

It rings for a bit. And then… “Hello, sweetheart. Are you ok?”

A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips and tear well in my eyes again. “Hi, mum.”

- Sorry, I can’t do sad endings at the moment. I hope you enjoy my take on this prompt.

[severinesdesk]

what she says: I'm a writer

what she means: I have approx 2647 plot/character ideas floating around my head at any given time but there is no way in hell my disorganised ass is getting any of this down on paper any time soon

[severinesdesk]

Zulmya the Fire Elya. Made using HeroForge.

Fire Elya are much smaller than other Elya so she has wings for intimidation and a quick get-away.

[severinesdesk]

Tymiria the Air Elya. Made using HeroForge.

You can’t see it in this picture but Air Elya have a cat-like tail. This is so they can balance better whilst airborne.

[severinesdesk]

Enyl the Water Elya. Made using HeroForge.

Water Elya have gill where their ears are meant to be which allow them to breath underwater. Their hair is typically tentacle-like for ease of movement when in the water, and their skin is blue.

[severinesdesk]

Damek, the Earth Elya. Made using HeroForge

Earth Elya have the most animal-like features; cat, fox and wolf are all common, and this includes facial features, tails, claws and horns for most. They don’t typically wear shoes (there wasn’t a back-paw option for the model).

[severinesdesk]

As promised, a rough sketch of my Earth Elya character, Damek. Enjoy!

[severinesdesk]

Earth

"Of all the Elya, earth Elya were the most animalistic in appearance, with the facial features, ears, tails, back paws and claws of foxes or cats. Wolf features weren't uncommon, and many had horns jutting out from their temples."

[severinesdesk]

Fantasy race appearances!

Got some new ideas for the appearance of my new fantasy race! They will be humanoid, as before, but with a few extras. I'll get some sketches posted soon, hopefully.

[severinesdesk]

Holiday writings!

So, I’ve been in Gran Canaria since Saturday 11th June and so far I’ve managed to write a grand total of one page of snippets for my story. Mainly introducing different characters. Hopefully, I’ll get a bit more done over the next week and a half. I’ll try and post some snippets of these snippets later. (Internets not great where I’m staying.)

[severinesdesk]

I’m not dead!

So, I know I haven’t been posting much recently. Sorry about that. I've had a few health issues that have stopped me from being able to write/post much, however, I am starting again.

I have some new ideas for my story and I’m working on recreating some of the characters as well as the world they inhabit.

I will try to update soon. Thank you for sticking with me.

[severinesdesk]

Help...?

So, I have an original story in the works, with my own characters and world. I’ve even made up a race of people (called “Elya” or Elementals) as part of the main protagonist group. Here’s the problem; they don’t have a flaw. Tolkien’s elves were complacent and uninterested in the world, the dwarves were greedy and human I guess die too easily? Anyway, my elya… have nothing. I can’t think of a decent and believable flaw for this race. I want to avoid Mary-Sueism as much as possible, but don’t want to go so far that I’ve gone full circle.

I suppose a bit of background would be helpful; Elya are humanoid beings with pointy ears (similar to those of elves), and with the ability to control an element that they are born with but develop over time. They live for a long time (at the moment, around 500 years) and are immune to most diseases.

Has anyone else come across this while writing? If so, how did you overcome it?

[severinesdesk]

So...

It’s been a weird year; I was made redundant, got a job in optics with no prior experience, moved out with my fiancé, went to Paris for our 5 year anniversary, and am now thinking about buying a house a nd getting married! Needless to say, this hasn’t left me much time for writing. It doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about what to write, I just haven’t actually written anything down. So, I will try and keep up some notes at least, but don’t be surprised if I just post little tip bits for a while.

[severinesdesk]

Snippet - Kiera

This is an experimental piece to try and get into the head of a character I'm developing for a story.

Kiera is the main focus of the piece but Tymiria is getting a little mention too.

Note: Both Kiera and Tymiria belong to the elya race; humanoids who have power over an element (fire and air, respectively.)

The ground shook around them. Kiera was still knelt on the ground, wings curled around her, but there was no way to reach her.

"Kiera!" Tymiria yelled, hoping her friend would hear her.

Kiera did not move for a moment. Suddenly, her hands clenched and Tymiria could just make out the faintest of flames dancing about her fingers.

Slowly, Kiera stood, her dark hair falling out of her eyes as she raised her head. Tymiria could see tears running freely down her cheeks but Kiera made no effort to wipe them away.

Keeping her eyes on the man responsible, Kiera stepped from the pool of blood and the body. As she did so, the flames grew in her hands until they began to creep up her arms.

She didn't say a word as giant flames erupted all around them. There was nothing anyone could do; Kiera was enraged.

Tymiria couldn't hold back her own tears and she made to run out of their hiding place and towards the furious fire elya. Ren, seeing what she was about to do, grabbed her and held her back.

"Let me go!" She screamed as she struggled to get away.

"No." Ren replied, trying to keep calm. "Kiera is out of control and when fire gets out of control, all you can do is get out of its way."

Tymiria stopped her futile struggles as more tears ran down her face.

"But.." Her voice broke as she tried to reason with him. "She's our friend. She's going to get hurt unless we help."

"No." Ren repeated, turning Tymiria around gently to face him. "If you go out there now, she will kill you."

Tymiria lowered her head; she knew Ren was right.

"Guys, let's go." Keiden cut in.

Together, they made their way to the only remained exit. As soon as they were outside, Tymiria fell to her knees in tears, a singed black cord with a green gem cradled in her hands.

[severinesdesk]

Walking through the Rain

I'm Sorry:

The rain was coming down harder now. The soft dirt below his boots, quickly turning to mud.

With a tired sigh, Roy raised his face towards the heavens but he did not cry; he promised himself he wouldn't. He didn't want him to see his tears.

The ceremony had finished hours ago, before the rains came yet he remained; blaming himself for the body that now lay in the ground.

Why? He though, angry at himself as he lowered his gaze to stare at the newest member of the cemetery. Why did I allow you to go? Why didn't I confront the Furher of his decision?!

Frowning, he glanced at the only other person in the graveyard; Lieutenant Hawkeye. She stood silent to his left, cap covering her eyes as a few stray tears fell onto her pale cheeks.

She's waiting for me… He thought. But the young girl who always waited for him… she'll wait no longer… because he won't be coming back…

The two of them had had such an odd relationship; she would always berate him and sometimes even hurt him when ever she saw him, yet she always fixed his Automail without a word. She always stood by him, always tried to make him happy.

Not like his relationship with him, at all. He would always send him off on a mission, whether it was dangerous or not, he always did. The boy always went and when he returned, Roy would moan at him for whatever damage he may have caused on his travels. Not to mention he never said "Thank you" when he received a report. Never.

But oh, how he wished he had said it now. He really wished he had treated the boy better. He deserved better.

"Will I… ever have to go to war?"

"… No."

The words sounded clearly in his mind. And he was forced to remember the anguished face as admitted to the lie. His lie.

"You fool!" He berated himself, angrily. "I lied to a fifteen year old about sending him to war!"

Riza looked up and placed a gentle hand on her superiors shoulder. "Sir…" She started but was interrupted by a heavy sigh.

"I said he… I promised he would never be sent!" Roy continued angrily.

"Sir, you were only following orders-"

"And look where it's gotten me!" He suddenly shouted, turning his head to glare at her through a thick haze of unshed tears.

Riza removed her hand and took a step back. "I know, Sir." She said quietly, looking down.

Roy turned back to the grave. "I'm-"

"Sir, don't." Riza cut him know what he was about to say.

"I'm sorry." He said ignoring her. "I'm sorry!" He shouted, raising his head to the skies that refused to stop crying.

Riza watched him, her own tears slowing subsiding. "Sir," She said gently, taking a step towards him. "He wouldn't have wanted you to blame yourself. He knows it wasn't your fault."

Roy lowered his gaze, once again. "Maybe you're right, Riza." He said. "And maybe he does forgive me for sending him out,"

"But?" Riza asked quietly.

"But even if he does, I never will."

Riza couldn't take much more; she stepped forward, turned her Colonel to face her and drew him into a warm embrace.

"It's alright." She said softly. "Even if you can't forgive yourself now, at least realise that, no matter what you did, Edward would have gone to war at some stage of his military career."

Roy nodded as he subcame to the tears and finally let them fall as he returned his Lieutenants embrace. "Edward…" He muttered. "Edward, I'm sorry… I'm so, so sorry..."

"Shh." Riza soothed as the rain continued to come. One day, Colonel… One day I hope you realise that this was never your fault… and maybe then, you can finally start to heal…

Part 3 of 3.